Transcript Highlights:

• He was proud of his experience as a veteran and later became an advocate for veterans' issues in the
• Veterans Day celebration and to also advocate for the renovation of the Veterans Memorial Building in
• Despite his opposition to the war, he, as a veteran, held a deep respect for our country's service members
• and kept engaged in veterans' issues, as I previously mentioned.
• veterans play in that.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the Veterans Falls Veterans Home.
• </c> active duty for these veterans. active duty for these veterans.
• My grandfather, a proud World War II veteran, received his high school diploma in the 1990s under New
• :44:47.840><c> veteran,</c><00:44:48.240><c> received</c><00:44:48.640><c> his</c> proud World War II
• veteran, received his proud World War II veteran, received his high<00:44:48.920><c> school</c><00:44

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• indirect ownership, do you believe that a terrorist, first off, a terrorist organization, we're at war
• We just entered into a war with the worst terrorist country in the United States, and I can tell you
• But there are multiple problems with the bill, so In war, when you are at war with a country where you
• That's what a conventional war is. A nonconventional war is when you cowardly commit terrorism.
• Certainly, if a tenant is experiencing anything Such as mold right now with the cold weather.

Bills: HB1016 , HB1453 , HB1992 , HB2015 , HB2940 , HB2959 , HB2997 , HB3037 , HB3045 , HB3053 , HB3087 , HB3267 , HB3301 , HB3453 , HB3495 , HB3521 , HB3581 , HB3584 , HB3586 , HB3587 , HB3662 , HB3691 , HB3695 , HB3697 , HB3742 , HB3743 , HB3845 , HB4058 , HB4125 , HB4198 , HB4227 , HB4425

Committee: House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight

Keywords: minors, content creation, trust account, compensation, civil action, digital content, Oklahoma statutes, foreign ownership, property rights, agricultural land, Attorney General, divestment, real estate, felony penalties, motor vehicles, towing services, combination vehicles, wrecker fees, possessory lien, landlord

Transcript Highlights:

• Now that we have returned home bearing the physical and emotional wounds of war, it is vital that our
• Mahalo noa for your time, consideration, and continued support of our Hawaii veterans, and I look forward
• Now that we have returned home bearing the physical and emotional wounds of war, it is vital that our
• </c><00:14:26.160><c> Services</c> from um the Office of Veterans Services from um the Office of Veterans
• </c> my school um we have a bunch of veterans my school um we have a bunch of veterans and<00:16:09.519

Bills: HB9 , SB2723

Committee: House Culture & Arts

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts heard testimony on HB 9 HD1, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart State, and SB 2723, relating to State Sheriff’s Day. On HB 9 HD1, Takumi Abby of Purple Heart Chapter 483 testified in strong support, saying the bill would recognize the service and sacrifice of combat-wounded veterans and honor Purple Heart recipients and their families. Additional support was noted from the Office of Veterans Services, the Hawaii Military Affairs Council, and CARES, whose representative Angela Melody Young described related veteran-honoring efforts in Honolulu and across Oahu and said the state designation would extend that recognition statewide. Members then moved to decision-making on HB 9 HD1. One member briefly commented on family military service and the importance of remembering Purple Heart recipients. The committee voted to adopt the chair’s recommendation to pass the measure as is, with all members present voting aye. For SB 2723, the chair indicated the committee would further defer the date, while also recommending passage with amendments. The committee voted on the amended version and adopted the chair’s recommendation with no objections or reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many people don't recall that right after the Cold War ended, when the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991
• Unfortunately, a few years later, the Russians decided to invade Ukraine, and that war has been going
• on now for longer than the U.S. involvement in World War II.
• </c> War II. War II.
• Aloha. by side during World War II in defense by side during World War II in defense of<00:18:49.200>

