Transcript Highlights:

• They terminated the contract with Cinero. It’s Rendered Environmental.
• This is a free sample that was given away at the Centro grand opening whenever they took over the contract
• This is just a slide that shows when the City of Fort Worth terminated the... ...contract with CineGro
• We had the contracts in the room, state of Oklahoma contracts in the room.

Committee: House Agriculture

Summary: The committee hearing focused on biosolids, sewage sludge, and PFAS contamination, with the opening remarks and first three presenters arguing that land application of municipal sludge poses serious risks to soil, water, livestock, and human health. Representative Shaw cited EPA and state data on detected pollutants and PFAS in biosolids, while Denise Travick Poyer described her background in chemical engineering and PFAS work and said the EPA’s draft sewage sludge risk assessment shows unacceptable risk at very low PFOS/PFOA levels. She urged source reduction, more testing, and consideration of total organic fluorine, and noted examples from Michigan where industrial pretreatment and source reduction reduced PFAS in biosolids. Johnson County, Texas Commissioner Larry Woolley and Investigator Dana Ames presented a case study of alleged runoff from land-applied biosolids affecting a ranch, with high PFAS readings in soil, water, fish, cattle tissue, and a stillborn calf, and said the county and state had pursued investigations, lawsuits, and legislative responses. Sandra Trawick of Save Oklahoma Farms and Ranches argued that Oklahoma’s biosolids program relies heavily on Class B sludge, that current rules are outdated, and that land application exposes farms and rural communities to pathogens, chemicals, odors, flies, and runoff; she cited examples from Maine, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, and Oklahoma to support calls for stronger regulation or a ban. After the testimony, members asked about sampling methods, lab testing, EPA limits, and whether the cited PFAS blood levels were comparable to the soil and sludge measurements. Witnesses said the Johnson County samples were collected by a Texas A&M PhD contractor and tested at a single lab, and they explained that the EPA’s 4 parts per trillion figure applied to municipal drinking water standards. Questions also addressed whether sludge is incorporated into soil; Trawick said it had often been left on the surface, though she had seen better disking after public scrutiny. Members asked how biosolids compare with manure and feedlot waste, and witnesses responded that municipal sludge is more contaminated because it includes industrial, hospital, and household waste streams, unlike animal manure. The committee then moved to alternative solutions, hearing from Doug McKinney of Advanced Microbial Solutions, who promoted biological sludge removal using bacteria to reduce sludge volumes and avoid land application, citing cost savings for wastewater plants and correctional facilities. Jason Jepsen of Eden Energy followed with a pitch for an eight-stage waste-to-energy system that converts mixed waste into clean energy, biochar, and reusable products, framing waste as an asset and presenting his company’s technology as a no-land-application alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• obtain approval of the member city councils before entering into any water sales and, basically, any contracts
• For example, if we would want to increase our contracts with SWEPCO, Luminant power generating contracts
• Pines, as we mentioned earlier, they could actually influence those member cities and withhold those contracts
• Pines, as we mentioned earlier, they could actually influence those member cities and withhold those contracts

