Transcript Highlights:

• It is a public hearing, and therefore, if the public were to request a copy of that testimony, then they
• We filed, as I said, the bill at the request of these inspired third graders and their teachers and the
• So I just want to very quickly identify, because I'm leaving, and the Senate is in the budget, and I.
• So I just want to very quickly identify, because I'm leaving, and the Senate is in the budget.
• Or even Queen Elizabeth herself requested Hadley asparagus at her garden parties.

Summary: The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a public hearing on several bills, including proposals to designate lobster as the official crustacean of the Commonwealth, asparagus as the official state vegetable, and a bill affecting property in Lowell tied to the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (Link). Legislators also heard testimony on H. 5315 concerning the Veterans Memorial Ice Rink in Waltham and the city’s effort to preserve its long-term lease and right of first refusal, with supporters arguing the rink is a major regional asset for youth hockey and public recreation. Another bill, S. 3061, would make a narrow language change to prior law governing a Lowell property to remove a reversionary clause and clear the way for redevelopment associated with the Link project. Support for the asparagus bill came from Senator Comerford, Representative Gomez, Hadley Elementary School students and staff, and local farmers, who described asparagus as central to Hadley and western Massachusetts history, agriculture, and identity. They emphasized the student-led nature of the campaign, the region’s long asparagus-growing tradition, and the educational value of the legislative process. Supporters of the lobster designation, including Representative Machino and the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association, highlighted lobster’s importance to coastal heritage, sustainability, and the state’s economy, noting the industry’s jobs and annual landings. The Waltham rink bill was backed by Representative Stanley, Mayor McCarthy, and Representative Lawn, who said the city had invested millions in the facility and that losing the lease could harm youth hockey access and the broader community. Committee members generally responded favorably to the testimony, praising the student advocacy on asparagus, the economic and cultural significance of lobster and farming, and the importance of keeping hockey affordable and accessible. No substantive votes were taken during the hearing itself, and the final action recorded was a motion and second to close the hearing after all testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a public hearing, and therefore, if the public were to request a copy of that testimony, then they
• We filed, as I said, the bill at the request of these inspired third graders and their teachers and the
• So I just want to very quickly identify, because I'm leaving and the Senate is in the budget, and I..
• So I just want to very quickly identify, because I'm leaving and the Senate is in the budget.
• Or even Queen Elizabeth herself requested Hadley asparagus at her garden parties.

Bills: H5088, H5315, H5335, S3061, S3073

Keywords: asparagus, official vegetable, state symbol, Massachusetts, Veterans Memorial Rink, Waltham, municipal lease, capital management, city right of first refusal, American lobster, cultural significance, marine life, property, Lowell, state administration, legislation, local government, official state vegetable, state designation, Commonwealth

Transcript Highlights:

• It includes curtailing or reducing loads at the request of applicable laws and directs that a diesel
• allowances to reflect the increased scope of coverage in the electric sector relative to the 2022 program budget
• It includes curtailing or reducing loads at the request of applicable laws and directs that a diesel
• allowances to reflect the increased scope of coverage in the electric sector relative to the 2022 program budget
• to 45 business days, excluding holidays, the amount of time that must be given to allow a tribe to request

Summary: The Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee took executive action on 11 bills. It advanced SB 624 on an Appliance Affordability Index study with an amendment excluding consumer electronics, and SB 6284 on artificial intelligence systems with a proposed substitute adding definitions, developer requirements, exemptions for some entities, and clarifying enforcement. The committee also moved forward SB 5609 on cultural resource protection under SEPA after rejecting an amendment to the proposed substitute, and SB 6172 on coal plant treatment under cap-and-invest after adopting an amendment related to emergency federal orders. Several energy and climate bills were also approved, including SB 6246 on emissions-intensive trade-exposed facilities, SB 5932 on alternative jet fuel production, SB 6269 on the definition of motor fuel, and SB 6223 on community-scaled weatherization projects. On SB 5975 concerning lead in cookware, the committee rejected one proposed substitute and adopted another that bans intentionally added lead in cookware beginning in 2027 and directs future regulation through the Safer Products program. The committee then considered SB 5466 on electric transmission reliability and capacity, taking up multiple amendments to a proposed second substitute. Amendments addressing wildfire risk, corridor identification, landowner consultation, eminent domain, and wildfire liability were all rejected, and the bill was advanced on a due pass recommendation. In each case, the committee’s final action was to pass the bills or substitutes subject to signatures, with several measures referred onward to Ways and Means or Rules as noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund, which allows small- to mid-sized Minnesota employers to request
• Employers to request reimbursement for expenses related to providing reasonable accommodations for job
• For a really long time, I think the majority of our requests were really about state as a model employer
• But, yeah, labor, commerce, HR, management and budget, governor's office, office on disability.
• You know, management and budget, governor's office, office on disability.

