Transcript Highlights:

• I've personally stocked many of my 1982.
• Over the last five years, our group has stocked 150,000 threadfin shad.
• That you stock, yes, but you define that in statute.
• </c> is do you all oppose F1s being stocked is do you all oppose F1s being stocked in<00:25:46.880><c
• </c><00:26:23.200><c> in</c> does support they supported stocking in does support they supported stocking

Keywords: Meeting start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:37 SB 39 discussion: 04:10 SB 39 vote: 26:35, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The headlines showed a 25.4% increase in hospital-acquired conditions following the PE acquisition.
• briefly touch on in the Journal of Financial Economics that actually looked at 1,210 mergers and acquisition
• in the short and long term, but the short-term increase in core health workers reverted to pre-acquisition
• We don't want short-term exit strategies that involve hospital acquisitions that then close or move on
• So we see, you know, that... acquisitions that then, you know, close or move on between three and seven

Bills: HB99, HB49, HB164, SB30, SB43, SB50, SB136

Keywords: medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 99, which would make changes to the Medical Malpractice Act, especially around punitive damages. The chair and sponsor said the bill would not be voted on that day and that public comment would wait until Monday, when a fuller presentation and any recommended substitute would be considered. Dr. Brooke Baker, a physician-lawyer, gave a long presentation on physician wellness, malpractice stress, and the effect of litigation on staffing and burnout, while also discussing hospital ownership structures, private equity, and rural hospital vulnerability. She argued that punitive damages are often pled too broadly in New Mexico, that the amendment language was unclear about which entities would be capped, and that better oversight and internal quality systems—not punitive damages—are the better tools for addressing bad actors and unsafe care. Committee members from both sides asked extensive questions about the patient compensation fund, indemnification, corporate structures, the effect of caps on insurance and recruitment, and whether the bill would protect physicians’ personal assets. No vote was taken on HB 99, and the committee recessed before moving to the next bill. The committee then returned to House Bill 49, a public safety measure increasing penalties for felons who possess firearms. The sponsors and law enforcement witnesses said the bill is aimed narrowly at serious violent felons who are already prohibited from having guns, and that it would align state sentencing with federal law and give police and prosecutors a stronger tool against repeat violent offenders. An amendment was offered to narrow the bill further, add destructive devices, and make the offense a second-degree felony rather than escalating to first degree on repeat offenses. The amendment was adopted without opposition. Public testimony on HB 49 was largely opposed. The Law Office of the Public Defender argued the bill criminalizes possession without a new act of violence, that current law already punishes felon-in-possession conduct, and that New Mexico has repeatedly increased penalties without evidence of reduced gun crime. The ACLU of New Mexico also opposed the bill, saying increased penalties are not a proven deterrent. The transcript cuts off as additional online opposition testimony was beginning.

Transcript Highlights:

• stabilize low-income families in their communities and prevent tenant displacement through the acquisition
• Acquisition and preservation of unsubsidized affordable housing is a proven, successful local model that
• Drawing from the success of the state's Golden State Acquisition Fund, which for over a decade has provided
• acquisition capital for land to build new affordable housing, CAP is a partnership between the state
• We like to say that acquisition preservation is a two-bird, one-seat approach.

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills. SB 457 would direct HCD to develop statistical formulas based on historical development data to help cities complete housing element site inventories, with the author and supporters arguing it would make RHNA compliance more realistic and less costly; the California Building Industry Association opposed, and the bill was later approved on a 7-1 vote. SB 904 would codify and expand wildfire-rebuilding coordination and reporting practices used after recent fires, with supporters saying it would speed recovery and opponents questioning the need for additional reporting; it passed 11-1. The committee also took up SB 1091, which would create a state acquisition-and-preservation program for unsubsidized affordable housing to prevent displacement; it drew broad support from housing and tenant groups and passed 9-1, with members emphasizing preservation as a key housing strategy. Members also considered SB 1267, which would require EV charger installers in common-interest developments to indemnify associations during installation and make homeowners responsible for costs arising from use of privately owned chargers. The bill was presented as a follow-up to prior HOA-related EV charging legislation, with support from HOA, EV, and climate groups and opposition from the California Association of Realtors pending amendments; it passed 10-0. SB 1117 would clarify that ADU impact fees above the 750-square-foot exemption are charged only on the portion above that threshold, not the entire unit, and supporters said it would remove a fee cliff that discourages slightly larger ADUs. Cities, special districts, and fire agencies opposed or opposed unless amended, citing infrastructure funding concerns, but the bill passed 10-0 after extensive debate. The committee also heard SB 1361, which would prevent local governments from taking actions to avoid SB 79 transit-oriented housing requirements at existing or planned transit stops. Supporters from L.A. Metro, labor, and housing groups said it would protect transit investments and jobs, while the City of Burbank opposed; the bill passed 9-0. Two consent items, SB 722 and SB 1426, were approved without discussion. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly stressed the goals of streamlining housing production, preserving existing affordable homes, and reducing barriers to rebuilding and transit-oriented development.

