Transcript Highlights:

• One thing that is very notable about the forum is that it operates on consensus.
• Washington's operating environment makes in-state sourcing harder to sustain.
• When a store can't operate safely or economically, it leads to reduced hours and reduced offerings.
• We expect that to launch in 2026.
• Since it launched in 2015, we've had more than $7.4 million in fruit and vegetable incentives.

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session on food systems and food security, with no public testimony. The first panel covered household food security and data. Marie Spiker of UW explained how food insecurity is measured, its health impacts, and the importance of reliable data, warning that the federal Census food security data is being terminated and that Washington’s WAFOOD surveys are a useful but non-representative complement. Katie Raines of WSDA described the state’s food systems work, including efforts to build shared data and dashboard monitoring, coordinate across agencies and partners, and strengthen the hunger safety net and local food supply chain. The committee then heard from Tracy Roof of the University of Richmond, who gave a history of SNAP/food stamps as both an anti-hunger program and an agricultural support tied to the farm bill. She described how the program evolved from Depression-era commodity distribution to a permanent federal-state program, how it became countercyclical during recessions, and how state policy changes and outreach increased participation. She also noted SNAP’s economic multiplier effects and said Washington’s enrollment is in the middle of the pack nationally, while future federal changes could reduce eligibility and shift more costs to states. A later panel focused on food security challenges and opportunities across the food system. The Washington Food Policy Forum, through Danny Madrone and Chris Elder, outlined its consensus-based recommendations on food insecurity, climate and water, regional infrastructure, farmland protection, and support for small and mid-sized farms. A joint industry panel from the Farm Bureau, Retail Association, and Food Industry Association emphasized agriculture’s economic scale, rising costs, loss of farms, retail theft, and the importance of local grocery stores and SNAP/WIC partnerships. State agency representatives from DSHS and DOH described current program impacts and risks: DSHS said federal H.R. 1 could require Washington to pay up to 15% of SNAP benefits and tighten eligibility, while DOH highlighted WIC, farmers market nutrition, fruit-and-vegetable incentives, and a new Medicaid waiver project, but warned that unstable funding and the end of SNAP-Ed threaten program continuity. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because that may not be someplace you operate.
• So TSA is ultimately operating all of those checks.
• These operations. Clear operates under a nationwide memorandum of understanding with the TSA.
• We also lease Clear office space to operate.
• This goes into our general operating fund to operate it. them to operate, which we've done.

Committee: House Transportation

Summary: The committee held an interim study on airport security vendors, prompted by Representative Hayes’s earlier House Bill 1271, which would have restricted Oklahoma airports from contracting with third-party identity verification companies such as Clear. Hayes explained the bill stemmed from concerns raised after a December 2022 TSA letter and broader questions about whether these vendors create security risks or bypass TSA screening. The committee heard first from Clear, then Idemia, and then Tulsa International Airport, with members focusing on how identity verification works, whether it differs from TSA screening, and whether the state should regulate these services. Clear’s representative said the company provides an opt-in biometric identity verification service at airports, not physical screening, and that every passenger still goes through TSA screening. He said Clear operates in about 60 airports in roughly 40 states, has about 40,000 members in Oklahoma, and has paid more than $1.1 million to Oklahoma airports since launching in the state. Members questioned how Clear verifies IDs, whether Real ID is required, whether the company can manually override biometric checks, whether it shares data, and whether it has had security issues. Clear said it uses source corroboration with state DMV systems, does not sell data, has no manual override, and has worked with TSA on security upgrades after earlier concerns. Idemia’s representative described the company’s broader biometrics work for Oklahoma and the federal government, including fingerprint systems for the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation, civilian background-check enrollment, TSA checkpoint credential authentication technology, and TSA PreCheck enrollment. She said Idemia’s role stops at identity verification and that TSA retains responsibility for screening and for decisions about who enters trusted traveler programs. Tulsa International’s COO said Clear does not replace TSA, that TSA retains exclusive authority over screening, and that the airport leases space to Clear and receives revenue from the arrangement. No vote was taken, and the meeting ended after questions and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commission operates, but we do think that having people that do have some expertise in that field and
• At the association level, we just launched a national campaign, Skip the Bin, Turn Them In, which will
• c><00:22:02.320><c> just</c> At the association level, we just At the association level, we just launched
• > national</c><00:22:03.560><c> campaign,</c><00:22:04.440><c> skip</c><00:22:04.720><c> the</c> launched
• a national campaign, skip the launched a national campaign, skip the bin<00:22:05.080><c> turn</c><00

