Transcript Highlights:

• Waive in support or waive in time. Please call the roll on SB 288.
• In terms of affordability, if the PSC is able to have workable definitions for fair, just, and reasonable
• the form in which they are presented in the first committee.
• I'm in Florida.
• And that model is in use in other states, so we'd like you to use it.

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up four bills. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was presented as a negotiated glitch bill to narrow statutory language so co-ops can choose generation and power purchases based on cost and reliability without exposure to special-interest litigation, while preserving consumer protections. A representative from the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 364 on public accountancy, which was described as a modernization and efficiency measure to expand CPA licensure pathways without lowering standards. An amendment correcting a drafting error and restoring automatic mobility language was adopted without objection. Jason Harrell of FICPA waived in support, while one speaker appeared to discuss a utility issue unrelated to the bill. CS for SB 364 was reported favorably. Chair Bradley’s SB 200 on utilities addressed utility-scale solar decommissioning and storm protection plans. The bill would authorize counties to adopt solar decommissioning ordinances, direct DEP to develop best practices, and require the PSC to consider whether storm protection plan benefits exceed costs. County and AARP representatives waived in support, and the Small County Coalition spoke favorably, saying the bill was a needed step that did not restrict solar development. SB 200 was considered favorably. The committee also heard SB 126 on the Florida Public Service Commission, a strike-all bill focused on PSC reform and utility affordability. The amendment would add CPA and financial analyst expertise, require stronger PSC order support, tighten intervention standards, set return-on-equity and review criteria, require consideration of executive compensation and affordability, and direct the PSC to weigh risk from storm and cost-recovery mechanisms. PSC staff answered extensive questions about utility hardening, storm recovery, and rate-setting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and affordability, while others urged stronger enforceable affordability standards and restoration of the return-on-equity cap. Despite concerns, the bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 126.

Transcript Highlights:

• Green cards are in support. Red cards are in opposition.
• Green cards are in support. Red cards are in opposition.
• Green cards are in support, red cards are in opposition, and white cards are for informational purposes
• We've had manganese issues in Shreveport in both private and public.
• So, like, it reached a level in my mind that it would be worth giving them some kind of credit to mitigate

Summary: Yes. This appears to be a hearing of the House Ways and Means Committee, based on the roll call, the committee chair’s remarks, and the committee’s consideration of bills and resolutions with tax and fiscal implications. The committee first announced that SB 436 by Senator Cloud was deferred. It then heard SB 442 by Senator Stein, which would provide a local sales and use tax exemption in Calcasieu Parish for repairs, upgrades, and overhauls on certain aircraft at qualifying facilities such as Chennault. The bill was presented as an economic development measure to keep aviation maintenance work and jobs in Southwest Louisiana. After testimony from Citadel Completions representatives describing the company’s operations, local partnerships, and job creation, the committee voted to report SB 442 favorably without objection. The committee next took up HR 118 by Representative Wright, which would create a legislative subcommittee to study a possible state income tax credit for certain water utility customers facing high rates tied to water system upgrades and brown-water issues in parts of the Florida parishes and elsewhere. Members questioned the fiscal impact, eligibility, duration, and whether the proposal would simply subsidize private utility rates or address a broader regulatory problem. Wright emphasized that the resolution was only for study and would gather testimony and numbers before any credit was considered. The resolution was reported favorably without objection. Finally, HB 1039 by Representative Deshotel was called but no presenter was present, so the committee held the bill in committee. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that involves assessing risk, understanding where we need to put our focus in wildfire mitigation
• Address wildfire mitigation in an extreme event.
• Fair. That's also fair. That's also fair.
• Jayden, would it be fair to say that agriculture accounts for about 85% of the water used in the state
• I'd like to speak to you in reference to the community resilience and wildfire mitigation, specifically

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2023, our insurer stopped writing landlord policies in California and dropped us.
• I am here in support of SB 1301.
• I lost my home in the fire.
• We still rank 23rd in the country, even though the risk in California is the fourth largest.
• the system that families depend on in their worst moments in life.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we have the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission in support on Zoom.
• </c> mitigation and adaptation Commission in mitigation and adaptation Commission in support<00:12:41.680
• </c> in the state ensures that fair in the state ensures that fair compensation<00:52:06.000><c> is</
• in the bill Fair should be the in the bill Fair should be determined<00:56:07.119><c> by</c><00:56:07.280
• Commission in mitigation adaptation Commission in support<01:21:38.480><c> on</c><01:21:38.880><c> Zoom

