Transcript Highlights:

• of the appraised value of an improvement to a resident's homestead that is completely destroyed by fire
• I'm just grateful for her service all these years to Burton. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:06:14.319><c> Account</c> Colorado Drives Vehicle Services Account Colorado Drives Vehicle Services
• I will argue that a fee is a tax because ultimately you have to pay for that service, whatever that service
• </c> probably get fired. probably get fired.
• </c><01:38:01.119><c> service</c><01:38:01.440><c> was</c> say your military service service was say
• your military service service was actually<01:38:02.480><c> not</c><01:38:02.880><c> in</c><01:38:03.119

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Both spiritual and public service, leadership is not simply a position. It is about responsibility.
• And that is what makes meaningful service. That is what makes leadership.
• mission, that love is part of the mission, and that accountability is not separate from service.
• This part of the mission and that accountability is not separate from service.
• It is one of the clear signs that service is real.

Keywords: April 22, 2026 - Special Session 1, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we've got some specifics in here as to what a youth service organization is, what a youth worker is
• If they are not, then yes, a church would be a youth service organization if they're performing some
• It would not affect their services. Representative Scott. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• And so we're not seeing a decline in services in a lot of those different areas.
• And so we're not seeing a decline in services in a lot of those different areas.

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first considered RS 33584, introduced by Representative Tanner. He said the proposal would remove a current Idaho Code requirement that constitutional amendments and initiatives be separated from the ballot by a page break or separate form, allowing them to be printed in the next available space and potentially saving counties money on ballot printing. Representative Scott moved to introduce the RS, and the motion carried without opposition. The committee then heard RS 33633 from Representative Mitchell, a cleanup bill correcting election-related timelines from prior legislation. He said it would restore soil and water conservation districts to the same election schedule as other local offices, confirm mail-in ballot precinct timing at 45 days, and fix a canvassing deadline from 10 days to 9 days. Representative Scott asked about the odd-numbered November election timing, and Mitchell said it was intended to align with other elections. The motion to introduce the RS passed. Next, Representative Furman presented RS 33656, which would require youth service organizations to check the state and national sex offender registries for adults working with children, with limited exceptions for short-term or one-time volunteers. He said it was meant to protect children and align with practices already used by some organizations and insurers. Questions focused on churches, vacation Bible school, and the fiscal note; Furman said churches already doing background checks would generally satisfy the requirement and that there was no state budget impact, though private organizations might incur small training costs. The motion to introduce the RS carried. Finally, the committee debated RS 33683, a memorial supporting elimination of the U.S. Department of Education and greater state control over education. Representative Monks said the memorial reflected the governor’s office and the Trump administration’s agenda, and argued that education should be managed by the state without federal bureaucracy. Representative Church moved a substitute motion to introduce the memorial and hold a hearing, arguing the committee should examine the costs and practical effects of shifting federal responsibilities to the state. Several members discussed federal education mandates, special education, Title IX, and whether state bureaucracy would replace federal bureaucracy. The substitute motion to introduce RS 33683 passed, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You get an unusual amount of fires up there.
• This is a safety issue for the fire community as well. It truly is safety, Mr. Chair.
• They did not, and the MVD customer service rep said, I'm sorry, we can't help you.
• I serve with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest and also at St.
• Driver's licenses were recently added to our list of services.