Committee: House Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• The role will provide day-to-day operational support as well as key leadership.
• It will ensure consistent standards, align program operations, and coordinate with external partnerships
• Of the total allocation, 5% has already been shown as state operations.
• So it is we want the unfettered ability to launch any program with no clue or history.
• We want the unfettered ability to launch any program with no clue or hint about what it might be.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've launched a new campaign, and this is, I don't know if you want to watch the video.
• They have been operating in Arizona and they're a support for foster families.
• When the program first launched, it targeted students with one or more risk factors.
• 3 operate only two pre-K classrooms.
• They also connect to the Common Core, which we know is how our K-12 system operates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lifewise Academy is a release time program already operating in nearly 600 public schools nationwide,
• with over 900 preparing to launch next year.
• This... ...preparing to launch next year.

Bills: SB13 , SB278 , SB13

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: education, national anthem, patriotism, school policy, constitutional amendment, SB278, released time, religious instruction, elective credit, public schools, K-12 education, Alabama Released Time Credit Act, church-state separation, First Amendment, school choice, parental consent, elective course, off-campus instruction, private religious entity, State Board of Education

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, we are launching in our fifth year. ...settings.
• As you know, we are launching in our fifth year, and we have a lot of lessons learned.
• And last December, we did launch the administration launched the Public Health Network Information Exchange
• State operations funds are the resources to administer this fund. B 1487.
• To state operations expenditures.

Transcript Highlights:

• centering trauma-informed practices for workers and placing well-being at the heart of Housing Works operations
• latest step in scaling her work beyond her organization is the certificate of homeless service work, launched
• at Santa Monica Community College, ...of homeless service work, launched at Santa Monica Community College
• recombinant DNA, In the early 1970s, labs in our state pioneered recombinant DNA and genetic engineering, launching

Summary: The Senate began with a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through several floor recognitions. Members honored the Natomas Nighthawks boys basketball team for their championship season, and the chamber also recognized the 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awardees for work on homelessness, education, youth civic engagement, community college success, and mental health. Individual awardees highlighted included Chris Chapman, Leanne Chun, Darla Cooper, Virgil Moorhead Jr. and Amy Matheson, Adrian Hillman and Aaron Garner Ford, and Selina Alvarez. The Senate also welcomed former U.S. Treasurer Rosie Rios Perez and later heard committee and budget subcommittee announcements. On legislation, the body considered and passed Senate Resolution 88 by Senator Blakespear, commemorating the 50th anniversary of modern biotechnology and the 20th anniversary of the California Biotechnology Foundation. The resolution emphasized California’s role in biotech innovation and the industry’s economic and public health impact. The Senate also passed Senate Resolution 90 by Senator Gonzalez, recognizing April 14–16 as Khmer New Year and celebrating Cambodian American culture, especially in Long Beach. The chamber confirmed five gubernatorial appointments: Alan Guy, Henry Nutt III, and Steven Pennelli to the Contractors State License Board; Jacob Arkavakotov to the Medical Board of California; and Dr. V. V. Ling Sai to the Medical Board of California. All confirmations were approved by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The Senate also suspended a rule to allow Senate Bill 1447 to be heard in policy committees after the deadline, and later announced that the next floor session would be held on Monday, April 13, 2026. The session concluded with adjournment in memory of Rod Diridon Sr., with extended remarks from Senators Cortese, Wahab, and Becker describing his long public service, leadership on transportation and environmental issues, and lasting influence in Santa Clara County and beyond.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's primarily used as a biofuel to generate steam for sugar cane milling operations.
• And it's been a great product for him and his operation.
• This is infrastructure funding to launch and get started. To launch, to get started.
• Infrastructure funding to launch and get started.
• They launched the Fresh Food Financing Initiative, which is very similar situated to the Healthy Food

