Transcript Highlights:

• In 2020 and 2021, the Marathon Refinery closure in Martinez and the Phillips 66...
• In 2021, the Marathon Refinery closure in Martinez and the Phillips 66 refinery closure in Santa Maria
• Thank you as well to the committee consultants and staff for all the... ...and closures.
• When Phillips 66 announced the closure last year, hundreds of us lost our jobs.
• When Phillips 66 announced the closure last year, hundreds of us lost our jobs.

Committee: House Labor and Employment

Transcript Highlights:

• to be of closure to be of closure to be successful I have no other choice so I successful I have no
• respond the closure is out there and the respond the closure is out there and the respond the closure
• closure out they can decide when closure out they can decide when closure stop but the person who reacts
• when they stop not closure they decide when they stop not closure they decide when they stop not the
• people who put the closure out see the people who put the closure out see the people who put the closure

Bills: SB 2

Transcript Highlights:

• The closure of that grocery store has been truly devastating for the Lake City community.
• And the closure of Fred Meyer was certainly not the first business that closed.
• And the closure of Fred Meyer was certainly not the first business that closed in Lake City, but has
• I think that store closures, obviously, in particular, the Lake City incidents that she talked about.
• I think that store closures, obviously, in particular, the Lake City incidents that she talked about.

Bills: HB2229 , HB2274 , HB2294 , HB1269 , HB1078

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Keywords: professional engineers, registration act, licensing, engineering practice, state regulations, email regulation, commercial communications, consumer protection, data privacy, electronic mail, consumer access, real property, food security, medicine access, restriction, pawnbroker, fees, interest rates, financial regulation, pet insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• That the person born on the anniversary of that tragedy was destined to stand here and help bring closure
• It's also in a context that's pulled from war propaganda to oppressive systems like slavery or factory

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and a series of introductions recognizing guests, visiting groups, and special honorees in the galleries. The chamber then took up committee and executive appointment business, adopting a report confirming 42 gubernatorial appointments by a vote of 36-0. The Senate next considered a long special-order calendar of bills, most of them passing with little or no opposition. Measures included public-records sunset reviews and trade secret/cybersecurity exemptions; a child-abuse reporting statute of limitations bill; commercial driving school oversight; human trafficking training for nurses; a new injunction for protection against serious violence and its related public-records exemption; nature-based coastal resiliency and mangrove protection; a chiropractic trust-funds cap repeal; specialty license plates; a waiver of late financial disclosure fines; public school personnel compensation; the Florida Farm Bill with multiple agriculture, biosolids, and enforcement provisions; homestead exemption clarification for long-term leases; disability presumption clarifications for first responders; reinsurance intermediary manager conformity; patriotic displays in public schools; ADS-B aviation fee restrictions; autism-related law enforcement training and the Blue Envelope program; campus safety reporting procedures for public postsecondary institutions; and veterinary prescription disclosure. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including local vessel restrictions, temporary critical-need practice certificates, and domestic animals. The floor debate featured the most discussion on the farm bill, the HCSM/nonprofit religious organizations bill, the autism law-enforcement bill, and the school athletics bill. The HCSM bill drew extended debate over whether licensed insurance agents should be allowed to market faith-based health care sharing ministries, with supporters emphasizing consumer choice, free speech, and religious liberty, and opponents warning about unregulated products and commissions; it passed 32-5. The athletics bill, prompted by the Teddy Bridgewater/Miami Northwestern situation, would let coaches provide good-faith support to student-athletes while requiring reporting and FHSAA oversight; it passed 38-0. Most other measures passed overwhelmingly, including the autism bill 38-0, the campus safety bill 37-0, the public school patriotic displays bill 36-2, and the farm bill 38-0 after amendments addressing Everglades lands and biosolids timing were adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• that the person born on the anniversary of that tragedy was destined to stand here and help bring closure
• It's also in a context that's pulled from war propaganda to oppressive systems like slavery or factory

