Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's a fair, it's a fair program. It's an easy program to manage.
• to help them reduce emissions with that beneficial program.
• I'll hand it to Teresa to talk about more about what they've seen in their program so far.
• Currently, there are 9 pilot programs or small-scale programs across the nation, including the one in
• It could be a matching program as well, which is also an option.

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you like a program or hate a program, it shouldn't matter. The program should still function.
• </c><00:08:17.280><c> it</c><00:08:17.400><c> shouldn't</c> a program or hate a program it shouldn't
• a program or hate a program it shouldn't matter<00:08:18.680><c> the</c><00:08:18.879><c> program</c>
• should still function matter the program should still function there<00:08:20.840><c> should</c><00:
• Why not do an investigation into Democratic programs that have passed?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY MIAMI-DADE ADOPTED THIS PROGRAM? >> YES.
• WHEN THEY IMPLEMENTED THE PROGRAM WE TOOK IT ON IN WHEN THEY IMPLEMENTED THE PROGRAM WE TOOK IT ON IN
• AT THE BEGINNING OF OUR PROGRAM WE CALLED IT THE 40 YEAR BUILDING SAFETY INSPECTION PROGRAM AND NOW WE
• JUST GO WITH THE BUILDING INSPECTION PROGRAM.
• THE PROGRAM HAS IN FACT, MOST OF -I WILL BE HONEST, MOST OF THE BUILDINGS THAT WHEN THIS PROGRAM STARTED

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is my House Bill 2195, which is my Missouri Integrated Safe Driving Program.
• ...which is my Missouri Integrated Safe Driving Program.
• But basically, it's for all the reading programs.
• And yes, the individual school would have to have the reading retention program.
• And yes, the individual school would have to have the reading retention program.

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm pleased to present AB 681, which increases the annual loan cap under the existing Dream Loan Program
• funds to be distributed in a way that better reflects the actual cost of graduate programs.
• funds to be distributed in a way that better reflects the actual cost of graduate programs.
• AB 681 ensures that the Dream Loan Program continues to be a cost-neutral investment for the state while
• He was in the marching band in high school, and he was in a German exchange student program.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 9, 2025, with a large regular-order agenda and a consent calendar. The committee first approved a set of unanimous consent bills, then heard and acted on several measures, generally with authors describing them as having minor or absorbable fiscal effects. Bills discussed included AB 439 on Coastal Act streamlining, AB 322 on school-based health and mental health reimbursement participation, AB 679 on state park land acquisition exemptions, AB 482 updating the California Table Grape Commission law, AB 681 increasing the Dream Loan Program cap, AB 40 clarifying emergency services include reproductive health care, AB 454 making the California Migratory Bird Protection Act permanent, AB 572 creating protections for families of people killed or seriously injured by peace officers, and AB 639 narrowing the definition of dams to avoid extra regulation for certain water operators. Testimony was largely in support of the bills. Supporters included representatives from the University of California, the California Table Grape Commission, Audubon California, Sempervirens Fund, emergency physicians, health equity groups, water districts, and several impacted family members and advocacy organizations on AB 572. AB 572 drew especially emotional testimony from family members describing police-involved deaths and the need for transparency and protection from coercive questioning. No organized opposition was raised on most of the bills heard in committee, though AB 439 drew no-votes from some Republicans, and AB 572 and other measures were framed as low-cost or cost-neutral. The committee reported the bills out on roll calls after motions and seconds, with several measures passing on B-roll calls and AB 482 passing on an A-roll call. After the hearing on presented bills, the committee also approved the suspense calendar and accepted brief public comment on bills not heard that day, including opposition to AB 339 and support for AB 335. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• to take a look at our buying guide and look at the that have decided to continue with their DEI programs
• But what is largely behind much of this is the the idea of the success of the top 10% program and the
• People who never met us or understand our needs felt entitled to take programs that, for many of us,
• chose UT over other schools because this program existed for them.
• Monarch was not the kind of program that was covered under bill 17.

