Transcript Highlights:

• We are working towards a full eradication program.
• The folks here expect nothing else of us. full eradication program.
• Of that, one-third of our total general fund footprint is the invasive species program.
• Our markup is small.
• Small distillers, small manufacturers certainly don't have the scale of bigger manufacturers.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard presentations on the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and the State Liquor Division. For Agriculture, legislative staff reviewed the agency’s structure, staffing, dedicated funds, and FY 2026–2027 budget requests, including pay adjustments, replacement items, IT hardware, a reappropriation for the Resilient Food Systems Grant, and two major one-time requests: a deficiency warrant for exotic pest response and a supplemental appropriation for quagga mussel treatment. Director Chanel Tewalt emphasized the history and urgency of Idaho’s invasive species program, described the state’s rapid response to quagga mussels, and explained how the program uses inspections, stations, chemicals, and other tools to reduce risk. Members asked about grant timing, vehicle replacement, signage costs, research into alternative treatments, chemical costs, possible use of sturgeon, and whether budget cuts would affect inspection stations; the director said some station openings or hours could be delayed or reduced, but priority would be given to border crossings and higher-risk locations. The committee then reviewed the State Liquor Division budget. Staff outlined the division’s dedicated-fund operations, personnel levels, statutory distributions, and FY 2027 requests for inflation, replacement items, and IT/security equipment, all recommended by the governor. Director Andrew Arulenandum said his priorities were safety, legal exposure, and operational continuity, citing a store shelving collapse and warehouse safety needs as reasons for some requests. Members asked about a policy proposal to restrict bulk lottery ticket purchases by out-of-state syndicates, the division’s pricing and markup structure, and whether Idaho might move away from a state-run liquor model. The director and his staff said the lottery restriction would not have a fiscal impact, that the markup is standardized, and that while the division remains open to efficiency ideas, the current control-state structure is intended to support revenue and temperance. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would return the next day to take action on FY 2027 maintenance budgets.

Transcript Highlights:

• It extends to counties, 1,200 cities, and would not be a contract that you have to complete.
• There's just not a lot of money in this city.
• It would be a contract between a governmental unit that is not TxDOT, so it can be a city, county, or
• One small modification to that point that could be made is on page four, line 23.
• But now, a lot of these programs are, you know, on some type of a... a module application.

Bills: HB 1181 , HB3704 , HB1363 , HB1610 , HB1615 , HB1620 , HB3223 , HB1317 , HB2884 , HB2176 , HB4027 , HB1664 , HB933 , HB2613 , HB3353 , HB2086 , HB4101 , HB3441 , HB4145 , HB3455

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: judiciary, judges, justices, retired, legal assignments, judicial conduct, notary public, criminal offense, education requirements, official documents, record retention, implicit bias, bias training, judicial training, judge education, court personnel, continuing legal education, CLE, state bar, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to thank McQuaid County, the representatives from there, county commissioners, and city council
• Our first presenter today is the Water Reuse Project and Bull Testing Program at the Agricultural Experiment
• Eastern has a program called the New Faculty Investment Program.
• It's not a national program, but it utilizes national monies to do it.
• A lot of our students go on to Ph.D. programs and other research labs very successfully.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• of Honolulu's program.
• Honolulu's program. I've been a licensed Honolulu's program.
• </c> until our program slots. until our program slots. &gt;&gt; Sounds<00:33:06.640><c> good.
• Um, this measure will apply to an incredibly small group of individuals.
• ><c> group</c><00:38:50.000><c> of</c> an incredibly small group of an incredibly small group of individuals

