Transcript Highlights:

• Updated language to allow the state office to approve supportive service benefits.
• To clarify that supportive services may include employment-related items, reasonable and To clarify that
• supportive services may include employment-related items, reasonable and necessary for the participant
• to enter employment, and to expand supportive services so they may include assistance with housing or
• So once their system is updated, we're able to move forward with supporting families better. Okay.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first approved the December 3 minutes, then heard a request from the Board of Clinical Laboratory Practice to amend its proposed rule on exempt test methods to add certain closed-system DNA/RNA tests, including rhinovirus. After testimony explaining that the board had considered late comments from BioMérieux and wanted the rule record to reflect that review, the committee agreed to a limited amendment and passed the motion unanimously. The Department of Agriculture then outlined broad rule updates affecting dairy, eggs, poultry, pesticides, animal health, environmental mitigation, and the Egg Product Utilization Commission. The commissioner said the changes mostly clarified existing requirements, updated references, and reduced some burdens, such as easing dairy hauler training/licensing timing and clarifying out-of-state grade A milk language. Members asked about dairy industry decline, the APUC scoring system, and the rationale for the milk-hauler and out-of-state milk provisions. The State Board of Dental Examiners presented extensive rule changes tied to recent legislation and workforce issues, including a new professional health program for dentists, expanded duties for assistants and hygienists, broader local anesthetic authority for hygienists, and fee increases to fund the program and cover administrative costs. Testimony from Dr. Edward May strongly supported the professional health program based on his own recovery experience. The committee also heard from Game and Fish on rules easing some guide/outfitter experience requirements, allowing electronic exams, and modifying boating safety equipment rules, with no public comment and no fiscal impact. Later, Health and Human Services received approval for an extension to update tattoo/body art rules and a separate motion to repeal an obsolete nurse aide training chapter. HHS also described nursing facility rule updates, lodging sanitation revisions, and related clarifications on licensing, safety, pest control, and fire requirements. The Department of Environmental Quality received an extension for septic-system installer rules, and also presented rules for above-ground storage tanks and water/wastewater operator certification, including new fees and third-party testing options. The Industrial Commission’s oil and gas division described multiple rule changes, some withdrawn after comments, including drilling unit flexibility, site stability, wildfire authority, and streamlined transport/reporting procedures. Finally, DPI began presenting several rule packages, including school construction loan limits, school bus standards, cooperative agreements, special education rules for public charter schools, and new math curriculum and intervention requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the instruction of dual credit, and also the support services that we have in place for our students
• And what we try to do is support lower cost by having a And what we try to do is support lower cost by
• Do you see any more challenges from providing your services, dual credit services, to high schools that
• to provide support.
• To meet the needs of high-need families. Currently, there are 159 families enrolled.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Paid family medical leave, happened.
• </c> for that support. for that support.
• after service.
• </c> that Minnesota values her service. that Minnesota values her service.
• </c> support specialist after service. support specialist after service.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A little bit about me: I come from a family.
• Public service and education have always been intertwined for me.
• Thank you for your service.
• So for me, FAMU, I've had several graduates in my family.
• So for me, FAMU, I've had several graduates in my family.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's also significant funding supporting our programs serving children and families across the state
• supports the Minnesota Family Investment Program, which provides employment counseling and financial
• supports the Minnesota Family Investment Program, which provides employment counseling and financial
• supports the Minnesota Family Investment Program, which provides employment counseling and financial
• supports the Minnesota Family Investment Program, which provides employment counseling and financial

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm testifying in support of H. 3476 and S. 2275 and— ...support of H. 3476 and S. 2275, an act relative
• , and it provides ongoing support to help consumers manage these often And it provides ongoing support
• We appreciate their support.
• So do you support, I guess my follow-up would be, do you support nuclear?
• I'll say our support...

