Transcript Highlights:

• We're still reviewing it and look forward to working with the author.
• Empowering the Power Authority offers a strategy to yield huge ratepayer savings.
• We're going to continue to work with the author on that.
• It authorizes tribal ownership; you can't sue a tribe in state court.
• So I just want to thank the author.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard two bills focused on electricity affordability and utility costs. AB 745, by Assembly Member Irwin, would restructure the California Climate Credit by shifting it from lump-sum payments to direct reductions in volumetric electricity rates and moving the credit to the summer months when bills are highest. The author and UC Santa Barbara economist Dr. Kyle Meng argued this could significantly lower summer rates and better help households during extreme heat. Supporters, including UCS, NRDC, and some labor representatives, favored the concept, with some urging that the gas climate credit also be redirected. No opposition testimony was presented, and the bill passed 18-0 to the floor. The committee then considered AB 825, also presented as an affordability package aimed at reducing electric bills by addressing wildfire mitigation costs, transmission financing, permitting delays, and a review of ratepayer-funded programs. The bill would authorize securitization for undergrounding expenses, remove the first $15 billion in undergrounding capital investments from the rate base for return purposes, create a public transmission financing program using Proposition 4 funds and IBank support, revive the California Power Authority as a public sponsor, and establish a task force to review energy efficiency and demand response programs. The author and witness Matt Friedman of The Utility Reform Network said the bill could save ratepayers billions over time through lower-cost public financing and securitization. Testimony on AB 825 was mixed. Support came from several consumer and clean-energy groups, while utilities and labor raised concerns about the bill’s impact on utility financial stability, wildfire fund participation, liability, and whether the $15 billion securitization cap could discourage undergrounding. Some witnesses also objected to the task force’s potential effect on energy efficiency and demand response programs. Committee members discussed the need to balance affordability with utility creditworthiness and wildfire safety, and several asked for more analysis of market impacts and liability issues. Despite those concerns, AB 825 passed the committee 13-0 and was sent to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:57.320><c> to</c><00:18:57.919><c> enforce</c> authority to enforce authority to enforce um um
• </c> attorney general enforcement authority attorney general enforcement authority over<00:19:23.240>
• </c> of the offices in their authorizing of the offices in their authorizing statutes<00:57:33.280><c
• </c> authority from the sheriff's office. authority from the sheriff's office.
• </c> to the bill's authors. to the bill's authors.

Bills: HF3951 , HF4005 , HF962 , HF4585 , HF3870 , HF4542 , HF3893 , HF4293 , HF4075 , HF4057 , HF3809

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: submetered utility service, tenant rights, digital payment, eviction protection, housing policy, biometric data, consent, data protection, civil penalties, privacy laws, HF4585, Minnesota, harassment restraining order, HRO, restraining order, temporary restraining order, petitioner notice, service of process, law enforcement notification, sheriff

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 3897, authorizing the City of Quincy to enter into a lease extension to Quarry Hills Associates
• House Bill 3897, authorizing the City of Quincy to enter into a lease extension to Quarry Hills Associates
• House Bill 4272, authorizing the town of Hudson to grant one additional license for the sale of wine
• An act authorized. Second meeting of the bills.
• An act authorizing the city of Quincy to enter into a lease extension to Quarry Hills Associates Limited

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first adopted a Rules Committee resolution congratulating the Sport Fish Restoration Program on its 75th anniversary. It then suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow a Senate petition for a sick leave bank for Carlos Borges, a Department of Corrections employee, to be referred to the Committee on Public Service. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee reported several local bills for consideration, including measures for Quincy, Arlington, Maynard, and Hudson. The House suspended Rule 7A, took the bills through second reading, and ordered them to a third reading. The bills included a Quincy lease extension, an Arlington town clerk appointment and management change, and additional alcohol license authorizations for Maynard and Hudson. The House also took up House No. 801, a bill relative to the town of Cheshire’s special election, and passed it to be engrossed. Finally, the House adopted an order to meet again Monday at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• 2026, the time within which the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities is authorized
• An act relative to regional transit authority advisory boards, House Bill 3724.
• An act relative to regional transit authority advisory boards, House Bill 3724.
• An act authorizing the town of Rochester to continue the employment of fire chief Scott Weigel.
• An act authorizing the town of Orange to increase the membership of the Board of Selectmen.

