Video & Transcript Research : 'collaboration'
Page 42 of 360
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Dec 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We also, using the guidance back in March of 2024, there was a collaborative effort with the Northwest
- There was a collaborative effort with the Northwest Council of Computer Educators and our Association
- We have collaborated with the Chamber of Commerce, governmental agencies, AASA, Kosen, universities such
- State collaboration. Incentives that reward outcomes, evidence-based models.
- State collaboration is key for scaling models such as ours and others.
Summary:
The committee met to hear an overview of Washington’s alternative learning experience (ALE) programs and then an update on artificial intelligence in schools. OSPI’s Anissa Sherritt explained that ALE is a course-level funding designation for instruction that occurs partly or wholly away from the traditional seat-time model, with online, site-based, and remote course types. She emphasized that ALE is still basic education, subject to the same public school requirements, and that OSPI provides technical assistance, annual reporting review, and program reviews. Representatives from several programs described different models: Washington Virtual Academy (a large online ALE operated through Omak School District and partnered with for-profit Stride), Columbia Virtual Academy in Valley School District (a district-run, nonprofit online/remote program), Pearl in Quilcene (a K-8 remote parent partnership program), and River Home Link in Battleground (a site-based hybrid program). They discussed student supports, special education, enrichment, family choice, transportation, and how they measure outcomes. Members asked for follow-up information on funding, demographics, racial and ethnic data, multilingual learners, and post-graduation outcomes, and OSPI agreed to provide additional data where available.
The committee then heard from OSPI and several districts about AI guidance and implementation. OSPI’s Holly Ryan Calloway described the agency’s human-centered AI framework, three guidance documents for schools, statewide professional learning, an AI innovation summit, and new AI literacy and informatics course frameworks and CIP codes. Quincy School District described a multi-year effort to integrate AI by centering student needs, creating district policy and classroom guidance, and training teachers to use AI responsibly while building an AI readiness plan from elementary through high school. Peninsula School District described its AI action research team, teacher professional learning, and classroom uses of generative AI to support science instruction, communication, and prompt engineering, while stressing that AI should enhance rather than replace learning. Members raised questions about privacy, energy and water use, prompt engineering, workforce and university connections, and the need for clear standards and ongoing educator training. No votes were taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Conference Committee on SF3045 5/12/25
Transcript Highlights:
- These challenges require high-level state leadership that is crosscutting, collaborative, and committed
- ,<00:14:25.760>
and crosscutting, collaborative, and crosscutting, collaborative, and committed - This collaborative relationship with DHS has also allowed the Minnesota Board on Aging to leverage resources
- This<00:16:50.480>
collaborative <00:16:51.440>relationship <00:16:52.160>with <00 - :16:52.600>
DHS This collaborative relationship with DHS This collaborative relationship with
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We look forward to our continued collaboration as we strive to continuously improve how we fulfill our
- , and as the analysis shows, it was too expensive, it was too onerous, and it also cut out the collaboration
- It also cut out the collaboration of local entities.
- CMTC is looking forward to collaborating with...
- CMTC is looking forward to collaborating with the joint committees on this bill, and I'm here to answer
Summary:
The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a full agenda of bills focused on reproductive health, professional licensing and sunset reviews, consumer protection, and business regulation. Early testimony centered on AB 260, which would protect access to medication abortion, mifepristone, and telehealth reproductive care in California; supporters emphasized state protections against federal restrictions, while an opponent argued the bill removed safety safeguards. The committee also heard AB 714 on closing a loophole in regulation of low-cost commercial driving schools, AB 968 on allowing pharmacists to prescribe non-hormonal contraception, AB 671 on streamlining restaurant permitting, AB 1027 on strengthening cannabis product testing oversight, AB 1271 on broadband pricing and speed transparency, and AB 1332 on narrowly allowing medicinal cannabis shipments for seriously ill patients. Several sunset bills were also taken up, including AB 1482 on animal shelter and breeder transparency, AB 1501 on the Podiatric Medical Board and Physician Assistant Board, AB 1502 on the Veterinary Medical Board, AB 1503 on the Board of Pharmacy, and AB 1504 on the Massage Therapy Council.
