Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the State Medicaid Director with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.
• However, it is authorized by legislation.
• And it seems that it's in line with legislative authority.
• And if the author... in administrative code.
• However, like I said, they have legislative authority.

Bills: SJR50 , SJR51 , SJR52 , SJR53 , SJR54

Committee: Senate Administrative Rules

Keywords: Medicaid, federal funding, state law, healthcare, low-income adults, Oklahoma Constitution, healthcare regulations, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, permanent rules, joint resolution, OHCA, health care rules, administrative rules, major rule, Title 75, Title 317, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 317:30, health policy, state health programs

Summary: The Senate Committee on Administrative Rules met with a quorum and considered five Oklahoma Health Care Authority and OMMA rules resolutions. Senate Joint Resolution 50 was presented as a federal-law conformity change allowing licensed professional counselors, LBHPs, and licensed alcohol and drug counselors to work as eligible providers in federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics; despite questions about the fiscal estimate, it passed 9-0. SJR 51 was amended to correct rule citations related to human genome sequencing, then failed on a 4-5 vote after members noted an estimated $860,000 fiscal impact tied to legislation. SJR 52, removing physician visit limits in Medicaid, was described as an access-to-care and rural health measure that could reduce ER use; it passed 8-1. The committee then took up SJR 53 from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, which would align rules with statutes requiring prepackaging of medical marijuana products and other provisions. Members questioned OMMA extensively about the economic impact, the discrepancy between the agency’s estimate and Loft’s much larger estimate, and whether the rules were already being implemented under emergency authority. OMMA said the rules mirrored existing statutes and that the cost would fall on the industry and ultimately consumers, not the agency. After debate about regulatory fairness and the effect on the industry, the resolution passed 5-4. Finally, SJR 54, a non-major OMMA rule change renaming the adjudicator from administrative law judge to hearing examiner to match the Administrative Procedures Act, drew concerns about independence and whether OMMA should be required to contract for outside adjudicators. The director said the change was only a terminology alignment and would not alter current practice, and Senator Bergstrom said he would pursue legislation next year to require outside contracting. An amendment changed the committee’s position from disapprove to approve, but the underlying resolution still failed 4-5. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And would the author consider the reality of domestic abuse, quite frankly, in numerous families?
• That's an issue that should be taken up with the authority.
• Could the author understand that, with this language, law enforcement has to be notified?
• That's an issue that should be taken up with the authority.
• This is actually just a direct authorization of those right to suit. Senator Kerbs for a follow-up.

Bills: SB1238 , SB1277 , SB1304 , SB1378 , SB1423 , SB1484 , SB1501 , SR32 , SB1502 , SB1721 , SB1735 , SB1832 , SB1847 , SB1859 , SB1876 , SB2170 , SB2182

Keywords: domestic abuse, domestic violence, assault and battery, strangulation, intimate partner violence, family or household member, repeat offender, felony enhancement, Class B5 felony, stalking, batterers intervention program, court-ordered treatment, protective order, presence of a child, pregnant victim, great bodily injury, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, sex offender registration

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, pledges, and a series of guest introductions recognizing doctors, nurses, psychologists, interns, students, civic groups, and special honorees, including a tribute to Senator Paul Rosino’s military service and a citation for 2025 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Melissa Yvonne. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 32 recognizing March 9 as Bob Wills Day at the Capitol, with remarks from Carolyn Wills and musical guests from the Texas Playboys. The Senate then took up and passed a long list of bills. SB 1238 made domestic assault and battery in the presence of a minor a felony on the first offense and passed 42-3 after questions about sentencing impacts and equity concerns. SB 1277 codified weekly work-search actions and passed 46-0. SB 1304 clarified alcohol sample serving sizes and passed 30-15, with one senator recorded as not voting. SB 1378 created the Olympics and Oklahoma revolving fund and passed 46-0 as an emergency measure. SB 1423 repealed the Hospital Advisory Council and passed 39-7. SB 1484 expanded sudden unexplained infant death investigations and passed 46-0. Later measures included SB 1501, which clarified medical marijuana grow remediation and notice requirements, passing 41-5 amid concerns about pending renewals and law-enforcement notification; SB 1502, repealing the Alzheimer’s Disclosure Act Advisory Council, passing 46-0; SB 1721, extending the Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education and passing 40-6 as an emergency; SB 1735, a CareerTech/SDE accreditation cleanup bill, passing 46-0 as an emergency; SB 1832, reauthorizing veterans’ tax checkoffs, passing 46-0 as an emergency; SB 1847, allowing certain Medicaid waiver recipients in assisted living to age in place, passing 34-10 as an emergency; SB 1859, creating an OSBI cybercrime and financial fraud division, passing 37-8 despite concerns about duplication with another agency; SB 1876, modernizing service of process for foreign insurers, passing 45-0; SB 2170, requiring supervised visitation after DHS findings of child sexual abuse, passing 45-0; and SB 2182, creating civil remedies for unauthorized disclosure of intimate images, passing 44-0. The Senate concluded with announcements about the Bible Reading Marathon and an upcoming Ireland-related economic development event, then adjourned until Tuesday, March 10 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation will clarify authority of fire protection officials, a new term, including the state
• This legislation will clarify authority This legislation will clarify authority of<00:01:55.840><c> fire
• And so this gives the board the provision and the authority to do that as well.
• </c> and the authority to do that as well. and the authority to do that as well.
• </c><00:12:55.600><c> in</c> checks they have to have um authority in checks they have to have um authority

