Transcript Highlights:

• The Opportunity Pathways account is paid for; revenues come from selected lottery proceeds.
• The law also excludes from the definition of a digital automated service these certain services, and
• And digital automated service—I'm going to use that term a few times here.
• Advertising services are digital and non-digital services related to— Advertising services are digital
• That would be the opportunity to make those kinds of adjustments.

Summary: The committee first received a presentation from Dr. Reich on the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC), including how the council’s joint executive-legislative forecasting process works, the main state revenue sources, and recent economic conditions. He said Washington’s economy is slowing, with weak employment growth, softer taxable sales, and uncertainty from tariffs, federal spending, and the federal shutdown. He also noted that the September forecast was reduced, mainly because of lower sales tax and real estate excise tax collections, and that the state still expects modest growth rather than a recession. Members asked about whether Washington tends to lag national downturns and how forecast information should affect budgeting; Dr. Reich said the forecast is a revenue tool, not a budgeting decision, and that spending choices remain with elected officials. The Department of Revenue then presented on Washington’s sales and use tax structure and the implementation of Senate Bill 5814, which expands retail sales tax to several services effective October 1, 2025. Steve Ewing explained how sales and use tax are sourced, how reseller permits and the multiple points of use exemption work, and how the new law applies to live presentations, temporary staffing, investigations and security services, IT services, custom website development, advertising services, and custom software. He said DOR held listening sessions, issued interim guidance, and set up a centralized landing page and outreach efforts to help taxpayers understand the changes. He also described a six-month grace period for certain pre-existing contracts through March 31, 2026, but said penalties and interest still apply under the statute. Committee members raised concerns about how businesses and individuals will know when a service is taxable, who is responsible for collecting and remitting tax, and how sourcing will work for services delivered across multiple locations or online. DOR staff walked through examples involving accounting services, live lectures, virtual events, advertising campaigns, and search engine marketing, including the use of reasonable allocation and pool codes when exact sourcing data is unavailable. Members also questioned the administrative burden on small businesses and professionals newly subject to tax, and whether additional legislative fixes or relief from penalties and interest may be needed. No votes or formal actions were taken in the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a JA opportunity on this bill? There is. You're, you're number one.
• Thank you so much for this opportunity to lay out this very important bill.
• Uh, and thank you for the opportunity to lay out 4272 today.
• These companies are aggressively trying to close the digital divide.
• Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for this opportunity.
• Thank you again for this opportunity.
• Thank you for the opportunity to lay out House Bill 4272 today.
• Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak.
• Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak today.

Bills: HB3713, HB3953, HB4055, HB4272

Keywords: telecommunications, local exchange companies, universal service fund, rate maintenance, business expansion, broadband access, internet service, multiunit residential properties, urban areas, affordability programs, fiber-optic cables, public land, construction permits, environmental impact, notification requirements, municipal projects, infrastructure, facility relocation, public right-of-way, 1184

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:20:46.760><c> asset</c> determine against the digital asset determine against the digital asset
• He said that a rate schedule for digital asset mining creates a discriminatory rate for digital asset
• </c> targeting digital targeting digital currency<00:26:43.159><c> and</c><00:26:43.320><c> that's</c
• We give them the opportunity to respond if they do.
• We give them the opportunity to respond if they do.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up an amendment to a bill dealing with digital assets, zoning, utilities, and noise. Members discussed removing the “private key” language, clarifying that the bill would prohibit state or local governments from treating digital asset mining differently from other industrial uses, and narrowing several provisions based on feedback from the Municipal Association. There was also discussion about electricity use, rate schedules, and whether the bill would allow payment of electric bills in Bitcoin; members clarified that bills would still be paid in dollars and that discriminatory rates were not allowed. The amendment was approved on a straw vote, and the committee then voted 7-1 to adopt the amended bill. The committee then considered a separate bill related to a paint stewardship program. The sponsor explained that the amendment would remove references to a fee structure that had troubled him in public hearing, while still preserving the plan and oversight by the Department of Environmental Services. Members discussed whether the bill’s liability and disclosure language affected antitrust concerns, and a representative from the American Coatings Association testified that the program’s environmental management practices and liability provisions were intended to ensure responsible handling and cleanup. The committee ultimately voted 7-1 to adopt the amended bill. Later, the subcommittee moved to liquor-related business. It first voted unanimously, 7-0, to retain a cannabis-related item. It then discussed a tavern license bill that would create a 21-plus tavern category, with the Liquor Enforcement Division explaining that the restriction was tied to alcohol-only venues and the potential for late-night entertainment and nightclub-style operations. Members raised concerns about local control and public safety, and the discussion referenced existing cocktail lounge rules and the possibility of towns opting into such a license. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on that item is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:35.440><c> who</c><00:24:36.080><c> uh</c> opportunities to remind everyone who uh opportunities
• </c> an opportunity. an opportunity.
• </c> area where there's a lots of opportunity area where there's a lots of opportunity um<00:36:42.880
• </c> It's very important that digital It's very important that digital accessibility,<00:50:53.359><c
• </c> the opportunity to speak. the opportunity to speak.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This creates legal doubt in transactions involving digital assets.
• A secured party's interest in digital assets is not protected under the current law.
• This creates legal doubt in transactions involving digital assets.
• If not, I'll give you an opportunity to ask questions after the bill is amended.
• I worry about how that is really limiting opportunities for workers.

