Video & Transcript : 'Legislative Appropriations Request' :
Page 406 of 500
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Mar 18th, 2026
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Then that's different than their request.
- And what's the distinction between a request to notify?
- And is that distinguished at all from a request to notify?
- And is that distinguished it all from a request to notify?
- We’re very much in favor of this legislation.
Summary:
The hearing covered several public safety bills and related testimony. On S. 2681, “Colby’s Law,” which would establish safety standards for BMX/motocross tracks, the committee heard emotional testimony from the family of a teen killed at a track and from advocates who said minimum standards are needed for barriers, medical staff, emergency planning, insurance, and oversight. A track owner and rider also testified that safety is important but argued the bill was incomplete and should better distinguish between BMX and motocross and include more specific equipment and weather-related rules. On S. 2680, a bill to expand emergency planning around aging nuclear plants and high-level nuclear waste sites, supporters from Cape Cod, medical groups, and anti-nuclear organizations urged a 50-mile emergency planning radius and stronger state preparedness, citing risks from long-term waste storage and inadequate federal oversight. The committee also heard testimony on a Barnstable home rule petition to allow certain emergency response vehicles to use red lights, with the town supporting the change to improve response times on the water.
A substantial portion of the hearing focused on H. 5158, the Protect Act, which would limit state and local cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement. County sheriffs testified about how ICE notifications and detainers work in practice, distinguishing between criminal warrants and civil immigration requests to notify, and describing their discretion when people are released on bail or at the end of a sentence. Sheriffs said they generally notify ICE when requested, especially in cases involving serious charges, but emphasized the need to balance public safety, victim notification, and due process. Committee members pressed them on the impact of ICE pickups at courthouses and jails, and several lawmakers and witnesses argued that pretrial detainees taken by ICE can disrupt prosecutions and deny victims their day in court.
Supporters of the Protect Act included labor, education, health care, and immigrant advocacy groups. They said immigrants and mixed-status families are living in fear of routine interactions with police, schools, courts, and hospitals, and urged the committee to ban 287(g) agreements, prohibit law enforcement from asking about immigration status or providing operational assistance to ICE, and add stronger protections for sensitive locations such as schools and health care facilities. Medical witnesses described patients and families avoiding care because of ICE presence, and educators said students are missing school out of fear. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and indicated it would continue receiving written testimony before taking action later.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Jan 26th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Labor & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, Javier Valdez, from the 40 state senator from the 46 legislative district.
- We think that would be appropriate.
- I know that there are a few different pieces of legislation.
- I'm coming to you not too far away from the 35th Legislative District.
- Thank you for your time and consideration of this very important legislation.
Committee:
Senate Labor & Commerce
Keywords:
kratom, taxation, regulated substances, health safety, state revenue, cannabis, marijuana, home grow, home cultivation, personal cultivation, adult use cannabis, recreational marijuana, 21 and older, controlled substances, RCW 69.50, Liquor and Cannabis Board, LCB, plant limits, cannabis possession, cannabis concentrates
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> law during the 2023 legislative session. law during the 2023 legislative session.
- /c> to be contingent on that appropriation to be contingent on that appropriation before<00:10:37.680
- </c> without the necessary appropriations without the necessary appropriations creates<01:16:22.480><
- They haven't requested any changes.
- They haven't requested any changes.
Committee:
Senate Human Services
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 19th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal. Conduct of official business.
- Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
- At the request of the author, please remove item 29, AJR 9, from the consent calendar.
- I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 96 to withdraw AB 470, McKinner, from the Rules
- All requests to adjourn in memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer focused on self-reflection and leadership, and observed the Pledge of Allegiance led by Assembly Member LaShae Sharp-Collins, who also marked the day as Juneteenth. The body approved the previous day’s journal and handled several procedural motions, including unanimous-consent actions to suspend rules for adjournment-in-memory remarks, guest seating, re-referrals of multiple Senate bills to different committees, and the removal of AJR 9 from the consent calendar. The Assembly also re-referred AB 470 to the Communications and Conveyance Committee and, by roll call, suspended Joint Rule 62A to allow that committee to hear the bill on June 23; the motion passed 46-8.
On the daily file, the clerk read a series of Senate bills on second reading, and the Assembly passed and retained all items on both the Assembly and Senate third-reading files. The second-day consent calendar included ACR 93, recognizing Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency Awareness Day, and ACR 95, recognizing the 2025 International Day of Yoga. Sixty-one coauthors were added to the resolutions, and both items were adopted by unanimous 64-0 votes.
