Transcript Highlights:

• This is important in terms of the health and safety of our senior population.
• I do want to make sure that we are upholding our health and safety responsibilities as well.
• I do want to make sure that we are upholding our health and safety responsibilities as well.
• For our clients, HomeSafe is a safety net. I had a client who was living in a backyard.
• HomeSafe is a safety net. I had a client who was living in a backyard. She had nothing.

Summary: The joint Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused first on long-term services and supports for older adults, especially the “forgotten/overlooked middle” who earn too much for Medi-Cal but cannot afford private long-term care. Administration witnesses from DHCS, the Department of Aging, and Social Services described Medicare’s limited long-term care coverage, Medi-Cal’s role, the elimination of the Medi-Cal asset test, and ongoing state studies and listening sessions on financing options. Testimony from advocates and researchers emphasized rising homelessness among older adults, the need for better navigation and coordination across health, aging, housing, and social service systems, and short-term policy steps such as share-of-cost reform, housing stability supports, and protecting home- and community-based services. Members highlighted the need for a coordinated, no-wrong-door approach and asked for the most impactful budget investments to address affordability and homelessness risk. The second major topic was the Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) program. CDA reported that CBAS helps participants remain in the community, that 304 centers operate statewide serving about 42,000 people, and that demand is stable but access gaps remain in some regions. DHCS explained that a 2024 rate increase authorized by SB 159 became inoperative after Proposition 35, and that a separate 10% rate change on the fee schedule was the result of a DHCS system error; the department said it would not require recoupment, though managed care plans may act under their contracts. CBAS providers and advocates warned that reimbursement rates have not kept pace with costs, that several centers have closed, and that clawbacks could trigger more closures. They requested $74.8 million ongoing General Fund to close part of the rate gap and preserve the program, while members expressed concern about closures and the cost savings of keeping people out of more expensive institutional care. The hearing then moved to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and statewide collective bargaining. CDSS reviewed provider recruitment and retention efforts, including electronic timesheets, direct deposit, and the now-completed IHSS Career Pathways program, which trained more than 59,000 providers. CDSS also summarized its AB 102 workgroup report on statewide versus regional bargaining, saying the final report would be sent to the Legislature soon and that statewide bargaining appeared more viable than regional bargaining, though it would require clear statutory scope and major fiscal changes. The department estimated that each $1 per hour statewide wage increase would cost at least $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion annually. Labor advocates argued that IHSS wages, benefits, and training are too inconsistent across counties and called for statewide bargaining, consumer participation, and ongoing state funding. County representatives supported stronger wages but cautioned that counties need protection from new costs and administrative burdens, and consumer advocates warned that moving bargaining to the state could weaken local consumer control and the program’s consumer-driven structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• "Any questions from members on occupational safety and health?"
• "Any questions from members for the occupational safety and health item?"
• </c><00:18:11.000><c> data</c> Provisions for Trade Secrets safety data Provisions for Trade Secrets
• safety data sheets<00:18:11.600><c> and</c><00:18:12.039><c> definitions</c><00:18:13.039><c> the</c>
• </c><00:18:58.840><c> and</c> the on occupational safety and the on occupational safety and health<00

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then reviewed a long agenda of administrative regulations, most of which were advanced with staff-suggested amendments and no objection. Early items included the Kentucky Public Pension Authority’s 105 KAR 1:451, which updates reporting language and adds the contractor wizard for certain employers, and a large package of Board of Veterinary Examiners regulations that revise fees, facility and AHP registration requirements, continuing education, liability, and practice rules. The Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology’s compact-related regulation and the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors’ complaint and compact rules were also reviewed and approved with amendments, along with fish and wildlife rules affecting elk hunting, youth deer season length, bear-dog approvals, and foxhound enclosure permits. The committee also approved transportation, education, workplace standards, horse racing, and several health and human services regulations, including Medicaid waiver reimbursement updates and a child care regulation that sends certain large claims to the Office of Inspector General for review. Several agencies briefly explained their regulations when members asked questions. Fish and Wildlife said the elk population is strong and the baiting change is intended to support harvest monitoring and fair chase, while the longer youth deer season was meant to give young hunters more opportunity. The Department of Community-Based Services said the $10,000 and $5,000 claim thresholds were meant to clarify rare cases involving possible fraud or unresolved recoupment issues. The Department of Financial Institutions’ 808 KAR 5:305 drew the most discussion: it would allow certain state-chartered credit unions with a low-income designation to participate in federal programs, including limited non-member deposits and supplemental capital, but the regulation was deferred again amid continued discussions. The Kentucky Bankers Association testified against the credit union regulation, arguing that allowing non-member deposits conflicts with existing statute limiting credit union deposits to members and other credit unions, and that an administrative regulation cannot override that statutory restriction. Committee members heard the agency’s explanation that the proposal is intended to help underserved communities and that the non-member deposit authority would be limited, but no final action was taken because the item was deferred. The meeting otherwise concluded with the remaining regulations being called, discussed briefly, and approved or advanced without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• is that you might have the jury evaluating a case where, like I said, the person was stopped for a safety
• is that you might have the jury evaluating a case where, like I said, the person was stopped for a safety
• is that you might have the jury evaluating a case where, like I said, the person was stopped for a safety
• SB 280 is relating to highway safety.
• </c> okay 280 is relating to highway safety okay 280 is relating to highway safety this<00:57:29.599>