Testimony was largely in support of the measures, with many bills drawing co-sponsors or support from industry, consumer, or professional groups. AB 1503 generated the most sustained opposition, with nurses, physicians, and drug industry representatives objecting to expanded pharmacy technician ratios, standard-of-care language, and therapeutic interchange authority; supporters argued the bill would modernize pharmacy practice and expand access. AB 1504 also drew mixed testimony, with massage therapy groups supporting continuation of the council but raising concerns about proposed public records and governance provisions. AB 1271 drew a policy dispute over whether broadband reporting requirements duplicated federal FCC processes, while supporters argued California needed its own consumer-facing data and complaint system.
After quorum was established later in the hearing, the committee began taking roll-call votes. AB 1271, AB 1332, AB 1482, AB 1501, and AB 1502 were all reported out on due-pass motions, with AB 1271 amended and the others generally amended or as introduced as noted. Earlier bills including AB 260, AB 671, AB 714, AB 968, and AB 1027 also received motions and were approved once the quorum was present. The chair repeatedly noted the lack of quorum during the hearing, but once one was secured, the committee completed votes on the agenda items and advanced the measures to Appropriations.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Feb 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We are tracking all the changes very closely and coordinating and collaborating with our Health and Human
- CDPH is taking a One Health approach and working collaboratively with our partners at the California
- And again, we have a good statewide collaborative effort on the local level with CDPH and just support
- Collaborative which includes residents, non-profits, government agencies, schools, and local leaders.
- This collaborative focuses on the development and implementation of their Community Health Improvement
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Regulating AI in psychotherapy 3/24/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And yeah, if it was my... we're trying to get as much collaboration in this bill as we can.
- And yeah, if it was my... we're trying to get as much collaboration in this bill as we can.
- And yeah, if it was my... we're trying to get as much collaboration in this bill as we can.
- And yeah, if it was my... we're trying to get as much collaboration in this bill as we can.
- But anyway, we're trying to work collaboratively with a lot of entities.
Summary:
House File 3893, which would regulate the use of artificial intelligence in psychotherapy and counseling, was heard with an A3 amendment adopted by voice vote at the start of the meeting. The amendment was described as the product of stakeholder discussions and was intended to clarify the roles of licensing boards, the attorney general, and other stakeholders, including language about large corporations versus individual practitioners.
The bill author argued that AI chatbots should not be allowed to provide psychotherapy or counseling, citing concerns about suicide risk, the need for licensed human professionals, and examples of harmful chatbot interactions. Supportive testimony came from Eric Meshy of SAVE, who said AI cannot assess risk or intervene in crises, and from Dr. Steven Gerardo of the Minnesota Psychological Association, who said AI is designed to keep users engaged and monetize conversations rather than provide treatment. A virtual testifier from TechNet supported the bill’s overall goal but urged clearer definitions so the measure would not unintentionally restrict supervised, administrative, or wellness uses of technology, and asked for clearer limits around emotional distress and AI’s role in treatment decisions.
Members raised several concerns and questions, including why religious counseling was exempted, whether the bill could conflict with interstate licensure compacts, privacy issues around AI used for scheduling or administrative support, and whether chatbot screening language would itself require analyzing sensitive mental health disclosures. The author said the bill was still being refined and that the attorney general language was intended to apply to AI companies, while boards would handle individual licensed professionals. After discussion, the committee renewed the motion to re-refer House File 3893 as amended to the Committee on Commerce, Finance, and Policy, and the motion prevailed by voice vote.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I look forward to continuing to meet with you and to collaborate with you, to be a resource for you,
- I am hoping to work collaboratively with all of the legislature to potentially improve that.
- Chair, I don't anticipate that there would be issues necessarily in willingness to collaborate or work
- They continue to offer respect and collaboration, and I am ever so grateful.
- I have had colleagues at the table with me that have not only worked to teach, but also to collaborate
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 10, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- FIRST ESTABLISH OR STRENGTHEN STATEWIDE AI COLLABORATIVES TO ENSURE COORDINATION.
