Transcript Highlights:

• Let’s just use the school district for example.
• School district, and, you know, they’re scared right now.
• But I believe schools can't. There are ways to do this.
• But I believe schools can't use sales taxes. Isn't that correct?
• I want schools. I want fire. I want... I want schools. I want fire. I want...

Committee: House Ways and Means

Summary: The committee first took up House Joint Resolution 169, which would cap spending growth and was described by supporters as a taxpayer protection measure. Representative Taylor opposed it, arguing the legislature was already considering too many tax-related measures at once and lacked a broader strategy. The sponsor said the resolution was about limiting spending, not taxes, and offered a committee substitute that added fees and surcharges into the baseline and addressed tax credits. After discussion, the substitute was adopted and the committee voted the House Committee Substitute for HJR 169 do pass, with Taylor and Strickler voting no. The committee then heard House Bill 2819, which would allow rounding of cash transactions now that pennies are no longer being produced. The sponsor explained a committee substitute added safe-harbor language to protect merchants from lawsuits over rounding errors. Members asked about the rounding rules and confirmed the bill remained permissive rather than mandatory. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2819 do pass unanimously. House Bill 2746, sponsored by Representative Williams, would create a property tax map feature on the Department of Revenue website showing current levies and assessed values to improve transparency. Supporters said it would help homeowners compare assessments and understand property tax differences, while opponents and agency witnesses raised concerns about the large startup cost, estimated at about $7 million, the need to gather data from many counties, and the fact that some counties already provide similar information. The Department of Revenue and State Tax Commission witnesses said the data would be difficult to compile statewide and that local participation and data standards vary widely. The bill was heard, but no vote was taken in the transcript. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2329, which would gradually reduce the assessment ratio for personal property from about 33 1/3% to 18% over three years. The sponsor argued the tax is burdensome, especially for working families and businesses, and said it would encourage a broader shift away from personal property taxation. Supporters echoed that it is a highly visible and unpopular tax. Opponents, including a county assessor, warned the bill would sharply reduce local tax bases, especially in rural counties, and likely force levy increases on real property or cuts to schools and other districts. The hearing ended without a committee vote on HB 2329.

Transcript Highlights:

• schools and which schools or is that a policy question? Julie Lindsay, Legislative Budget Board.
• That is what we fund on and then we'll settle up with school districts at the end of the school year.
• It has all the medical schools.
• This is school-based.
• is that when our schools would refer a child out from the school.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: budget, House Bill 1, public education, healthcare, border security, federal funding, spending limits

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on reviewing the proposed budget for the upcoming biennium, with substantial discussions around House Bill 1 and its implications for public education, healthcare, and border security. The Comptroller presented a revenue overview indicating a total of $194.6 billion available for general purpose spending, which reflects a slight decrease compared to previous years due to fluctuating economic conditions. Members raised questions regarding spending limits and the impact of federal funding on state programs, highlighting concerns about the sustainability of funding in light of potential changes at the federal level.

Transcript Highlights:

• We pay state taxes through purchases or through canteen purchases. Oh, we're processed.
• I'm a 14-year-old and I am a student at Frontier Regional High School.
• I'm a 14-year-old and I am a student at Frontier Regional High School.
• I'm a teacher in Springfield and a member of the Frontier Regional School Committee.
• rights to 16- and 17-year-olds, as did my own Frontier Regional School Committee.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on a wide range of voting-access and election-administration bills. The largest portion of testimony focused on same-day voter registration (H. 834/S. 505), with support from Rep. Gentile, Boston and Chelsea officials, civic groups, and election administrators from Maine and Vermont. Supporters argued that same-day registration would help eligible voters who move frequently, miss deadlines, or face administrative errors, and would reduce rejected provisional ballots. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Vermont elections director Sean Sheehan testified that same-day registration has worked in their states without major administrative problems and has helped increase turnout. A Boston-based panel also described high rejection rates for provisional ballots and the burden of registration cutoffs on renters, students, immigrants, and low-income voters. A second major topic was restoration of voting rights for incarcerated people, including S. 524 and related House bills. The committee heard extensive virtual testimony from incarcerated individuals at MCI Norfolk and MCI Shirley, who said voting should be restored as part of rehabilitation, civic engagement, and reintegration. They described disenfranchisement as dehumanizing and argued that voting would help maintain family and community ties, reduce recidivism, and give incarcerated people a voice on laws affecting prisons and reentry. Rep. Erica Uyterhoeven also testified in support, saying the bill would restore municipal voting rights for incarcerated residents and align with broader efforts to expand political participation. The committee also heard testimony on bills affecting election administration and access, including a proposal to reduce or eliminate mandated early in-person voting in primaries and shorten the general-election early voting period, with supporters from the town clerks’ community arguing that low usage, staffing burdens, and costs justify the change. Opponents warned that reducing in-person early voting could hurt voters who do not use mail ballots and could disproportionately affect communities of color. Other bills discussed included decoupling the municipal census from voter registration, requiring periodic accessibility inspections of polling places, and a Somerville home-rule petition on non-citizen municipal voting and another on lowering the voting age in municipal elections. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• But it's not a hospital, it's a school, a hospital school.
• But it's not a hospital, it's a school, a hospital school.
• Yes, as you know, there's a school. The Brayton School is on the Canton campus and is run by DESE.
• Sam began in public school.
• When the day school program closed, Samantha returned to public school.

Summary: The hearing focused on the future of the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children and the work of the special legislative commission studying whether and how the facility should continue. Senators and representatives said the Legislature has continued funding Pappas, that the hospital cannot be closed before the commission reports, and that they are seeking to extend the commission’s deadline. Multiple commissioners and witnesses described Pappas as a unique setting combining inpatient medical care, residential programming, special education, therapy, and campus-based activities for children with complex medical needs. Union leaders, staff, parents, and local officials argued that Pappas is being quietly depopulated through blocked admissions and continued discharges despite the formal pause on closure. They said the hospital’s integrated model cannot be replicated elsewhere, that families and staff are being left in limbo, and that the state should invest in repairs, modernization, and possibly temporary modular space to reopen admissions. Several witnesses emphasized the impact on children who have benefited from Pappas and on workers who fear losing a specialized workforce built over decades. Department of Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein said the state is committed to keeping Pappas open and stable while the commission works, but that admissions must meet hospital-level-of-care standards and the current infrastructure limits who can safely be served. He said the administration has been expanding outreach, hiring staff, and exploring ways to broaden services, including outpatient and therapy programs over time. Commissioners pressed him on why admissions remain so limited and whether the facility is being effectively depopulated, while Goldstein maintained that the restrictions reflect legal and safety requirements rather than an effort to close the hospital.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's important to remember that when we speak of this block grant, it's for equipment purchases
• It's for ambulance purchases. It's not for salaries.
• 06.479><c> we</c><00:07:06.639><c> look</c><00:07:06.720><c> at</c><00:07:06.880><c> the</c> same purchase
• when we look at the same purchase when we look at the inflation.<00:07:07.759><c> But</c><00:07:07.919
• we see have skyrocketed bigger purchases we see have skyrocketed through<00:10:26.720><c> the</c><00