Bills: SB2094

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: toxic chemicals, environmental action levels, public notice, environmental safety, pollution control, Hawaii State Constitution, public participation, government transparency, environmental health, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2094, which would require state agencies monitoring environmental toxins and pollutants to establish environmental action levels and limit changes to those levels without meeting procedural requirements. The chair recommended passing the bill with amendments, including inserting estimated costs for a secure portal website and webinars into the committee report and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. The motion passed unanimously among those voting, with excused members noted. The committee then considered several other measures and adopted recommendations to pass them with amendments, generally adding technical and clarifying changes and setting a defective date of 2525. SB 2862 was amended to broaden the preamble, make additional appointees confirmable, clarify reporting requirements for gubernatorial appointees, and was held for further discussion. SB 2781 on lei production created a working group to review existing studies and conduct a statewide study of Hawaii’s floriculture industry. SB 3015 adopted California’s definition of PII, applied it to government agencies and political subdivisions, created a private cause of action, and required a compliance report. SB 3230 removed a categorical prohibition on certain third-party project management procurements while preserving state oversight responsibility, in line with procurement office requests. The joint GVO Health and Human Services agenda then focused on two related bills requiring universal changing accommodations in public restrooms. SB 2932 would apply to new state building construction beginning July 1, 2026, and testimony from disability advocates, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others supported the measure while asking for language clarifying that the requirement applies only where technically feasible and, in some cases, only to state-managed buildings. SB 2268 was described as broader, extending beyond government buildings into the private sector and including a private right of action; witnesses supported the concept but raised implementation concerns, especially for smaller businesses, and requested the same technically infeasible language and other clarifications. Both bills were advanced with amendments, and the committee noted adoption of the recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And our program impacts.
• With regard to SYTF programming, core programming may include dual enrollment and higher education access
• So that would include diversion programs supporting transitional-age TGI youth, programs providing resettlement
• These programs punch way above their weight.
• And so programs like these really help fast.

Summary: The hearing began with an overview of the California Health and Human Services Agency, which described its 2026-27 budget, major departments, and strategic priorities, including behavioral health, housing and human services integration, children and youth, and aging/disability services. The agency also explained a technical CalHHS/CalHires budget adjustment tied to HR1 compliance and eligibility system work. No LAO concerns were raised on that item. The committee then heard from the Office of Youth and Community Restoration on its budget, its SB 823 realignment report, and related issues. OYCR said county-based realignment has generally succeeded but outcomes and readiness vary widely, and it recommended more climate surveys, youth advisory councils, stronger behavioral management, better programming, improved transition planning, and integrated longitudinal data systems. Members pressed OYCR on “net widening,” county-by-county trends, and the gap between the detailed recommendations discussed in hearing and the more general recommendations in the public report. OYCR also described problems with federal Title II grant timing and a pending $14 million administrative funding adjustment, and discussed implementation of the juvenile justice realignment block grant formula. The Ombudsperson division separately requested two new positions due to rising complaints, site visits, and records-access disputes with counties; LAO noted the proposal would create ongoing General Fund costs. Several other departments presented budget change proposals. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities requested $730,000 General Fund ongoing to cover an interagency administrative support gap with DSS; LAO had no concerns. EMSA presented its department overview, said its AB 716 ambulance-rate report has been delayed after resources were reduced, and requested funding for disaster-response vehicle replacement, IT security assessment work, and additional HR/legal staff; members questioned delays, compliance, and the ongoing General Fund impact. The Department of Community Services and Development sought reappropriation of LIWIP funds and explained a new Proposition 4 process for continuing the farmworker housing component. The Department of Rehabilitation requested authority for $60 million in additional federal funds and 54 positions to meet growing vocational rehabilitation demand, with no General Fund impact. The Department of Child Support Services presented its budget and a supplemental report on full pass-through of child support collections. Members questioned why local agency funding was being restored despite declining caseloads, and staff explained that staffing costs have risen faster than caseload declines and that additional funding is needed to maintain service levels. The supplemental report estimated full pass-through would cost about $150 million General Fund annually, or about $80 million for a state-and-county portion, with $3 million to $5 million in automation costs. Finally, the Department of Public Health gave a broad overview of its $5.1 billion budget and its State of Public Health report, highlighting improved mortality and life expectancy, declining overdose deaths and STI rates, persistent racial and regional disparities, and increasing public health emergency demands. CDPH also warned that federal funding threats and policy changes are creating major uncertainty for state and local public health systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida is also the only state that completely strips access to the courts from this small population
• Our children and adults with cognitive delays may look grown, but many are developmentally like small
• So this is not going to have a small impact. This is going to have a large impact.
• We have to run the business, in our case, pay losses and, of course, make a small profit, like every
• Opening the courts to a small percentage of the people to hurt everybody. Thank you again.

