Transcript Highlights:

• And of course, in this context of this church, I don't think this was a direction we would go just because
• So HB 152, and directs tax to publish voluntary best management practices for dog breeders.
• I are standards of care.
• And and the lack of care for these these little 2 things that, you know, we all love so dearly and I
• They're looking at opportunities to do that, whether it's direct and skip the dealer or things like that

Transcript Highlights:

• There were many people who believe that Washington State's housing crisis is a direct result of state
• Washington State's housing crisis is the direct result of state government, new taxes, new regulations
• filed, there will actually be greater expense on this process than what we are doing the opposite direction
• And House Bill 2402 will be re-referred from the Environment and Energy Committee to the Health Care
• And House Bill 2402 will be re-refered from the Environment and Energy Committee to the Health Care and

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer, approved the prior day’s minutes, and announced caucuses before moving through introductions, committee reports, and second reading bills. The chamber considered three bills on second reading: HB 1175, allowing small business establishments in residential zones; HB 1376, allowing voluntary prepayment of capital gains tax up to six months early; and HB 1500, concerning resale certificates for units in common interest communities. HB 1175 received Amendment 1461, which added a population-estimate reference for small communities, and then passed 94-2. HB 1376 passed 97-0 after supporters said it would let taxpayers capture a federal deduction by paying earlier, while still preserving state revenue. HB 1500 received a technical striking amendment updating condo-law language and then passed 85-12; supporters said it would improve access to complete resale certificates for condo sales, while some members raised concerns about added regulation and costs. The House then took up third reading bills. Substitute HB 1302, which would let local governments waive utility connection charges for certain green technology or industrial symbiosis projects, passed 76-21 after supporters emphasized environmental benefits and opponents warned it could shift costs to other ratepayers. HB 1796, allowing school districts to bond against capital levy collections to speed projects and reduce inflationary costs, passed 78-19; supporters said it would save taxpayers money and help districts complete needed construction sooner, while opponents argued it could bypass voter intent and increase indebtedness without renewed approval. Finally, Substitute HB 1980 was returned to second reading for a striking amendment, which was adopted, and then passed 97-0. Supporters described it as a pilot program to help employers and transit agencies work together to move workers more efficiently in congested areas, using existing transit/HOV infrastructure. The House also re-referred HJM 4010 and HB 2402 to different committees, then adjourned until the following Friday morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> it and make sure he took care of you. it and make sure he took care of you.
• Hospitals in rural communities are shutting down maternity care units and laying off health care workers
• The $1 trillion in health care cuts will compound over time, devastating the health care safety net in
• </c><02:35:51.840><c> hit</c> survival necessity that is a direct hit survival necessity that is a direct
• </c> We passed the first free child care We passed the first free child care policy<02:47:53.120><c>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> a good Motion in the right direction a good Motion in the right direction thank<00:20:56.679><c>
• It doesn't cover lawn care, and it doesn't cover snow removal for our lots.
• It doesn't cover lawn care, and it doesn't cover snow removal for our lots.
• It doesn't cover lawn care, and it doesn't cover snow removal for our lots.
• And I have been to a manufactured park in my city, and these homes are cared for and loved.

Bills: HF1143, HF1548, HF1340, HF2549, HF2559, HF1673, HF2740, HF2507, HF2461, HF2381, HF2695

Committee: Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: education funding, unemployment aid, special education, Minnesota statutes, appropriations, housing, redevelopment, local government, trust funds, community development, HF1340, housing infrastructure bonds, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, MHFA, affordable housing, supportive housing, permanent housing, adaptive reuse, area median income, AMI

Transcript Highlights:

• , those are a direct benefit or direct cost to the project.
• We look at direct.
• can only include direct benefits.
• And we've got to take care of ourselves, too. We've got to take care of ourselves, too.
• It's a hard thing to kind of take care of, right?