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a broad set of energy efficiency, building decarbonization, school modernization, and lighting bills. Testimony generally came from municipal leaders, labor unions, environmental groups, and advocates who supported measures such as H. 3529/S. 2294 on building energy and decarbonization, H. 3577/S. 2286 on a zero-carbon renovation fund, H. 3476/S. 2275 on healthy and sustainable schools, H. 3565 on Mass Save zero-carbon assessments, H. 3477 on clean lighting and appliance efficiency standards, and the Dark Sky bills on outdoor lighting. Supporters argued these bills would cut emissions, lower utility bills, improve indoor air quality and school conditions, and direct resources to environmental justice, gateway, and low-income communities. Witnesses emphasized that Massachusetts’ older building stock and school facilities need major upgrades, and that state funding and financing tools are needed to close gaps left by declining federal support. Mayors, labor leaders, and environmental advocates said the proposals would create local jobs, expand apprenticeships, and help municipalities and schools undertake retrofits, ventilation improvements, heat pump installations, and other decarbonization work. Several speakers also defended Mass Save as highly cost-effective while urging new funding sources beyond ratepayer bills for larger-scale building upgrades. One representative asked about the difference between current Mass Save audits and proposed zero-carbon assessments, and the sponsor explained the new assessments would include heat pumps, solar, storage, wiring upgrades, and rate-structure guidance. There was also testimony on the Dark Sky bill, with astronomers and museum representatives arguing that better-shielded, downward-facing lighting would reduce energy waste, protect wildlife and human health, and preserve night skies without compromising safety. Committee members raised concerns about pedestrian safety and whether education might be enough instead of legislation; supporters responded that the bill follows established lighting standards and targets only unnecessary glare and skyward light. On the school bill, an open-shop contractor group opposed the measure, arguing its PLA and apprenticeship requirements would restrict bidding and reduce competition, while labor organizations strongly supported the workforce standards and prevailing wage provisions. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony and several members asked clarifying questions, but the transcript does not show any final action or disposition on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• service to other ratepayers.
• It requires a data center that seeks electricity service or is already receiving service to agree to
• I'm here today to testify in strong support of SB 6171.
• We're testifying today in strong support for this bill.
• I'm testifying in support of Senate Bill 6171. I'm testifying in support of Senate Bill 6171.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on Senate Bill 5941, which would exempt certain school districts from a Washington State Energy Code requirement for onsite renewable energy systems on large new commercial buildings or additions. The committee adopted Senator Short’s amendment narrowing the eligible school district definition from 1,000 or fewer students to 500 or fewer students, then approved the bill as amended and sent it to the Rules Committee with a do pass recommendation. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6171, a proposed substitute addressing emerging large energy use facilities, primarily data centers. Staff explained that the bill would require utilities serving such facilities to adopt tariffs or policies to protect other ratepayers, require long-term contracts and full cost recovery, allow curtailment during emergencies, add reporting and sustainability requirements, create a fee to fund energy assistance, weatherization, and higher education programs, and impose new clean energy and labor-related requirements. The prime sponsor said the bill is intended to protect affordability, reliability, transparency, and the public interest as data center demand grows. Testimony was mixed. Supporters, including community action groups, environmental organizations, some utilities, Ecology, and student representatives, argued the bill would prevent cost shifting, improve transparency, support low-income energy assistance, and help manage grid and climate impacts. Opponents, including data center representatives, public utility district and business groups, and some local government and port officials, said the bill was too prescriptive, could raise costs, threaten competitiveness, duplicate existing utility practices, and interfere with existing CCA/CETA provisions and local flexibility. No vote was taken on SB 6171 during the hearing, and the meeting adjourned after public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not cutting services; the services will remain the same. So where do those cuts come from?
• No, to a family member, another co-tenant.
• No, to a family member, another co-tenant.
• Generally, the bad actor is a family member.
• I'm here to support Senate Bill 2056.

