Transcript Highlights:

• We made one nuance, one change dealing on page three with commercial, with Amazon, Walmart, those types
• Section shall not apply to an operator of an unmanned aircraft that is being used for a commercial purpose
• We made one nuance, one change dealing on page three with commercial, with Amazon, Walmart, those types
• Section shall not apply to an operator of an unmanned aircraft that is being used for a commercial purpose
• The section shall not apply to an operator of an unmanned aircraft that is being used for a commercial

Committee: House Emerging Issues

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, we'll have SB 584, Commercial Driving Schools, by Vice Chair Avila.
• interagency agreements authorizing county tax collectors to enforce statutory provisions related to commercial
• It strengthens oversight over commercial driving schools by allowing the Florida Department of Highway
• Next up, we'll have SB 584, Commercial Driving Schools, by Vice Chair Avila.
• It strengthens oversight over commercial driving schools by allowing the Florida Department of Highway

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DHCS around the data that they can use for exemptions on their side, particularly around diagnostic codes
• And then, of course, the more we can get people to adopt this and use a uniform training process, I think

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing focused on the impacts of federal HR1 on CalFresh and Medi-Cal, along with related state mitigation efforts. CDSS, DHCS, DDS, county representatives, LAO, and Finance discussed automatic exemptions, data-sharing between departments, county workload, and the timing of implementation. CDSS said about two-thirds of adults ages 18 to 64 are already known to be exempt in CalFresh, and that administrative data matches could newly exempt about 200,000 of the roughly 955,000 adults potentially at risk. DHCS said Medi-Cal work requirements would begin in 2027 and the department is working to automate exemptions, including for IHSS recipients and some caregivers, while DDS said its population is expected to be covered by auto-exemptions. County welfare directors emphasized that individualized worker contact is critical, that counties need more staffing and stable funding, and that without it they expect delays, higher error rates, and reduced exemption screening capacity. Members pressed for written timelines, county-by-county impact data, and clearer guidance; the administration said it would provide follow-up materials and technical assistance. No votes were taken. The committee then heard a separate discussion on a proposed CFAP expansion or “CFAP Plus” concept to provide state-funded benefits to additional populations affected by HR1, including lawfully present non-citizens and ABODs. CDSS said implementation could not occur before October 1, 2027 because of policy and system-design constraints, and that adding unique eligibility rules would increase complexity and cost. Finance cautioned that any expansion would have General Fund impacts likely in the hundreds of millions to multiple billions. Members asked for cost estimates and technical feedback on trailer bill language, and CDSS said it would review the proposal and respond. The hearing also covered CDSS’s CalFresh strategic plan and mandated reporter training updates. CDSS said it is hiring a strategic plan lead to develop a long-term, data-informed CalFresh plan, and that the revised mandated reporter training is on track for launch in fall/winter 2026, ahead of the July 1, 2027 statutory deadline. The training will include updated content on structural racism, ICWA protections, implicit bias, and the distinction between reporting and supporting families. Members praised the work and asked for continued updates. Later panels focused on Promise Neighborhoods, Stop the Hate, and housing programs. Promise Neighborhood advocates and CDSS described the state’s prior $12 million investment, a positive evaluation showing roughly a 4-to-1 return, and a new proposal to support place-based partnerships and community schools through AB 1969. Stop the Hate grantees and CDSS reported that the program has provided direct services, prevention, and statewide coordination to millions of Californians, and urged reauthorization before funding expires; members asked for best-practice language and discussed focusing future funding on solidarity work, harm reduction, legal services, and education. Finally, CDSS presented on the CalWORKs Housing Support Program and Housing and Disability Advocacy Program, saying proposed General Fund investments of $105 million and $55 million would prevent funding cliffs and allow the programs to continue through 2026-27, while the absence of new funding would force reductions in housing assistance, subsidies, and enrollments.

Transcript Highlights:

• DHCS around the data that they can use for exemptions on their side, particularly around diagnostic codes
• And then, of course, the more we can get people to adopt this and use a uniform training process, I think

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our current procedural reviews evaluate a county treasurer's adherence to a uniform system of accounting
• to the wealthy because what information we do have comes, a majority can come from a specific area code

Bills: HB2352 , HB2388 , HB2418 , HB2499 , HB2500 , HB2579 , HB2584 , HB2804

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: funding, auditor general, county treasurer, procedural reviews, state appropriations, HB2388, Arizona Commerce Authority, ACA, small modular reactor, SMR, nuclear energy, advanced nuclear, data center, data centers, economic development, study, appropriation, general fund, jobs, wages

Transcript Highlights:

• Session, submission of Senate Bill 154, a bill enacting a new section of the New Mexico Insurance Code
• going anywhere from solar to drivers' privacy, to pet food, to journalism, agriculture, biomass, uniform

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• communities is that typically once a law enforcement officer comes on scene in a cruiser, wearing a uniform
• They coded it as a response for a welfare check for law enforcement.

