Transcript Highlights:

• Information required in in I B R AP courses that they would need to go on to further education.
• John O'Brien waives in opposition Daniel Pass ton waives in opposition Richard Oland waives in opposition
• Stephen Xing waives in opposition Richard Turner waives in opposition.

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Richard Filgus with the California Farm Bureau, in support. Good morning.
• Richard Filgus, California Farm Bureau, representing over 20,000 farming and ranching members, respectfully
• I’ll keep my response very brief because I know when you get a B&P and get our votes in.
• I'll keep my real brief because I know when you get a B&P and get our votes in.

Summary: The committee heard several wildlife and water-related bills. SB 872, by Senator McNerney, would create a Delta Levees and Canal Subsidence Fund and allow waiver of local cost-sharing for Delta levee repairs to protect the State Water Project and Delta infrastructure. Supporters from water agencies, environmental groups, counties, and agricultural interests said the bill is needed to address levee failure and canal subsidence; there was no opposition, and the bill was held open until a quorum was present, with broad support expressed. SB 1108, by Senator Caballero, would establish the Grasslands Ecological Area Conservancy in the Central Valley to coordinate conservation, habitat restoration, public access, and voluntary easements in a region described as the largest remaining wetland/grasslands complex west of the Mississippi. Support came from the Grasslands Water District, Audubon, conservation groups, and local stakeholders, who emphasized the area’s importance to migratory birds, wildlife corridors, and land-use transition under groundwater sustainability. There was no opposition, and the bill received favorable committee support. SB 1135, by Senator Blakespear, would reestablish and strengthen the statewide wildlife coexistence program to reduce human-wildlife conflict through nonlethal deterrence, education, and compensation for livestock losses. Supporters cited rising wildlife incidents, wolf depredation, and the need for proactive tools; opponents and some committee members raised concerns about rural impacts, funding, and the absence of law enforcement/public safety as a specifically named advisory role. After discussion and amendments that moved the cattlemen and Farm Bureau to neutral, the bill passed out of committee on a due-pass motion, though some members voted no or abstained. SB 1305, by Senator Richardson, would direct CDFW to study the feasibility of grizzly bear reintroduction and prepare a roadmap, with tribal consultation and stakeholder engagement, but would not itself authorize reintroduction. Tribal sponsors and conservation groups supported the bill as a planning and cultural restoration effort, while hunting, ranching, and county groups opposed it, arguing California already faces major wildlife-management and funding challenges and that the proposal would create new conflicts. Committee members debated costs, appropriations, and whether the study should include funding estimates; the bill was amended and passed on a due-pass motion. The committee also heard SB 1250, by Senator Cortese, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning; supporters said it would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity, and the bill was presented in support as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Telecom represents are forced to spend over a billion dollars, that's with a B, every year maintaining
• In fact, in the public hearings, a gentleman by the name of Richard Snyder pointed out that he had a
• books to maintain some support from the state in terms of funding, things like the high cost A and B
• lines even satellite doesn't reach in certain areas with the mountains I'll be simple my name is Richard

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Transcript Highlights:

• When we start talking about B, but then C, D, and E felonies, it depends on the particular crime and
• My name is Pastor Richard Jackson. I am the founder and CEO of Manasseh Ministry.
• My name is Pastor Richard Jackson. I am the founder and CEO of Manasseh Ministry.
• My name is Pastor Richard Jackson. I am the founder and CEO of Manasseh ministry.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2818, which would allow St. Joseph to annex the Rosecrans Airport property and the surrounding acreage into city limits despite the land not being contiguous to the city because of a gap that includes a river and private farms. Representative Brenda Shields and St. Joseph city officials said annexation is needed so the city can apply economic development tools to the airport area, especially as the 139th Airlift Wing relocates and vacates buildings that would revert to the city. Members asked about the need for a statute change and the noncontiguous annexation issue; no opposition was presented, and the hearing on HB 2818 was closed without a vote. The committee then took up House Bills 2695, 2751, and 2831 together, all focused on prison sentence credits, rehabilitation incentives, and related policy changes. Sponsors and supporters described the bills as creating or expanding good-time and earned-time credits for orderly behavior and participation in education, vocational training, treatment, and other rehabilitation programs, while excluding inmates serving death or life-without-parole sentences and certain persistent offenders. HB 2751 also includes a provision removing the lifetime ban on SNAP eligibility for people convicted of drug felonies, which supporters said would aid reentry and family stability. Sponsors said they were open to amendments and acknowledged concerns about how credits would be administered and whether the parole board should retain discretion. Committee members and witnesses raised concerns about whether the bills could allow serious offenders, including some sex offenders and violent offenders, to earn credits, and about the use of “shall” language that might create litigation or disputes over whether credits were earned. The sponsors said the bills rely on Department of Corrections policy for program qualification and discipline rules, and that parole board discretion remained part of the compromise language. Testimony in support came from formerly incarcerated people, faith leaders, advocacy groups, and a prosecutor who supported the concept of earned credits but urged tighter exclusions for serious crimes. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the sponsors indicated they would continue working on amendments with stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• You go A, B, C, D, you work down the list.
• Hi, my name is Tori Richards.
• Hi, my name is Tori Richards.
• Richard Ramirez. Here's the ghost of Peter Katz. Here's the ghost of Larry Larson, and more.