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

Keywords: temporary emergency electric energy facility, temporary generation, emergency power, backup generation, mobile generator, portable generator, grid resilience, power outage restoration, transmission and distribution utility, TDU, Public Utility Commission of Texas, PUCT, Utilities Code Section 39.918, competitive bidding, lease authorization, emergency procurement, bulk power system, locational marginal pricing, reliability model, black start

Transcript Highlights:

• This is about saving lives, supporting families, and reducing disparities, especially in vulnerable communities
• Pretty simply, this supports families, supports Floridians who are autistic, to make sure that they are
• But I came here to support the bill, 734. I'm asking you to support it. Thanks.
• I came here to support the bill, 734. I'm asking you to support it.
• I'm asking you to support it.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills. SB 398, by Senator Burgess, would create a statewide Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs, focused on early detection, brain health, risk reduction, clinical trial access, and community resources. Supporters said Florida has a large and growing Alzheimer’s population and that the campaign would help families and vulnerable communities; the bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also adopted an amendment to SB 714, by Senator Burton, which would create non-opioid advanced directives and add liability protections for providers in medical emergencies involving opioids. Supporters framed it as a patient-choice measure, while opponents argued it was vague and could interfere with appropriate pain treatment; the amended bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 756, which removes the current age-eight diagnosis requirement for autism-related insurance coverage and extends coverage beyond age 18 for those diagnosed with autism. Senator Burton said the bill would help families whose children are diagnosed later or whose needs continue into adulthood. There was brief discussion about existing lifetime benefit caps, but the sponsor said the bill did not change those limits. The committee then took up SB 734, a proposal by Senator Yarbrough to repeal Florida’s wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The sponsor and supporters described the current law as discriminatory and unjust, especially for families of older adults and disabled individuals, while opponents warned it would raise malpractice costs, increase premiums, and worsen provider shortages. The bill drew extensive public testimony from both grieving family members and health care/insurance representatives, and members debated whether caps or other safeguards should be added. No final action on SB 734 is reflected in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes community supervision, treatment, recovery supports, employment services, housing referrals
• ,<00:06:15.520><c> employment</c><00:06:16.080><c> services,</c><00:06:17.120><c> housing</c> supports
• , employment services, housing supports, employment services, housing referrals,<00:06:18.240><c> and
• . services. services.
• </c> and a provider for my family. and a provider for my family.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee received an overview of Kentucky’s specialty courts from Audrey Collins of the Department of Specialty Courts and the Administrative Office of the Courts, along with testimony from Christian County District Judge Foster Cutoff. Collins described the mission and structure of drug, mental health, and veterans treatment courts, emphasizing therapeutic jurisprudence, individualized treatment, judicial oversight, and multidisciplinary teams. She said Kentucky currently has about 2,991 active participants across the three court types, with drug courts in all 120 counties, mental health courts in 17 counties, and veterans treatment courts in eight counties. She also highlighted reported outcomes such as 7,658 entrants and 4,384 successful completions from 2020 to 2024, a five-year average completion rate of 57%, and lower recidivism among graduates than the statewide average. Collins also reviewed funding and costs, saying the department’s fiscal year 2025 budget was $18.6 million, with most of it from general funds, plus restricted and federal funds. She noted spending on personnel, treatment services, and drug testing, and said specialty courts allow participants to remain employed and meet obligations such as child support and restitution. She said participants paid more than $5.4 million in child support, restitution, and other court-related obligations over five years, and that a statewide evaluation by Morehead State University is underway. In response to questions, she said a dip in 2024 collections may have been affected by a case management system overhaul, and that court costs can be waived in some indigent cases while restitution is still required. Judge Cutoff described veterans treatment court and mental health court in Christian County, saying the programs are especially important because of the nearby Fort Campbell military community and because they help veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, substance use, and related issues. He said the courts rely heavily on staff, treatment providers, and the VA, which helps connect participants to benefits and therapy. He also said mental health court participants receive housing, benefits, and medication support, and that the programs can keep people out of jail and help them stabilize. Committee members asked about the legal basis and history of the courts, and Collins explained that Kentucky’s specialty courts began as pilot programs in the mid-1990s, shifted from federal support to state funding around 2008-2009, and are now largely state funded. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Services at certain family shelters— That a family violence shelter designated specifically to provide
• services to female victims of family violence may only provide services to an individual who's...
• Because I believe every victim in our state should get support and services with the only focus.
• In front of you is the exception language we believe would support family violence victims all over the
• , employment support, education, healthcare services, and pregnancy support.