Bills: HCR65 , HB512 , HB1194 , SCR23 , SB502

Committees: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development , House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture & Rural Development

Keywords: crawfish, agricultural labor, H-2A program, seasonal workforce, Louisiana economy, Healthy Food Retail Act, food access, food deserts, economic opportunity, public health, Louisiana agriculture, community development, fresh food, agriculture, national security, food production, supply chain, security task force, farm labor, Chinese investments

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas, in 2022, the United States and Taiwan launched the U.S.
• , in 2022, the United States and whereas, in 2022, the United States and Taiwan<00:08:27.360><c> launched
• the US-Taiwan Initiative Taiwan launched the US-Taiwan Initiative on<00:08:29.440><c> 21st</c><00:08
• Section 3 also prevents towns from using bylaws to prohibit everyday citizens whose operations don't
• Section 3 also prevents towns from using bylaws to prohibit everyday citizens whose operations don't

Transcript Highlights:

• 26 spending by 3%, identify and revert any positions that had been vacant over six months, find operational
• Chris from Workforce Development Council talked about some leftover unused funds from LAUNCH from the
• decided not to use or maybe they decided to go out of state, but they were unused portions of our launch
• The budget also continues to support the state's talent strategy through LAUNCH and workforce development
• So we're both paying the school to operate, and the assumption is they have a teacher and they have a

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee opened the session with roll call, confirmed a quorum, and introduced new members, staff, and pages. Co-chairs and staff then reviewed JFAC’s role as the legislature’s main budget committee, the committee’s daily schedule, and the resources available through legislative staff, the impact team, and the newly released 2026 Legislative Budget Book and related budget tools. The committee received a detailed briefing from the Division of Financial Management on the JFAC calendar and then from Governor’s Budget Director Lori Wolf on the governor’s FY 2026 and FY 2027 budget recommendations. Wolf said the budget is balanced but tight, relying on a mix of ongoing reductions and one-time actions rather than reserve fund transfers. Major budget actions included a 3% ongoing reduction across most state agencies, reversions of certain one-time balances to the general fund, no recommended pay increase for state employees or teachers, and higher employee health insurance costs. The budget also proposed reductions or policy changes in Medicaid, virtual school funding, Idaho Digital Learning Academy, and some transportation and water-related funds, while preserving funding for public safety, education, water, and transportation priorities. Members questioned the assumptions behind the budget, especially the projected ending balances, the use of one-time transfers, the impact of rising health insurance costs on employees, the effect of Medicaid cuts on services and cost shifts, and the rationale for reductions to online education and IDLA. Several members also asked about the proposed federal tax conformity changes, including the timing of implementation and the treatment of Idaho’s existing R&E tax credit. Wolf said the conformity estimate was based on Tax Commission analysis and that the administration was not recommending use of the budget stabilization fund. No votes or formal actions were taken; the committee concluded by noting that the Economic Outlook Committee would meet later in the week and that JFAC would continue budget hearings the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you walk us through the decision-making process at DCF regarding the launch of this anti-marijuana
• Can you walk us through the decision-making process at DCF regarding the launch of this anti-marijuana
• That committee will be responsible for reviewing and monitoring both the operations and financing of
• Today, we have approximately 70 PBMs that operate in our marketplace with a variety of business models
• I'm Lucille Aceta, Senior Vice President and Head of Specialty Pharmacy Operations for CVS Health.