Summary: The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee considered one bill, HB 603, which would repeal section 768.21(8), the Florida medical negligence wrongful death exception often referred to by supporters as the “Free Kill” law. The sponsor argued the current statute unfairly bars certain families—especially adult children or parents of unmarried adults without minor children—from recovering non-economic damages when a loved one dies from medical negligence, while such damages are available in other wrongful death cases. Supporters, including family members, AARP, and some legal advocates, testified that the law is discriminatory and denies equal access to justice for grieving families and vulnerable adults. Opponents, including physicians, hospital and insurer representatives, and business groups, argued that repeal would increase malpractice exposure, raise premiums, worsen access to care, and accelerate physician retirements or departures from Florida. Several urged that if the bill moves forward, it should be paired with caps on non-economic damages to balance the impact on the health care system. Supporters countered that negligence must still be proven, that the law creates unequal treatment, and that existing tort reforms have not lowered premiums. The sponsor closed by rejecting claims that the bill is “jackpot justice” and emphasizing that families deserve court access and accountability. After debate, the committee voted on HB 603 and passed it 16-2. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The prosperity of my city is bound up in whether every community has fair representation.
• If communities are weakened and voices are diluted, then all while our city suffers.
• Elderly and disabled Texans often move to larger cities to access services.
• It's not developers or cities with deep new wells going dry.
• But I have not gotten on Red Apple or any of the other programs that are out there.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This measure establishes, for a city with a population greater than 300,000, enforcement procedures to
• </c><00:22:02.080><c> with</c> This measure establishes for a city with This measure establishes for
• a city with a<00:22:02.480><c> population</c><00:22:02.880><c> greater</c><00:22:03.200><c> than</c><
• There is a small percentage of people who do that.
• That's why we have the restricted license program.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 1957, relating to safe entryways, would create enforcement procedures in large cities to prevent personal property from blocking private doorways or entrances. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended moving the offense to the criminal code, adding clearer definitions to avoid vagueness, and including notice, inventory, storage, and property-disposition procedures to address constitutional concerns. No other testimony was offered and no questions were raised. HB 25003/HB 253, relating to fireworks, would expand civil asset forfeiture for certain fireworks offenses, revise the definition of aerial device, and clarify air-delivery offenses. The Attorney General supported the bill but suggested removing the 25-pound weight threshold to avoid unequal treatment of similar offenses. The Department of Law Enforcement also supported the measure, saying it would improve clarity for evolving fireworks investigations and prosecutions. The committee took no action during testimony. HB 2137, relating to artificial intelligence, would prohibit certain harmful uses of realistic AI-generated digital imitations, require disclosures, and create civil remedies and fines. The Commission on the Status of Women supported the bill, while the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women opposed it on First Amendment grounds. The Motion Picture Association, Recording Industry Association of America, and SAG-AFTRA also opposed the bill but said they preferred a different framework, the federal “No Fakes” model, and were willing to work with the committee on amendments. The Attorney General had suggested constitutional amendments, which the chair said would be considered later. The committee also heard HB 2198 on prediction markets, with the Honolulu prosecutor strongly supporting inclusion of prediction markets in the gambling definition because of concerns about speculative betting on events and national security-related outcomes. HB 1511 on consumer protection drew support from the Office of Consumer