Summary: The committee heard several transportation-related appropriation and policy bills. SB 1273 would appropriate $14 million in FY2027 for pavement rehabilitation of Olga Frontage Road between Bowie and San Simon; after brief discussion about the road’s length and whether it was on a rural transportation priority list, the bill was reported out 3-2 with a do pass recommendation. SB 1452 would create a cargo theft task force in the Attorney General’s office, modeled on the retail theft task force, with reporting and investigative duties; Tony Bradley of the Arizona Trucking Association testified in support, describing cargo theft as a growing, sophisticated problem and noting the funding would come from the consumer fraud protection fund rather than the general fund. The committee adopted an amendment making the task force subject to appropriations and then passed the bill 5-0. The committee also considered SB 1332, which would require the Auditor General and an independent transportation research entity to study Maricopa County light rail expansion and compare it with other transit technologies. Senator Kavanaugh argued the study was needed before committing billions more to light rail and said the governor’s office was open to the concept. Supporters, including local business owners, said the study would provide needed transparency and reflect concerns about business impacts and changing transportation options. Opponents, including Valley Metro, the City of Phoenix, and transit advocates, argued the state should not second-guess locally approved transit plans and pointed to existing studies, ridership, and economic development along light rail corridors. The bill passed 4-3. SB 1059 appropriates $9.2 million for an additional right-turn lane at State Route 87 and State Route 260, and Senator Wendy Rogers used the hearing to describe several rural road projects she and Representative Blackman were pursuing, emphasizing safety, congestion, and local requests from mayors and councils. Members broadly supported the need for rural infrastructure, and the bill was reported out unanimously. The committee then took up SB 1209, which would exempt homeless individuals and others without a residence address from non-operating ID fees if they prove U.S. citizenship. Testimony from the Homeless ID Project and ADOT focused on how IDs help people obtain work and services, how citizenship and authorized presence are verified, and whether the amendment would create operational or fiscal issues; the discussion continued as the transcript ended, with no final vote shown for that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• You get an unusual amount of fires up there.
• This is a safety issue for the fire community as well. It truly is safety, Mr. Chair.
• They did not, and the MVD customer service rep said, I'm sorry, we can't help you.
• I serve with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest and also at St.
• Driver's licenses were recently added to our list of services.

Bills: SB1059 , SB1209 , SB1273 , SB1332 , SB1452 , SB1456 , SB1549 , SB1552 , SB1818 , SB1826 , SB1827

Committee: House Transportation & Infrastructure

Keywords: appropriation, Department of Transportation, right turn lane, traffic improvement, infrastructure funding, nonoperating identification, homeless exemption, veterans, emancipated minors, Arizona Department of Transportation, transportation, infrastructure, pavement rehabilitation, funding, Arizona, SB1332, light rail, light rail expansion, Maricopa County, Phoenix

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to thank US Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F.
• Uh, the AFIS Veterinary Services, uh, their response preparedness have included that they're managing
• Um, so the ARS, the Agricultural Research Service has played an important part in this effort.
• And as we have heard today that Health or Health and Human Services, uh, issued the, uh, declaration
• , but out in front of the fire, embers are hitting and you're starting new fires.

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Transcript Highlights:

• Gino Talas is the director of Hopi Veterans Services.
• HB 2402, ambulus services certificate, Commerce.
• HB 2407, insurance claims claim, Health and Human Services.
• HB 2447, insurance reimbursement rate, Health and Human Services.
• HB 2692, procurement professionals construction service, Commerce.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recorded attendance at 56 present, zero absent, and four excused. Members then used personal privilege to introduce guests and recognize visiting groups, including the West Valley Regional Chamber, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics Arizona, Vitalant, and veterans and military representatives. The chamber and blood donor month proclamations were read, with Representative Bliss recognizing January as National Blood Donor Month in Arizona and Vitalant’s role in supplying most of the state’s blood supply, and Representative Aguilar declaring January 22, 2026, West Valley Regional Chamber Day. The House handled a large volume of procedural business, including reports of standing committees, first reading and referral of numerous bills and resolutions, and announcements of committee meetings. The bills covered a wide range of topics such as elections, education, housing, taxes, health care, artificial intelligence, veterans, public safety, and energy. Several measures were also withdrawn and reassigned to different committees, including referrals to the Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, Government, Public Safety and Law Enforcement, and Natural Resources, Energy, and Water. Members also made brief remarks honoring guests and community causes, including a Veterans Caucus lunch announcement focused on military-family policy and a personal remembrance by Senator Cruz. No substantive floor votes on legislation were taken beyond procedural approvals and the motion to adjourn. The House recessed and later adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, as folks know, the terrible fires and the Palisades destroyed about 10,000 homes and businesses near
• all without a standard review, taking advantage of the exemption that we give with regards to the fires
• all without a standard review, taking advantage of the exemption that we give with regards to the fires
• Developers can buy up fire-damaged coastal properties and rebuild without a coastal development permit
• Developers can buy up fire-damaged coastal properties and rebuild without a coastal development permit

