Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not really sure, but I was willing to work with all stakeholders on it.
• I mean, it's good language. ...to work with all stakeholders on it. I didn't want to shut it down.
• And we are at a place with it where it is clear, and the judges, sorry, everyone had input on this bill
• Everyone had input on this bill where we think it's clear that we have the right statutes referenced

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Does your office solicit customer feedback, or does that input just independently come in?
• Does your office solicit customer feedback or that it's just that input just independently comes in?
• But we had a workshop, and we said, let's get all the stakeholders together...
• And we said, let's get all the stakeholders together and have a workshop so that we nest these data centers

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight met to receive an overview from Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler on the work of his office. He described the office’s role in representing Florida utility customers in rate and service cases, including investor-owned electric, water, and wastewater matters, storm cost recovery, fuel clauses, storm protection plans, and specialized dockets. He emphasized the office’s use of depositions, expert witnesses, customer correspondence, and service-hearing testimony to challenge unsupported utility costs and seek “fair, just, reasonable, and affordable” outcomes for customers. Trierweiler highlighted several current issues, including affordability, data centers, and the growing use of AI in reviewing large utility filings. He said the office has begun using affordability experts and data center witnesses, and that data center-related utility proposals raise concerns about energy demand, water use, and community impacts. He also expressed caution about AI and machine learning because of confidential utility information, while acknowledging that utilities, regulators, and his office are increasingly using such tools. Members asked questions about how customer input is gathered, how profit is evaluated in rate cases, the role of settlement agreements, and whether the office is considering water consumption impacts from data centers. Trierweiler said customer feedback largely comes in through hearings, correspondence, and direct calls rather than office-led canvassing, and that his office seeks to limit imprudent costs while allowing utilities a fair return. He also explained that the office may file motions for reconsideration and appeals after PSC orders, and that it sometimes submits alternative settlement proposals even when approval is unlikely, to present a different option for the commission’s consideration. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after concluding its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH ALL THE STAKEHOLDERS IN THE SPACE AND MAKING SURE THAT WE ARRIVE AT A
• OUR MAIN ASK IS GIVE US THE ABILITY TO PROVIDE INPUT TO HOW MANY OF THESE FACILITIES AND WHAT IMPACT
• I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY AGAIN TO PROVIDE INPUT AND I APPRECIATE YOUR SERVICE TO OUR GOOD STATE.
• I'M COMMITTED TO CONTINUING TO WORK WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND TRIED TO FIND A LANDING SPOT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And one of the things I'm really proud of is the robust engagement that we've done with our stakeholders
• The AB 519 group has been really critical to provide input on this, on what can be really workable here
• be designed as we move into the next round, and we would really focus on getting community-driven input
• We wanted to make sure that there was active and transparent participation from stakeholders.
• We deeply appreciate everyone's input.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview of the Governor’s housing reorganization proposal and trailer bill language that would consolidate several affordable housing finance programs under the new Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC). Administration officials said the plan is intended to create a one-stop application and award process, reduce duplication, and pair state subsidy with private activity bonds and federal tax credits so projects can move from award to construction more quickly. The proposal would also shift some positions and reallocate portions of the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program and other housing funds. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the concept has merit but raised concerns about the proposed bond set-aside floor and recommended more flexibility and earlier reallocation of unused bonds. Several senators questioned the structure and, especially, the proposed changes to the climate-related ASIC program, arguing that it could weaken the program’s original transportation-and-housing integration and that the budget lacks enough direct funding for core housing production programs. The item was held open. The committee then received an update from the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee on federal tax credit changes and state housing finance tools. Staff explained that federal H.R. 1 increased the 9% low-income housing tax credit allocation and reduced the bond-financing threshold for the 4% credit from 50% to 25%, allowing California to finance many more projects. They reported that emergency regulations were adopted quickly to implement the new federal rules, resulting in awards for 195 projects and more than 25,000 units in the 4% program, while the 9% program funded 58 projects and nearly 3,000 units. Members discussed the importance of state enhanced low-income housing tax credits, with committee questions focused on how much additional leverage state credits provide and how they help fill remaining financing gaps. The final portion of the hearing focused on the Civil Rights Department’s response to federal civil rights policy changes and on three programs facing the end of limited-term funding: California vs. Hate, the Community Conflict Resolution Unit, and Investigations and Conciliation Enhancement. Director Kevin Kish said federal civil rights enforcement has been weakened by closed offices, shuttered programs, and reduced support for fair housing organizations, while CRD’s open caseload has grown from about 8,700 to more than 12,000 matters. He said the department is using overtime, triage, and process reengineering to manage the surge and to direct people to the right services. Senators expressed strong support for continuing the programs and concern that California is being asked to do more with less as federal protections erode. No votes were taken on the informational items, and the committee discussed the vote-only budget requests for CRD separately.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 505 by gathering input from DMS, BID, the ADC board, and providers themselves.
• with uh other experts and stakeholders with uh other experts and stakeholders to<00:04:50.400>
• We've worked with every stakeholder, including um Grin Grant.
• We've worked with every stakeholder, including um Grin Grant.
• We've worked with every stakeholder, including um Grin Grant.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on February 24, 2026, with a quorum present and took up one bill, House Bill 470. The bill sponsor and supporters described it as a cleanup measure to House Bill 505 that would extend the deadline for peer support specialists in the substance use field to become registered, because the earlier regulations were not promulgated in time and employers and workers were left in limbo. Supporters said the bill includes an emergency clause to stabilize the workforce and creates a working group to recommend a more effective oversight structure, possibly a new board, by November 1. They argued the extension would preserve access to services, allow providers to continue billing for peer support, and give the state time to address regulatory backlogs and workforce shortages. Several supporters emphasized that peer support is a critical part of recovery services and that the current system needs better infrastructure, accountability, and uniform standards. They said the bill would help prevent fraud and abuse by tightening guardrails while allowing qualified peers to keep working. One supporter said the bill would close the door on higher-level billing abuses and that other Medicaid-related efforts were also underway to address improper billing practices. Another witness said the bill would allow people who completed certification to continue serving and would help providers retain staff and get reimbursed. Senator McDaniel raised concerns that the bill might simply extend the period during which abuse of the peer recovery model could continue, rather than fixing the underlying problems. In response, the sponsors said House Bill 505 already imposed tighter training requirements and that this bill only extends the registration deadline while other efforts, including managed care organization limits and broader Medicaid reforms, are addressing abuse. Senator Howell asked about barriers to registration, and witnesses said the problem was a mix of supply-demand issues, workload, and some applicants’ reluctance to take the test. Senator Berg supported the bill as necessary to ensure proper billing and accountability, while Senator Meredith said the committee was missing key information from the cabinet and suggested it may be premature to act without hearing from the agency. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• input on sweeping changes to Nevada's voting laws.
• input on sweeping changes to Nevada's voting laws.
• Stakeholders need to be at the table and have an opportunity to provide input on this important legislation
• Bringing stakeholders to the table is important.
• A constitutional amendment was dropped without asking any stakeholder to get involved.