Bills: HB7, SB 8, HB7, SB 8

Keywords: abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam, prohibition, state law, sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> S. 214 extends the ability for families S. 214 extends the ability for families to<00:22:07.080>
• fend for we leaving families to fend for themselves?
• </c> hope to have your support. hope to have your support.
• We recommend that we concur and ask for your support.
• </c><00:45:57.640><c> recommends</c> 8-0-3, the Human Services recommends 8-0-3, the Human Services recommends

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Here to testify in support are Dr.
• Very happy to support this bill.
• So strongly in support of this. And thank you for your service and leadership as well.
• in support. Thank you.
• As a single parent, he had no choice but to support his family, and he needed a scholarship then, as

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> that</c><00:37:56.280><c> Ralston</c> And that's the services that Ralston And that's the services
• . support. support.
• </c> the Ralston House expanded its services the Ralston House expanded its services from<00:39:35.359
• </c><00:46:38.480><c> by</c> The efforts are often supported by The efforts are often supported by advocates
• </c> us in supporting this resolution. us in supporting this resolution.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Armstrong, who just completed 15 years of service to Cal Poly.
• We always talked about our families with each other.
• And so, I just think about the legacy that that family has, not only through their family and through
• I offer my condolences and support to his family, friends, and mentees.
• Barry was deeply committed to service.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and welcomed guests from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, including President Jeffrey Armstrong, students, and staff. Senator Laird highlighted the university’s 125th anniversary and student achievements, including a Rose Parade Sweepstakes Trophy and a national design-build competition win. The chamber also recognized guests from Senator Cortese’s office later in the session. On the floor, the Senate took up and adopted SCR 111 by Senator Niello, commemorating the 125th anniversary of the certified public accountant profession in California and recognizing the California Board of Accountancy and the California Society of CPAs. The resolution passed by unanimous vote after roll call. The Senate also adopted SCR 109 by Senator Grove, proclaiming January 2026 as National Mentoring Month and honoring Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central California for its long record of youth mentoring and community impact. In unfinished business, the Senate concurred in Assembly amendments to SB 25 by Senator Umberg, described as streamlining California’s merger process and aligning it with the federal process; the motion passed 33-0. The Senate then approved a motion from Senator Laird to give certain Budget and Fiscal Review Committee bills second reading upon report and third reading status, with the motion carrying 29-10. The chamber also approved several adjourn-in-memory tributes, most notably for former Congressman Doug LaMalfa, with multiple senators speaking to his rural advocacy, bipartisan relationships, and personal kindness, and for Barry Del Bono, Alan Stewart Hammond, and Jeb Bing. The session ended with the Senate in recess until the next scheduled floor meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I want to say a few things before I introduce his family about Owen.
• And please help me welcome the Washburn family and guests.
• I introduce his family about Owen.
• And please help me welcome the Washburn family and guests.
• All those in support, please signify by saying aye.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I knew I wouldn't have familial support, and I was afraid of how my peers would respond to any version
• Sixty-three percent who had online friends felt they would support them, versus 33% who had family who
• We deliver QLife, Australia's national LGBTIQ+ teleweb peer support and referral service.
• LGBTIQ+ young people, particularly those without family support or supportive schools, are more likely
• LGBTI young people, particularly those without family support, supportive schools, are more likely to