The chamber then heard adjournment-in-memory tributes from Assembly Members Rubio and Michelle Rodriguez for Baldwin Park Police Officer Samuel Riveros, who was killed in the line of duty. Both members praised his bravery, service, and dedication, and the Assembly observed a moment of silence. The session concluded with announcements that there would be no floor or check-in session on Friday, June 19, and that the Assembly would reconvene Monday, June 23, at 1 p.m., before adjourning on motion.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Health & Social Services, February 13, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a pretty straightforward legislation.
- 08.320><c> specifically</c> legislation.
- This bill specifically legislation.
- </c> last last fifth day of my legislative last last fifth day of my legislative tenure.<00:40:52.960
- </c><00:49:38.720><c> So</c> and the appropriate storage time. So and the appropriate storage time.
Committee:
Senate Labor, Health & Social Services
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Let him finish. new legislation we haven't seen it new legislation we haven't seen it before<00:07:39.960
- </c><00:10:33.480><c> or</c> frivolous and misguided legislation or frivolous and misguided legislation
- </c><00:11:07.000><c> that</c> justice this includes legislation that justice this includes legislation
- > that</c> legislation the model legislation that legislation the model legislation that we<00:28:38.200
- </c> meant on or in this legislation meant on or in this legislation placed<00:32:28.320><c> on</c><00
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on HB 733-FN, a bill on third-party litigation financing (TPLF). Representative Cole, the prime sponsor, described TPLF as outside investors financing lawsuits in which they have no personal stake, arguing that the practice is largely unregulated, can involve foreign entities, and contributes to litigation abuse, higher insurance costs, and what he called a “tort tax.” He said the bill is modeled on an NCOIL proposal and would require disclosure of TPLF agreements, with specific references to foreign-entity restrictions, consumer-protection guardrails, and reporting requirements. He also noted a few technical fixes to the draft, including adding the word “knowingly” and restoring a section that had been omitted.
Committee members questioned how the bill’s foreign-entity language would work, including whether a governor or the Department of Safety would designate countries of concern, and whether the bill would bar foreign parties from using litigation funding. Cole and others clarified that the bill was intended as a reporting measure, not a ban on litigation funding itself, and that the goal was to disclose who is funding lawsuits and to what extent. Representative Sal asked whether the bill would prevent a litigant from getting outside financing; Cole answered no, emphasizing disclosure rather than prohibition.
Brandon Grat of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau testified that the bill’s enforcement provisions were too limited. He said the draft appears to give the Attorney General only a civil-penalty remedy, likely too small to deter violations, and not the broader Consumer Protection Act tools such as injunctions, restitution, or investigation authority. He also raised concerns about whether the Attorney General or Insurance Department would have proper jurisdiction, given that the product may be financial or insurance-related. Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the department sees possible benefits from transparency because disclosure of litigation funding could help insurers assess risk, improve underwriting, and potentially ease hard-market pressures, especially for nonprofits and child care providers. He also said the bill’s language likely needs further work to clarify agency authority and suggested involving the Attorney General, Insurance Department, and banking regulators.
Opposition testimony came from the New Hampshire Trial Lawyers Association. Marissa Chase and Samantha Hering argued the bill is one-sided because it requires disclosure only on the plaintiff side and not from defendants or insurers. They said New Hampshire already has court rules and discovery procedures that cover relevant disclosures, making the bill unnecessary, and questioned whether the existence of a funding contract is even relevant in litigation. The hearing ended with the committee continuing to discuss possible revisions and enforcement options, but no vote or final action was taken in the transcript.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (10/01/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:12:23.600><c> very</c><00:12:24.320><c> um</c> extension requests very um extension requests
- . appropriate. appropriate.
- </c><00:40:07.520><c> and</c><00:40:08.320><c> and</c> no appropriation and and no appropriation and
- </c> um there are a couple states legislator um there are a couple states legislator legislators<00:41
- </c> past legislative um sessions under that. past legislative um sessions under that.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Feb 25th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Postsecondary Education & Workforce
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, my name is Joe Timmons, State Representative from the 42nd Legislative District.
- It is just outside my district in the 40th Legislative District.
- And many thanks to Representative Timmons for sponsoring the legislation.
- The chart before you, using Legislative Evaluation and Accountability Program data, shows...
