Transcript Highlights:

• One is the manufactured housing installer standards.
• One of the manufactured housing installer standards is from a preliminary objection we did.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JLCAR) met briefly, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the prior meeting minutes and the consent calendar. Members were seated to fill attendance, including Representative Potenza for Senator Innis. The committee noted two items still pending on the regular calendar: manufactured housing installer standards, for which a response to a preliminary objection is still due next month, and the Dental Examiners Board matter, for which the committee agreed to waive the deadline and allow the board until April to return with a resolution on the sedation issue. No additional substantive business was taken up. Members discussed an informational training session on how JLCAR works, including what motions are allowed and the committee process, and agreed to proceed with that session after adjournment. To do so, the committee voted to cancel the contingent meeting for the month. The meeting then adjourned, with members noting that all items had been handled on consent and that the session was unusually short.

Transcript Highlights:

• standards, and font standards.
• standards, uh graphic standards,<00:39:59.280><c> and</c><00:39:59.760><c> finty</c><00:40:01.200><c
• > standards.
• </c> standards, and finty standards. standards, and finty standards. Next<00:40:03.040><c> slide.
• </c> reliability standards. reliability standards.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The task force held its first meeting, beginning with roll call and introductions of members and participants in the room and on Zoom. The chair emphasized Sunshine Law transparency, noted the meeting was on September 11, and opened public testimony on the orientation report. No one testified in person or on Zoom, and the chair observed a moment of silence in remembrance of 9/11 before moving into the agenda. The chair then reported on several orientation presentations given statewide between July 18 and September 5, including meetings with transit-oriented development, the Maui Chamber of Commerce, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce on Hawaiʻi Island, the Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce, the Hawaiʻi Island Native Hawaiian Chamber, and the Capo Chamber of Commerce. The main presentation item was a detailed overview from Kauaʻi County on its permitting process. County staff explained that zoning and building permits are handled separately on the outer islands, with zoning focused on form, character, and compatibility, and building permits focused on health and safety. They described a two-tier zoning system: ministerial permits that are automatically approved if not acted on within 30 days, and discretionary permits that go to the planning commission and can become lengthy contested cases if there is intervention. They also discussed special management area review in coastal areas, which can add time, and explained that building permits must conform to what was approved in zoning. Kauaʻi County staff also outlined the building permit process, including online and in-person submission, coordination with planning, engineering, water, wastewater, health, and fire agencies, and the county’s fully electronic review system using ProjectDox and related software. They noted that applicants are encouraged to check zoning, water, wastewater, and floodplain issues before hiring someone to prepare plans, especially for homeowners. The county shared permit and utility statistics and said the public can check permit history through Click2Gov. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided; after the Kauaʻi presentation, the chair opened a question period for members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Within limits, we're seeking to standardize charity care.
• standardize standardize the the the uh<00:14:12.880><c> charity</c><00:14:13.200><c> care.
• </c><00:14:41.640><c> approach,</c> and using an industry standard approach, and using an industry standard
• can standardize as we can standardize um<00:14:55.280><c> charity</c><00:14:55.600><c> care</c><00:14
• </c> standard across the industry. Thank you. standard across the industry. Thank you.

Bills: HF4343

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, advertising tax, taxable services, digital advertising, online marketing, marketing services, search engine marketing, lead generation, internet advertising, ad agency, media buying, campaign planning, Minnesota tax law, service tax, broadening tax base, web advertising, promotional services, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• of once we gather craft to a standard of once we gather craft the<00:30:05.120><c> amendment</c><00:
• to consider, and we recommend amending the bill to include sufficient standards.
• to consider, and we recommend amending the bill to include sufficient standards.
• , and we recommend amending the bill to include sufficient standards.
• </c><02:02:11.599><c> for</c> AG's amendments proposing standards for AG's amendments proposing standards

