Transcript Highlights:

• 53.080><c> Heritage</c> of the history of the outdoor Heritage of the history of the outdoor Heritage
• of of Appropriations so or 16 years of of Appropriations so we've<00:31:54.080><c> got</c><00:31:54.159
• </c><00:35:56.400><c> those</c> do a lot of easements a lot of those do a lot of easements a lot of those
• </c> of age prior to the hunt start date of of age prior to the hunt start date of September 1st<00:45
• </c> in front of me I've applied a number of in front of me I've applied a number of years<00:52:26.720

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of school teams to make gold out of of school teams to make gold out of peanuts.<00:04:22.320><c
• ><c> of</c> downfall has been because of the lack of downfall has been because of the lack of whatever
• </c> of that and yeah, we've put in a lot of of that and yeah, we've put in a lot of the<00:31:22.320
• </c> of these because I've had a couple of of these because I've had a couple of calls<01:05:23.359><
• </c> &gt;&gt; Well, some of it some of it is paid. &gt;&gt; Well, some of it some of it is paid.

Bills: HB2185 , HB2621 , HB2179 , HB2534 , HB2168 , HB2427 , HB2560 , HB2565 , HB2172 , HB2298 , HB2304

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• When a bill affects the wages of workers who keep our universities running, care for patients in our
• One consisting of a payment of $8,32 on One consisting of a payment of $8,32 on July 1, 2027, and two
• By 2035: A. 90% of cobalt; B. 90% of nickel; and C. 80% of lithium.
• > of the equivalent of a of 23 years of of the equivalent of a of 23 years of batteries<05:39:42.080>
• But even in the face of nearly universal declining school enrollment, the 2026 school finance act increases

Transcript Highlights:

• More than 20% of California providers recently contracted by California universities did not attest to
• I'm here on behalf of Sheriff Jeff Lykoff of El Dorado County in support of AB 1722.
• I'm here on behalf of Sheriff Jeff Lykoff of El Dorado County in support of AB 1722.
• Ryan Spencer, on behalf of the American College of OBGYNs, in support of AB 1940.
• Chair, members, Ed Howard, Senior Counsel for the Children's Advocacy Institute at the University of

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on public safety, consumer protection, and youth harms. AB 1557 by Assemblymember Papin would clarify e-bike motor power limits and set lower speed-related standards for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Supporters, including the California Police Chiefs Association, cities, the California Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, argued the bill would reduce severe injuries and deaths among young riders. Opponents from People for Bikes warned it could conflict with federal law, create legal uncertainty, and disrupt the bicycle market. The author and committee members acknowledged industry concerns and urged continued work on the bill. AB 1770 by Assemblymember Garcia would place large health care service plan arbitration under California Department of Justice oversight and require compliance with the California Arbitration Act. Supporters described cases where patients were forced into private arbitration with little transparency or accountability, arguing the bill would make the process fairer and more neutral. Kaiser Permanente and the Civil Justice Association of California said they were still reviewing amendments and had not settled on a final position. Committee members expressed sympathy for the personal stories shared and encouraged continued negotiations. The committee also heard AB 2075, which would require fire suppression equipment to be kept closer at hand during brush work, and AB 1864, which would require screening of gene synthesis orders to prevent misuse for bioterrorism. AB 2075 was presented as a response to a Ventura County wildfire, with support from the Ventura County District Attorney’s office and no opposition heard. AB 1864 was backed by the author, Stanford biosecurity expert Dr. Milana Trout, and Encode AI, while Biocom opposed unless amended and California Life Sciences remained neutral. Members discussed implementation details and the role of the Department of Public Health. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts on platforms with harmful features and create an e-safety advisory commission. Supporters, including youth advocates, parents, medical groups, and Common Sense Media, said addictive design features are harming children’s mental health and safety. Opponents, including EFF, the ACLU, TechNet, and other civil liberties and industry groups, argued the bill is overbroad, raises First Amendment and privacy concerns, and could limit access to important online communities. Despite those objections, the bill was moved forward after committee discussion, with members emphasizing the need to protect children while continuing to work on carveouts and implementation details.