Transcript Highlights:

• this end-to-end quantum technology center. ...and quantum technology center, the last being the acquisition
• And finally, as a highly acquisitive company, IonQ provides a viable exit path for local startups.
• And IonQ is a highly acquisitive company.
• We're highly acquisitive. We have acquired $4 billion worth of companies in the past two years.
• We're a highly acquisitive player in this industry.

Bills: SB145, SB143

Keywords: auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control, pesticide registration, pesticide applicator, pest management consultant, plant protection, nursery license

Transcript Highlights:

• early-stage companies developing technologies critical for national security. for eight years as an Acquisition
• He subsequently worked at the Defense Innovation Unit, ending his time there as Director of Acquisition
• Before this, I spent over a dozen years on active duty as an Air Force Acquisition Officer, including
• As a former acquisition officer, it is these types of programs that would incentivize a federal government
• that Triton's current CEO then was appointed to serve on the board of CITIC, which CITIC Capital Acquisition

Keywords: SBIR, STTR, Innovate Act, small business, innovation, legislative reforms, economic growth, funding, technology transfer

Summary: The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this is an adjustment to the code relating to the acquisition and sale of real property, and what
• State code currently allows the department to use waiver evaluations for acquisitions of properties up
• Of properties up to $25,000 or amount currently approved by the federal agency for acquisition purposes
• This legislation would provide consistency for the thresholds for both the acquisition and disposition

Summary: The Senate Land Use Committee met in hybrid format but did not have a quorum, so it did not approve minutes or take formal votes. The committee first heard House Bill 457, which would raise the appraisal threshold for certain DELDOT real property dispositions from $10,000 to $25,000 to match federal highway standards and reduce the time and cost of selling small surplus properties. There was little discussion and no public comment on that bill, and the chair indicated it would be circulated. The committee then took up House Bill 451, which would codify a disparate impact framework under Delaware’s Fair Housing Act. The bill was described as clarifying that housing policies or practices can violate the law even without discriminatory intent if they have an unjustified discriminatory effect on a protected class, using a burden-shifting test similar to federal law. The sponsor and DHSA said the measure was intended to preserve fair housing protections amid uncertainty at the federal level, and an additional amendment was discussed that would delay implementation for 180 days and require DHSR, with DSA and stakeholders, to conduct outreach, education, and training. Public testimony was divided. Supporters, including Housing Alliance Delaware, YWCA Delaware, and the Delaware Human and Civil Rights Commission, said the bill would protect against discriminatory outcomes, align state law with longstanding fair housing principles, and preserve recourse if federal enforcement changes. Opponents and housing-provider groups, including the Delaware Association of Realtors, Greater Wilmington Housing Providers, and the Delaware Apartment Association, argued the bill could create liability for neutral policies, rely on statistical outcomes landlords cannot easily measure, and increase litigation and costs; several asked for more time, a right-to-cure process, or further amendments. The committee adjourned without taking a formal vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• For any change in ownership, customers must be notified of the acquisition by mail or public posting.
• For any change in ownership, customers must be notified of the acquisition by mail or public posting.
• bill is trying to encourage the Department of Health and encourage water utilities to get these acquisitions
• bill is trying to encourage the Department of Health and encourage water utilities to get these acquisitions

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For any change in ownership, customers must be notified of the acquisition by mail or public posting.
• For any change in ownership, customers must be notified of the acquisition by mail or public posting.
• bill is trying to encourage the Department of Health and encourage water utilities to get these acquisitions
• bill is trying to encourage the Department of Health and encourage water utilities to get these acquisitions

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Second Substitute House Bill 1906 concerning water systems, focusing on a striking amendment that would require more notice to customers and relevant entities before ownership changes, require certain planning documents to be submitted, and direct the UTC to consider cost of capital, external funding, rate smoothing, notice, and planning compliance when setting rates for private water companies. Testifiers from the Washington PUD Association, Northwest Natural, Thurston PUD, and Washington Water Service generally supported the bill, saying it would improve transparency for customers, help avoid failed systems ending up in receivership, and better inform customers about future costs; one senator asked about PFAS contamination, receivership, and the removal of a right of first refusal, and staff explained the bill’s intent was to improve front-end notice rather than change the back-end takeover process. The committee then moved into executive session and received briefings on several bills and proposed striking amendments, including measures on distributed energy resources (HB 2296), emerging large energy use facilities (HB 2115), AI disclosures (HB 1170), waste-to-energy facilities under the Climate Commitment Act (HB 2416), low-income energy assistance (HB 1903), environmentally sustainable urban design (HB 1742), and the Spark Act AI grant program (HB 1833). Members discussed issues such as utility worker installation authority, data center load and ratepayer protections, AI provenance and disclosure requirements, waste-to-energy allowance timing, reimbursement mechanics for energy assistance, and safeguards for an AI regulatory sandbox. The committee adopted striking amendments and passed HB 2296, HB 2115, HB 1170, HB 2416, HB 1906, HB 1903, and HB 1833 out of committee, generally with due-pass recommendations and referral to Ways and Means where applicable. The committee did not take action on HB 1742. The meeting concluded with members and staff offering personal thanks and farewell remarks to the chair, who was noted to be leaving the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• AND FUTURE ACQUISITIONS MAY OR MAY NOT BE REQUIRED AT THE REQUEST OF THE MANAGEMENT SERVICES OR BOARD
• THE ACQUISITION PROCESS FOR THOSE PROPERTIES IS VERY PUBLICLY NOTICED INCLUDING PUBLICLY RECORDED DEEDS
• ACCESS TO ANY DOCUMENTS THAT THEY NEED TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF WHAT IS COVERED AND THAT ACQUISITION
• OBVIOUSLY THERE HAVE BEEN ADDITIONAL ACQUISITIONS SINCE THAT TIME.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• continue to read in that section, it says such limits shall not exceed the fair and reasonable acquisition
• that limit is, what falls under where it is described as not exceeding the fair and reasonable acquisition
• And it says all acquisitions shall remain subject to the competitive bidding. I guess.

Bills: SB2130, SB2135

Keywords: municipal finance, audit exemption, biennial reporting, local government, transparency, county purchasing, purchase card, government accountability, emergency expenditures, 914, all

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You go through an acquisition test to make sure it's safe and then it's actually ready for prime time
• And so there's a very dedicated legal process in the acquisition world where you go through that.
• ><c> test</c><01:09:24.319><c> to</c><01:09:24.480><c> make</c> go through a acquisition test to make
• go through a acquisition test to make sure<01:09:24.719><c> it's</c><01:09:25.040><c> safe</c><01:09
• in the acquisition world where you<01:09:32.799><c> go</c><01:09:32.960><c> through</c><01:09:33.120

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know with the rolling stock, people are back there.
• Nolte on the rolling stock tax credit.
• I like it all except the rolling stock portion.
• I don't know how this rolling stock ever got put with the ag.
• But on the, not the rolling stock, but the other tax—short line tax credit.