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS) 00:00:53 Approval of Minutes 00:23:37, 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Board of EMS presented an additional budget request focused on grant funding for local EMS agencies, not agency operations. Officials said the board has 13 full-time staff after losing employees in the 2022 transition back to state government, and that the request would be a 100% pass-through to providers. They initially described two requests totaling $12.91 million: $10.8 million for the EMS block grant and $2.1 million for workforce education tied to House Bill 484, but later said they would withdraw the $2.1 million request because rural health transformation funding appears likely to cover those education needs. Most of the testimony explained why the EMS block grant should be increased. The board said the grant began in 1980 at about $1.2 million and has remained largely unchanged while EMS costs have risen sharply. They cited higher prices for ambulances, stretchers, and cardiac monitors, along with increased labor and reimbursement pressures. Board members emphasized that modern EMS now provides much more advanced care in the field, especially in rural areas, and argued that equipment such as 12-lead cardiac monitors can significantly improve patient outcomes. They said the current grant provides about $10,000 per county, while the request would raise funding to about $100,000 per county and increase the per-capita amount from roughly 26 cents to $2.60. Members also discussed whether the block grant statute should be reformed to target need more directly. Board officials said they had considered making the grant more competitive, but decided against it for now because many counties rely on the annual funding and shifting money away from some areas would create hardship. In response to questions, they said Kentucky has about 160 class one EMS agencies providing 911 response across 120 counties, and that grant awards in recent years reached 91 counties, then 108, then 110 counties. They also highlighted the cost and safety benefits of power loading systems for stretchers, saying they can reduce back injuries and help retain EMS workers, but are often unaffordable for smaller departments. No votes were taken on the budget request during the hearing. After the testimony and questions, the committee approved the minutes from the prior meeting by motion and second, with no opposition, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• School, Acoe High School, St.
• Augustine High School, and Seabreeze High School.
• schools.
• It restricts participation in the schools at different schools within the same school year unless the
• It restricts participation in the schools at different schools within the same school year unless the

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Republicans and Democrats alike have given strong support to the county-based purchasers.
• </c><00:08:42.000><c> They're</c> we call county-based purchasers.
• They're we call county-based purchasers.
• </c> support to the county-based purchasers. support to the county-based purchasers.
• purchasing counties have been<00:12:32.240><c> doing</c><00:12:32.600><c> that.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The interview focused on Senate File 3612, which the senator described as “patient-centered care” legislation for Minnesota’s Medicaid and MinnesotaCare programs. He said the bill would remove private insurers and HMOs from administering those public programs, replace them with a state contract for claims processing and administrative services, and shift care coordination directly to primary care clinics, counties, and nonprofits. He argued the current managed-care system creates churn, prior-authorization barriers, and fragmented care, and said providers should manage care rather than insurers. The senator repeatedly cited Connecticut as a model, saying that state moved away from managed care, improved primary care participation, and saved money. He also argued Minnesota’s current system lacks transparency and may be overpaying health plans, pointing to fraud concerns and a past example in which UCare returned money to the state after an overpayment. He said the bill would improve accountability, make fraud easier to detect, and could save taxpayers billions, though he emphasized his main goal was better care rather than savings. On support and prospects, he said the bill has backing from the governor and the American Cancer Society but currently only DFL co-authors. He said he does not expect it to become law this year because the fiscal note and details are still pending, and he does not expect insurance companies to support it. He added that he is open to discussion but sees the insurers as fundamentally opposed. The interview ended with him saying workers in insurance and claims processing should be treated fairly and offered retraining or dislocated-worker support if broader reforms reduce their roles.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then federal law also covers the age limits on who can purchase long guns and handguns.
• You cannot purchase a handgun by federal law until you're 21.
• You can purchase a long gun when you're 18. That's the... ...until you're 21.
• You can purchase a long gun when you're 18. That's the federal law. Same with ammunition.
• There are very tight restrictions on the purchase of firearms and ammunition everywhere.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 4876, which relates to the withdrawal of certain deposits placed in escrow in connection with the purchase
• Presently in Texas, an earnest money deposit made by a purchaser for the purchase of a condominium unit
• The purchase agreement must expressly disclose that those deposits may be used for agreement and before
• Currently, deposits made by a purchaser for the purchase of a condominium home must be held in an escrow
• account until the home is conveyed to the purchaser.

Transcript Highlights:

• 4876, which relates to the withdrawal of certain deposits placed in escrow in connection with the purchase
• An earnest money deposit made by a purchaser for the purchase of a condominium unit must be held in an
• The purchase agreement must expressly disclose that those deposits may be used for construction, and
• Deposits made by a purchaser for the purchase of a condominium home must be held in an escrow account
• . ...until the home is conveyed to the purchaser.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But the word right up front is buy or purchase, and you think, hey, I just purchased this thing.
• I'm saying buy or purchase unless they give an upfront acknowledgement from the consumer of what it is
• Right now, that's not happening with many digital purchases.
• Companies use the same words, buy or purchase, for things that you digital purchases.
• I purchased it from him, and his father before him started the business in 1929.