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and a series of member and guest introductions recognizing visitors, local delegations, and honorees. The chamber then took up a report from the Committee on Ethics and Elections on 42 executive appointments; the report was adopted and the appointments were confirmed by a 36-0 vote. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring the Ripple Project for childhood cancer awareness and fundraising. The body then moved through a long special-order calendar of bills, largely focused on public records exemptions, public safety, education, agriculture, health care, and licensing. Measures passed included bills to extend or consolidate exemptions for aquaculture records, trade secrets, and cybersecurity information; a child-abuse reporting statute-of-limitations bill; regulation of commercial driving schools; human trafficking training for nursing graduates; a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person and its companion public-records bill; nature-based coastal resiliency and mangrove infrastructure; chiropractic patient trust funds; specialty license plates; waiver of late financial disclosure fines; public school personnel compensation; the Florida Farm Bill/Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services package; homestead exemption clarification for long-term leases; disability presumption clarifications for first responders; reinsurance intermediary manager conformity; patriotic displays in public schools; ADS-B aviation fee restrictions; autism-related law enforcement training and the Blue Envelope program; campus safety policy transparency at public colleges and universities; and veterinary prescription disclosure. Several bills drew debate or amendments. The Farm Bill received amendments protecting Everglades restoration lands from surplus sale and clarifying biosolids timing, and it passed 38-0 after extensive discussion. The HCSM/nonprofit religious organizations bill prompted debate over whether allowing licensed insurance agents to market faith-based health care sharing ministries would create consumer confusion or free-speech concerns; it passed 32-5. The patriotic displays bill also drew discussion and passed 36-2. The athletics bill allowing coaches to provide good-faith support to student-athletes, prompted by the Teddy Bridgewater situation, passed 38-0. The affordable housing bill clarifying Live Local Act definitions to exclude farms from certain commercial/mixed-use/industrial categories passed 38-0 after a technical amendment. Several other measures were temporarily postponed, and the session concluded with the Senate continuing through the remaining calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• We came to Texas from Atlanta about 14 years ago and built a factory in San Antonio that manufactures
• Are there any federal subsidies or anything for disclosure, for closure or, as you say, decommissioning

Bills: SB458 , SB819 , SB1238 , SB1642 , SB1643 , SB1644 , SB1791 , SB1810 , SB1824 , SB1825 , SB758 , SB1455 , SB1706

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Anybody just work in labor in an airplane factory saying they're learning the ADA? Yes, sir.
• subsidy funding, many providers cannot afford to do the same, leading to burnout, staff shortages, and closures

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know one of the things I indicated I might ask about is, what's the status of the closure of the
• thankfully—not thankfully—we are relatively experienced at this point in how to negotiate and navigate prison closures
• Following up from last week on the conversation regarding warm and cold closures, I think we've been
• updated that all of the prisons that are closed now are in cold closure.
• What’s the newest facility that’s in cold closure? Like the most recent closure?

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met with quorum and first considered several governor’s appointments not required to appear. The committee voted to advance Olivia May Assuncion to the Commission on Disability Access, William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors, and two California Law Revision Commission appointments: Anacubas and David Hubner, with the latter two receiving split votes but still moving forward. The committee also approved the reference of bills to committees and later, by unanimous add-on votes, approved floor acknowledgments and the remaining appointments on the agenda. The main hearing was on Brian Bishop’s appointment as Director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations at CDCR. Bishop described his law enforcement and Marine Corps background and said his focus would be balancing public safety, accountability, rehabilitation, and staff well-being. Senators asked about risk assessment for higher-risk parolees, GPS monitoring, coordination with local law enforcement, victim protections, out-of-county placement, supervision of unhoused parolees, and oversight of private reentry/housing contractors. Bishop said DAPO uses data-driven supervision, risk tools, compliance sweeps with local agencies, exclusion zones for victims, and contract monitoring through invoices, site visits, and utilization reviews. Public testimony supported Bishop’s confirmation, including from reentry providers and advocacy groups. The committee then voted 5-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate for confirmation. The committee also heard from Sarah Larson, appointed Director of the Division of Facilities Management and Construction at CDCR. Larson discussed aligning the prison footprint with a declining population, addressing aging infrastructure and heat issues through cooling pilots, and using projects like the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center as a model for safer, more healing facilities. Senators asked about prison closures, cold shutdown status, disaster planning, water and utility issues, and how to manage closed or deactivated facilities. Larson said closed facilities are maintained minimally, reactivation would be costly, and the department is exploring more holistic infrastructure planning. Public witnesses from criminal justice and reentry organizations strongly supported her, and the committee voted 5-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know one of the things I indicated I might ask about is, what's the status of the closure of the
• not thankfully, we are relatively experienced at this point in how to negotiate, navigate prison closures
• Following up from last week on the conversation regarding warm and cold closures, I think we've been
• updated that all of the prisons that are closed now are in cold closure.
• What's the newest facility that's in cold closure? Like the most recent closure?