Bills: AB49, AB169, AB188, AB284, AB296, AB306, AB356, AB366, AB467, AB499, AB515, AB540, AB542, AB595

Keywords: educational personnel, teacher licensing, reciprocal licensure, provisional teaching, school counselors, school nurses, school social workers, state education standards, health insurance, speech-language pathology, stuttering, rehabilitative services, habilitative services, coverage requirements, health plans, retired public employees, subsidy, Medicare, health reimbursement arrangement, Public Employees' Benefits Program

Transcript Highlights:

• She did a lot of great work to bring all of the stakeholders together.
• I was going to do the same thing. stakeholders that we're going to bring stakeholders that we're going
• We met with BIA and got their input.
• Manufacturers have no input in that whatsoever.
• But I can double-check with the stakeholders.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a discussion that you should have, and you'll get lots of input on that.
• We rank those based on the prioritization criteria in the plan, which includes public input. comment.
• The 12-11 interest category that you saw, we only added one in rules based on public input.
• The Mesonets feed the data; they're the input source.
• Input fields are used in a very gross, large context.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• input from those with lived experience and administrators of emergency assistance, including Minnesota's
• <00:05:08.000> input<00:05:08.400> from<00:05:08.600> those<00:05:08.759> with
• <00:05:08.919> lived stakeholder input from those with lived stakeholder input from those
• a group of of um broad stakeholders a group of of um broad stakeholders attorneys<00:45:40.640><
• valuable the varied stakeholder valuable the varied stakeholder representation<01:07:09.400>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• After extensive hearings with stakeholders, input, committee review, and debate, this body reached a
• It wouldn't create a process for experts, educators, parents, and stakeholders to develop age-appropriate
• It wouldn't create a process for experts, educators, parents, and stakeholders to develop age-appropriate
• To the educators, advocates, and stakeholders who have worked toward this curriculum for years, I am
• To the educators, advocates, and stakeholders who have worked toward this curriculum for years, I am