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Summary: The committee met with limited attendance at first, then took up a series of water, agriculture, and rural affairs measures. HB 3898 would allow the Texas Water Development Board to provide financial assistance for brackish water desalination projects in certain border counties and related nonprofit suppliers even if the projects are not in the state water plan. Supporters said it is needed to address severe water shortages in places like Webb County and to support future planning; opponents, including the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, argued it bypasses the regional and state water planning process. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard HB 5339, which would create a higher-education grant program for regenerative agriculture research. A rancher testified that regenerative methods improved soil health, water retention, and farm viability, while a senator noted existing university research but said better coordination could help. Public testimony was closed and the bill was left pending. Members then heard HB 1523, a temporary prohibition on TCEQ issuing Austin a Class 5 injection well permit for an aquifer storage and recovery project in Bastrop and Lee counties until December 2027. Local officials from Bastrop supported the pause, citing unanswered questions about water treatment, recovery rates, and impacts on the aquifer, while Austin Water opposed the substitute, saying the project is central to its long-term water plan and that stakeholder talks were already underway. TCEQ explained its ASR permitting process and said public participation is possible but not always used in the current authorization process. The bill was left pending. HB 5659, concerning the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District and requiring majority city-council approval before certain water sales or interbasin transfers, drew testimony from district officials who said the change could interfere with existing contracts and district authority, but the chair emphasized the need for local buy-in and said the stakeholders had reached a workable compromise; testimony was closed and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 1690, which would expand notice requirements for groundwater export permits so neighboring landowners and potentially affected aquifer areas are informed by certified mail and publication. The sponsor tied the bill to impacts from the Vista Ridge project, and no one testified against it; it was left pending. HB 3333 would prohibit TCEQ from issuing new wastewater discharge permits directly into the Devils River in Val Verde County. The sponsor and a conservation witness said the bill protects one of Texas’s most pristine rivers and reflects a local stakeholder agreement, while TCEQ said it can ensure water quality but acknowledged the river’s unique sensitivity; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HCR 108 urging continuation of the U.S.-Mexico tomato suspension agreement, with supporters warning of major Texas job and consumer-price impacts if it ends, and HCR 76 urging federal action on imported shrimp, citing public health and industry concerns; both were left pending. Additional measures heard and left pending included HB 4158 on compensation for Texana Groundwater Conservation District directors, HB 654 creating a dismissal path for certain first-time deer hunting violations after self-reporting and hunter education, HB 4530 requiring Texas Water Development Board review of groundwater rights placed in the Texas Water Trust, HB 2128 directing a study of rural versus urban firefighting and rescue disparities, and HB 278 requiring groundwater districts and management areas to track progress toward desired future conditions over shorter intervals. On HB 278, witnesses split over whether the bill’s interim tracking would improve accountability or create new triggers that could be used against local districts, but no final vote was taken and the bill was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• To get a tax credit requires Katie and Matt working with the company to do a contract to make sure the
• They may have been part-time or on contract, but 7,400 people that are in the creative space were paid
• hired they may have been<00:11:49.000><c> part-time</c><00:11:49.560><c> on</c><00:11:49.920><c> contract
• </c><00:11:50.720><c> but</c><00:11:50.880><c> 7,400</c> been part-time on contract but 7,400 been part-time
• on contract but 7,400 people<00:11:51.880><c> that</c><00:11:52.000><c> are</c><00:11:52.120><c> in<

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:34 Economic Development Cabinet 27:51 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee met without a quorum, so the minutes from the last two meetings were not approved. Secretary Noel of the Cabinet for Economic Development then gave a broad overview of the cabinet’s work and an update on the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPD), with Deputy Secretary Katie Smith and General Counsel Matt also present. He said the cabinet’s strategy is to focus on high-wage job creation, especially in automotive transformation, business and financial professional services, tourism, logistics, agri-tech, aerospace, and other high-tech sectors, while also supporting small and medium-sized businesses and existing employers. Noel highlighted several program results and examples, including average incentivized wages approaching $27 per hour, 877 jobs and $346 million in investment through hub operations, $90 million through Commonwealth Ventures, help for hundreds of companies through the Kentucky Intellectual Property Alliance, work with 220 companies through the Kentucky Science and Technology Council, nearly 3,000 students in Advanced Kentucky, and more than 1,100 participants in Kentucky Valor. He also cited 35,000 workers trained through Bluegrass State Skills, 177 businesses helped by the small business tax credit, and 77 entertainment incentive transactions totaling about $200 million and 7,400 jobs. On the grant side, he said the cabinet had approved 155 projects under a federal grant program, committing $99 million, with outreach aimed at smaller communities and all 120 counties. The main focus of the second half was KPD. Noel described it as a program that requires more than basic due diligence, emphasizing community readiness, local vision, title and mineral-rights review, sewer validation, and consultant review. He said 109 projects had been awarded in the earlier rounds, and in 2024 there were 45 requests for information seeking $81 million against $35 million in available funding, showing strong demand. He also said the cabinet has worked with local economic developers through five regions aligned with area development districts, and that the secretary, deputy secretary, or commissioner of business development must attend the regional meetings, with 100% attendance reported for the key three last year. In response to questions, he said Jefferson County’s lack of KPD projects so far likely reflects where local land and development strategies are in the process rather than a lack of interest, and he said the cabinet has not heard that Kentucky’s occupational safety and health rules are clearly helping or hurting competitiveness, though he offered to look into it further.

Transcript Highlights:

• Subdivision 10 is Administration and Emerging Issues and Contract Reimbursement.
• Subdivision 10 is Administration and Emerging Issues and Contract Reimbursement.
• 29:25.919><c> emerging</c><00:29:26.360><c> issues</c><00:29:26.840><c> and</c><00:29:27.039><c> contract
• </c> and emerging issues and contract and emerging issues and contract reimbursement<00:29:28.279><c>

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There were only a couple of sectors that contracted; retail trade contracted.
• In the personal income tax outlook for FY 24, we saw a 12% contraction in personal income tax revenue
• unemployment to people in the film industry, because I think one person gets different salaries, different contracts
• It's a change and increase in personnel, services, and benefits versus contracts versus other.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the rental contract, if a guest or a renter causes damage to the host's property, Rymer for taking
• Under<00:10:45.200><c> the</c><00:10:45.320><c> rental</c><00:10:45.640><c> contract,</c><00:10:46.280
• , if a guest or Under the rental contract, if a guest or a<00:10:47.520><c> renter</c><00:10:48.000><
• with certain providers in certain areas, they know that we have to contract with them.
• And so, they have contract with them.