- HOWEVER WE HIGHLY ENCOURAGE ESPECIALLY FOR OUR RURAL DISTRICTS TO WORK TOGETHER IN A COLLABORATIVE NETWORK
- THEN WE START WORKING WITH OUR INSTRUCTIONAL COACHES THAT ARE WORKING IN COLLABORATIVE PLANNING EVERY
- WE HOPE THAT WITHIN THOSE 40 HOURS THEY ARE SPENDING THE TIME AGAIN COLLABORATING, TALKING ABOUT GOOD
- THAT EFFORT COLLABORATIVE WITH LOCKDOWN BUTTONS IN THE CLASSROOM OBVIOUSLY IN K-12 THAT IS VERY COMMON
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Information Technology Oversight Committee (11-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We look forward to working collaboratively with the Commonwealth to ensure that Kentucky's K-through-
- We look forward to<00:07:48.720>
working <00:07:49.039>collaborative <00:07:49.919>collaboratively - to working collaborative collaboratively to working collaborative collaboratively with<00:07:50.800
Summary:
The committee heard testimony from Michael McCurley, president of Zo Education and a senior vice president with Zo Group, about the company’s role in providing broadband and managed network services to Kentucky schools. He said Zo Education serves all Kentucky K-12 public school districts in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education, offering more bandwidth at lower cost than the prior provider and also providing cybersecurity and network protection. He emphasized that reliable connectivity is essential for instruction, testing, remote coursework, and school administration.
McCurley also addressed the ongoing contract dispute involving the Kentucky Communications Network Authority and Open Fiber Silicom, saying Zo Education is not a party to the litigation but is concerned about possible disruption to schools and students. In response to committee questions, he said the company incurred unexpected costs when it had to reroute connections and build alternate network paths, including one school move that cost more than $50,000 to serve a site generating under $2,000 per month. He said outages and incidents are more frequent when Kentucky Wired access is unavailable, and that Zo could not have bid at its current price without access to Kentucky Wired.
Committee members discussed the broader implications of the dispute and the state’s broadband structure. Senator Williams said the committee’s priority is avoiding disruption to students and noted concerns about infrastructure purchases and upgrades tied to the network, saying he had not seen clear contractual support for some of the expenditures. He also referenced a future audit and said the committee should preserve options and taxpayer funds. The committee then reviewed its report to LRC, including changes related to infrastructure purchases and water asset management technology, and agreed to submit the report without a committee vote. The chair announced the next meeting would be in January, with no December meeting scheduled, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 8, 2025 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- To support the implementation of House Bill 1267, Florida Commerce... ...Florida Commerce collaborated
- So just to be really clear on what we were directed to do, CareerSource Florida was asked to collaborate
- Florida Commerce, in collaboration with CareerSource Florida, implemented the requirement for the use
- One of the key recommendations was to make this data review a regular collaborative process with the
- These recommendations and actions reflect our commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration
Summary:
The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive implementation briefings on House Bill 1267, which was enacted to address benefit cliffs and help public assistance recipients move toward economic self-sufficiency. The Department of Children and Families reviewed SNAP, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), and Medicaid-related eligibility and work requirements, including who must participate in work activities, the role of Florida Commerce and CareerSource Florida, and the new standardized intake and exit surveys required by the law. Members also discussed the TCA program’s household-based structure, the 48-month adult limit, and how work requirements differ for SNAP and TCA participants.
Florida Commerce and CareerSource Florida then reported on implementation of HB 1267, including the CLIFF financial forecasting tool, case management changes, and survey data collected from welfare transition participants. They said intake surveys showed common barriers such as child care, transportation, and flexible work schedules, while exit surveys showed many participants were employed or had gained credentials, though response rates were low because the surveys are voluntary. A local workforce board, CareerSource Tampa Bay, described using CLIFF in case management and shared a success story about a participant who completed training, earned certifications, and moved into employment.