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If we have a fire, it's not going to matter if it starts on federal land, comes over into state land,
• do business in New Mexico, uh, they had a video of an employee stealing, so they laid him off and fired
• I have got Sapola National Forest, and it's, if that catches on fire, it'd be devastating to my area.
• year, and we had to move our first committee meeting, Madam Chair, uh, from Riodoso because of the fires
• , and, um, I think the year before that we had to also adjust because of flooding and fires, and so that

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Greg Pappas, you're fired. You're fired, Pappas. All right, listen to Joyce.
• </c> my service or anything. my service or anything.
• an existing service.
• . service. service.
• . service. service.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then adopted a resolution honoring Dr. Todd Freeman, Superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools, as Alabama Superintendent of the Year. Senators praised his leadership in public education and noted the recognition was especially meaningful as one of the last such honors in the current chamber. The Senate also adopted a resolution commending the 2026 Alabama Law Institute Senate interns for their service, and members offered personal remarks thanking the interns and encouraging them to remain and contribute to Alabama in the future. The chamber then took up several conference committee and House messages. The Senate concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 341 after extended remarks, and later concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 32, described as a veterans-related bill that would make benefits automatic for those under the federal poverty level and allow cities and counties to opt in for veterans above that level. The Senate also received House amendments to Senate Bill 199, concerning sex offenders, and voted to non-concur and send the bill to conference, naming conferees. In resolutions from the Rules Committee, the Senate adopted an amended House Joint Resolution 198 establishing the Alabama Mental Health Task Force. It also adopted House Joint Resolution 326, which recognizes the need for a north-south transportation route in East Alabama. Throughout the meeting, senators made extended floor remarks about slowing down on legislation, focusing on rural hospitals and other priorities, and the importance of treating children, seniors, and low-income residents fairly.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just to summarize what this bill does, it identifies placement of the Office of the State Fire Marshal
• there's clarifications on the appropriations language, calling for one FTE blank appropriation for the fire
• marshal, two FTEs blank appropriations for the two deputy state fire marshals, and three FTEs for administrative
• Fire marshal, two FTEs blank appropriations for the two deputy state fire marshals, and three FTEs for

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a great little item up north on Carefree Highway that is doing great things and providing a great service
• a great little item up north on Carefree Highway that is doing great things and providing a great service
• And like I said, we are not stopping people from building or encroaching on the firing range.
• you are going camping or whatever, and I take my kids camping and you go out there driving on the fire
• Some schools weren't even doing fire drills, okay?

Committee: House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2763, which would require a joint resolution of the legislature before the Arizona Game and Fish Commission could close a state-run shooting range. The sponsor and several supporters, including a Prescott-area doctor, Arizona Citizens Defense League representatives, and Game and Fish staff, argued that closures can push shooters into unsafe public lands, create trash and safety problems, and that the legislature should have a voice in any closure decision. Game and Fish said its goal is to preserve Ben Avery and emphasized public safety. The bill was moved and received a do pass recommendation on an 8-1 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 2417, allowing courts to order speed-inhibiting devices as an alternative to license suspension or revocation for certain traffic offenses. Supporters said it could help people keep working and reduce recidivism, while opponents and some members raised concerns about scope and implementation. An amendment removed eligibility for people convicted of reckless driving or racing and clarified manufacturers are not required to build compatible vehicles. The bill, as amended, passed 7-2. House Bill 2345 followed, creating a felony for unlawfully present persons who possess a falsified commercial driver’s license and authorizing vehicle forfeiture and penalties for employers who knowingly hire such drivers. The sponsor framed it as a narrow public-safety measure, but the Arizona Trucking Association opposed it, arguing it was preempted by federal law, unworkable, and could jeopardize federal funding. Despite those concerns, the committee adopted an amendment and gave the bill a 5-3-1 do pass recommendation. The committee also advanced House Bill 2666, increasing penalties for sexual extortion involving victims ages 15 to 17; testimony from prosecutors and anti-trafficking advocates supported the bill, while defense attorneys and some members urged caution about juvenile defendants and mandatory consecutive sentences. It passed 8-0 with members noting possible future amendments. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2175, which adds hate-crime-style sentencing enhancements for bias-motivated offenses and expands protected categories to include political expression and political affiliation. The ADL and Maricopa County Attorney’s Office supported the measure as a needed tool, while the ACLU and defense attorneys warned the political-expression language was too broad and could chill speech or invite selective prosecution. The bill passed 6-2 after adoption of an amendment. House Bill 2186, which lets a passenger satisfy identity requirements during a traffic stop by verbally providing information instead of showing physical ID, also received a do pass recommendation on a 7-0-1 vote after the sponsor said it was meant to fix an unconstitutional vagueness problem. The transcript then began discussion of House Bill 2364, concerning penalties for distribution or receipt of abortion-inducing drugs by courier or delivery service, but the exchange was cut off before testimony or action on that bill was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Financial Working Group created by the Financial Services Committee in Congress, that has identified
• Financial Working Group created by the Financial Services Committee in Congress, that has identified
• uh Financial Services Committee in Congress<00:31:41.200><c> that</c><00:31:41.399><c> has</c><00:31
• He said he just thinks that is probably not right. drinking from a fire hose so um just drinking from
• a fire hose so um just give<00:37:02.640><c> us</c><00:37:02.760><c> a</c><00:37:02.880><c> few</c><