Transcript Highlights:

• In general, I'm kind of more of a free market type of person.
• Lars Powell, Executive Director, Center for Risk and Insurance Research, University of Alabama. Dr.
• It has a lot of good information on it. As you said, I'm from the University of Alabama.
• Once you hit 50% of the—of the—of the—I don’t know.”
• One issue that has become nearly universal among our members is the rapidly rising cost of commercial

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Kathy Van Austin, American Association of University Women, California, in support. Thank you.
• Speaking to you in my personal capacity, I do not represent the views of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie University
• And the Director of Operations for the Combat U program here at Sacramento State University.
• He was a man of God. He was a man of truth, a man of justice.
• You've heard of some of them today.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• So because of this, I am honored to be here on behalf of all of them.
• Dean Grafiel with Capital Advocacy here on behalf of Allied Universal.
• Colleagues, Dean Grufila with Capital Advocacy here on behalf of Allied Universal.
• of San Diego School of Law.
• of San Diego School of Law.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, though no final votes were taken because a quorum had not yet been established. SB 493 by Senator Becker would add war or armed conflict to California’s price-gouging emergency triggers, with the author and supporters arguing it would protect consumers from gas-price spikes tied to international conflict. Opponents, including business and housing groups, warned the bill could over-trigger emergency powers and create broad, ongoing price controls. The chair indicated support for an aye-as-amended recommendation once quorum was reached. SB 1056 by Senator Grayson would require protective orders for disclosure of sexually explicit material involving adult victims in specified criminal cases. Denise Huskins-Quinn and Aaron Quinn testified in support, describing how sensitive evidence in their case was copied and handled without adequate safeguards; supporters said the bill would extend privacy protections similar to those already used for child sexual abuse material. Criminal defense attorneys supported the goal but raised concerns about notice procedures and how the bill would apply when material is in the public domain. The chair said the bill filled a gap in existing law and would receive an aye recommendation. SB 1208 by Senator Grayson would let law enforcement seize and return crypto assets used in scams and fraud to victims. The Attorney General’s office and law enforcement groups supported the bill as a tool to recover losses from transnational crypto fraud, while the ACLU and public defenders argued it lowered the burden of proof, raised constitutional concerns, and could be misused against unbanked or low-level defendants. The chair nevertheless said the bill aligned with existing law for stolen property and would be recommended aye. SB 874 by Senator Weber-Pearson would strengthen oversight of Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, including requiring background checks for employees of providers and convening a stakeholder workgroup; it drew support from the California Association for Behavior Analysis and no opposition was heard. Later, SB 1266 by Senator Stern would change how the value of stolen copper and related infrastructure damage is calculated, aiming to address copper theft and its costs to cities and utilities. Supporters said the bill would better capture the real harm from thefts that disrupt streetlights, telecom, and emergency services, while opponents argued it would inflate charges, turn many misdemeanors into felonies, and increase court and incarceration costs. The author said he would continue discussions and accept the amendments. Senator Cervantes presented SB 1379, which would separate the Riverside County sheriff and coroner offices and create an independent medical examiner; supporters cited in-custody death concerns and conflicts of interest, while opponents said the problem was not unique to Riverside and that the bill would override local control. Cervantes also presented SB 1418 to extend ballot-custody protections to other election records and equipment after a Riverside County ballot seizure, with support from the Attorney General’s office. Finally, Senator Blakespear began presenting SB 936 on nitrous oxide misuse, describing public health, impaired-driving, and disposal concerns, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Dean Grafiel with Capital Advocacy here on behalf of Allied Universal.
• Colleagues, Dean Grufila with Capital Advocacy here on behalf of Allied Universal, we are in opposition
• It's co-sponsored by the Brady Campaign and the Center for Public Interest Law at the University of San
• of San Diego School of Law.
• of San Diego School of Law.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> because of the amount of transactions because of the amount of transactions per<00:10:47.600><c>
• Authority, the University of Hawaii system, and the Hawaii Arts Alliance.
• Up next is the Hawaii Tourism Authority, with comments from the University of Hawaii system and the Hawaii
• </c><00:15:31.120><c> of</c><00:15:31.199><c> Hawaii</c> uh with comments University of Hawaii uh with
• comments University of Hawaii system<00:15:33.519><c> with</c> system with system with comments<00:15

