Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to speak. I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thank you.
• I wouldn't want you to lose your opportunity, but if there is in fact one more opportunity, I think that
• But I just really do believe that giving your members an opportunity rather than us...
• So with that, you'll have the opportunity to close, and then we'll take a roll call vote.
• And so it's a great honor for me to have the opportunity to author this legislation.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The committee heard SB 220, which would require Los Angeles Metro to submit an updated governance reform report by July 1 in light of Measure G and the creation of a future countywide executive. Senator Allen argued the bill simply accelerates a locally driven discussion and does not prescribe a specific board structure. Metro, the Los Angeles mayor’s representative, and several members of the committee opposed it as unnecessary and premature, saying local task forces and an ad hoc Metro committee were already studying the issue. After discussion focused on local control and the need for broader L.A. County delegation input, the bill passed the committee on a 7-2 vote and was placed on call for absent members. The committee then heard SB 667, the California Railway Safety Act, which would require freight railroads to install wayside detector systems at specified intervals, with different treatment for short-line railroads, and to submit safety response plans to the CPUC. Senator Archuleta and union supporters said the bill would help prevent derailments like East Palestine by detecting overheated bearings earlier and improving crew notification. Railroads, passenger rail operators, and business and supply-chain groups opposed it, arguing the spacing mandate was arbitrary, costly, could slow freight movement, and could disrupt shared passenger corridors; they also raised preemption and implementation concerns. Members discussed costs, passenger impacts, and whether 10-mile spacing was supported by data. The bill passed 11-2 and was also held on call. Finally, the committee considered ACR 71, which designates a portion of State Route 101 in Santa Clara County as the Little Saigon Freeway. Assembly Member Kalra and numerous Vietnamese American community members and local supporters described the designation as a recognition of the history, resilience, and contributions of the Vietnamese community in San Jose. There was no opposition testimony. Members praised the measure and noted the connection between the San Jose and Orange County Vietnamese communities. The resolution passed unanimously, 11-0, and was placed on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I said, give the owners an opportunity to clean these up.
• Thank you for the time and opportunity to speak today. Okay.
• Thanks for the opportunity today.
• Thank you so much, Chair Dahlia, for the opportunity to speak today.
• We have an opportunity to learn from each other, so I appreciate the opportunity to talk about how California

Summary: The committee first heard updates on the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) and related funding. Department of Ecology staff explained how MTCA and the hazardous substance tax support cleanup, prevention, stormwater, and local assistance programs, but said forecasted revenues have declined while appropriations and transfers have outpaced incoming funds. Ecology said the operating account will require underspending to stay balanced this biennium and that the problem is ongoing, with further reductions possible if forecasts worsen. Ecology also reviewed the state cleanup program, noting there are more than 14,500 cleanup sites in Washington and that new sites continue to be discovered faster than they are cleaned up. A question from Representative Lee raised the long-term issue of declining fossil-fuel-based revenue, and Ecology agreed that this is a future structural concern even though the current shortfall is driven more by forecasts and transfers than by fuel-use decline. The Pollution Liability Insurance Agency described its underground storage tank and heating oil programs, saying it has modernized from a reinsurance model to a financial assurance model with stronger state oversight and cleanup milestones. Russ Olson said the agency’s dedicated petroleum tax account is in strong financial condition, but emphasized the importance of preserving that funding source. He also discussed the loan and grant program for historic commercial releases and a new heating oil loan/grant program, while noting the agency is working on equity concerns where liens can be disproportionate to property values in smaller communities. Practitioners and advocates then offered differing views on MTCA’s performance: one attorney urged a collaborative review process to make cleanups faster, less expensive, and more certain, while another consultant argued the program is too conservative and process-heavy and should focus more narrowly on actual exposure and realistic cleanup standards. Environmental and community groups countered that MTCA is essential for cleanup, pollution prevention, stormwater control, and public participation, and that it is especially important for environmental justice communities such as the Duwamish Valley. Port and city representatives stressed that MTCA grants and cleanup funding are critical for large redevelopment projects, but said long timelines, permitting delays, and funding uncertainty can slow projects and jeopardize commitments. The committee then shifted to utility wildfire risk. Staff summarized recent legislation, including requirements for utility wildfire mitigation plans, creation of a wildfire mitigation standards work group, authorization for captive insurance by local governments and PUDs, securitization authority for disaster costs, and the existing wildfire response and resilience account. Chelan County PUD and Puget Sound Energy described extensive mitigation efforts such as vegetation management, grid hardening, undergrounding, AI smoke cameras, weather stations, enhanced operating settings, public safety power shutoffs, and community outreach. Both said wildfire risk is rising and insurance costs are increasing, and Chelan PUD asked the Legislature to restore funding to the wildfire response and resilience account. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner said a 2022 utility liability market study found insurance availability is tightening as perceived risk rises, and reported that a 2025 work group recommended restoring community resilience funding, requiring insurers to share wildfire risk scores and mitigation steps with property owners, and creating a grant program based on insurance industry wildfire standards. A PNNL scientist added that wildfire probability is increasing in parts of Washington and that mitigation requires long-term, landscape-scale coordination. The final speaker began describing California’s approach to wildfire risk, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think the opportunity to be here to talk to you all and to you...
• Thank you for your commitment and the opportunity to be here with you today.
• And I hope that we have more opportunity to talk about that in this committee.
• Recommendations around system-change opportunities within our government and beyond.
• Thank you again for the opportunity to speak. Have a great day. Thank you very much.

