Transcript Highlights:

• I've been negotiating and writing these agreements, and I have litigated confidentiality agreements,
• The language that's in this bill was heavily negotiated in order to get us to the point where we can
• I've been negotiating and writing these agreements, and I have litigated confidentiality agreements,
• Negotiated, um, in order to get us to the point where we can continue to do this.
• This bill contains some exemptions because that was part of the negotiation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know how to answer that, it depends how the contract is negotiated, we are obviously moving to
• these large IT systems and this would be the final phase so probably what makes the most sense is to negotiate
• these large IT systems and this would be the final phase so probably what makes the most sense is to negotiate

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Haden: Now, you would hope because of this bill, people would negotiate.
• So we negotiated. I said, here's where the fence line is going.
• Now, you would hope because this bill, people would negotiate, hey, there is a walnut tree there.
• So we negotiated. I said, here's where the fence line are going. He said, that's fine.
• So we negotiate. I said, here's where the fence line is going. He said, that's fine.

Committees: House Agriculture , House Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• WE ARE FINALIZING CONTRACTS FOR A AND EAT OR ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING SERVICES AND NEGOTIATING FOR CONSTRUCTION
• A CONTRACT WAS NEGOTIATED AND SIGNED END OF THE LION'S SHARE OF THE WORK ON THE PARKING GARAGE IS WE
• LAST SESSION WITH NO EXPENDITURES OCCURRING TO DATE BUT WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF AN INVITATION TO NEGOTIATE
• WE EXPECT INVITATION NEGOTIATION PROCESS TO BE COMPLETED SOON.
• PROTECTION TO DO THE NECESSARY WORK TO SURVEY THE PROPERTY AND GET A PROPER APPRAISAL AND THEN BEGIN TO NEGOTIATE

Transcript Highlights:

• did not thank Chair Stevenson and Chair Torkelson for their direct assistance toward the end of negotiations
• did not thank Chair Stevenson and Chair Torkelson for their direct assistance toward the end of negotiations
• ><c> end</c><00:12:01.519><c> of</c> assistance toward the end of assistance toward the end of negotiations
• </c><00:12:04.160><c> And</c><00:12:04.320><c> I</c> negotiations. I appreciate that.
• And I negotiations. I appreciate that.

Bills: HF2436 , HF2435

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• today, but I am working on that question to make sure that if we don't allow unions to be able to negotiate
• I think that's important, and I think your last comment about the negotiation piece on a 50/50, we can
• that 50/50 split be able to um negotiate that 50/50 split I<00:04:01.799><c> want</c><00:04:01.879><
• piece on a 50/50 about the negotiation piece on a 50/50 um<00:04:55.199><c> we</c><00:04:55.280><c>
• to be to opt in to until they negotiate to be to opt in to the<00:05:06.680><c> uh</c><00:05:06.800>

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We had negotiated for a modest increase in the district's contributions to our premiums in our recent
• We<00:53:53.000><c> had</c><00:53:53.080><c> negotiated</c><00:53:53.800><c> for</c><00:53:53.960><c>
• We had negotiated for a modest increase in<00:53:55.000><c> the</c><00:53:55.200><c> district's</c><
• Because during our collective bargaining unit negotiations, we try to figure out how to fit the best
• If anybody's ever negotiated with me, I've always told you I'm a very transparent negotiator.

Bills: HF3794 , HF4472 , HF4410 , HF4347 , HF4412 , HF4398 , HF4397 , HF4201 , HF4199 , HF4203 , HF3706 , HF4071 , HF4120 , HF4175 , HF4188

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, automated decision systems, consumer protections, data privacy, biometrics, school district health insurance, charter school health benefits, employee benefits, public sector health insurance, health insurance survey, Legislative Budget Office, LBO report, premium costs, retiree coverage, broker commissions, third-party administrator, health plan transparency, health reimbursement arrangement

Transcript Highlights:

• Is this an item that was negotiated at the local level, or are we getting ahead of the negotiation process
• So it's been a negotiated item at the table.
• It's been a negotiated item.
• Okay, so the question is the negotiation, my concern is we're getting ahead of negotiation items that
• should be negotiated at the local level.