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1077, a governor’s administration bill to increase transient accommodations tax revenue and split it between two new special funds: a climate mitigation and resiliency special fund and an economic development and revitalization special fund for tourism/resort areas. Supporters, including the Governor’s Office, recovery and resilience staff, climate and conservation groups, and several state agencies, said the bill would create a dedicated, more reliable funding stream for wildfire mitigation, coastal resilience, land clearing, infrastructure, and community-led projects. Some supporters also urged changes to the bill, including moving the fund to DLNR, adding DHHL and OHA representation, clarifying community grants, and ensuring the fund can support both state-led and community-led resilience work. The Attorney General’s office flagged a drafting issue, noting that the bill references fees deposited into the new fund even though the new chapter does not authorize fee collection, and recommended deleting that language or adding fee authority. The Climate Advisory Team representative also suggested adding DHHL to the decision-making body and requiring at-large members to have climate, resilience, conservation, or infrastructure expertise. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Kohala Coast Resort Association opposed the measure, arguing that the special fund structure does not meet statutory criteria, that the bill functions as a tax increase, and that the transient accommodations tax is not being collected equitably across all lodging types before any increase is imposed. Other opponents, including tourism and lodging interests, warned that hotels and timeshares already bear most of the tax burden and that raising the TAT could hurt an already struggling visitor industry and drive tourists away. Supporters countered that current funding is far short of what is needed and that a dedicated revenue stream is necessary to address climate impacts now. Committee members questioned why the Legislature should cede spending decisions to a separate executive-branch process, and the administration responded that the bill is intended to create a transparent, recurring mechanism for funding priorities that can be adjusted over time. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• If 77 members present, the President in the quorum. Now, to be open in prayer, I recognize Galle.
• In 1971, he founded Operation PUSH. In 1971, he founded Operation PUSH in Chicago, Illinois.
• in place in our Constitution.
• in place in our Constitution.
• cases in Louisiana.

Bills: HR210, HR211, HR212, HR213, HR214, HR215, HR216, HR217, HR196, HR197, HR198, HR199, HR200, HR201, HR203, HR204, HR205, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR209, HCR87, HCR88, HCR89, HCR90, HR118, HCR63, HCR69, HCR86, SCR6, SCR18, HB79, HB165, HB175, HB198, HB437, HB457, HB488, HB603, HB646, HB763, HB902, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1089, HB1099, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231, HB1245, HB1246, HB1247, HB1248, HB1249, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, SCR19, SCR3, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB316, HB549, HB578, HB748, HB798, HB824, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1032, HB1081, HB1108, HB1129, HB1140, HB1157, HB1192, HB1195, HB1198, HB1244, HB167, HB227, HB243, HB321, HB335, HB398, HB492, HB624, HB689, HB708, HB804, HB906, HB926, HB955, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB985, HB1005, HB1029, HB1069, HB1077, HB1095, HB1104, HB1107, HB1187, HB1203, HB1217, HB1220, SB73, SB89, SB128, SB149, SB191, SB196, SB238, SB318, SB340, SB66, SB68, SB76, SB139, SB336, SB475, HCR32, HB181, HB1118, HB1082, HB225, HB864, HB1166, HB1189, HB59, HB617, HB897, HB911, HB1223, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1113, HB1180, HB1234, HB1240

Keywords: renewable energy, job creation, veteran employment, economic development, energy security, asthma, allergy, awareness, healthcare, public health, Louisiana, St. Bernard Parish, special recognition, parish day, state capitol, Louisiana resolution, ceremonial resolution, honorary resolution, community celebration, local heritage