Bills: S0688 , S1414 , S0186 , S0902 , S0196 , S1574 , S0878 , S1092 , S1032 , S1684 , S1686 , S1760

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The committee took up several health-related bills and confirmations. It first heard SB 1414 on congenital cytomegalovirus education, which would require the Department of Health to develop and distribute educational materials to expectant and new parents through maternity, prenatal, newborn, and OB-GYN settings; an amendment removed a section on required instruction for medical professionals, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then approved a block of appointees on tabs 2 through 7 and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after her testimony on Medicaid accountability, transparency, managed care oversight, rural health, behavioral health, and the state’s technology modernization efforts. Senators asked Harris about Hope Florida, Medicaid redeterminations, the CORE project, an anti-marijuana ad campaign at DCF, and compliance with a federal Medicaid-related court order; she said she would follow up on some issues. The confirmation was recommended favorably, with Senator Berman voting no. The committee next passed SB 186 on student health and safety, which expands epilepsy and seizure-disorder training requirements to more school personnel, including bus drivers and charter school staff, and requires seizure-first-aid posters and updated Department of Health education efforts. It also approved SB 902 on Department of Health issues after amendments narrowed the bill’s scope and added provisions on medical marijuana regulation, early childhood intervention, practitioner accountability, and autism workforce development; one speaker raised concerns about marijuana dispensary location restrictions and low-THC ratios. SB 196 creating a uterine fibroid research database was also reported favorably after an amendment protecting patient privacy; the bill drew emotional testimony from a patient describing severe symptoms and the need for more research. SB 688 on naturopathic medicine was approved after committee discussion about scope of practice, referral obligations, and whether naturopathic care should be adjunctive to conventional medicine; supporters described complementary care and access issues, while opponents worried about delayed treatment for serious disease. Later, the committee passed SB 1574, “Maddie’s Law,” to add biliary atresia screening to newborn screening using the same blood specimen already collected at birth and to launch an education campaign; parents of a child affected by the disease testified that earlier screening could have prevented severe harm. SB 878 on clinical laboratory personnel was reported favorably to address staffing shortages by allowing Florida to rely more directly on federal CLIA standards for qualified lab workers. SB 1092 on podiatric medicine was approved after an amendment narrowed it to cellular/tissue-based products and podiatrists’ use of certain therapies; the bill also addresses continuing education, informed consent, and advertising disclosures. SB 1032 on medical marijuana was amended and passed, aligning physician certification and card renewal timelines, setting 70-day and 35-day supply limits, and reducing the fee for honorably discharged veterans while preserving funding for FAMU; Senator Harrell opposed it, saying the longer timeframes were too much of an expansion. The committee also heard SB 1760 on Medicaid coverage transparency from Senator Brodeur, who said the bill focuses on accountability and fiscal responsibility, but the transcript cuts off before further discussion or action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• have to go up to midnight to do all our final readings, and it was under her leadership together we launched
• 05.080><c> leadership</c><00:30:05.680><c> together</c><00:30:06.520><c> we</c><00:30:06.720><c> launched
• </c><00:30:07.200><c> that</c> her leadership together we launched that her leadership together we launched
• How I really got to really know her even more is when she used to come to the operating engineers, a
• How I really got to really know her even more is when she used to come to the operating engineers, a