Bills: HB2488 , HB2456

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: disability, communication access, deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, healthcare, sign language interpreters, auxiliary aids, weight loss, GLP-1 drugs, obesity, Medicaid, healthcare costs, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HP 1972, which would create a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit, and on a related tax measure to increase the existing dependent care tax credit. Supporters of HP 1972, including AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, said unpaid caregivers are essential to keeping kūpuna and other loved ones at home and described significant out-of-pocket costs. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation raised technical concerns, including the need to avoid overlap with existing credits and to prevent double-dipping. The department said taxpayers can claim credits to the extent allowed, but recommended explicit language barring the same costs from being claimed under more than one credit. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair moved the bill along after questions. The committee then heard HP 1975, which would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kūpuna. AARP, Catholic Charities Hawaii, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the program permanent, saying it helps low-income older adults avoid eviction and homelessness and allows them to remain in affordable housing. Catholic Charities described clients who were paying unsustainable shares of income for rent before receiving the supplement. Members also shared a constituent example of an elderly retiree who needed the subsidy to stay housed. Written support was noted from additional organizations and individuals. Next, the committee took up HB 1706, which would expand Medicaid prospective payment reimbursement to include mental health services furnished in federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics by mental health professionals under supervision. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, and DHS said it appreciated the intent to address workforce shortages and expand training, but cautioned that unlicensed professionals cannot currently bill Medicaid and that a state plan amendment would be needed, with limited precedent for approval. Members asked about the likelihood and timing of federal approval and whether the bill could help rural areas; DHS said approval is uncertain and the process can take time, though it saw possible alignment with the state’s rural health transformation efforts. The committee also discussed HB 546, a three-year health coverage continuity pilot program for people losing Medicaid coverage. DHS, the Attorney General’s office, DCCA, Catholic Charities, the University of Hawaii, and others testified, with DHS warning that federal changes could increase uninsured rates and that the state may need to act quickly. Catholic Charities and others emphasized the risk to Medicaid recipients, including homeless and near-elderly residents, while DHS explained the state’s existing premium assistance program for certain immigrants and compared it to the proposed pilot. The excerpt ends during discussion of that comparison, with no vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Adopting the state's homestead standards Adopting the state's homestead standards would<01:33:20.639
• This bill does not eliminate food safety standards. It aligns with Manchester.
• It aligns Manchester with the same standards already trusted and successfully used throughout most of
• It's 66 years of standards. It aligns with Manchester. standards. It aligns with Manchester.
• </c> citizens to follow the same standards citizens to follow the same standards fellow<01:34:20.320>

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• standards and practices across<00:13:43.680><c> the</c><00:13:43.800><c> Enterprise</c><00:13:44.800
• categories for state agencies standard categories for state agencies to<00:13:56.639><c> collect</c>
• we sued ever Minnesota's legal standards we sued ever green<00:38:21.920><c> one</c><00:38:22.319><c
• We will continue to evolve these capabilities. standards at the state and this proposal standards at
• This slide shows a summary of how OGM fulfills their mission to standardize, streamline, and improve

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, and what's the concern with the standards for grants?
• We can provide examples to the committee on standard grant language that can be inserted in the bill
• grant grant language and then standard grant grant language and then we<00:58:23.119><c> can</c><00:
• </c><00:58:27.079><c> Grant</c> committee on on um standard Grant committee on on um standard Grant language
• </c> areas that meet the minimum standards areas that meet the minimum standards for<02:20:07.160><c>

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing and moved quickly through a long agenda, beginning with HB 606 on the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. DHHL and several community testifiers strongly supported the bill, describing it as a way to fulfill long-standing promises to Native Hawaiians, reduce the DHHL waitlist, keep families in Hawaii, and support housing production and the broader economy. Testifiers emphasized the cultural and economic importance of stable housing and noted the large number of people still waiting for DHHL homes. The committee then heard HB 1086, also relating to DHHL, which would allow the department to use a $75 million appropriation from the dwelling unit revolving fund as collateral for loans. DHHL, HHFDC, and other supporters said the measure would help DHHL obtain better loan terms and preserve trust funds for other uses. Members asked detailed questions about how the collateral would work, whether other agencies use similar structures, and what would happen if the collateral were drawn upon; staff explained that the funds would be encumbered for the loan and that a similar model had been used for a HUD-backed project. The committee also heard HB 739, which would create the COM homes program to fund counties to buy voluntary deed restrictions from eligible homeowners or buyers. Supporters said the program could help keep local workers in Hawaii by using existing housing stock and cited examples from places like Aspen and Vail. The Attorney General’s office recommended amendments to remove duration requirements to avoid right-to-travel concerns, and the Tax Foundation suggested clarifying the conveyance tax exemption so it also covers the instrument imposing the restriction. Members asked whether tax dollars would be used to buy homes, who would be eligible, and how enforcement would work; supporters said the program is voluntary and income-blind, with restrictions tied to living and working in the state. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• we follow the standards.
• because we we follow the standards because we we follow the standards<01:28:54.480><c> and</c><01:28
• and so it's how do we use AI standards and so it's how do we use AI to<01:28:58.040><c> um</c><01:28
• And we've long done away with the standardized tests.
• </c><01:46:10.119><c> tests</c><01:46:10.719><c> they're</c> away with the standardized tests they're