Summary: The joint committees first heard House Bill 229, which would establish a statewide speed restriction for motor vehicles under certain circumstances. Testimony on the bill was limited and came in support from the City and County of Honolulu’s transportation services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. No one testified in opposition, and there were no questions. The committees then took up House Bill 860, which would grant immunity from liability to the state or counties when they repair or maintain a street whose ownership or jurisdiction is disputed between them. The Department of Transportation and the Department of Land and Natural Resources submitted written testimony, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Hawaii County Council member Heather Kimble, and the Iolani Homestead Community Association for Justice testified in support. The Ho Association for Justice opposed the bill, arguing the immunity was too broad and that the issue had already been addressed by prior legislation. In discussion, members raised concerns about liability and asked whether a different approach, such as extending the 2017 law transferring Oahu roads in limbo to the counties, would be acceptable; county representatives said that path could be considered if immunity were removed. House Bill 1161, which would authorize counties to use a road usage charge mechanism similar to the state’s, drew support from the Department of Transportation, the Energy Office, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, several county and city offices, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rental car companies and industry groups supported the concept but asked for amendments, including a flat fee instead of a per-mile charge, relief for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and a delayed implementation date. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii also supported relief for hybrids. Members questioned the rental car representatives about the flat-fee proposal, and they said a per-mile charge would be difficult to calculate and pass on to customers. At the end of the joint agenda, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1161 to Tuesday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m., and the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also deferred the three measures to that date and time. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then began hearing House Bill 925, which would create a Performing Arts Special Fund, and House Bill 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts Grants Program and Special Fund and revise the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ responsibilities and funding sources. HB 925 received support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and written support or comments from DBEDT, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, and others. HB 1378 drew extensive testimony and discussion focused on preserving arts funding while addressing concerns about the use of Works of Art Special Fund dollars for positions and programming. The Governor’s office said it supported the intent but had concerns; the Attorney General warned that the bill’s cap and transfer provisions were unclear and could affect the tax-exempt status of bond-funded dollars; and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts opposed the measure, urging an audit, tracking of deposits, and a shift of positions and programs to general funds instead of changing the law. The chair explained that the bill was intended to protect arts funding while tightening the legal guardrails around bond-financed dollars and preserving federal support, and asked testimony to focus on new points as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• misuse of seclusion, we don't have a lot of clear data in Minnesota regarding either of those things,
• of time.
• </c> implementation of um mandated types of implementation of um mandated types of training,<00:51:02.800
• ><c> of</c> training, a lack of understanding of training, a lack of understanding of barring<01:15:10.960
• of the state of Minnesota, the rest of the state of Minnesota, chapter<01:20:58.159><c> 13,</c><01:20

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> implementation of of uh House Bill 257. implementation of of uh House Bill 257.
• fact, our colleges and matter of fact, our colleges and universities<00:13:22.839><c> are</c><00:13:
• And we're also partnering with the University of Louisville to provide staff training that supports,
• <c> year's</c><01:10:26.920><c> graduates</c> of of of last year's graduates of of of last year's graduates
• of of education member a lot of board of of education member eligibility<01:20:28.200><c> questions,

Summary: The Education Assessment & Accountability Review Subcommittee approved the minutes from its October 14 and November 4 meetings and also approved the Office of Education Accountability report analyzing student discipline data in Kentucky schools. The main presentation came from KDE Commissioner Dr. Robby Fletcher on implementation of House Bill 257, which he said has two major parts: selection of a statewide college entrance exam through a new procurement process, and development of locally designed indicators of quality for accountability. On the college exam, Fletcher explained that the state had to reopen procurement after Senate Bill 197, with the RFP released May 21, vendor questions handled through the Finance and Administration Cabinet, proposals due June 22, and scoring and review expected in July and August, with a vendor decision not likely until October. He emphasized that the exam is a norm-referenced college-readiness measure, not a test of Kentucky academic standards, which are assessed by the KSA. Members asked about the science requirement in statute, the possibility of multiple vendors or district choice, and whether the CLT could participate; Fletcher said vendors must address science in the RFP, multiple vendors could be possible, and any vendor could submit a proposal if it meets the rubric. He also noted that ACT and SAT differ in structure, that either can meet college-readiness benchmarks, and that there were no major complaints about the SAT during its first year of use. The second major topic was the locally developed indicators of quality under House Bill 257. Fletcher said these are intended to let districts measure themselves against their own goals rather than compare districts statewide, while still aligning with Kentucky standards. He described examples such as achievement, growth, student well-being, safety, fiscal responsibility, civics, internships, apprenticeships, project-based learning, and defenses of learning. He said districts may use local assessments such as MAP, STAR, and I-Ready alongside state data, and that local models should be developed with families, community members, and workforce partners. He added that KDE is providing technical assistance, has applied for a federal CGSA grant, and will use a one-time $15,000 cost offset for districts implementing local accountability models, with a superintendent webcast planned for August.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> no more than 100% of the uh initial of no more than 100% of the uh initial of the<00:12:20.880><
• University of New Hampshire.
• The New Hampshire Food Alliance is a program of the University of New Hampshire. working.
• Terrific. is a program of the University of New is a program of the University of New Hampshire.<01:10
• That's so much of what's behind the scenes of some of this.