Summary: The Select Committee on Hate, Racism, and Xenophobia met to examine the scope of hate activity in California and hear from state agencies, commissions, and community organizations. The chair opened by framing hate as a persistent crisis affecting many protected groups, and Assembly Member Gonzalez briefly joined the committee. The first panel included the California Department of Justice and the California Commission on the State of Hate, both of which presented recent data and policy recommendations. The Department of Justice reported that in 2024 California saw 2,023 reported hate crime events, 2,568 hate crime offenses, and 2,491 victims, with anti-Black bias remaining the most common category, followed by anti-Jewish and anti-Latino bias. DOJ also said referrals for prosecution increased, and it described its hate-crimes guidance, rapid response protocol, and multilingual resources. The Commission on the State of Hate said hate is undercounted in law enforcement data and cited a survey suggesting about 2.6 million Californians experienced at least one hate act in a year, including more than half a million potentially criminal incidents. It recommended permanent data infrastructure, mandatory law enforcement training, and continued funding for community-based prevention and victim support. The committee then heard testimony from representatives of the NAACP, LULAC, Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California, CHIRLA, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, CARE, Equality California, and the Racial Equity Commission. Witnesses described systemic racism, anti-immigrant enforcement, antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Asian bias, and anti-LGBTQ+ hate, often linking these harms to political rhetoric, social media, and federal actions. They urged the Legislature to fund programs such as California vs. Hate, Stop the Hate, nonprofit security grants, language access, school and mental health supports, and legal assistance, while also protecting civil rights, due process, and free speech. No formal votes or committee actions were taken during the hearing, but members indicated they would request additional recommendations and continue the discussion in future hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• , losing socialization opportunities, or losing access to jobs that they really like.
• Last year, we had the opportunity to make some changes on this.
• This was a real opportunity to lead the nation in workers' protection. Opportunity we missed.
• It's really going to open up a lot of opportunities. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• have the opportunity for paid family medical leave on January 1.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• c> this</c><00:15:06.160><c> resolution</c> about the opportunity this resolution about the opportunity
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• Uh thank you for the opportunity to lab.
• </c> you for this opportunity to testify. you for this opportunity to testify.

Committee: House Labor

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please make sure to continue to support this much-needed opportunity for all support staff to continue
• Thank you for the opportunity to share with you today, and thank you for your work in our schools.
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
• Thank you for the opportunity to provide some brief testimony on House File 2210 today.
• </c> that haven't been given this opportunity that haven't been given this opportunity and<00:21:21.360