Keywords: education, curriculum, HB178, diverse history, equity, testimony, higher education crisis, representation

Summary: The meeting was characterized by impactful discussions focused primarily on education and the representation of diverse histories in Texas's curriculum. Notably, Representative Christina Morales advocated for HB178, a bill aimed at ensuring that all Texas high school students have access to Mexican-American and African-American studies as part of their graduation requirements, moving from elective-only status. This bill garnered support from both sides of the aisle, highlighting a cooperative effort to improve educational equity in Texas. Several representatives shared personal stories reflecting on the importance of inclusive education, showcasing the bill's far-reaching implications for students' sense of identity and history.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, it's voluntary, no mandate, no state program, and no taxpayer cost.
• Again, it's voluntary, no mandate, no state program, and no taxpayer cost.
• I've just, if it's a voluntary program, what prevents employers from doing this anyway without a bill
• , including but not limited to an accumulator adjustment program, maximizer program, or similar benefit
• design that adjusts, reduces, excludes, or... ...program, maximizer program, or similar benefit design

Committee: Senate Insurance

Summary: The Senate Insurance Committee met on May 20, confirmed a quorum, and approved the May 13 minutes. The first bill heard was House Bill 591, which would create the Paid Family Leave Insurance Act as a voluntary private-market insurance option for employers, with no mandate, state program, or taxpayer cost. Senator Bass presented the bill, offered technical amendments, and after brief questions about why the framework was needed, the committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably with amendments. The committee then took up House Bill 76, dealing with coverage for orally administered anti-cancer medications. Representative Amy Freeman and former Representative Julie Stokes explained that the bill updates Louisiana’s oral chemotherapy coverage law, which had not been revised since 2012, and addresses insurer rejection of newer oral cancer drugs. They also explained Amendment Set 4063, which was intended to restore the bill to the proper posture after changes made in the Appropriations Committee and to prohibit copayment adjustment programs such as accumulator or maximizer programs from reducing credit for manufacturer assistance toward deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Senator Bass raised a concern about prior authorization language and possible ERISA litigation, and department staff responded that the bill would not alter ERISA enforceability and that the fiscal note already reflected about $67,000 in OGB costs. After the amendments were adopted, Senator Bass moved to report HB 76 favorably with amendments, and the committee did so without opposition. Senator Carter thanked the bill authors for their advocacy on cancer-related issues and offered to help during the interim. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, it's voluntary, no mandate, no state program, and no taxpayer cost.
• Again, it's voluntary, no mandate, no state program, and no taxpayer cost.
• I've just, if it's a voluntary program, what prevents employers from doing this anyway without a bill
• , including but not limited to an accumulator adjustment program, maximizer program, or similar benefit
• design that adjusts, reduces, excludes, or... ...program, maximizer program, or similar benefit design

Bills: HB591 , HB766

Committee: Senate Insurance

Keywords: family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, cancer treatment, anti-cancer medications, health insurance, copayment, cost-sharing, health policy, 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This just implements what that program does so that we can do the kin-specific licensure.
• Have we seen an increase of people that are now able to be in this program because they are 23?
• Have we seen an increase of people that are now able to be in this program because there are 23?
• Sorry, I have a program manager, Julie Subcheck. Oh, okay. Mr.
• I generally like to introduce, I try to bring a subject matter expert with me from the program whose

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• -- PROGRAMS LIKE $6 MILLION TO CREATE NET ZERO CITIES IN MEXICO.
• This bill serves as a prime example of the Port Infrastructure Program, a bipartisan program that invests
• This bill serves as a prime example of the Port Infrastructure Program, a bipartisan program that invests
• The Port Infrastructure Development Program, a competitive grant program administered by the Maritime
• THE PORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE MARITIME

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 9, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and foremost be a jobs program for the employees.
• This program, which is identical to the tax credit, will be a jobs program for a stand-up.
• Please... ...identical to the tax credit will be a jobs program for a stand-up.
• Now we're seeking to codify that program that was very effective.
• That is how the program is designed to work.