Summary: The Disability Employment Subcommittee met with roll call, approved prior meeting minutes, and began with an inspirational quote from Jane Goodall about every individual mattering and making a difference. Members introduced themselves and described their roles in disability services, workforce policy, accessibility, and advocacy. The committee then welcomed Katia Alpanis and Dina Klumkina from the State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED), who explained that SEED provides technical assistance, research, peer-state examples, and policy support to help states improve disability employment outcomes. SEED presented seven broad policy areas where states are active: career readiness and work-based learning, behavioral health supports, stay-at-work/return-to-work programs, employer recruitment and accommodation supports, entrepreneurship and disability-owned business development, interagency coordination, and state-as-model-employer initiatives. They shared examples from other states, including scholarship and transition policies, peer support training, accommodation funds, procurement goals, and state hiring strategies. Members asked about SEED’s role in Massachusetts, digital accessibility, and the status of PEAT; SEED said PEAT has been refunded and that SEED’s role is policy-focused rather than implementation-focused, though it can connect Massachusetts with peer states and examples. The discussion then narrowed to two possible Massachusetts projects: developing a state-as-model-employer roadmap and creating a youth/young-adult employment and volunteer pipeline, especially for transition-age individuals. Members noted related state efforts, including the governor’s executive order reestablishing a disability policy subcommittee, the commission’s Meeting the Moment series, and the need to help people navigate upcoming work requirements and transition cliffs. SEED agreed to follow up with a questionnaire and draft briefs on Massachusetts analysis, career readiness, and state-as-model-employer policies, and the group planned an offline follow-up to define priorities and scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• But my request today is that each person who enters this Capitol would sense your presence through the
• Please grant our requests for the wisdom of Solomon as legislators navigate the political journey and
• Please grant our requests for the wisdom of Solomon as legislators navigate the political journey and
• ways that you all will be able to navigate the different challenges between having a $24 billion budget
• surplus and a $35 billion budget requests from all the different constituencies that are seeking money

