Transcript Highlights:

• And the proofreaders who work in pairs of two are getting slightly bigger offices.

Committee: Joint Statute Law Committee

Summary: The Statute Law Committee met on December 10, 2025, with members and staff introducing themselves and approving the June 10, 2025 minutes. The office reported on publications, noting that the 2025 RCW volumes and session laws are available, sales remain generally steady but modestly declining, and selected volumes have been ordered. The committee also heard a presentation from retired Judge Ann Levinson about how decodified or repealed laws are displayed online, using the civil protection order reforms in E2 SHB 1320 as an example. She argued that current disposition-table language can be confusing to the public and suggested clearer cross-references to the new chapter so readers can find the law more easily. Code Reviser staff responded that their office generally avoids editorializing and has limited tools in the current system, but they discussed possible solutions such as “later enactment” language, brief notes directing readers to the new chapter, and clickable links to session laws. Members generally supported making the code more reader-friendly while preserving neutrality, and staff said they would explore options further, including possible updates to the 7.105 RCW dispositions and improved hyperlinks. The committee then received financial and operational updates. Staff reported the office remains fully staffed, is managing its budget conservatively, and expects to revert some funds to the general fund while maintaining a healthy publications fund reserve. They also updated the committee on the move from the modular office back into the rebuilt Pritchard building, expected in late 2026, and on proposed office-hour changes from 8 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, with exceptions for active work, requests from clients, and floor action. The committee also recognized the upcoming retirement of longtime editor Barb Sage and Vice Chair Sam Thompson’s impending departure from the committee, with members expressing appreciation for their service.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the proofreaders who work in pairs of two are getting slightly bigger offices.

Committee: Joint Statute Law Committee

Summary: The Statute Law Committee met on December 10, 2025, approved the June 10, 2025 minutes, and received a publications update noting that the 2025 RCW volumes and session laws are available, with sales continuing a gradual decline but generally tracking prior years. The committee also heard that the office remains fully staffed and financially stable, with projected year-end funds remaining and a healthy publications fund balance. A major discussion centered on a proposal from retired Judge Ann Levinson to make the code more reader-friendly when chapters are repealed and recodified, especially after the civil protection orders reform in E2 SHB 1320, which consolidated multiple protection order laws into new chapter 7.105 RCW. Levinson argued that current disposition-table language such as “repealed by” can be confusing to the public and may appear to signal legislative disapproval, and suggested adding a simple pointer to the new chapter. Code revisers explained their current practice, the limits of their editorial discretion, and the technical and policy concerns involved, while expressing support for some form of “see also” guidance and noting that hyperlinking session-law citations in disposition tables may also help readers find the new law. The committee also discussed office operations, including a planned move from the modular offices back into the rebuilt Pritchard building, expected in late 2026, with improved space, storage, and enclosed offices. Staff proposed changing regular Monday-through-Thursday office hours from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. to 8 a.m.–7 p.m., with exceptions for active work, client requests, and floor action; the proposal was supported by a chart showing that many evenings have no work after 7 p.m., though late nights would still occur during busy periods. The meeting ended with acknowledgments of retiring staff, including editor Barb Sage after 37 years of service, and a farewell to Vice Chair Sam Thompson, whose successor had just been selected.

Transcript Highlights:

• over $200,000, making it nearly impossible for our new restaurants to get started, especially when paired