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 335 would route objections by political party officers to candidate nomination papers through the Office of Elections. The State Election Director testified that his office was not the right venue for party-membership challenges because it could create conflicts and force the Attorney General to represent the chief election officer in court; members discussed whether all objections should instead go directly to Circuit Court, but no action was taken. SB 280 would expand first-degree negligent injury to cover injuries negligently caused by intoxicated drivers. The Public Defender opposed the bill as too harsh and urged either a lower penalty or clearer statutory definitions of “under the influence,” while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it as a needed increase in accountability for drunk drivers who actually injure someone. Committee members raised concerns about overlap with existing offenses, proportionality, and whether the change would increase jury-trial volume; the prosecutor responded that the bill would apply to a smaller subset of cases involving actual injury and would help ensure more serious treatment of those cases. The committee also heard SB 292, establishing Safe Harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance, with testimony in support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, HPD, U Alliance, and others, and no opposition. SB 31, concerning an additional penalty for dog owners whose dogs destroy property on agricultural land, drew only supportive testimony. SB 356 would require restitution in the form of financial support to the minor children of victims killed or disabled by an intoxicated driver; the Public Defender opposed it as better suited to civil court and questioned enforcement after probation, while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it and said courts can issue enforceable restitution orders. Testimony also strongly supported SB 1284, a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity, age, disability, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes, with supporters arguing it would strengthen protections in response to current political conditions. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to focus them on patient<00:48:50.559><c> safety.
• </c> patient safety. patient safety. every<00:48:52.400><c> one</c><00:48:52.559><c> of</c><00:48:52.640
• , but hope and safety are not opposing<00:49:54.720><c> concepts.
• The FDA approval does not guarantee<01:01:16.960><c> safety.
• </c> uncertainty for the public safety uncertainty for the public safety operations<01:25:11.840><c>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• relative to extending until Thursday, October 9, 2025, the time within which the Committee on Public Safety
• relative to extending until Thursday, October 9, 2025, the time within which the Committee on Public Safety
• relative to extending until Thursday, October 9, 2025, the time within which the Committee on Public Safety

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first adopted a series of resolutions, including memorial square dedications in Stoneham, congratulations to IBEW Local 103 on its 125th anniversary, and a commendation recognizing Massachusetts School Administrators Association in honor of National Principals Month. It also adopted orders extending committee reporting deadlines for several Public Health and Public Safety and Homeland Security matters, and concurred in a joint rule suspension to allow consideration of a sick leave bank petition for a Chief Medical Examiner’s Office employee. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee then placed several bills on the calendar, and the House suspended Rule 7A to take them up. Those bills included measures on firefighter employment and retirement in Quincy, Bedford, and Lancaster; designation of Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties; a bill on obstructed views while driving; a disability pension for Lieutenant Deputy Sheriff Brian McPherson; and a cemetery matter in Norton. All were advanced to third reading. The House also considered and adopted amendments to charter bills for Cambridge and Medford, and later concurred in a Senate amendment to the Somerville charter bill. On final action, the House passed to be enacted the Cambridge, Medford, and Somerville charter bills. It also enacted sick leave bank legislation for Gregory Baker of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and Akita Jandara Patel of the Department of Corrections. Additional third-reading bills, including the Acton Memorial Library bill, an Air Library bill, and the John C. Murphy sick leave bank bill, were passed to be engrossed. The session included a moment of silence for the September 11 attacks and a special adjournment in memory of former Representative Robert F. Donovan before adjourning to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• When it comes to road safety, politicians, transportation officials, and safety advocates tend to focus
• Politicians, transportation officials, and safety advocates tend to focus on raw speed, but they ignore