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:17 Attendance Roll Call: 00:41 Approval of Minutes: 02:40 HB 694: 03:16 SB 183: 18:32 Discussion on PPOB Membership: 36:10 Adjournment: 42:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its January 27 meeting and then took up House Bill 694, which would create a default rule for the Teachers’ Retirement System health insurance trust fund once it reaches 100% funding, currently anticipated around 2027. The bill would redirect two funding streams now going to the health trust—state payments on behalf of local districts and other employer contributions—into TRS pension benefits if the health fund reaches and maintains full funding. The sponsor said this would add about $154 million annually to TRS pensions and would only serve as a default if no other plan is adopted later. Members asked whether the bill would shift the unfunded liability to teachers or affect employee contributions. The sponsor and staff said it would not shift liability to teachers and would not change the employee contribution; only the employer-side payments would be redirected. Several members asked about the meaning of actuarial 100% funding, whether the fund could fall back below 100%, and whether employee contributions might be reduced in the future. The sponsor said the bill is based on actuarial projections, would revert the money back to the health trust if funding fell below 100%, and does not prevent future legislative or board action. Senator Higdon and others spoke in support of discussing the issue, noting the 2010 shared-responsibility changes and the need for a default approach as full funding is reached. The committee then heard Senate Bill 183, which would amend Kentucky law governing proxy advisers used by retirement systems. The sponsor said the bill would require proxy advisers, when handling shareholder-sponsored proposals, to act solely in the interest of retirement system members and beneficiaries and to provide an economic analysis when voting against a company board’s recommendation. He argued the measure is aimed at proxy advisers such as ISS and Glass Lewis, which he said often advance ESG-related proposals not tied to shareholder value. A guest from APCIA said the bill is meant to distinguish proxy advisers from investment managers and to strengthen the 2023 law by requiring a clearer economic justification for votes that depart from board recommendations. Members asked how proxy advisers differ from other financial advisers, whether Kentucky uses them, and whether the bill would prevent pension funds from investing in companies with ESG factors if those investments are profitable. The sponsor and guest said the bill would not bar such investments; it is intended to regulate proxy voting recommendations, not investment decisions. They described the bill as a proactive measure to reinforce fiduciary responsibility and limit outside proxy influence on pension voting. No final vote on either bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a discussion of legislative council services to legislators.
• I know we've had freshmen who just haven't used services, you know, even though, like, I was assigned
• And I know as freshmen, you know, drinking from the fire hose, I get that.
• Legislators, more services, more resources, have people down in the standing committees.
• They're providing a great public service, but they have limitations on what they can do.

Committee: Joint Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a discussion of legislative council services to legislators.
• And I know as freshmen, you know, drinking from the fire hose thing, I get that.
• They're providing a great public service, but they have limitations on what they can do.
• Or that child care services directive.
• And I think in the past, we've relied on to go back to human services.