The committee also heard a separate DCF briefing on the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its impact on SNAP. DCF said the law expands able-bodied adult without dependents requirements, changes non-citizen eligibility, ends future SNAP-Ed funding, increases state administrative cost sharing, and may require states to share in benefit costs if payment error rates remain above federal thresholds. Members focused heavily on Florida’s SNAP payment error rate, which DCF said was 15.13% for federal fiscal year 2024 and 12.60% for 2023, with the state currently on a corrective action plan. DCF described steps to reduce errors, including more verification of rent and utility expenses, improved income matching, staff training, and system modernization. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after questions concluded.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Land Grant May 30th, 2025
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- the establishment of the Land Grant Pet Institute, which is going to allow for more cross-campus collaboration
- Now, we are beginning collaborations, as I mentioned, with the School of Architecture and Planning.
- We've had some informal collaborations in the past, but we're really working to formalize some of those
- We're close collaborators.
- To be supportive and a collaborator with those efforts. So, absolutely. Thank you.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There's just no collaboration between the city and the county, and it's a very unique situation.
- And so with that, members, this bill champions transparency, accountability, and collaboration, and it's
- So, we want this to be a collaborative effort.
- And again, as we build this and collaborate, I will make sure that we are working towards creating safe
- It's crucial that we make an effort to address these concerns collaboratively before arriving at any
Bills:
HB386, HB1449, HB1701, HB2142, HB2675, HB2857, HB3063, HB3171, HB3641, HB3732, HB4045, HB4370, HB4491, HB4505, HB4626, HB5267, HB5356
Keywords:
construction contracts, change orders, local government, budget limits, Texas legislation, HB 1449, mobile food vendors, food trucks, mobile food service establishments, permits, county health permit, municipal permitting, Health and Safety Code Chapter 437A, Chapter 437, inspection agreements, permit reciprocity, fee cap, preemption, large counties, population over one million
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hied Committee Meeting - 2025-04-03
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- allocated today, only shifted to support the work of leaders in research in fighting the disease collaboratively
- We will leverage existing models to build statewide collaboration in research and education while engaging
- appropriation made back in 2022 and calls for the remaining $15 million to be opened up for this collaboration
- And we can work more collaboratively to move towards a cure because our friends, family members, and
- The earn-and-learn model allows employers to grow their own workforce through collaborative and strategic
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TCA-EDU, TCA, TCA DEFER, TCA DEFER Public Hearings 04-01-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- concurrently, and we'll begin with those two resolutions, which urge the Department of Education to collaborate
- between DOE and the other stakeholders, collaboration with the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee
- adding a clause relating to prisons and criminal justice as a potential place of conversation and collaboration
- end inviting Canadian leaders and others, as may be appropriate, to meet with Hawaii leaders to collaborate
- Hawaii leaders to collaborate on shared Hawaii leaders to collaborate on shared issues<00:15:12.959><
Summary:
The joint Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Education committees heard STR 1117 and SR 98, which urge the Department of Education, Department of Transportation, and Hawaii County to inventory bus stops used by children on Hawaii Island and develop safety improvements. DOE testified that routes are based on student locations, families must register riders, and access is complicated by county roads and privately owned or HOA-managed roads; members noted the need to focus on the most affected areas and on safety rather than just counting stops. The committees recommended both resolutions be passed with amendments, including adding the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and technical changes, and both measures were adopted by vote.
The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then heard several resolutions on international relationships and transportation safety. STR 196/SR 76 supporting broader ties with Norway, STR 197/SR 77 supporting broader ties with Sweden, and STR 195/SR 175 supporting broader ties with Sweden all moved forward; testimony generally favored learning from those countries, and the committee adopted amendments to add collaboration language and, in the Norway measure, a reference to prisons and criminal justice. The committee also heard STR 181/SR 51 on lowering the blood alcohol limit from 0.08 to 0.05; the Hawaii Alcohol Policy Alliance supported the measure and suggested adding flexibility for the DOT director to appoint additional working group members. The committee amended the resolution to broaden the working group and direct it to examine data, impacts, and implementation issues, then adopted it.
On later agendas, the committee approved CR 12/SR 8 recognizing International Dark Sky Week with amendments to create a task force on light pollution and dark skies. It also passed CR 180/SR 150, which would have DOT report on commercial tour operator safety and performance, after amending it to clarify the purpose, require online public information, involve the NTSB, and create a transparency/scoring framework. STR 150 on subsidizing waterborne cargo transport was also passed with technical amendments. Finally, STR 222/SR 197 on towing companies having on-site ATMs was amended into a task force proposal led by the Office of Consumer Protection, and the committee adopted that recommendation. In each case, the chair’s recommendation was to pass with amendments or, for one Sweden measure, pass unamended, and the votes were unanimous with no recorded opposition.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And I recall, if I'm not mistaken, that the two firms that collaborated on. that scheme were based here
- Can you describe the protocols for your working collaboratively with DPS currently?
- And I'm gonna drill down into that collaboration.
- We also think it would be to some of the other committee members' points, helpful to be collaborative
- But this is an important asset that would likely merit some enhanced collaboration.
Keywords:
emergency communication, infrastructure, first responders, grant program, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, local governments, HB 143, Texas Railroad Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas, well site, surface facility, electrical power line, National Electrical Code, NEC, electrical safety, utility disconnect, service disconnection
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 5th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- This collaboration will provide our students the opportunity to pursue advanced nursing education within
- We also collaborate closely with the industry advisory boards composed of local employers and experts
- This collaboration not only elevates the student learning experience, but creates a seamless pipeline
- The collaboration between Lake Tech and the City of Tavares resulted in a state-of-the-art training hub
- Our success in increasing enrollment and adding programs has been a result of collaboration, community
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education received an overview of Florida’s career and technical education (CTE) system from Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell, who described the state’s CTE pathways, program types, enrollment and completion growth, quality audit metrics, and the Master Credentials List used to identify credentials of value. He highlighted record postsecondary CTE enrollment and completions, strong statewide performance in talent attraction, and several funding tools supporting expansion, including Open Door, the Florida First Responder Scholarship, Workforce Development Capitalization grants, Perkins funding, CAPE performance incentives, and apprenticeship grants. Senators asked about eligibility for Open Door and first responder aid, top industry certifications, and the teacher apprenticeship initiative.
A panel of college and technical school leaders then described how state and federal funding has supported local program growth and facility expansion. Santa Fe College, Palm Beach State College, North Florida Technical College, Lake Technical College, Florida Gateway College, and Manatee Technical College each cited increases in enrollment, high placement or licensure pass rates, and new or expanded programs in nursing, welding, CDL, automotive, manufacturing, public safety, and apprenticeship. Several speakers emphasized partnerships with hospitals, employers, school districts, and local governments, and noted that grants helped fund equipment, renovations, and new training hubs. Palm Beach State also raised a request to broaden line funding beyond nursing to other health science fields, and multiple presenters asked for more flexibility, multi-year support, and continued or increased funding to sustain growth.
Members discussed broader challenges, including the difficulty of sustaining grant-funded growth after initial awards, the lag between enrollment growth and funding formulas, and alignment problems for dual enrollment and technical programs with high school schedules. Senators also noted the need to balance support for high-demand core programs like nursing and welding with the ability to respond quickly to emerging industries such as AI and space. The meeting ended with no formal action beyond adjournment after Senator Davis moved to adjourn.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Kelly Loeffler, of Georgia, to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration. Jan 29th, 2025 at 02:30 pm
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- If confirmed, I'll collaborate across government and the private sector to deliver efficiency and results
- I look forward to a collaborative and responsive relationship.