Committee: House Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have relatively broad authority within this particular part of the code.
• We have separate authorization in this statute for deficiency warrant authority, and it has its own set
• We have separate authorization in this statute for deficiency warrant authority, and it has its own set
• One is we do have general fund appropriation authority.
• Obviously, we don't have the power and authority to operate on federal lands.

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee approved the January 27, 2026 minutes and then reviewed several Idaho State Department of Agriculture rules. Andrea Thompson presented updates to seed production and distribution rules, explaining that the changes mainly clean up redundant language, incorporate national and international testing standards by reference, and remove outdated rapeseed/canola and bluegrass district requirements that industry said were no longer necessary. She also outlined updates to commercial feed, fertilizer, and soil/plant amendment licensing rules to reflect the 2026 editions of AAFCO and related publications, and described bean planting rule changes clarifying that edible bean seed planted in Idaho must have approved green tags. The committee also heard temporary and pending invasive species rules tied to Snake River quagga mussel response and the addition of golden mussel to Idaho’s emergency invasive species list; members asked about the temporary-rule process and whether the standards should have publication dates, and staff explained the need for rolling updates and immediate quarantine authority. The committee said it would vote on the rules later in the week. The committee then received a presentation from Deputy Director Lloyd Knight on Idaho’s authorities for dealing with pests and invasive species, prompted by recent discussion about rats. He explained that the Plant Pest Act and Invasive Species Act give the department broad authority over pests such as Japanese beetle, grasshoppers, Mormon crickets, quagga/zebra mussels, and other listed species, but that some problems may be better handled through county abatement districts or other local tools. Senators asked about Mormon cricket response in rural counties, coordination with federal land managers, and whether a GIS-based public reporting system could be used for rat sightings; Knight said the department could likely build a low-cost reporting tool and that response options depend on land ownership, funding, and statutory direction. Brett Wilder of the University of Idaho then briefed the committee on the financial condition of Idaho agriculture. He said agriculture and agribusiness account for a significant share of Idaho’s economy, with livestock performing relatively well while crop producers face heavy pressure from high input costs, low commodity prices, and weak credit conditions. He noted record or near-record cash receipts overall, but emphasized that sugar beets and other crops are under strain, that export markets remain important, and that government payments are unlikely to solve the structural problems. Senators asked about sugar beet imports, market distortions, demand trends, and the likely impact of federal bridge payments; Wilder said the payments would help cash flow but would mostly go to existing debts and would not resolve the broader oversupply and profitability issues. The meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are exclusively owned and operated by transit authorities.
• Lastly, metropolitan transit authority boards have eight-year term limits.
• I'm in my third term, and I highly want to... ...for co-authoring this bill.
• I would like to thank Senator Perry and the co-authors for authoring this bill.
• We want to thank Senator Perry for authoring Senate Bill 1377 for rural EMS.