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several governor’s appointments and routine agenda items. It first approved, on call, appointments not required to appear for Olivia May Assuncion to the Commission on Disability Access, William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors, and two California Law Revision Commission nominees, with one of the law revision appointments drawing a split vote. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments before moving to appointments required to appear. Brian Bishop, nominated to lead the Division of Adult Parole Operations at CDCR, testified that he would emphasize public safety, accountability, rehabilitation, and staff well-being. In questioning, senators focused on risk assessment for higher-risk parolees, GPS monitoring, coordination with local law enforcement, victim protections, supervision of unhoused parolees, and oversight of private reentry/housing contractors. Bishop said DAPO uses data-driven supervision, risk tools, compliance sweeps with law enforcement, exclusion zones and administrative transfers to protect victims, and contract monitoring through invoices, site visits, and utilization reports. Public commenters from reentry and justice organizations supported his confirmation, and the committee voted 5-0 to send the nomination to the full Senate. Sarah Larson, nominated to direct CDCR’s Facilities Management and Construction, described her CDCR background and said she wanted to help modernize the department’s aging infrastructure to support staff and incarcerated people. Senators asked about aligning facilities with a declining prison population, cooling and heat mitigation, safety during construction, prison closures such as Norco, disaster planning, and how closed facilities are maintained or could be reopened. Larson said CDCR has reduced its footprint, is piloting cooling upgrades at several sites, maintains closed facilities in cold shutdown with minimal upkeep, and uses emergency planning and mutual aid for disasters. She also said the department is exploring infrastructure master planning and more substantial, targeted improvements, and the committee again heard supportive public testimony before voting 5-0 to advance her nomination to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• about, and this is basically for foster care parents or foster children parents, and it's to bring closure
• /c><00:03:18.560><c> it's</c><00:03:18.840><c> to</c><00:03:18.959><c> bring</c><00:03:19.239><c> closure
• This is basically to bring closure to these parents, and we're just thankful that they have a heart for
• This is basically to bring closure to these parents, and we're just thankful that they have a heart for
• This is basically to bring closure to these parents, and we're just thankful that they have a heart for

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Families and Children held its first meeting of 2025, with the chair welcoming new members and Vice Chair Wilson. After roll call, the committee took up House Bill 164, sponsored by Representative Wesley, which concerns an honorary adoption situation. The committee adopted a House committee substitute clarifying that any survivor benefits or inheritance would not go to honorary adoptive parents, and heard emotional testimony from Caitlyn Rollins about fostering and adopting a child who later died before a scheduled adoption date. Members discussed the bill’s purpose as providing closure and ensuring legal parentage is recognized in life and death, while also noting a possible drafting issue about whether all listed conditions must be met. The committee agreed to address that concern through a possible House floor amendment, and HB 164 passed favorably 16-0. The committee then heard House Bill 242, sponsored by Representative Sam, and testimony from child welfare researcher Matthew Walden. The bill is intended to increase transparency in Kentucky’s child welfare system by making program data available to researchers while protecting privacy. With no questions from members, the bill passed the committee favorably by a 16-0 vote. Finally, the committee reviewed referred administrative regulations and considered agency amendment 490 related to adoption assistance and Title IV-E adoption assistance. CHFS representatives explained that the amendment removes a civil determination requirement from certain sections because the cabinet cannot make such determinations and already relies on substantiations and other safety checks. The committee approved the agency amendment by voice vote, then concluded its review of the remaining regulations without further action. The next meeting was announced for February 20, 2025, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• procedures under the California Environmental Quality Act, we know as CEQA, and the federal base closure
• Weapons Station as surplus to the needs of the federal government, in accordance with the Defense Base Closure
• The City of Concord is the local reuse authority for the base closure process.
• planning and substantial environmental review under both CEQA and NEPA, as well as the federal base closure
• SB 1145 will facilitate implementation of the area plan by leveraging the federal base closure and realignment