Bills: HB20 , HB276 , HB644 , HB812 , HB816 , HB916 , HB1131 , HB1247 , HB1518 , HB1525 , HB1537 , HB1541 , HB1546 , HB1553 , HB1562 , HB1565 , HB1566 , HB1576 , HB1577 , HB1591 , HB1605 , HB1612 , HB1613 , HB1614 , HB1618 , HB1620 , HB1650 , HB1656 , HB1658 , HB1661 , HB1664 , HB1668 , HB1676 , HB1707 , HB1711 , HB1713 , HB1715 , HB1718 , HB1727 , HB1749 , HB1756 , HB1774 , HB1776 , HB1801 , HB1802 , HB1805 , HB1813 , HB1815 , HB1831 , HB1838 , HB1853 , HB1854 , HB1859 , HB1863 , HB1871 , HB1872 , HB1918 , HB1920 , HB1952 , HB1965 , HB1966 , HB1967 , HB1969 , HB1972 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB1975 , HB1980 , HB1985 , HB2005 , HB2023 , HB2031 , HB2033 , HB2062 , HB2113 , HB2114 , HB2116 , HB2138 , HB2139 , HB2156 , HB2158 , HB2159 , HB2171 , HB2208 , HB2268 , HB2270 , HB2272 , HB2273 , HB2276 , HB2289 , HB2310 , HB2315 , HB2335 , HB2338 , HB2339 , HB2340 , HB2343 , HB2361 , HB2384 , HB2387 , SB2338 , SB2431 , SB2438 , SB2593 , SB2907 , SB2671 , SB2321 , SB3084 , SB2401 , SB3033 , SB2972 , SB3032 , SB2806 , SB3014 , SB2108 , SB2981 , SB2973 , SB2423 , SB2078 , SB2322 , SB2397 , SB2896 , SB2088 , SB2347 , SB2408 , SB2970 , SB2851 , SB2713 , SB2697 , SB2312 , SB2192 , SB2363 , SB2530 , SB3028 , SB2024 , SB3007 , SB2599 , SB2596 , SB2662 , SB2930 , SB3334 , SB2378 , SB3019 , SB3231 , SB2240 , SB2372 , SB2175 , SB2046 , SB2298 , SB2922 , SB2835 , SB3263 , SB2174 , SB2128 , SB2006 , SB2489 , SB3134 , SB2982 , SB2425 , SB2849 , SB2797 , SB2795 , SB2575 , SB2521 , SB2765 , SB2386 , SB2852 , SB2022 , SB2117 , SB2277 , SB2387 , SB2688 , SB2885 , SB3132 , SB3219 , SB2169 , SB2591 , SB2090 , SB2983 , SB888 , SB3249 , SB2611 , SB2429 , SB2463 , SB3154 , SB3131 , SB3152 , SB3315 , SB2448 , SB2054 , SB2140 , SB2520 , SB2377 , SB2986 , SB2010 , SB2189 , SB2026 , SB3010 , SB2818 , SB2002

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida's 28 state colleges operate across 175 sites serving students in every corner of our state.
• technical colleges and career centers across the state. 47 technical colleges and career centers are operated
• These dollars serves the college's recurring base operational funds supporting ever 680,000 students
• Program funds help cover faculty, salaries, classroom operations and other essential instructional costs
• to support 61 agencies including 49 school districts and 12 Florida College System Institution to launch

Transcript Highlights:

• We know they're operating in Massachusetts.
• H2 was created with all of our operational needs in mind, and so I... ...all of our operational needs
• It's just to fund core operations.
• The sheriffs are operating on a deficit budget, so that 3% doesn't even get us to an operational number
• But we are committed to operating fiscally.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• billion in cash resources, which is typically dedicated to capital, but has now been dedicated to operating
• We're the ones that operate that lovely PPW program that Kim just spoke about.
• This investment will modernize an existing fully operating clinic so we can meet growing demand.
• As the name suggests, CCA Operating is for the operating budget.
• The operating account, or the operating Ecology administration funds, would be growing by the fiscal

Bills: SB6003 , HB2353 , HB2431 , HB1983

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: capital budget, funding, infrastructure, state projects, budget allocation, HB 2353, predesign thresholds, capital construction, major capital projects, Office of Financial Management, OFM, Washington state, state agencies, infrastructure planning, construction costs, inflation adjustment, capital facilities, project review, allotments, lease approval