Summary: The House met on April 27, 2026, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of personal privileges recognizing Domestic Violence Prevention and Advocacy Day, Guarantee Corporation’s 100th anniversary, Delta Waterfowl, FFA and 4-H students, St. Bernard Parish Day, the Louisiana Notary Association, and New Orleans Day. The chamber also received Senate messages, committee reports, and introduced several resolutions, including measures on Gulf States renewable energy, asthma and allergy awareness, St. Bernard Parish Day, and other commemorations. The floor then took up a long series of bills and resolutions. Among the notable measures were House Bill 316 on literacy and tutoring, House Bill 578 changing statutory references from gender to sex, House Bill 748 expanding toll exemptions for school board vehicles, House Bill 101 redesignating a portion of U.S. Highway 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway, House Bill 1032 cleaning up DWI terminology, House Bill 1081 transferring the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission, House Bill 1108 creating a homeschool pride prestige plate, House Bill 1129 giving in-state auctioneers preference for selling surplus state property, House Bill 1157 creating a Louisiana State Infrastructure Bank, House Bill 1192 creating a dental hygienist prestige plate, House Bill 1195 revising athletic commission rules and NIL-related provisions, House Bill 1198 barring arbitration in child custody and visitation matters, House Bill 181 allowing limited tax-data sharing for Medicaid/SNAP integrity, House Bill 1118 requiring disclosure of hospital ownership by real estate investment trusts, House Bill 1082 changing venue rules in suits involving municipal police employees’ retirement systems, House Bill 225 proposing a lifetime two-term limit for governor, House Bill 864 on municipal fire limits and storage of flammables, House Bill 1189 requiring captain’s licenses for certain freshwater charter guides, and House Bill 549 creating the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program. Most measures passed, often after brief debate and technical amendments. Several bills were recommitted or returned to the calendar, including House Bill 902, House Bill 1245, and House Bill 1247, while House Bill 225 failed on final passage. The House also considered and passed multiple Senate bills dealing with tax administration, child custody testimony, Supreme Court disciplinary jurisdiction over out-of-state lawyers, civil investigation demands in Medicaid fraud cases, service of process fees and notice, and permanent homestead exemption registration. The session ended with the House in recess after completing its bill agenda for the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's money back in the pockets of Texas families and business owners who depend on fair and lawful
• The Fair Plan, which is Texas' residual market, has seen a slight decrease in policies and exposures
• As shown on page 7 in the handout—oh— As shown on page 7 in the handout, Fair Plan's policy count history
• The regional variation in Fair Plan's policy count is significant.
• It's going to help with costs and help in a lot of other areas. We see that with mitigation, too.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, a bear living in a basement in Los Angeles and wolves preying on livestock in Northern California
• Such conflict mitigation efforts should have been put in place well before nearly 90 livestock losses
• up in my district and in Senator Dolly's district.
• I understand that we do have a fair amount of people who would like to add on here, so in the room and
• But it's estimated that the annual need for mitigation alone is between $4 billion and $7 billion in

Summary: The committee heard SB 1135, which would reestablish the California Wildlife Coexistence Program to reduce human-wildlife conflict through nonlethal strategies such as deterrents, conflict reporting, and outreach. The author and supporters said the program had been effective but lost funding in 2024, and they argued it would help communities, ranchers, and wildlife by preventing conflicts before they escalate. Support came from conservation, animal welfare, local government, and county groups, while the California Cattlemen’s Association and California Farm Bureau opposed unless amended, saying the bill needed clearer limits on when nonlethal measures are practicable and protections so compensation funds for livestock losses are not reduced. Members discussed wolf-livestock conflicts, compensation, and the need for continued collaboration. The committee voted 2-0 on call to send the bill to Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 1085, which would preserve water supply assessments for large housing and development projects even when those projects are exempt from CEQA. The author and sponsor EBMUD said the bill is needed to keep water planning tied to land-use planning and avoid “paper water” problems, especially as climate and drought conditions worsen. Supporters included water agencies, environmental groups, labor, and local governments. The California Building Industry Association opposed the bill, arguing that current law already requires verified water supplies, that the bill could add unnecessary process and litigation risk, and that it could slow housing production. Members raised concerns about duplication in cities that also operate their own water systems, but the author said the goal was better coordination, not more bureaucracy. The committee voted 4-1 on call to send the bill to Local Government. The committee also heard SB 1270, which would expand the state wildfire mitigation home-hardening pilot to the top 10 counties by wildfire risk and social vulnerability, adding Riverside, Calaveras, Los Angeles, and Tehama counties and prioritizing future funds for those areas. The author said the bill responds to recent destructive fires and aims to extend home-hardening assistance to more high-risk communities. There was no opposition, and members discussed how to scale funding, whether the program should be broader than the listed counties, and how to focus on cost-effective mitigation. The committee voted 5-0 on call to send the bill to Emergency Management. Finally, the committee heard SB 895, a major science funding measure that would place a $23 billion bond on the ballot and create a California Foundation for Science and Health Research to support research in the state. The author and supporters said California’s research sector is a major economic engine and that federal funding cuts and instability threaten jobs, talent retention, and scientific progress. There was broad support from UC, CSU, labor, health, and research organizations, with no formal opposition. Some members raised concerns about the role of sponsoring unions and the potential for politicization, but the author said the new foundation would operate under California law and that the measure is meant to protect science funding and collaboration. The committee discussion continued, but the transcript excerpt ends before a final vote on SB 895.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a really common risk that's well-known in the Gulf Coast, for example, and they manage to mitigate
• It would also be fair to say that in some instances, we have clients who know that if the time comes
• The fair share needs to be mitigated and legislated.
• Mitigation isn't a problem. This body has acted upon it. In 2023, you passed House Bill 5039, okay?
• We are building the largest wetland mitigation bank in the history.

Summary: The committee held a hearing on high-capacity groundwater wells proposed in Anderson, Henderson, and Houston counties, with members framing the issue as one of local water supply, fairness, and the need to modernize groundwater law while protecting private property rights. Opening remarks focused on the scale of the proposed Redtown Ranch and Pine Bliss projects, the potential export of tens of thousands of acre-feet of groundwater annually, and concerns that the applications lacked sufficient technical detail and could harm nearby landowners, cities, agriculture, and manufacturing. Members also noted the broader context of the recent flooding tragedy in central Texas and the Legislature’s intent to address water-related loss of life in the upcoming special session. Witnesses from the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts and the Texas Water Development Board explained the current groundwater management framework. They described groundwater conservation districts as the state’s preferred management method, the role of groundwater management areas and desired future conditions, and how the Water Development Board uses those conditions to calculate modeled available groundwater. They emphasized that districts rely on local data, monitoring wells, and planning processes, but that information is often more limited in areas without a district, where the rule of capture applies. Members pressed witnesses on recharge rates, export permits, subsidence, the effect of pumping on nearby wells, the age and real-time availability of model data, and whether the proposed project would exceed modeled available groundwater in some counties. TCEQ explained its limited oversight role over groundwater conservation districts, including inquiries, compliance actions, and, in extreme cases, dissolution authority. Water Development Board staff also outlined funding programs, saying the New Water Supply for Texas Fund is limited to projects such as brackish desalination, reuse, ASR, and other new-supply projects, and does not fund fresh groundwater exports alone. They said the project at issue had not applied for board funding. A water lawyer then testified on the rule of capture, ownership in place, and district regulation, arguing that districts must use permitting and other tools to manage production within modeled available groundwater and that the Legislature could consider additional authority over groundwater exports under current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 6075 is regarding fairness and mitigation.
• of mitigation...
• It's 214 upstairs for the Democrats, and Republicans have a room in, or here, in 200 in I&B.
• It's 214 upstairs for the Democrats, and Republicans have a room in, or here, in 200 in I&B.
• a competitor in the industry.

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held an executive session on a series of bills and a joint memorial. Staff summarized measures on agricultural marketing (SB 5816, adding juice grapes), Board of Natural Resources membership and tribal representation (SB 5838), irrigation district hiring exemptions (SB 5930), ungulate population management and predator mitigation (SB 5960), a green fertilizer incentive program (SB 5971), mitigation grants for landowners (SB 6075), tribal participation in the Conservation Futures Program (SB 6097), agricultural impact statements and related protections for farmland (SB 6104), timber sale process modernization (SB 6216), increased wildlife penalty assessments for covered species trade (SB 6233), shellfish licensing and biotoxin fee caps (SB 6318), and a federal wildfire response memorial (SJM 8015). Several bills had proposed substitutes or amendments, including competing changes to SB 5838 and SB 5960, but some items were ultimately set aside with no action. The committee adopted a substitute for SB 5971 and advanced it to Ways and Means. It also adopted a substitute for SB 6097 and sent it to Rules. SB 5816, SB 6216, SB 6233, SB 6318, and SJM 8015 all received due pass recommendations, with SB 5971 and SB 6318 referred onward to Ways and Means. SB 5838 was debated at length over tribal representation on the Board of Natural Resources; amendments to require forest-management expertise or alternate east/west representation were rejected, and the proposed substitute was approved and passed. SB 6233 drew comments about possible unintended consequences, but the bill passed. The committee took no action on SB 5930, SB 5960, SB 6075, and SB 6104. The chair later confirmed that every bill on the executive session agenda had either been moved forward or dropped from the agenda. The meeting ended with the chair thanking staff and members for getting through the last committee meeting before the policy cutoff, and the committee adjourned subject to signature of the boards.

Transcript Highlights:

• But in the budget that we're adopting today, it's fair to say that the health care reductions included
• Today, it's fair to say that the health care reductions included in this budget are being made before
• And just to note, somebody pointed out to me that 177 is the fair share thing that has no revenue in
• , and also in support of the fair share contribution.
• , and also in support of the fair share contribution.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in 2026, and the jurisdictions in 2027 that are either in the middle of the process or just getting
• And about mitigation, all of that within the context of kind of being stuck somewhere in the middle.
• We're looking for a 3% increase in our right-of-way in the short term.
• So really, the commonality in all of these provisions that are attempting to increase a timely, fair,
• in this other statute, that you consider adopting a reference here in 5817 to that definition over in

Summary: The Senate Local Government Committee held a work session to review implementation of recent housing, planning, and climate-related laws. Department of Commerce staff outlined the 2023 climate planning requirements under the Growth Management Act, including the climate resiliency sub-element for all jurisdictions and greenhouse gas reduction requirements for larger ones. They described Commerce’s guidance, the use of the University of Washington’s Resilient Washington tool and FEMA hazard mitigation resources, attention to overburdened communities through the Department of Health’s Environmental Health Disparities Map, and the climate policy explorer. Members asked about specific climate impacts, flood mapping, evacuation language access, and how environmental justice and local stakeholder input are incorporated. Commerce also said climate planning grants are being drawn down from Climate Commitment Act funding and should be sufficient through the 2029 deadline for remaining Puget Sound jurisdictions. Local government witnesses described their comprehensive plan updates and implementation challenges. Pierce County said its adopted plan was a major multi-year effort that retracted some urban growth area acreage, concentrated growth near transit, expanded middle housing and streamlined permitting, and created capacity for far more housing than its 32,000-unit growth target. County staff emphasized the difficulty of balancing rural protection, urban growth, transportation constraints, climate goals, and limited transit funding, and asked for more technical assistance. Redmond said its update leveraged light rail investments, added transit-oriented development, middle housing, planned actions, and climate resilience policies, but also required costly mid-course corrections from changing state laws and agency guidance. Redmond urged more regulatory stability, clearer statutes, and streamlined certification and accountability processes. Snohomish County said it is now in early implementation, focusing on translating adopted policy into regulations, aligning with new state housing and parking laws, and coordinating across departments and with cities; it stressed the need for clearer comp plan language, realistic timelines, and more staffing and coordination support. The committee also heard from the Washington chapter of the American Planning Association about inconsistencies in recent planning laws. APA identified three issues: the use of the undefined term “guidelines” in the design review statute, the use of “variance” in a middle housing/design review context where APA said “departure” would better fit the intended flexibility, and the lack of a cross-reference or definition for “administrative design review” in the subdivision statute. APA said these ambiguities can create confusion and delay in permit processing and offered to work with the legislature on technical fixes. Senators asked whether local codes already use “departure” and whether the proposed changes would conflict with current law; APA responded that many cities already use departure provisions and that the goal is to align the RCW with existing planning practice. The meeting ended without any votes or formal action.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, yes, that case was entered into in August of 2025, and So, yes, that case was entered into in August
• What protections are in place for the school district if you can't get a parent in the door to review
• Is the $2 million that was appropriated originally for this program still in the GA bill or in the SD
• SB 1734 creates guardrails for the use of AI in schools.
• There's not a cap in the bill as allowed now.

Bills: SB710, SB843, SB1317, SB1338, SB1410, SB1477, SB1489, SB1593, SB1614, SB1630, SB1632, SB1633, SB1670, SB1726, SB1734, SB1725, SB1735, SB1894, SB1975, SB346, SB2045

Keywords: teacher preparation, teacher education, teacher shortage, teacher workforce, educator pipeline, alternative certification, apprenticeship, residency program, paraprofessional pathway, high school to teacher pathway, nontraditional teacher candidates, Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability, TeachForwardOK, higher education, public school districts, workforce development, grant program, technical assistance provider, mastery-based assessment, emergency clause

Transcript Highlights:

• So, yes, that case was entered into in August of 2025, and So, yes, that case was entered into in August
• What protections are in place for the school district if you can't get a parent in the door to review
• Is the $2 million that was appropriated originally for this program still in the GA bill or in the SD
• Is the $2 million that was appropriated originally for this program still in the GA bill or in the SD
• There's not a cap in the bill as allowed now.