Bills: HF3766 , HF3972 , HF3437 , HF4118

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: travel insurance, regulation, insurance licensing, consumer protection, travel assistance, short-term rental, vacation rental, home sharing, rental marketplace, online platform, property damage guarantee, damage waiver, reimbursement insurance, insurance regulation, commerce department, platform user, Airbnb, Vrbo, host protection, rental home marketplace

Transcript Highlights:

• We contract for the specific service that we're interested in.
• That's a contract for services.
• We contract for the specific service that we're interested in.
• That's a contract for services.
• Uh I'm afraid a contract for services.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• USID<01:11:29.520><c> and</c><01:11:29.920><c> far</c><01:11:30.320><c> the</c><01:11:30.640><c> contracts
• </c><01:11:31.120><c> aren't</c><01:11:31.440><c> being</c> USID and far the contracts aren't being USID
• and far the contracts aren't being paid<01:11:32.000><c> to</c><01:11:32.239><c> the</c><01:11:32.480
• I'm sorry, I don't know um contracts?
• contracts contracts and<01:35:39.440><c> and</c><01:35:39.840><c> u,</c><01:35:40.000><c> thank</c><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a Senate message on HB 179, relative to hazardous waste accident fees. Members reviewed the Senate amendment, which would cap the daily non-payment penalty at no more than $1,000 per day and limit the cumulative penalty to 25% of the cost, with no additional daily penalty if the responsible party is following an agreed payment plan. Members discussed the change from the committee’s earlier version, which had allowed penalties up to 100% of the damages, and agreed the revised language was reasonable. The committee voted to concur with the Senate amendment and indicated the bill could be placed on consent. The committee then recessed SB 302, requiring background checks for solid waste facility owners, because a late request for an additional change had not yet been fully reviewed. It next voted on SB 229, relative to the sale of uninspected bison, red deer, and elk meat. Supporters said the bill would expand retail access to these meats, support New Hampshire farms, and improve food security. Members also noted the Department of Agriculture did not object, that the bill would remove a sunset and keep more workable inspection rules in place, and that the animals involved are largely from closed herds. The committee voted unanimously to pass SB 229 and agreed to place it on consent. Finally, the committee considered SB 50, establishing a committee to study the regulation of private animal boarding facilities. Members described disturbing testimony about missing, injured, or dead dogs and the lack of clear oversight, licensing, or even a reliable list of kennels in the state. They discussed possible study topics including licensing, inspection authority, standards, penalties, and protections for both pet owners and boarding operators, including disclosure of medical conditions. The committee voted unanimously to pass SB 50 and also agreed to place it on consent. After the executive sessions, the committee heard a presentation from the New Hampshire Food Alliance on the state’s first food and agriculture strategic plan, introduced by director Nicole Cardwell, with participation from advisory committee members including Rep. Bixby and Commissioner Sean Jasper.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> so that they can get a uh good contract so that they can get a uh good contract with<01:09:46.960
• be interested in forming a study committee to then look into the possibility of either forming a contract
• Municipalities to be able to compete and actually get good contracts with these providers, because when
• be interested in forming a study committee to then look into the possibility of either forming a contract
• with a certain internet service contract with a certain internet service provider<01:10:40.640><c> uh

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Statewide, currently the program has a RCU-contracted individual who wasn't aware of that.
• </c> RCU contracted RCU contracted individual<00:03:52.239><c> um</c><00:03:52.640><c> who</c><00:03:
• Contract to do.”
• to do okay so with that said contract to do okay so with that said that<00:31:01.760><c> you</c><00:
• </c><00:31:15.559><c> with</c><00:31:15.799><c> the</c> closing of uh the contract with the closing of