Summary: The Legislative Procedures and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The committee first considered and adopted a Joint Rule 211 change clarifying the deadline and statutory references for bill drafts involving health insurance mandates, after discussion that the process is still somewhat cumbersome but improved by the clarification. The committee then reviewed a revised draft addressing confidentiality protections for certain legislators and candidates, but members expressed concerns about the breadth, enforceability, and transparency implications of the proposal, and the committee chose not to advance it at this time. The committee received an informational update on the new NCSL Legislator Security Fund. Staff explained that North Dakota is applying for the grant, which could provide about $200 per legislator for home security or related safety expenses, subject to Emergency Commission approval and reimbursement procedures. Members asked about eligible expenses, administrative burden, and whether new legislators would be covered; staff said guidance would be provided if funding is approved. The committee also approved the 2027 timing for the State of the Judiciary, tribal-state relationship message, and State of the State address on January 5, and set the Commerce Department and agricultural commodity reports for January 13 and 14, respectively, as required by statute. A major portion of the meeting focused on legislative staffing and organizational planning. The committee approved a recommendation for 36 Senate staff positions and 41 House staff positions, along with a 3% compensation increase for session staff. Discussion centered on replacing some procedural clerk duties with permanent policy analyst staff, retaining quality assurance roles for now, and adding or repurposing positions in IT, program evaluation, legal, and administration. Members also discussed expanding program evaluation capacity and the need for clearer oversight of new programs, with staff noting upcoming training and model-sharing with other states. Finally, the committee reviewed a proposed new legislator orientation day on November 30 and broader organizational session training changes, including mock committee and floor sessions, security training, and more robust budget/appropriations instruction, but took no final action on the agenda items and adjourned after completing the budget-related recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Help us to be mindful of service as you exemplified in the life of your dear Son, that we might put the
• An indication of the dedication and service of these four gentlemen.
• Hi to him from Christian County, and I was amazed by the funeral service that we had Saturday.
• So I just have a really quick question, but I assume the airport is already served by city services,
• So I just have a really quick question, but I assume the airport is already served by city services,

Summary: The House met for prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal, which passed 121-2 for February 26 and by voice vote for February 27. Members then offered several points of personal privilege, including tributes to law enforcement officers killed and wounded in Christian County, expressions of support for the affected families and departments, and recognition of a local racquetball championship and visiting guests, including U.S. Representatives Mark Alford and Eric Burlison and a child’s birthday. The chamber then took up numerous bills on third reading. HB 2097/1905, an elementary agriculture education pilot program, passed 148-0. HB 2167, authorizing the Attorney General’s Office to employ post-certified investigators in-house, passed 97-50, but its emergency clause failed 88-58 after debate over whether a unique emergency existed. HB 2747/2047, the Clean Slate expungement bill, passed 140-7 despite concerns about a fiscal note and implementation costs. HB 2587, addressing unmanned aircraft threats around large public gatherings and critical infrastructure, passed 140-2 and its emergency clause was adopted 133-11 ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Kansas City. Other bills passed included HB 1977 on civil detention for mental health evaluation (137-9), HB 2593 on National Guard and veterans-related matters including cybersecurity and tuition assistance (144-2), HB 1948, a fatherhood bill aimed at helping fathers overcome barriers to involvement with their children (141-4), and HB 2473, which clarifies handling of interest in real estate broker escrow accounts (149-0). The House also moved several bills to perfection, including HB 1786 on Highway Patrol purchase authority, HB 2105 on landlord water and sewer billing transparency, HB 2397 on water district dissolution thresholds, HB 2108 on Jefferson City viaduct and land conveyance issues, HB 2818 to annex St. Joseph Memorial Airport into city limits, and HB 1980 expanding peer review protections to EMTs and paramedics. The day ended with announcements, including an elections committee meeting and a rescheduled freshman meet-and-greet with the Attorney General.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of that is based on how we can provide superior legal representation services and diversion services
• We've also reached out to the private network of service providers through Diversion Hub Pivot.
• She knows that service desert is killing her population.
• These are fire suppression systems. These are door... That are safety and security.
• These are fire suppression systems. These are doors and lock projects.