Bills: SB868 , SB1337 , SB1371 , SB1377 , SB1426 , SB1620 , SB2064 , SB2065 , SJR4

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: SB 868, rural volunteer fire department assistance program, volunteer fire department assistance fund, Texas Government Code, wildfire, wildland fire, high-risk wildfire area, fire suppression, rural fire departments, volunteer firefighters, emergency response, public safety, grant allocation, appropriations, disaster preparedness, tax penalties, interest calculation, overpayment, tax law, refund process

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard several bills focused on tax administration, transportation, emergency services, historic preservation, forensic training, pension funding, and the state’s rainy day fund. Senate Bill 1337, by Senator Creighton, would require the comptroller to assess penalty and interest only on the net tax due and allow sales and use tax overpayments to offset underpayments more automatically; it was left pending while the author, comptroller staff, and a private witness continued working on the language and fiscal note. Senate Bill 1371, by Senator Hinojosa, would address Corpus Christi transit authority operations, including emergency refueling coordination, fare-setting procedures, and board term limits; it received supportive testimony and was left pending. Senate Bill 1377, by Senator Perry, would create a grant program for rural counties to buy ambulances, with a committee substitute expanding eligible uses in some cases to equipment and setting a sunset date; numerous EMS officials, county representatives, and association witnesses testified in support, emphasizing rising ambulance costs, staffing shortages, and the need for rural emergency coverage, and the bill was left pending after testimony. Senate Bill 868, by Senator Sparks, would direct at least 10% of volunteer fire department assistance funding to high wildfire-risk areas; Texas A&M Forest Service explained the map and methodology, and the committee substitute was adopted. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1426, which would place the First Capitol State Historic Site in West Columbia under Texas Historical Commission stewardship, and Senate Bill 1620, which would create a Texas Forensic Analyst Apprenticeship Pilot Program through the Office of Court Administration to address forensic scientist shortages; both had no opposition in testimony and their committee substitutes were adopted. Senate Bill 2065 would change the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System funding structure to require an actuarially determined state contribution and address the system’s unfunded liability over 30 years; Pasadena fire department representatives testified that the pension is an important volunteer retention tool, and the bill was left pending after testimony. Senate Joint Resolution 4 would raise the Economic Stabilization Fund cap from 10% to 15% of biennial revenue deposits, with a committee substitute correcting the effective date to September 1, 2027; the committee discussed the fund’s current balance and purpose before adopting the substitute. After quorum was established, the committee voted out the measures. Senate Bill 1868, Senate Bill 1371, Senate Bill 264, Senate Joint Resolution 4, Senate Bill 1426, Senate Bill 1620, and Senate Bill 2065 were all reported favorably to the full Senate, with some bills also certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee substitute for Senate Bill 868 was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as well. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 612, as the author mentioned, would just AB 612, as the author mentioned, would just really enhance
• I give the author a moment to close. Absolutely.
• I want to thank those who joined as co-authors. All right. All right.
• I want to thank the author for bringing this forward.
• Hearing none, I'd like to invite the author to close on the bill.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee met and began without a quorum, first hearing AB 612 by Assembly Member Rogers and later AB 435 by Assembly Member Wilson. AB 612 would direct Caltrans to update the highway design manual so local jurisdictions consult with fire departments on major road improvements. Supporters, including the California Professional Firefighters and labor representatives, said the bill would improve emergency response and prevent road designs from hindering fire apparatus. County representatives said they were not opposed but wanted the bill narrowed to avoid mandatory consultation on minor maintenance projects or in areas without a local fire district. Several members praised the bill as common-sense safety legislation, and it was moved forward to Appropriations. The committee then adopted its rules and approved a seven-bill consent calendar. AB 435 would update California child passenger safety law to require children under 10 to be properly restrained in the back seat, require children ages 10 to 13 to remain in the back seat unless they pass the five-step seat belt fit test, and require the five-step test before a child may ride in the front seat. The author and supporters, including Safe Kids Greater Sacramento, Safety Belt Safe USA, AAA, the Automobile Club, and hospitals, argued the bill would align state law with national best practices and improve child safety. Committee members raised concerns about enforceability, implementation timing, pickup trucks, large families, and low-speed vehicles, and the author said he was open to amendments and additional data, including California-specific information. AB 435 was advanced to the Committee on Appropriations after discussion. AB 612 also received a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee held rolls open to allow additional members to add on, then later confirmed the votes and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> overseeing their conduct authority. overseeing their conduct authority.
• </c> straighten this out with our authority straighten this out with our authority &gt;&gt; thank<00:
• </c> That is the full extent of the authority That is the full extent of the authority given<00:29:07.600
• </c> The constitution does not authorize The constitution does not authorize states<00:29:13.679><c>
• Section eight gives the advisory committee authority to hire staff.