- Melissa Beard, tapeworm-free, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Council. Dr.
Committee:
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce
Keywords:
funding, education, higher education, Western Washington University, state funding parity, financial aid, state funding, student support, educational reform, university procedures, academic policy, student success, Washington Medical Commission, medical license, license relinquishment, voluntary surrender, nondisciplinary pathway, physician regulation, health professional licensing, disciplinary database
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on California's Mental Health Crisis Dec 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It's about having a high in-state answer rate, which helps us connect people to appropriate resources
- We subtract that from the appropriated amount. That's the revenue need.
- So is there enough money that's being appropriated? I mean, do we need to address that?
- My request today is that you continue to refine the implementation of 988.
- So if we can redirect folks to their appropriate resource, we'd like to do that.
Summary:
The hearing focused on California’s 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and the broader crisis response system, with members and witnesses emphasizing both the system’s life-saving role and the risks posed by funding gaps, rising demand, and uneven local implementation. Opening remarks highlighted the personal impact of suicide and the need to strengthen crisis response so calls are answered quickly and linked to appropriate care rather than defaulting to 911, emergency rooms, or law enforcement. State officials described the AB 988 five-year implementation plan, which sets goals around public awareness, equitable access, high-quality call/chat/text response, and better integration with ongoing behavioral health services.
State agencies reported progress on infrastructure, coordination, and related behavioral health investments. CalHHS said California has expanded mobile crisis teams, crisis stabilization units, and youth behavioral health supports, and is preparing additional public awareness and grant programs tied to Proposition 1. DHCS explained that 988 is funded through a federal SAMHSA grant and the AB 988 surcharge, while Medi-Cal separately funds mobile crisis services; officials said the mobile crisis benefit is active in 53 counties and that statewide expansion remains a work in progress. Cal OES described the statewide technical buildout, including network infrastructure in all 11 crisis centers, interoperability with 911, and a pilot of next-generation routing and call-handling tools. The 988 California Consortium said call volume continues to rise sharply, missed calls remain a major concern, text/chat capacity is limited, and centers need more stable funding, better reimbursement, and stronger feedback loops with the state.
County and community witnesses stressed that local systems need more flexible, sustained support to match the demand. Lake County described a peer-led rural mobile crisis model that has reduced law enforcement holds and increased housing placements, but said county-run mobile crisis teams still cannot reliably access 988 surcharge dollars and face reimbursement problems from Medi-Cal and commercial plans. Santa Clara County reported strong performance metrics, rapid call answer times, and a broad continuum of mobile crisis services, but said staffing and funding are strained and commercial reimbursement remains slow. The Mental Health Association of San Francisco said the peer-run warm line complements 988 by offering non-emergency support and warm handoffs, but recent budget changes forced cuts to Spanish-language service, federation support, and hours. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; members mainly asked questions about surcharge levels, budget timing, coordination among agencies, data collection, and how to improve collaboration with frontline crisis centers.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/10/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- The request for the increased appropriations for both of those groups goes to increasing their capabilities
- The request for the increased appropriations for both of those groups goes to increasing their capabilities
- The Marshall division request for the increased appropriations for both of those groups goes to increasing
- </c> recall that you passed some legislation recall that you passed some legislation that<00:23:03.039
- I'm looking at your request to provide standing authority to use a portion of all grant appropriations
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill would also design and construct appropriate on-site markers to reflect the designation and update
- Chairman and members, for your consideration of this legislation.
- As the Officer Jacob Candenosa Memorial Highway, this legislation is meant to honor the memory of one
- The bill would do that, and of course, we have the appropriate resolutions from local government and
- Request. That's local.
Bills:
HB767 , HB1708 , HB2143 , HB2198 , HB2415 , HB2457 , HB2763 , SB876 , SB1230 , SB2515 , SB2688 , SB2790 , SB2799 , HB3012 , HB1672 , HB2523 , HB3135
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Keywords:
highway designation, memorial, Montgomery County, Paul P. Mendes, transportation, memorial highway, Kevin Ramirez Vasquez, Ector County, state designation, memorial designation, highway, military honors, veteran commemoration, Officer Jacob Candanoza, Transportation Code, state highway, Kaufman County, law enforcement, Travis County, Senior Police Officer
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> now vote in expedient to legislate? now vote in expedient to legislate?
- </c> legislate on house bill 1554. legislate on house bill 1554.