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several water, land, and conservation measures. HB 86, which would fund a permanent DLNR Makai Watch coordinator position, drew strong support from DLNR and community advocates. Testifiers said the coordinator is needed to connect community-based nearshore monitoring groups with government, support training and reporting, and provide stable civil-service funding instead of relying on grants and philanthropy. The committee discussed the position’s duties and cost, estimated at about $110,000 with fringe benefits, and noted broad support from organizations including Kuaʻulu, The Nature Conservancy, OHA, and others. HB 36, relating to state water code penalties, was also supported in principle by DLNR, but the agency proposed amendments to create two tiers of violations, distinguish first-time/non-harmful violations from repeat or harmful ones, and give the commission discretion on whether each day counts as a continuing violation. DLNR said the bill is intended to address egregious cases such as Red Hill while avoiding undue impact on small farmers and others without malicious intent. Testifiers from the Board of Water Supply, Lono Initiative, and others supported stronger penalties and transparency, while Earthjustice raised concerns about broader structural issues and the risk of penalties being applied unfairly. The committee then heard HB 316, which appropriates funds to continue the Green Jobs Youth Corps program. DLNR, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, Kōkua, The Nature Conservancy, and other groups testified in support, describing the program as a workforce pipeline that places young professionals in communities, builds trust, and helps recruit future state employees. Supporters said the program has expanded capacity in watershed and reef management and has drawn extensive public backing. Finally, HB 506, funding equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, received support from DLNR and others. DOCARE said recent recruit classes are moving through training, that the new positions will expand patrol capacity, including nighttime enforcement, and that the Oʻahu-specific funding is tied to priorities such as the Māʻili Bay herbivore rules. The committee also began hearing HB 510 on water shortage and emergency declarations. DLNR proposed limiting shortage declarations to 90 days unless extended, capping groundwater reductions at 20% for lower-priority permits, removing climate-crisis language as a standalone criterion, and moving the process into rulemaking for more public input. The Board of Water Supply supported the bill and the proposed changes, while Earthjustice urged deferral absent broader Water Commission reforms. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would be decision-making after the hearing on items on the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• We actually had 12 different contracts because we couldn't find our own nurses.
• that they had non-compete contracts.
• that um they they had contracts that um they they had non-compete<01:42:32.639><c> contracts</c><01:
• 42:33.119><c> they</c><01:42:33.239><c> could</c><01:42:33.400><c> not</c> non-compete contracts they
• could not non-compete contracts they could not work<01:42:33.840><c> for</c><01:42:34.040><c> the</c

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CACFP and SFSP sites may prepare food themselves or contract with outside vendors to provide that food
• :08:43.320><c> food</c><00:08:43.880><c> themselves</c><00:08:44.320><c> or</c><00:08:44.560><c> contract
• </c><00:08:45.000><c> with</c> prepare food themselves or contract with prepare food themselves or contract
• <00:20:33.600><c> in</c> contract in contract in retaliation<00:20:35.760><c> according</c><00:20:36.080
• Contracting with a national firm, M.H.

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But we can look out to the future and budget based on what our contracts are going to pay us.
• from how are going to what our contracts from how are going to pay<00:39:57.040><c> us</c> pay us pay
• However, the threshold for this is any contract over $2,000. So, as it was written, it was $2,000.
• However, the threshold for this is any contract over $2,000. So, as it was written, it was $2,000.
• local keep Contracting and procurement local and<00:45:32.839><c> so</c><00:45:33.040><c> that</c><00

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:24:51.360><c> client</c> determining client determining client eligibility<00:24:53.480><c> Contracting
• </c><00:24:54.279><c> with</c><00:24:54.480><c> local</c> eligibility Contracting with local eligibility
• Contracting with local service<00:24:55.279><c> providers</c><00:24:56.039><c> and</c><00:24:56.240>
• The 2021 Legislature directed DHS to contract with an organization to develop new licensing models for
• There's a lot on the DHS website you can find about what that contract looked like and the work that

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• system under the bill is the contracting system under the bill is the same<01:57:41.520><c> one</c><
• </c> recession from from these contracts. recession from from these contracts.
• House Bill 1158, Calvert County contracts for infrastructure or asset management contract duration.
• <c> infrastructure</c><02:31:49.440><c> or</c> County contracts for infrastructure or County contracts
• </c> asset management contract duration. asset management contract duration.

Keywords: House streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, normally, if we have a contract, it's very easy to budget for it.
• The contracts and obligations that are currently in place are currently in place.
• </c><00:49:30.520><c> that</c><00:49:30.640><c> are</c> contracts and obligations that are contracts
• go out to procure, and we went to Governor and Council last week, and secured the support for a contract
• </c><01:35:48.880><c> that</c> secured the support for a contract that secured the support for a contract

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair Lee, right now we are contracting, so the revenue that we're taking in from that will help
• So we have buy-in with contracts, and then eventually we're hoping it's more of a joint powers ownership
• </c><01:11:35.880><c> so</c><01:11:36.120><c> the</c> it right now we are contracting so the it right
• now we are contracting so the the<01:11:37.200><c> revenue</c><01:11:37.680><c> that</c><01:11:37.920
• </c> So we have buy-in with with contracts So we have buy-in with with contracts and<01:11:46.720><c>