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Transcript Highlights:

• Without this funding, the center is at risk for closure.
• Without this funding, the center is at risk for closure.
• is</c><00:05:00.120><c> at</c><00:05:00.280><c> risk</c><00:05:00.560><c> for</c><00:05:00.720><c> closure
• </c> the center is at risk for closure. the center is at risk for closure.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is stemming from the closure of a naval waterway in Mobile County, Big Creek Lake by Malls,
• Um, the closure was made by the director of Malls, not by the board or committee.
• Uh, the reason we've been given that the lake closure was over a zebra mussel that we do not have a problem
• do just that, to set up a procedure for like a 10-day notice of a public hearing and then a 90-day closure
• And so, y'all can get into the questions of closure.

Bills: HB352 , HB366 , SB272 , SB296

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Keywords: HB352, cotton, cotton bale assessment, cotton levy, cotton producers, agriculture, forestry, Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee, per bale fee, commodity assessment, producer referendum, cotton sales tax, Alabama Code 2-8-199, cotton commission, agricultural funding, HB366, Lakyn Canine Act, police dog, K9, K-9

Transcript Highlights:

• Brief observation, of course, you've been talking about the closure of grocery stores.
• If we go further back into the system, we also have an alarming rate of closure of farms that produce
• the... ...the system, we also have an alarming rate of closure of farms that produce the, you know,
• The closure especially impacts young people.
• Ultimately, the closure of this store will lead to unhealthy conditions and unequal outcomes.

Summary: The committee heard briefings, sponsor presentations, and public testimony on several finance bills. HB 2038 would impose an additional B&O tax on businesses operating social media platforms beginning in 2027 and create a youth behavioral health account funded by the tax. The sponsor argued the bill would help address youth mental health harms linked to social media and support implementation of the Washington Thriving plan. Supporters in testimony, including youth advocates and some public health voices, said social media contributes to youth anxiety and addiction and that the revenue should be used for behavioral health services. Opponents, including technology and business groups, argued the tax unfairly singles out one sector, could be passed on to consumers, and may violate federal internet tax law. The hearing on HB 2038 was suspended and later reopened for public testimony; no vote was taken. HB 2297 would create tax incentives for grocery stores in underserved communities, including local B&O preferences, a sales tax exemption for security services, a 30-year property tax exemption program, a B&O tax credit, and a B&O exemption for certain locally owned or employee-owned stores. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is intended to preserve and attract grocery stores in food deserts, especially after recent store closures, and to help communities with limited transportation and access to healthy food. County representatives supported the goal but raised concern about the bill’s sales tax exemption and its effect on local revenues. Public testimony was largely supportive, with advocates, local officials, grocers, and residents describing grocery stores as essential community infrastructure. No action was taken. HB 2382 would raise cigarette taxes by $2 per pack, restructure vapor and other tobacco product taxes, and dedicate portions of the revenue to a time-sensitive emergency system, tobacco enforcement, and the foundational public health services account. The sponsor said the bill would generate needed revenue, support cancer research funding, and strengthen public health and enforcement. Supporters said higher tobacco taxes reduce use and help cover long-term health costs, while some public health witnesses supported the revenue but suggested directing more funds to existing tobacco prevention accounts. Opponents from retail and industry groups argued the proposal is regressive, could increase illicit sales and cross-border purchasing, and would hurt small businesses and low-income consumers. The committee also heard HB 2487, a Department of Revenue request bill that would narrow the B&O exemption for insurers to clarify that it applies only to premium income subject to insurance premium tax, and apply the change retroactively to 2019. The sponsor and supporters said the bill closes a loophole created by a recent Supreme Court ruling and preserves tax equity, while insurers and business groups objected to the retroactive application, warning of higher premiums and unfair taxation. Finally, HB 2018 would increase the solid waste tax by 0.5% per year for five years and direct the new revenue to a local government solid waste assistance account for county and city waste management plans. County officials supported the bill as a way to stabilize funding for solid waste systems, and testimony emphasized rising disposal and infrastructure costs. No votes were taken on any of the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It prohibits sidewalk closures in those zones unless a temporary route is not possible or safe passage
• It prohibits sidewalk closures in those zones unless a temporary route is not possible or safe passage
• This joint memorial requests that the closure and replacement of the Fairfax Bridge be considered an
• Vice Chair Lovick, Senate Joint Memorial 8016, requesting Congress to determine that the closure of the