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• support the work the department does to license our health care providers and hold them to high standards
• </c><00:32:35.159><c> but</c><00:32:35.279><c> the</c> and hold them to high standards but the and hold
• them to high standards but the fact<00:32:35.720><c> remains</c><00:32:36.039><c> that</c><00:32:36.200
• </c><00:33:21.399><c> to</c><00:33:21.559><c> enhance</c> high to higher standards to enhance high to
• The actuarial standards are reviewed and approved by the department, and the products are constructed

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the standards that the subject jurisdiction applies."
• the standards that the subject jurisdiction..."
• So now jurisdiction including standards.
• So, it's including standards related.
• </c><02:40:09.359><c> setbacks</c> standards related to structure setbacks standards related to structure

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Simply put, nutrition standards must be guided by scientists, not politicians, and industry lobbyists
• Bottom line is that members of Congress should not inject politics into child nutrition standards at
• Bottom line is that members of Congress should not inject politics into child nutrition standards at
• Bottom line is that members of Congress should not inject politics into child nutrition standards at
• > reversionary clauses are standard reversionary clauses are standard practice<04:02:27.600><c> in</c

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, December 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And data is, I think this is standard.
• And data is, I think this is standard.
• And data is, I think this is standard.
• It's time for a new industry standard.
• :15.839><c> that</c><00:52:16.160><c> homeowners</c> standard that recognizes that homeowners standard

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not sure if they have the same standards as the traditional public schools.
• So in charter schools have to follow facility standards as well, so then maybe that is similar to the
• </c> those standards both of those standards those standards both of those standards one<06:04:08.280
• The same thing here: the background check is a standard for due diligence that you can feel comfortable
• check is a standard for due diligence<06:07:08.718><c> that</c><06:07:08.878><c> you</c><06:07:09.000

