Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Sangita Shankar, and I serve as a California regional... Hi, good afternoon.
• I'm Sangita Shankar, and I serve as a California regional director for the Hindu-American Foundation.
• The government is not motivated to operate at the lowest possible price, in my opinion.
• It's about basic fairness and operational... ...by over 550 nonprofit leaders.
• I operate on a 5% margin.

Summary: The Governmental Organization Committee heard a series of bills on holidays, procurement, public safety, and business regulation. AB 268 would add Diwali as an official state holiday and allow schools and state workers limited flexibility to observe it; supporters described it as a recognition of California’s large South Asian and Hindu communities, and there was no opposition. AB 770 would define “customary maintenance” for outdoor advertising displays to clarify what repairs and reinforcements are allowed; the bill was presented as a safety and consistency measure for the billboard industry. AB 783 would authorize the Department of General Services to negotiate bulk pricing for construction materials to help disaster-affected communities rebuild more affordably, with supporters from the housing and building sectors and some members raising concerns about state contracting, storage, and implementation. AB 381 would update state procurement rules to better prevent human trafficking and forced labor in supply chains, aligning state policy with federal standards and drawing support from anti-trafficking advocates, labor, and local government representatives. AB 668 would extend drink-spiking prevention measures to music festivals by requiring test strips, drink lids, and reporting procedures; supporters emphasized victim safety and underreporting, while venue operators opposed the bill unless amended, citing feasibility and cost concerns. AB 880 would require prompt payment and indirect cost coverage for nonprofits contracting with the state, with broad nonprofit support and no opposition. AB 989 would make California Native American Day a paid holiday, with tribal and allied support. AB 592 would extend and expand temporary outdoor dining and alcohol service flexibilities for restaurants, with strong support from restaurant and business groups and opposition from alcohol policy advocates who preferred a narrower or permanent grandfathering approach. Most bills advanced on committee votes, generally on party-line or broad bipartisan support. AB 770 was moved to Appropriations, AB 783 was passed as amended to the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management, AB 381 was sent to Labor, AB 668 and AB 880 were sent to Appropriations, AB 989 was sent to Public Employees and Retirement, and AB 592 was sent to Health. The committee also took up a consent calendar containing several additional bills, which was approved. The hearing ended with the roll left open for additional votes and adjournment at 3:17 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The customer resource center, The customer resource center, that there's now one phone number everybody
• They're rooted in communities across every region of the state.
• Businesses of every size face pressure from high operating costs.
• We serve 46 cities and towns across the MetroWest region.
• We serve 46 cities and towns across the metro west region.

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming

Summary: The hearing focused on the value of Mass Save, with committee members and witnesses largely emphasizing that the program lowers energy bills, reduces peak demand, supports climate goals, and delivers benefits beyond direct participants. The chair opened by noting Mass Save’s long-term savings, its role in weatherization and heat pump deployment, and recent statutory changes directing the program toward emissions reductions, low- and moderate-income households, and fossil-fuel restrictions. Elizabeth Mahoney of the Department of Energy Resources said the program has evolved to broaden access and control costs, citing large weatherization totals, heat pump installations, avoided emissions, and budget controls that removed $500 million from the approved plan. She also said the governor’s proposal to have only electric utilities administer Mass Save was intended to reduce administrative and procurement costs, and she explained that outreach to low- and moderate-income communities is counted within marketing spending. Several witnesses addressed the program’s workforce and business impacts. Dave Betcher of Abode Energy Management and Rick Taglienti of Rogers Insulation said Mass Save sustains small businesses, contractors, and thousands of jobs by creating stable demand for energy-efficiency work, while warning that sharp budget cuts would lead to layoffs and discourage investment in training, equipment, and hiring. Committee members pressed them on who administers the program, and both said the program administrators and utilities collaborate, with day-to-day contractor oversight and customer work largely delegated to private vendors and community partners. Other witnesses, including Brian Biot and James Collins of the low-income network, described the “quarterbacking” model used for income-eligible customers, where community action agencies provide full project management, technical support, and wraparound services to help households access fuel assistance, discount rates, weatherization, and electrification measures. A major theme was cost-effectiveness and system-wide savings. Anna Johnson of ACEEE and Kyle Murray of Acadia Center said Mass Save returns more than it costs, reduces peak demand, and lowers prices for all ratepayers, including those who do not participate directly. They cited avoided costs in the billions, strong state rankings, and examples of peak-hour savings that avoid expensive generation and infrastructure. Amy Boyd-Rabin of the Environmental League of Massachusetts argued that energy efficiency is the cheapest way to achieve greenhouse gas reductions and that cutting the program would force more expensive power plants to run. Bronte Payne of Sunrun and Ben Sondaga of Highland Electric Fleets highlighted Connected Solutions, a Mass Save-funded virtual power plant program, saying it saves ratepayers money and can use home batteries and electric school buses to reduce peak demand and support grid reliability. Equity and affordable housing witnesses, including Mary Wampo and Barney Heath, said Mass Save has become more responsive to renters, low-income households, and designated equity communities, while also helping affordable housing projects meet passive house and electrification standards; no votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:04.120><c> when</c> Health crisis calls 2 988 centers when Health crisis calls 2 988 centers
• a 24/7 operation?
• It is a 24/7 operation.
• We have 10 mobile crisis teams operated through our community mental health centers, and those mobile
• So out of the, uh, mental health, our regional mental health community centers, how many are kind of