Bills: SB6131 , SB6311 , SJM8016 , SB6230 , SB6032 , SB6335

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: traffic safety, roadway fatalities, Washington traffic safety commission, policy update, road safety, accident prevention, pedestrian safety, construction, accessibility, public safety, urban planning, bridge repair, infrastructure, emergency funding, transportation, cash transactions, pennies, currency, economic efficiency, financial regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• It prohibits sidewalk closures in those zones unless a temporary route is not possible or safe passage
• It prohibits sidewalk closures in those zones unless a temporary route is not possible or safe passage
• This joint memorial requests that the closure and replacement of the Fairfax Bridge be considered an
• Vice Chair Lovick, Senate Joint Memorial 8016, requesting Congress to determine that the closure of the

Summary: The Transportation Committee met in executive session and considered seven measures, with staff briefing members on proposed amendments and substitutes. The main policy bills included Substitute Senate Bill 6066 on crash prevention zones, Senate Bill 6131 on the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission’s role in traffic safety and fatality review, Senate Bill 6311 on maintaining pedestrian passage during construction, Senate Bill 6230 on rounding cash transactions to eliminate pennies, Senate Bill 6032 on covering or cleaning towed vehicles with mud or debris, and Senate Bill 6335 revising the State Transportation Commission. The committee also considered Substitute Joint Memorial 8016, urging federal emergency treatment for the Fairfax Bridge closure and replacement. Members discussed competing amendments on SB 6066, including proposals to clarify enforcement coordination, signage, penalty amounts, and the scope of local versus state crash prevention zones. On SB 6131, amendments were offered to either remove or narrow the Traffic Safety Commission’s public health authority designation, while another amendment added HIPAA-related definitions and confidentiality protections. For SB 6311, the substitute focused on continuous accessible pedestrian passage near hospitals, parks, and schools, with later clarifications on where the requirement applies, local feasibility standards, and liability limits. SB 6230’s amendments would have allowed exact-payment exceptions and permissive rounding authority, while SB 6032’s amendment would have required reusable covers if a driver chooses to cover a towed vehicle. The committee adopted or accepted substitutes and then advanced all seven measures with do-pass recommendations to the Rules Committee. Senator King withdrew his SB 6066 substitute, SB 6131’s withdrawn amendments were replaced by adoption of amendment S-4874.1, and SB 6311’s substitute was withdrawn and then advanced in the revised form. SB 6230’s amendments were withdrawn after members noted a floor substitute was being worked on, and SB 6032’s amendment was set aside because the prime sponsor was absent. The meeting ended with thanks to committee staff and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• But in 2026, especially after the closure announcement of Valero and the war, we continue to see some
• But in 2026, especially after the closure announcement of Vellero and the war, we continue to see some
• Had closure notices on, give us a holistic transition plan, and thanks to many of you on the dais who
• In the boat of, I think we're tottering very dangerously, having now had two closures, that what's to
• We need to... ...and leading to potential closures. We need to work together. You guys need us.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications held an oversight hearing on managing the transportation fuels transition, fuel pricing, and supply reliability. Chair Allen opened by discussing prior legislation, including SB 1322 and special session measures, that expanded reporting to the California Energy Commission (CEC) and gave the state tools to study gasoline costs, refinery margins, inventories, and potential supply disruptions. He framed the hearing around refinery closures, rising imports, global conflict affecting crude markets, and the need to balance affordability, reliability, and the state’s long-term clean-fuels transition. CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda, CDTFA Chief Deputy Director Gentian Droboniku, and DPMO Director Ty Miller presented data showing California’s growing dependence on imported crude and refined products, declining in-state refining capacity, and stable-to-tight inventories that are being supported by higher imports. They said the new transparency laws have improved understanding of the market and pointed to the proposed Gateway Pipeline, marine imports, and distribution constraints as important supply issues. CDTFA and DPMO emphasized that retail margins, especially for branded gasoline, have widened significantly, with large price gaps between branded stations and hypermarts/unbranded stations, and that some of the recent price increases were tied to the Iran conflict while earlier spikes were more consistent with localized market behavior and possible price gouging. DPMO also said it is investigating high-priced branded stations, monitoring algorithmic pricing under AB 325, and continuing to analyze diesel spot-market transparency. The CEC and CARB also discussed the Transportation Fuels Transition Plan and the SB 237 assessment, describing them as efforts to plan for a managed decline in fossil fuel demand while protecting workers, communities, and consumers. They said California’s climate goals remain centered on an 85% greenhouse gas reduction by 2045, with continued use of liquid fuels expected but with lower-carbon alternatives, more efficient vehicles, and alternative fuels playing a larger role. Committee members focused heavily on workforce impacts, the need for concrete transition planning, and whether the agencies could provide a clearer picture of what California’s fuel system will look like under the state’s long-term goals. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This prolonged closure has disrupted cattle supplies. It has also increased consumer beef prices.
• Probably last 40 to 50 years, gradually, but the closure of the ports has really been the icing on the
• But we have created and strengthened Mexico's cattle industry by the closure.
• Another point, people think by the closure of a packing plant, that's going to create more price.
• Another point, people think by the closure of a packing plant, that's going to create more price.