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have professional development opportunities. We have book studies, newsletters.
• Opportunities for greater impact: we always want to provide that extra level of service.
• So there's opportunities there. And then ultimately, we've talked about school finance.
• They're some of the most professional people I've had the opportunity to work with.
• And I appreciate this opportunity to speak. In order to be able to be successful.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum and first heard a Department of Education program review on three district support programs: assistance to low-performing schools, the Florida Partnership program, and regional literacy teams (RAISE). Dr. Paul Burns described how the Bureau of School Improvement supports schools with D/F grades through regional teams, classroom observations, professional learning, and targeted funding, noting that 104 of 168 low-performing schools improved after 2022-23 and that the share of failing schools fell from 6% to 4%. He also outlined the Florida Partnership’s $4 million annual appropriation for advanced-course teacher training and student access, and the RAISE literacy program’s $5 million funding, universal/targeted/intensive supports, and progress monitoring results. Senators asked about rural participation, post-COVID reading data, parent support, and how long schools remain under monitoring after improving; Burns said rural districts can participate statewide, parents can access school and department support, and schools continue to receive monitoring after exiting low-performing status to prevent recidivism. The committee then received a presentation on the school district education foundation matching grants program from Suzanne Pridgen, who explained that the Consortium of the Florida Education Foundations administers the grants, which require private matching funds and support tutoring, literacy, STEM, career education, professional learning, books, and supplies. She said the program leverages about $1.44 in private support for every state dollar. The committee then moved to the regional education consortia, where representatives from PAEC, NEFEC, and Heartland, along with several rural superintendents, described the consortia as member-led organizations that provide economies of scale, professional learning, HR, risk management, purchasing, legal and operational support, crisis assistance, and leadership development for small and fiscally constrained districts. Superintendents from Lafayette, Holmes, Calhoun, Union, DeSoto, and Hendry counties testified that the consortia are essential because rural districts often have very small staffs, multiple-duty administrators, and limited in-house expertise. They cited support with insurance and hurricane recovery, training for new finance and HR staff, instructional coaching, CTE and leadership programs, and help with turnaround schools. Members emphasized that these districts can be high-performing despite limited resources, and several senators praised the consortia’s value. Senator Gaetz asked about additional back-office collaboration, possible regulatory relief, and FEFP issues tied to scholarship-related enrollment swings; rural superintendents responded that more local control would help. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll be able to tally up all of the donations as well as give you an opportunity to meet some of the
• It was such a special event and such a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the creative ventures that
• to meet some of give you an opportunity to meet some of the<00:24:19.560><c> women</c><00:24:20.360>
• to host Art at the Capitol opportunity to host Art at the Capitol as<00:24:39.080><c> well</c><00:24
• </c><00:24:47.640><c> to</c> such a wonderful opportunity to such a wonderful opportunity to celebrate

Bills: SCR21 , SCR75 , SCR50 , SCR149 , SCR47 , SCR163 , SCR169 , SCR170

Keywords: healthcare, rural clinic, feasibility study, access to care, community health, Volcano community, Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation, emergency services, health assessment, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, health care, interdepartmental collaboration, public awareness, support services, education, health insurance, affordable healthcare, working group, Hawaii Health Plan, Medicaid expansion

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to present document number 24-3950-2201.
• Once again, thank you for the opportunity to present docket number 24-3201...
• Thank you for the opportunity to...
• Thank you for the opportunity to present docket number 24-3930-2501.
• Thank you for the opportunity.