Summary: The committee first took up a Senate message on HB 179, relative to hazardous waste accident fees. Members reviewed the Senate amendment, which would cap the daily non-payment penalty at no more than $1,000 per day and limit the cumulative penalty to 25% of the cost, with no additional daily penalty if the responsible party is following an agreed payment plan. Members discussed the change from the committee’s earlier version, which had allowed penalties up to 100% of the damages, and agreed the revised language was reasonable. The committee voted to concur with the Senate amendment and indicated the bill could be placed on consent. The committee then recessed SB 302, requiring background checks for solid waste facility owners, because a late request for an additional change had not yet been fully reviewed. It next voted on SB 229, relative to the sale of uninspected bison, red deer, and elk meat. Supporters said the bill would expand retail access to these meats, support New Hampshire farms, and improve food security. Members also noted the Department of Agriculture did not object, that the bill would remove a sunset and keep more workable inspection rules in place, and that the animals involved are largely from closed herds. The committee voted unanimously to pass SB 229 and agreed to place it on consent. Finally, the committee considered SB 50, establishing a committee to study the regulation of private animal boarding facilities. Members described disturbing testimony about missing, injured, or dead dogs and the lack of clear oversight, licensing, or even a reliable list of kennels in the state. They discussed possible study topics including licensing, inspection authority, standards, penalties, and protections for both pet owners and boarding operators, including disclosure of medical conditions. The committee voted unanimously to pass SB 50 and also agreed to place it on consent. After the executive sessions, the committee heard a presentation from the New Hampshire Food Alliance on the state’s first food and agriculture strategic plan, introduced by director Nicole Cardwell, with participation from advisory committee members including Rep. Bixby and Commissioner Sean Jasper.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, uh, as for your question of number of take of EO year, we don't have a record of a number of take
• The University of Hawaiʻi will stand on our written testimony in support, but just want to note that
• c><01:35:56.360><c> stretch</c> rehabilitation of of this of the stretch rehabilitation of of this of
• ><c> have</c><01:35:59.280><c> University</c><01:35:59.760><c> of</c><01:35:59.960><c> Hawaii</c><01:
• ><01:36:11.119><c> stand</c><01:36:11.400><c> on</c> University of Hawaii we will stand on University

Committee: House Water & Land

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land met on March 13, 2025, and first announced that SB 1456 would be deferred to the end of the agenda and ultimately worked on later, with the chair indicating the bill would be deferred and revisited in a future measure. The committee then heard SB 841 on marine life conservation districts. DLNR supported the bill, saying it would fund carrying capacity studies to inform rules and policies. Testimony noted a pilot study already underway at the Puka Marine Life Conservation District and another nearing completion at the old Kona Airport MLCD. Members discussed costs, with DLNR estimating about $300,000 per year for one user-experience study, potentially more for ecological analysis, and also discussed possible funding from the Mālama Kai special fund. DLNR said it had no objection to consulting current operators and other users, and explained the program would be a new, ongoing adaptive-management tool. The committee next heard SB 411 on capital improvement projects at small boat harbors. DLNR supported the intent, saying the bill would help expedite use of special funds for CIP work, while the Department of Budget and Finance opposed it, arguing the draft could conflict with constitutional limits on appropriations. Public testimony from an industry representative supported the bill and urged more collaboration with commercial operators, while committee discussion focused on whether DLNR could already use special funds for repairs, how much engineering and bidding work is required before projects go out to bid, and whether the current process creates bottlenecks when bids exceed initial estimates. DLNR said it can do some repairs and maintenance within existing authority and funding ceilings, but that the bill as drafted could be too broad. The committee also heard SB 5 on historic preservation, where DLNR supported the measure and NAOP Hawaii opposed it, saying the bill’s broader definition could expand the scope beyond the stated goal of narrowing reviews and reducing backlog. The committee then took up SB 1462 on the state historic preservation income tax credit. The Department of Taxation said the revenue estimate assumes the cap would be reached each year the credit is available, and DLNR supported the bill. SHPD said the prior credit had sunset, outreach had previously been done in targeted communities such as Chinatown, and owners of eligible historic properties are notified during review. Finally, the committee heard SB 268 on island burial councils. DLNR supported the bill, and OHA strongly supported it, saying the councils have struggled with quorum and expertise and that the measure would restore the original intent of having lineal descendants and cultural practitioners as decision makers, while still allowing landowners and developers to testify and participate. OHA also said it would help provide technical support and urged continued involvement from SHPD and the Attorney General’s office.