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• as a consideration, where an employer was offering microchips for the purposes of efficiencies, security
• I'm mainly worrying that the employees know that camera's there, like in the operating room—not only
• For the first layer, the Employment Security Department divides the total premium into two shares: a
• When a contractor is obligated to the city, the company is working with security.
• After that as well, it looks like we'll be hearing from Boris Gressley from the Western States Regional

Bills: HB2144 , HB2190 , HB2191 , HB2303 , HB2345

Committee: House Labor & Workplace Standards

Keywords: employee monitoring, workplace privacy, performance evaluations, notification, transparency, language access, collective bargaining, providers, healthcare, interpreters, social services, construction, wage theft, misclassification, independent contractor, employee classification, fringe benefits, prevailing wages, subcontractor liability, joint and several liability

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Deputy Superintendent of Operations for DOE.
• People paying their water bills pays for the operation and maintenance of our infrastructure serving
• that exist Regional alliances that exist now<01:45:50.440><c> going</c><01:45:50.760><c> forward</c>
• </c><01:56:42.760><c> for</c> kava uni kalava was the security for kava uni kalava was the security for
• Have a good day. support the creation and operation of support the creation and operation of this<02:

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 114, concerning employment in the State Historic Preservation Program, drew support from DLNR, which said the measure would help retain qualified archaeologists, architects, and other professionals by preserving current pay levels for a limited number of positions. Members raised concerns about expanding exempt positions and the effect on union coverage, and DLNR said it was also working with DEHRD on longer-term reclassification issues. No vote was taken on the bill in the portion provided. HB 12, relating to tort liability, drew strong opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, which argued the bill would create overly broad immunity for landowners, conflict with Hawaii’s comparative fault framework, and undermine existing recreational liability law. Supporters said it would reduce liability concerns and encourage landowners to allow hiking, hunting, search-and-rescue training, and firearms-related uses on private land. The committee then moved on without any recorded vote in the excerpt. The committee also discussed HB 29 on counties, but no county representative was present, and members questioned whether the proposal should instead proceed through condemnation if it involved a forced sale. HB 175 on property maintenance received DLNR comments that the bill should be narrowed to noxious weeds and that fire-related provisions were more properly handled by county fire departments and the State Fire Marshal. HB 331 on permits drew support from several state agencies, but the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed it unless “repetitive construction” was defined more clearly; members and agencies discussed narrowing the bill to avoid unintended impacts on water and utility infrastructure. The committee also heard strong support for HB 3 on North Shore beach management, HB 309 on fish ponds, and HB 306 on water code penalties, though the Board of Water Supply raised concerns about increased fines and suggested an alternative governor’s bill and clearer administrative rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• The security of their infrastructure needs to be protected. Their costs need to be recovered.
• Of the range of operating capital costs times the space allocation factor.
• That's the way we operate.
• Associated with putting in that pole and maintaining that pole and and maintaining security.
• Collectively, we operate more than 26,000 miles of overhead distribution line.

Committee: House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband

Transcript Highlights:

• Regional Planning Council?
• </c> um where did I just see that Regional um where did I just see that Regional plan<00:22:49.960><c
• 22:51.559><c> is</c> plan Regional planning Council so is plan Regional planning Council so is this<00
• efficiently and making weren't operating efficiently and making them<01:00:17.480><c> operate</c><01
• </c><03:24:22.520><c> too</c> country I'll and in our region too country I'll and in our region too thanks

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• pay for principal and interest of those bonds are appropriated from the state general fund in the operating
• billion dollars from the National Institutes of Health flowed into our universities and research centers
• Places like the University of Washington, Washington State University, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle
• Research universities are not cost centers; they are economic engines.
• Three out of the nine regional CASKs have had their funding frozen.