Summary: The Community Safety Committee held an interim work session on crisis response, with members and witnesses discussing how Washington can better integrate 911, 988, mobile crisis, co-response, and alternative response models for behavioral health crises in public spaces. Travis Parker opened with an overview of the Sequential Intercept Model and the crisis care continuum, emphasizing early intervention, 988 access, regional coordination, navigators and peer support, and the need for sustainable braided funding. Several Washington witnesses then described current programs and system gaps, including the growth of co-response teams, the importance of integrating 911 and 988 rather than treating them as competing systems, and the need to reduce unnecessary emergency room use and improve first responder wellness and training. City, fire, and crisis-system representatives described local challenges and reforms. Kim Hendrickson of Poulsbo said most crisis calls still come through 911 and urged better coordination among field-based teams, more behavioral health training for fire/EMS, and more alternatives to ER transport. Laura Pippen, a designated crisis responder, described a strained involuntary treatment system, fewer DCRs statewide, difficulty getting law enforcement support for transports, and limited facility capacity, especially for substance use disorder. Jennifer Stuber and South County Fire’s Keith Sharp highlighted workforce training, a crisis responder certificate program, and first responder wellness efforts. Research witnesses Evan Lauder and James Pine said the evidence is still developing but generally supports on-scene resolution, reduced ED transport and detention in some models, and the importance of clear dispatch protocols, coordination, and ongoing evaluation. Dispatch and program operators then gave examples of how systems are working in practice. Katie Myers of Washington APCO/NENA said 911 remains essential, but needs evidence-based triage protocols, liability protections, and additional funding if it is expected to take on more crisis-response responsibilities. Whatcom County described embedding a “community connector” in the 911 center to coordinate alternative response, while ValleyCom reported that its 988 diversion pilot transferred 2,165 calls with 98% resolved through 988/211 without returning to 911. National examples included Denver’s STAR program, Albuquerque’s Community Safety Department, and Atlanta’s PAD initiative, each showing different ways to route low-acuity or behavioral-health-related calls away from police and toward clinicians, peers, or civilian responders. The session ended with Washington examples continuing, including Whatcom County’s alternative response team, underscoring the committee’s interest in refining and expanding integrated crisis response systems in the next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• community-based system of care and ensure compassion and acceptance of all those who are in this nation's uniform
• And code talkers and others.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs held an informational hearing focused on the effects of federal budget cuts and policy changes on veterans, military readiness, and California’s veteran support systems. The chair and members emphasized that federal reductions to the VA, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, SNAP, and the federal workforce are disproportionately harming veterans by threatening health care, employment, housing, crisis lines, and suicide prevention services. The chair also highlighted California’s progress on veteran homelessness and the importance of preserving state programs that leverage federal dollars. Major General Matthew Beavers of the California Military Department described the department’s structure, its response to the Los Angeles fire emergency, and concerns that federal cuts could reduce readiness through less training, older equipment, and fewer resources. He also discussed state programs such as Work for Warriors, STARBASE, youth and community schools, and the counterdrug task force, saying they are valuable but vulnerable if funding is redirected away from readiness. Members asked about the impact of federal changes on the Guard and how the Legislature could help, and Beavers said the state should advocate for recapitalized equipment and continued support for key programs. A second panel focused on veterans’ benefits and claims support. CalVet, Los Angeles County, and Swords to Plowshares testified that county veteran service officers, legal aid, and community-based partnerships are essential to helping veterans access VA benefits, especially after the PACT Act expanded eligibility and increased claims volume. Witnesses said these services bring substantial federal dollars back to California, but county offices and legal providers are underfunded and overburdened. Members discussed data sharing, staffing shortages, and the need for more resources to reach veterans who are not connected to VA care. In the final panel on mental health and suicide prevention, CalVet and nonprofit providers described state-funded programs such as the Veterans Support Self-Reliance program and the California Veterans Health Initiative, which place services in permanent supportive housing and provide no-cost counseling statewide. Witnesses said these programs are showing measurable improvements in health, medication adherence, and emergency room use, but they depend on sustained funding and are vulnerable to step-down grants and federal instability. Committee members expressed support for the programs and raised questions about access, staffing, and the role of non-veteran family members in Vet Center services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Among those questions: What will it take to create large-scale commercialization?
• This kind of dialogue is the key to moving research and commercialization forward, all while navigating
• You can't eat it and really understand what these products can do as you get to commercial grade.
• That is, in one word, commercialization of technology, or commercialization of technology, that spans
• Translate those into technology—that's really commercialization.