Protection and the Insurance Division, with OCP proposing clearer disclosure for license and registration renewal solicitations. HB 1897 on condominium alternative dispute resolution received supportive comments from the Real Estate Commission and CI. HB 1642 on crypto kiosks drew strong support from OCP and AARP Hawaii for a ban on kiosks accepting U.S. currency, but opposition from Hill Ventures, which argued for regulation and guardrails instead of a ban. HB 1753 on social media account deletion received supportive comments from DCCA on clarifying deletion of unique identifiers and inferences. HB 1654 on anonymous complaints against public employees drew strong opposition from the Attorney General over implementation and due process concerns, while the Government Employees Association supported it as a way to screen baseless complaints; the committee then moved on to HB 1659 on collective bargaining, with testimony beginning as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• , now the largest direct admission program in the nation.
• For example, multiple campuses may have a particular program or set of programs with lower enrollment
• portfolios and ensure that the programs that are available today. examine our academic program portfolios
• competitive with similar programs in the state.
• I don't know that their programming will be dismantled.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met to review CSU and State Library budget issues, enrollment trends, the Capital Fellows program, and a Title IX update. Chair David Alvarez opened by stressing that CSU faces serious financial pressure, including a systemwide deficit and proposed cuts that he and several members said were too large and likely to harm access, course offerings, and student services. Public comment focused heavily on the Braille Institute Library, with patrons, staff, veterans, and advocates urging restoration of funding and warning that the proposed cut would severely affect blind and visually impaired Californians across Southern California. Several CSU faculty, staff, and union representatives also opposed the proposed reductions and warned of larger class sizes, fewer sections, and layoffs. On the CSU core operations item, the Department of Finance explained the Governor’s proposal to reduce ongoing General Fund support by about $375 million and defer a 5% base increase, while the LAO said CSU core funding would be roughly flat once tuition and targeted augmentations were considered, but warned that rising costs and prior shortfalls would still force campuses to cut spending. CSU’s Chancellor’s Office said the proposed cut would deepen existing problems, citing prior-year budget gaps, job losses, reduced course sections, and student-service reductions. Members pressed Finance and the LAO on whether cuts could be made more surgically, especially at the Chancellor’s Office or in institutional support rather than in instruction, and the LAO said the Legislature has flexibility to target cuts more specifically. CSU also described ongoing consolidation efforts, including shared services among campuses and the planned Cal Maritime/Cal Poly San Luis Obispo integration, while cautioning that savings are not yet fully known. The committee then discussed CSU enrollment. The LAO recommended holding enrollment targets flat because the budget does not add new funding, while CSU reported strong recent growth, including more California residents, record first-year enrollment, and expanded direct admissions and transfer pathways. Members questioned why some campuses with high demand turn away many applicants while others continue to lose enrollment, and CSU said it is shifting resources from campuses with sustained declines to those with demand, using a 10% below-target threshold. The committee also discussed whether enrollment declines mirror local population trends, how to improve marketing and program alignment, and whether lessons from Cal Poly Humboldt’s conversion could inform other campuses such as Sonoma State. The Capital Fellows item drew a Finance proposal for a salary increase and an LAO counterproposal for a smaller raise plus future COLA language; the committee kept the item open. Finally, CSU reported progress on Title IX compliance, saying it has completed most State Auditor recommendations, expanded civil rights staffing, and increased training, prevention, and case-management efforts, though members asked how proposed budget cuts might affect those services.

Transcript Highlights:

• We house Granite State Independent Living and Goldman Sachs's 10,000 Small Businesses program for New
• </c><00:59:52.799><c> business</c><00:59:53.280><c> program</c> Sachs's 10,000 small business program
• Sachs's 10,000 small business program for<00:59:54.240><c> New</c><00:59:54.480><c> Hampshire.
• So, I implore you, even if it's a small start, even if it's a pilot program at a single community college
• And Claremont is not a small community. It's one of New Hampshire's cities.

Committee: House Education Funding

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These governance failures are compounded by major program shortcomings, including a traceability system
• that has failed to deliver reliable, actionable data. ...and a social equity licensing program that
• Our members, small, medium, and craft operators across the state, value stability and clarity in cannabis
• The amendment authorizes a city, town, or county to adopt an ordinance banning, prohibiting, or placing
• It essentially authorizes a city, town, or county to adopt an ordinance, excuse me, banning it in an

Summary: The Labor and Commerce Committee began by suspending the five-day notice rule for Senate Bill 629, then held testimony on the bill, which would restructure the Liquor and Cannabis Board. Proponents, including the Washington Hospitality Association, the Washington Cannabis Business Association, and the Cannabis Alliance, argued the current board structure is overburdened by alcohol and cannabis responsibilities, slows decision-making, and should be expanded or reorganized to improve accountability and focus. Opponents, including the Washington Association for Substance Misuse and Violence Prevention and a cannabis business owner, warned the bill would create unnecessary administrative costs, weaken executive accountability, and should not advance without more study. The committee did not take final action on SB 629 during the hearing portion, but later moved several bills out of committee. In executive session, the committee adopted proposed substitutes and advanced SB 6282 on behavioral health training for construction apprentices, SB 5379 on interest arbitration for Parks and Recreation Commission employees, SB 6197 on plumber license discipline, SB 6158 on factory-built housing and utility structures, SB 6302 on limits for independent contractors on public works finishing work, SB 5882 on PTSD workers’ compensation coverage for local correctional facility workers, SB 6180 on firefighter and law enforcement heart-related occupational disease presumptions, SB 6195 on cannabis producer oversupply, SB 6196 on kratom taxation, SB 6204 on home cannabis cultivation, and SB 6287 on kratom product restrictions. Several bills were sent to Ways and Means because of fiscal impacts, while SB 6204 was sent to Rules after adoption of an amendment allowing local governments to restrict home cultivation in residential areas. The committee also noted that SB 6303 on cannabis packaging and vapor devices would not move that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 9 is a grant program.
• Section 9 is a grant program.
• And they own small businesses all throughout the state.
• We will begin here in Carson City in opposition testimony.
• Carson City in opposition testimony.

Bills: SB156

Committee: Assembly Government Affairs

Keywords: gun violence, firearm safety, special counsel, data collection, community initiatives, grants, Attorney General, public safety, suicide prevention, 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That host military bases to access federal grant programs, not just through the Department of Defense
• , but on behalf of that local community as they go out and build those grant programs.
• But we look at it this way: a small investment by the state, similar to other programs that have been
• Even though that might be provided by a local community, is an example of a program.
• veterans in small business.

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee heard House Bill 29, which would appropriate $8 million to the military base impact fund. The sponsor and supporters said the money would help local communities around New Mexico’s military installations compete for federal grants and fund mission-readiness infrastructure such as utilities, roads, water treatment, and other defense-critical projects. Support came from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Veterans and Military Families Caucus, the Kirtland Partnership, and others, who argued the investment would strengthen military readiness, protect jobs, and bring federal dollars into the state. Committee members asked about the types of projects eligible, whether data centers or clean-energy projects could be involved, how water and local regulations would apply, and how the grant process would work. The bill was reported out with a due pass recommendation and no opposition. The committee then heard House Bill 221, which would remove the $30,000 cap on the New Mexico income tax deduction for military retirement pay. The sponsor said the change would cost about $6 million annually but would help attract and retain military retirees, many of whom retire relatively young and may start businesses or remain active in the state economy. The Department of Veterans Services and the New Mexico Veterans and Military Families Caucus testified in support. Committee questions focused on how many retirees would be affected, the fiscal impact, and longer-term projections; department staff said the veteran population in New Mexico is gradually declining over time based on VA modeling. HB 221 also received a due pass recommendation with no opposition. After both bills were approved, the chair announced the committee was nearing its dinner hour and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• we have in NDIT as it relates to our capital projects funds and our B program, two large grant programs
• Next up is our BEAD program. This is our Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program.
• That is part of the grant program.
• both grant programs.
• We programmed for it.

Committee: Joint Information Technology Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up is our BEAD program. This is our broadband equity access and deployment program.
• They're relatively small projects.
• both grant programs.
• We programmed for it.
• So the next month deadline is the state and then the largest city and cities and counties.

Summary: The committee received several informational reports from NDIT and DPI. Justin Data reviewed the quarterly major IT project portfolio, noting the portfolio was slightly under budget and behind schedule overall, with three red schedule items: Bed Management System and Vital Records were essentially complete and being closed out, and the Roadway Capital Planning Project was delayed by vendor bug fixes after testing. He also summarized recent project startups and closeouts, including the Victim Notification System, Medicaid data exchange, Highway Patrol’s motor carrier permit system, and several completed HHS and RIMS projects. Members asked for follow-up on ADA compliance work, the public-facing RIO website, and the state’s mainframe retirement timeline, and staff agreed to provide updates later. Craig Falkley reported on coordination of services with political subdivisions and higher education, including StageNet, cybersecurity, radio/911 services, and PeopleSoft coordination. He also explained distributed ledger technology as a tool for transparency and fraud prevention, but said it is not widely used in state government and suggested the report be modernized to focus more broadly on emerging technologies such as AI and cybersecurity. The committee generally agreed that the topic should be updated. Chris Gurgan presented the mandatory cybersecurity incident reporting program created by HB 1314, explaining how agencies and political subdivisions report incidents through NDIT’s website or service desk. He said 77 incidents had been reported since 2021, 47 met the statutory definition, and most were phishing-related; most reported incidents were resolved, with one recent ransomware matter still open. He also reviewed notable incidents since the last report, including the PowerSchool compromise, a SimpleHelp intrusion at a school district, a court intrusion, a WSUS vulnerability, a business email compromise, and a recent ransomware incident involving a non-state critical infrastructure entity. Members asked about recovery of stolen funds, early warning signs, smishing, training, MFA, conditional access, and cybersecurity maturity assessments; Gurgan said the state uses MFA and conditional access, provides awareness training to state employees, and would return with more information on maturity assessments. Tony Ambrose then updated the committee on the K-12 student information system bridge project. He said district implementation of Infinite Campus had begun statewide, but the data migration vendor originally selected was terminated for poor performance and replaced by Aurora Educational Technology, which had experience with similar statewide migrations. He also said DPI is migrating special education data from Tynet into Infinite Campus, and that some SLDS-based tools such as e-transcripts and Choice Ready may not function exactly as they do now at July 1, requiring interim or alternative solutions. Members raised concerns about summer school disruptions, the timing of the cutover, and whether the new system would support existing reporting and transcript functions; DPI said it was working on identity, authentication, data-sharing agreements, and post-go-live integrations, and would continue to refine the plan beyond June 30.

Transcript Highlights:

• North Star Elementary school is an Islamic faith-based school located in my district, city of Hayward
• The Azeri government gave this city a choice.
• On behalf of the Latino Caucus and as a proud Assemblymember representing the city of Montebello, home
• We have a in San Diego County where we have a large city the city of San Diego and a somewhat large city
• the city of Chula Vista and frankly they're not satisfied with just having a voice at the table.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> newly produced Legacy funded programming newly produced Legacy funded programming reaching<00:04
• Members sh dues to acquire programming Members sh dues to acquire programming but<00:17:02.560><c> we
• </c><00:24:13.360><c> and</c> Who's vice president of programs and Who's vice president of programs and
• </c> and interactive exhibits and programming and interactive exhibits and programming in<00:25:09.960
• </c> able to afford it one of our programs able to afford it one of our programs the<00:29:31.640><c>