Summary: The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee held its final meeting of the 2026 session, opening a public hearing on Senate Bill 6321, which would authorize up to $6 billion in state general obligation bonds over six years and create the Washington Institute for Scientific Advancement within the Department of Commerce. Staff explained that the institute would oversee grants for scientific research and facilities, with the proposal requiring voter approval for the debt and institute creation. Senator Slatter, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to stabilize research funding in Washington in response to federal cuts and uncertainty, and noted it was modeled in part on similar efforts in California and Texas. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support. Representatives from Washington State University and the University of Washington described the state’s research enterprise as an economic engine and emphasized the importance of stable funding for jobs, innovation, and competitiveness. University of Washington witnesses said federal funding disruptions had reduced new NIH awards, cut student support, and threatened research programs in medicine, mental health, clean energy, forest resilience, and climate adaptation. Several early-career researchers and union members testified about personal impacts from grant terminations, furloughs, and delayed career transitions, arguing that the bill would help protect scientific work, workforce development, and public health outcomes in Washington. After closing the hearing on SB 6321, the committee moved into executive session. It voted do pass on Substitute House Bill 2525 and sent it to the Rules Committee. The committee also approved a slate of gubernatorial appointments for confirmation recommendation, and then adjourned after thanking staff and members for their work during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the nice walking tour of the Convention Center.
• First, administration and operations.
• Our participation in our Transportation Management Center—ours is the Spokane Regional Transportation
• Management Center, all the acronyms.
• And it's regionally based.

Committee: Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee began with member introductions, then heard a presentation on a draft final report studying alternative funding mechanisms for sidewalks and related pedestrian infrastructure. Consultants said current local funding sources are insufficient, with most jurisdictions unable to complete planned sidewalk networks within 50 years. They evaluated four options: a sidewalk utility fee, a modified transportation benefit district sales tax, a new real estate excise tax option, and expanded stormwater fee use for ADA sidewalk ramps. The consultants recommended authorizing the modified TBD sales tax and new REET option, considering a sidewalk utility despite legal uncertainty, broadening any authorization to all pedestrian improvements, and not pursuing the stormwater fee option. Members asked about legal authority, fairness, revenue adequacy, and whether jurisdictions had been consulted; the presenters said state enabling legislation would likely be needed for a sidewalk utility and that fairness could be defined either by direct benefit or by need. The committee then received an update on the 2025 assessment of city transportation funding needs. The consultants reported that city transportation revenues have grown in some local and federal categories since 2019, but state revenues have remained relatively flat and smaller cities are especially affected by declining fuel tax revenues and limited tax bases. They estimated annual city transportation needs at $4.25 billion, average annual spending at $1.89 billion, and a funding gap of $2.37 billion, larger than in the prior study because of updated data, inclusion of system improvements, and higher preservation costs. Draft recommendations focused on reducing costs and improving efficiency, preserving and increasing state support, and expanding local funding options, including preservation-first spending, a permanent federal fund exchange program, streamlined review processes, better coordination with WSDOT, possible property tax flexibility, and exploration of new local tools. Members raised questions about design standards, the role of density and transit, federal compliance, and whether the report would identify specific consolidation or process changes. The committee also heard a project update on evaluating zero-emission vehicle and electrification programs funded by the Climate Commitment Act. Consultants said they had reviewed roughly 23 programs and projects across seven agencies and were now evaluating options to improve delivery, including process improvements, reorganizing programs, or consolidating governance and administrative functions. Early findings highlighted staffing shortages, duplication and variation across agencies, differing levels of risk, and the challenge of coordinating climate priorities across agencies with other core missions. Members asked about program outcomes, administrative costs, whether some programs should have exit strategies, and how to strengthen the EV Coordinating Council. Finally, WSDOT provided an implementation update on its new public-private partnership authority under SB 5801, saying work is underway to prepare governance, legal, policy, and organizational structures ahead of the January 1, 2027 effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tax returns, social security numbers, and all this personal information goes where?
• It's crucial we instill trust in the process so participants feel secure.
• We're a public interest legal center.
• We're a public interest legal center. We work in a lot of areas.
• physical plant, to safety and security, on and on and on.