- and evaluate the program, sharing all of that data with this committee so that we have a very collaborative
- So I look forward to collaborating with this entire committee on the reauthorization and reviewing the
- I appreciate that program that the Commerce Department runs and see that there's potential for collaboration
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Jan 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- What we want to move toward in the future, and what we are in collaboration with the PACE organizations
- We would just like to thank the Legislature for their collaboration on this as we continue to move forward
- using a lot of the requirements included in that contract, ones that make sense, and working in collaboration
- But what I can tell you is we collaborate with the Department of Children and Families about our clients
- But some examples of the way we collaborate are that we share data with the Department of Children and
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard a base budget overview for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which was presented as a $46.8 billion starting point for the silo. Staff explained that HHS accounts for about half of the state base budget and roughly 36% of general revenue, with AHCA and Medicaid making up the largest share. The committee then reviewed the PACE program for the elderly, including its eligibility, service model, growth in applications, slot funding and reversions, and the agency’s plan to move from the federal three-way agreement to a more detailed two-party contract to improve accountability, transparency, and reporting. Members raised concerns about unfilled slots, reversions, rural access, and the need for clearer return-on-investment data; the agency said it would follow up on some of those questions.
The committee also heard from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities on its statewide dental program. APD described its history of appropriations, the failed January 2024 solicitation, and a new up-to-$11.5 million solicitation focused on preventive care, community partnerships, teledentistry, and coordination with other services. Members questioned overlap with Medicaid dental coverage, the effect of Medicaid unwinding on APD clients, and whether state dollars were duplicating federally supported services; APD said it tries to act as payer of last resort and that services would continue during procurement. Public testimony from an APD stakeholder and the Florida Dental Association emphasized Medicaid eligibility problems for waiver recipients, low reimbursement rates, limited access to anesthesia and hospital-based dental care, and concerns that proposed Medicaid changes could reduce access for special-needs patients.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs then presented on state veterans service officers and benefits assistance. FDVA highlighted its role in helping veterans access federal benefits, reporting about $27.9 billion in federal dollars flowing into Florida and a high return on state investment. The department said it has increased outreach, claims processing, and services, and has trained staff to identify mental health concerns through its Overwatch program. In response to questions, FDVA discussed plans to expand adult day health care at a new veterans nursing home and possibly at existing locations with additional state funding. At the end of the meeting, the committee completed its presentations and adjourned without objection.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee May 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This was truly a collaborative effort.
- I'm not saying that as just a word, but it was really a collaborative effort.
- You know, I'm not saying that as just a word, but it was really a collaborative effort, not only with
- I mean, I couldn't have asked for more of a collaborative effort to bring this across because everyone
Summary:
The Assembly Natural Resources Committee heard two items: AB 1016 by Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez and AJR 10 by Assemblymember Rogers. AB 1016 would expand the local permitting pilot for geothermal power plants in Imperial County, increasing the eligible generating capacity and extending the program through 2030. Gonzalez said he accepted committee amendments and emphasized the bill’s potential to create jobs, generate school and local tax revenue, and support California’s clean energy and baseload power goals. Imperial County officials and supporters from the State Building Trades and Independent Energy Producers Association testified in strong support, citing the county’s long geothermal permitting history, high unemployment, and major economic benefits from proposed projects. No opposition was presented.
Committee members asked a few questions, including about the bill’s capacity range and ongoing coordination with labor. Gonzalez said he was continuing to work with the building trades on amendments, and the trades indicated they were now in support. The committee then took a roll call and passed AB 1016 on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, with the roll held open for absent members and later additional aye votes recorded.
AJR 10 called on the federal government to oppose Forest Service staffing cuts and highlight the importance of national forests for water, wildlife, wildfire prevention, recreation, and rural economies. Rogers argued that reduced staffing would worsen wildfire risk and harm rural communities, and the committee heard no opposition. The resolution was adopted on a roll call vote, with the roll also held open and later additional aye votes added. The hearing concluded after both measures received enough votes to move forward.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials
Transcript Highlights:
- It's been Rancho Water's mission. ...about the evolution of our collaboration on this bill.
- Kyle Jones on behalf of the San Joaquin Valley Water Collaborative Action Program in support.
- And I also want to appreciate the Chair and staff's thoughtful input and collaboration in making this
- Petroleum refineries have been closed... and collaboration in making this an even better bill.