Summary: The committee heard several bills on commerce, tourism, labor, technology, and public safety. SB 1666, by Senator Graal, would adopt Florida’s version of UCC Article 12 to address commercial transactions involving digital assets such as cryptocurrency, blockchain, smart contracts, and NFTs; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably. CS/SB 480, by Senator DiCeglie, would create affordable health coverage options for farmers and ranchers through a nonprofit agricultural organization model similar to Tennessee’s; supporters said it would expand access in rural areas, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about ACA protections, preexisting conditions, and state fiscal impacts. The committee also approved CS/SB 1172, which expands business development incentives for veterans and military spouses, including procurement preferences, fee waivers, tax exemptions, and an entrepreneurship program, after an amendment expanding hiring preferences for military spouses was adopted. The committee then took up SB 1400, which creates a process for removing nonconsensual AI-generated sexual deepfakes from covered online platforms within 24 to 48 hours and subjects noncompliant platforms to penalties under Florida’s deceptive trade practices law; an amendment carved out internet service providers, and the bill was reported favorably. SM 1488, a memorial urging Congress to create a sovereign wealth fund, drew opposition from a public school teacher who questioned its necessity and constitutionality, but it still passed. CS/SB 922, dealing with employment agreements, would strengthen enforcement of certain non-compete and garden leave agreements for employees with access to sensitive information; critics argued it would restrict workers and innovation, while supporters said it protects trade secrets and high-paying jobs. After an amendment, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1252, which would create a statewide system for sharing pawn and secondhand dealer data among law enforcement agencies, with an initial feasibility study cost estimated at $250,000 and questions raised about enforcement if agencies do not participate. Finally, CS/SB 1776, under the Whistleblower’s Act, would require advance notice and an opportunity to cure alleged violations, narrow retaliation and disclosure definitions, and limit claims when another statutory remedy exists; members questioned whether the changes could reduce employee protections or allow employers time to destroy evidence, but the bill was still under debate as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have other diversion opportunities.
• These warrants allow for the thorough investigation of both digital and physical premises.
• As exploitation often extends beyond digital abuse, As exploitation often extends beyond digital abuse
• You know, there's a digital evidence component, right?
• And so the costs for that, for all of the digital forensics...

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Public Safety heard several items focused on youth safety and law enforcement resources. The committee first took up tribal youth diversion programs, with the Legislative Analyst’s Office describing the Tribal Youth Diversion Grant Program and its two cohorts of grantees funded through the Board of State and Community Corrections. Tribal representatives from the Yurok Tribe and San Pasqual Band of Indians testified that diversion, tribal courts, school partnerships, mentoring, and culturally grounded services helped reduce truancy and justice-system involvement, but that short-term funding interruptions and limited capacity prevented them from serving all youth in need. Committee members discussed the importance of early intervention, tribal-state court collaboration, and possible misidentification of Native youth in the justice system. The committee then heard the California Highway Patrol’s overview of surge operations supporting local crime suppression, including organized retail theft. CHP reported that its surge teams have been used in response to mutual aid requests and cited arrests, stolen vehicle recoveries, and firearm seizures in Oakland, Bakersfield, and San Bernardino. Members asked about demand for these operations and whether CHP could meet requests without affecting other duties; CHP said requests have increased and are accepted when resources allow. The committee also heard CHP’s request for a $5 million General Fund augmentation and 12 positions for its Computer Crimes Investigation Unit to make child sexual abuse material and human trafficking investigations a higher priority. CHP cited rising cybertip volumes, a case involving AI-generated CSAM, and the need for more investigators and forensic capacity. A larger portion of the hearing focused on the Internet Crimes Against Children task forces and a separate $5 million ongoing General Fund proposal for Cal OES to continue the program. Task force commanders from Sacramento, San Diego, Silicon Valley, and Fresno described rapidly growing cybertip volumes, heavy caseloads, forensic backlogs, and the need for training and equipment for affiliate agencies statewide. They emphasized that the ICAC model relies on local partnerships, deconfliction, and subject-matter expertise to identify victims, execute warrants, and rescue children, and they gave examples of cases that led to arrests and child rescues. Members generally supported the work but raised questions about overlap between CHP and ICAC efforts, the need for broader statewide collaboration, and whether more resources should be directed to task forces and victim services. A public commenter also urged expansion of homeless youth exploitation services and the California Youth Crisis Line.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the digital environment, it is returned. Digital content acts differently.
• </c> be a digital a digital concept. be a digital a digital concept.
• </c><04:07:30.240><c> materials</c> responsible for your digital materials responsible for your digital
• </c> discussing the concept of digital discussing the concept of digital bailment.<04:08:31.280><c> So
• </c> which is to encompass within it digital which is to encompass within it digital materials. materials