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first addressed House Bill 415, which would remove the requirement that schools provide menstrual products. Members supporting an ITL said the mandate was unfunded, had been in place since 2019, and was already working without complaints from districts. Other members opposed the bill, arguing menstrual products are essential and that the requirement helps students, especially those with fewer resources. The committee voted ITL on HB 415 by a roll call of 17 yeas, 0 nays. The committee then took up House Bill 388, concerning public reports on special education. Supporters of ITL said they agreed with the goal of transparency but were concerned about student privacy, especially in small districts, and thought the bill’s information requests went too far. They noted that related issues could potentially be addressed in another bill, HB 557. The committee voted ITL on HB 388, 17-0. House Bill 730, which would require schools and some colleges to provide information on adoption, was also moved ITL. The sponsor said adoption is personally important to him but that the bill was not the right vehicle and involved entities such as colleges and the Attorney General unnecessarily; he said related ideas might be folded into other bills later. The committee agreed and voted ITL, 17-0. The committee then discussed House Bill 671, a preschool/early literacy proposal involving a statewide nonprofit digital program, likely Waterford. Members raised questions about who would be covered, data privacy, prior use of federal ESSER funds, whether the program had measurable results, and whether the bill’s nonprofit requirement was too restrictive. Department of Education witness Melissa White said the state had spent $400,000 in FY22 and $600,000 in FY23 on a Waterford contract using ARP ESSER funds, but she did not have participant counts and said the department could not measure literacy gains for that population. She also said the bill’s funding level would likely require an RFP and that, if enacted as written, the program would probably still be Waterford-based. The discussion continued without a final vote in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It maintains transparency while improving readability by allowing the use of standard abbreviations,
• Readability by allowing the use of standard abbreviations, streamlining repetitive language, and incorporating
• CACEO strongly recommends moving to a county-wide standard.
• California threshold with the federal Voting Rights Act, 5% or 10% citizen voting-age population standard
• We're concerned about the lack of clear determination standard with the petition process.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on July 1, 2026, heard a full agenda of election-related measures, and took final votes on several bills and one resolution. The committee also adopted two consent items, SB 1429 and SB 1430, without opposition. Members and the chair repeatedly noted committee membership changes and the final meeting of the session, and the chair emphasized the committee’s focus on protecting democracy and election integrity. Among the bills heard, SB 1369 would shorten the signature-gathering period for judicial recalls in larger counties and require paid gatherers to disclose they are compensated; supporters argued it would protect judicial independence, while the chair and some members noted the need to balance recall rights with county differences. SB 900 would reformat campaign disclosure language on large print ads and billboards to improve readability while preserving transparency, with broad support from outdoor advertising, clean money, and good-government groups. SJR 18, which condemns Citizens United and urges action against corporate spending in elections, drew support from reform advocates but also concerns about the resolution’s focus and scope; it was advanced on a party-line split with some members voting no. The committee also advanced SB 1164, a major voting-rights measure expanding California protections against vote dilution and voter suppression, adding preclearance-style review for some jurisdictions, and directing courts to interpret election laws in favor of voting access. Local government representatives opposed it unless amended, citing uncertainty, loss of safe-harbor protections, and implementation concerns, while civil-rights and labor groups strongly supported it. SB 1360, which expands language-access requirements for voters with limited English proficiency and lowers coverage thresholds, was supported by voting-rights and immigrant-advocacy groups but opposed by elections officials unless amended; the committee acknowledged the need for further work on county-level implementation and data standards. The committee also approved SB 1418, which extends protections against seizure of election records and voting systems beyond voted ballots, and SB 884, which creates a buffer zone around polling places and vote-by-mail drop locations to prevent interference with voting and ballot custody, though sheriffs and police groups opposed the arrest restrictions. SB 46, which would give the Secretary of State clearer authority to remove constitutionally ineligible presidential and vice-presidential candidates from the ballot, and SB 715, which moves candidate ballot-designation challenge deadlines earlier, also advanced. Most measures were sent to Appropriations or otherwise held on call for absent members, and the meeting ended with final roll calls and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• has been achieving superior reliability results that are well below—or better than—the commission standards
• ex—that your consultant, when they looked at Delmarva, showed that Delmarva was failing to meet standards
• Additionally, SB 59 passed last year already subjects utilities' investments to a rigorous prudent standard
• In addition, Chesapeake believes that the recently passed prudent standard that will be used to decide
• Following the enactment of Senate Bill 59 in 2025, the standard of review for rate cases before the Delaware

Bills: SB287

Committee: House Natural Resources & Energy

Keywords: solid waste, recycling, universal recycling, single-stream recycling, multifamily housing, apartment recycling, commercial recycling, waste diversion, recycling grants, low-interest loans, Delaware Recycling Fund, Delaware Solid Waste Authority, DNREC, waste hauler, curbside recycling, yard waste, source-separated recycling, pay-as-you-throw, extended producer responsibility, waste bans