Summary: The Texas Senate convened for the opening of the 89th Legislature with an invocation, roll call, and certification of the newly elected senators by the Secretary of State. Senators-elect were then administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, formally seating the new members. Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott addressed the chamber, congratulating members and emphasizing priorities such as border security, education, energy, foster care, and school choice, while Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick highlighted the Senate’s bipartisan culture and the work ahead. The chamber then held its organizational business, including the election of Senator Brandon Creighton as President Pro Tempore. Senator Parker nominated Creighton and Senator Bettencourt seconded the nomination, both praising his background, legislative record, and leadership. The Senate voted by standing vote to elect Creighton, who was then escorted to the dais and sworn in. In his remarks, Creighton reflected on his family, his time as a Senate messenger, and his priorities for the session, including Texas sovereignty, economic opportunity, education, and conservative policy goals. The only formal legislative action taken was adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, granting permission for the Legislature to adjourn for more than three days during the specified period. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 31 ayes and no nays. The Senate then adopted a motion to recess until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, after a caucus meeting earlier that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, however, uh, I think if we look at the governor's, uh, proposed budget, supplemental budget recommendations
• ,<01:38:23.600><c> supplemental</c><01:38:24.080><c> budget</c> budget, supplemental budget budget, supplemental
• </c> bill that would include some budget bill that would include some budget components<02:13:58.079>
• And ultimately, the tenant requests it.
• </c> tenant wants to see it they can request tenant wants to see it they can request it<02:45:33.840>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a member of the Finance Committee and am sitting in, at her request, for Senator Liz Krueger, the
• health and human services and, before that, as a director of the Mayor's Office of Management and Budget
• Budgets are about priorities, and most certainly, where there's a will, there's a way, but also there
• You know, the capital budget for the MTA with the 2025-29 plan, there's a glaring hole in that.
• I will certainly, Senator, take a close look at the budget.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The joint meeting of the Senate Finance, Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, and Transportation committees considered four nominations to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board: Melanie Hartzog, Jeanette Sadecott, Matthew Rand, and James O’Donnell. Each nominee gave opening remarks describing their public service or transportation-related experience and their interest in issues such as affordability, accessibility, state of good repair, regional connectivity, and transit safety. Senators also raised concerns about MTA transparency, the 2025-29 capital plan funding gap, fare and toll evasion, worker safety, and the need for better service in underserved areas. Members pressed the nominees on several policy questions, including the feasibility of free or reduced-fare buses, expanding bus service and bus lanes, restoring Hudson Valley and Harlem Line service, improving west-of-Hudson and Rockland County transit, and advancing the Second Avenue Subway and accessibility projects. The nominees generally said they were open to studying these ideas, emphasized collaboration with the MTA, governor, mayor, and legislature, and supported greater transparency and investment in transit infrastructure. Senators also highlighted labor concerns, including the MTA workers’ contract and safety for bus operators and other transit workers. At the end of the hearing, the committees voted separately on each nomination. Melanie Hartzog, Jeanette Sadecott, Matthew Rand, and James O’Donnell were each approved by the committees and advanced to the Senate floor. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• >>> THE STATE ADMINISTRATION BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE WILL COME TO ORDER.
• THIS IS WHERE THE BUDGET COMES INTO PLAY.
• THERE WAS A BUDGET AMENDMENT SO THESE NUMBERS REFLECT THAT MOVE SO THAT IS THE BUDGET AS IT SITS TODAY
• CHANGES TO THE BUDGET. CHANGES TO THE SCOPE. THOSE SORTS OF THINGS.
• AS WE GO FORWARD WE START LOOKING TO OUR BUDGET.

Transcript Highlights:

• And more specifically, is there part of the upcoming budget request?
• So we just had the governor's announcement yesterday on budget.
• So we just had the governor's announcement yesterday on budget.
• Has this just been through their regular budget that they've just been building this in?
• Other thoughts, committee, or other requests, data?

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul Rainwater, who is present in support, will provide information if requested.
• Paul Rainwater, who is present in support, will provide information if requested.
• It has an operating budget of $434 million, a capital budget of $360 million, and more than 1,200 employees
• It has an operating budget of $434 million, a capital budget of $360 million, and more than 1,200 employees
• We have one card and present will provide information if requested.

Bills: SB348, SB444, SB485, SB517, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB362, HB368, HB377, HB431, HB441, HB466, HB664, HB741, HB822, HB990, HB1243

Keywords: motor vehicles, enforcement, administrative support, law enforcement, private service provider, regulatory compliance, expropriation, public purpose, property rights, compensation, city governance, St. George, insurance premium tax, city of St. George, municipal authority, local taxation, East Baton Rouge Parish, economic development, Baton Rouge North, commissioners