Committee: Agriculture and Water Management Committee

Summary: The committee met for its third interim meeting, approved the prior meeting minutes, and heard a series of statutory reports from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Water Resources. Chair Hauck noted that Legislative Management had denied the committee’s earlier request for a fertilizer capacity study, and that the committee would also revisit the proposed Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger later in the day. Commissioner Doug Goring reported on several agriculture topics, including uncrewed aerial systems grants to detect noxious weeds, irrigation expansion potential, the low-carbon fuels program for ethanol plants, the Environmental Impact Mitigation Fund, model zoning ordinances for animal feeding operations, and fertilizer production and usage in North Dakota. He emphasized that fertilizer supply depends heavily on natural gas and water, that most nitrogen fertilizer is imported, and that large-scale fertilizer plants require very large capital investments. Members discussed fertilizer storage, natural gas pipeline capacity, water availability, and the role of state infrastructure in supporting value-added agriculture. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Department of Water Resources’ economic analysis tool for water conveyance and flood-related projects. Dr. Dwayne Poole explained that the tool was created under 2017 legislation to help evaluate projects expected to cost $1 million or more, and that the department is proposing adjustments to better account for end-of-useful-life conditions and changing hydrologic data. He said the changes would remain focused on direct, demonstrable costs and benefits, not indirect impacts, and would be implemented through guidance and operating procedures rather than statutory changes. Committee members and water users discussed whether the revisions would better reflect real-world conditions, including deferred maintenance, changing rainfall patterns, and downstream effects. A representative from the Water Resource District Association said the group was working with DWR and hoped to review test scenarios before the June meeting. The committee then received a detailed presentation on Devils Lake, its outlets, and the Tolna Coulee control structure. State Engineer John Paskowski reviewed lake history, outlet capacities, sulfate and downstream flow constraints, and the purpose of the Tolna Coulee structure in limiting head cutting and preventing uncontrolled downstream releases. Members questioned whether the structure was effectively a dam, whether the lake would naturally overflow without it, the last time the outlets ran, and whether water quality in Devils Lake has improved over time. Paskowski said the outlets last operated in August 2025, that sulfate levels still limit operations, and that the lake has freshened somewhat but not enough to eliminate water-quality concerns. The discussion also touched on whether water from flooded areas or closed-basin systems could be reused for irrigation, and on the broader implications of wet cycles, inundated land, and drainage management across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• And be it further resolved that the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution
• to send a Secretary of State be directed to send a copy<00:08:16.160><c> of</c><00:08:16.280><c> this
• And be it further resolved that the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution
• Everything direct collected will wipes.
• , health care worker safety, nursing workforce development, and a healthy environment.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, the legislation directs the State Department of Agriculture to develop a statewide food security
• For background, in 2024 the legislature directed the State Department of Agriculture to convene a work
• They're both directing the state to ignore treaty fishing rights. So we have never abided by them.
• It directs the WSDA to develop this comprehensive... ...resilience.
• It directs the WSDA to develop this comprehensive and much-needed strategy and to recommend measures

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on several House bills. ESHB 2238 would require the Department of Agriculture to develop a statewide food security strategy, monitor food system performance, and report on agricultural regulatory costs and competitiveness; the sponsor and many stakeholders from agriculture, food banks, school nutrition, counties, and advocacy groups supported it as a coordinated response to food insecurity and farm viability, while one requested amendment was addressed on the House floor. HB 2199 would expand the derelict vessel removal program by changing the definition of derelict vessel to allow earlier intervention when vessels are unregistered for two annual periods; ports, local officials, and environmental advocates testified in support, and the bill had no fiscal impact noted. HB 2104 would remove the sunset from the Aviation Assurance Funding Program for wildland fire response, with support from fire chiefs and the sponsor emphasizing its value for rapid initial attack and cost savings. HB 2554 would repeal statutes from Initiative 456 that conflict with treaty fishing rights; the Attorney General’s Office, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the sponsor supported repeal as necessary to remove unenforceable anti-tribal language, while testimony comments showed substantial opposition. HB 2619 would create a legislative task force to review regulatory stress in agriculture and recommend changes; the sponsor linked it to farmer mental health and suicide prevention, and there was no public testimony. HB 2343 would require public game farms operated by Fish and Wildlife to obtain water discharge permits and meet manure/runoff controls; staff noted it would apply to the known public facility and carry modest compliance costs, with no public testimony. The committee also unanimously waived the five-day notice rule for HB 2104, 2554, 2619, and 2343, and closed the hearings without taking final votes, planning to consider all six bills in executive session at a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here simply because I care about my city.
• I believe Miami Beach would benefit from an operational... ...simply because I care about my city.
• I won't even consider filing it because it's not actually going to direct support.
• Fourteen of the districts lacked mechanisms required for their clear strategic direction.
• Any questions before we consider a motion to direct staff to send a letter to the delegation?