- </c> requested unanimous consent. requested unanimous consent.
- </c> legislate. Thank you, Madam President. legislate. Thank you, Madam President.
- </c> legislative committee or public hearing. legislative committee or public hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- All groundwater sustainability agencies have a minimum, Legislation.
- The North Fork King's GSA was created via special legislation.
- Item number three, SB 1021, motion is due pass as amended to Appropriations. Pappin, aye.
- So with that, I'd like to respectfully request your support.
- We respectfully request your aye vote on SB 1085. Thank you. Thank you so much.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills related to wildlife access, groundwater enforcement, desert plant regulation, outdoor equity, and water supply planning. SB 1021 would direct the Fish and Game Commission to create accommodations for children with life-threatening illnesses to participate in hunting and fishing opportunities; supporters described the bill as therapeutic and family-centered, while an opposition group argued the state should focus on non-lethal outdoor activities. SB 997 would give the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency lien authority to enforce fees and penalties under SGMA; the author and agency said the bill closes an enforcement gap for a special-legislation GSA, and it drew broad support from local government and agricultural groups. The committee also considered SB 1061, which would streamline relocation permits for Western Joshua trees on private property; the author and local officials said the current law creates burdens for homeowners and infrastructure, while supporters framed the bill as a balance between conservation and property rights.
Members also heard SB 1268, which would codify the Outdoors for All initiative to expand park access and outdoor equity, especially in underserved communities; it received strong support from environmental, parks, local government, and community organizations, with members praising the effort to improve access. SB 1085 would restore water supply assessment requirements for large developments even when CEQA exemptions apply, so local agencies still receive early information about water availability; the sponsor and water agencies said the bill helps prevent “paper water” problems and supports planning in drought conditions, and the building industry indicated it would remove its opposition after amendments. The committee accepted amendments on several bills, took roll once quorum was established, and advanced the measures by vote.
Votes taken included SB 997, SB 1021, SB 1061, SB 1085, and SB 1268, all of which were reported out of committee, with SB 1061, SB 1085, and SB 1268 later recorded as passing 11-0. SB 997 was approved on a due-pass motion to Judiciary, SB 1021 was sent to Appropriations as amended, SB 1061 and SB 1085 were sent to Appropriations and Local Government respectively, and SB 1268 was sent to Natural Resources. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after completing the votes.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 8, February 18, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, the money that's already been appropriated will be appropriated.
- </c> you that's already been appropriated you that's already been appropriated will<00:10:41.519><c>
- </c> appropriation. It's just a fiscal note. appropriation. It's just a fiscal note.
- </c> 20, we have legislative recommendations. 20, we have legislative recommendations.
- </c><01:46:19.920><c> that</c><01:46:20.480><c> the</c> It requests that the appropriation of a grand
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WAL/PBS Joint Public Hearing - Tue Mar 11, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm not sure we're the appropriate person.
- The counties are probably the appropriate place for this type of program.
- The counties are probably the appropriate place for this type of program.
- </c> Act it may be the more appropriate Act it may be the more appropriate agency<01:19:53.719><c> I<
- We are aour nice. requesting $3 million annually and requesting $3 million annually and that's that's
Summary:
The hearing opened with committee procedures and then took up SB 1, relating to vegetation management near utility lines. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it would shift rights, responsibilities, and liability onto the state and private landowners. Hawaiian Electric supported the measure with amendments, describing it as a first step to address wildfire risk and improve public safety and system reliability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau and Command Schools both raised concerns that the bill could impose significant costs, liability, and access burdens on farmers, ranchers, and other landowners, especially where easements are old or unclear. Life of the Land argued the issue belongs before the Public Utilities Commission, and PUC staff explained that the commission is already reviewing Hawaiian Electric’s wildfire mitigation plan and vegetation management in a docket, with a decision expected by September and public meetings scheduled for April 23 and 24. Committee members questioned the need for legislation versus negotiated solutions, and witnesses said private parties could potentially renegotiate easements without statute.