Committee: House Business

Summary: The House Business Committee met with a quorum and considered a series of Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses rules presented by Ryan Bernard. The committee first handled the Public Works Contractors License Board fee rules, which would finalize temporary fee reductions of 16% to 20% and add “not to exceed” language so the board can keep fees lower while moving toward statutory cash-balance requirements. Members asked about how the reductions were calculated and noted a possible conflict with the now-eliminated Class D license, but were told the statute would prevail. The committee voted to extend the temporary rule to July 1, 2026, and then approved the pending rule as final effective that date. The committee next approved pending fee rules for the Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, which move fees into rule, formalize a 60% fee reduction, and remove intern fees to reduce barriers to entry. Bernard said the board had a healthy cash balance of $337,319, or 402% of its five-year average expenditures, and members discussed whether the rule anticipated pending legislation on the land surveyor jurisprudence test. The committee also considered Building Safety/Building Code rules, which reduce permit fees by 20% and were described as necessary because the board’s cash balance was about $6.46 million, or 447% of average expenditures. Members questioned why staffing and inspection delays persisted despite the large balance; Bernard said inspector hiring is difficult and inspections are often completed same day or next day. The committee extended the temporary rule to July 1, 2026, and approved the pending rule. Finally, the committee considered Factory Built Structure Board rules, which reduce modular building permit and installation fees by 20% and lower specific installation charges for single-wide, double-wide, and multi-section units. Bernard said the board’s FY 2025 cash balance was $2,640,636, or 378% of average expenditures, and noted that the occupational licensing fund earns interest that reverts to the general fund. The committee extended the temporary rule to July 1, 2026, and approved the pending rule. Afterward, the committee approved the January 21 meeting minutes and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and committee members, thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.
• As someone deeply rooted in the community, I am undoubtedly passionate about opportunities.
• Yeah, just appreciate the opportunity to present the bill.
• AB 1373 creates that opportunity by requiring...
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify and support today. Great. Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard a series of environmental safety and toxic materials measures, with several bills moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Early in the meeting, the consent calendar was approved, including AB 372, AB 455, AB 1096, AB 1102, and AB 754. AB 362 by Assembly Member Ramos, which would recognize tribal beneficial uses of water and strengthen consultation and protection for tribal water uses, drew strong support from tribes and environmental groups. Water agencies and local government representatives opposed unless amended, raising concerns about CEQA requirements, co-management language, and conflicts with existing water law. The bill advanced to Appropriations, with some members voting aye and others not voting or absent. AB 728 by Assembly Member Lee would require age verification for the sale of certain anti-aging skin care products to minors. The author and a youth witness described social media-driven use of adult skin products by children and alleged skin damage, while supporters argued age checks are a reasonable consumer protection. Dermatologists and retailers opposed the bill, saying it could restrict legitimate acne and other medical uses of over-the-counter products, create compliance problems, and lacked a clear scientific basis. The committee discussed possible ambiguity in the bill’s definition of anti-aging products, but the measure still passed to Appropriations. AB 532 on low-income water rate assistance, AB 773 on copper-based anti-fouling paint, AB 998 on household hazardous waste disposal of vape pens, AB 1031 on geothermal hazardous waste fees, and AB 864 on solar panel hazardous waste and recycling all received strong support and advanced to Appropriations. Supporters for AB 532 emphasized water affordability and local program authority; AB 773 supporters said conflicting state water and pesticide rules are creating confusion for harbors and cities; AB 998 was presented as a practical way to let schools and local facilities dispose of confiscated vape devices safely; AB 1031 was framed as reducing DTSC fee burdens on geothermal development in Imperial County; and AB 864 would ease recycling and reuse of end-of-life solar panels. The committee also began hearing AB 1264 on ultra-processed foods in school meals, with the author and supporters arguing it would phase out the most harmful ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2032, but the transcript cuts off before the full discussion and any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> a small step to open that opportunity a small step to open that opportunity for<00:04:06.200><c>
• </c> give youth Anglers uh more opportunities give youth Anglers uh more opportunities across<00:04:49.680
• </c> this fix so thanks for the opportunity this fix so thanks for the opportunity to<00:46:33.880><c
• Thanks for the opportunity.
• </c> gathering this is another opportunity gathering this is another opportunity for<01:06:15.720><c>

Bills: HF647 , HF2824 , HF1249 , HF623 , HF820

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: water appropriation, aquifer management, potable water, water conservation, environmental policy, fishing regulation, angling, sustainability, biodiversity, game fish, Carley State Park, Minnesota state parks, state lands, park boundary expansion, Wabasha County, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, public lands, land acquisition, park addition

Transcript Highlights:

• California must provide opportunities for all Californians to thrive.
• Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak today.
• So there is an opportunity to embed these principles.
• However, the pilots give us every opportunity and no excuse.
• I am grateful for the opportunity provided.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity.
• Thank you so much for the opportunity. And then we have Carolyn Fen from the Ombudsman.
• Thank you for this opportunity, and I will submit written testimony.
• Thank you so very much for the opportunity to speak here today.
• We welcome the opportunity to discuss these concerns further. Thank you for your testimony.