Bills: HB433 , HB443 , HB433 , HB443

Committee: House Constitution, Campaigns and Elections

Keywords: tax distribution, Talladega County, economic development, public safety, rural infrastructure, HB443, Underground Damage Prevention Program, One-Call Notification System, 811, utility locate, dig law, excavation safety, damage prevention, underground utilities, pipeline safety, public utilities, buried facilities, excavation notice, demolition notice, Alabama Public Service Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• I went ahead and I spoke to the author about the changes to the bill, and with their support, we are
• </c><00:02:17.680><c> Bond</c> consider them when authorizing Bond consider them when authorizing Bond
• [Music] Craig Nakamoto, Executive Director of the Hawaii Community Development Authority.
• </c><00:09:17.360><c> board</c> board I should say the authority board board I should say the authority
• </c><00:09:39.360><c> by</c> matters brought before the authority by matters brought before the authority

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee reconvened for decision-making on measures previously heard on February 6, 2025. Senate Bill 1513 was deferred indefinitely based on the testimony and issues raised. Senate Bill 786 was also deferred indefinitely and set aside for interim work on a proposed SD1 that could address the concerns discussed and incorporate ongoing federal changes. Senate Bill 1031 was amended and advanced as a Senate WAP 1; the amended version would allow the legislature to adopt non-binding advisory referendum questions only for general obligation bond proposals, require 30 days’ notice, require the legislature to consider the results, and require a written explanation if the final legislative action opposes the majority vote. The committee also set a far-future effective date and noted that any further review should examine opposition concerns and the fiscal, administrative, and legal implications of the proposal. The measure passed on a yes vote from the vice chair and supporting members, with one member excused. In the joint Government Operations and Water and Land hearing, Senate Bill 411, relating to capital improvement projects for boating and ocean recreation, drew support from the Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation and several written supporters, while Budget and Finance opposed it and the Deputy Attorney General warned it could be challenged because it implied funding without an appropriation. The chair recommended moving the bill with amendments and a defective date, and both committees adopted the recommendation to pass SB 411 with amendments. Senate Bill 1103, relating to community districts, generated substantial discussion and was ultimately recommended for deferral. Testimony raised constitutional and special fund concerns, while the Hawaii Community Development Authority supported the concept but suggested major changes, including clearer governance language, a dedicated staff position, and funding. Members debated whether elected boards would undermine county planning authority and whether the concept was more suitable for Oahu or the Neighbor Islands. Senate Bill 1308, relating to plans, was presented as an administration bill and supported by DAGS. The bill would remove outdated filing requirements, update fee schedules, give DAGS more discretion over plan format, and update drawing scales. A member asked whether it could help replace survey monuments lost in the Lahaina wildfire cleanup; DAGS said it would not directly replace monuments but could help with future mapping and surveying. The chair indicated the committee would note the monument issue in the report and work on technical cleanup language, with the measure moving forward subject to those amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> co-authoring. Uh members, as uh Rep. co-authoring. Uh members, as uh Rep.
• This authority is specific to a single condition and medical treatment and is not a blanket authority
• </c><00:55:32.000><c> specific</c> court order authorizing specific court order authorizing specific
• This currently authorized in statute.
• </c> authorized under law. authorized under law. &gt;&gt; Represent<00:58:04.079><c> Frankson.

Bills: HF3935 , HF2216 , HF4354 , HF4210 , HF4212

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, training, unlicensed personnel, resident rights, safety regulations, nursing home, long-term care, guardian, conservator, arbitration, mandatory arbitration, consumer protection, fee increase, rate increase, price hike, private pay, public funds, Medicaid, waiver services

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a quote today by motivational author John Maxwell, and this is one to think about, I think.
• payment stable coins, a required report, and legislative authority to provide for state use of authorized
• payment staple coins, require a certain report, and provide for certain legislative authority to provide
• , authorized payment staple coins require a certain report and provide for certain legislative authority
• to provide for state use of authorized payment stable coins and to provide for interstate coordination