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee heard a long agenda of bills, with several authors presenting measures focused on probation, prison conditions, public safety, diversion, and infrastructure theft. Early in the hearing, AB 1816 by Assembly Member Davies proposed allowing courts to extend probation for up to one additional year for people convicted of registrable sex offenses who have not completed required treatment. Supporters, including the Chief Probation Officers of California, argued the bill would improve rehabilitation and public safety by allowing treatment to be completed; opponents, including public defenders and civil liberties groups, said existing revocation tools already address noncompliance and warned the bill was vague and would prolong supervision. The bill was later moved on call with an aye recommendation. The committee also heard AB 2593, which would prohibit non-medical staff from interfering with prescribed care for incarcerated patients; it drew broad support from medical, disability, public defender, and justice reform groups and passed to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including AB 1927 and AB 2502, was adopted without controversy. The committee then considered AB 1538 by Assembly Member Krell, which would bar elected or appointed officials from using political power for retaliation. Support came from a student activist and the California News Publishers Association, with additional support from education, law enforcement, and civil liberties groups; no opposition testimony was offered, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2584 by Assembly Member Flora, as amended, would narrow civil liability for lawful defensive force; supporters framed it as protecting self-defense, while one opposition witness objected on behalf of labor and justice groups. The chair noted concerns about eliminating civil liability but still recommended aye, and the bill passed to Judiciary. AB 2217 by Assembly Member Zbur would rename and expand the LEAD diversion program as “Alternatives to Arrest,” broaden eligible offenses, and continue grant funding for local diversion efforts. Supporters emphasized reduced recidivism and service connections, and the bill was moved on call to Appropriations. Later, the committee took up AB 1941 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez, which would create an organized metal theft offense and a statewide data-sharing system to address copper theft and damage to public infrastructure. Supporters from utilities, cities, transit, telecom, and law enforcement described widespread outages, costly repairs, and public safety risks; opponents argued the bill would deepen criminalization and racial disparities and that non-carceral solutions were preferable. The author and supporters responded that the bill was needed to address repeated thefts that leave communities without lights, power, or 911 service, and the measure passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2499 by Assembly Member Gibson sought stronger protections for incarcerated people and workers from extreme heat and inadequate ventilation in state prisons. The bill was backed by incarcerated workers, family members of a woman who died from heat-related causes, and a wide coalition of public defender, civil rights, and prisoner advocacy groups. Members spoke emotionally about prison conditions and the need for humane treatment, and the bill passed to Labor and Employment with strong support.

Transcript Highlights:

• you're going to expand it to mirror the Clarity Act, which is still pending and is being literally negotiated
• Assemblymember Krell, I would just note that you will be hard-pressed to find anyone in or around the negotiations
• Everyone I talked to who's involved in those negotiations has been quite clear.
• Everyone I talked to who's involved in those negotiations has been quite clear that those offering up

Summary: The committee took up AB 2285, a bill related to cryptocurrency staking and broader crypto regulatory issues. The author said the amendments would give California clearer guidelines for staking-as-a-service, maintain consumer disclosures, and remove a fee cap to make the business model workable. Supporters, including representatives of the Crypto Council for Innovation and the Satoshi Action Fund, said the bill would provide needed clarity and help Californians participate in blockchain-related opportunities. Opposition came from the Consumer Federation of California and credit union representatives, who argued the bill would weaken consumer protections, create an uneven playing field for state-chartered institutions, and move California into the middle of unresolved federal debates over the Clarity Act. They also raised concerns about fraud, money laundering, and the effect of the bill on DFPI’s authority and pending litigation involving Coinbase. The author responded that staking is distinct from buying crypto, that blockchain can improve traceability, and that the bill was still a work in progress with room for further amendments. Members discussed preemption, the pending federal framework, and whether the bill should wait until federal law is settled. The chair emphasized California’s role in setting policy and said other states were allowing consumers to benefit from staking. The committee ultimately adopted a due pass as amended motion and sent AB 2285 out on a 7-2 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• going to expand it to mirror the Clarity Act, which is still pending, which is being literally negotiated
• Member Krell, I would just note that you will be hard-pressed to find anyone in or around the negotiations
• Everyone I talked to who's involved in those negotiations has been quite clear.
• Everyone I talked to who's involved in those negotiations has been quite clear that those offering up

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you be willing to negotiate with any opposition with regard to the scope that your bill would require
• But I'm open, you know, I'm always open to talking to people about ways to make things better or negotiate
• Would you be willing to negotiate with any opposition with regard to the scope that your bill would require
• But I'm open, you know, I'm always open to talking to people about ways to make things better or negotiate