Summary: The Alaska Legislature met in joint session with a quorum to consider veto overrides on five bills: HB 52 on minors in psychiatric hospitals, SB 41 on mental health education, HB 314 on architects, engineers, surveyors, and interior designers, SB 21 on the Alaska Work and Save Program, and HB 195 on pharmacists and physician associates. Supporters of HB 52 argued it would improve transparency, family communication, oversight, and reporting in psychiatric treatment for minors; opponents were not recorded in the excerpt. The joint session voted 36-24 to sustain the governor’s veto, so HB 52 did not become law through override. For SB 41, supporters said the bill would create developmentally appropriate mental health education guidance for schools and help address Alaska’s high suicide rate, while the governor argued it would intrude on local control. The override failed 38-22. For HB 314, members said the bill was needed to extend the AELS Board and avoid disruption to professional licensing and oversight; the override passed 45-15, so the veto was overridden. For SB 21, supporters said the Work and Save Program would expand retirement savings access for workers and small businesses, including an option to direct PFD funds to retirement; the override failed 39-21. For HB 195, supporters said it would expand access to care by allowing pharmacists to provide more services under a standard-of-care model, especially benefiting rural residents and families seeking lower-cost treatment, while opponents raised concerns about abortion-related implications and scope. The joint session voted 43-17 to override the veto, so HB 195 was enacted over the governor’s objection. The session then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• input on what kind of schedule we're going to have, how much we're going to buy, what the amount, who
• input on what kind of schedule we're going to have, how much we're going to buy, what the amount is,
• Section 51 sets up a process to convene stakeholders to, quote, develop long-term solutions to address
• I look forward to providing input in the future on equitable and effective program design for statewide
• It included a robust stakeholder process, and part of the program is already being implemented.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on H. 4144, the Governor’s Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act, with the administration arguing the bill would lower bills in the short and long term while expanding clean energy supply and innovation. The Governor and Secretary said the bill would reduce or restructure charges on customer bills, reform Mass Save, expand securitization as a financing tool, speed interconnection, create energy-ready zones, strengthen consumer protections in competitive supply, and allow broader state procurement of energy resources. They said the package could save consumers billions over time and would help address high energy costs, especially during extreme heat and winter spikes. Committee members pressed the administration on several provisions, especially securitization, asking whether the bill requires an apples-to-apples comparison of total costs over time, including interest and lost tax revenue, versus paying through rates. Administration witnesses said DPU review and public comment would be required and said they would work to clarify the language if needed. Members also questioned the bill’s solar and procurement provisions, including reduced net metering compensation for some large facilities, the scope of all-resource procurements, and whether hydro, solar, and nuclear would be included; the administration said those resources were contemplated and that procurement would still be reviewed by DPU. Other questions focused on the short-term relief from bill changes, the treatment of low- and moderate-income discounts, and whether the bill’s heat pump and Mass Save reforms would help customers who cannot afford upfront costs. Several witnesses and committee members discussed Mass Save reforms, including securitization of program costs, on-bill financing, pre-approval of rebates, and shifting program administration away from gas utilities. Administration witnesses said the changes were intended to reduce volatility, lower administrative costs, and better align costs with long-term savings. Questions also touched on geothermal permitting, municipal participation in offshore wind procurement, and the proposed repeal of the ballot requirement for nuclear power, which the administration defended as preserving future options under heavy review. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described. Supportive testimony came from labor, environmental, business, planning, and development groups. The AFL-CIO, NECA, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts backed the bill, emphasizing lower bills, job creation, labor standards, just transition protections, and cleaner energy. NAIOP, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and MAPC supported provisions on energy-ready zones, interconnection reform, microgrids, extreme-heat shutoff protections, and Mass Save improvements. A HEET representative praised the bill’s use of securitization, geothermal, and utility financing tools but urged guardrails and workforce protections. Overall, testimony was broadly favorable, with most witnesses calling for refinements rather than opposing the bill outright.

Transcript Highlights:

• So just because you've reviewed it and voted on today doesn't mean your input stops with this committee
• I'm sure you will all continue to hear from various stakeholders.
• I hope that you take some of their input, evaluate it, and please continue to share with Representative

Transcript Highlights:

• These are not passive stakeholders.
• meaningful input from the communities most affected.
• The stakeholder community has come a long way over the last 18 months.
• Lots of stakeholders and partners. Lots of concerns.
• Stakeholders who identified some very critical issues.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask you to honor the rare phenomenon of a bill which is supported by all stakeholders and move this
• <00:10:02.480> and<00:10:02.920> with<00:10:03.320> strong<00:10:03.680> input
• <00:10:04.160> from stakeholders and with strong input from stakeholders and with strong input
• and with strong input from the problem gambling community.
• We appreciate Senator Klein bringing this bill forward, building upon the work and input of all the stakeholders