Summary: The House received a gubernatorial message proposing fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations to respond to recent federal actions, which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. Members also adopted several procedural orders, including extensions of reporting deadlines for the Committees on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities and on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, and they concurred in a Senate-passed sick leave bank petition for a Department of Corrections employee. The House suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of two petitions: one to further regulate state and local participation in federal civil immigration enforcement, and another on energy costs, transparency, and sustainability. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling also reported a slate of bills for consideration, including measures on school exemptions for Hancock and Warwick, homeowners insurance repairs, landlord notice for utility shutoffs, locksmith notice requirements, retirement benefits, regional transit authority advisory boards, and a Sandwich overpass naming. Several bills were advanced on the floor. The House ordered the scheduled bills to third reading, then passed to be enacted Senate 24 on the Great Barrington Fire District and House 4589 authorizing Ludlow to pay an unpaid bill. It also engrossed House bills authorizing Rochester to keep its fire chief, waiving the Boston police maximum age requirement for one applicant, increasing Orange’s selectboard membership, and establishing a sick leave bank for a Suffolk County Sheriff's Office employee. The House also adopted an order to meet again Thursday at 11 a.m. and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• an authorizer.
• </c> an authorizer. an authorizer.
• </c> publishing requirements for authorizers. publishing requirements for authorizers.
• ,</c> um, to be the fifth, um, author, um, to be the fifth, um, author, co-author<00:51:02.360><c> on
• ><c> on</c><00:51:03.720><c> the</c> co-author on the fourth co-author on the co-author on the fourth

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, 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

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So what we typically do is have our author speak at this podium. Our authors speak at this podium.
• So with that, we would love to have our first author, file item number one.
• Okay, so maybe this is the appropriate question for the author then. Okay.
• So maybe this is the appropriate question for the author then.
• I would like to ask the sergeants to ask for other authors to show themselves.

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills on access to care, professional licensing, and consumer protection, beginning as a subcommittee because quorum was initially lacking. AB 1307 would create a pilot program allowing up to 30 qualified dentists from Mexico to work in underserved California areas for up to three years; the author and sponsor framed it as a cost-neutral way to address dental shortages, the California Dental Association moved from opposition to neutral after amendments, and members expressed support. AB 1703 would restrict use of osteopathic titles and osteopathic manipulative treatment to licensed DOs; supporters said it would prevent patient confusion and unlicensed practice, while non-physician osteopaths argued it would criminalize a long-standing, safe practice and reduce access. Members raised concerns about consumer clarity and access, and the author said she would continue working with opponents. AB 2250 made technical cleanup changes to last year’s hemp enforcement law, with support from the cannabis industry and no opposition. AB 1758 would raise the annual seller-of-travel assessment for the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund from $35 to $60, and AB 1794 would allow prescribed enteral nutrition formulas to be drop-shipped directly to patients’ homes with pharmacist oversight; both drew support and no opposition. AB 1775 would expand state licensing priority and related support for veterans discharged because of a federal transgender military policy, with emotional testimony from a transgender Army captain and support from equality and women’s organizations. AB 1939 would allow licensed professional fiduciaries to form corporations, and AB 2477 would create a limited provisional period for new pest control employees to work under supervision while licensing is pending; both were supported, though AB 2477 drew questions about supervision and committee amendments. AB 1999 would address veterinary workforce shortages by creating retired volunteer status, a shelter-veterinarian pathway, changes to VCPR rules, and narrowing the owner exemption to exclude surgical procedures; supporters cited animal welfare concerns, while some opponents warned about overreach. AB 2010 would permit high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics in nontraditional settings to expand access, but the Veterinary Medical Board and some advocates opposed it unless amended over safety and clarity concerns. AB 2311 would let public health care district hospitals directly employ physicians, with supporters saying it would improve recruitment and access and opponents warning about erosion of physician autonomy; the author said the bill included safeguards, a sunset, and reporting requirements, and continued negotiations were ongoing. After quorum was established, the committee took roll-call votes and advanced the bills, generally on party-line or broad bipartisan votes, with several measures placed on call and others sent to Appropriations, Judiciary, Revenue and Taxation, Military and Veterans Affairs, or other committees as noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what we typically do is have our author speak at this podium. Our authors speak at this podium.
• So with that, we would love to have our first author.
• We think that the author of the bill has identified the problem quite well, very succinct.
• Okay, so maybe this is the appropriate question for the author then.
• I would like to ask the sergeants to ask for other authors to show themselves.