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2012, 2013, this body passed the computer data center program, a tax incentive program, to allow data
• In 2012, 2013, this body passed the computer data center program, a tax incentive program, to allow data
• I think, you know, not only is it a small portion of what data centers are investing, but it's a small
• This amount expands the scope of the program as well.
• That does four main things to our Medicaid program.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee met to review the governor’s fiscal 2027 budget presentation, with the chair repeatedly asking members to keep questions brief and avoid speeches. The discussion focused first on the overall revenue and spending outlook, including concerns from members that the executive forecast was more optimistic than the JLBC baseline and that the budget appeared to front-load revenue and expenditure growth. The governor’s budget team said the forecast was close to JLBC’s, that the budget was structurally balanced, and that differences were roughly $100 million per year on ongoing revenue. Members asked for follow-up calculations in writing, including the total multi-year gap and the amount of revenue enhancements above base revenues. A major portion of the meeting centered on tax and fee proposals tied to data centers, water use, and sports betting. The governor’s team defended eliminating the existing data center tax incentive as the removal of a loophole rather than a new tax, arguing the incentive had already succeeded in attracting major investment. They also described a proposed Department of Water Resources fee-setting authority for data centers to support a new Colorado River Protection Fund, and said the proposal would apply to existing and future facilities without a grandfather clause. Members raised concerns about fairness, competitiveness, and whether the changes would require a supermajority vote. The team also discussed increased sports betting fees, saying the revenue forecast did not include dynamic behavioral effects. The committee then moved through major spending areas, including corrections, public safety, border security, cybersecurity, K-12 education, Medicaid, and developmental disabilities. The governor’s budget includes ongoing funding to prevent correctional officer pay cuts, money to comply with prison health care court orders, probation funding, body-worn cameras, law enforcement staffing, fentanyl task forces, and cyber readiness grants. Members questioned the lack of funding for a prison oversight committee and asked for corrections spending totals over the administration. On border security, the executive said it was seeking about $759.7 million in federal reimbursement for border-related costs and that the governor had met with federal officials, including Secretary Noem and Tom Homan, about the request. In education, the budget proposes renewing Prop. 123, adding K-12 base funding, and issuing $1.5 billion in school facilities bonds over three years; members debated whether the proposal was appropriate and whether Prop. 123 revenues could support the debt service. The meeting also covered AHCCCS cost growth and federal HR1 impacts, with the executive warning of major coverage losses and hospital funding reductions, and DDD funding, where the governor’s team said the budget fully funds services and includes about $120 million in supplemental needs. No votes were taken; the meeting was a presentation and question-and-answer session only.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> cannabis program. cannabis program.
• </c> on that have gone through this program on that have gone through this program in<01:19:19.920><c
• Um Senator Um Verbatim had program.
• </c><01:22:00.120><c> bill,</c> pilot program bill, pilot program bill, um<01:22:01.720><c> and</c> um
• </c> small businesses right? small businesses right?

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Aim to see a dentist at the first sign of pain or infection, because a small problem like a cavity...
• ...at the first sign of pain or infection, because a small problem like a cavity, caught early, can
• Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs are critical pathways that help women enter and succeed
• I had the opportunity to visit an all-woman apprenticeship program called Valley Build Now in Fresno
• We have to continue to enact policies that expand workforce pipelines, support apprenticeship programs

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, offered a prayer and pledge, welcomed a seventh-grade class from Contra Costa Jewish Day School, and made routine announcements, including birthday wishes for Senator Hurtado and committee meeting notices. The body then took up two resolutions on the daily file. SR 82 by Senator Perez recognized Children’s Dental Health Month and highlighted the importance of early oral health care, the prevalence of tooth decay among California children, disparities affecting Latinx, Black, and low-income children, and Medi-Cal and other state efforts to expand dental access. SR 84 by Senator Caballero commemorated Women in Construction Week and emphasized the need to expand opportunities for women in the construction trades through apprenticeships, inclusive job sites, and workforce development to address labor shortages and support California’s housing and infrastructure goals. Both resolutions were adopted unanimously by roll call votes of 31-0. Afterward, members announced upcoming budget subcommittee meetings. The Senate then heard multiple adjourn-in-memory requests, including one from Senator Alvarado-Gil honoring eight victims of the February 17 avalanche near Truckee and another from Senator Wiener honoring Camille Moran, a San Francisco transgender advocate, artist, and community leader. The presiding officer noted the Senate would recess and reconvene on Monday, March 9, 2026, with an adjournment motion to follow later that day.