Committees: House International Trade , House House International Trade Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to mention sort of the elephant in the room, which is the closure of Stillwater.
• I also want to say thank God for the closure of Stillwater Prison.”
• He said the closure will have a great deal of impact on the area.
• He also said, “Thank God for the closure of Stillwater Prison.
• I'm going to shift the conversation quite a bit away from the closure of Stillwater.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just kind of ask you, this is just one of those things on potentially the impact of these closures
• And we're really focusing on risk, risk of closure, and on emergent needs.
• We focus on activities that have a high likelihood of preventing a closure.
• And then it immediately causes a road closure when we do that.
• And then it immediately causes a road closure when we do that.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee devoted the meeting to state highway preservation needs, with testimony from Troy Suing of the Department of Transportation’s Capital Program Development and Management program. Suing said the department is a national leader in asset planning, but current funding is not enough to keep up with preservation needs. He distinguished preservation from operations and maintenance, and outlined the main highway preservation categories: pavements, bridges, and other highway facilities such as slopes, rest areas, signal systems, retaining walls, and culverts. Suing presented data showing that many assets are already past the optimal “lowest life cycle” point for repair. He said about 40% of roads are overdue for preservation now, and roughly 85% could need some form of preservation within 10 years under current funding. For bridges, he said Washington has about 3,400 bridges, with an average age of 52 years, and about 9.9% are currently in poor condition, putting the state near the federal 10% threshold that could trigger more federal oversight. He also described culvert failures and bridge closures, including the Carbon River Bridge, as examples of how deferred maintenance can quickly disrupt communities. Committee members asked about liability risk, bridge project costs and regulatory burden, traffic data, and whether DOT is using more in-house crews for bridge work. Suing said deterioration increases tort and closure risks, bridge projects can involve significant design, environmental, permitting, and outreach costs, and DOT is relying more on maintenance forces in part because of the volume and urgency of repairs. He said the department’s 2026 supplemental budget identified preservation as one of five underfunded critical priorities and estimated a 10-year preservation need of $8 billion to address the backlog and become more proactive. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational and ended with committee appreciation for DOT staff and a brief birthday announcement from Senator Alvarado.