Bills: HF3599 , HF3761 , HF3523 , HF3515 , HF573

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: water treatment, infrastructure, municipal funding, bond issuance, Becker, sewer improvements, sanitation, Hibbing, state bonds, infrastructure funding, capital investment, safety improvements, mobility, U.S. Highway 12, bonds, transportation funding, trails, Prior Lake, bond funding, recreational improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> old ones wear out uh or new contracts old ones wear out uh or new contracts are<01:00:54.079><c>
• is going to have to be way more contract is going to have to be way more significant<01:40:43.440><c
• </c> significant than in the current contract significant than in the current contract to<01:40:46.000
• </c><02:23:40.399><c> So</c> aggressive contracts that Shop gets.
• So aggressive contracts that Shop gets.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee adopted a strike-everything amendment to Senate Bill 1189, which delineates requirements for contracts
• entered into by a revitalization district relating to suspending or terminating the contract.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The meeting was a Republican caucus review of several Senate and House bills, with staff summarizing committee amendments and members indicating whether sponsors concurred with Senate changes. Topics included electronic monitoring in residential rooms (SB 1041), dental school complaint forwarding and licensure exemptions (SB 1168), revitalization district contracts (SB 1189), timeshare salesperson licensing (SB 1274), veterinary telehealth prescribing (SB 1286), insurance zero-estimated-exposure policies (SB 1428), advanced air mobility funds for border security (SB 1457), death benefits for law enforcement pilots (SB 1503), ATV definitions (SB 1519), pet and fowl restrictions in planned communities (SB 1582), and pharmacist independent testing/treatment authority (SB 1713). The caucus also reviewed education-related measures on school district self-insurance procurement (SB 1497) and a strike-everything amendment to SB 1118 that instead allowed duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes in historic areas if compatible with surrounding character. The group then considered several blue-sheet House bills. HB 2120 made technical changes to align property-tax disability language with updated statute; the sponsor concurred. HB 2174 changed terminology from advisory organization to modeling and data organization and required model filing; the sponsor concurred. HB 2203 directed ADE to review statutory reporting requirements and report recommendations to the legislature; the sponsor concurred. HB 2383’s Senate amendment simply designated a 2014 trampoline court law as “TIE’s law,” with the sponsor concurring. HB 2877 was amended into an alternative education pathway for certified veterinary technicians, and HB 2875 adjusted municipal and county drone restrictions near airports, expanding the relevant airport buffer and preserving some local authority. Additional bills discussed included HB 2428 on voluntary county emissions-reduction credit permits, HB 2176 on DHS health care institution complaint investigations, and HB 2050 on radiologic technology standards and radiologist assistant supervision. Members discussed that HB 2050’s Senate changes narrowed some supervision provisions to rural counties and critical access hospitals, prompting questions about the scope. Finally, HB 2010 on digital goods refunds was amended to shorten the refund window from 10 years to five years, but a sponsor said the amendment contained a drafting error and refused concurrence, meaning a conference committee would be needed. The caucus then concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, small businesses frequently face unpaid invoices, minor contract breaches, and service disputes
• By updating the small claims threshold in AB 1827, the bill would help small businesses enforce contracts

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard several bills, with AB 1827 by Assemblymember Chen proposing to raise the small claims court limit for small businesses from $6,250 to $15,000 and allow up to three filings per year. The author and supporters from the California Association of Collectors said the change would help small businesses recover unpaid invoices and minor contract disputes without costly civil litigation, while preserving the informal small claims process. The committee noted some Judicial Council concerns, but there was no opposition testimony, and the bill later passed out of committee to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1916 by Assemblymember Lee, which would include American Sign Language interpreters in the Trial Court Interpreter Employment and Labor Relations Act so they can participate in collective bargaining like other certified court interpreters. Supporters, including the California Federation of Interpreters and court interpreters, described recruitment and retention problems, limited representation, and a shortage of ASL interpreters in the courts. Members expressed support for improving representation and access for deaf and hard-of-hearing court users, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1977 by Assemblymember Irwin, presented by Assemblymember Pacheco, was described as a technical cleanup bill for California’s remote online notarization law, correcting ambiguities and conforming provisions to help the Secretary of State implement the program. The Secretary of State’s office supported the measure and said it would clarify procedures and digital seal authentication, while members raised questions about platform and renewal fees and one concern about a fee for terminated sessions; the sponsor indicated that provision could be removed. The bill was approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also adopted a consent calendar containing several other bills and later established quorum to take recorded votes before adjourning.