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Summary: The committee heard SB 921, which would create a tax credit to help agricultural employers offset overtime premium costs for farmworkers. Senator Grove and supporters, including farmworkers, the California Farm Bureau, and agricultural groups, argued the bill would restore lost hours and take-home pay after California’s agricultural overtime law reduced schedules. Opponents, including the California Federation of Labor Unions and CRLA Foundation, argued the proposal would subsidize employers with taxpayer dollars and undermine the principle that employers should pay overtime themselves. The bill was held in subcommittee until more members arrived. The committee then took up SB 1083, a cleanup bill to the prior year’s school employee misconduct database law. The author and supporters said it would add due process protections for classified school employees, require an administrative law judge review before placement in the database, and improve notice and vetting rules for contractors and non-permanent staff. School employer groups and other opponents warned the bill could slow investigations and weaken child-safety protections. The committee approved the bill 3-0 and sent it to Senate Appropriations. Members also considered SB 1089, which would require CalPERS health plans to cover GLP-1 medications and expand access through CalRX for chronic weight management and related health conditions. The author and supporters, including the American Diabetes Association and medical groups, said the drugs can prevent diabetes and improve health outcomes but remain unaffordable for many. Pharma representatives expressed concerns about the bill as drafted but said they were open to continued discussions. The bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent calendar 4-0. Later, the committee heard SB 954, which would narrow and add guardrails to last year’s CEQA exemption for advanced manufacturing, including environmental review near disadvantaged communities and labor standards such as prevailing wage and skilled-and-trained workforce requirements. Labor, environmental, and community groups supported the bill as a cleanup of an overly broad exemption, while business and manufacturing groups opposed it, warning it would discourage investment and worsen California’s competitiveness. The bill passed 3-1 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1299, a fire sprinkler fitter certification bill, was heard and passed 3-0 to Appropriations with support from the sprinkler fitters and building trades and no recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program adjustments at...
• The CREP funding is a program that reduces groundwater consumption from irrigated cropland.
• It's a good program. We've saved lots of water. Basically, we're saving some water.
• It's a good program. We've saved lots of water.
• There are programs that aren't going to be built out, and they're in need.

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, and approval of the journal, then moved through committee reports and messages from the Governor and House. Several House bills amended in the Senate were routed back for further action, and a number of new bills were introduced and sent to committee, including measures on kratom, child care, medical education funding, gold and silver investment, campaign finance, stablecoins, and motor vehicle licensing. The chamber also received and processed multiple gubernatorial appointments and enrolled bills. The main floor action focused on a series of appropriation and enhancement bills. Senators debated and passed Senate Bills 1402 through 1409, covering the Department of Juvenile Corrections, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Agriculture, State Public Defender, Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, Idaho State Police, and related budget adjustments. Debate centered on whether the enhancement budgets were necessary amid broader rescissions and revenue concerns; supporters emphasized operational needs, replacement items, staffing, and public safety, while some senators objected to new federal funds or to restoring spending after cuts. Most of these bills passed on recorded votes, with a few dissenting votes from senators arguing for deeper reductions. The Senate also passed House Bills 905, 906, 907, 908, 715, 742, and 658. These measures addressed higher education and community college funding, career technical education, military division funding, library board authority in city libraries, electronic vehicle titles, and cemetery district vacancy procedures. Debate on the education bills focused on the impact of budget cuts and whether the one-time restorations were sufficient, while the library bill drew a split between supporters of local elected oversight and opponents who warned against politicizing library decisions. The cemetery district bill was presented as a practical fix for governance failures at Joplin Cemetery and similar districts. In the 10th order, the Senate adopted House Joint Memorials 14, 16, and 13. HJM 14 urged future water storage development, HJM 16 supported seniors and Medicare-related oversight, and HJM 13 asked federal agencies to align waters-of-the-United States policy with the Sackett decision. The Senate then continued with additional third-reading bills, including House Bill 573, as the session moved toward recess and further floor work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendments five through nine rename the Talent Accelerator Program.
• And amendments number 12 and 17 also rename the Talent Accelerator Program.
• And then the workforce programs have gone over to Louisiana Works.
• We want to keep these programs.
• We want to keep these programs going.

Summary: The committee first handled House Bill 232 by Rep. Carlson, which would shift the process for minors’ employment certificates away from schools and school boards and instead have Louisiana Works create and collect the forms directly from employers. An amendment set was adopted to update the title, revise a section heading, add a collection procedure, and make the bill effective upon the governor’s signature. Carlson and supporters, including members of the Legislative Youth Advisory Council, said the change would reduce burdens on schools, make it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to enter the workforce, and better fit summer hiring. The secretary said the department could move quickly to notify schools and employers. The bill was reported with amendments. The committee then took up House Bill 951 by Rep. Bamberg, which creates an Office of the Talent Accelerator within Louisiana Works and a business workforce committee to coordinate employer-facing workforce services. After adopting a large amendment set, Bamberg and Secretary Schowan said the office would help Louisiana respond more quickly to business needs, especially as major economic development projects create demand for skilled labor. Supporters from Leaders for a Better Louisiana and Bollinger Shipyards described similar results in Mississippi’s centralized workforce model and said employers need a one-stop, regional approach to training and recruitment. Members discussed needs in welding, electrical, HVAC, data centers, and other sectors. The bill was reported with amendments. House Bill 923 by Rep. Barrault, a technical cleanup bill related to the reorganization of Louisiana Works and related workforce and social service statutes, was then amended and reported with amendments. Finally, House Bill 301 by Rep. Weibel, which would create a voluntary portable benefits framework for independent contractors and gig workers, drew the most debate. Supporters said it would let contractors and hiring entities voluntarily contribute to portable benefit accounts for health, retirement, and similar needs, with examples from other states and the gig economy. Opponents from labor and injured workers argued it could encourage misclassification, weaken workers’ compensation protections, and shift costs to workers and the state. The discussion continued with questions about who would benefit and how the bill would interact with existing contractor law and protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have four program sites. We have 20 community group homes.
• For day treatment programs, on an average weekly basis, we had 867 people waiting for service.
• How does this specifically—you're speaking to the Can Do program, are you not?
• I'm just curious, what is exactly the issue that it would affect the Can Do program?
• The issue that it would affect the Can Do program is that there's a very narrow time frame.