Committee: House Insurance and Banking

Summary: The Insurance Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2250, sponsored by Rep. Jacqueline Zimmerman, which would require insurers to cover full siding replacement when storm damage affects only part of a home and matching siding is not reasonably available. Zimmerman said the bill would codify existing Missouri case law, address homeowner complaints after hailstorms, and make clear that insurers must restore a reasonably uniform appearance. Committee members generally expressed support for the goal, while also discussing possible scope changes, such as limiting coverage to street-facing elevations, and possible disclosure requirements to better explain policy coverage to consumers. The Missouri Insurance Coalition testified in opposition, saying the bill could increase premiums for all homeowners and that consumers should be able to choose more affordable policies with less coverage. Coalition witnesses said matching siding issues are often cosmetic, that carriers already offer different policy options and riders, and that requiring full wrap coverage could create upward pressure on rates. They also noted that severe weather has made these disputes more common and said the Department of Commerce and Insurance and brokers can help consumers understand their policies. Committee members debated whether partial repairs truly make homeowners whole, and several compared the issue to blending paint on cars or matching repairs after hail damage. After the HB 2250 hearing ended, the committee established a quorum and moved into executive session on House Bill 3328. The committee adopted a House committee substitute that renamed the program the Stronger Home program, removed IBHS certification in favor of a non-biased third-party testing lab, and removed an adjuster cap. The committee then voted 9-0 to report the House committee substitute for HB 3328 do pass, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But at the end of the day, I think we've seen that program be successful, and that was one of the negotiation
• despite the consternation, are tied to this bill because they are all tied together as part of a negotiation
• will say this: that was probably not my brightest idea to try to finalize it, and I'll do all the negotiations
• Negotiations on a budget deal during the middle of a deadline for a week that was very, very stressful

Bills: SB1177 , HB3705 , SB1942 , SB2026 , SB1533 , SB1327 , SB2065 , SB2155 , SB2159

Keywords: education funding, mental health services, public safety, housing, state budget, tax credit, parental choice, private school, income tax, dental insurance, health care, medical necessity, insurance claims, dentist rights, military discharge, veterans, DD Form 214, confidentiality, grandchildren access, veteran burial

Transcript Highlights:

• introduce my colleagues, I would like to say a few words about some of the issues and the budget negotiations
• So, I look forward to the discussions that will be going on and the negotiations with the Governor, and
• As we enter the final stages of our budget negotiations, we urge the importance of those discussions
• AS WE ENTER THE FINAL STAGES OF OUR BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS, WE URGE THE IMPORTANCE OF THOSE DISCUSSIONS

Summary: The Higher Education Conference Committee met to discuss budget priorities for SUNY, CUNY, community colleges, TAP, student aid, and capital funding. Chair Toby Ann Stavisky emphasized the need for increased operating and capital support, protection against enrollment-based funding losses, no tuition increases, a review of TAP because it has not kept pace with living costs, and action on student loan access and research funding cuts. Assembly Chair Alicia Hyndman outlined the Assembly’s higher education proposal, including $475.7 million to expand TAP eligibility, raising income thresholds for TAP and the Excelsior Scholarship, creating a graduate tuition assistance program, adding community college operating aid, expanding the Opportunity Promise Scholarship, forgiving SUNY hospital debt service, increasing CUNY operating support, restoring opportunity program funding, creating a $110 million student loan support program called New York Rises, and funding five-year capital plans for SUNY and CUNY plus additional ECAP grants. Members broadly supported making higher education more affordable and accessible, while highlighting district-specific needs. Senator May praised SUNY Reconnect, community college workforce programs, hospital debt service relief, and a five-year SUNY capital plan. Senator Gonzalez framed the budget as an investment in economic mobility. Senator Griffo supported affordability, operating and capital aid, and additional support for medical schools and hospitals. Assembly Members Walker, Colton, and Fall backed TAP expansion, opportunity programs, disability supports, SUNY Downstate’s transformation, and capital needs at CUNY and SUNY campuses. Assembly Member Smullen, speaking for the minority conference, urged a five-way budget process, said TAP has not kept pace with inflation, and called for a more stable long-term funding model for community colleges. He also stressed aligning higher education with workforce needs. Assembly Member Pirozzolo pointed to the College of Staten Island as an example of the benefits of investment and warned that employers recruiting students directly from high school could weaken higher education unless colleges continue strengthening trade and career training. The meeting ended with no vote on the budget items, and the chairs adjourned the conference committee after concluding remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation before you represents several hours and days of negotiation between the consumer law
• And we also recognize in the negotiations that we're not done with this bill yet.
• I was just wondering where the conflicts and the negotiation happened, because it seems pretty simple
• We support the compromise language before you as a temporary step toward more comprehensive negotiations