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill also gives authority to the Department of Agriculture to oversee the rules, inspections, and
• This bill also gives authority to the Department of Agriculture to oversee the rules, inspections, and
• This bill doesn't expand the state's jurisdiction or authority over anything.
• I think they have authority to do those kind of things. And I hope they would do that.
• I think they have authority to do those kind of things. And I hope they would do that.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Agricultural Affairs Committee first approved the minutes from March 18, 2026, and then took up Senate Bill 1335 as amended, which would require Idaho veterinary students whose out-of-state tuition is underwritten by the state to return and practice large-animal veterinary medicine in Idaho for four years. The sponsor said the bill is meant to address the state’s shortage of licensed veterinarians and does not create new funding. Idaho Farm Bureau, the Idaho Cattle Association, and the Idaho Wool Growers Association supported the bill; the Idaho Veterinary Medical Association said it was neutral but supportive of the concept. The committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1270 as amended, a labeling bill for cell-cultivated animal protein. The sponsor said it is intended to ensure transparency for consumers by requiring clear labeling, restricting use of meat terms such as steak or brisket unless authorized by USDA, and requiring restaurant menu disclosure. Supporters included Idaho Farm Bureau and livestock groups, who said consumers should know what they are buying and that the bill aligns with similar laws in other states. Food Northwest opposed state-by-state labeling requirements, arguing they increase costs and that labeling should be handled nationally. The committee approved the bill and sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 781, dealing with county authority to declare rats and related pests as agricultural pests, drew the most discussion. The sponsor said the bill was intended to clarify existing law and respond to Norway and roof rat problems, but members raised concerns about broad county authority, private property rights, and whether the language could be overbroad or better handled in other parts of code. Several members said the issue may be more appropriate for local governments or another statutory framework. After motions to send the bill to the floor, hold it in committee, and send it to general orders, the committee adopted the motion to send House Bill 781 to general orders. The meeting ended with thanks to the Department of Agriculture director and notice of a brief final meeting to wrap up committee business and recognize the page.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you recall, last year the legislature authorized a county that is fully planning under the GMA to
• As you recall, last year the legislature authorized a county that is fully planning under the GMA to
• A county that utilizes this authority is subject to certain requirements.
• The middle housing authority in urban growth areas is unchanged by the bill.
• authorize these middle housing types in their LAMARDs.

Bills: HB2269

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: middle housing, zoning, unincorporated areas, affordable housing, land use, density, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that authorizes the city of Sauk Centre for construction of Trunk Highway 71.
• And that authorizes the city of Sauk Centre for construction of Trunk Highway 71.
• And that authorizes the city of Sauk Centre for construction of Trunk Highway 71.
• And that's authorized for up to 20 years.
• And that's authorized for up to 20 years.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Network Authority provided information Network Authority provided information on<00:01:21.520><c> the
• </c> which were authorized in House Bill 6. which were authorized in House Bill 6.
• Um it Communications Network Authority.
• :12.240><c> ahead</c><00:07:12.479><c> and</c> requesting authority to go ahead and requesting authority
• </c> Kentucky Infrastructure Authority. Kentucky Infrastructure Authority.