Summary: The House Agriculture Committee first met in executive session on House Bill 2998, adopting a committee substitute that narrowed the bill to a study of the Upper Mississippi River Basin and the Rural Development Office and extended the deadline to December 1, 2029. Members discussed the bill’s roughly $3 million fiscal note and whether the proposed river-related study and power-generation concept would be a worthwhile investment. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the committee substitute for HB 2998 do pass by a 21-0 roll call. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 913, which would extend several agricultural tax credit programs for five years, including the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Tax Credit (Mazbita), rolling stock credits, meat processing incentives, biodiesel-related credits, specialty crop credits, and a new short-line railroad credit. Senator Curtis Gregory said the bill was intended to provide certainty and support rural infrastructure, agricultural processing, and rail access, and witnesses from the Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Corn Growers, Missouri Chamber, short-line railroads, Missouri AgriBusiness Association, Missouri Dairy, Missouri Bankers Association, Missouri Railroad Association, and Missouri Pork Association testified in support. Opposition came from a public advocate who argued Missouri’s tax credit system is too large, lacks adequate auditing, and could cost tens of millions of dollars while adding state administrative costs. Committee members raised questions about the fiscal note, the carryforward of unused credits, and whether the rolling stock credit backfills local property tax revenue; supporters responded that the credit makes local governments whole and that the programs have strong returns on investment and help preserve agricultural and rail infrastructure. No final vote on SB 913 was taken in the transcript, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• vote of a majority of the members of the Legislature for consent of the state to be given for any acquisition
• A portion of LWCF funding is used for federal land acquisitions that help the public gain access to their
• We have an acquisition of property and it's private property recently and for purposes to carry out their

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• QSBS means stock issued by a domestic C corporation with gross assets of up to $75 million at issuance
• For stock issued before July 4, 2025, the gross asset threshold is $50 million, and the holding period
• QSBS means stock issued by a domestic C corporation with gross assets of up to $75 million at issuance
• The qualified small business stock exemption to the capital gains tax, or QSBS exemption, ...
• When those founders hear that Washington is considering taxing Section 1202 small business stock, the

Bills: SB5893, SB6229, HB1376, SGA9306

Keywords: forest health, wildfire reduction, appropriations, environmental policy, natural resource management, capital gains, taxation, small business, state revenue, investment, economic growth, tax prepayment, tax regulation, financial planning, economic policy, 904, all

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee began with a hearing on the governor’s appointment of Kristen L. Frazier to the Board of Tax Appeals. Frazier described her long career as House fiscal counsel, her teaching and writing on Washington constitutional law, and her recent service on the board. Members praised her experience and confirmed they would vote on the appointment at a later meeting. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5893, which would transfer $65 million from the Natural Climate Solutions Account to the Wildfire Response, Forest Restoration, and Community Resilience Account to help fully fund wildfire response and forest health work. Staff explained the bill’s relationship to prior Climate Commitment Act and wildfire-resilience funding, and testimony from forest landowners, industry groups, and the Department of Natural Resources strongly supported the measure as necessary for wildfire suppression, forest thinning, and community protection. DNR said the funding would support current strategies and avoid major cuts to firefighting, detection, and partner pass-throughs. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 6229, which would remove the state capital gains tax exemption for gains from qualified small business stock beginning in 2026. Staff estimated the bill would affect about 260 taxpayers and raise about $1.2 million in fiscal year 2027. Startup founders, venture capital representatives, and tech industry groups opposed the bill, arguing it would discourage entrepreneurship, investment, and job creation; a policy advocate supported it as a way to make the tax code less regressive and raise revenue from wealthy taxpayers. The committee also heard House Bill 1376, which would allow taxpayers to prepay capital gains tax up to six months early without interest; testimony was brief and opposed the bill as an additional tax burden. In executive session, the committee received briefings on a proposed substitute for Senate Bill 5395 on prior authorization transparency and AI use in health care, and on Substitute Senate Bill 5860 regarding school board compensation. The committee adopted the proposed second substitute for SB 5395 and voted it do pass to the Rules Committee. It then moved SB 5860 without recommendation to the Rules Committee. The meeting adjourned after those actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• wait for my colleague here to get himself ready to go, I will answer the latter question about acquisitions
• Acquisitions would occur through our Forest Legacy Program.
• Technical assistance can also help communities develop acquisition or easement proposals that align with
• portion of that funding on reforestation grants, as well as a smaller portion on the Forest Legacy acquisitions
• portion of that funding on reforestation grants as well as a smaller portion on the forest legacy acquisitions

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview from the California Conservation Corps on its 50-year history, current operations, and budget proposals. Director J.P. Patton described the CCC’s work in conservation, disaster response, education, and workforce development, noting 26 facilities, about 3,000 Corps members annually, and a funding mix of roughly 55% General Fund and 45% reimbursements. Members praised the program and asked about revenue sources, recruitment, retention, and post-service tracking. The CCC said it has a 5,000-person waitlist, uses first-come, first-served admissions with minimal eligibility requirements, and is working to improve data on outcomes. The committee also discussed the Greenwood Residential Center, where the CCC seeks staffing and operating funds to reopen a rebuilt facility in El Dorado County; the LAO suggested considering fewer new members or a delayed opening to reduce General Fund pressure, but no vote was taken and the item was held open. The committee then considered a CCC wildfire readiness proposal to move hand crews to a seven-day operational schedule. CCC and Cal Fire representatives said the change is needed because wildfire is now year-round and because the current model leaves crews unavailable in many months due to staffing gaps. They said the proposal would improve reliability for Cal Fire, preserve training opportunities for Corps members, and better align the CCC with Cal Fire’s 66-hour workweek. The LAO supported the concept but recommended considering lower-cost alternatives, such as relief staffing or partial reimbursement. Members also discussed the decline in incarcerated fire crews, with Cal Fire explaining that reforms and eligibility changes have reduced the pool of incarcerated people who qualify for camp and fire work. One member raised the use of goats and grazing for fuel reduction, and staff responded that such methods can help with prevention but cannot replace hand crews for suppression. The item was held open. Cal Fire then presented its department overview, emphasizing its expanded workforce, year-round wildfire response, vegetation management, community preparedness, and partnerships with federal, local, tribal, and private entities. Members asked about contract counties such as Orange County, reforestation and seedling capacity, federal reimbursement, and the 66-hour workweek rollout. Cal Fire said it is still below the seedling capacity needed for post-fire reforestation and relies heavily on public-private partnerships. The committee also reviewed a proposal for permanent funding for defensible space inspections. Cal Fire said it needs 31 positions and ongoing General Fund support to replace temporary funding that expires in 2027 and to maintain a goal of 250,000 inspections per year. The LAO said the proposal has merit but suggested alternatives such as a different General Fund/GGRF mix, reinstating an SRA fee, or approving the positions on a one-time basis. Members generally supported the work but raised budget concerns, and the proposal was held open. Finally, Cal Fire began presenting a fixed-wing pilot and mechanics contract increase, explaining that its aviation fleet has grown and become more complex, requiring more pilots and maintainers for year-round operations. The department said labor market pressures have increased contractor costs and that the contract is needed to support continuous aerial firefighting readiness. The transcript cuts off before further discussion or any action on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• If they do not request increased stocks, they'll be subject to penalties.
• to justify carrying every variation or high stock levels.
• Well, that's because those drugs are stocked. This is the issue.
• addresses the practical stocking problem.
• So they have to have three two-week supplies over their normal stocking.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 6229 concerns taxation of a long-term capital gain of a Section 1202 small business stock
• QSBS means stock issued by a domestic C corporation with gross assets of up to $75 million at issuance
• For stock issued before July 4, 2025, the gross asset threshold For stock issued before July 4, 2025,
• The qualified small business stock exemption to the capital gains tax, or QSBS exemption, ...
• When those founders hear that Washington is considering taxing Section 1202 small business stock, the

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on January 29, 2026, to consider a gubernatorial appointment, three public hearings, and two executive-session bills. Kristen L. Frazier was introduced as the governor’s appointee to the Board of Tax Appeals. She described her background in legislative fiscal analysis, constitutional law, and tax adjudication, and said the board is working on faster residential review and settlement processes. Members praised her service and said the appointment would be voted on at a future meeting. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5893, which would transfer $65 million from the Natural Climate Solutions Account to the Wildfire Response, Forest Restoration, and Community Resilience Account to fully fund wildfire response and forest health work. Committee staff explained the Climate Commitment Act funding source and the account history, and the Department of Natural Resources said the money would support forest health treatments, firefighting readiness, and partner pass-throughs. Forest industry representatives and DNR supported the bill, arguing wildfire work reduces emissions, protects communities, and prevents larger future costs; one member questioned why DNR had not submitted a decision package for the funding. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 6229, which would subject gains from the sale of qualified small business stock to Washington’s capital gains tax. Staff said the bill would affect about 260 taxpayers, raise about $1.2 million in fiscal year 2027, and cost the Department of Revenue about $1.1 million over four years to implement. Startup founders, venture capital and tech industry representatives opposed the bill, warning it would discourage investment, founders, and job creation in Washington; a Budget and Policy Center witness supported it as a way to make the tax code less regressive and argued the exemption mainly benefits the wealthiest taxpayers. The committee also heard House Bill 1376, which would allow taxpayers to prepay capital gains tax up to six months early without interest on any later refund; staff said it had no revenue impact and a small administrative cost, and the lone public witness opposed it as penalizing success. In executive session, the committee received a briefing on the proposed substitute for Senate Bill 5395 on prior authorization transparency and AI use in health care, and on Substitute Senate Bill 5860 regarding school board compensation. The committee adopted the proposed second substitute for SB 5395 and voted it out of committee with a do pass recommendation to the Rules Committee, subject to signatures. Substitute SB 5860 was moved out of committee without recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is also a request for a reappropriation of the acquisition phase for the courthouse project in
• So I've been told they weren't getting done because there were property acquisition issues, on and on
• ... ...real and these are our existing projects that we are trying to complete the acquisition phase
• We currently have five projects that are in acquisition.
• We've had challenges meeting the schedule as far as acquisition for several reasons.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is also a request for a reappropriation of the acquisition phase for the courthouse project in
• So I've been told they weren't getting done because there were property acquisition issues, on and on
• Ahmed speak more specifically to some of the local government challenges, the acquisition of the land
• We currently have five projects that are in acquisition.
• We are very, I mean, we are closer regarding a lot of those acquisitions than we were a year ago, and

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 5 held an informational hearing on the Governor’s May Revision proposals for labor, public safety/judiciary, and transportation, and no votes were taken. In Part A on labor, the Employment Development Department described funding for EDD Next document management work, updated UI loan interest costs, disability insurance and paid family leave benefit increases, WIOA adjustments, UI and school employee benefit changes, an EMT training reappropriation, and a technical correction tied to an EDD Next reversion. PERB discussed reduced funding requests for AB 288 due to litigation and a proposal to implement AB 1 covering legislative employees. DIR presented proposals for legal unit reclassifications, two major IT modernization projects, a new Cal/OSHA emerging technologies unit, a COIA reappropriation, and trailer bill language requiring electronic payment of employer assessments and removing a salary cap for the DWC administrative director. CalHR proposed consolidating employee assistance services into a statewide contract with enhanced support for first responders, and CalPERS and CalSTRS presented budget adjustments tied to investment costs, state contributions, and benefit overpayments. Members focused heavily on the unemployment insurance debt and interest payments, asking why the administration had no concrete plan to pay down principal. Finance and LAO explained that the state’s UI tax structure has long been insufficient and that any long-term solution would need to address both the outstanding federal loan and the structural imbalance in employer taxes. Questions also centered on EDD Next costs and timelines, with the chair asking for clearer long-term project cost estimates and Finance noting that future maintenance and operations costs will continue after implementation. On DIR’s emerging technologies unit, members asked whether it would address AI-driven workplace harms; DIR said the unit would focus on physical workplace safety issues involving AI, robotics, autonomous equipment, and related guardrails, while LAO noted broader labor-practice questions would likely fall outside Cal/OSHA’s scope. In the CalPERS discussion, members raised concerns about transparency in private equity and external management fees, while CalPERS said higher fees reflect a strategy of greater private-market and active-management exposure and are offset by higher net returns. Members urged more information on specific investments and future reporting. For CalSTRS, Finance presented routine contribution and overpayment adjustments, but members also raised broader transparency concerns that CalSTRS staff said they would follow up on separately. Public comment in Part A was dominated by strong support for an immigrant worker emergency relief fund, along with support for apprenticeship and workforce proposals and PERB staffing. The chair and members said they would follow up on where the immigrant relief proposal should be considered, noting it may belong in another policy area. The hearing then moved into Part B with an overview of Judicial Branch-related May Revision items, including court interpreter funding, appellate court security, workload cap changes, lactation room implementation delays, and a reduction to the state court facility construction backfill.