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Organization heard several bills related to outdoor advertising, open meetings, and San Francisco economic development. SB 364 by Senator Strickland would speed up processing of outdoor advertising permits by allowing Caltrans to act on applications as freeway projects are completed in segments, and clarifies customary maintenance of signs. Supporters said the bill would reduce permit backlogs and help local governments and the billboard industry; there was no opposition. The committee passed SB 364 to Appropriations, with the roll left open for additional votes. SB 470 by Senator Laird would extend until January 1, 2030 the sunset on the alternative Bagley-Keene open meeting rules adopted in SB 544, allowing state boards and commissions to continue using remote participation under specified conditions. Supporters from the Little Hoover Commission and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities said the current law has increased public participation, saved money, and improved access for people with disabilities and caregivers. Opponents, including ACA of California Action, the California News Publishers Association, and media and transparency groups, argued the bill weakens in-person public access and accountability. The committee approved SB 470 to Appropriations, with some no votes and the roll held open. SB 395 by Senator Wiener would let San Francisco create a hospitality zone in Union Square/Yerba Buena with up to 20 additional non-transferable liquor licenses for restaurants to support downtown recovery. City and business representatives said the measure would help fill vacancies, attract restaurants, and boost foot traffic, while remaining temporary and geographically limited. The bill passed to Appropriations with broad support and no opposition. SB 783 by Senator Rubio would extend until January 1, 2029 the special outdoor advertising rules for signs in former redevelopment areas; supporters said it would give affected communities time to find a permanent solution, while billboard industry opponents warned about compliance and federal highway funding risks. The committee passed SB 783 to Appropriations as amended, and then adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• over $200,000, making it nearly impossible for our new restaurants to get started, especially when paired

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Organization met and heard several bills, beginning without a quorum and later establishing one. SB 364 by Senator Strickland would speed up outdoor advertising permit processing by allowing Caltrans to act on applications as freeway projects are completed in segments, and it also clarifies customary maintenance for signs. Supporters from Fountain Valley and the outdoor advertising industry said the bill would reduce delays and help local revenue; there was no opposition. The bill passed 13-0, with the roll left open for additional votes. The committee also heard SB 470 by Senator Laird, which extends until January 1, 2030 the sunset on the alternative open-meeting rules for state boards and commissions created by SB 544. Supporters, including the Little Hoover Commission and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, said remote participation has increased public attendance, saved money, and improved access for people with disabilities and caregivers. Opponents, including the ACLU of California Action, California News Publishers Association, and media and good-government groups, argued the bill weakens transparency and should be more narrowly tailored. The bill passed 12-4, with the roll left open. SB 395 by Senator Wiener would create a hospitality zone in San Francisco allowing up to 20 additional non-transferable liquor licenses for restaurants in the Union Square/Yerba Buena area. Supporters said the measure would help downtown recovery, fill vacant storefronts, and support small restaurants by offering licenses at the ABC application fee rather than the high secondary-market price. The bill passed 16-0, with the roll left open. Finally, SB 783 by Senator Rubio would extend until January 1, 2029 the current rules for outdoor advertising displays in former redevelopment areas. Supporters said the extension would protect existing signs and give communities time to work on a permanent solution, while opponents warned about unfair market advantages and possible federal highway funding risks. The bill passed 21-0, and the committee adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• These consistent zoning standards are paired with fast, consistent, reliable permitting procedures.

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills, with most focused on accessory dwelling units, homelessness, and higher education planning. SB 9 would make a local ADU ordinance null and void if a city or county fails to submit it to HCD within 60 days or respond to HCD findings within 30 days, reverting the jurisdiction to state ADU standards until it complies. Supporters said the bill would strengthen statewide consistency and reduce local barriers to ADU construction; there was no opposition testimony. The committee passed SB 9 as amended to the Assembly Committee on Local Government on a 7-0 vote, with two members not voting. The committee also heard SB 486, which would exempt UC and CSU enrollment commitments from CEQA no-project alternative analysis while requiring campuses to participate in regional planning and share enrollment forecasts with regional agencies. The author said the bill would align environmental review with the state’s higher education commitments and improve regional housing planning. The measure had support from the Chamber of Progress and no opposition, and it passed 9-0 to the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources. SB 543, a cleanup bill to clarify ADU and junior ADU rules, including review timelines and size standards, also drew support from Casita Coalition, UnidosUS, and California YIMBY, with no opposition, and passed unanimously as amended to the Assembly Committee on Local Government. SB 748 addressed RV encampments and safe parking sites by expanding the encampment resolution funding program to help local jurisdictions acquire and operate safe parking areas, provide services, and extend site hours. The author and supporters from the City of Compton, the Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association, and the League of California Cities argued the bill would offer a more humane and practical response to RV homelessness while reducing neighborhood impacts. Several committee members voiced support but raised concerns about how encampment funds are used and the need for reporting and accountability. The bill passed 11-0 to the Assembly Committee on Human Services. The consent calendar, including HR 44, SB 233, and SB 410, was later approved 11-0, and SB 340 was moved to a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• FLORIDA IS A MANUFACTURING STATE, TOP 10 STATE FOR MANUFACTURING BUT OUR BASE PAIRED TO OTHER STATES