Committee: Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation before you represents several hours and days of negotiation between the consumer law
• And we also recognize in the negotiations that we're not done with this bill yet.
• I was just wondering where the conflicts and the negotiation happened, because it seems pretty simple
• We support the compromised language before you as a temporary step toward more comprehensive negotiations

Summary: The Washington State Senate Committee on Business, Trade, and Economic Development waived the five-day notice rule to consider Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2274 and Engrossed House Bill 2294. The committee first heard HB 2274, which would modify the Washington Commercial Electronic Mail Act by requiring false or misleading subject lines to be knowingly false or misleading, and reducing statutory damages from $500 to $100 or actual damages, whichever is greater. Representative Springer and retail witnesses described the bill as a compromise reached with consumer lawyers, retailers, and the Attorney General’s office, intended to address a surge in lawsuits after a recent Supreme Court ruling while preserving consumer protections. Consumer advocates testified that they supported the compromise as a temporary step, while one consumer-side attorney objected to the bill’s text-message damages change, arguing it was unrelated to the email issue and could weaken existing protections. The committee held the public hearing open and did not take final action on the bill during the meeting. The committee then heard HB 2294, which prohibits private agreements that restrict real property from being used as a grocery store or pharmacy, declaring such negative use restrictions against public policy and unenforceable after the bill’s effective date, with exceptions for preexisting agreements and limited relocation scenarios. Representative Farivar said the bill was prompted by grocery and pharmacy closures and aimed to prevent property covenants from blocking replacement stores in underserved communities. Supporters from the Washington Food Industry Association and Northwest Grocery Retail Association said the bill would help independent grocers and communities, though the retail association asked for further language refinement for retail-center situations and noted the bill preserves some limited protections for existing investments. The committee took public testimony but did not vote on HB 2294 during the hearing. In executive session, staff briefed Substitute House Bill 2428, which requires insurers issuing individual life insurance policies to send lapse notices to policyholders and designated third parties. The committee then adopted a due pass recommendation and sent the bill to the Rules Committee. The motion passed by voice vote, with the bill passed subject to signatures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, it's been the position of the House the entire time in these negotiations to make sure funding for
• <00:04:40.560><c> time</c><00:04:40.720><c> in</c><00:04:40.960><c> these</c><00:04:41.120><c> negotiations
• </c><00:04:41.680><c> to</c> entire time in these negotiations to entire time in these negotiations to

Transcript Highlights:

• In other words, the chairs negotiated a bill behind closed doors, as happens.
• :15:42.480><c> words,</c><00:15:43.120><c> the</c><00:15:43.440><c> chairs</c><00:15:43.839><c> negotiated
• </c><00:15:44.480><c> a</c> other words, the chairs negotiated a other words, the chairs negotiated a

Transcript Highlights:

• We are still in negotiation on this bill.
• c><00:04:44.520><c> are</c><00:04:45.520><c> still</c><00:04:46.000><c> in</c><00:04:46.240><c> negotiation
• We are still in negotiation Senator F.
• We are still in negotiation on<00:04:46.960><c> this</c><00:04:47.120><c> bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• knife and her apple in her office offering that for us when we were going late into sessions for negotiation
• 14.160><c> sessions</c><00:05:14.479><c> for</c> late into uh sessions for late into uh sessions for negotiation
• 17.360><c> wanted</c><00:05:17.680><c> to</c><00:05:17.840><c> just,</c><00:05:18.080><c> you</c> negotiation
• And I wanted to just, you negotiation.

Transcript Highlights:

• It has to recognize a lot of unions that have these benefits already, that they've negotiated clearly
• already unions that have these benefits already that<00:08:47.279><c> they've</c><00:08:47.560><c> negotiated
• c><00:08:48.320><c> clearly</c><00:08:48.760><c> over</c><00:08:48.959><c> the</c> that they've negotiated
• clearly over the that they've negotiated clearly over the years<00:08:50.959><c> they</c><00:08:51.240