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation was held at UC Davis and focused on how alternative proteins can support California agriculture, the bioeconomy, and farmers. Opening remarks from UC Davis leaders and committee members emphasized the university’s food science, fermentation, and sustainability strengths, and the state’s prior investments of $5 million for UC alternative protein research and an additional $1 million for ICAMP. Members framed the topic as a way to grow new markets, keep more value in-state, and address climate, food security, and commercialization challenges. The first panel featured Sana Beg of the Plant-Based Foods Institute, who argued that California agriculture and alternative proteins are complementary, not competing, and stressed that farmers are essential to the sector. She highlighted the need for ingredient processing capacity, technical assistance for growers, and predictable demand through public procurement, including schools, hospitals, and state facilities. Committee members asked about financing and market development, and Beg said guaranteed loans, grants, and state- and USDA-backed support could help de-risk investment and build the supply chain. The second panel focused on research and development. Beam Circular described the circular bioeconomy in the San Joaquin Valley, including efforts to turn agricultural residues into higher-value products, build shared infrastructure, and expand workforce training. ICAMP and UC ANR described UC Davis-centered research, pilot facilities, and a proposed plant innovation center to bridge lab-scale work to commercial manufacturing. USDA researchers discussed using byproducts such as brewer’s spent grain, tomato pomace, lima beans, and chickpeas for new food ingredients. Members repeatedly emphasized the importance of public R&D funding, consumer acceptance, and food-grade scale-up facilities. The final panel highlighted company perspectives from Optimized Foods and Blue Diamond Growers. Optimized Foods described using fungi fermentation to convert almond hulls, cocoa waste, and tomato pomace into protein-rich ingredients and stabilized nutrients. Blue Diamond outlined its grower cooperative model, sustainability practices, almond ingredient portfolio, and the Sacramento almond innovation center. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with discussion centered on research, commercialization, infrastructure, and market-building for California-grown alternative protein products.

Transcript Highlights:

• Among those questions: what will it take to create large-scale commercialization?
• What will it take to create large-scale commercialization?
• This kind of dialogue is the key to moving research and commercialization forward, all while navigating
• You can't eat it and really understand what these products can do as you get to commercial grade.
• We translate those into technology; that's really commercialization.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So with this bill, we are putting it into the Century Code.
• So with this bill, we are putting it into the Century Code.
• We put this in the code.
• So I know we're talking about putting this in code or a constitutional measure.
• But because of our fire code, we can only have 30 beds there.

Bills: HB1623

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 1624, the “Universal Lunch Bill,” from Rep. Mike Nathie. He argued the proposal should be placed in Century Code rather than the Constitution so future legislatures can adjust it if state finances tighten, and said the bill would start the program a year earlier with a $65 million appropriation for one school year. DPI testified that the estimate did not include nonpublic schools that do not participate, and members questioned the impact on Title I, free-and-reduced applications, private-school accountability, breakfast mandates for schools that do not currently serve breakfast, and whether the funding could come from the DPI budget or other sources. Supporters, including North Dakota United, the North Dakota Catholic Conference, a pediatrician, and the American Heart Association, said universal meals improve student health and learning, reduce family costs, and are better handled in statute than by constitutional amendment. No opposition testimony was offered, and the chair closed the hearing for later work-session action. The committee then took up House Bill 1627, introduced by Rep. Tye Dressler, which would raise the income threshold for the state-funded school lunch program from 225% to 300% of poverty, with an estimated cost of about $7 million for 2026-27. Dressler said the bill is intended as a targeted, budget-friendly alternative to the ballot measure and emphasized that the state should maximize federal meal dollars while improving participation in the current program. Members questioned whether raising the threshold would actually increase utilization, whether a dollar amount would be clearer than a percentage, and how the change would affect federal reimbursements and application rates. DPI said it could quickly calculate additional percentage levels, and the chair closed the hearing, directing DPI to prepare more numbers for the work session. Finally, the committee opened Senate Bill 2403, presented by Sen. Schiable, to create a short-term bridge-loan program for financially distressed hospitals, centered on Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin. The bill would authorize up to $5 million per loan, with a $10 million appropriation available on a first-come, first-served basis, and would run only through June 30, 2027. Schiable said the hospital’s debt and operating problems threaten local health care, ambulance service, and the community’s economy, and that the proposal was designed narrowly with Bank of North Dakota review to avoid creating a broad precedent. Committee members asked whether the appropriation could be reduced and whether the bank would still apply commercial feasibility and repayment standards; Schiable said yes, the bank would still evaluate the loan and could reject it if it was not sound.