Summary: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee met to consider several audit requests and enforcement items related to local government accountability. The committee heard requests for operational audits of the City of Miami Beach, the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, and the City of Daytona Beach. In each case, the requesting member cited concerns about transparency, financial management, or compliance with state law. Representatives from Delray Beach DDA testified that an internal audit had already been completed, that findings were limited, and that they were working to cure issues such as procurement, credit card, and disbursement policies; the DDA chair also said the organization was willing to cooperate and was considering transitioning out of operating Old School Square. For Daytona Beach, the sponsor pointed to excess building permit revenues, vehicle purchases, and reported P-card irregularities as reasons for a broader audit. The committee approved all three audit requests, directing the Auditor General to finalize the scope while considering the stated concerns. The committee also received a presentation on the statewide performance reviews of 21 neighborhood improvement districts. The reviewers reported that 15 districts were active and six inactive, with common issues including outdated or missing performance plans, weak web presence, inadequate meeting notices, and limited management mechanisms. They said staffing levels often correlated with the ability to meet statutory requirements, and recommended that several districts be reviewed to determine whether they were still needed. Members asked about staffing, inactivity criteria, and how the districts were administered, and staff explained that city or county liaisons often supplement district staffing. Later, staff reviewed enforcement actions for local governments that failed to file required financial reports or omitted required information from submitted audits. The committee discussed a list of noncompliant counties, municipalities, and special districts, including the town of Rayford, which staff said had long-standing reporting problems, no apparent municipal services, and no response to repeated outreach. The committee voted to send a letter to the Union County legislative delegation encouraging a local bill to dissolve Rayford. It also approved staff recommendations to proceed against entities still missing required filings or missing audit information, with authority for the chair and vice chair to delay action if additional information is later provided in good faith.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I'm happy we're moving in this direction.
• So, I'm happy we're moving in this direction. Further discussion.
• </c> moving in this direction. moving in this direction. Thank<00:19:19.840><c> you.
• </c><02:29:09.120><c> law</c> enforcement and it will direct law enforcement and it will direct law enforcement
• So, I don't care if it's police report.

Committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we're also looking at shared accountability for the total cost and quality of care.
• and who does the delivery, then who does the postpartum care, the continuum of that.
• down to our halfway house level of care to support the To our halfway house level of care to support
• It talks about what SEPI is, what it does, CAPTA, building a family care plan.
• Innovations in Maternal Behavioral Health Care, Mitigating Risk and Optimizing Wellness.

Keywords: 962, all

Summary: The meeting focused on maternal health and behavioral health services for pregnant and postpartum people in Connecticut. Dr. Fatmata Williams of DSS gave an update on the Husky maternity payment bundle, explaining that it was created in response to worsening maternal and neonatal outcomes and racial disparities. She said the bundle, launched in 2025, shifts payment away from fee-for-service toward prospective case rates, quality measures, and shared savings, while covering services such as doulas and maintaining access to behavioral health and other non-pregnancy-related care outside the bundle. She noted 26 maternity practices are participating, quarterly quality reports have been distributed, reconciliation is planned for 2026, and DSS is considering refinements such as adding newborns, revisiting shared losses, and possibly expanding to FQHCs after further stakeholder review. Shelly Nolan of DMHAS then described the state’s women’s services and recovery continuum, including pregnant and parenting treatment programs, women’s recovery support programs, community transition support with rent subsidies, the Proud program, REACH navigation, recovery houses, and outpatient services. She emphasized that many programs are under capacity and that DMHAS uses a no-wrong-door approach, real-time bed availability, technical assistance, and training to improve access. She also reviewed initiatives tied to substance-exposed pregnancies and safe sleep, secure storage, naloxone distribution, reproductive health integration, breastfeeding support, and upcoming conferences and trainings. She said the department works closely with DCF and community partners to reduce stigma and improve family-centered care. Beth Garrigan presented on the Access Mental Health and Substance Use for Moms program, a statewide consultation service for providers serving pregnant and postpartum individuals up to 12 months after delivery. She said the program offers real-time psychiatric consultation, referral support, and one-time face-to-face assessments, and has provided more than 4,300 consultations and resource/referral support to over 700 individuals since 2022. Members and legislators praised the service and discussed how it helps providers connect patients to care, follow up on referrals, and address barriers such as fit, stigma, and workflow. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with plans for the next meeting on June 8 and a request for Dr. Williams’ slides to be posted online.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Barbieri then asked about President Trump's recent directive that corporations should
• Representative Barbieri then asked about President Trump's recent directive that corporations should
• The remaining funds would be taken care of by JFAC over time through appropriations.
• So they have the body still in a direct line to the governor. And so that does that.
• The body still in a direct line to the governor.