Summary: The committee on Local and Municipal Affairs met on May 7, 2026 and approved the prior meeting minutes before taking up a series of local bills. Early action included HB 362, creating the Regency Park Towns Townhomes Crime Prevention and Security District in Orleans Parish, which was reported favorably. HB 822, dealing with nonprofit entities that hold appointments on boards and commissions while not in good standing with the Secretary of State, drew discussion about how long an entity must be out of compliance and whether notice should be required; the committee adopted an amendment changing the threshold to three consecutive years and then reported the bill as amended. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1243, which would shift more authority over the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board to the Orleans Parish City Council. Supporters, including Representative Hilfriddy and Council President J.P. Morrell, argued the current structure is dysfunctional and unresponsive, and that local elected officials need authority to act more quickly. The Bureau of Governmental Research testified without taking a position on the bill itself but urged a formal transition plan or study committee so the city would have a clear governance path. Despite that concern, the committee adopted an amendment clarifying asset ownership and then reported HB 1243 as amended. The committee also handled several St. George bills. SB 348, allowing local law enforcement to contract for administrative support related to motor vehicle enforcement, was reported favorably. SB 444, granting St. George expropriation authority for certain public infrastructure projects, was also reported favorably. SB 485, concerning the city’s authority over insurance premium taxes, initially had amendments adopted but was then reconsidered; the amendments were stripped and the bill was reported favorably in its original form. HB 431, requiring mayors to complete annual continuing education, was amended to clarify approved training and then reported favorably. Other measures reported favorably included HB 990 on Jefferson Parish master water meters, HB 466 on West Feliciana Parish tax rebates tied to a data center project, HB 664 raising the maximum fine for parish ordinance violations, HB 87 increasing per diem for a Livingston Parish gas utility district board, HB 115 abolishing the police chief position in Edgefield, HB 741 creating emergency housing vouchers for human trafficking survivors, HB 377 removing civil service pay-plan restrictions for state examiners, HB 162 allowing a fee increase for the Jefferson Place/Bocage Crime Prevention District, HB 368 increasing fines for improper demolition of historic properties in New Orleans, and HB 441 returning New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board employees to city civil service. The committee adjourned after reporting the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, Senate Bill 1200 requires the Arizona Department of Water Resources, when requested by an applicant
• I came here searching for a community that not only fit my financial budget way down in Maricopa, but
• We ran those through the budget, and the financial impact to Tortosa homeowners would be devastating.
• This legislation was requested by the agency, and we thank Senator Dunn for sponsoring it.
• Chair and members, Senate Concurrent Memorial 1004 requests that the U.S.

Bills: SB1137, SB1200, SB1419, SB1447, SB1560, SCM1004

Keywords: underground utilities, utility locating, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, excavation safety, damage prevention, one-call center, locate request, white lining, large project coordination, buried infrastructure, subsurface utilities, utility marking, locator wire, locator strip, interactive positive response system, landlord duties, apartment community, mobile home park

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of questions about the budget cuts, you know, in our general fund.
• Those budget cuts, you know, it's likely to result maybe some reduced hours.
• A lot of questions about the budget cuts, you know, in our general fund.
• Those budget cuts, you know, it's likely to result maybe some reduced hours.
• We have a few line item requests that really talk about our use of their all dedicated funds and some

Summary: The Conservation Committee approved the February 5 and February 17 minutes, then heard House Bill 678, which would allow wolf trappers to use remote cameras on traps and rely on a video-based check in place of the current 72-hour in-person trap-check requirement when the camera is functioning. The sponsor and supporters, including the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Wildlife Federation, and Idaho Farm Bureau, said the bill would make trapping more humane and efficient and help with wolf management. The Idaho Conservation League opposed the bill, warning it could leave incidentally captured protected wildlife in traps longer than current law allows and could create enforcement problems. The committee voted to send HB 678 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee then received the annual update from the Idaho Department of Lands. Director Dustin Miller reported on endowment land management, timber harvest and revenue, fire suppression, recruitment challenges in the fire program, and the department’s shared stewardship and Good Neighbor Authority work with federal partners. Members asked about firefighter pay, mineral permitting, federal timber capacity, road access, and whether the GNA program can sustain staffing through program income; the director said the program is self-sustaining and aimed to expand federal-land restoration and timber output. Next, the committee considered Parks and Recreation pending rules for Docket 26-1-20-2501. Director Susan Buxton explained proposed fee increases for park entry, annual passes, commercial entry, group camps, boating access, and moorage, but asked the committee to reject the proposed changes to Section 075 and Section 250, with the basic campsite fee section to be revisited next year. The committee approved the docket with those exceptions. Buxton then gave the department’s annual update, highlighting ARPA-funded park improvements, new campsites and docks, trail and recreation partnerships, staffing and retention issues, and major projects at parks including Farragut, Ponderosa, Priest Lake, Eagle Island, and others. The meeting ended after a question about the Eagle Island zip line, which Buxton said would have to be removed because the concessionaire could not maintain it safely.