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just the opportunity, if there's ever a chance to have additional funds, that there could be asked
• That would allow us to do what I hope to do, which is to create the state-level digital opportunity.
• It provides more opportunity.
• In our newspaper, we have a large percentage of our readers who are not digitally fluent.
• If you want to be digitally accessing the information, we have that for you.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2408, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields, which would remove a statutory cap on appropriations for grants supporting the deaf-blind community through the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Shields said the bill would not itself increase funding, but would allow the program to request additional funds if needed. Supporters, including the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri and consumers/employees of the support services provider (SSP) program, testified that SSP services are essential for independence, mobility, work, medical visits, and community participation, and that current funding and hours are insufficient. No opposition was presented, and the hearing on HB 2408 was closed. The committee then heard House Bill 3092, a housekeeping bill sponsored by Rep. Wendy Hausman to remove expired sunsets and obsolete provisions from Missouri statutes. Hausman said the bill is intended to clean up outdated language without changing active law, spending, or programs. Members questioned why it was not filed as a revision bill and asked for a line-by-line explanation of what would be removed, including specific tax credit references; Hausman said she would provide additional documentation and review any concerns. No one testified in favor or opposition, and the hearing was closed. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2179, sponsored by Rep. David Castile, which would allow certain public notices in charter counties to be published either online or in newspapers, with the Secretary of State’s website serving as an alternative publication venue. Castile said the bill is meant to modernize notice requirements and address declining newspaper circulation, while limiting the change to charter counties as a pilot. Supporters from the fire service argued that online posting is more accessible and less costly, and could help avoid problems with bond notices. Opponents from the Missouri Press Association and local newspapers argued the bill would reduce transparency, create confusion by requiring people to check multiple places, and duplicate an existing newspaper-run public notices website; they also said newspapers still have substantial readership and already provide proof-of-publication services. The hearing on HB 2179 was closed, and the committee adjourned without taking any votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing would like the opportunity to ask for additional
• It's just the opportunity, if there's ever a chance to have additional funds, that there could be asked
• That would allow us to do what I hope to do, which is to create the state-level digital opportunity.
• It provides more opportunity.
• In our newspaper, we have a large percentage of our readers who are not digitally fluent.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 2408 would remove a funding cap from Missouri’s Support Services Provider Grant Program for deaf-blind individuals. The sponsor and supporters said the program has grown, more trained SSPs are available, and removing the cap would not automatically increase appropriations but would allow the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to request funding that better matches demand. Testimony in favor came from the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri and consumers/employees of the SSP program, who described the program as essential to independence, employment, medical visits, and community participation. No opposition was presented, and the hearing on HB 2408 concluded. HB 3092 was described by the sponsor as a housekeeping or statutory cleanup bill that removes expired sunsets and obsolete provisions from Missouri law without changing active policy or spending. Members questioned why it was not filed as a revision bill and asked for a line-by-line explanation of the deletions, including some tax credit references. The sponsor said she would provide additional documentation and would change anything found to be problematic. No witnesses testified for or against the bill. HB 2179 would allow charter counties to publish certain public notices either in newspapers or on a Secretary of State website, with supporters arguing that newspaper circulation has declined and that online posting would improve access and reduce costs. Fire service representatives supported the bill, citing problems with bond notices and the need for a central digital location. The Missouri Press Association and newspaper publishers opposed it, saying newspapers still have large readership, already maintain a public-notices website, and that the bill would reduce transparency, create confusion, and duplicate or shift existing work. Members raised concerns about whether notices should be required in both places rather than either/or. The hearing on HB 2179 then concluded, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's basically just a digital version of the dollar.
• But there is theoretically no limit to digital coins.
• Could keep making digital coins.
• Well, I'll take advantage of this opportunity to speak a little further on the matter.
• So it doesn't take away their opportunity to seek remediation in the courts.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:57:49.520><c> So</c> without use of the digital ID. So without use of the digital ID.
• government, the digitalization of government, the digitalization<00:58:56.720><c> of</c><00:58:57.200
• to worry about than digital IDs?
• </c> to worry about than digital IDs? to worry about than digital IDs?
• It's a better opportunity.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks for the opportunity. Thanks for the opportunity to present this bill.
• We as legislators have worked hard to close a digital divide.
• Patients miss out on telehealth, and workers lose opportunities.
• Madam Chair, members, thank you for the opportunity to address you.
• the digital divide.