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a drayage operator in Long Beach, California.
• That causes operational issues for trucking companies.
• We design, build, own, and operate these facilities.
• As an owner and operator, we're owning and operating the public charging in Santa Monica.
• So as an own and operator, we're owning and operating the public charging in Santa Monica.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Select Committee on Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure focused on California’s EV market, charging infrastructure, and the effects of recent federal actions on state clean-transportation programs. The chair emphasized California’s progress on EV adoption and charging reliability, but also noted ongoing problems with affordability, charger access, interoperability, and the need to support light-duty, heavy-duty, and fleet electrification. She also highlighted interest in inductive charging, bidirectional charging, and the transition to NACS, and said the hearing would help shape future legislative action. State agency witnesses from Go-Biz, CARB, and the California Energy Commission described their roles in market development, emissions regulation, incentives, and charging deployment. Go-Biz outlined its ZEV market strategy, equity action plan, and permitting streamlining work, while CARB detailed federal challenges to its clean vehicle rules, the need to defend waiver authority in court, and the importance of incentives and regulatory stability. The CEC discussed charger reliability rules, statewide inventory and planning, funding for public and multifamily charging, and efforts to expand fast charging and improve access in charging deserts. All three agencies stressed that federal rollbacks and the expiration of federal tax credits make state policies and funding more important. Testimony from industry, local government, and advocacy groups largely supported continued state investment. Cal ETC urged a continuous Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund appropriation, more support for multifamily charging, and managed charging programs. The American EV Jobs Alliance proposed a state “conquest” incentive for new and used EV buyers and argued that multifamily charging is the biggest untapped market. Los Angeles County and LADWP described large-scale fleet and charger deployments, public housing and multifamily projects, and the need for sustained funding, agency coordination, and utility/grid interconnection support. The Union of Concerned Scientists recommended prioritizing Clean Cars for All, using fees on non-CARBOB gasoline to fund cleaner vehicle replacement, and expanding authority for bidirectional EV deployment. Members and witnesses also discussed Level 1 versus Level 2 charging for multifamily housing and other use cases. The chair noted that Level 2 is essential for many drivers but asked whether Level 1 could be a cheaper, faster option in some settings. Witnesses agreed that Level 1 can work in certain contexts, especially airports or some multifamily installations, but emphasized that consumer confidence, overnight range, dealer education, and reliable access to charging remain central to broader EV adoption. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• They themselves would then go launch the probate with the intent to gain access to the house so they
• Could this bring in companies that are operating in good faith?
• I can't currently do that, which is a barrier for us moving forward. and the operation of the LLCs.
• These laws are complex and rigid, and they impose governance and operational requirements that don't
• They're crucial to the operations of the team and treatment of the patient.

Summary: The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. House Bill 2445, requested by the Attorney General, would curb “probate for profit” schemes by extending the waiting period before a “suitable person” can be appointed, limiting non-intervention powers and repeat appointments, tightening venue rules, and restricting self-dealing by estate administrators. The sponsor and Attorney General’s Office described cases in which strangers used probate loopholes to control estates, sell property, and profit from heirs; the Northwest Justice Project and other witnesses strongly supported the bill. Members raised questions about whether the bill would complicate probate for laypeople and about the timeline changes, and the sponsor said she was open to amendments. No vote was taken. The committee also heard House Bill 2386, which would replace a statutory garnishment answer form with a form developed by the Washington Pattern Forms Committee or a substantially similar form. The sponsor and a district court judge said the current form causes calculation errors, especially for fluctuating wages, and that the change would make garnishments more accurate and transparent. A collectors’ association supported updating the form but asked for a longer implementation period and flexibility for employers to use their own forms; the judge said a rollout period would not be a problem. The bill was heard but not voted on. House Bill 2585 would create a Washington State False Claims Act modeled on the federal act, allowing the Attorney General and private relators to pursue fraud against state programs, with treble damages, civil penalties, and whistleblower protections. Supporters said it would recover stolen public dollars and deter fraud in areas such as wages, housing, education, and environmental programs. Contractors warned that the bill could sweep in good-faith construction change orders, and a wireless industry group asked for a tax exemption; the Attorney General’s Office said it supported the concept but would provide technical and substantive feedback. The bill was heard without action. Finally, House Bill 2590 would exempt limited equity cooperatives from the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act unless they elect coverage, while keeping the tax exemption framework for those cooperatives. The sponsor and housing advocates said WUCIOA imposes requirements that do not fit cooperative ownership and can hinder permanently affordable housing, while lenders already impose appropriate reserve and governance standards. Witnesses from cooperative development organizations and community land trusts supported the bill, and committee members asked about resale limits, reserve obligations, and who benefits from appreciation. The hearing concluded without a vote. The committee also heard House Bill 2453, which would allow board-certified psychiatric pharmacists to participate in certain involuntary treatment proceedings and provide concurring medical opinions for involuntary medication under less restrictive alternative orders. Supporters said it would improve workforce capacity and continuity of care; opponents argued it could weaken civil-liberty protections and that pharmacists lack authority for diagnosis and treatment. The hearing ended with no final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• sandbox provision offers financial technology innovators a more flexible regulatory framework to operate
• The amendment tasks FDACS with launching a targeted program to directly bring fluoride products and oral
• And this does so by tasking FDACS with launching a targeted program.
• We're not saying forever... ...by tasking FDACS with launching a targeted program.
• I don't think we're trying to operate without regulation.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions, including family members, university guests, local officials, and student groups. The chamber then moved to special order bills, beginning with two Open Government Sunset Review measures: SB 7010, preserving a public records exemption for certain Department of Financial Services receiver information, and SB 7008, preserving confidentiality for financial technology sandbox application records. Both bills passed unanimously after brief explanations and no amendments. The Senate also passed SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings for terrorism victims, SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, and SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill. SB 832 drew debate over a possible lawsuit and created a narrow strict-liability defense for landowners who survey and record notice of former phosphate property. SB 700 generated the most extended debate, especially over a provision removing fluoride from public water systems and related amendments on public health, local control, and study requirements; several fluoride-related amendments failed, while a technical amendment passed. The bill also included provisions on agricultural regulation, labeling, drones, lending, charities, housing for agricultural workers, and youth programs. The Senate then approved several claims bills, including relief for Darlene Angerville and J.R., Eric Miles Jr. and Jennifer Miles, and Marcus Button, all involving catastrophic injuries and settlements paid by the relevant public entities. SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements passed after an amendment that increased penalties for texting while driving and added a distracted-driving education component. SB 1718, preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking an abortion without parental consent or notification, also passed unanimously. Several other bills were temporarily postponed. At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and move CS for SB 7016 back to second reading; all motions were adopted. The Senate then adjourned until Wednesday, April 16, at 2:00 p.m. or upon the call of the President.