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here in strong support of AB 1592.
• What it does seek is to shore up support.
• Cynthia Cortez, with the Delta, in support, also showing support for Sierra Club.
• Happy to be able to support this bill today.
• With me today in support is Catherine Van Dyke, Community Alliance with Family Farmers.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> used toward the direct care and services used toward the direct care and services for<01:09:36.040
• which</c><01:51:01.079><c> when</c><01:51:01.199><c> I</c> and Family Services for DCF which when I
• and Family Services for DCF which when I went<01:51:01.760><c> and</c><01:51:01.920><c> looked</c><01
• The speaker continued, describing the respite program as helping families caring for a family member
• This man had a family. I don't know, but when we lived there from '95, I saw them with a family.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: Division 3 Finance held a work session to move through five bills before noon, noting one member’s early departure and adjusting the order of bills accordingly. The first item, HB 54, would allow some alternative treatment centers in the medical cannabis system to operate for profit. Members discussed a fiscal note showing a one-time $133,000 cost, which was described as a Division 1 budget item to be handled through HB 2 rather than directly in Division 3. After discussion about keeping Division 1 informed and the distinction between retaining a bill versus funding it, the committee voted unanimously to retain HB 54 for further finance work and conversion into HB 2. The committee then took up HB 547, concerning reimbursement to counties for enhanced FMAP funds during the COVID period. The chair summarized the issue as federal enhanced Medicaid matching funds that were received by the state before authority existed to pass them through to counties, creating a disputed amount owed to counties. County representatives said the money should have gone to counties and clarified the relevant time period, while the department did not take a position. The chair proposed retaining the bill and moving it into HB 2, with discussion of a possible four-year repayment structure in equal annual installments. The committee agreed to retain the bill for continued work in the budget process. During the HB 547 discussion, members also clarified the fiscal and accounting details, including that the fiscal note had not been widely available and that some figures in the note should be treated as county revenue rather than county expenditure. Testimony explained that the enhanced FMAP increased from 50 percent to 56.2 percent, and that the state’s and counties’ shares of claims were affected by the timing of the federal change and the later state authorization. The committee emphasized that the issue was complex and budget-dependent, and that retaining the bill would allow further negotiation and incorporation into HB 2 rather than immediate final action.

Transcript Highlights:

• In strong support.
• cost of service.
• cost of service.
• Any other witness in support? If you'd like to express support, go ahead.
• Service and supply companies and royalty owners throughout California in strong support of the bill.

Summary: The committee heard SB 872, which would direct $150 million annually each for Central Valley subsidence repairs and Delta levee work. Senator McNerney and supporters from Restore the Delta, the State Water Contractors, and many water agencies, labor groups, environmental organizations, and local governments argued the bill is urgent to protect water delivery for 27 million Californians, safeguard levees and state assets, and address climate-related flood risks. There was no opposition testimony, and members asked about the bill’s focus on state-owned conveyance; the author said the distinction reflects the separate state and federal water projects. The bill was held while the committee lacked a quorum, with no vote taken at that point. The committee then heard SB 981, which would require CARB to include cost-of-living impacts in its existing regulatory analysis for major rules. Senator Niello and supporters from agriculture, manufacturing, business, propane, restaurants, and commercial property groups said the bill would improve transparency about how regulations affect gasoline, electricity, food, housing, and business costs. Opponents, including Coalition for Clean Air and the Union of Concerned Scientists, argued it would add delay, cost, and redundant analysis to CARB rulemaking and could not reliably measure the effects the bill seeks to capture. Committee members raised concerns that CARB already estimates costs, that the bill is burdensome and narrow, and that it does not fully account for benefits or the role of other agencies. No vote was recorded in the transcript. SB 887, by Senator Padilla, would require data center projects to undergo CEQA review while creating a streamlined path for projects meeting strong environmental, labor, and community-benefit criteria, including zero-carbon electricity, on-site storage, recycled water or water-efficient cooling, and full cost responsibility for grid upgrades. Supporters said data centers are rapidly expanding, can strain energy and water resources, and should be held to clear standards while still allowing beneficial development; labor and environmental groups backed the measure. Opponents from the Data Center Coalition, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and business groups said the bill is overly prescriptive, discriminatory toward one industry, and could drive investment and jobs out of state. After discussion, the committee established a quorum and voted 3-1 to pass SB 887 as amended to the Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee, with the bill kept on call. The committee also heard SB 1008, which would renew a CEQA exemption for the closure of at-grade rail crossings ordered by the California Public Utilities Commission. Senator Ochoa Bogh and Union Pacific testified that the measure would help the state act quickly on rail safety by removing redundant environmental review for crossing closures, while still requiring collaboration with local jurisdictions and the PUC. There was support from railroad and business representatives and no opposition. The committee voted 4-0 to pass SB 1008 to the Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee, and the bill was kept on call.