Bills: SB 2

Committees: Senate Education K-16 , Senate Education

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in Miami-Dade to a coffee cart because 911 operators were left out.
• in Miami Day to a coffee cart because 911 operators were left out.
• Monitoring requirements for regional stormwater management systems.
• A significant portion of it is from AI data centers and other super users.
• But we've had data centers here in the United States since the 1940s.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 3151 is a student-centered bill designed to reduce the structural disadvantage and instructional
• time that our Oklahoma students have compared to their regional, national, and international peers.
• So I've got a policy brief here from the Secretary of Education with the Oklahoma Center for Educational
• If each school gets the same amount of money and they have secured their school with the fences, the
• doors, the locks, everything they need, and security officers, then yes, I think that we should allow

Committee: House A&B Education Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She had founded and directed an educational farming center in Massachusetts and undertaken similar work
• Medical Center ICU; and president, Vermont Nurse Practitioner Association.
• </c> medical director, Rutland Regional medical director, Rutland Regional Medical<00:25:05.160><c> Center
• ICU, President, Vermont Medical Center ICU, President, Vermont Nurse<00:25:07.720><c> Practitioner</
• Committee referred your House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs a proposal of

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and other services and workforce providers that operate in that region.
• </c><00:14:48.600><c> I</c> complexes or Performing Arts centers I complexes or Performing Arts centers
• Mine's a STEM Center and a field expansion.
• Mine's a STEM Center and a field expansion.
• </c> in these things especially in regions in these things especially in regions who<00:40:29.720><c>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:05 HB 537 Discussion 00:00:40 HB 537 Vote 00:02:45 HJR 34 Discussion 00:03:30 HJR 34 Vote 00:07:45 HJR 30 Discussion 00:08:30 HJR 30 Vote 00:10:25 HJR 32 Discussion 00:11:00 HJR 32 Vote 00:41:00, 958, all

Summary: The committee took up several measures related to appropriations and school facilities. House Bill 537 was explained as a technical fix to Kentucky’s opioid abatement settlement framework so the state can accept funds from national bankruptcy settlements under the allocation structure now used by the courts; the bill was supported by the Attorney General’s office and local government groups and received a favorable recommendation. House Joint Resolution 34 authorized release of previously appropriated KCTCS funds for three projects, and members discussed whether KCTCS facilities could be used more broadly for community needs such as public health, workforce, and other services. KCTCS officials said they were open to that idea, and the resolution also received a favorable recommendation. House Joint Resolution 30, concerning the Waters program and release of funds for projects that had remained in design, was adopted by committee substitute and passed favorably. The committee then heard extensive testimony on House Joint Resolution 32, which concerns school facility gap funding for districts with low bonding capacity. The chair and sponsor explained that the General Assembly had previously asked the auditor and Blue & Co. to analyze district data because of disputes over project costs and bonding capacity. Superintendents from Marion County, Augusta Independent, Williamstown, and Walton Verona described their projects and financial constraints. Marion County and Augusta argued that full gap funding is necessary for new school or multipurpose facility projects that cannot be phased in; Augusta emphasized its old building stock, high poverty rate, and the need for a gymnasium/multipurpose space used for school and community functions. Williamstown described a STEM center and field expansion, saying the project would be delayed for years without full funding. Walton Verona described rapid growth, overcrowding, and an intermediate school project that had risen sharply in cost from the original estimate. Members asked questions about the accuracy of cost estimates and the scope of the projects, including why some estimates differed from the auditor’s figures and whether the funding requests covered only parts of larger phased plans. The testimony generally supported full funding for the listed districts, with the districts arguing that the projects are necessary for safe, modern learning environments and that local tax effort has already been substantial. Each of the measures considered during the meeting was reported out favorably, with the chair voting no on the resolutions and bills before the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many throughout the region came to recognize Lloyd through his beautifully restored 1956 Chevrolet, transformed
• turn into a career fighting against segregation and policies that made it harder for Black people to secure
• This includes establishing the Center for Community Economic Development at the Business School, where
• She served as president of the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center.
• Throughout this time in office, he worked to strengthen Auburn's relationship throughout the region while