- We do, as an industry, want to continue operations in the state, but that will take more collaborations
Summary:
The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard several bills, with SB 811 pulled by the author and deferred to a later hearing. The committee first took up SB 501 by Senator Allen, which would expand California’s battery extended producer responsibility program to include medium-format batteries such as those used in e-bikes, scooters, lawn equipment, and portable power systems. Supporters from local governments, stewardship organizations, and recycling groups said the bill would reduce fire risks, worker hazards, and disposal costs; opposition was limited, with some industry groups seeking clarification or expressing neutrality after amendments. The bill was moved out of committee on a do-pass vote, with one no vote recorded from Assemblymember Ellis and later additional ayes added after quorum was established.
The committee then heard SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar, which would create a statewide low-income drinking water rate assistance program administered by the State Water Resources Control Board, contingent on funding. The author and supporters argued that many Californians face water debt and that public water systems lack a statewide affordability program because of Proposition 218 constraints. Water agencies, environmental justice groups, and local governments testified in strong support, and there was no opposition. The bill passed the committee on a do-pass vote, again with one no vote from Assemblymember Ellis and later additional ayes after quorum.
SB 1259 by Senator Blakespear, as amended, would require petroleum refineries to provide advance closure, cleanup, and cost information to the state to improve planning for refinery transitions and site remediation. Supporters, including the City of Benicia and environmental groups, said communities need transparency and early planning to avoid leaving local governments and workers with cleanup and redevelopment uncertainty. Opponents, including the Western States Petroleum Association, the State Building and Construction Trades Council, and business groups, argued the bill was burdensome, duplicative of existing regulation, and could send the wrong signal to remaining refineries. After extensive discussion, the committee approved SB 1259 on a do-pass-as-amended vote to the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee. The consent calendar, including SB 1253 and SJR 13, also passed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Insurance Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Our findings in the Eaton Fire area, compiled in collaboration with experts from eight academic institutions
- to first thank the author, thank the insurance commissioner, for their continued work and the collaboration
- And I do appreciate the chair and the committee and all the work that's been done and how collaborative
- AB 1931 is the product of months of genuine, ongoing collaboration between HomeServe and the California
- AB1931 is the product of months of genuine ongoing collaboration between HomeServe and the California
Summary:
The Assembly Insurance Committee met as a subcommittee at first because a quorum was not initially present, then later established a quorum and heard several bills. The main special-order item was AB 1795 (Gibson), which would create statewide standards for testing, inspection, and remediation of wildfire smoke damage in homes, with CalEPA and public health agencies developing science-based standards and insurers required to follow new claims-handling timelines. Supporters, including Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and wildfire survivors, said the bill would bring consistency and safety; insurers and consumer groups generally supported the concept but sought further amendments on scope, standards, and claim handling. The committee voted do pass as amended and refer AB 1795 to Appropriations, with the roll held open for later additions.
The committee also considered AB 1576 (Ortega) on the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund, which would make changes intended to reduce litigation and employer assessments while preserving the program’s purpose of encouraging hiring of workers with prior disabilities. Labor-side witnesses supported the bill as a reform step, while business, public entity, and insurance groups opposed it, arguing it did not address the core structural problems and that a trailer bill was a better vehicle for broader reform. AB 1576 was voted do pass to Appropriations, with the roll held open.
AB 1931 (Papan) would create an optional limited-lines license for utilities to offer home protection products for repairs to appliances and utility service lines. Support came from HomeServe, utilities, and industry groups, who said the bill would clarify current law and add consumer protections such as training, disclosures, and a free-look period; there was no opposition in the room. The committee passed AB 1931 to Appropriations. AB 2361 (Pacheco) would limit vicarious liability for peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing platforms like Turo while preserving insurance coverage requirements; supporters said it would align California with other states, while consumer attorneys opposed it as reducing accountability and consumer recovery. The committee passed AB 2361 as amended to Appropriations. AB 2098 (Kalra), heard later, would require employers to allow leave for workers to attend treatment for occupational injuries during work hours, subject to notice and business-necessity limits; labor groups supported it and business and insurance groups sought narrower standards. It was also voted do pass to Appropriations. The committee then completed roll-call add-ons and adjourned.