Transcript Highlights:

• include in the operation the contemplation of maintenance of the facilities.
• This request is for $1.698 million for our operational sustainability at the park.
• not from state general. ...operation.
• Operating support, almost half and half state and nonprofit.
• Operating support, almost half and half state and nonprofit.

Summary: The subcommittee heard budget proposals for Exposition Park, the California Science Center, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), the Debt Collection Licensing Act program, and the Board of Registered Nursing. For Exposition Park, the administration requested $96.5 million for utility replacement, site improvements, code compliance, accessibility, and safety upgrades, plus $1.698 million for operational sustainability funded from the park’s improvement fund. The LAO said the proposals had merit but noted the first item could be downscaled if needed because of the state’s budget condition. Members emphasized the park’s deferred maintenance, major upcoming events, and the need to protect a statewide asset; both Exposition Park items were held open. The Science Center requested funding to open and operate the new Air and Space Center, including staffing for the facility that will display the Space Shuttle Endeavour and expand exhibit space. The LAO supported the proposal but suggested the Legislature consider alternative funding sources such as admission fees, parking fees, or private funds. Members discussed the Science Center’s public-private funding model, the importance of keeping access affordable for disadvantaged communities, and the tradeoff between free admission and long-term operating support. The item was also held open. DFPI sought continuation of expenditure authority for the California Consumer Financial Protection Law, debt collection licensing, and broker-dealer/investment adviser workloads, and the LAO recommended limited-term funding with more cumulative reporting before permanent funding is considered. Members pressed the department on whether its workload and spending are tied to measurable outcomes rather than just activity counts, and DFPI cited complaint resolution, enforcement actions, and restitution recovered as examples of impact. The Debt Collection Licensing Act item drew similar LAO comments, but members raised stronger concerns about the financing model, the gap between projected and actual licensee counts, and whether spending levels are justified; that item was held open. The Board of Registered Nursing requested $1.4 million for eight special investigators to address rising complaints, and the board said most complaints are resolved through investigation, referral, probation, or rehabilitation rather than discipline. Members asked about complaint backlogs, viral and potentially automated complaints, bias in care, and the lack of broader inspection authority; the item was also held open.