Bills: SB710, SB843, SB1317, SB1338, SB1410, SB1477, SB1489, SB1593, SB1614, SB1630, SB1632, SB1633, SB1670, SB1726, SB1734, SB1725, SB1735, SB1894, SB1975, SB346, SB2045

Keywords: teacher preparation, teacher education, teacher shortage, teacher workforce, educator pipeline, alternative certification, apprenticeship, residency program, paraprofessional pathway, high school to teacher pathway, nontraditional teacher candidates, Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability, TeachForwardOK, higher education, public school districts, workforce development, grant program, technical assistance provider, mastery-based assessment, emergency clause

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a long series of education-related bills, including measures on school board nepotism rules (SB 843), preserving the Ag in the Classroom program in statute (SB 1410), shifting oversight of technology centers to the State Board of Career and Technology Education (SB 1735), teacher certification and hiring transparency (SB 346), AP exam access (SB 1975), in-state tuition alignment with federal law after a consent judgment (SB 1633), teacher professional development caps (SB 1894), portability of career teacher status between districts (SB 1317), recess requirements and discipline limits (SB 2045), expanding the Teach Forward Program (SB 710), limiting concurrent enrollment to students 21 and under (SB 1477), special education training and parent-record review rights (SB 1489), a teacher induction program for new and emergency-certified teachers (SB 1614), graduate-level teacher training requirements (SB 1726), career assessment test selection and credit transfer authority (SB 1632), OSU-Tulsa governance changes (SB 1593), virtual days for certain high school students not taking the ACT (SB 1630), R&D rebate modernization (SB 1670), AI guardrails in schools (SB 1734), and security fees for student organizations that cannot be based on viewpoint or content (SB 1725). Several bills drew brief questions, especially SB 1633, SB 1489, SB 1477, SB 1614, SB 1726, and SB 1725, but no substantive opposition was recorded beyond a few nay votes on some measures. Most bills were moved by due pass motions and approved by voice or roll-call votes, often unanimously or near-unanimously. Notable recorded opposition included SB 1633 and SB 1725, each passing with a few nays, and SB 1726 passing 7-2. SB 1338 was laid over until Wednesday. The meeting concluded with notice of another committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday at 9 a.m., and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's enough out there in here in Hawaii.
• And and Brian Baker in &gt;&gt; In support. Okay.
• in Honolulu.
• “But in help.
• “But in help.

Bills: SB2175, SB2410, SB2080, SB2276, SB2277, SB2282, SB2413, SB2425, SB2491, HB2315, HB2562, HB1532, HB1857, HB2209, HB1961, HB2343, HB2160, HB2505, HB1537, HB1562, HB1731, HB1853, HB1973, HB1974

Keywords: environmental protection, waste management, disposable electronic smoking devices, plastic pollution, lithium-ion batteries, public health, electronic smoking devices, e-liquids, certification, FDA compliance, penalties, directory, mental health, telepsychology, interjurisdictional compact, psychology regulation, LGBTQ+ youth, access to care, professional licensing, surgical assistant

Summary: The committee opened a hearing on multiple health-related bills and first took up HB 2315, which would create a Department of Health pilot program allowing eligible employees to defer unused vacation leave in exchange for a payout to help with home purchase assistance. The Department of Health testified in support, saying the proposal could aid recruitment and retention, and United Public Workers also supported it as a creative, cost-effective benefit that could help employees become first-time homebuyers. The chair likewise praised the department’s effort, and there were no questions or opposition before the committee moved on. The committee then heard HB 2562 on workplace violence in health care settings. The Department of Health said it preferred requiring licensed hospitals to adopt workplace-violence prevention policies and public reporting rather than creating a new state program. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said it appreciated the intent and explained that, absent a specific standard, enforcement would rely on OSHA’s general duty clause, guidance, and inspections. Nurses and the Hawaii Nurses Association gave emotional testimony describing harassment, threats, doxxing, and fears for patient and worker safety, arguing that existing processes were too slow and that hospitals needed immediate, enforceable requirements. The committee discussed current hospital alarm systems and OSHA enforcement, and Labor said it does inspect hospitals and can receive complaints from employees. HB 1532, concerning importation of large cigars and pipe tobacco, was announced as deferred at the request of the bill’s author so it could be refined with proponents and the Attorney General. The committee also discussed HB 1857, a very large measure redefining qualified health care provider and making extensive changes to health care law; the chair said the House would likely pass it without substantive changes and instead defer the effective date while using the Senate companion bill as the vehicle. Testimony on HB 1857 was generally supportive, including from the Hawaii Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and a certified genetic counselor, though both referenced proposed amendments. Finally, the committee heard HB 2209, which would require insurers to honor a patient’s written assignment of benefits to a substance use disorder treatment provider. The Insurance Division and HMSA opposed the bill as drafted, arguing it would create a special class of providers, raise fraud and litigation concerns, and potentially increase premiums. Treatment providers and advocates strongly supported the measure, saying insurers often refuse direct payment even when patients assign benefits, forcing families to front large sums and delaying access to residential treatment; they argued the bill would improve access and help keep care in Hawaii. A psychiatrist testified that he had not seen fraud in Hawaii and that the bill could help address long wait times for life-saving treatment. The committee also received written support from multiple individuals and organizations, and members began asking questions about HMSA’s network size and wait times, with follow-up information requested."}】【。final json to=commentary 天天中彩票出票 to=commentary code 彩神争霸邀请码 to=commentary 彩票平台招商 to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary ುತ್ತಾರೆ to=commentary