Summary: The hearing focused on the long-delayed Southern California Veterans Cemetery project at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim, with members of the Assembly, Senate, City of Anaheim, Orange County, CalVet, DGS, and veterans organizations discussing next steps. Chair Sharon Quirk-Silva reviewed the project’s history, including the earlier Irvine effort, the 2021 Anaheim support resolution, county and state funding commitments, and the recent federal determination that the site meets criteria for a state veterans cemetery. Speakers repeatedly emphasized the need for a local burial site for Orange County’s large veteran population and the burden on families who currently must travel to Riverside, San Diego, or Los Angeles. The first panel featured veterans advocates and Gold Star family members who strongly urged immediate action. The American Legion, Gold Star Mothers, and the Veterans Alliance of Orange County said the cemetery is overdue and stressed that older veterans and grieving families should not have to wait longer. Several speakers described personal losses and the hardship of long travel to existing cemeteries, while also calling for CalVet and state leaders to move faster and communicate more directly with veterans groups. Assembly and Senate members responded with support, noting the bipartisan nature of the effort and the importance of honoring veterans and their families. The second panel, with Orange County officials, described the county’s support and the unique shared-use arrangement with the Orange County Cemetery District. Supervisor Don Wagner said the county has dedicated land and $20 million, and county and district staff explained that the public cemetery and state veterans cemetery can share roads, utilities, grading, and other infrastructure to reduce costs. They said the county is ready to transfer property to CalVet when appropriate and that collaboration could save tens of millions of dollars. The third panel from DGS and CalVet explained that a 2023 feasibility study estimated the state’s portion at about $126 million under earlier assumptions, but that a revised concept plan is now being developed to lower costs and update the timeline. CalVet said it remains committed to the project, while legislators pressed for clearer answers on what is needed to begin construction and how budget action in the coming year could help. No formal vote was taken; the hearing ended with public comments, many of which echoed the call to begin construction immediately and criticized the pace of state action.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sorry, Cheney. It's Shane. I don't blame me for mispronouncing it, though. It's complicated.

Bills: S0124 , S0206 , S0420

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Summary: The committee first heard SB 124, which updates Florida Virtual School’s statute to remove outdated language and clarify its service, funding, governance, reporting, and district coordination provisions without changing day-to-day operations. Florida Virtual School testified in support, members praised the bill, and it passed unanimously on a roll call vote. The committee then took up CS for SB 206 on students with autism spectrum disorder. Senator Harrell explained that the bill would require autism and neurodevelopmental training in educator preparation programs, require ESE-certified teachers to complete an autism microcredential, create an Autism Educator Loan Forgiveness Program, provide salary supplements for teachers with the autism endorsement, and require district professional development to include autism-specific training with local CARD centers. A large number of speakers—teachers, parents, students, and advocacy groups—supported the bill while urging that implementation be fully funded, high quality, and not become an unfunded mandate. Several members spoke in favor, emphasizing the growing number of students with autism and the need to recruit and retain special education teachers. The bill was reported favorably by committee vote. Finally, the committee considered SB 420 on patriotic displays in classrooms. Chair Burgess explained the bill as a way to place portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in schools to encourage civic and patriotic reflection, and he offered an amendment narrowing the requirement from every classroom to one prominent display in each school and adding language making it subject to state appropriation. The amendment was adopted. Testimony on the bill was mixed: some speakers supported the idea as a spark for civic discussion, while many others opposed it as symbolic, unnecessary, or better addressed through curriculum and teacher training rather than mandated displays. In debate, some senators argued the portraits could prompt broader historical conversations, while others raised concerns about representation, classroom autonomy, and funding. The transcript ends during debate on the amended bill, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The minute you start listing protection for only some characteristics, such as A, B, or C, you have instantly
• </c> only some characteristics such as A, B, only some characteristics such as A, B, or<00:41:23.720>
• Elijah Berryman, a male convicted of criminal sexual conduct, and Bradley Richard Servio, serving life
• 51:54.000><c> conduct,</c><00:51:54.440><c> and</c><00:51:54.560><c> Bradley</c><00:51:54.840><c> Richard
• </c> sexual conduct, and Bradley Richard sexual conduct, and Bradley Richard Servio,<00:51:55.920><c>