Bills: SB1432 , SB2024 , SB2043 , SB2060 , SB2069 , SB2153 , SB2259 , SB2319 , SB2321 , SB2338 , SB2360 , SB2396 , SB2405 , SB2407 , SB2544 , SB2550 , SB2552 , SB2578 , SB2580 , SB2607 , SB2614 , SB2671 , SB2800 , SB2805 , SB2816 , SB2835 , SB2877 , SB2892 , SB2928 , SB2934 , SB3063 , SB3199 , SB3233 , SB3325 , HCR8 , HCR10 , HCR11 , HCR13 , HCR14 , HCR18 , HCR19 , HCR22 , HCR24 , HCR31 , HCR32 , HCR33 , HCR35 , HCR54 , HCR62 , HCR63 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR82 , HCR83 , HCR85 , HCR91 , HCR93 , HCR94 , HCR96 , HCR98 , HCR102 , HCR104 , HCR105 , HCR106 , HCR110 , HCR111 , HCR116 , HCR117 , HCR118 , HCR121 , HCR122 , HCR123 , HCR124 , HCR125 , HCR127 , HCR128 , HCR137 , HCR139 , HCR140 , HCR141 , HCR144 , HCR146 , HCR162 , HCR165 , HCR166 , HCR173 , HCR178 , HCR179 , HCR180 , HCR181 , HCR182 , HCR185 , HCR189 , HCR191 , HCR192 , HCR193 , HCR194 , HCR200 , HCR202 , HCR6 , HCR36 , HCR42 , HCR43 , HCR44 , HCR53 , HCR57 , HCR61 , HCR64 , HCR69 , HCR84 , HCR101 , HCR103 , HCR107 , HCR112 , HCR126 , HCR136 , HCR154 , HCR161 , HCR175 , HCR186 , HCR187 , HCR188 , HCR197 , HCR203 , HCR204 , HCR206 , HB1870 , HB1588 , HB2429 , HB2386 , HB2583 , HB2361 , HB2270 , HB2137 , HB1643 , HB1682 , HB1692 , HB2078 , HB1553 , HB1667 , HB1700 , HB1728 , HB2293 , HB2096 , HB1959 , HB1511 , HB1961 , HB1858 , HB1897 , HB2088 , HB2093 , HB2279 , HB2314 , HB2505 , HB2433 , HB963 , HB1705 , HB1550 , HB469 , HB1334 , HB1710 , HB1737 , HB1753 , HB1881 , HB2309 , HB1713 , HB1741 , HB2062 , HB463 , HB1839 , HB1664 , HB2455 , HB2417 , HB1898 , HB1573 , HB1768 , HB1962 , HB2101 , HB1782 , HB2033 , HB1518 , HB1642 , HB1752 , HB2097 , HB2282 , HB1696 , HB1823 , HB1886 , HB2152 , HB2413 , HB2503 , HB1875 , HB1519 , HB1509 , HB1628 , HB1810 , HB1990 , HB2023 , HB2540 , HB1679 , HB1888 , HB2576 , HB2592

Transcript Highlights:

• Just to put it in perspective, our veteran population is 1%.
• Of Project Vanguard, I represent the community of veterans and energy.
• This bill violates all those beliefs we hold as veterans and Texans.
• Veterans like myself understand firsthand the cost of energy security, weakening our state.
• As a veteran of renewable energy, I'm concerned that the bill would jeopardize thousands of veterans

Bills: SB458 , SB819 , SB1238 , SB1642 , SB1643 , SB1644 , SB1791 , SB1810 , SB1824 , SB1825 , SB758 , SB1455 , SB1706

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> DOW now I guess or WD war department. DOW now I guess or WD war department.
• </c> Secretary of War Hegsth. Secretary of War Hegsth.
• Now, as I said, there's a lot of veteran support for this measure from individual veterans, but the veterans
• Awareness is being raised about undeclared wars, unending wars. What should we do?
• Awareness is being raised about undeclared wars, unending wars. What should we do?

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a native New Mexican and Marine Corps veteran, founder of the New Mexico Nuclear Alliance, and host
• With old waste from the Cold War, many of the brightest minds still don't know proper ways to store high-level

Bills: SB47 , SB195 , SB196 , SB197 , SB198 , SB78

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Keywords: food recovery, composting, waste management, solid waste surcharge, organic waste reduction, environment, grants, advisory group, soil conservation, water resources, training services, outreach programs, environmental protection, animal care, veterinary services, spay and neuter, Las Vegas, community funding, animal welfare, animal shelter

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a native New Mexican, a Marine Corps veteran, founder of the New Mexico Nuclear Alliance, and a host
• With old waste from the Cold War, many of the brightest minds still don't know proper ways to store high-level

Bills: SB47 , SB195 , SB196 , SB197 , SB198 , SB78

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 47, a composting/organic waste measure that had been brought back from the table. The sponsor and witnesses described amendments that reduced the solid waste surcharge, added flexibility for landfills to divert organic waste to regional compost facilities, and delayed the effective date to July 1, 2027. Supporters said the changes made the bill more affordable and workable, while opponents from the waste industry still objected to the surcharge and wanted the proposed study completed before any tax was imposed. After committee discussion, a motion to table resulted in a tie vote, so the bill remained on the table. The committee then heard Senate Bill 195, which appropriates $1 million for training elected officials and staff of soil and water conservation districts. The sponsor and the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts said the money would support compliance training, procurement and audit requirements, board education, and outreach for the state’s 47 districts. Support came from district officials and environmental advocates, who cited increasing responsibilities tied to disasters and climate impacts. The bill passed unanimously. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 196 and Senate Bill 197, companion appropriations for animal care and spay/neuter services in Las Vegas and Raton. Senators questioned whether the bills mixed operating funds with capital improvements, whether the projects duplicated statewide spay/neuter grants, and how much local funding was involved. The sponsor said the local communities had substantial skin in the game and that the appropriations were needed for facility expansion and repairs. Both bills passed on 6-2 votes. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 198, which would fund an endangered species hatchery and rearing station in Las Vegas. The sponsor argued the project would help restore aquatic species and use available state land and water, while supporters said it would strengthen conservation efforts. Opponents argued New Mexico already has a hatchery doing similar work, raised concerns about nuclear and water issues, and questioned the location and policy direction. After extensive testimony, the committee did not finish the bill and recessed SB 78, a separate measure to allow nuclear energy to count toward renewable portfolio standards, for continued discussion on Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm at home doing some step therapy on a cold. The pot toddy didn't work last night.
• And if any of our customers want, veteran designations are currently available, along with donor status
• So we are literally entering a bidding war.

Bills: SB20 , SB111 , SB211 , SB218 , SB14

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Keywords: prior authorization, pharmacy benefits manager, PBM, health insurer, prescription drugs, step therapy, formulary, auto-adjudication, electronic portal, appeals, medical necessity, serious mental illness, mental health, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, substance use disorder, addiction treatment, cancer, autoimmune disorder

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm at home doing some step therapy on a cold.
• And if any of our customers want to designate veteran status, currently it's available, along with donor
• So we are literally entering a bidding war. But rather than start behind...

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 20, a prior-authorization and step-therapy measure, on a committee substitute that had already incorporated many stakeholder changes. The sponsor and agency witnesses described revisions to definitions of chronic health condition and serious mental illness, shorter prior-authorization periods, and limits on reporting requirements. Supporters, including a nurse practitioner and disability advocates, said the bill would reduce barriers to needed medications and urged broader protections for chronic and behavioral health conditions. Health insurance and pharmacy benefit management representatives remained opposed, arguing prior authorization is an important patient-safety tool and objecting to the bill’s limits on its use. Senator Hickey offered two amendments: one to conform electronic prior-authorization response times to existing law by changing seven days to three, and one to restore the prior-authorization period from 12 months to three years. The first amendment was accepted; the second passed on a 5-4 vote. The committee then approved the amended substitute 6-3. The committee next heard Senate Bill 111, which would expand the confidentiality of personal information held by the Motor Vehicle Division to include sex, gender identity, national origin, and immigration status. Tax and Revenue officials explained that the bill would not change what documents MVD collects, but would limit disclosure of sensitive information contained in scanned records unless a statutory exception applies. Members asked about what appears on licenses, what is stored in MVD’s system, and whether law enforcement access would change; officials said criminal law enforcement exceptions would remain in place and that the bill mainly affects public disclosure requests. The committee voted 8-1 to give the bill a do-pass recommendation. Senate Bill 218, funding a Los Alamos Emergency Operations Center, was presented as a regional disaster-response and training facility for northern New Mexico. Los Alamos County witnesses said the project would support emergency management training and coordination across the region and requested $5 million. Several senators questioned whether the county had explored bonding, intergovernmental agreements, or regional cost-sharing, and raised concerns about Los Alamos’s debt capacity and whether the project was truly regional. Supporters said the county has a long capital backlog and that the center would serve communities from Santa Fe north. The committee ultimately voted 9-1 to advance the bill. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 14, a major health professional loan-repayment proposal. Senator Hickey described it as an effort to recruit and retain physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals by increasing repayment amounts, prioritizing physicians and doctors of osteopathic medicine for 50% of the fund, and allowing service commitments with some flexibility, including part-time work. Supporters from medical, nursing, and behavioral health groups said the bill would help address workforce shortages and make New Mexico more competitive. Committee members asked about the inclusion of physician assistants, the 90-day start requirement, anti-donation concerns, tax treatment, tribal and IHS providers, and whether the 50% physician set-aside would leave enough for other professions. After discussion, the committee voted 10-0 to send the bill forward with a do-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• shocked and saddened to learn that federal immigration agents in Minnesota killed Alex Prettie, a Veterans
• I wanted them to realize what it really feels like to feel cold weather, and it's not always 75 and sunny
• So 20 years of tons of service throughout the world, wars, the whole nine yards.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, offered a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on guest introductions recognizing visitors, community college delegations, students, caregivers, a retired Assembly staff member, and a championship high school football team. Members also observed an adjournment in memory for Alex Preddy, a VA nurse killed in Minnesota, and later for Kathy Wooten and Rowena Ramos. The chamber then moved through the daily file and third reading file, with several items passed, retained, or continued. Among the bills taken up, AB 34 on renewable portfolio standard exemptions for publicly owned utilities passed 55-0; AB 35 to accelerate implementation of Proposition 4 climate resilience funds passed 62-0; AB 52 on food and agriculture equity passed 50-6; AB 72 creating an EV economic opportunity zone passed 58-0; AB 96 removing a diploma requirement for Medi-Cal peer support specialists passed 55-0; AB 230 extending Pierce’s disease control programs passed 64-0; AB 277 requiring background checks for behavioral health employees passed 59-0; AB 647 clarifying a county RV disposal pilot passed 54-0; AB 664 authorizing limited bachelor’s programs at Southwestern Community College passed 60-1; AB 673 creating a support grant for unaccompanied homeless youth passed 55-1; AB 710 on dynamic electricity pricing passed 54-0; AB 748 streamlining pre-approved housing plans passed 65-0; AB 767 expanding protections around sexually violent predator placements near schools and daycares passed 65-0; AB 883 protecting officials’ personal information from data brokers passed 66-0; AB 946 expanding 30x30 conservation efforts to urban areas passed 65-0; AB 1054 creating a deferred retirement option program for CHP and Cal Fire passed 61-1; AB 1070 on missing middle housing code simplification passed 66-0; AB 1159 strengthening student data privacy passed 54-4; AB 1204 revising the Local Control Funding Formula passed 54-1; AB 1265 extending the historic building tax credit passed 64-0; AB 1349 banning speculative ticketing passed 61-0; AB 1359 allowing seniors 80+ to opt out of jury service without a doctor’s note passed 67-1; AB 643 on organic waste procurement credits passed 48-4; AB 685 creating a small business resiliency fund passed 63-0; AB 714 tightening oversight of commercial driving programs passed 65-1; and AB 805 establishing a youth apprenticeship bridge program passed 66-0. Several other items were passed and retained or continued without debate. Debate on AB 1054 drew the sharpest disagreement, with opponents warning about pension costs and supporters arguing it would help retain experienced CHP officers and firefighters. AB 767 also prompted strong comments about public safety and placement of sexually violent predators in rural communities. On AB 1349, supporters from both parties backed the anti-speculative ticketing bill as consumer protection, while AB 664 drew support from members emphasizing access to higher education in underserved regions. The Assembly then adjourned until January 29, 2026, after announcing upcoming session dates and recording a few vote changes from the dais.

Transcript Highlights:

• shocked and saddened to learn that federal immigration agents in Minnesota killed Alex Prettie, a Veterans
• I wanted them to realize what it really feels like to feel cold weather.
• So 20 years of tons of service throughout the world, wars, the whole nine yards.

Transcript Highlights:

• My dad was a World War II veteran. My brother a Vietnam veteran.
• MY DAD WAS A WORLD WAR II VETERAN. MY BROTHER A VIETNAM VETERAN.
• I want to recognize veterans and their conference, Senator Ashby, our ranking member on Veterans and
• He was a combat veteran of World War II.
• MY FATHER HAD A FONDNESS, HE WAS A COMBAT VETERAN OF WORLD WAR II.

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Major Brittany Wooten, then took up Senate Resolution No. 1749 designating March 19, 2026, as West Point Day in New York State. Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Senator Skoufis, Minority Leader Ortt, and several other senators spoke in support of West Point, its cadets, and the academy’s history and role in national service. Colonel Daniel R. Stuewe, commander of U.S. Army Garrison West Point, also addressed the chamber, emphasizing the long-standing partnership between West Point and New York and the academy’s mission to develop leaders of character. The resolution was adopted, and the West Point Day observance included recognition of cadets and academy staff. The Senate then moved through a calendar of bills, passing measures including amendments to the Public Health Law, Election Law, Executive Law, Penal Law, Elder Law, Real Property Tax Law, General Municipal Law, and Public Authorities Law. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote or debate. Senator Mayer spoke in support of a bill establishing Fred Korematsu Day, framing it as a reminder of the injustice of Japanese American internment and the need to defend civil rights. Senator Ryan supported a bill streamlining the senior citizen property tax exemption process, calling it a way to reduce burdens on older residents. Senator Helming opposed a local government planning mandate as an unfunded mandate, while Senators Walczyk and Martins criticized a housing-related reporting bill as burdensome and ineffective. The most debated item was Calendar 457, a housing-data and reporting bill sponsored by Senator May. Supporters argued it would improve transparency and help the state understand zoning and housing capacity, while opponents said it imposed new reporting burdens on municipalities and could penalize poorer communities by threatening CDBG funding. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and ultimately passed by a vote of 37-23. The Senate then adjourned until the next legislative day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, the secret war in Laos.
• I was injured during the war. I was injured during the war.
• . veterans have already died die without veterans have already died die without any<00:08:17.520><c>
• </c> did the right thing for our veterans did the right thing for our veterans family.<00:09:06.240><
• . veteran. veteran.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• What greatly increases is our Gulf War to current, let's call it post-9/11 generation of veterans.
• It's been phenomenal to see those World War II and Korean War veterans with a smile on their face because
• Think back to those years past where many older veterans, World War II, they came to Florida.
• Think back to those years past where many older veterans, World War II, of supporting our veterans.
• Think back to those years past where many older veterans, World War II, they came to Florida.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Major General James Hartzell of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs on the agency’s outreach, benefits assistance, and state veterans nursing homes. He highlighted Florida’s large and growing veteran population, the decline in World War II and Vietnam-era veterans, and the increase in post-9/11 veterans moving to the state. Hartzell discussed the state veterans nursing home system, including a new Collier County facility that will include skilled nursing, assisted living, adult day health care, and outpatient therapy, and he said the department is also studying future adult day health care expansion and possible additional homes in underserved areas. He also reported on the dental program funded by the Legislature, saying 245 veterans were served in the first quarter of the fiscal year, with 1,631 procedures completed and more than $525,000 in savings, and he credited the added state veterans service officer positions with helping connect more veterans to benefits. Hartzell also noted a 13% year-over-year reduction in homeless veterans, emphasized mental health outreach through SaveFLVets.org and the Overwatch program, and announced a new deputy executive director, retired Colonel D.J. Reyes. Members asked about the need for additional veterans homes in South Florida, the criteria used to site new homes, the homeless veteran reduction, and whether adult day health care could be added at existing facilities. Hartzell explained that federal criteria focus on the availability of private skilled nursing beds for veterans 65 and older, and that adult day health care is state-funded and being studied for broader deployment. He also said the department tracks where homeless veterans are concentrated and works with local partners and organizations like Tunnels to Towers to provide housing and services that reduce recidivism. The committee also discussed Florida’s national reputation for veteran support, including Veterans Month and the state’s culture of veteran awareness. The committee then received a presentation from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, on disaster response, recovery, and technology systems. Guthrie described the State Emergency Response Team, the new Florida Central Operations and Coordination Office in Auburndale, and the new State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee, which is expected to be fully operational by spring 2026 and will significantly expand capacity and hardening. He reviewed recovery efforts for Hurricanes Helene, Milton, Debbie, Idalia, Ian, Irma, Michael, Dorian, Sally, Nicole, and others, including sheltering, travel trailers, debris removal, and FEMA reimbursement totals. Guthrie said Florida removed more than 31.6 million cubic yards of debris from Helene and Milton in 90 days on a 24/7 basis, and he described Elevate Florida, the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation (FROC), the DEMES platform, and WebEOC as tools to streamline recovery, mitigation, and intergovernmental coordination. Members asked about flood-response resources for cities, the state’s use of pumps and mutual aid, and lessons learned from inland flooding after Milton. Guthrie said local governments should first use county and city mutual aid, then request state assistance when needed, and he encouraged more partnerships for staging and maintaining flood equipment. He also said future flood mitigation must address outdated development patterns, watershed flow, and the need for better drainage planning, while continuing temporary fixes and homeowner assistance programs. The committee ended with no votes or formal actions beyond adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• What greatly increases is our Gulf War to current, let's call it post-9/11 generation of veterans.
• It's been phenomenal to see those World War II and Korean War veterans with a smile on their face because
• Think back to those years past where many older veterans, World War II, they came to Florida.
• Think back to those years past where many older veterans, World War II, of supporting our veterans.
• Think back to those years past where many older veterans, World War II, they came to Florida.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Major General James Hartzell of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs on the agency’s mission, outreach efforts, state veterans nursing homes, and support programs. He highlighted Florida’s large and growing veteran population, the state’s existing nursing homes and the planned 10th home in Collier County, and the department’s dental assistance program, which served 245 veterans in the first quarter of the fiscal year and completed 1,631 procedures while saving more than $525,000. He also discussed veteran service officers, the benefits guide, the department newsletter, efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, and mental health outreach through the Overwatch/Firewatch program. Senators asked about future nursing home locations, adult day health care, homelessness, and the dental program; Hartzell also announced that retired Colonel D.J. Reyes will become deputy executive director on November 7. The committee then heard from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Division of Emergency Management, on disaster response, recovery, and agency modernization. He described the State Emergency Response Team, the new Florida Central Operations and Coordination Office warehouse in Auburndale, and the new state emergency operations center in Tallahassee, which is ahead of schedule and designed to hold about 220 people and withstand 200-mph winds. Guthrie reviewed recovery efforts for recent storms, including debris removal, volunteer villages, sheltering, and FEMA reimbursement totals for Hurricanes Milton, Helene, Debbie, Idalia, Ian, and earlier storms. He also discussed the Elevate Florida home-elevation program, the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation training initiative, the DEMES platform, and WebEOC, noting that 60 counties and 22 colleges and universities are using the system. Members asked Guthrie about flood-response resources for cities, training for local officials, and lessons from inland flooding after recent storms. He explained how local governments can request pumps and other assistance through county and state channels, described upcoming elected-official training, and emphasized mutual aid and EMAC as key future disaster-response tools. The committee took no formal votes or other legislative action and adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Service Officers, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, AARP, PORAC, SEIU, and the
• Veterans Service Officers, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, AARP, PORAC, SEIU,
• To deny a Korea War veteran that I had a conversation with that waited 12 years for an increase in his
• If that Korean War veteran would have gotten his benefits 12 years prior, he would have had substantial
• You have a United States military veteran, World War II. He talked about his dad being there.

Transcript Highlights:

• A little bit of history about the museum: the museum was founded by a World War II veteran.
• Charles County and you see the word veteran on anything, Veterans Memorial Parkway, Veterans Memorial
• So this is a dream of Ralph Borrelli, that World War II veteran. Why does this matter?
• One of the greatest challenges That World War II veteran. Why does this matter?
• Provide a safe space for veterans. Veteran History Project.

Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces

Transcript Highlights:

• Service Officers, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, AARP, PORAC, SEIU, and the
• Veterans Service Officers, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, AARP, PORAC, SEIU,
• To deny a Korea War veteran that I had a conversation with that waited 12 years for an increase in his
• If that Korean War veteran would have got his benefits 12 years prior, he would have had substantial
• You have a United States military veteran, World War II. He talked about his dad being there.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guest delegations, including UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute fellows and community college representatives. The body approved the Senate journals and then moved through gubernatorial appointments, confirming Dr. Hernando Garsohn as Chief Medical Officer at the Emergency Medical Services Authority and Stephanie Weldon as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health, both by 39-0 votes. The chamber then took up a series of third-reading bills. Measures approved included SB 799 on the South Bay Regional Housing Trust, SB 33 on prompt payment for public works contractors, SB 222 to streamline permitting for heat pump installations, SB 300 strengthening protections for minors in AI chatbot interactions, SB 457 expanding support for community land trusts, SB 479 authorizing city-based homeless response multidisciplinary teams, SB 719 extending a reporting sunset on automated decision systems, SB 722 protecting mobile home park residents from demolition-related displacement, SB 832 updating the Upper Los Angeles River working group, SB 342 limiting forfeiture when a contractor’s license lapses, SB 490 allowing local inspections of unlicensed treatment facilities with state approval, SB 828 requiring permit-data verification for fireworks and explosives facilities, SB 849 barring physicians who committed sexual misconduct from license renewal, SB 742 addressing decommissioned electric lines in response to the Altadena fire, SB 96 regulating amplified advertising on streaming and related platforms, and SB 58 updating hydrogen sulfide monitoring and response standards. Most passed unanimously; SB 222 and SB 677 drew some opposition, and SB 222 passed 38-3. A major floor debate centered on SB 694, which would restrict unaccredited private firms from charging fees to assist veterans with VA benefits claims and align state law with federal accreditation rules. Supporters argued the bill would protect veterans from predatory “claim shark” practices and preserve access through accredited providers, while opponents said it would limit veterans’ choice and could reduce access to needed help. After a motion to pull the bill from Rules and take it up immediately passed 29-9, the Senate approved SB 694 by a 39-0 vote. The session ended with unanimous approval of the consent calendar items and adjournment until January 27, 2026.