Transcript Highlights:

• Projects go over budget sometimes, and you can't always predict future costs and all sorts of hurdles
• They go into the budget.
• You know, when you're an elected official and you're looking at your budget, and you want to increase
• Template language requests division and road power.
• Template language requests division and road power. Very good. That's five sections of land.

Bills: SB1331, SB1375, SB1443, SB1578, SB2251, SB2519, SB2553, SB2655, SB2764, SB2907, SB3030, SB3033, SB3035, SB3036, SB3037, SB3043, SB3047, SB3050, SB3051, SB3056, SB3057, SB3063, HB9, HB467, HB331, HB 1244, HB1399, HB2559, HB2730, HB3307, HJR1, HJR99, SB3048, SB3052, SB3053, SJR78, HB1327, HB2723

Keywords: civil service, firefighters, police officers, municipalities, local government, repeal, voter petition, health care, provider participation, continuation programs, population-based regulation, health care provider participation, Medicaid, hospital funding, voluntary compliance, mandatory payments, public health, healthcare program, county participation, nonpublic hospitals

Summary: The Committee on Local Government heard a series of local bills and public testimony focused on hospital districts, municipal management districts, local provider participation funds, manufactured housing, transit financing, development moratoriums, and property tax procedures. Early items included House Bill 467, which would help dissolve the defunct Maybank Kemp Hospital District and establish an Andrew Gibbs Memorial Nursing Endowment, and Senate Bill 3063, creating the Bio Bell Municipal Management District in Liberty County; both drew no public opposition and were left pending subject to call. The committee also heard House Bill 1327, extending the Harris County local provider participation fund through 2027, and Senate Bill 1375, extending Collin County’s LPPF authority, both presented as mechanisms to draw federal Medicaid matching funds for hospitals. A major portion of the meeting centered on Senate Bill 2764, which would require earlier notice to buyers of manufactured homes about how to convert a home from personal property to real property. Senator Cook described the bill as a consumer-information measure tied to displacement concerns at a mobile home park in her district, and a resident testified in support, saying the notice would help families make informed decisions. The committee also discussed Senate Bill 2519, a bill by Senator Bettencourt aimed at preventing local governments from shifting maintenance-and-operations tax revenue into debt-like uses and from changing the purpose of tax rate elections after voters approve them. Supporters argued it would protect taxpayers and preserve the separation between M&O and debt service, while opponents tied the bill to Austin’s Project Connect transit financing and warned it would disrupt an approved project and invite litigation. The committee heard and left pending several other bills, including House Bill 1244 on agricultural land ownership changes without reapplying for an ag exemption, House Bill 2559 on development moratoriums, and Senate Bill 2063 on unequal appraisal protests. Testimony on House Bill 2559 came from developers and builders who said moratoriums in Conroe had delayed projects and harmed buyers, while supporters of the bill said it would impose clearer limits and notice requirements. On Senate Bill 2063, the sponsor explained a committee substitute narrowing how market value evidence may be used in unequal appraisal appeals. The committee also considered multiple local district bills, including new MUDs and management districts in Montgomery, Denton, Fannin, Travis, Hays, and Williamson counties. At the end of the meeting, the committee took up pending business and voted out several measures, including House Bill 1244, House Bill 2559, House Bill 467, House Bill 1327, House Bill 1399, House Bill 2723, House Bill 2730, House Bill 3307, House Joint Resolution 99, and multiple district bills such as Senate Bills 3037, 3043, 3047, 3048, 3050, 3052, 3053, 3056, 3057, 3063, and others. Most were reported favorably, often with committee substitutes, and many were recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. Several bills, including the transit-related SB 2519 and the manufactured housing bill SB 2764, remained pending subject to call after testimony closed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the budget director at the Department of Human Services.
• that we have outstanding requests that we have submitted.
• Um, and so that's kind of state budget.
• Um but there will be a the state budget.
• </c> impact of the state budget. impact of the state budget.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's just my opinion from a budgeting standpoint.
• whole budget because everything is on autopilot.
• When you look at Congress, what they pass within their budgets.
• budget because everything is on autopilot.
• separated and isolated from the budgeting versus the policy decisions.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you want to request an additional six months, This bill will now allow you to request that if you're
• So if you want to request for an additional six months, this bill will now allow you to request that
• at the same time as the request for a building permit.
• With that, I respectfully request an aye vote. Thank you.
• With that, I respectfully request an I vote. an extension bill.