Summary: The House Revenue and Taxation Committee met on March 5, 2026, and first reordered its agenda to move RS 33471 to the end. The committee then introduced RS 33580, a proposal from Rep. Charlie Shepard concerning sales tax “sales price,” which he described as a fix for a recent Tax Commission practice of going back several years to tax and penalize businesses that had followed longstanding practice. The motion to introduce the RS passed without opposition. The committee next heard House Bill 760 from Rep. John Weber, which would create an optional county property tax exemption for workforce and affordable housing projects. Testimony from Dominium’s Austin Vanderhaden explained that the bill would allow Idaho-based nonprofit and for-profit partnerships, require rents at or below 60% of area median income, require annual county certification, and leave the exemption entirely to county discretion. Supporters from the Boise Metro Chamber, Idaho Realtors, and the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry said the bill would help address housing shortages, support employers and workers, and provide a local tool for communities. The committee voted to send HB 760 to the floor with a due pass recommendation; Representatives Monks, Ehlers, and Razor requested to be recorded as voting no. Finally, the committee considered RS 33471 from Rep. Jeff Ehlers, a DOGE Task Force recommendation to phase out general state funding for the Commission on Hispanic Affairs beginning July 1, 2028, while leaving the commission intact and shifting it toward private funding. Members debated whether the proposal would undermine the commission’s mission and whether it was appropriate to remove the commission from a list of charitable contribution options in the tax code. A substitute motion to return the RS to the sponsor failed, and the original motion to introduce the RS passed, with Representatives Birch and Gannon recorded as no votes. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think what this, and my question for you is, what I see in this bill as amended, is a directive to
• And with health care experience, one of the things I always tell folks to shy away from is direct comparisons
• From a health care perspective, we have more than everybody else except for Texas and California.
• One of the provisions in this bill that I particularly like is that directive to the PSC to consider
• The intent of the bill is to direct the commission to justify their decisions and to explain how they

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up four bills. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was presented as a negotiated glitch bill to narrow statutory language so co-ops can choose generation and power purchases based on cost and reliability without exposure to special-interest litigation, while preserving consumer protections. A representative from the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 364 on public accountancy, which was described as a modernization and efficiency measure to expand CPA licensure pathways without lowering standards. An amendment correcting a drafting error and restoring automatic mobility language was adopted without objection. Jason Harrell of FICPA waived in support, while one speaker appeared to discuss a utility issue unrelated to the bill. CS for SB 364 was reported favorably. Chair Bradley’s SB 200 on utilities addressed utility-scale solar decommissioning and storm protection plans. The bill would authorize counties to adopt solar decommissioning ordinances, direct DEP to develop best practices, and require the PSC to consider whether storm protection plan benefits exceed costs. County and AARP representatives waived in support, and the Small County Coalition spoke favorably, saying the bill was a needed step that did not restrict solar development. SB 200 was considered favorably. The committee also heard SB 126 on the Florida Public Service Commission, a strike-all bill focused on PSC reform and utility affordability. The amendment would add CPA and financial analyst expertise, require stronger PSC order support, tighten intervention standards, set return-on-equity and review criteria, require consideration of executive compensation and affordability, and direct the PSC to weigh risk from storm and cost-recovery mechanisms. PSC staff answered extensive questions about utility hardening, storm recovery, and rate-setting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and affordability, while others urged stronger enforceable affordability standards and restoration of the return-on-equity cap. Despite concerns, the bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 126.

Transcript Highlights:

• That said, there's sort of a long-term state policy direction to us.
• So how effective is that in producing positive outcomes and pushing us in the direction that we want
• And so we're very supportive of moving in a direction that will help us do this.
• That includes, you know, whether it's basic needs or child care.
• instruction or direct student support services on campuses.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I have no direct authority over them, only in an advisory capacity.
• So I have no direct authority over them only in an advisory capacity.
• And again, research translates into direct economic outcomes, direct economic activity for our farmers
• And again, research translates into direct economic outcomes, direct economic activity for our farmers
• And he has been helpful and given me some direction there.

Committee: Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and welcomed a new member, then took up a series of agriculture-related bills, many focused on Louisiana seafood and producer protections. HB 121 by Rep. Domain would let the Department of Agriculture and Forestry seize and destroy adulterated imported seafood after a stop order, rather than relying on another agency to do it; the commissioner said the bill would improve enforcement without adding major cost, and it was reported favorably. HB 725, also by Rep. Domain, was amended to require retailers to keep invoices for imported seafood for six months so inspectors can verify country of origin and labeling; the committee adopted the technical amendment and reported the bill favorably. HB 367, dealing with Structural Pest Control Commission hearing notices, was described as a technical change to align notice procedures with the Administrative Procedure Act and was also reported favorably. HB 505, on certification cards for commercial applicators, pesticide salespersons, and agricultural consultants, was amended to keep unexpended pesticide fund money in the fund and streamline renewal timing; it too passed favorably. The committee then considered several measures aimed at protecting farmers from market losses. HB 344 by Rep. Coates raised the Grain and Cotton Indemnity Fund thresholds for suspending and restarting assessments, with the commissioner explaining that recent bankruptcies and broker failures had shown the need for a larger reserve; the bill was reported favorably. HB 370, a follow-up measure on the same fund, increased the assessment rate on agricultural commodities so the fund could grow faster, and it also passed without objection. HB 847, on Soil and Water Conservation Commission district supervisor elections, was amended to require certified nominating petitions, shift election administration to the Secretary of State, and remove outdated statewide election language; supporters said the change would modernize a system that had become costly and unwieldy, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 370 and HB 847 drew discussion about ballot access, election administration, and the nonpartisan nature of soil and water districts. The meeting also included a lengthy agriculture update from Commissioner Strain and a presentation from LSU Ag Center Dean Matt Lee. Strain discussed seafood imports, labeling enforcement, shrimp industry promotion, feral swine damage, fertilizer and diesel cost pressures, pesticide disposal, and export markets for rice and timber, emphasizing that Louisiana agriculture depends on testing, marketing, and international trade. Lee reported that LSU Ag Center research is ranked among the nation’s top agricultural programs, with major work in sugarcane variety development, and said the center’s research generates substantial economic returns for Louisiana producers. Several industry representatives, including Louisiana Farm Bureau and LSU Ag Center staff, spoke in support of the bills and the state’s agricultural programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• all and stakeholders across this state to implement that legislative direction.
• And it seems that this is moving in the opposite direction.
• But AB 1207 rightly directed CARB to go back and set those based on, you know, rightly directed CARB
• I mean, that is the direct tradeoff: we have a finite number of allowances.
• The proposed amendments represent small but necessary steps in the right direction.