Committee: Senate Senate Health and Human Services COR

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills and public testimony, beginning with introductions and then taking up several health and human services measures. A major focus was SB 1120 and SB 1121, which address radiation protection in cardiac catheterization and other ionizing-radiation procedure rooms. SB 1120 would require health care facilities to equip at least 50% of procedure rooms with radiation protection systems by July 1, 2027, while SB 1121 would prohibit requiring lead aprons in rooms with such systems and instead require real-time dosimeters for staff who opt out of lead aprons. Physicians, nurses, and a hospital executive testified that enhanced radiation protection systems can dramatically reduce occupational exposure, lower cancer and orthopedic risks, and help with workforce recruitment and retention; a hospital alliance remained neutral pending further stakeholder discussions. Both bills were amended and passed out of committee on 7-0 votes, and SB 1118, which appropriates state funds for a rural hospital grant program to install radiation protection systems, also passed 7-0. The committee also approved SB 1001, which appropriates $1 million to the Department of Economic Security for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, after testimony from blind and low-vision Arizonans and advocates describing long waitlists, the need for independent living training, and the program’s role in preventing unnecessary dependence. SB 1072, a major funding bill for home- and community-based services and room-and-board rate increases for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, drew testimony from providers about severe staffing shortages, overtime, turnover, and underfunding; it passed 6-0 with one not voting. SB 1125, requiring DCS to pursue MOUs with tribes and improve tribal communication and access to licensing and enforcement information, also passed 6-0 with one not voting. The committee then considered SB 1123, which removes a board-certification requirement so trained forensic pathologists can supervise autopsy training for residents and fellows; Maricopa County supported it as a workforce and training fix, and it passed 6-0 with one not voting. SB 1052, allowing mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy in assisted living facilities under physician order and DHS rules, generated mixed testimony: supporters argued it could improve health and independence for residents, while opponents raised concerns about off-label treatment in nonmedical settings. The bill passed 5-2. SB 1112, which reduces the number of acquaintance witnesses required in court-ordered treatment proceedings from two to one and allows the court to waive the witness requirement under certain conditions, drew strong testimony from families and mental health advocates on both sides; it passed 5-2. The committee also began hearing SB 1113, which would allow certain service of process in court-ordered evaluation and treatment cases by evaluation-agency employees or other court-authorized persons, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, to participate in this program, states must first make an election to be part of the program and
• . participate in this program, states must participate in this program, states must first<00:47:53.839
• 15.920><c> years</c><00:48:16.560><c> after</c> program begins with tax years after program begins with
• Uh we have really there's program fraud.
• </c> before, it's taken away from programs before, it's taken away from programs that<01:54:58.239><c