Transcript Highlights:

• in the Zoom app to take your place in the queue.
• in the Zoom app to take your place in the queue.
• in the Zoom app to take your place in the queue.
• in the Zoom app to take your place in the queue.
• We'll check in in the morning.

Bills: AB6, AB102, AB131, AB212, AB213, AB220, AB259, AB282, AB376, AB396, AB479, AB503, AB570, AB572, AB574, AB576, AB593, SB185, SB207, SB507, AB6

Keywords: fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, FASD, prenatal alcohol exposure, children's health, developmental disability, early intervention, treatment assistance, Aging and Disability Services Division, Department of Health and Human Services, Autism Treatment Assistance Program, public health, parent education, evidence-based treatment, Nevada NRS 427A, disability services, behavioral health, emergency medical services, ambulance, licensing, health district

Transcript Highlights:

• But in the budget that we're adopting today, it's fair to say that the health care reductions included
• Today, it's fair to say that the health care reductions included in this budget are being made before
• And just to note, somebody pointed out to me that 177 is the fair share thing that has no revenue in
• , and also in support of the fair share contribution.
• We are asking for fairness and priority in this budget.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 109, the Budget Act of 2026, as the main item. Committee leaders described the legislative budget agreement as a balanced two-year plan with about $355.9 billion in total spending, $253 billion from the General Fund, and $36.5 billion in reserves. The Legislative Analyst and Department of Finance said the package assumes about $5.5 billion in higher revenues than the May Revision and uses those resources for a mix of spending changes, including higher Proposition 98 support, additional child care slots, housing and homelessness funding, delayed Medi-Cal reductions, and added support for counties, public hospitals, and distressed hospitals. The administration said the plan resembles the May Revision’s overall structure but includes new spending and revenue assumptions, and members noted that separate revenue trailer bills would be heard later in the week. Much of the committee discussion focused on Medi-Cal, H.R. 1, and the impact on immigrants, low-income workers, counties, and hospitals. Several senators criticized the budget for locking in savings from delayed or reduced Medi-Cal coverage and for not including a mechanism to restore eligibility, while administration and LAO staff said the package delays some reductions but does not automatically reinstate coverage. Finance staff said roughly 1.5 million to 2 million people with unsatisfactory immigration status would move from managed care to fee-for-service, with coverage largely unchanged except for certain services not federally allowed. Members also discussed county administrative funding, indigent care, public hospital support, and the expected rise in uncompensated care. Other topics included In-Home Supportive Services, child care, homelessness funding, Prop. 36, courthouse construction and new judgeships, transit and cap-and-invest/GGRF funding, local journalism, and workforce or reentry programs. Committee members split along party lines in their comments. Democratic members generally supported the agreement as a difficult but responsible compromise that protects core services, preserves reserves, and makes targeted investments in education, housing, health care, and justice system capacity. Republican members argued the budget relies on unrealistic revenue assumptions, does not sufficiently reduce spending, and includes costly policy choices and tax increases. Public testimony largely came from advocates and stakeholders who supported IHSS, Medi-Cal, child care, domestic violence services, hospitals, transit, and other programs, while some business and health plan representatives raised concerns about tax proposals and the shift from managed care to fee-for-service. The chair then moved the committee to public comment and indicated that the revenue bills would return later in the week; no final vote on AB 109 is reflected in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• In a way that's fair and affordable for all ratepayers.
• So I think a big example of that is the wildfire mitigation costs that we see in the state of California
• So I think a big example of that is the wildfire mitigation costs that we see in the state of California
• Some of the risk mitigation tools I mentioned earlier are being implemented in other states.
• One of the things I heard today was that, in terms of grid impacts, they are contributing their fair