Committee: House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Summary: The Commerce Committee heard and acted on multiple bills. HB 2192, a child influencer bill, would require compensation for minors featured in monetized content to be placed in trust, create a process for minors or adults to request takedown of content, and add restrictions on sexualized depictions of minors. The sponsor and Google supported it as model legislation; members raised questions about compliance, age 13 access to earnings, and removal rights at 18. It passed 9-0 with 2 present. HB 2501, an agency bill conforming Arizona’s appraisal management company definition to federal law, also passed unanimously 11-0. HB 2693, which revises bona fide association rules to allow self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangements through statewide chambers or business leagues, passed 8-1 after an amendment; one member cited possible federal preemption in opposing it. HB 2010, the digital goods disclosure bill requiring clearer “buy/purchase” language and prorated refunds when access changes, passed unanimously after amendment, with supporters calling it a consumer protection measure and retailers warning about compliance burdens and possible preemption. The committee then considered HB 2279, which would exempt commercial river outfitters in Grand Canyon National Park from liability for injuries or deaths arising from inherent risks of river trips, while preserving liability for gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Supporters said it aligns Arizona with other western states and reflects existing federal oversight; opponents argued it could violate Arizona’s anti-abrogation clause and improperly define inherent risk. The bill passed 7-4. HB 2690, which would tighten unemployment insurance eligibility by requiring more work-search actions, weekly reporting, and pre-claim data cross-checks, drew strong opposition from advocates who said it would add red tape and harm eligible claimants; supporters said it would reduce fraud and encourage work. It passed 7-4. HB 2310, clarifying that qualified marketplace contractor agreements may be terminated unilaterally by the contractor, passed 10-0. The committee also approved HB 2555, requiring retail businesses with physical locations to accept cash for purchases of $100 or less and prohibiting cash fees, after an amendment exempting rentals and mobile home vendors; supporters emphasized access for unbanked consumers and small purchases, while one member objected that businesses should self-govern. It passed 10-0. HB 2199, which requires RV park managers to complete education on landlord-tenant laws similar to mobile home park managers, passed 7-0 with 3 present after testimony from homeowner advocates and park groups in support. Finally, HB 2459 was introduced at the end of the meeting; it would allow landlords to pass through utility charges actually imposed by providers and add an administrative fee for submetering, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or a vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, it wasn't clearly stated in statute the definition of, quote, purchase.
• So what this legislation seeks to do on page of, quote, purchase.
• And then it was insinuated that... of, quote, purchase.
• But if they are added on as an additional immunity, out and purchases, that's one thing.
• In fact, there are many cases, depending on what insurance I have, that they require me to purchase that

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, in 1981, the legislature had a unique opportunity to purchase the old mills, which was established
• It expands the range of items PUDs may purchase through a pre-approved vendor list process.
• It expands the range of items a PUD may purchase through a pre-approved vendor list process.
• It expands the range of items a PUD may purchase through a pre-approved vendor list process.
• It expands the range of items a PUD may purchase through a pre-approved vendor list process.