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I just want to sort of say on the record that I attempted to pair this down so there would not be
• So, I just want to sort of say on the record that I attempted to pair this down so there would not be
• /c><00:29:59.640><c> I</c><00:30:00.160><c> attempted</c><00:30:00.840><c> to</c><00:30:00.960><c> pair
• </c><00:30:01.240><c> this</c> record that I I I attempted to pair this record that I I I attempted to
• pair this down<00:30:01.760><c> so</c><00:30:01.880><c> there</c><00:30:02.040><c> would</c><00:30:02.240

Bills: HF3665 , HF3002 , HF4217 , HF4125 , HF4174

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: foster care, early childhood education, child care programs, placement plan, social services, extended foster care, kinship care, relative custody, permanent legal and physical custody, Northstar kinship assistance, independent living plan, transition services, youth aging out of care, medical assistance, Medicaid, child welfare, children youth and families, out-of-home placement, case plan, relative placement

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe there's opportunities to pair it with weatherization or efficiency opportunities, maybe to free
• Maybe there's opportunities to pair it with weatherization or efficiency opportunities, maybe to free
• Maybe there's opportunities to pair it with weatherization or efficiency opportunities, maybe to free
• Maybe there's opportunities to pair it with weatherization or efficiency opportunities, maybe to free
• Maybe there's opportunities to pair it with weatherization or efficiency opportunities, maybe to free

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• By pairing the cost savings in the CESAs with the foundation formula, we're able to make sure that cost
• By pairing the cost savings in the CESAs with the foundation formula, we're able to make sure that cost

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that were that to be kind of an effort, so long as that was paired with public outreach and
• a communication arm that would pair with some type of increase.

Committees: House Transportation , House Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, it would be permitted to preemptively offer a consumer a discount on a matching pair of
• Card abandonment discounts: you put a pair of shoes in your online cart but don't check out.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• There is also a paired vote. Senator Zidervel votes aye. There is also a paired vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, sometimes it's not always the most natural pairing for hospital association and agriculture to be
• It's not always the most natural pairing for the hospital association and agriculture to be in the same

Committee: House Health Services

Transcript Highlights:

• my strong support for HB 2804 because this bill creates a state affordable housing tax credit that pairs
• The housing tax credit pairs with the federal LIHTC, unlocking private capital to build affordable housing