The committee then heard HB 1296, relating to disaster recovery. DLNR and OPSD supported the bill, saying it would ease regulatory burdens in post-disaster rebuilding and help speed permit review. Testimony and member questions focused on the bill’s five-year rebuilding timeline, the role of the coastal zone/SMA process, and how long permit reviews typically take; OPSD said SMA major/use permits generally take about six months, while minor permits are faster. Members also discussed whether the bill would apply to existing structures damaged in disasters and whether the amendments from the Attorney General’s office and OPSD were acceptable; no objections were raised.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1170, relating to the expeditious redevelopment and development of affordable rental housing. HHFDC supported the bill, and testimony from a Maui affordable housing project said the measure is needed to rebuild the Weinberg Court Apartments, a 63-unit affordable project in Lahaina, using insurance funds rather than government money. Members asked whether the bill would help existing affordable rental projects damaged before the enactment of related coastal rules, and the response was that the bill is aimed at existing structures damaged during events and intended to speed rebuilding of affordable housing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Workforce committee debates HF1325 to change MN's earned sick, safe time law 3/12/25
Transcript Highlights:
- session that were specifically requested by employers.
- session that were specifically requested by employers.
- session that were specifically requested by employers.
- </c><00:42:12.240><c> to</c> goals of esst I urge legislators to goals of esst I urge legislators to
- </c><01:10:18.679><c> by</c> this place where we're legislating by this place where we're legislating
Summary:
The committee took up House File 1325 and adopted the author’s A2 amendment before hearing testimony. Representative Schultz presented the bill as a set of bipartisan changes to make Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law more workable for small businesses, public employers, and taxpayers, arguing the current law is an unfunded mandate that increases costs and property taxes. The bill’s supporters said it would add flexibility, including changes affecting coverage for certain workers, employer size thresholds, front-loading, weather-related exceptions, and a delay on penalties.
Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach of the Department of Labor and Industry opposed the bill, saying it would exclude about 800,000 workers, or roughly 30% of the workforce, from earned sick and safe time protections and create confusion and enforcement problems. She also objected to the proposed penalty delay, saying the department already uses compliance assistance and needs penalty authority for serious violations. The Minnesota Chamber supported modifications to the mandate, saying businesses—especially small ones—have struggled with compliance and that the law has had unintended effects on PTO policies and leave use. The League of Minnesota Cities supported parts of the bill, especially changes affecting more generous city leave policies and weather-event exemptions, saying current language creates confusion and can interfere with emergency staffing.
Opponents from Education Minnesota, SEIU Minnesota, TakeAction Minnesota, and a nurse from Unity Hospital argued the bill would strip protections from part-time workers, minors, and workers with family caregiving needs, and would weaken a law they said has helped workers avoid discipline or lost wages when sick. Supporters from counties and an HR consultant emphasized administrative burdens, emergency staffing needs during weather events, and the difficulty of applying ESS rules to existing leave policies. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the bill was laid over for further consideration.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It is due pass to the Committee on Appropriations. You may start when you are ready. Thank you.
- As per the Chair's request, I committed to clarify that this bill applies to loans.
- Harabedian, the motion is due pass and refer to the Committee on Appropriations. Valencia aye.
- File item 1, AB 493, Heravidian, the motion is due pass and refer to Committee on Appropriations.
- The motion is do pass and refer to Committee on Appropriations. Chiavo, aye. Soria.
Summary:
The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met to hear its only agenda item, AB 493 by Assemblymember Harabedian, which would require lenders to pay interest to homeowners on post-loss insurance payouts held in escrow. The author said current law already pays interest on some escrowed funds, but excludes insurance proceeds after a loss; he argued the bill would help wildfire survivors and other homeowners rebuilding after major property damage. He noted amendments clarifying that the bill applies only to loans and only to insurance payouts still held in escrow on or after the bill’s effective date.
Support came from the Consumer Federation of California, whose representative said the measure closes a loophole and would provide modest but meaningful help to homeowners facing long rebuild timelines. The California Bankers Association did not oppose the bill but raised concerns about aligning it with existing mortgage servicing law and the treatment of hazard insurance proceeds, saying it wanted to work with the author on technical issues. Committee members expressed support, emphasizing the need to help displaced homeowners access funds more quickly.
The committee voted unanimously to pass AB 493 and refer it to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations. The roll call showed the bill receiving eight votes, and the committee then adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Transportation (05/06/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> law says slow down and if appropriate law says slow down and if appropriate move<00:57:35.200><c
- Um I in favor of this uh legislation.
- This legislation just makes sense.