Bills: SB6269 , SB6223 , SB5982 , SB6050 , SB5965 , SB5975 , SB6010 , SB5984 , SB6076 , SB5652

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: motor fuel, fuel quality act, RCW 19.112, alternative fuel, biodiesel, renewable diesel, ethanol blend, alcohol fuel, diesel fuel, nonhazardous motor fuel, biofuels, clean fuels, transportation fuels, Washington fuel standards, fuel labeling, fuel blending, petroleum products, natural gas vehicles, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:15:14.960><c> in</c> 10,000 acres that have been purchased in 10,000 acres that have been purchased
• </c> high school. high school.
• </c> purchase it. Yes. purchase it. Yes.
• This removes the requirement of the school to do attendance only so they can offer online courses.
• HB 533 came about as a conversation between my daughter, who goes and visits schools.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:44:59.120><c> in</c> Capital capitalized license purchase in Capital capitalized license purchase
• </c> the other Debt Service uh and school the other Debt Service uh and school building<04:36:03.879>
• to New Hampshire students in New Hampshire schools.
• to New Hampshire students in New Hampshire schools.
• in New Hampshire schools okay students in New Hampshire schools okay so<04:39:57.560><c> you're</c><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard the Banking Department’s fiscal year 2026-2027 budget presentation from Commissioner Amelia Galeri. She described the department as a self-funded consumer protection regulator overseeing two main areas: the Banking Trust Division, which supervises state-chartered banks, credit unions, and trust companies, and the Consumer Credit Division, which oversees more than 7,000 licensees including mortgage and money transmitter businesses. She said the department’s budget is about 86% salaries and benefits, with 53 positions all filled, and explained that the agency funds itself through fees, fines, and end-of-year assessments on regulated entities. Galeri said the department is facing workload growth from several directions: continued growth in the trust industry, increased fintech supervision, and a new requirement to regularly examine auto dealers that take finance applications, which adds about 300 exams over two fiscal years. She said the department was directed to flat-fund its budget based on 2025 levels but was allowed to increase travel and training. To stay within that limit, she said the department reduced office space, went paperless, converted administrative and licensing positions into examiner positions, and expects to defund an embedded DOJ database administrator position once a new SharePoint system is fully implemented. Members asked about how the department’s revenue and assessments work, including whether fees were increasing and how much existing banks would pay. Galeri said fees are not being raised, most banks pay little or no fines, and assessments are based largely on asset size, with trust companies paying the bulk. She also explained that fines are set by statute, generally capped at $2,500 per violation for consumer credit entities, and said she would not recommend increasing that cap. The committee then voted to accept the Banking Department’s budget proposal as presented in HQ1, with a motion and second and no discussion. The transcript then moved to the Department of Energy budget. Commissioner Jared Chakin and Chief of Operations Lenny Radio discussed federal program funding, including LIHEAP fuel assistance and weatherization. They said the apparent drop in fuel assistance funding from FY 2024 actuals to the budgeted amount is due to the loss of ARPA and CARES Act supplemental funds, while weatherization remains a federally constrained program with a waiting list and limited flexibility. Members also asked about a proposed transfer from the renewable energy fund; staff said the transfer would still allow the department to carry out its statutory duties for the year, though the committee deferred deeper discussion until House Bill 2.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee adopted an amendment that stated the prorated refund only for digital goods that were purchased
• Happy to answer any questions. ...the bill by reducing the time period for which a purchaser of a digital
• committee adopted an amendment that stated the prorated refund only for digital goods that were purchased
• of a digital good may receive a prorated by reducing the time period for which a purchaser of a digital
• committee adopted an amendment that stated the prorated refund only for digital goods that were purchased

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, you also said that there's the average age has gone for purchasing homes has gone up to, I
• </c> average age has gone for purchasing average age has gone for purchasing homes<00:18:03.280><c> has
• a home out to that age purchase a home out to that age differently?
• Before moving in, those kids at Vista often left school unsure of where they would sleep that night.
• Before moving in, those kids at Vista often left school unsure of where they would sleep that night.

Bills: HF3425 , HF3424 , HF1385

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: supportive housing, grants, housing assistance, funding, Minnesota Statutes, eviction, rent, nonpayment of rent, landlord-tenant, residential tenant, notice to quit, unlawful detainer, housing, lease violation, late fees, rental assistance, legal aid, tenant rights, Minnesota Statutes 504B.321, pre-eviction notice

Transcript Highlights:

• In the rural counties, or 33 counties now that use county-based purchasing, we would continue to use
• and state and counties would be able to continue to choose whether to be part of a county-based purchaser
• Paragraph B: the counties that use county-based purchasing would continue to do that, or they and others
• We’ve got lots of issues like the county-based purchasing, all those things I think are great.
• We’ve got lots of issues like the county-based purchasing, all those things I think are great.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're purchasing a three-story building, which, as you can tell, has very easy access to the different
• </c> the city Town municipality school the city Town municipality school district<03:49:07.120><c> and
• since then we've contract for purchase since then we've engaged<03:52:03.439><c> in</c><03:52:03.680
• a threeory building um we're purchasing a threeory building which<03:52:31.800><c> as</c><03:52:32.120
• The purchase price is $5 million, and we expect to close in March.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held an orientation for new and returning members of the House committee on agencies and administration, with introductions from members and staff. Chair Carol Maguire outlined her expectations for hearings: keep questions focused on the bill, be respectful to witnesses, and use the committee’s orientation opportunities to learn about the jail staff, retirement system, and Office of Professional Licensure. Members also discussed related assignments on other bodies, including the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules and the Joint Committee on Employee Classification, and noted that some members already serve on those panels. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the State Building Code and the committee’s upcoming workload. Members explained how the state code is intended to provide a common baseline while allowing limited local options, and why municipalities must formally adopt and publish any local amendments. They reviewed several anticipated bills: a consolidation bill to gather building-code enforcement materials in one place, a bill to update the state energy code, a bill to restrict municipal adoption of building-code changes, and a bill to update the electrical code. Members also discussed how building codes apply to older homes and commercial buildings, and why code updates are important for safety and clarity. The chair said the committee had 36 bills currently scheduled, including many early bills that must move by March 6 because they will be heard by two committees. She said the committee would use subcommittees for harder bills, with three subcommittees this year: pensions, licensing, and likely state building code. She also outlined the hearing schedule, including lighter bills on February 12 and the expectation of executive sessions later in the month. No votes were taken during the orientation, but members were told that public hearings do not require a quorum and that hard copies of bills would be distributed by committee staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Michael Plessani with Schools Insurance Authority, testifying today as a member on behalf of the
• I'm Michael Plessani with Schools Insurance Authority testifying today as a member on behalf of the California
• For schools, this comes at the same time they're managing significant financial pressures related to
• Utilities have long given customers the option to purchase home protection contracts to cover repairs
• Good morning, Cassie Mancini, on behalf of the California School Employees Association, in support.

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee met as a subcommittee at first because a quorum was not initially present, then later established a quorum and heard several bills. The main special-order item was AB 1795 (Gibson), which would create statewide standards for testing, inspection, and remediation of wildfire smoke damage in homes, with CalEPA and public health agencies developing science-based standards and insurers required to follow new claims-handling timelines. Supporters, including Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and wildfire survivors, said the bill would bring consistency and safety; insurers and consumer groups generally supported the concept but sought further amendments on scope, standards, and claim handling. The committee voted do pass as amended and refer AB 1795 to Appropriations, with the roll held open for later additions. The committee also considered AB 1576 (Ortega) on the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund, which would make changes intended to reduce litigation and employer assessments while preserving the program’s purpose of encouraging hiring of workers with prior disabilities. Labor-side witnesses supported the bill as a reform step, while business, public entity, and insurance groups opposed it, arguing it did not address the core structural problems and that a trailer bill was a better vehicle for broader reform. AB 1576 was voted do pass to Appropriations, with the roll held open. AB 1931 (Papan) would create an optional limited-lines license for utilities to offer home protection products for repairs to appliances and utility service lines. Support came from HomeServe, utilities, and industry groups, who said the bill would clarify current law and add consumer protections such as training, disclosures, and a free-look period; there was no opposition in the room. The committee passed AB 1931 to Appropriations. AB 2361 (Pacheco) would limit vicarious liability for peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing platforms like Turo while preserving insurance coverage requirements; supporters said it would align California with other states, while consumer attorneys opposed it as reducing accountability and consumer recovery. The committee passed AB 2361 as amended to Appropriations. AB 2098 (Kalra), heard later, would require employers to allow leave for workers to attend treatment for occupational injuries during work hours, subject to notice and business-necessity limits; labor groups supported it and business and insurance groups sought narrower standards. It was also voted do pass to Appropriations. The committee then completed roll-call add-ons and adjourned.