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. ...reduced to a speck of a data point in a massive sea of inputs.
• So those are two different, not only like stakeholder investments, but also power.
• It involved 1,400 stakeholders, including the creative and artistic and media sectors.
• And this is where the stakeholder community, so again, 1,400 stakeholders...
• This is where the stakeholder community, so again, 1,400 stakeholders coming from the industry, but also

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee and Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational hearing at Stanford on the intersection of artificial intelligence, copyright, transparency, and California’s creative economy. Chairs and members emphasized that the hearing was not on a specific bill and no vote would be taken. Opening remarks framed the issue as balancing protection for artists and other rights holders with the need to keep AI innovation and related economic activity thriving in California, while noting that federal action is unlikely and that state policy may influence national standards. The first panel featured Professor Pamela Samuelson and Stanford researcher Rishi Bommasani. Samuelson reviewed the current copyright litigation landscape, including dozens of lawsuits over AI training, and explained the fair use framework, the Google Books precedent, and the uncertainty around newer theories such as market dilution. She said states can likely regulate transparency, deepfakes, privacy, and safety, but warned that some proposals may be preempted by federal copyright law. Bommasani described widespread opacity around training data among major California AI companies, discussed AB 2013 and the EU AI Act as transparency models, and identified gaps in disclosure design, enforcement, and whether transparency alone can address copyright and IP concerns. Members asked about open-source models, opt-outs, machine unlearning, user data, and state options for protecting creators. The second panel included SAG-AFTRA board member Jason George, Animation Guild president Danny Lynn, and OpenAI copyright counsel Mark Gray. George and Lynn argued that AI training on performers’ and artists’ work without consent or compensation threatens jobs, bargaining power, and reputations, and they supported stronger transparency and licensing requirements so creators can identify when their work is used. Gray said AI is already being used as a productivity tool and highlighted partnerships between AI companies and publishers, record labels, and studios, while arguing that specific harmful uses such as deepfakes should be regulated directly rather than restricting general-purpose AI development. Committee members discussed labeling and watermarking of AI-generated content, transparency around model use, and whether state law should require more detailed disclosure of training data; no formal action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We held our first stakeholder meeting, and we will continue to hold those stakeholder meetings to ensure
• So we're starting with the stakeholder feedback. Mr.
• So we're starting with the stakeholder feedback. Mr.
• So that's where the idea of the stakeholder engagement came up: let's go out and talk to our stakeholders
• Which stakeholders did you contact for input on that? Mr.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Joint Natural Resources and House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committees of Reference heard the Arizona Auditor General’s sunset review of the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. The audit found the board generally met some licensing requirements, but it did not timely investigate and resolve 49 of 159 complaints in fiscal year 2024, and it did not fully comply with conflict-of-interest disclosure and filing requirements. The Auditor General also identified weaknesses in continuing-education verification and other sunset-factor areas, and the board agreed to implement all 21 recommendations. Board staff said complaint volume has risen sharply since the pandemic, that the board’s process is slower because every case goes through an investigative committee and then the full board, and that it has already corrected some conflict-of-interest issues and is adding tools to improve continuing-education audits. The committee then heard testimony from the board’s executive director and from the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association. The executive director emphasized the board’s public-protection mission, described the shortage of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and said the board is working to improve efficiency through a new e-licensing system and staff training. Members asked about the shortage of large-animal veterinarians, complaint backlogs, and whether the board could do more to recruit rural practitioners; the board said it lacks direct recruiting authority but supports multiple licensure pathways and loan-assistance efforts. The veterinary association supported the board’s oversight and said it is also working on rural and large-animal workforce issues through partnerships and advocacy. The committee then voted to recommend continuing the board for eight years, until July 1, 2034. The committee next took up the Arizona State Land Department, beginning with the Auditor General’s presentation on the department’s sunset review and prior special audit. The audit found the department had not updated its required five-year disposition plan since 2011, had sold more than 48,000 acres without an active plan, had allowed agricultural rental rates to go unchanged since 2006 despite market increases, and had not consistently inspected mineral-related leases or properly managed reclamation bonds. The Auditor General said these issues created risks of lost revenue, reduced transparency, and public-safety hazards, and recommended 18 corrective actions in the main review plus 34 additional recommendations on other issues; the department agreed to most recommendations but declined to adopt a written policy for commissioner-initiated land sales. Commissioner Robin Sahid said the department is working through audit recommendations, has created a rules team, improved its customer portal, and is pursuing new policies on water use, transportation-basin leases, and disposition planning. Members questioned the department about agricultural leases, groundwater valuation, the Fondomonte leases and reimbursement for improvements, the canceled Coyotes land auction, backlog and processing times, and the use of consultants and administrative funds. The commissioner said the department had over 2,000 applications in queue when she arrived, that it has made progress reducing the backlog, and that it is conducting stakeholder outreach on water-efficiency standards and lease addenda. No final vote on the land department continuation was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And to your point about public input, one of the ways we get public input in our CCM processes is through
• Again, recognizing that the stakeholder process has been very important.
• The PUC and ERCOT have been very receptive to stakeholder feedback.
• The PUC has encouraged ERCOT to be very receptive to the stakeholder process.
• And I appreciate your input, sir. Chairwoman: Thank you, Mr. McQueeney. Mr.