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a question for the author.
• I have a question for the author.
• We thank the author for the bill.
• We're happy to work with the author.
• I'd also like to be added as a co-author.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications heard a long agenda of energy, water, housing, and technology bills. SB 952 (Laird, presented by Perez) would give the Department of Water Resources more flexibility to meet the State Water Project’s 100% clean energy procurement goal by 2035 while managing costs; it drew support from the State Water Contractors and California Municipal Utilities Association and no opposition. The committee also heard SB 1417, which would extend transparency, notice, and public meeting requirements to mutual water companies’ rate increases; Senator Perez and supporters tied the bill to post-Eaton Fire recovery in Altadena, while the California Association of Mutual Water Companies opposed it, citing conflicts with tenant billing laws, privacy concerns, and burdensome meeting requirements. SB 1417 was approved on a split vote and the roll was left open. Members then considered SB 924, a low-income utility assistance/weatherization bill by Hurtado, which would require measurable affordability outcomes and better tenant-focused benefits; it passed to Appropriations with broad support from clean energy and community groups and no opposition. SB 925 (McNerney) would direct the California Energy Commission to develop a statewide roadmap for fusion energy; supporters from General Atomics, Clean Air Task Force, and TAE Technologies argued it would help keep fusion investment in California, and it passed unanimously to Environmental Quality. SB 1011 (McNerney) would require CPUC standards for human review and labor consultation before utilities deploy AI in operations; labor and utility engineer witnesses supported guardrails, while business and utility groups opposed or sought more review, warning of overregulation and overlap with other laws. The bill passed to Privacy, Digital Technology and Consumer Protection on a divided vote. The committee also advanced SB 1168 (McNerney), a study bill directing the CPUC to examine how data centers can pay their fair share of grid costs; data center and utility groups were opposed or neutral pending amendments, while climate advocates supported it, and it moved to Revenue and Taxation. SB 1196 (McNerney) would speed utility hookups for ADUs and JADUs by allowing earlier applications and setting timelines and penalties; housing advocates supported it and it passed to Local Government. SB 1350 (McNerney) would allow renewable portfolio standard credits for power plants using green hydrogen, drawing strong support from hydrogen, labor, utility, and local government interests, but opposition from TURN over greenwashing and tracking concerns; it passed to Environmental Quality. Finally, SB 1158 (Stern) would expand quarterly reliability reporting by the CEC and CPUC to include transmission and grid upgrade status; it was presented as a common-sense reliability measure and moved forward with support.

Transcript Highlights:

• McClure, is the prior authorization application process standardized? Mr. McClure: Mr.
• Prior authorization isn't just required for new medications and treatments.
• They still have all their authorities.
• We give authority to spend those grants and we give specific authority for those agencies to spend those
• grants without authority.

Committee: House Business

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 19 and March 11. It then heard Senate Bill 1285, which would make high school diplomas from non-public schools, including homeschool, equivalent to public school diplomas or GEDs for Idaho occupational and professional licensing. The sponsor and supporters said the bill removes a barrier for homeschool and private-school graduates without changing other licensing requirements. After brief questions and supportive testimony from Homeschool Idaho, the committee voted to send the bill to the House floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee next considered House Bill 841 on prior authorization in health insurance. The sponsor said the bill would add transparency, predictable timelines, qualified clinical review, stability once authorization is granted, and reporting requirements, while preserving fraud protections and not dictating prices or coverage design. Testimony from the Idaho Medical Association, a migraine patient, and the Idaho State Dental Association supported the bill as a way to reduce delays and administrative burden. Representative Harris raised concerns about complaints and fiscal impact, but after debate the motion to send the bill to the floor failed on a 9-5 roll call, with four absent. Senate Bill 1262 followed, a narrow insurance code change that removes a confusing “lesser of” investment limit and leaves a 10% asset cap for certain insurer investments. The sponsor and a domestic insurer said the change would simplify the code and improve portfolio flexibility, and the committee approved it for the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 898, which moves the State Historic Preservation Office from the Idaho State Historical Society to the new Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination. Supporters argued the move would streamline permitting and keep federal historic-preservation duties intact, while opponents warned of conflicts of interest, loss of independence, and possible funding and efficiency problems. After extensive testimony from preservation professionals, water users, and others, the sponsor closed by saying the budget and staff would follow the office and that the change would improve permitting efficiency; the transcript cuts off before the final disposition of the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The investigators would have limited authority to serve search warrants.
• Investigators do not have the authority to detain, arrest, or carry firearms.
• And the Attorney General's Office has various authority within our concurrent authority under RCW 43.10
• We appreciate that the bill clearly limits investigators' authorities and requires judicial authorization
• We appreciate that the bill clearly limits investigators' authorities and requires judicial authorization