Keywords: 00:05 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:34 Approval of Minutes 00:56 Information Items 05:40 Project Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions 14:00 Project Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet 20:40 Lease Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet 24:53 Rpt from OFM – Ky Infrastructure Authority 40:38 Office of Financial Management 47:39 Remaining 2025 Meeting Dates 48:05 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with routine business, including a quorum call, approval of the April minutes, and several informational reports. Those information items covered upcoming general obligation debt for Bullitt, Jefferson, and Warren counties; Kentucky Communications Network Authority updates tied to House Bill 6; Eastern Kentucky University asset preservation reallocations under House Bill 1; and School Facilities Construction Commission debt activity, including 20 prior debt issues totaling about $386 million with roughly 85% locally supported debt service and 15% SFCC participation. Members then discussed concerns about a Kentucky Communications Network Authority project, focusing on a reported discrepancy between an appropriation of $12.927 million and an apparent payment of about $8.532 million on a project with a cost estimate of $12.449 million. Several members asked for more detailed written information before the next Capital Projects meeting, noting that a lawsuit is pending and that they wanted to better understand the basis for the request and the spending to date. The committee also heard and unanimously approved a donor-funded Northern Kentucky University project to renovate tennis courts, with possible pickleball additions, after questions about why approval was needed, the project’s estimated $3 million cost, and its expected minimal ongoing operating costs. The committee next received Kentucky State University pool allocation reports for three projects: a $2 million McCullen Hall renovation, a $1.75 million walkway and miscellaneous repairs project, and a $2 million academic services building roof-and-window project. A member asked specifically about curb cuts and accessibility in the walkway project, and Kentucky State said existing curb cuts would be repaired and additional accessibility issues would be reviewed by engineers. The lease report from the Finance and Administration Cabinet included one lease modification requiring approval for the Attorney General’s office in Franklin County and one no-action modification for the Board of Cosmetology; the Attorney General lease was approved by roll call vote. Finally, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented five loans and 37 grants, with action taken on the loan and grant items. The loans included a Hodgenville wastewater treatment plant increase, a Grant County sewer district treatment plant loan, a Mount Sterling dam rehabilitation loan, and two Morganfield drinking water loans for granular activated carbon treatment, one with full principal forgiveness. Members asked about the Morganfield project’s purpose and were told it was a remediation effort for a water-quality concern, and they also raised questions about engineering fees, which KIA said are compared against a U.S. Rural Development fee schedule that is industry accepted. The committee also reviewed cleaner water program grant reallocations from county allocation pools.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're taking that out of the governor's authority.
• We're putting that into the Attorney General's authority.
• We are the only ones who have the authority to do that.
• They've never levied, but we're giving them that authority, right?
• Chair, as the regulations currently exist, there is no authorization, there's no regulatory authority

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• For authors, the bill is up today.
• I want to applaud the author for your intent.
• Three things for the author that I would ask that you would potentially add: Three things for the author
• I urge the author, while well intended in trying to help students, I would urge the author to perhaps
• And then moving forward, I would like to be a co-author. Co-author, heard. Thank you.

Summary: The committee first adopted its 2025-26 rules on a 7-0 roll call, then approved three consent items—AB 88, AB 240, and AB 313—on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. The hearing then moved to AB 648, which would give community college districts the same zoning authority as the UC and CSU systems to build student and staff housing on property they own or lease. The author and supporters argued the bill would help address severe housing insecurity and homelessness among community college students, while opponents and some members raised concerns about local control, zoning exemptions, and the impact on nearby communities. AB 648 passed the committee on a 5-2 vote and was sent to the Local Government Committee. The committee next heard AB 466, which would require California Community Colleges and CSU campuses to provide organ and tissue donor registry information during student orientation, and request UC campuses to do the same. Supporters shared personal stories about transplants and donation, saying college orientation is a good opportunity to increase registrations. Some members worried about information overload during orientation and suggested campuses have flexibility in how they present the material, but the bill advanced on a unanimous 7-0 vote to Appropriations. AB 326 followed, proposing campus-by-campus external audits of the CSU every three years and public release of the audits. The author, faculty supporters, and a student argued that systemwide audits do not provide enough transparency about how money is spent at individual campuses, citing examples of financial mismanagement and fee increases. CSU opposed the bill, saying it already conducts annual consolidated external audits and that campus-level audits would add cost without added benefit. After extensive discussion about transparency, audit scope, and implementation, the bill passed 6-1 to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 335, which would create a California Black-Serving Institution Grant Program to support Black student success and broader underserved student services; supporters emphasized persistent equity gaps and low completion rates, while an opponent argued the bill needed to be carefully amended to comply with Proposition 209 and equal protection requirements. The transcript ends during that item’s discussion, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• :22.000><c> authorities</c><00:05:22.560><c> and</c> and redevelopment authorities and and redevelopment
• </c> small business procurement authority small business procurement authority already<00:08:46.080><
• :08:55.040><c> consistent</c> the Met Council authority consistent the Met Council authority consistent
• </c> Met Council to have the same authorities Met Council to have the same authorities as<00:10:08.800
• . authorities. authorities.