Bills: H5243 , H5376 , S3056 , S3057

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Aging and Independence

Keywords: rest home, rest homes, medication administration, medication management, assisted living, long-term care, elder care, older adults, senior care, nursing home, resident care, self-administration, licensed facility, Chapter 111, section 71, Responsible Person, caregiver, direct care staff, care facilities, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of Mountain Home Air Force Base, gunfighters, thank you for the opportunity to provide our
• Potential future opportunities to recapitalize the dash 229s with F-15Xs can maximize our range complex's
• Luke's leadership to discuss similar opportunities.
• I appreciate the opportunity to be here.
• And so I'm looking forward to giving you that opportunity. I don't see it. Yeah, thank you.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The committee began with an annual briefing from Mountain Home Air Force Base’s 366th Fighter Wing, where Colonel D. Ray Gunter described the base’s mission, deployments, modernization efforts, airspace expansion, water pipeline and treatment projects, and community partnerships supporting housing, child care, education, and health care for service members and families. He emphasized the base’s role in national defense, the economic impact on the region, and ongoing collaboration with Idaho agencies and local communities. The committee then entered executive session under Senate Rule 20E for an intelligence briefing from Captain Juanita Garcia. After returning to open session, the committee approved minutes from February 27, March 2, and March 4, 2026. It then considered gubernatorial reappointments to the Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board: Robert Donaldson and Irving Lippman both appeared and spoke about their backgrounds and interest in continuing service, and Shelly Enderud’s reappointment to the State Building Authority was advanced to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee heard and advanced House Bill 686, which creates a narrow exception to Idaho’s anti-nepotism restrictions for small cities under 10,000 population when filling specialized positions, with safeguards such as public posting, documentation, council approval, and independent supervision. It also advanced House Bill 727, a sextortion bill supported by lawmakers and the Attorney General’s office that would make threats to distribute explicit images a crime and increase penalties when minors are involved; testimony cited AI-generated images, online coercion, and Idaho cyber-tip data showing a sharp rise in sextortion reports. Finally, the committee introduced RS 33647, a memorial concerning pelican predation on fish, and RS 33616, a resolution honoring fallen Idaho State Police K9 Kimber, before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jeanette Wade, educational coordinator for the Opportunity Council Early Learning and Family Service
• I am very grateful for the opportunity for you to hear it this morning. Thank you so much.
• So we're excited that there could be an opportunity to make this change.
• Thanks for the opportunity to testify. My name is Alex Kaliana.
• Chair, Madam Ranking Member, for the opportunity to present this bill to you.

Bills: HB2099 , HB2317 , HB2318 , HB2350

Committee: House Early Learning & Human Services

Keywords: military families, early childhood education, access, assistance program, education equity, HB2317, early learning, child care licensing, day care, preschool, Head Start, DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Washington State, RCW 43.216, child care center, family home provider, family child care, outdoor nature-based child care, school-age child care

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to testify on behalf of HB 2092.
• Thank you for this opportunity today to testify in favor of House Bill 2092. I'm Tim Gould.
• Again, thank you for the opportunity, and I look forward to passage of 2092. Thank you.
• Good to see you, and thank you for taking the opportunity to testify.
• Thank you so much for this opportunity to testify this evening. My name is Mary Ann Nichols.

Bills: HB1823 , HB2092 , HB2111 , HB2114

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: transportation improvement board, TIB, transportation improvement account, motor vehicle fund, arterial streets, local match, private match, grant funding, transportation grants, county roads, city streets, transportation benefit district, urban county, small city program, active transportation, pedestrian, bicycle, bike routes, transit, public transit

Transcript Highlights:

• And she knows the opportunity... ...into kids and strong public schools.
• And she knows the opportunity that good public schools bring.
• That with opportunity, and that was true then, and it is true today.
• I saw that talent is universal even when opportunity is not.
• This is why we must have Even when opportunity is not.