Summary: The committee first waived the five-day notice rule for five House bills, then held public hearings on several measures. On Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548, the committee heard staff and sponsor testimony on expanding health care merger notice requirements to the Attorney General, adding transactions involving majority ownership/control and asset sales, requiring public posting of notices, pausing closings until information requests are substantially complied with, and adding filing fees. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Attorney General’s Office, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, nurses, and patient advocates, said the bill would improve transparency and oversight of consolidation and private equity in health care; the Washington State Medical Association and Washington State Hospital Association were neutral after compromise language, though the hospital association raised concern about the added fees. The hearing closed with many people signed in pro and con but not testifying. The committee then heard Second Substitute House Bill 2333, which would allow candidates and elected officials to use campaign or surplus funds to reimburse personal security expenses related to threats tied to their public roles. The sponsor and several prosecutors described personal threats and argued the bill is needed to protect public servants, while public disclosure officials said current PDC processes and the state Address Confidentiality Program already provide some protections and cautioned against over-codifying agency discretion. Some testimony urged restoring earlier address-protection provisions, while county auditors said the revised bill removed operationally unworkable redaction language and was acceptable as amended. The bill had broad signed-in support and opposition, but no vote was taken. For Engrossed House Bill 1574, staff explained the bill would expand Good Samaritan-style protections for people seeking overdose help, bar arrest or conviction for possession in those circumstances, limit related penalties and forfeiture, and allow hospitals and other health facilities to distribute public health supplies without committing paraphernalia infractions. Supporters said it would save lives and improve access to drug checking and harm reduction services, while prosecutors and law enforcement groups said the bill was too broad, especially regarding arrest limits, protection-order violations, probation/parole, warrants, and civil forfeiture. The sponsor said the bill was intended to keep people alive and encourage calls for help. The committee also heard Engrossed House Bill 2156, which would let Attorney General investigators be designated limited authority peace officers to electronically serve search warrants in economic and financial crime cases; the AGO and retailers supported it as a tool against organized retail theft and wage theft, while sheriffs and police chiefs opposed it and urged added guardrails and deconfliction with local law enforcement. Finally, on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2320, the committee heard a bill to regulate 3D-printed and digitally manufactured firearms and digital firearm manufacturing code. The sponsor and supporters, including students, pediatricians, and a gun-violence survivor’s family member, said it was needed to address untraceable ghost guns and keep pace with technology, while opponents argued the bill was overbroad, raised constitutional concerns, and targeted files and speech rather than criminal conduct. No votes were taken in the hearing excerpts provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And next up will be the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority.
• OK, next up, as I mentioned, is the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, or OMMA.
• You next up will be the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority, and they are not here yet.
• The Healthcare Authority is under contract to the Healthcare Authority, contracted these entities, and
• They do not receive the money from the healthcare authority.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Assemblywoman Rodriguez, I just want to thank the author and ask to be added as a co-author, please.
• I just want to thank the author and ask to be added as a co-author, please. Thank you.
• And thank you for authoring this important measure. Good morning.
• And thank you for authoring this important measure.
• author, sorry.

Summary: The committee heard several insurance-related bills. SB 371 by Senator Cabaldon would lower uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage requirements for rideshare companies from the current $1 million level to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident, with added transparency and data-reporting provisions. Uber, Lyft, and several business groups supported the bill as a way to reduce fares and improve affordability, while consumer attorneys, labor groups, and others opposed it as a major cut in protection for injured passengers and drivers. Committee members raised concerns about whether savings would actually reach riders and drivers, but the bill was approved on a do-pass vote to the next committee, with one member not voting. SB 487 by Senator Grayson would change how settlement or judgment proceeds are distributed when peace officers or firefighters are injured by a third party, ensuring they receive at least two-thirds of the at-fault party’s liability insurance limits in certain cases. Supporters, including public safety unions and an injured deputy sheriff, said current law can leave injured first responders with little or no recovery after employer reimbursement, while opponents representing cities, counties, and public agencies argued the bill would reduce recovery of taxpayer-funded workers’ compensation costs and lacked sufficient data. The committee members who spoke largely supported the bill, and it passed on a do-pass vote to Appropriations, with one member not voting. SB 616 by Senator Rubio would create an independent community hardening commission within the Department of Insurance to develop statewide wildfire mitigation recommendations and a post-catastrophe reporting process. The Department of Insurance, local governments, consumer groups, and fire-related organizations supported the measure as a way to improve wildfire resilience and insurance availability, while water agencies opposed provisions touching water infrastructure and warned of litigation and ratepayer impacts. The bill advanced on a do-pass vote to Appropriations, with some members not voting and one member voting no. The committee also heard SB 547 by Senator Perez, coauthored by Senator Rubio, which would extend wildfire-related insurance cancellation/nonrenewal moratoriums to commercial properties; insurers removed their opposition after amendments, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a do-pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to define local authority and clarify how they can monitor things.
• Our proposal encourages collaboration between state and local authorities.
• Our proposal is not about eliminating local authority.
• We have said, you have the authority. Please find us, please ask for our records.
• I want to make sure we have time for members. authority to contact animal control in authority to contact