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee heard three bills. SB 371 by Senator Cabaldon would reduce uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage requirements for transportation network companies from $1 million to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, with committee amendments adding findings and declarations, higher limits than originally proposed, and a joint study on UM/UIM impacts. Supporters, including Uber, Lyft, business groups, and some consumer advocates, argued the bill would lower fares and increase driver earnings by reducing insurance costs. Opponents, including consumer attorneys, labor groups, and consumer watchdog organizations, warned it would cut protections for riders and drivers and might not guarantee savings would be passed through. The committee approved SB 371 on a due-pass basis and re-referred it to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote. The committee then heard SB 716 by Senator Durazo, which would create a Home Internet Lifeline Program to let eligible low-income households apply Lifeline subsidies to home broadband service. Proponents said the bill addresses broadband affordability after the federal Affordable Connectivity Program expired, and that it would help students, workers, and families access reliable internet. Opponents from the wireless industry objected to the funding mechanism, arguing the surcharge would fall unfairly on wireless consumers, while one broadband group moved to neutral after amendments. The bill was approved on a due-pass basis and sent to Appropriations, but the roll was held open and later completed with the bill passing 7-1. The committee also took up SB 480 by Senator Archuleta relating to autonomous vehicles as a consent item, with no presentation or debate. It was approved on a due-pass basis and re-referred to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly focused on affordability, consumer protection, and whether savings from the bills would actually reach riders, drivers, or households.

Transcript Highlights:

• and opportunities that allow our<00:19:32.880><c> families,</c><00:19:33.360><c> our</c><00:19:33.679
• </c> ...into digital assets and precious metals.
• Bitcoin would be the only digital asset the treasurer would be permitted to invest in.
• </c><01:54:48.000><c> assets,</c> precious metal and digital assets, precious metal and digital assets
• ,</c> So, please, if you have an opportunity, So, please, if you have an opportunity, stop<01:59:16.480

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Community Foundation, and Digital Equity LA, in opposition.
• I think my take is that when so many organizations that are deeply focused on digital equity are still
• Within that time period, my specific question is: is there an opportunity really to understand or know
• There are so many digital equity advocacy groups who still have serious concerns with this bill, and
• So I'm comfortable with that because that gives the opportunity to all our advocacy organizations and