Summary: The Senate held a special ceremonial session to swear in Monique Limón as the 50th President Pro Tempore of the California State Senate and the first Latina to hold the position. The proceedings included a roll call establishing quorum, a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a land acknowledgement, musical performances, and remarks from numerous senators and invited leaders. Speakers repeatedly highlighted the historic nature of the moment, Limón’s background as the daughter of immigrants and a former school board member and higher-education advocate, and her leadership on issues such as education, child care, labor, wildfire response, environmental protection, and immigrant rights. Several senators, including Mike McGuire, Caroline Menjivar, Sasha Renée Pérez, Steve Cabaldon, Catherine Blakespear, and Scott Wiener, praised Limón as a unifier, coalition-builder, and effective legislator. They emphasized her preparation, calm demeanor, and ability to work across differences, while also noting the broader significance of women’s leadership and gender parity in the Senate. Some remarks referenced current political and fiscal challenges facing California, including attacks on immigrants, reproductive freedom, health care, and the state budget. Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero administered the oath of office, after which Limón was formally introduced as the new pro tem. In her acceptance remarks, Limón thanked her predecessor, Governor Newsom, legislative leaders, her family, and the many guests in attendance. She spoke about her immigrant family, her Central Coast district, her work in education and higher education, and her commitment to protecting Californians, especially immigrants, children, working families, and communities facing economic and environmental hardship. The session concluded with an announcement that the Senate would recess and reconvene on January 8, 2026, after a reception in the Capitol Rotunda.

Transcript Highlights:

• And she knows the opportunity that good public schools bring.
• Since you became governor of our state, you and I have had the opportunity to have...
• That with opportunity, and that was true then, and it is true today.
• I saw that talent is universal even when opportunity is not.
• This is why we must have Even when opportunity is not.

Summary: The California State Senate held a special ceremonial session to swear in Monique Limón as the 50th President Pro Tempore, described throughout the event as the first Latina to hold the post and only the second woman to lead the chamber. The session opened with acknowledgments of statewide officials, tribal leaders, members of Congress, former legislative leaders, and other guests, followed by a quorum call, suspension of Senate Rule 55 to allow guests and media on the floor, a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a land acknowledgement honoring the Miwok, Nisenan, Patwin, and Southern Maidu peoples. The ceremony included musical performances by Mariachi Bonitas and the Sacramento Women’s Choir/Genesis Church, after which several senators delivered remarks praising Limón’s leadership, coalition-building, work on education, labor, child care, wildfire response, and her role as a trailblazer for women and Latinas in California politics. Speakers also referenced the state’s fiscal challenges, federal policy concerns, and the importance of inclusive leadership. Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero administered the oath of office, and Limón was formally introduced as President Pro Tempore. In her acceptance remarks, Limón thanked her predecessor Mike McGuire, Governor Gavin Newsom, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, and her colleagues, family, and supporters. She emphasized her immigrant family background, the importance of education, child care, consumer protection, labor rights, and support for working families, and said California must continue to protect immigrants and expand opportunity. The Senate then announced a reception in the Capitol Rotunda and adjourned/recessed until January 8, 2026 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to we want to make sure everybody has an opportunity to be here.
• practice to give commissioners an opportunity to attend the Kogal conference or the NCSL conference.
• </c> meeting opportunities meeting opportunities and<00:15:16.320><c> it</c><00:15:16.639><c> has</c>
• to attend the Kogal opportunity to attend the Kogal conference<00:15:23.920><c> or</c><00:15:24.240>
• ,</c> development opportunity, development opportunity, contact<00:15:43.839><c> our</c><00:15:44.160

Keywords: Part two will take place after first executive session., 958, all

Summary: The commission first returned from executive session and noted that discussions there were preliminary only and no final agency action was taken. It then approved the budget report, which staff said was within year-to-date budget parameters. Members discussed recommended changes to the code of ethics. Staff proposed four items: defining and prohibiting sexual harassment as ethical misconduct; two housekeeping changes related to lobbyist registration notice and campaign contribution language; and a possible reduction of the post-service waiting period for former legislators to become lobbyists from two years to one year. Members agreed the lobbying cooling-off period was a broader General Assembly issue and voted to recommend only the first three changes, leaving the fourth for later review. The chair noted the July 1 deadline for submitting ethics-code recommendations to the LRC. The commission also approved renewal of a $100,000 contract with Casey Bailey and Mains for Robert Jenkins to continue serving as enforcement counsel, with hourly rates of $125 for the attorney and $40 for the paralegal. Finally, it approved a 3% cost-of-living pay increase for General Counsel Steven Pium, discussed possible conference attendance and informal opinions, and adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• I appreciate having the opportunity to come before you, Mr.
• I appreciate the opportunity to testify before you today on House Concurrent Resolution 102.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify on Resolution 102.
• Thank you for your time and for the opportunity to address the committee.

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: 1185, senate, all