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Utilities and Energy and Privacy and Consumer Protection focused on the energy impacts of AI and the rapid growth of data centers in California. Chairs and members emphasized that the state wants to support innovation and data center development, but only under terms that protect ratepayers, preserve reliability, and avoid stranded grid costs. Testimony from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the California Energy Commission, the CPUC, CAISO, PG&E, Silicon Valley Power, and the Data Center Coalition described the scale of projected load growth, the uncertainty in forecasting, and the need for coordinated planning across agencies. Dr. Nate Gleason of Lawrence Livermore said data centers are a major and fast-growing share of electricity demand, with planning challenges driven by short construction timelines for data centers versus long lead times for transmission and generation. He urged stochastic planning, co-optimization of generation, storage, and transmission, and greater use of flexible load and demand response. CEC Director Alicia Gutierrez described the CEC’s bottom-up forecasting approach, based on utility energization requests and load profiles, and said California has over 23,000 megawatts of data center capacity requests in the CAISO footprint. CPUC Deputy Executive Director Luan Tesfai outlined recent actions on energization timelines, flexible service connections, PG&E’s Rule 30 tariff, and the commission’s resource planning and transmission permitting work. CAISO’s Neil Miller stressed that large loads affect transmission planning, interconnection, and reliability standards, and said the agency is preparing additional stakeholder work on technical issues. Utility and industry witnesses said California is already seeing substantial data center interest and is building out infrastructure accordingly. PG&E’s Mike Medeiros said the utility has more than 10 gigawatts of data center interest in its territory, has shifted to cluster studies, and is using flexible interconnection tools such as FlexConnect to speed service while protecting reliability. Silicon Valley Power’s Nico Prokos said data centers account for about 55% of its power use and that the city is investing heavily in transmission and local system upgrades to support projected load growth. He also warned that AI loads may be more variable than traditional cloud loads and that backup generation and air quality constraints complicate curtailment strategies. The Data Center Coalition’s Karabonder argued that data centers are also driving efficiency gains and support critical digital services, while urging better forecasting methods, more transparency, and regular backcasting. Members asked about statutory authority, data availability, flexible load, and whether current forecasts are sufficient for long-lead infrastructure planning. Witnesses said California already has authority to pursue flexible service and rate design, and that the CEC and CPUC have access to utility data, though out-year demand remains highly uncertain. CPUC representatives noted an advanced rate design rulemaking and said the commission is opening additional work on ratepayer impacts. No votes were taken during the informational hearing, and the discussion ended with continued questions about how California should structure planning, pricing, and reliability rules as AI-related load grows.

Transcript Highlights:

• to invest in wildfire mitigation is critical to save lives and property across our state.
• to invest in wildfire mitigation is critical to save lives and property across our state.
• agreement, also the investments in Home Safe and HDAP, and we're also in support of the fair share contribution
• agreement, also the investments in Home Safe and H-DAP, and we're also in support of the fair share
• And then lastly, we remain opposed to the fair share proposal in SB 177. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that fair? That is absolutely fair.
• I think we've addressed that in the contract section as well, that we exempt the emergency mitigation
• All in the same group. All in the same group. Okay. All in the same group. Okay.
• One in five children in Louisiana live in a food-insecure home.
• All right, present in support: Monique Blossom, Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center; Katie Doring, representing

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 267, which would change the membership rules for the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors by adjusting appointment qualifications, term limits, and nomination procedures. Vice Chair Thomas explained the bill was meant to address the lack of nominations from existing entities and to allow the governor more flexibility, especially in smaller districts. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported HB 267 favorably. The committee then considered House Bill 478 on utility overcharge reimbursements. The bill, as amended, requires utilities to clearly label reimbursements on customer bills and sets a deadline for issuing refunds. After discussion with the Public Service Commission and utility representatives, the committee changed the reimbursement timeline from 45 days to 90 days and clarified that the bill would not interfere with larger settlement or regulatory credits. HB 478 was then reported favorably as amended. The longest discussion centered on House Bill 924, a consumer protection measure aimed at contractors who solicit residential property owners after declared disasters. The author said the bill was intended to curb predatory storm-chasing and fraudulent insurance-related practices, while still allowing emergency mitigation work. The committee adopted technical amendments and then a conceptual amendment shortening the catastrophe response period from six months to 30 days. Testimony was split: the Insurance Commissioner and some roofing industry witnesses supported the bill as a way to deter fraud, while other contractors argued it would hurt small businesses, limit legitimate door-to-door work, and not solve enforcement problems. The bill remained under consideration after extensive testimony and public comment.