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee heard AB 470 by Assembly Member McKinnor, a bill to modernize California’s carrier-of-last-resort rules for voice telephone service and create a process for carriers to transition away from obsolete copper networks in favor of advanced telecommunications infrastructure. The author and supporters said the bill is aimed at preserving reliable voice and 911 access while encouraging private investment in fiber and other modern networks, and emphasized that it is not a broadband bill. Support came from AT&T, business groups, and a former Cal OES director, who argued the bill provides a careful, phased modernization with CPUC oversight and increased public-safety investment requirements. Opposition came from TURN, CWA District 9, digital equity organizations, labor groups, and several local governments and county representatives. Critics raised concerns about the adequacy of the mapping process, reliance on broadband and wireless coverage data, the lack of on-the-ground verification, the challenge process, possible loss of Lifeline protections, and the impact on workers and union jobs. They also argued the bill could allow carriers to reduce universal-service obligations without enough safeguards for rural and vulnerable customers. Committee members discussed those concerns at length, especially the map-making process, the challenge procedure, and whether the bill sufficiently protects workers and customers who could be left behind. The author said the bill includes a 10-year backstop if service is lost, a CPUC-led process, and a three-to-one fiber buildout requirement tied to relinquishment, and expressed willingness to continue working with labor on workforce language. The committee ultimately passed AB 470 on a 7-0 due pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh I an opportunity to consider it.
• </c> and 29 to meet new federal digital and 29 to meet new federal digital accessibility<00:52:18.720
• </c><00:54:25.440><c> accessibility</c> legal and digital accessibility legal and digital accessibility
• </c> um and to be compliant with digital um and to be compliant with digital accessibility<00:54:36.480
• I thank you for the opportunity.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I had the say they had this opportunity I had the say they had this opportunity I had the opportunity
• dig digital digital 14 reference digital dig digital digital 14 reference digital dig digital digital
• proceeding and digital proceeding and digital [Music] [Music] [Music] digital like digitalization through
• 4545 users browsed Digital Collection we had 138,000 138,000 76 new digital files 76 new digital files
• complete the digit digitalization of complete the digit digitalization of complete the digit digitalization

Bills: SB 26, SB 28, SJR 36, SB 616, SB 565, SB 384, SB 28, SB 28, SR 131, SR 168, SR 174, SR 175

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• This committee had an opportunity I’m going, panel one.
• This committee had an opportunity.
• Thank you again for the opportunity to appear before the committee today.
• equity providers that we have, that want to be able to make... ...the digital equity providers that
• Thank you for the opportunity.

Summary: The Communications and Conveyance Committee held an oversight hearing on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), focused on telecommunications, broadband deployment, resiliency, and the California Teleconnect Fund. Chair Tasha Boerner said the hearing was intended to examine structural issues at the CPUC, including whether telecommunications oversight should remain within the commission, while also reviewing major programs such as Last Mile, BEAD, carrier of last resort, and emergency preparedness. CPUC President John Reynolds and Deputy Executive Director Anna Maria Johnson described the commission’s work on public safety, universal service, broadband grants, Lifeline modernization, and network resiliency, including the 72-hour backup power requirement and merger review. Members questioned CPUC officials about the pace and metrics for Last Mile and BEAD projects, the relationship between middle-mile and last-mile buildout, and how the commission balances carrier obligations with the risk of driving providers out of high-cost areas. They also pressed the CPUC on the California Lifeline home broadband pilot, asking when enrollment would be available, which providers were participating, how much of the state would be covered, and what the surcharge impact would be. CPUC said 15 providers had been approved, one was already serving customers, and the rest were still onboarding, and it committed to provide follow-up information on timelines, coverage, and costs. A major portion of the hearing centered on the California Teleconnect Fund and proposed changes to how schools would access the program. Superintendent Tony Thurmond argued strongly against shifting administration from county offices of education and districts to individual schools, saying it would add burden, worsen inequities, and risk underuse of a valuable broadband subsidy. Committee members echoed concerns that smaller schools and districts may lack the staff to manage direct applications and reporting. In public comment, the Los Angeles County Office of Education supported the CDE’s position and urged changes that would align the program more closely with E-Rate and reduce administrative burdens. No formal vote was taken, and Chair Boerner closed by saying she remained committed to pursuing reforms to the CPUC and referenced her bills AB 2289 and ACA 9.

Transcript Highlights:

• arising from tariffs, it's also far more difficult to assess the cost of denied market access opportunities
• The first Trump administration, we saw tariffs used to stop France from imposing discriminatory digital
• We will negotiate again, and we will expand opportunities for Americans.
• They're getting ready to impose measures on our digital companies.
• now to build on this digital challenge. chapter.

Keywords: tariffs, Trump administration, economy, public testimony, trade policy, market access, export controls

Summary: The meeting focused on various significant topics concerning the recent tariff policies and their wide-ranging implications on the American economy. Members expressed their concerns regarding the negative impact of increased tariffs as proposed by the Trump administration, with specific emphasis on how families might suffer from higher costs and market access issues. The discussion was lively, with members questioning the clarity of the tariff plan and raising concerns about its potential effects on small businesses and American exports.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Joe Stallone.
• It acknowledges a digital, uh, replication right. It's an exclusive right.
• Appreciate the opportunity to be here.
• Um, thank you for giving me the opportunity to testify today on an issue that is extremely important
• I appreciate the opportunity to lay out SB 766.