Summary: The Assembly met with an initial quorum call, then proceeded through routine floor business, guest introductions, and several procedural motions. Members approved requests to suspend rules for adjournment-in-memory remarks and guest seating, removed some bills from the consent calendar, and re-referred or withdrew several measures. The chamber also took up a number of second-reading and concurrence items later in the day. Two major bills drew floor debate. SB 762, a tax measure allowing eligible local governments to seek voter approval for transactions and use tax rates above the statutory cap, was presented as a response to local fiscal pressures and was described by supporters as giving voters local choice rather than imposing a tax increase. It passed with an urgency vote of 54-13 and was sent immediately to the Senate. AB 126, the education budget trailer bill, was presented as a major investment in TK-12 education, special education, community schools, and educator leave; one member supported many provisions but objected to policy changes affecting charter schools being included in a budget bill. The Assembly concurred in the Senate amendments on AB 126 by a vote of 56-1. The Assembly also concurred in AB 35, an urgency environmental protection bill intended to speed implementation of Proposition 4-funded projects by narrowing administrative delay; supporters said it would accelerate wildfire prevention, water, and other environmental projects. The measure passed unanimously, 66-0. The consent calendar was then adopted, including AB 2796 on criminal history information, which passed 67-0. The session concluded with multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, including remarks honoring victims of a B-52 test flight crash at Edwards Air Force Base, former West Covina Mayor Lloyd Johnson, civil rights leader Harold Brown, educator and activist Kiyoko Nancy Oda, and Auburn Mayor John Mike Holmes, followed by announcements of summer recess and adjournment until August 3.

Transcript Highlights:

• FINALLY WE WILL HEAR FROM GRAHAM HOLMAN FROM THE STAR CENTER WHICH IS A CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR DOMESTIC
• THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT THE MARITIME DESIGNATION OF STAR CENTER IS A CENTER
• WITHIN THE FLAGSTAR CENTER AND AMO ARE LARGE COMPONENT.
• ONE OF 32 CENTERS.
• ON APRIL 8 STAR CENTER IS HOSTING THE INAUGURAL CONFERENCE OF THE CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE WHERE WE ARE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We own and operate a solid waste facility in San Carlos known as the Shoreway Environmental Center.
• Monterey, Merced County Regional Waste Authority, City of Arcata, and Smoke-Free Air for Everyone.
• It supports regional representation and recognizes the value of their expertise.
• EPA, will be allowed to operate here in California.
• EPA, will be allowed to operate here in California.

Summary: The committee heard AB 839, which would allow up to three sustainable aviation fuel projects to qualify for expedited CEQA judicial review. The author and airline and airport supporters argued SAF is a key emissions-reduction strategy for aviation and that California needs to signal investment certainty after prior project litigation. Environmental Justice and Earthjustice opposed, saying the bill weakens the public’s ability to challenge polluting projects and that SAF facilities can harm already overburdened communities. The committee later took a roll call on the bill and it was held on call after a 3-0 vote, with the motion being due pass to Judiciary. Members then took up AB 762, which would ban the sale of disposable nicotine vapes in California. The author and a broad coalition of waste, public health, local government, and environmental groups said the devices create fire hazards, add lithium batteries to the waste stream, and burden local recycling and hazardous waste systems. Opponents, including retailers and business groups, argued the bill would mainly affect a small legal market while the illicit market would continue to supply most disposable vapes, and warned of unintended consequences. After discussion about illicit sales, EPR ideas, and reuse alternatives, the committee voted 2-2 on the motion to pass as amended to Revenue and Taxation, so the bill was kept on call. The committee also heard AB 907, which would compensate the six local air district representatives who serve on the California Air Resources Board the same as other board members. The author and supporters said the change would improve equity and help ensure local representation on CARB, and no opposition was presented. The chair expressed support, noting similar legislation had passed the committee previously, and the bill was held for a later vote once quorum issues were resolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:11.440><c> literacy</c> capacity of our regional literacy capacity of our regional literacy
• </c><00:19:10.960><c> literacy</c> went to support the regional literacy went to support the regional
• </c><00:20:44.240><c> literacy</c> with us staff at the regional literacy with us staff at the regional
• </c><00:24:39.679><c> literacy</c> benefits of the regional literacy benefits of the regional literacy
• </c> professionals needed in cyber security professionals needed in cyber security alone<01:18:10.400

Bills: HF2430 , HF2433

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: education finance, teacher training, Read Act, state aid, school funding, education funding, children with disabilities, transition aid, special education, school district consolidation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Yep, FERC, NERC, and then also the independent system operator.
• “It ties all their generators to the regional.
• We obviously operate a company in Illinois where they do operate in a deregulated market.
• Ameren Illinois does not own or operate generation in Illinois.
• We operate the transmission and distribution system only.

Committee: House General Laws

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have We have 29 technology centers. We serve in the comprehensive high schools.
• You are recognized to present the nomination of David Mackenzie to the regional university system of
• He is a former graduate of Central University and has been appointed to the regional university system
• I think the regional universities play a major role in our state.
• She has quite a bio with years of leadership experience in finance and operations.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 914, all