Committee: Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies

Summary: The committee heard an overview of CARB’s proposed amendments to California’s Cap-and-Invest program, implemented under AB 1207 and SB 840 after last year’s reauthorization through 2045. CARB said the draft rule changes are intended to support affordability, market certainty, and the state’s 2030 and 2045 climate targets, while also addressing offsets, utility allowance transfers, leakage protections for industry, and post-2030 allowance budgets. Members emphasized the importance of completing the rulemaking on schedule this spring so the changes can take effect by September 1, 2026. A major focus was how allowances are allocated among electric utilities, natural gas utilities, industry, and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. CARB explained that the proposal transfers natural gas utility allowances to electric utilities over time to support electrification and ratepayer protection, while maintaining free allowances for industry to reduce leakage risk and preserve in-state manufacturing and refining. Several members and panelists questioned whether the proposed utility changes could raise rates, whether the transition from gas to electric credits should happen faster, and whether the industrial allocation changes reduce climate credit and GGRF revenues more than necessary. CARB and panelists said they were open to additional data and comments, and noted that the proposal is still in public comment. The committee also discussed carbon capture, carbon removal, and refining. Members asked CARB to ensure that CCUS and CDR are clearly recognized as viable compliance pathways and to keep SB 905 rulemaking on track. On refining, members raised concerns about imported gasoline, leakage, and the need for better data on the carbon intensity of imported fuels; CARB said cap-and-invest applies to fuel suppliers at the rack, while life-cycle accounting issues are handled more through the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and related modeling. CARB said it is continuing technical work on those data tools. In the second panel, the LAO, IEMAC, EDF, and SCAPA representatives generally agreed that the program faces real tradeoffs between affordability, ambition, and leakage protection. The LAO and IEMAC stressed that the Legislature should scrutinize how CARB divides the allowance “pie,” since more free allocations to utilities or industry mean less revenue for GGRF. EDF argued the program could be somewhat more ambitious in the near term without harming affordability, while SCAPA said the proposal would reduce allowances for publicly owned utilities and could undermine early decarbonization investments and ratepayer benefits. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• care ecosystem.
• Care that is delayed is care that is denied.
• And the ratios have different requirements, whether it's care in the ER, care in the NICU, or care in
• And the ratios have different requirements, whether it's care in the ER, care in the NICU, or care in
• health care outcomes.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on health care access, oversight, and affordability. The first major item was SB 306 by Senator Becker, a prior authorization reform bill. Becker and supporters, including the California Medical Association and California Hospital Association, argued that prior authorization delays care, adds administrative burden, and can lead to serious patient harm. The bill was substantially amended late in the process to have DMHC and CDI identify services and drugs to exempt from prior authorization based on utilization data, with safeguards for fraud, waste, abuse, and patient safety. Health plans and insurers opposed the measure as written, saying prior authorization remains an important utilization-management tool and raising concerns about the 90% threshold, drug inclusion, and how modifications are counted. The committee also heard SB 35 by Senator Umberg, which would let cities or counties inspect unlicensed sober living homes if DHCS does not act promptly on complaints. Supporters said the bill would address weak enforcement and protect residents, while one behavioral health directors group opposed it unless amended. Members generally supported the measure, citing problems with unlicensed facilities and the need for local enforcement backup. The committee then heard SB 62, which would codify California’s updated essential health benefits benchmark if approved by the federal government. Senator Wiener said the package would add hearing aids, durable medical equipment, and infertility treatment including IVF, acknowledging that premiums could rise but arguing the benefits were worth it. Health Access California and other advocates supported the bill, while the California Family Council opposed it. The committee also took up SB 596 by Senator Menjivar, which would tighten the rules for hospitals claiming an on-call list as a defense to nurse staffing ratio penalties. Supporters, including nurses and SEIU, said hospitals have used vague or ineffective on-call practices to avoid accountability and that the bill would improve enforcement and patient safety. Hospital groups opposed it, arguing that staffing is highly dynamic, that hospitals need flexibility to manage acuity and emergencies, and that the bill could increase costs and interfere with collective bargaining arrangements. Finally, the committee heard SB 40 by Senator Wiener, the Insulin Affordability Act, which would cap insulin copays at $35 for a 30-day supply and restrict step therapy unless a plan covers at least one insulin in each drug type. Supporters, including physicians, diabetes advocates, nurses, students, and patient groups, said insulin is life-saving and too often unaffordable, forcing patients to ration or choose between medication and basic needs. There was no formal opposition testimony, though one member questioned why insulin remains so expensive. The committee also began discussion of SB 363, but the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full presentation or any action on the measures. No votes are recorded in the portion provided, and several bills were noted as consent items earlier in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last October, my mom entered hospice care, and I knew she didn't have much time left.
• I couldn't afford to take many days off, so my sisters took care of her without me.
• so in in uh in legislature directed so in in uh in summary<00:36:02.040><c> we</c><00:36:02.160><c>
• </c> bold new steps in the right direction bold new steps in the right direction for<00:45:17.480><c>
• </c> that HF 877 is moving in a direction that HF 877 is moving in a direction Palante<01:47:08.960><

Bills: HF957, HF877

Committee: Education Finance

Keywords: education, mandate relief, school funding, local control, state laws, fund transfers, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> underground storage tanks taken care of. underground storage tanks taken care of.
• </c> very careful as to the financial impact. very careful as to the financial impact.
• </c> would slam the door in either direction. would slam the door in either direction.
• supposed to direct directed us how we're supposed to direct that<01:30:40.440><c> proxy</c><01:30:40.920
• </c> those direct market uh purchases. those direct market uh purchases.