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are into our 247 programming.
• So they do have an art program.
• > to</c><01:03:01.280><c> earn</c><01:03:01.440><c> a</c> program or vocational program to earn a program
• </c> psychiatry residency programs. psychiatry residency programs.
• So to qualify for free and program.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the October 22, 2025 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel on accidental ingestion of illegal drug products by children. Panel members said pediatric ingestions have become the most common case type they review, with the highest-risk children ages one to four, and that fatal cases have increased in recent years. They reported that the substances most often involved are fentanyl, cannabinoids including THC products, methamphetamine, and increasingly xylazine; they also noted a decline in buprenorphine-related ingestions, which they viewed as a positive trend. The panel used several case examples to highlight recurring problems in investigations and medical response, including delayed DCBS involvement, failure to administer Narcan, inadequate drug testing, lack of child abuse team involvement, and limited or absent law enforcement investigation. They said law enforcement issues are especially common in pediatric ingestion cases and are concentrated in Jefferson County and the Bluegrass/KIPA regions. One example involved a one-year-old who died from fentanyl and Benadryl intoxication; another involved a two-year-old who died after ingesting multiple substances; and a third involved a four-year-old with near-fatal THC gummy ingestion where delayed treatment worsened the child’s condition. They also described a 10-month-old THC ingestion case that resulted in a criminal abuse conviction, which they presented as an example without missed investigative opportunities. Committee members discussed possible policy responses, including creating a more specific criminal child abuse offense or clarifying existing abuse and neglect definitions to cover unsafe access to illegal drugs, while preserving room for true accidents and prescribed medications. Members also raised the need for statewide standardization in reporting, investigation, and medical response, and suggested the panel should be able to call in agencies such as law enforcement, DCBS, judges, and hospitals for closed-session review of selected cases. The panel chair said they were already pursuing meetings with LMPD and would provide Jefferson County-specific breakdowns, and members expressed interest in additional data and agency follow-up before considering legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:35.919><c> or</c> along, but means educational programs or along, but means educational programs
• and mentorship program.
• But my question segs off of Representative Payne. program. But certainly finding qualified program.
• </c> using the program Lexia. using the program Lexia.
• computerized program.

Committee: Joint Education

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> The senior companion program was funded. The senior companion program was funded.
• So, my amendment really does program.
• </c> the retired uh senior volunteer program the retired uh senior volunteer program uh<00:29:03.919>
• /c><00:31:07.679><c> and</c> existing federally funded program and existing federally funded program
• </c><00:52:47.520><c> If</c> through other treatment programs. If through other treatment programs.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened with routine announcements, including new and absent members, a tribute to former chair Rep. Jess Edwards, and an explanation that Division 3 is advisory and will make recommendations to full Finance. Chair Mooney also distributed a self-created index to the budget binder and reviewed the committee’s options under House Rule 45. Members discussed scheduling a future visit to the Veterans Home in Tilton, with several October dates unavailable, and the chair said she would circulate possible dates. The committee also reviewed the second-year budget context and sources of funding, including surplus monies, existing and new revenue streams, grants, reappropriations, and the rainy day fund. The committee then took up several retained bills and repeatedly heard that their substance had already been addressed in the budget. House Bill 519, funding the Waypoint Youth and Young Adult Shelter, was moved ITL and passed 10-0. House Bill 547, county reimbursement funds, was also moved ITL and passed 10-0 after members noted the reimbursement had been included in HB 2. House Bill 570, repealing the prescription drug affordability board, was moved ITL and passed 10-0, with minority members saying they still believed the board had value but acknowledging the repeal had already occurred in HB 2. House Bill 704, concerning caregiver respite and senior volunteer programs, received the most discussion. Mr. Ripple explained that most items were already funded or suspended in the budget, leaving only the senior volunteer grant program unfunded. Chair Mooney offered amendment 2963H to fund the RSVP program at $180,000 for one year, contingent on surplus funds, and DHHS witnesses explained that RSVP is a federally funded AmeriCorps program that would be added to existing state licensing structures. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was reported ought to pass as amended on a 10-0 vote. The committee then heard House Bill 751, which would require licensure of outpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities and create an ombudsman-related complaint process. DHHS witnesses said the bill had been narrowed substantially from an earlier certification model with multiple positions and IT costs to a licensing model using existing department infrastructure, reducing the fiscal note to $211,000 for one position. They also said the ombudsman section was no longer needed because licensed facilities would fall under existing oversight. Members questioned how many facilities exist and whether licensing fees would cover costs; DHHS said it did not know the full provider landscape and that licensing revenue across the board does not cover the department’s costs. Rep. Daniels then proposed amendment 2964H to form a study committee because of the remaining questions and lack of a clear revenue stream, and the committee was still discussing that amendment when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• program in Hartford, Connecticut.
• and mental health literacy in schools and after-school programs, with a grant program for those and
• </c><00:14:27.360><c> and</c> um youth mental health programming and um youth mental health programming
• , with a grant after-school programs, with a grant program<00:14:32.560><c> for</c><00:14:32.720><c>
• for those and opportunities for program for those and opportunities for structured<00:14:35.120><c>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> uh buildings program. uh buildings program.
• That is why the governor's plan invests $13 million in water infrastructure programs for wastewater,
• for people who are programming for people who are incarcerated. incarcerated. incarcerated.
• So the governor recommends repurposing these funds for other investments in domiciliary programs.
• at for the uh domiciliary program at Hastings<00:12:53.760><c> Veterans</c><00:12:54.240><c> Home.

Keywords: 1183, house