Summary: The committee considered several RS introductions related to transportation and licensing. RS 33220, by Rep. Raymond, would shift responsibility for designing the Idaho agricultural license plate from the Idaho food producers to the Ag in the Classroom board of directors; members briefly discussed whether the committee would see the plate design, and the RS was introduced. RS 33288, by Rep. Pickett, focused on road safety and argued that speed variability, rather than top speed alone, creates more dangerous driving conditions; members raised questions about semis, posted speeds, and the bill’s data, and the RS was introduced with a correction to the statement of purpose changing “accidents” to “interactions.” RS 33279, by Rep. McCann, would redirect Appaloosa license plate funds from the Appaloosa Horse Club to the Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center Foundation, update the vehicle weight limit to 26,000 pounds, and clarify that funds support horse education and programming in Idaho; the RS was introduced. RS 33244, by Rep. Petzke, made a minor change to the definition of resident for vehicle registration, titling, driver’s licenses, and identification cards, and was moved for introduction. RS 33285, by Rep. Handy, would prevent Idaho from issuing CDL licenses based on learner’s permits or licenses from foreign entities or other states, requiring the CDL process to occur in Idaho; members asked about residency, visas, and legal durability, and the RS was introduced. Finally, RS 33361, by Rep. Mitchell, was a resolution confirming approval of all administrative rules except one rejected docket number from the prior discussion. The committee voted to introduce RS 33361 and send it to the second reading calendar. All measures discussed were advanced by voice vote, and the committee adjourned after completing the introductions.

Transcript Highlights:

• When it comes to road safety, politicians, transportation officials, and safety advocates tend to focus
• Politicians, transportation officials, and safety advocates tend to focus on raw speed, but they ignore

Committee: House Transportation and Defense

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve as the Executive Director of New Mexico Safety Over Profit.
• Safety over profit, we use a simple framework to evaluate proposed solutions.
• We provided a lifeline to our rural and safety-net hospitals that were previously on the brink of closure

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 38, which would continue New Mexico’s affordable spay and neuter grant program. Supporters, including animal shelter officials, veterinarians, county advocates, and nonprofit representatives, said the program is needed because shelters are overwhelmed by dog and cat overpopulation, and they cited high intake and euthanasia rates, especially in rural and low-income areas. Several speakers said the grants have already funded spay/neuter and trap-neuter-release work and should not sunset. One public comment raised concerns that some money was going to private parties and could create anti-donation issues, while another witness responded that the legal challenge is still pending and no court has ruled on the law’s constitutionality. Dr. Lawrence Young of the Veterinary Medicine Board said about $1 million has been awarded to 28 organizations, with additional funds in escrow, and described the program as transparent and accountable. The chair said the bill would be taken up for a vote later, not at that meeting. The committee also heard SB 101, the Health Care Delivery and Access Act, which would repeal the program’s July 1, 2030 sunset and make it permanent. The sponsor and the Health Care Authority said the act has already helped optimize nearly $1.5 billion in federal hospital funding, which hospitals must reinvest in care, workforce, and quality improvements. Support came from the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, New Mexico Safety Over Profit, the New Mexico Hospital Association, and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, all of whom said the program provides stability for hospitals, especially rural and safety-net facilities, and helps avoid service disruptions. No opposition was voiced, and the chair said the committee would return to the bill for a vote on Thursday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Public safety, law enforcement and appropriations. Transportation and infrastructure.
• HB 2076, school safety employees. HB 2077, multi-family development. HB 2078, reclamation plan.
• HB 2142, ADE school safety. HB 2143, PSPR investment. HB 2145, petition waiver.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are calling the hearing of the assembly environmental safety and toxic materials committee to order
• they contain critical earth minerals but can also pose a potential environmental health and public safety
• continuing to work with the author and electric automakers on some potential amendments to address safety

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• department is not entitled to the same privilege, even if they lack the necessary resources to provide safety
• transfer surplus motor vehicles and other law enforcement equipment from the Department of Public Safety
• the date on which the property is received, ensuring that the resources remain dedicated to school safety

Bills: HB346 , HB1851 , HB2974 , HB5596 , HCR118 , HCR127 , HCR141

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, surplus vehicles, law enforcement equipment, school districts, Texas Facilities Commission, economically disadvantaged areas, HB 5596, voter-approval tax rate, property tax, ad valorem tax, Tax Code, Texas municipalities, coastal municipality, eligible coastal municipality, municipal hotel occupancy tax, hotel occupancy tax revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• of the money that's in the there for historic money for special education, the increased money for safety
• We're concerned about their safety.
• It's very real that we are fighting for our public safety.