Bills: HF3884 , HF3881 , HF3882 , HF3883 , HF3363 , HF3362

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: tribal governments, Metropolitan Council, grant programs, funding, local government, small business, contracting, veteran-owned businesses, compliance, government contracts, housing finance, reporting requirements, regional development, city programs, elected officials, campaign access, multiple unit dwellings, residential access, voter registration, 1183

Transcript Highlights:

• And I see that both those authors are here today.
• Well, I'm going to invite the author to close then.
• All right, we're looking for authors.
• All right, I'll invite the author to close.
• Yes, as a principal co-author, too. I would like to be principal co-author. Absolutely. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard several bills focused on homelessness, child care, food security, public assistance, immigration legal services, and veterans’ benefits. SB 479 would allow city-based local health jurisdictions, including Berkeley and Oakland, to use multidisciplinary homeless response teams and share specified information across departments; supporters said the change would improve coordination and outcomes, and no opposition testified. SB 902 would allow electronic signatures for child care and development services paperwork while preserving paper options; supporters said it would reduce burdens on families and providers, and the bill passed to the Assembly Education Committee 4-0. The committee also heard SB 1025, creating an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate California’s food assistance efforts, and SB 1030, repealing the CalWORKs “man-in-the-house” rule. Supporters of SB 1025 said the state’s food system is fragmented and needs a coordinated strategy; SB 1030 supporters argued the rule is outdated, redundant, and rooted in racist and sexist assumptions. Both bills received no opposition testimony and were approved on 4-0 votes, with SB 1025 sent to the Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee and SB 1030 to Appropriations. The committee then approved SB 1077, which would require CDSS to create a communications and contingency plan for CalFresh disruptions during federal government shutdowns, including a public webpage and planning for state-funded benefits; it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1194 would codify the Immigration Legal Fellowship Project to expand immigration legal services in underserved areas, and supporters emphasized the need for legal representation in rural and Central Valley communities; it passed 4-1 to Judiciary. SB 1201 would seek federal waivers to protect veterans from CalFresh time limits, require referrals to county veterans service officers, and adjust treatment of job-search expenses; it passed unanimously 6-0 to Military and Veterans Affairs. The consent calendar, including SB 557 and SB 1051, also passed unanimously. After all items were heard, the committee completed roll calls for absent members and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I see that both those authors are here today.
• Well, I'm going to invite the author to close then.
• All right, we're looking for authors.
• All right, I'll invite the author to close.
• Yes, as a principal co-author, too. I would like to be principal co-author. Absolutely. Thank you.

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At the request of the author, file item number four, SB 1333 by Senator Jones, will not be heard today
• Look forward to continuing to work with the author and her staff.
• Seeing no questions or comments from committee, we'll turn back to the author.
• Seeing no questions or comments from committee, we'll turn back to the author.
• Seeing none, we will go to the author for close. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development met as a subcommittee due to the lack of a quorum, then later established quorum and took up a series of bills, mostly sunset extensions for licensing boards. SB 1302, SB 1303, SB 1304, SB 1363, and SB 1368 all dealt with extending board operations to January 1, 2031 and making related technical or policy changes. SB 1303 for the Board of Naturopathic Medicine added a fictitious name permit program and other administrative changes, while SB 1304 for the Respiratory Care Board drew significant testimony over whether licensed vocational nurses should be allowed to perform basic respiratory tasks in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. SB 1363 updated barbering and cosmetology apprenticeship and licensing rules, and SB 1368 added a retired license category and strengthened continuing education oversight for speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing aid dispensers. The committee also heard SB 865, which would create a California Music Festival Preservation Grant Program to support large independent multi-day music festivals. Supporters, including Visit Sacramento and festival promoters, said the bill would protect jobs, tourism, hotel nights, and local tax revenue; opponents raised concerns about using state funds during a deficit year and questioned whether profitable events should receive subsidies. The committee also heard SB 1297, which would create regional public-private partnerships and financing tools for wildfire mitigation projects; the author and supporters said it would help address the state’s large wildfire prevention funding gap by leveraging local and private investment, while members asked how the bonds would be repaid and whether the state would bear costs. SB 993, presented on behalf of Senator Ochoa-Bogue, would restore privacy protections for mental health professionals working in correctional and state hospital settings by limiting routine disclosure of identifying information while preserving a complaint process. Supporters described safety threats, stalking, and staffing concerns, and the bill passed unanimously. SB 1304 also passed after committee discussion, with members and the author noting ongoing negotiations over LVN scope and training in higher-acuity settings. SB 865 passed on a 9-1 vote, SB 1297 passed 10-0, and the sunset bills SB 1302, SB 1303, SB 1363, and SB 1368 all advanced unanimously to the Senate Appropriations Committee. SB 1333 was not heard, and SB 1445 was on the consent calendar.