Committee: Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Employers across the state are reporting persistent and growing shortages, especially in health care,
• Health care apprenticeships alone have grown by over 400%, and manufacturing by more than 470%.
• As mentioned, education and health care are leading the pathways in growth, as you can see there.
• County's Justice Care Opportunities Department.
• It's having someone there that lets you know, you know, we care about you. You're important.

Summary: The hearing opened the Select Committee on Effective Postsecondary Career, Technical Education, and Workforce Development Programs at Santa Ana College, with Assemblymember Mike Fong emphasizing the need for affordable, accelerated pathways into high-demand careers and noting his bill AB 1098 creating the California Interagency Education Council. Chancellor Marvin Martinez welcomed the committee and urged changes to AB 927 to remove the “duplication” barrier for community college bachelor’s degrees, arguing that applied baccalaureate programs can lead to high-wage jobs and expand access for low- and middle-income students. The first panel focused on statewide workforce trends and policy. California Community Colleges Vice Chancellor Anthony Cordova highlighted credit for prior learning, Strong Workforce funding, dual enrollment, and apprenticeship growth, asking the Legislature to restore and increase Strong Workforce funding and expand applied baccalaureate degrees. LAEDC’s Josep Bilayo described regional labor market data showing growth in health care, education, construction, bioscience, and clean energy, while stressing the need for employer-led, data-driven programs, wraparound supports, and flexible funding. Andrew Gonzalez of the Building and Construction Trades Council argued that registered apprenticeship must be paid, combine classroom and on-the-job training, and end in a portable credential; he also promoted apprenticeship readiness programs, community workforce agreements, and stronger exposure to trades starting in K-12. Eric Morrison Smith of the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color discussed the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Grant Program and related youth apprenticeship recommendations, including bridge programs, intermediary infrastructure, reduced employer barriers, and better coordination of state funding. A later panel highlighted Santa Ana College’s fire technology and firefighting academy programs. President Annabelle Neri and Vice President Jeffrey Lamb said the college is one of the state’s largest fire training providers, with strong partnerships with local fire agencies, law enforcement, and the U.S. Forest Service, and with high job placement and six-figure starting salaries for some graduates. They also described related certificates, advanced officer training, wellness services, and workforce preparation such as mock interviews and sponsorships. Throughout the hearing, members and panelists repeatedly stressed the importance of aligning education with labor market demand, expanding apprenticeships and work-based learning, and using regional collaboration to connect students to living-wage careers.

Transcript Highlights:

• where care is too often out of reach.
• I don't care about your race, your creed, your color, your gender. I don't care.
• I don't care about your race, your creed, your color, your gender. I don't care.
• I don't care about your race, your creed, your color, your gender. I don't care.
• I don't care what color your skin was. I don't care what religion you were.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and heard several announcements and recognitions, including remarks from the new Democratic caucus leader, Senator Berman, who emphasized bipartisan work on education, health care, the environment, and family issues. The chamber also recognized military leaders, an intern, and guests connected to later bills. No committee reports or executive messages were on the desk at the start of the session. The Senate then took up a series of bills, many of them with House companion substitutions and technical amendments. Major measures included the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which passed 36-0; a local government land regulation bill that was amended after questions about quasi-judicial hearings, impact fees, and county costs, then passed 26-8; a vessels/boating bill that incorporated related legislation and passed 35-0; a blood clot screening and treatment bill creating the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which passed 36-0; a fleeing or eluding law enforcement bill, amended to remove vehicle impoundment in the House version, which passed 36-0; a concealed carry/firearms bill for certain law enforcement and military personnel, which passed 33-3; and a timeshare management bill, which passed 36-0. The chamber also passed a disability history and awareness instruction bill, the Evan B. Hartzell Act, after extensive debate about language and the meaning of disability versus “unique abilities”; it received 35 co-sponsors and passed 35-0. Other bills passed included manufacturing and related fee legislation, public education on background screening requirements, utility service restrictions, educational opportunities for military children, Medicaid oversight, health facilities authorities, and veteran and spouse nursing home beds, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on human trafficking, waste management, Bright Futures, mammogram coverage, Parkinson’s disease, and others.