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss data centers and their impact on Texas's energy infrastructure. The meeting featured testimony from key representatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and ERCOT, who outlined the evolving landscape of energy generation and the challenges posed by the rapid growth of data centers. Notably, ERCOT reported over 450,000 MW of generation resources planned for connection, with a significant portion attributed to data centers, which now represent around 87% of new large load interconnection requests. The committee explored proposed changes to the interconnection process, including a new 'batch study' approach aimed at streamlining the approval of multiple projects simultaneously. This change is intended to address the challenges of managing numerous simultaneous requests and to provide more certainty for developers regarding their energy needs. Testimonies emphasized the importance of ensuring that the costs of infrastructure upgrades are borne by the data centers rather than residential ratepayers, with discussions around the financial commitments required from developers. Several data center developers also provided testimony, highlighting the economic benefits of their projects, including job creation and increased local revenues. They expressed concerns about the potential for a moratorium on future growth due to the new interconnection rules and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address water usage and environmental impacts. The committee plans to continue discussions on these topics in future hearings, with a focus on balancing economic growth with energy reliability and resource management.

Transcript Highlights:

• And to your point about public input, one of the ways we get public input in our CCM processes is through
• Again, recognizing that the stakeholder process has been very important.
• The PUC and ERCOT have been very receptive to stakeholder feedback.
• The PUC has encouraged ERCOT to be very receptive to the stakeholder process.
• And I appreciate your input, sir. Chairwoman: Thank you, Mr. McQueeney. Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have our stakeholder cabinet that's going to be meeting tomorrow.
• We have our stakeholder cabinet that's going to be meeting tomorrow.
• We have our stakeholder cabinet that's going to be meeting tomorrow.
• We have our stakeholder emergency rules.
• input on those as well. input on those as well.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , collaborating with stakeholders, collaborating with stakeholders, with<00:52:09.080> the
• from stakeholders.
• from stakeholders.
• from stakeholders.
• I need the stakeholders' help, the consumer advocate's help, and, again, most importantly, I need help

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered a long list of Governor’s messages for appointments to state boards and commissions, including the Board of Dentistry, Barbering and Cosmetology, Speech Pathology and Audiology, Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board, Real Estate Commission, Board of Naturopathic Medicine, State Boxing Commission, Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects, Hawaii Medical Board, Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Pharmacy, and the Public Utilities Commission. Most nominees and supporting agencies testified in support, and many nominees simply stood on their written testimony. Several nominees also answered questions about their experience and the issues facing their boards, including dental insurance and Medicaid concerns, condo and real estate disputes, pharmacy regulation and telepharmacy, boxing and MMA rule updates, and medical board service in rural areas. The committee discussed some contested or notable nominations in more detail. Richard Emery’s nomination to the Real Estate Commission drew opposition testimony tied to a condo management dispute, and he responded by emphasizing the need for factual evidence, mediation and complaint data, and better consumer education. Trinette Kahui and Andrea Ushijima were also nominated to the Real Estate Commission, with broad support. For the Boxing Commission, Robin Jumawan described ongoing statutory updates, MMA-related work, and delegation of amateur boxing rules. For the Hawaii Medical Board, Elizabeth Ignacio was strongly endorsed by state and industry witnesses as highly qualified and familiar with rural health issues, while Rebecca Sawai also received support from the board and Kaiser Permanente. In the decision-making portion, the committee moved to advise and consent to nearly all nominees on the agenda. Senator McKelvey stated reservations about Richard Emery due to opposition and possible conflicts, and also about nominees who were not present at the hearing, specifically Corrine Muldrow Soto and Stacie Kealoha Inouye; Senator Lamasao also noted reservations on those absent nominees. The chair disclosed personal acquaintance with Dr. Sawai and Andrea Ushijima. The committee then voted to adopt the recommendations, with the noted reservations and one no vote on GM 697 reflected in the record, and later reconvened to take up Governor’s Message 514/515 for John Etemura as chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, where additional support testimony was heard from the Governor’s office, DCCA, and former consumer advocacy staff.