Keywords: Intro: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:31 Discussion of SB 122: 02:30 Roll Call Vote on SB 122: 26:47, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Agriculture Committee took up Senate Bill 122, a measure dealing with pet stores, breeders, and the scope of local regulation. The chair explained the bill was intended to balance private business rights with local control, and said he wanted to clarify definitions such as qualified breeder, local authority, and where fees and fines would go. He also said he would work on a floor amendment and noted concerns about whether the bill would allow localities to outright ban pet stores or instead only regulate them. The committee first adopted a committee substitute by motion and voice vote. Supporters of the bill, including representatives from Petland and an attorney who had worked on animal-related regulation in Ohio, argued that the bill would create statewide standards, protect responsible pet retailers from what they described as politically motivated local bans, and preserve consumer choice. They said local governments would still be able to inspect, require documentation, and enforce licensing, but not shut businesses down without due process. A senator from Campbell County asked whether the bill would interfere with strong local ordinances; supporters responded that the bill would set standards higher than USDA rules and still allow local regulation, while opposing local bans. Opposition came from the Kentucky League of Cities and representatives of Kentucky animal care and control agencies. KLC said local decisions should remain at the local level and noted that several cities and one county already had ordinances that could be affected; it also said the bill was opposed by its board and might overlap with pending litigation. Animal control representatives said the bill did not clearly define breeder verification or enforcement responsibility, could restrict local authority, and did not address animal care conditions or consumer transparency. After questions and debate, the committee voted on the bill; the roll call ended in a 5-5 tie, and Senate Bill 122 failed to pass out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Patel, who was just here, is a co-author on this bill.
• Patel, who was just here, is a co-author on this bill.
• I was horrified by adults and authority figures.
• Thank you to the author.
• We're waiting for authors.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If there is no objection, one matter will be taken out of the order of the day: An act authorizing William
• Third reading of a bill: An Act authorizing William Pallery to take the civil service examination for
• If there is no objection, one matter will be taken under the orders of the day: An Act authorizing the
• Third reading of the bill: An Act authorizing the City of Salem... Is there an objection?
• Third reading of the bill: An Act authorizing the City of Salem to grant an additional license for the

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hollands the opportunity to say a few words as the former author but now co-author. >> Hi, thank you,
• um as the former author but now co-author.
• and co-authored?
• </c> bill authors. Thank you, Mr. Chair. bill authors. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• </c><01:13:06.480><c> Um,</c> author a bill like this. Um, author a bill like this.

Bills: HF3793 , HF3699 , HF793 , HF3322 , HF3426

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: groundwater, water use permit, data centers, public health, environmental regulations, municipalities, state park license plate, specialty license plate, Minnesota DNR, Department of Natural Resources, license plate design contest, North Shore, Lake Superior Agate, AI-generated art, artificial intelligence, Minnesota resident, state parks, specialty plates, vehicle registration, contest requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> USDA and a lack of State rulem Authority USDA and a lack of State rulem Authority but<00:25:17.360
• But MDE neither requested changes to statutes nor pursued rulemaking authority.
• </c> generous in giving us strong authority generous in giving us strong authority to<00:42:23.280><c
• , such as clarifying OIG authority to access records and the power to subpoena records.
• </c> said that mde didn't have the authority said that mde didn't have the authority under<01:14:49.639

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, the author has the A1. Questions to the A1? Seeing none, all in favor? Aye. Opposed?
• However, states do not have the authority to go to daylight saving time permanently.
• Um so, this bill authorizes permanent standard time until Congress gives us authority to adopt permanent
• </c><00:01:46.440><c> states</c> effect once Congress authorizes states effect once Congress authorizes
• Um, so, if the chair would if the author would like, we can send it on to somewhere else.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• On the legal authority and scope, why did you drop the description of it?
• And so now the legal authority, which I'll highlight here, is hyperlinked.
• On the legal authority in scope, why did you drop the description of it?
• And so now the legal authority, which I'll highlight here, is hyperlinked.
• So there are times that we authorize animals to graze WMAs.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all