Committee: House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2584, which would prohibit public monies from being used for genetic sequencing procedures involving devices made by companies owned or substantially controlled by entities domiciled in a foreign adversary. The sponsor said the bill is intended to protect genetic data from being sold or used against the United States. There was no public testimony, and the committee approved the bill on a 13-5 vote for a do pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2804, which creates a rural development and housing tax credit capped at $2 million per year and tied to federal low-income housing tax credit projects in counties under 800,000 population. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Flagstaff mayor, and housing investors/developers, argued it would leverage private capital to address rural affordable housing shortages, especially for seniors, veterans, and low-income residents. Opponents, including the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, argued state LIHTC programs are inefficient, costly, hard to oversee, and can add complexity and higher per-unit costs. The bill passed 13-4 with one not voting. HB 2388, as amended, appropriates $100,000 for the Arizona Commerce Authority to study the economic benefits of small modular reactors and data centers, with a report due June 30, 2027. Supporters said the study would help Arizona plan for energy demand and data center growth, while opponents argued the agency should use existing funds instead of a new appropriation. The committee adopted the amendment and then approved the bill 10-7 with one not voting. The committee also received a presentation from the Auditor General on county treasurer procedural reviews, including the response to the Santa Cruz County treasurer embezzlement case and the office’s ramp-up plan for reviews and staffing. Later, the committee approved HB 2352, which appropriates $2,385,900 in FY2029 to make the Auditor General’s county treasurer review funding ongoing. Members supporting the bill said the office needs certainty to plan audits and retain staff, while opponents objected to funding it so far in advance during budget uncertainty. The bill passed 11-7. The committee also approved HB 2418, as amended, which directs $600,000 to be evenly distributed among five county sheriff task forces in Cochise, Coconino, Navajo, Pinal, and Yuma counties; supporters said it codifies the long-standing distribution practice, and it passed 17-1. Finally, the committee heard HB 2499, which would provide $2.6 million and 12 FTEs to the Department of Education for ESA administration; supporters argued the program’s rapid growth requires more staff for enrollment, reviews, and accountability, while members questioned the lack of standardized testing data and how to measure student outcomes. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on HB 2499.

Transcript Highlights:

• Have you heard from folks that if we don't pair this with medical malpractice, we're now giving them
• Have you heard from folks that if we don't pair this with medical malpractice, we're now giving them

Bills: HM3 , HM11 , HM14 , HM15 , HM18 , HM21 , HB10 , HB11 , HB12 , HB13 , HB14 , HB31 , HB50

Keywords: nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial

Transcript Highlights:

• with the generation handling fee, which is something that we are very concerned about, as well as paired
• We think additional funding outside of fee pairs is going to be critical for that.

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on DTSC’s implementation of SB 158 reforms, including enforcement, community engagement, fiscal stability, the hazardous waste management plan, permitting backlogs, and the Safer Consumer Products Program. Director Katie Butler said DTSC is now more transparent and proactive, citing stronger enforcement actions, an online inspections map, community open houses, the Environmental Justice Advisory Council, wildfire hazardous waste removal in Los Angeles, and progress on cleanup and permit decisions. She said the department is fiscally stable after fee changes, has released a draft hazardous waste management plan, and is revising it in response to public and board comments, including removing a proposal to send certain contaminated soil to municipal landfills. Board Chair Andrew Rakestraw described the board’s oversight role on fees, transparency, appeals, and performance metrics, and said the board is working toward revised metrics, a revised plan, and future fee votes. Members pressed DTSC on several issues. Senator Blakespear raised extended producer responsibility programs and asked how DTSC could reduce the cost and complexity of launching them; Butler said enforcement and partnerships with local authorities are essential, and Rakestraw suggested closer coordination with CalRecycle. Chair Connolly asked about wildfire cleanup, fee stability, Safer Consumer Products progress, and permit lengths; Butler said residential fire cleanup is largely complete, the fee system is now stable, the consumer products program has many technical projects underway and is expected to reach more listings over time, and some permits are set for five years to hold facilities accountable sooner. Senator Menjivar questioned how DTSC balances hazardous waste capacity with community impacts from facilities with violation histories, and Butler said permits are reviewed through engineering controls, health risk assessments, public comment, and, where needed, stricter conditions. Senator Reyes emphasized the need for stronger protections for overburdened communities and asked about landfill leachate and goal-setting in the hazardous waste plan; Butler said DTSC is using its hazardous waste authority where municipal landfill leachate shows hazardous characteristics and is looking at broader statewide responses. Panelists from the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance and Earthjustice offered contrasting views. CCEB’s Don Krepke supported SB 158’s reforms but urged risk-based decision-making, broader use of alternative management standards, alignment with federal and other state hazardous waste classifications, less duplication across agencies, and caution about added costs from permitting and cumulative impacts rules; he also warned that the generation-and-handling fee remains structurally weak and suggested more General Fund support for statewide planning work. Earthjustice’s Angela Johnson-Mazares argued DTSC remains too slow and too cautious, saying communities continue to face delayed permits, weak enforcement, and ongoing harm, and that the agency should prioritize source reduction, strong permit protections, and more decisive action to prevent emissions and protect frontline communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the clinician's job to figure out the right outcomes, but they have to be paired together.
• So my lab has paired data from devices like that one with data from expensive medical-grade things you

Summary: The joint informational hearing by the Assembly Health and Privacy Committees focused on generative AI in health care, with opening remarks emphasizing both the promise of improved care and the risks around privacy, bias, workforce impacts, reimbursement, and liability. Members and witnesses repeatedly stressed that AI should augment clinicians rather than replace them, and that California has a role in shaping responsible adoption. The first panel featured health systems and developers describing current uses such as ambient scribes for physicians and nurses, imaging triage, maternal-fetal risk prediction, and administrative automation. Speakers from Cedars-Sinai, Kaiser Permanente, Penguin AI, and Google highlighted efficiency gains, reduced clinician burnout, faster treatment, and some reported patient-safety benefits, while also noting the need for human review, governance, and ongoing monitoring. Committee members pressed the panel on bias, especially for multilingual patients, women of color, and Medi-Cal populations, and on whether predictive tools could worsen disparities or drive unnecessary interventions such as C-sections. Witnesses said tools must be tested in real-world settings, with humans in the loop and outcomes tracked by demographic group. They also discussed the legal landscape, with concerns that liability may fall more on hospitals and physicians than on developers, and that clearer rules may be needed for clinical, clinical-adjacent, and administrative uses. Several speakers argued that administrative uses like prior authorization and coding are lower-risk and ripe for automation, while clinical applications require much stronger safeguards. The second panel shifted to broader policy and equity issues. The California Health Care Foundation described early AI adoption in the safety net, including a Los Angeles County homelessness-risk model and AI tools supporting community health workers, and said safety-net providers want guidance on privacy, liability, safety, bias, and workforce impacts. Dr. Ziad Obermeyer described research showing racial bias in widely used risk algorithms and argued for accountability, access to data under strong protections, public-sector leadership, and partnerships to steer AI toward better outcomes. Dr. Michelle Mello said most organizations lack strong governance, that monitoring is difficult and costly, and that states could require AI governance structures as a condition of licensure. The discussion closed with calls for clearer standards, better data access for evaluation, and policy approaches that protect patients while allowing beneficial AI to spread beyond large health systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a really very organic pairing.
• This is a really very organic pairing, but we think of this as the first step. And Dr.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held an extended hearing focused primarily on University of California budget issues, enrollment, housing, and Title IX. Chair David Alvarez opened by noting the governor’s proposed 8% ongoing General Fund reduction to UC, the deferral of compact funding, and the College of the Law budget item, while emphasizing that no votes would be taken that day. Public commenters, including UC Davis employees and lecturers, urged restoration of UC funding and opposed the hiring freeze, saying cuts would worsen staffing shortages, reduce research capacity, and harm students and patients. On UC core operations, the Department of Finance said the governor’s budget maintains the compact but defers $240.8 million in ongoing support and continues a planned 7.95% reduction, while the LAO recommended rejecting the deferrals and instead making any changes in the budget year. UC San Diego’s chancellor and UC Office of the President argued the cuts and deferrals would create major campus shortfalls, force hiring freezes, larger class sizes, fewer course offerings, delayed projects, and possible layoffs. Committee members questioned whether cuts could be shifted away from students and toward administration, discussed UCOP reserves and bond debt, and noted that UC’s budget structure makes the campus-level impact larger than the headline reduction. The committee also reviewed enrollment trends and nonresident replacement. The LAO said UC resident enrollment has grown and recommended revisiting 2026-27 targets and pausing the nonresident replacement plan if state funding does not improve. UC said it has exceeded California undergraduate enrollment and nonresident replacement goals, but warned that continued growth without funding would force enrollment reductions and harm quality. Members discussed the role of nonresident and international students, tuition rates, and the value of UC as a pathway for California students and a source of talent for the state. A separate housing item covered the state’s Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program. UC reported that recent bond savings could support additional affordable beds at UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara, but the LAO and Finance noted the Legislature would need to decide how to use the $6.2 million in savings from the original projects. The committee also heard a Title IX update from UC’s systemwide civil rights office, which described campus Title IX structures, training, and policy enforcement, and said the system has been working to improve confidentiality guidance and streamline complaint processes after survey feedback showed confusion and lengthy procedures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Her background in education, small business, and real estate, paired with her work in community organizing
• Her background in education, small business, and real estate, paired with her work in community organizing