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, it starts sub letter B, the water infrastructure passage.
• uh sub letter B, the water infrastructure<00:05:16.320><c> passage.
• </c> right, Senator Richards. right, Senator Richards. Good<01:11:09.200><c> morning.
• </c><01:38:22.240><c> The</c> That should be the end of part B.
• The That should be the end of part B.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Tim Richards, Vice Chair, I represent District 4 on the Big Island, stretching from North Hilo
• Chair Tim Richards, Vice Chair, I represent District 4 on the Big Island, stretching from North Hilo
• Chair Tim Richards, Vice Chair, I represent District 4 on the Big Island, stretching from North Hilo
• Mahalo, Chair, Vice Chairs Kusch and Richards, and members of the committee for coordinating this year's
• Thank you, uh, Senator Richards. Thank you, Chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• To me, a B school is as good as an A school, and I would tell you why.
• Because an A school could be a 90, while a B school is an 89.
• To me, a B school is as good as in A school, and I would tell you why.
• Because a B school, an A school could be a 90, while a B school.
• Because a B school, an A school could be a 90, while a B school is in 89.

Summary: The committee first took up PCS for HB 123, which would change the process for converting a public school to a charter school by requiring approval from a majority of parents at the school, allow municipalities to apply to convert certain schools under limited circumstances, and address surplus school property in districts with declining enrollment. The sponsor said the bill is meant to give parents the primary say and to prevent districts from holding unused property. Opponents, including the Florida PTA, several members, and public speakers, argued the bill excludes teachers, school boards, and other stakeholders, could disenfranchise parents who do not live in the municipality, and could create enrollment, transportation, and equity problems. After debate, the bill passed 13-5 and was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 597 on diabetes management in schools. The bill would allow school districts and charter schools to procure and store glucagon pens for emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia, permit trained personnel to administer them, require 911 to be called after use, and add limited liability protections. The sponsor said the medication is inexpensive and could save lives for the roughly 7,000 diabetic K-12 students in Florida. An amendment clarified that public and charter schools are both covered. The bill drew support from the American Diabetes Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Florida PTA, and members from both parties praised the measure. It passed unanimously and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 85 on hazardous walking conditions, which would add walking along freeways, expressways, and their ramps as a hazardous condition requiring bus service for elementary students within two miles of school. The sponsor described personal examples of children walking near dangerous roads and said the bill is intended to prevent injuries and deaths. An amendment narrowed the language by deleting “state highway.” Public testimony included a parent who described her child being hit by a car and urged broader coverage, while members raised concerns about bus shortages and fiscal impact. Most members spoke in support, emphasizing student safety, and the bill was reported favorably after debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have Richard Devine. Yes. Thank you.
• Richard Johnston?
• I lost three aunts and I lost one B. I'm the only... I got some kids, but I don't know them.
• Melissa Richard. Hi, can you hear me? Yes. Okay. My name is Melissa.
• Melissa Richard. Hi, can you hear me? Yes. Okay. My name is Melissa.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on several Judiciary bills, with the largest portion focused on S. 1178/H. 2052 to reduce mass incarceration and end life without parole. People incarcerated at MCI Framingham, MCI Norfolk, and NCCI Gardner described personal growth, rehabilitation, restorative justice work, family separation, and the belief that parole eligibility after long sentences would better reflect public safety and human development. Speakers emphasized that life without parole removes hope and can undermine rehabilitation, while supporters argued that many lifers are older, less likely to reoffend, and could contribute positively if given a chance at parole review. Committee members did not take votes during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on S. 1139 to restore the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims involving tobacco use, with Sen. Keenan explaining that a recent SJC decision had cut off claims where the injured person did not sue within three years before death. He said the bill would restore families’ ability to seek redress in cases involving long-latency tobacco harms like COPD. Another major topic was S. 1205, which would add abusive litigation to the definition of coercive control in domestic violence law; Sen. Michael Moore said the bill would stop abusers from using repeated court filings to harass and financially burden survivors. The committee also took up S. 1114 on automatic record sealing, with Sen. Friedman and others arguing that the current petition-based process is slow, burdensome, and disproportionately harms people with criminal records, especially Black and Latino residents. Testimony also supported H. 1965/S. 1132 on compensation for wrongful conviction, with advocates and sponsors describing a faster administrative claims process, transitional support, and higher compensation without the current cap. Sen. Payano testified for S. 1241 to expand educational programming for incarcerated emerging adults, saying education reduces recidivism and improves reentry outcomes. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on S. 2522, an update to Massachusetts’ shield law for reproductive and gender-affirming care. Sen. Friedman, the Attorney General’s office, and DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said the bill is needed to strengthen protections against out-of-state legal attacks, protect patient and provider data, clarify enforcement authority, and add a state-level EMTALA-style emergency care requirement. Committee members asked detailed questions about prescription labeling, the prescription monitoring program, attorney discipline, custody and full faith and credit issues, and whether the bill’s enforcement language could create unintended limits or conflicts. The Attorney General’s office said it would provide follow-up written testimony on several technical questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• forward-thinking measure designed to modernize labor laws by addressing the evolving nature of work. b<
• If that's yes, Senator Richard, oh, good morning. Thank you for being here. Good morning.
• If that's yes, Senator Richard, oh, good morning. Thank you for being here. Good morning.
• oh good morning thank you for Richard oh good morning thank you for being<00:59:39.039><c> here</c><
• They're not investing it offshore and, you know, in 403(b)s or buying yachts.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• So I don't know if you can attach a dollar sign to that necessarily or B/C ratio to that.
• I have my colleague with me today, Richard Webb.
• Yes, Richard Webb, the State Resource Conservationist with NRCS, North Dakota.
• Questions for Jennifer or Richard? Representative...
• Questions for Jennifer or Richard? Representative Questions for Jennifer or Richard?

Committee: Joint Agriculture and Water Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Is Richard Markison for the Western Electrical Contractors Association also in support?
• Well, I think it's a Judiciary issue more than it's a B-PED issue, but if you'd like, if Senator Smallwood-Cuevas

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric Richard, New Jersey AFL-CIO, in favor, no need to testify.
• Unfortunately, it's conflating what's known as an A/B price test, which is the Instacart issue, which
• It is assuming, particularly with subsection B, that the... ...particularly with subsection B, that these
• I have two who are opposed and wish to testify from the organization A-A-U-B-H-S-N-J.
• Eric Richard, New Jersey AFL-CIO, opposed, no need to testify.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met on June 28, 2026 and considered a long list of budget and policy bills, reporting many of them out of committee, often with amendments. Early measures included AB 2550 on continued dependent health coverage for certain adults with disabilities, AB 4794 allowing tax data sharing with the New Jersey Innovation Authority and Secure Choice Savings Board, and AB 3381/SB 1493 updating occupational therapy licensure requirements. The committee also advanced AB 4014, creating a social media research center at a public four-year institution, though one member opposed it as unnecessary spending given existing research on social media harms. Another bill, AB 5048/SB 1281, would ban certain apparel and diaper products with intentionally added PFAS; some members opposed it over safety and cost concerns, especially for firefighter gear, but it was reported. The committee also moved AB 383, which promotes volunteerism to help FamilyCare and SNAP recipients meet eligibility requirements, and AB 4357, extending telehealth pay parity, though one member objected to parity between telehealth and in-person care. The committee then took up several energy, environmental, and housing-related bills. AB 5188, the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, was released despite opposition from some members and labor interests. AB 2524 would let dual-use solar projects participate in community solar, and AB 5236 would strengthen pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health services; both were reported. AB 5348, allowing temporary use of open-space and related funds for certain municipalities, drew sharp criticism as a diversion of preservation money to fill budget holes, but passed. AB 5280 returned unexpended county appropriations to Hudson County and authorized supplemental operating aid; it also passed despite objections about prior bidding violations. AB 5347 provided certain motor vehicle-related funding to municipalities and was reported, as was AB 5334/SB 4423, appropriating Green Acres and CBT revenues for local open space and park projects. A major portion of the meeting focused on tax and business-related bills. AB 5329 increased the child tax credit for 2026-2028, with testimony urging that the expansion be made permanent; it was reported. AB 3899, the General Contractor Licensing Act, also passed. AB 5310/SB 4406 clarified sentencing under certain circumstances and was reported. AB 5330, allowing temporary transfers in the pension system, drew testimony from NJEA warning that the State Health Benefits Program was in crisis and asking for a longer repayment period to avoid rate spikes; the bill was still reported. AB 1326 created a higher education governance and funding task force and was amended to add a Talmudic institution or theological seminary representative. Later, AB 5333/SB 4424 appropriated additional Green Acres and CBT funds for recreation and conservation projects and was reported. The committee also advanced several business and alcohol-related measures, including AB 5235 establishing the School-Based Partnership for Access and Resilience for Kids program, AB 5325 reducing business formation fees, AB 4836/SB 2368 on portable solar devices, AB 4881 establishing an advanced nuclear energy procurement program, AB 3974/SB 3183 revising renewable energy incentive and solar interconnection rules, AB 4013 creating a social media research center focused on addictive behavior, AB 5225 making temporary alcohol beverage provisions permanent, and AB 5295 revising alcoholic beverage licensing laws. The most contentious debate came on AB 4085, the Fair Price Protection Act, which would restrict “surveillance pricing” and regulate grocery pricing practices. Consumer advocates supported the bill as a protection against individualized pricing, while retailers and chambers of commerce argued the language was too broad and could undermine loyalty programs, discounts, and electronic shelf labels. Despite those objections, the committee voted to report the bill after amendments. Finally, AB 4530/SB 3739 on EV supply equipment standards was reported, and AB 5322 imposing a temporary cap on net operating loss deductions under the corporate business tax sparked strong opposition from business groups and a policy debate over whether legitimate losses and investment-related deductions should be limited; the bill was still moved out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• But subsection B says such visual depiction as digital image, computer-generated image, that is, are
• If I could just make one more quick point: So after our first, well, I'm in a B&I group in Columbia.
• They ask whether parts A and B include sexual comments or inappropriate comments, noting that the bill
• Richard, sorry. We're just going to... We're a family. We're a family. We're just family in here.
• Richard, sorry. We're just going to... We're a family. We're a family. We're just family in here.

Committee: House Children and Families

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Richard Parker, and I'm the Director of Educational Advocacy at the Foster and Adoptive Care
• And can you then come back and say, hey, judge, I want you to consider under 1872 a reduction to a B
• under 1872, Judge, I think that you should now consider instead of a class A felony that I'm a class B
• A B felony carries 5 to 15, which 10 is right in the middle, and a C carries 3 to 10, which is the top
• You know, whether it's a C or B or whatever, it makes a difference to lawyers and to people that do the

Committee: House Children and Families

Transcript Highlights:

• included six Black legends: Chuck Barry, James Brown, Ray Charles, Sam Cook, Fats Domino, and Little Richard
• 00:24:53.760><c> Domino,</c><00:24:54.320><c> and</c><00:24:54.480><c> Little</c><00:24:54.799><c> Richard
• </c> Cook, Fats Domino, and Little Richard Cook, Fats Domino, and Little Richard alongside<00:24:56.240
• Sheel, please read the title to Senate Bill 10. >> Senate Bill 10 by Senators Roberts and Pelton B.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have one individual, Richard McLenn on Zoom.
• much thank you we also have one um much thank you we also have one um individual<00:50:14.359><c> Richard
• </c><00:50:14.720><c> mclen</c><00:50:15.240><c> on</c> individual Richard mclen on individual Richard
• Recommendation is to take the AG's and B&F's amendments and also defect the effective date to 7/13/3000

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• handouts that have been distributed by the Chair of the Charter Review Commission, our former colleague, Richard
• Classroom B. B collected $150, and Classroom C collected $75, totaling $300.

Bills: HB3097 , HB3691 , SB108 , SB827 , SB1541 , SB1862 , SB2166 , SB2216

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: Texas elections, Election Code, uniform election date, November election, local elections, political subdivisions, general election date, election administration, municipal utility district, county elections, local government, ballot scheduling, candidate filing, voter turnout, election calendar, HB 3097, early voting, electronic application, mail-in ballot, voting accessibility