- </c> legally asles do and then you request legally asles do and then you request asylum.<04:23:35.760
- </c> the demonstration to the appropriate the demonstration to the appropriate state<04:52:04.878><c>
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on three transportation bills. SB 154 would add the Snow Traveler Foundation to the list of charitable organizations authorized to offer multi-use decal plates through the existing Department of Safety program. Senator David Roford said the bill would create a non-tax funding source for snowmobile trail maintenance, especially after flood damage, and Dan Gold of the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association said the foundation would accept tax-deductible donations for projects such as upgraded trail signage. He explained that the association’s 96 volunteer clubs maintain about 7,000 miles of trails and that the sign program is costly. No opposition was presented, and the hearing was closed after questions from members about the foundation’s status and fundraising goals.
SB 271 would expand eligibility for veteran license plates to include veterans with a general discharge under honorable conditions. The sponsor’s representative said the change would recognize service members who are already eligible for many veterans benefits but are excluded from plates under current law. Supporters included Phil Grizzo, who argued that general discharges often reflect service that was otherwise honorable, and Kevin Grady of the State Veterans Advisory Committee, which said it strongly supported the bill and was also considering broader statutory cleanup to standardize the definition of veteran across state law. Committee members asked whether the change should be limited to plates or applied more broadly, but the sponsor said broader changes would be a separate policy question. The public hearing was then closed.
SB 273, titled “Cheryl’s Law,” would update New Hampshire’s move-over requirements for motorists approaching stopped or standing vehicles on the roadside, including stranded vehicles and those with warning signals. Senator Donovan Fenton said the bill was intended to save lives and honor Staff Sergeant Jesse Cheryl and Brigadier General John Pogo, both of whom died in roadside incidents. He said the measure would require drivers to slow down, change lanes if safe, and move over for roadside vehicles, with the intent of education rather than punishment. Committee members asked about enforcement, the lack of a fiscal note, whether the bill applied statewide, and whether the language could be read as weakening the move-over requirement; the sponsor said it applied to all roads, did not change fines, and was meant to clarify and broaden safety obligations. The hearing continued with additional questions, and the sponsor said state police and other safety stakeholders supported the approach.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> be found inexpedient to legislate. be found inexpedient to legislate.
- </c> FN to inexpediate to legislate. FN to inexpediate to legislate.
- </c> legislate on House Bill 1083 FN. legislate on House Bill 1083 FN.
- </c> to legislate on House Bill 1201 carries. to legislate on House Bill 1201 carries.
- </c> machine if this legislation is passed. machine if this legislation is passed.
Committee:
House Election Law
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So please give them that chance, and I request an aye vote. Thank you. Thank you. Yes.
- I respectfully request an aye vote. Thank you very much.
- The motion is do pass and re-refer to the Committee on Appropriations. McKinner. Aye.
- We have one more bill left. ...is do pass and re-refer to the Committee on Appropriations.
- The motion is do pass and re-refer to the Committee on Appropriations. McKinner, aye.
Summary:
The Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several bills, beginning with AB 2483, which would create a permanent pathway for formerly incarcerated Cal Fire fire crew members to receive certification and pursue firefighting jobs after release. The author and supporters described incarcerated firefighters as highly trained workers who perform dangerous frontline fire suppression work but often leave without credentials or a clear hiring path. The chair strongly supported the bill, and there was no opposition.
The committee then considered AB 1619, which would raise trustee stipend limits for retirement board members from $100 to $320 per meeting for county retirement systems, CalSTRS, and CalPERS, subject to local approval. Supporters argued the current stipend is nearly 40 years old and no longer reflects the complexity and fiduciary responsibility of overseeing large pension systems, and that higher stipends could improve diversity and participation. The bill was passed on a 7-0 vote and sent to Appropriations. The committee also passed its cleanup bill, AB 2780, making technical and conforming changes to retirement laws, and AB 2519, which corrects an unintended consequence of prior CalSTRS legislation so certain charter school employees can remain eligible for CalSTRS membership; both bills advanced unanimously to Appropriations.
AB 2017, the California Eid State Holiday Act, was heard next. The bill would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in California and provide excused absences for students observing the holidays. Supporters, including Muslim students, educators, and advocacy organizations, said the measure would promote inclusion and help Muslim Californians feel seen and respected. Members spoke in favor, and the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2656 would require public employers to give employee organizations 45 days’ written notice before developing or using generative AI in represented job classifications. Supporters said the bill would ensure transparency and labor input, while county and special district groups raised concerns about scope and implementation but expressed willingness to keep working on the measure. It also passed 7-0 to Appropriations, and the meeting adjourned.