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard nominations for several members of the Burial Council and the Hawaiian Homes Commission. For Burial Council nominations, the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Historic Preservation Division testified in support of Leimana Abunes, Cyrus Sito, Chantel Freeman, and Chadley Shiml Fenig, emphasizing their genealogical ties, cultural knowledge, experience with iwi kupuna, and commitment to preservation and reinterment. Each nominee also briefly introduced themselves and described their background and motivation to serve. Committee members said they had favorable conversations with the nominees and indicated votes would be taken at the end of the agenda. The committee then took up Governor’s Message 773, Shaylin Ornellas, for the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Testimony in support was strong, including 45 written supports and no opposition, along with oral testimony from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and community supporters. Supporters highlighted Ornellas’ education, real estate and development experience, public service, and connection to Kauaʻi and homestead communities. Ornellas said she was answering a call to serve and discussed her background and commitment to the community. Members questioned Ornellas closely about Act 279, the DHHL waitlist, beneficiary consultation, housing options, and the department’s “paper lease” practice. She said Act 279 was intended to help reduce the waitlist, supported broader housing options and beneficiary input, and acknowledged limited familiarity with the technical details of paper leases. One senator raised concerns that paper leases may not guarantee actual lots and urged further research. The discussion also touched on policy issues such as beneficiaries maintaining their waitlist positions after declining offers or taking rentals, with committee members noting these are commission policy choices rather than statutory mandates.

Transcript Highlights:

• For decades, California has led by pairing ambition with accountability, backing high standards with

Summary: The Governmental Organization Committee met as a subcommittee for much of the hearing because a quorum was initially absent, and it heard several bills focused on nonprofit support, alcohol regulation, immigration-related funding restrictions, outdoor advertising, and green building standards. SB 1240 by Senator McNerney would create an Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to help nonprofits navigate state procurement, grants, and reimbursement processes; supporters, including the Child Care Resource Center and the Little Hoover Commission, said nonprofits provide essential services but face delayed payments and burdensome bureaucracy. Committee members raised accountability concerns, but the author emphasized the bill does not dispense grants and would cost about $1.7 million in the first year. The bill was later approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 917 by Senator Laird, which would remove the estate-grown grape requirement for wineries selling at farmers markets, allowing more family wineries to participate; winery and grape grower representatives said the change would help direct-to-consumer sales and local growers. SB 1171 by Senator Caballero would make private entities that contract with ICE ineligible for state-funded loans or grants; supporters from immigrant-rights groups described ICE detention and raids as harmful and inhumane, while some members spoke in favor of using state funds to avoid indirectly supporting ICE-related activity. Both bills advanced on party-line or near-party-line votes and were sent to Appropriations or Local Government as noted in the roll calls. Senator Rubio presented SB 1195, which would expand tied-house exemptions for certain entertainment, convention, and sports venues in specified counties, and SB 1228, which would allow a small number of existing outdoor advertising displays to continue operating despite a statutory sunset. Supporters said SB 1195 would create economic opportunity and clarify current law, while SB 1228 was described as a narrow fix to preserve legally permitted signs and local revenue; both bills passed the committee and were sent to Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 1398, which would recognize Green Globes as an alternative green building certification for state projects alongside LEED; supporters argued it would add flexibility and competition, while the U.S. Green Building Council opposed bypassing the Department of General Services’ equivalency review. The bill was approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also took up a consent calendar and adjourned at 2:55 p.m.