Summary: The Senate began with a roll call, a moment of silence for the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The body then moved through gubernatorial appointments, confirming Julia Montgomery as General Counsel for the Agricultural Labor Relations Board and reappointing Dr. Cynthia Glover Woods, Dr. Brenda Lewis, and Gabriela Orozco Gonzalez to the State Board of Education, and George Cardona as Chief Trial Counsel for the State Bar. The Senate also heard a guest introduction welcoming Cal Lutheran University students, faculty, and staff to the gallery. The chamber then took up several resolutions, including SR 111 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Phobia, and Transphobia; SCR 129 designating part of Highway 152 as the Rusty Arraes Highway; SCR 169 proclaiming October 2026 as Women's Small Business Month; and SCR 173 designating May 2026 as California Fairgrounds Appreciation Month. All of these resolutions passed, with members speaking in support of Arraes, women-owned businesses, and the public safety and community roles of fairgrounds. The Senate also passed a series of policy bills. These included SB 1154 on best-value procurement for community college public works, SB 1369 on judicial recall safeguards, SB 1106 shortening the data broker deletion timeline under the Delete Act, SB 1417 increasing transparency for mutual water companies, SB 1408 authorizing a future Contra Costa transportation sales tax measure, SB 1172 adding guardrails to local tax sharing agreements, SB 1383 protecting locally adopted labor standards in density bonus projects, SB 1371 barring waste haulers from suspending service during lawful labor disputes, SB 908 streamlining residential window replacement permits, SB 1361 limiting actions taken solely to avoid transit-oriented housing standards, SB 1014 requiring early fee and improvement estimates for housing projects, SB 1272 giving homeowners more time to fix preexisting code violations, SB 1406 targeting the Montana tax loophole, SB 1238 increasing HOA transparency and oversight, and SB 868 creating a plug-in solar framework. Most passed on largely party-line votes, with some Republican members objecting to labor-related or regulatory measures. Later in the day, the Senate approved additional health, education, privacy, and AI measures, including SB 950 on early-onset Alzheimer’s treatment coverage, SB 874 on Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment oversight, SB 1049 on correcting health plan claims, SB 1067 on early math screening, SB 1202 on Medi-Cal outreach amid federal changes, SB 944 on acupuncture coverage, SB 957 on notice for federal subpoenas to social media companies, SB 998 on discrimination prevention coordinators, and SB 1000 on AI content transparency. The final item shown, SB 1056 on protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims, was introduced with the author noting ongoing work on amendments, but the transcript cuts off before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we've gone through budget realignment.
• And these are all related in a budget.
• And so when we do CTE's budget, they request reimbursements for these things—new programs, program costs
• , program this—they request that.
• And so when we do CTE's budget, they request, um, reimbursements for these things, you know, new programs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then received a lengthy DPI presentation from Stanley Schauer on statewide reading and math assessment data for students with and without disabilities. He explained the assessment systems used over time, the absence of 2019-20 data, and how North Dakota’s standards are set by educators. Members asked about alternate assessments, cohort trends, the apparent drop in proficiency in higher grades, and the new NDA+ assessment. Schauer emphasized that the biggest pattern in the data was the relative stability of students with disabilities, the post-pandemic drop and partial recovery, and the need to focus on reducing the novice category. He also said the state plans to revisit high school standard setting and that future data could be broken out by program, disability category, and schools using science-of-math or other initiatives. Public testimony from special education staff suggested that the flat performance of students with disabilities during COVID likely reflected continued services and intensive supports, and committee members discussed whether the current disparity goal is realistic and whether growth measures would be more useful than simple proficiency buckets. After the presentation, the committee took a short break and then moved into discussion of special education funding models. Chair Richter said members should contact Schauer directly with ideas for additional data views and noted that the committee would continue its work on funding and possible model changes. Brandon Bomback of Grand Forks Public Schools began a presentation arguing that the special education funding formula, especially the weighting factor, should be reconsidered if the committee wants a system that better reflects accountability and student needs. He said his comments were based on the perspective of a larger district and focused on the special education weighting factor rather than other parts of the formula. The remainder of his presentation was not included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm grateful to our staff, our budget office, and legislators for their support in helping us address
• Third, several board members have requested specific next steps for how DTSC will implement the plan
• Moving on to hazardous waste fees, appreciated your note of some changes in the budget regarding the
• I have first a request, and that request is that, maybe a little odd here, but so important, so important
• Funding requests come in all the time, and in the end they are approved.