Summary: The Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary heard presentations from several agencies. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported full National Association of Medical Examiners accreditation, major improvements in turnaround times, staffing growth to 18 forensic pathologists, and expanded rural coverage, but warned that a flat budget would leave it short of funds by August. The agency requested $4.5 million in recurring funding for professional staff and operations, citing rising supply, transport, IT, and facility costs, and said failure to fund the request would cause a catastrophic collapse. Members asked about cremation fees, other revenue sources, and the consequences of not funding the request; the chair said the recommendation would be forwarded but not necessarily adopted. The Council on Judicial Complaints said complaints against judges have roughly doubled since 2018, with most complaints involving dissatisfaction with judicial rulings rather than misconduct. The council emphasized its goal of responding within 90 days, its new judges college to prevent ethics problems, and the cost of removal proceedings. It requested an additional $125,000 on top of its current $300,000 appropriation to cover rising operating costs, a lease increase, judicial college expenses, and salary adjustments. Senators asked about case prioritization, turnover, staffing, and whether a specific courtroom incident could be investigated; the director said it would be an appropriate complaint to review. The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System described heavy caseloads in rural counties, a mix of satellite offices and county contracts, and a need to reduce attorney workloads, especially in Norman and Lawton. It requested funding for six resource navigators, a project manager, direct-care support, eight additional attorneys, internal training, and continued county contract funding, while also discussing possible diversion programs and grant opportunities. The Department of Corrections requested increases for county jail backup per diem and ICON maintenance, highlighted contraband interdiction, centralized visitation, mobile check-ins, and tablet-based efficiencies, and discussed an ICE detention contract at Watonga that brings in monthly revenue and jobs but is not counted in the budget request. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs presented a revised legacy-fund request tied to purchasing and remodeling a building shared with OSBI, saying the new plan would cost about $25 million total and save money compared with new construction; it also noted declining wire-transfer revenue tied to fewer grow operations and other enforcement changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And every day we are moving people off and into services.
• We are in the customer service business, and it is our responsibility.
• In my early 20s, I lost my home in a house fire.
• Just wanted to say thank you all for your service.
• I'm just real quick to say we need to love everyone. ...for your services.

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A new location, a new product or service.
• ESEs have been part of the fire recovery efforts in L.A. through L.A. Basin cleanup.
• Our services become even more critical when there is a disaster.
• During the L.A. fires alone, we provided more than 8,000 thousand businesses.
• During the L.A. fires alone, we provided more than 8,000 hours of direct client services, helping owners

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview from Go-Biz Director D.D. Myers on the administration’s economic development strategy, centered on the California Jobs First framework. Myers described regional planning across 13 regions, the Jobs First Council, and pilot sectors including ag-tech, space and defense, life sciences, and semiconductors. She also outlined budget requests for CalCompetes, CalExport, the California Film Commission, innovation/emerging technologies, and the California Civic Media Fund, along with the new California brand campaign. Committee members raised questions about misinformation about California, regulatory burdens, tourism versus broader economic messaging, and how the brand campaign would highlight underrepresented communities. No vote was taken; the item was informational. The committee then reviewed CalOSBA’s work on small business support, including California RISE, the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, and TAP/SIP technical assistance and capital infusion programs. CalOSBA reported that California RISE’s first cohort awarded $16.9 million to 61 employment social enterprises, with growth in revenue, contracts, and jobs; the performing arts payroll fund paid all 100 recipients but was heavily oversubscribed; and TAP supported more than 112,000 businesses in the past year, helping leverage federal and local funds. Testimony from program partners emphasized the importance of small business counseling, community-based outreach, and support for arts organizations facing post-pandemic and AB 5-related cost pressures. Senators pressed for more data on long-term job retention, better outreach to smaller and ethnic media, and possible program changes to speed grants and stretch funding further. Finally, the committee heard Go-Biz’s request for additional staff and funding for the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program. Staff said the request would support application review, DEIA implementation, and data tracking. The Film Commission reported that about 147 productions had been approved and roughly 90% were opting into the new diversity provisions, with career pathways reporting to include demographic and participation data and a future report expected in 2027. Senators asked about accountability, apprenticeship and internship hours, and whether the program was producing real career pathways and inclusive hiring outcomes. The item remained informational, with no vote or action taken during the hearing.