Summary: The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and considered three Senate bills. SB 287 with Senate Amendment 2, a DNREC cleanup bill on recycling, would tighten recycling collection rules for haulers and commercial generators, require multifamily recycling education, repurpose the Delaware Recycling Fund, and add annual reporting; after brief questions and no public comment, the committee motion to release did not initially receive enough votes, so the bill was circulated for signatures. SB 346, which would speed Environmental Appeals Board hearing and decision timelines so DNREC secretary decisions become final if deadlines are missed, drew support from the Nature Conservancy and also failed to get enough votes at the meeting, so it too was circulated for signatures. The committee then took up SB 326, a major utility-regulation bill sponsored by Senator Hanson and Representative Heffernan that would cap certain non-mandatory utility spending, limit interim rates, increase oversight and transparency, and streamline rate-setting. SB 326 generated extensive testimony and debate. Supporters, including the Public Advocate, Sierra Club, PSC staff, and some legislators, argued that Delmarva Power’s spending on non-mandatory infrastructure has risen far faster than inflation, that the company is a regulated monopoly, and that the bill would help restrain future delivery-rate increases without harming reliability because mandatory reliability, storm response, and vegetation management spending would remain allowed. Opponents, including Delmarva Power, business groups, contractors, labor representatives, and the Delaware Contractors Association, argued the cap would delay needed reliability and capacity projects, hurt economic development, reduce jobs, and interfere with utility planning; they also said supply costs, not distribution spending, are the main driver of recent bill increases. After public comment and additional questioning, the committee voted to release SB 326 on a split roll call, but because several members were absent the bill was also walked for additional signatures. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 1532 subsection 4 adds to the collection location standards the requirements that points of redemption
• Section 1532 subsection 4 adds to the collection location standards the requirements that points of redemption
• Section 1532 subsection 4 adds to the collection location standards the requirements that points of redemption
• Section 1532 subsection 4 adds to the collection location standards the requirements that points of redemption
• Section 1532 subsection 4 adds to the collection location standards the requirements that points of redemption

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It establishes an expert advisory committee to guide implementation and clinical standards.
• And importantly, it guarantees to guide implementation and clinical standards.
• But this amendment would create a broad opt-out standard, unlike anything else in our newborn screening
• demonstrates how simple this bill is to implement, codifying this program would allow it to be standardized
• statewide, ensuring Would allow it to be standardized statewide, ensuring that it is consistently understood

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fewer than four in ten students are proficient in math, and only about half meet standards in English
• In order to ensure California's elected officials are held to the highest standard, current law prohibits
• It will affirm the public's trust in our democracy and hold our elected officials to a higher standard
• Through his advocacy, he helped set the highest standards in the building trades, ensuring that thousands
• He was instrumental in protecting union jobs and strengthening labor standards at one of the busiest