Transcript Highlights:

• than as a consumer, I'm trying to understand how crop nutrient management plans would be valuable commercial
• data</c><00:40:28.000><c> that</c><00:40:28.320><c> could</c><00:40:28.480><c> be</c> valuable commercial
• data that could be valuable commercial data that could be used<00:40:28.880><c> by</c> competitors.<
• Chapter 580 of our code governs foreclosures by advertisement and the foreclosure sales resulting from
• Chapter 580 of our code governs foreclosures by advertisement and the foreclosure sales resulting from

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was just looking at the code of ethics and the code of conduct, which come from the rules, and they
• I was just looking at the code question.
• ><c> which</c> of ethics and the code of conduct which of ethics and the code of conduct which come<03
• So, is it uniform? I don't think so. I'm not 100% sure about that.
• So, is it uniform? I don't think too. So, is it uniform?

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CS for SB 86 on commercial motor vehicles operated by unauthorized aliens by Senator Gates.
• The bill requires that commercial motor vehicle drivers in Florida must be lawfully present in the U.S
• vehicle, The law enforcement officer encounters an unauthorized alien operating a commercial vehicle
• But as a result of this bill, the officer would impound the commercial vehicle, impose a $50,000 penalty
• The law enforcement officer encounters an illegal alien operating a commercial vehicle.

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Several things to get there would be to get rid of election machines that still have source code from
• </c><01:54:38.639><c> guide</c> In America, these religious codes guide In America, these religious codes
• </c> is basically it's a guide it's a code is basically it's a guide it's a code for<02:14:18.400><c>
• This Sharia encompasses ethical standards in a code of behavior.
• I was quickly back in uniform right after that happened, and you ended up joining up.

Committee: House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first continued its hearing on HB 1287, which concerns the definition of “veteran.” Representative Manion explained that the amendment would adopt the federal-style definition by including a general discharge under honorable conditions, while restoring documentation requirements such as a DD214 and removing a problematic reference to World War II allied veterans. The chair said the committee would close the hearing and take the bill up later in executive session. The committee then moved to HCR 13, a resolution calling for an Article V convention limited to proposing a constitutional amendment imposing term limits on members of Congress. Representative Joe Alexander, the prime sponsor, said the measure is narrowly focused on congressional term limits, that 12 states have already passed similar resolutions, and that broad public support in New Hampshire justifies action. Members asked whether the effort would prompt Congress to act on its own, whether the resolution should also cover Supreme Court justices, and how many states are needed; Alexander said the goal is to pressure Congress, that the Constitution already treats Supreme Court justices differently, and that 34 states are required. Testimony in support came from former Representative Linda Masamela, who gave a history-based argument for Article V conventions as a constitutional check, and from Deborah Childs and Aaron Ducet of U.S. Term Limits. Childs said New Hampshire voters strongly support term limits and argued they would open seats to younger, more diverse candidates. Ducet said the application is single-topic and would allow only one amendment, described Article V applications as historically common, and argued that state pressure can force Congress to act. No vote was taken in the portion provided; the chair continued hearing testimony on HCR 13.

Transcript Highlights:

• qualitative criteria in an RFP, as recommended by the American Bar Association's Model Procurement Code
• They serve millions of residents, visitors, and commercial drivers each year, and they generate significant
• You know, the IG report established multiple problems, I think, under Chapter 268A with our codes of
• Under Chapter 268A with our codes of conduct for state employees, for conflicts of interests, for unwarranted

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And just a reminder that the agency's other divisions and P codes were covered in October and November
• There are some areas in Medicaid where we have come up to the average commercial rate.
• Members, just a quick reminder, this is Agency Code 690, so just a little bit further beyond where we
• and doing some research for A client, I discovered that there's some language in the public school code

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas is one of only a few states that continues to follow the 48-hour code. clock.
• I don't have the full code in front of me, but I believe The volunteer opt-outs started under 10,000
• It's abandoned so it's not bad that we hit it, but we hit a live line that shut down a commercial. go
• Under Chapter 251 of the Texas Utilities Code, a person who intends to excavate at a depth of 16 inches

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and he and you read his report, uh, and it's damning, uh, both his report and his assessment and the code
• Failing in her job responsibilities and there's no other way to read a code neutrals report uh or the
• It's not Ancestry andM, it is not 23andMe, it's not those commercial sites.
• That actually deals with the two acts, the, the Mental Health Development Disabilities Code, but also

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• As you recall, House Bill 1711 was Representative Veit's bill regarding the Uniform Interstate Deposition

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 959, house, all