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Line 95 is an appropriation for farm safety, health, and wellness. It's $200,000.
• s Inspection and Food and Feed Safety.
• Anderson's bill HF 1702 that we heard on March 5th that supports mental health outreach and farm safety

Committee: House Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• And and again, you know, safety.
• I'm familiar with the concerns of safety and unequal access.
• , safety, natural beauty, Freedom, safety, natural beauty, proximity<01:56:30.400><c> to</c><01:56:30.520
• </c> I'm familiar with the concerns of safety I'm familiar with the concerns of safety and<01:56:54.960
• </c><02:40:41.720><c> and</c> importance of patient safety and importance of patient safety and upholding

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> bill the agent Gonzalez officer safety bill the agent Gonzalez officer safety act<00:43:59.280><
• Let's call this bill what it is: fear-mongering dressed up as officer safety.
• H.R. 35, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, passed just a few minutes ago.
• H.R. 35, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, passed just a few minutes ago.
• H.R. 35, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, passed just a few minutes ago.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, February 13, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Madam Chair and members of Criminal Justice and Public Safety.
• </c> for us to protect our Public Safety for us to protect our Public Safety people<00:02:14.000><c>
• </c> First Responders provide for the safety First Responders provide for the safety and<00:27:10.080
• </c> Health crisis response and their safety Health crisis response and their safety and<00:27:27.399
• I'm here to represent the Department of Safety, specifically State Police.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:20:11.359><c> That's</c> safety. That's it. That's safety. That's it.
• or student safety laws.
• ,</c><02:26:21.040><c> you</c> you have statute related to safety, you you have statute related to safety
• </c><02:26:44.160><c> So</c><02:26:44.560><c> it</c> ones that address student safety.
• So it ones that address student safety.

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That information is exclusively with the Department of Safety.
• That information is exclusively with the Department of Safety.
• That information is exclusively with the Department of Safety.
• That information is exclusively with the Department of Safety.
• </c> testify from the Department of Safety testify from the Department of Safety there's<01:43:07.159

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Education Committee held its organizational meeting for the new term, with members introducing themselves and describing their backgrounds in teaching, school boards, special education, administration, law, and related fields. Chair Glenn Cordelli outlined the committee’s goals and procedures, emphasizing civility, professionalism, and respectful treatment of witnesses and members. He also noted that the committee has been split into two this year because of the large volume of bills, and said the committee had already sent three bills to the other education committee, with 36 bills currently assigned and more expected. The chair reviewed committee rules and logistics: hearings should start on time, members should minimize cell phone use and avoid searching during testimony, and questioning of witnesses is limited to one question at a time unless the chair allows a follow-up. Members were told to use the title “Representative,” to sign up on pink cards to testify, and to submit written testimony to the clerk. He also explained that hearings are for listening rather than debating, while executive sessions are where debate and motions occur. Possible motions include ought to pass, inexpedient to legislate, and retain in committee for further work, including subcommittees. Additional procedures covered scheduling, with the committee expected to meet Wednesday and Thursday the following week because of a holiday, and regular meetings generally planned for Monday and Wednesday. The chair also discussed the consent calendar, reports from majority and minority positions, and the expectation that members who testify on a bill should not then question other witnesses on that same bill. No legislation was voted on at this meeting; it was a procedural and orientation session for the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a level one adult pediatric trauma center and primary safety net provider, UC Davis Health operates
• impacts on employment and labor markets, we could see substantial pressure on the state's social safety
• And it's not one that we can base our entire social safety net and planning on because it just tells
• It helps to keep our regularity around keeping our safety net and our commitment to our residents in
• I also served as the elected safety board member for the Orange County Employees Retirement System, and

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we really believe that the Enough Act will provide the wraparound services and the safety net that
• Assad-Sea, President and CEO of the Cambridge Health Alliance, an innovative public safety-net health
• My family benefited from the government programs in the safety net that has me sitting in front of you
• It's a daily trauma that has lasting negative consequences on an individual's health, safety, security
• These safety net programs are absolutely essential to uplifting residents out of poverty and helping

Bills: S3022 , H5187

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses

Keywords: ENOUGH Act, ENOUGH fund, anti-poverty, poverty reduction, community development, place-based grants, distressed neighborhoods, economic mobility, housing and livable communities, community schools, cradle-to-career, child poverty, intergenerational poverty, social services, workforce development, education equity, public health, behavioral health, mental health, affordable housing