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on DTSC’s implementation of SB 158 reforms, including enforcement, community engagement, fee stability, the hazardous waste management plan, permitting backlogs, and the Safer Consumer Products program. Senators and Assembly members emphasized protecting overburdened communities and asked how DTSC and the Board of Environmental Safety are using their authority to improve accountability, reduce delays, and address hazardous waste facilities and consumer product chemicals. The hearing also included discussion of extended producer responsibility programs and whether DTSC can support them more efficiently, including through coordination with CalRecycle. DTSC Director Katie Butler said the department is now more transparent, accountable, and fiscally stable, citing stronger enforcement actions, an interactive inspections map, expanded community outreach, and emergency response work on the Los Angeles wildfire cleanup. She said DTSC has made progress on fee reform, the hazardous waste management plan, cleanup grants, permit renewals, and safer consumer products rulemaking, including adding microplastics to the candidate chemical list. Board Chair Andrew Rakestraw said the board has held multiple public meetings and hearings, is working on fee rates and performance metrics, and is revising the hazardous waste management plan after public comment, including removing a proposal to send certain contaminated soil to municipal landfills. He also noted remaining concerns about fee structure, permit delays, and the pace of the safer consumer products program. Public witnesses offered sharply different views. A representative of the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance said SB 158 reforms have improved permitting and transparency, but urged more attention to risk-based decision-making, reduced duplication, and possible General Fund support for plan implementation rather than relying only on fees. Earthjustice argued DTSC remains too slow and that communities continue to suffer from long-delayed permits and weak protections, urging the Legislature to take a more active role and to prioritize eliminating hazardous substances rather than minimizing costs. Committee members pressed the witnesses on permit renewals, community impacts, and the pace of the safer consumer products program, while DTSC defended its progress and said further legislative collaboration may be needed on hazardous waste management and emerging waste streams.

Transcript Highlights:

• Meanwhile, as the Trump Budget Office through The Medicaid program was thrown into chaos yesterday.
• Yesterday, when the Trump Budget Office shut down the federal Medicaid payment portal, after a careful
• This was given to the public under a FOIA request. They had to go to court.
• There has been a request from several quarters for a quick restroom break.
• We should be giving at least 20% of the NIH budgets to replication.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> a lot more detail about the budget a lot more detail about the budget activities<00:09:41.000><c
• <00:15:28.839><c> um</c> budget um budget um I'm<00:15:29.560><c> going</c><00:15:29.680><c> to</c><00
• or produce a budget accordingly.
• </c> legislature to consider non-ma budget legislature to consider non-ma budget growth<00:20:16.480>
• Target and produce a budget accordingly Target and produce a budget accordingly with<00:21:05.480><c>

Keywords: 1183, house