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a large daily file of bills and resolutions. Early procedural motions were adopted, including re-referrals and a motion to allow the Appropriations Committee to notice SB 73, which passed 46-15. Members also introduced several guests, including young legislators, schoolchildren, a championship girls’ basketball team, realtors, and CASA advocates. On the floor, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1389, a tribal gaming compact urgency bill for the Yurok Tribe, which passed 55-0 on the urgency and measure. The body then passed a series of bills on topics including trespass enforcement (AB 1632), pest control fees (AB 2380), county investment authority (AB 2080), pupil achievement gap reporting (AB 2149), transit board stipends (AB 1625), e-filing for workplace violence restraining orders (AB 2179), election eligibility restrictions for registered sex offenders (AB 2753), juvenile firearm possession and deferred entry of judgment (AB 2636), court access and First Amendment issues (AB 1544), physician medical record integrity (AB 1637), forced marriage protections (AB 2534), and local authority to restrict under-12 e-bike use in San Mateo County (AB 2595). Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, with votes ranging from 53-0 to 63-0. The Assembly also adopted ACR 173, reaffirming California’s sister-state relationship with Jalisco, Mexico, after adding 50 coauthors. Later, it adopted ACR 163 designating May as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month after extensive testimony from the author and multiple caucus members emphasizing the crisis, data gaps, tribal sovereignty, and the need for more resources and action; 64 coauthors were added before the resolution passed by voice vote. The chamber likewise adopted ACR 180 designating Compost Awareness Week and ACR 182 establishing Youth Mental Health Awareness Week, both after coauthor roll calls and voice votes. The day concluded with urgent action on AB 108, which provides up to $25 million in one-time emergency bridge funding for distressed hospitals facing imminent closure. Members from both parties spoke in support, citing rural access, prior hospital closures, and the need to protect community health care; the bill passed 59-0 and was sent to the Governor immediately. The Assembly then handled consent calendar items, heard an adjournment in memory for labor leader Larry Mazzola Sr., and adjourned until Monday, May 11 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a standard regulatory agency that wants to protect consumers, youth, and the environment, but
• Commissioner's Office, Cal/OSHA, the Division of Workers' Compensation, and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards
• Cal/OSHA, the Division of Workers' Compensation, and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
• I don't have an issue with, you know, department's labor standard enforcement.
• I can go to labor standards enforcement. I know who they are. I can do that. I can do that.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee approved several non-appearing gubernatorial appointments and routine agenda items by 4-0 votes, including Frank Damrow Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Eddger to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission. The committee also approved bill referrals, a rule waiver to allow SB 1447 to be heard after the policy deadline, and floor acknowledgments. The committee then heard the appointment of Clint Kellam as Director of the Department of Cannabis Control. Members focused heavily on cannabis regulation, especially illicit market activity, consumer education, labeling, and youth protection. Kellam said the department’s goal is to shift consumption from illicit to legal sources, not increase use, and described efforts such as the Real California Cannabis website, the required educational pamphlet for new users, inspections, and package review. Senators raised concerns about attractive-to-children packaging, high-dose beverages, and the need for tighter labeling rules; Kellam said the department is open to legislative changes, is working on an AI tool to help licensees review packaging, and uses recalls, citations, and administrative actions when products violate rules. He also described enforcement efforts against illegal cultivation and retail, including the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force and cooperation with local, state, and federal agencies. The committee voted 4-0 to advance the appointment. The committee next heard Jennifer Osborne’s appointment as Director of the Department of Industrial Relations. Osborne described her background in state administration and said she aims to remove barriers, improve systems, and support workplace safety, wage enforcement, workers’ compensation, and apprenticeship programs. Senators asked about PAGA enforcement, Cal/OSHA audit findings, backlogs, staffing shortages, and complaint handling. Osborne said DIR’s role in PAGA is limited, but the department is working on Cal/OSHA policy revisions, training, additional investigation staff, centralized intake, IT modernization, and possible use of outside administrative law judges to reduce delays. She also said the department is addressing vacancy and backlog issues through classification changes and new hiring strategies. Public commenters from employer groups and labor organizations spoke in support, and the committee approved the appointment 4-0 for full Senate confirmation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a standard regulatory agency that wants to protect consumers, youth, and the environment, but
• Commissioner's Office, Cal/OSHA, the Division of Workers' Compensation, and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards
• Cal/OSHA, the Division of Workers' Compensation, and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
• I don't have an issue with, you know, department's labor standard enforcement.
• I can go to labor standards enforcement. I know who they are. I can do that. I can do that.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several gubernatorial appointments and procedural items. It unanimously approved three appointments not required to appear: Frank Damrow Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edger to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission. The committee also approved bill referrals, a rule waiver to allow SB 1447 (Health) to be heard past the policy deadline, and floor acknowledgments, all by 4-0 votes. The committee then heard testimony from Clint Kellam, nominee to lead the Department of Cannabis Control. Senators focused on illicit cannabis activity, consumer education, youth protection, labeling, and packaging that may be attractive to children. Kellam said the department’s goal is to shift consumption from illicit to legal sources, not increase use, and described efforts including the Real California Cannabis campaign, the SB 540 pamphlet, inspections, a package-review team, and an AI image analyzer for licensees. He also discussed enforcement against illicit cultivation, coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, and the department’s role in helping bring legal market compliance and access into balance. The committee voted 4-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate. The committee next heard from Jennifer Osborne, nominee to direct the Department of Industrial Relations. Questions centered on Cal/OSHA audit findings, workplace safety, PAGA-related litigation, case backlogs, staffing shortages, and how her administrative background would help manage the department. Osborne said she would focus on fixing systemic issues, improving staffing and classification rules, modernizing IT systems, adding intake and investigative capacity, and addressing the Cal/OSHA audit recommendations. She also said DIR would continue working on worker safety, compensation, and apprenticeship programs, and would follow up on some questions about natural-disaster-related enforcement and backlog metrics. Public commenters from employer groups and labor organizations spoke in support, and the committee approved her appointment 4-0 for consideration by the full Senate.