Transcript Highlights:

• But on a little bit of adoption of EVs.
• c> Energy</c> of Commerce's Division of Energy of Commerce's Division of Energy Resources.<00:56:06.738
• ><c> examples</c><01:16:20.400><c> of</c><01:16:20.560><c> that</c> of uh uh some examples of that of
• </c> over ownership of XL of Minnesota Power. over ownership of XL of Minnesota Power.
• </c><01:28:04.239><c> and</c> sharing of the cost of planning and sharing of the cost of planning and

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• One of of documents in your folders.
• </c> an overview of each of the following an overview of each of the following offices.<00:14:46.320>
• </c> we take out of to ensure that out of we take out of to ensure that out of compliance<00:19:22.640
• of different types of We offer a number of different types of services<00:28:12.320><c> such</c><00:
• ><c> outside</c> inside of themselves instead of outside inside of themselves instead of outside of<00

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> um</c><00:04:15.040><c> of</c> were um obese and 18% of um of were um obese and 18% of um of Mississippi
• And if you want where I found this information, in many different places, University of Kentucky has
• And um we've had seven in-person meetings and then an eighth at the University of Kentucky.
• </c><01:00:09.440><c> Uh</c> eighth at the University of Kentucky.
• Uh eighth at the University of Kentucky.

Summary: The committee approved the minutes unanimously and then heard extended testimony from Senator Jimmy Higdon, who reflected on Kentucky’s 2011 childhood obesity task force and said the state’s childhood obesity problem has worsened since then. He described prior recommendations from that task force, including more physical education, nutrition education, classroom-based physical activity, complete streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and safe routes to school. Higdon also argued that government programs have contributed to obesity and drug abuse, focusing especially on SNAP and Medicaid, and said he has long advocated for a waiver to distribute SNAP benefits twice a month rather than once a month. Higdon said SNAP fraud and abuse are significant, claiming some recipients sell benefits and some retailers bend the rules on eligible purchases. He also said spreading benefits through the month could help families keep fresh food in the home and stabilize grocery store business, especially in food deserts and rural areas. In response to questions, he said he would not support allowing hot prepared foods under SNAP, though he said a grocery-store produce incentive similar to the farmers market match could be beneficial if structured separately. He also said the WIC program is a model for how SNAP could be better administered. Members thanked Higdon for his service and discussed whether the issue is food insecurity or poor nutrition. Senator Douglas emphasized adding stronger guardrails to nutrition-related programs, and Representative Proctor asked about the challenges of operating grocery stores in rural areas and food deserts. Higdon said independent grocers face thin margins, competition, and cyclical market pressures, and that SNAP distribution patterns can worsen those challenges. After Higdon’s testimony, the committee heard from Ann Cressilious, a registered dietitian with the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, who began a presentation on the profession and on efforts to improve nutrition and access to nutrition information in Kentucky.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> um</c><00:06:50.440><c> they</c> couple of letters of support um they couple of letters of support
• Are you aware of any of that?
• Are you aware of any of that?
• Are you aware of any of that?
• views of any of my employers.

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul, District 64A, and I've practiced cardiology for 40 years at the University of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic
• </c> University of Minnesota Mayo Clinic University of Minnesota Mayo Clinic Rochester<00:23:53.440><
• </c> Members of the committee, I’m hoping this is a universal yes vote on this because it’s that important
• c> of</c><00:30:38.080><c> trying</c> at that potential space of of trying at that potential space of
• sections of the student of to certain sections of the student of the<00:48:25.119><c> school</c><00:48

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a doctoral student in psychology at Augsburg University, a classmate of Bryce.
• </c> see kind of a uh repetitive cycle of see kind of a uh repetitive cycle of traditional<00:40:14.640
• </c> estimated 13 to 16% of uh of veterans. estimated 13 to 16% of uh of veterans.
• sort of abuse of the drug itself.
• </c> um, in one of the the biggest areas of um, in one of the the biggest areas of concern<01:15:34.480

Bills: HF4588 , HF3685 , HF4577 , HF4932

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> in your category of that kind of money in your category of that kind of money are<00:15:58.680><
• We actually had a study done by the University of Minnesota’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research
• Bureau</c><00:30:16.799><c> of</c> University of Minnesota deth's Bureau of University of Minnesota deth's
• </c> a moment to kind of reimagine a lot of a moment to kind of reimagine a lot of the<00:52:50.200><
• Um, but I do have a degree in housing from the University of Minnesota, so, um, that was, you know, just

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention