Transcript Highlights:

• To maintenance crews, security officers, food service workers, and many more.
• Fire.
• Thank you for your service, and I'm honored to submit your name for reappointment.
• Thank you so much for your service to New Mexico. Thank you, Mr. President.
• , prohibiting retaliation. ...services, prohibiting retaliation.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These cuts will definitely impact teachers, student programs, and essential services.
• </c> student programs and essential services student programs and essential services this<00:12:58.279
• "Or debt service or other NTC-based levy programs.
• </c> risk of disrupting vital Services risk of disrupting vital Services allowing<01:05:36.760><c> School
• </c> maintain critical programs and services maintain critical programs and services for<01:26:40.040

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, first and foremost, thank you for your service, and thank you for the time that you spent away
• Senator, first and foremost, thank you for your service, and thank you for the time that you spent away
• making sure that you are serving our service. for your service and thank you for the time that you spent
• That was after I had probably 50 people come up to me with hair on fire saying we needed to get a clean

Summary: The Legislative Rules Committee held a public hearing and then executive session on Senate Bill 1694, along with related Senate Bill 1688, which together would modernize and expand the Missouri Downtown and Rural Economic Stimulus Act (MODESA). Senator Steve Roberts said the bills would increase flexibility for redevelopment projects, broaden financing tools, extend timelines, and expand residential incentives, with no general fund risk. Supporters, including lobbyists for the Cordish Companies, the City of Kansas City, the City of St. Louis, Greater St. Louis Inc., Historic Revitalization for Missouri, and BioSTL/Next Missouri, argued the program has already helped transform downtown Kansas City and St. Louis and could spur major redevelopment such as Ballpark Village, Power & Light, the Millennium Hotel area, the AT&T Tower, and the Railway Exchange Building. They emphasized private investment, local control, and the potential to bring vacant buildings back onto the tax rolls. One witness, the state public advocate, opposed SB 1694, arguing it would create more bureaucracy and political subdivisions, rely on tax abatements and TIF-like tools, and shift costs to taxpayers. Committee members asked questions about the bill’s residential language, the history of MODESA projects, the fiscal note, and whether the incentives could apply to other downtown sites. Supporters clarified that the committee substitute removed a proposed income-tax incentive, reduced some escalators, and retained a voluntary, opt-in structure for cities. The chair also noted that stadiums themselves are excluded, though surrounding areas may qualify. In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute and voted 10-0 to do pass the House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bills 1694 and 1688. The committee then voted 8-2 to do pass Senate Substitute Number 2 for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1586, sponsored by Senator Brown, and 8-0 with two present votes to do pass House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 889, which the chair described as a large cleanup bill removing obsolete statutes. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The business and public services, from fire and police to schools, are struggling to hire and retain
• workers, resulting in gaps in essential public safety and services.
• Our housing crisis threatens our ability to provide essential services today and in the...
• Our housing crisis threatens our ability to provide essential services today and in the future.
• We know that statewide the house is on fire. Our homebuyers are really going through it.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on a series of bills focused largely on local-option real estate transfer fees and housing funding tools for communities facing severe affordability pressures. Testimony strongly favored bills for Somerville, Concord, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Chatham, and a statewide local-option transfer fee, with speakers arguing that high-end real estate transactions should help fund affordable housing, anti-displacement efforts, workforce housing, and related capital improvements. Elected officials and local housing leaders described rising rents and home prices, investor activity, shrinking year-round housing stock, and difficulty recruiting or retaining teachers, police, health care workers, and other essential employees. Several witnesses emphasized that the proposals would be optional for municipalities, could include exemptions for first-time homebuyers or seniors, and would direct revenue into local affordable housing trust funds or housing banks. Committee members asked questions about who would pay the fee and whether it could make housing less affordable, and supporters responded that the fees would be targeted at higher-value transactions and designed with local flexibility. For Somerville, the delegation and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne backed both a local home rule petition and statewide enabling legislation, saying the city has already used zoning reform, inclusionary zoning, and local housing funds but still needs a new revenue source to address displacement and investor-driven purchases. For Concord, Representative Carmine Gentile and Concord housing advocates supported a home rule petition and the statewide bill, arguing that a modest fee on sales above $1 million could generate predictable revenue for affordable housing production and preservation. One committee exchange focused on whether the fee would affect most Concord sales and whether it would be passed on to buyers; supporters said the policy was intended to shift costs toward higher-value properties and help leverage other funding sources. The committee also heard testimony on House 4105, which would redirect a casino-related revenue stream to the Healthy Incentives Program. Farmers, advocates, and residents said the current funding was originally intended to support horse racing but has not met that goal, and that the money would be better used to support Massachusetts farmers and food-insecure residents through HIP. In a separate bill, Senator Becca Rausch testified in support of Senate 268, which would create a state-level hostile learning environment complaint process for higher education institutions and potentially strip tax exemptions from colleges or universities found to have such environments; she cited anti-Semitic and transphobic incidents on campuses and argued that existing federal protections should be mirrored in state law. The hearing also included testimony on college tuition debt reduction legislation from Senator Michael Moore, who said the bill would allow a deduction for tuition and fees paid to Massachusetts public colleges and universities to ease student debt and support the state’s workforce. A major portion of the hearing focused on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket housing bank proposals. Hospital, school, housing, planning, and municipal officials from Martha’s Vineyard said the island’s year-round housing shortage is harming health care, schools, and the local workforce, and urged approval of a housing bank funded by a local-option transfer fee. Nantucket witnesses made similar arguments, pointing to a very high median home price, a large seasonal housing stock, and the need for a dedicated revenue stream to preserve and create year-round housing. Supporters repeatedly cited the long-running success of the islands’ land banks as evidence that transfer fees can work without harming real estate markets. Senator Julian Cyr and Representative Thomas Moakley Luddy also backed the Cape and Islands transfer-fee bills, saying the region needs bold action and a sustainable local funding source to address its housing crisis.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we provide services that we pay for. But not all tribes have that.
• , all federal law enforcement, state and local. experts in all fields, Department of Human Services,
• But Chairman Nature brought up a Department of Human Services video.
• providers, non-Native service providers, and law enforcement—a variety of audiences.
• for families of violence, MMI, substance use recovery, and foster youth services.

Summary: The Select Committee on Native American Affairs opened its 2025 hearing with a traditional song and remarks about the importance of Native visibility and land acknowledgment. The hearing focused on missing and murdered Indigenous people (MMIP), exploitation and trafficking in a Public Law 280 (PL 280) state, and California’s response. Members and tribal leaders emphasized that MMIP is tied to historical trauma, forced removal, undercounting, and ongoing inequities in law enforcement response, media attention, and access to resources. Several panelists urged stronger tribal consultation, better data collection, more funding, and culturally informed education and victim services. In the first panel, tribal chairpersons described personal and community impacts. Chairperson Antonet Del Rio spoke about the need to include federally and non-federally recognized tribes and to educate schools and communities, while naming long-unsolved cases from her tribe. Chairperson Cheyenne Stone connected MMIP to the history of violence in Owens Valley and to the disturbance of Indigenous remains during infrastructure projects, calling for forensic resources, mandatory consultation, and accountability. Chairperson Charles Martin described the death of Morongo citizen Amy Porter and said the Feather Alert failed her family because law enforcement did not act quickly enough; he called for reforms and better coordination, especially in PL 280 jurisdictions. Chairwoman Nelson and committee members echoed the need for equity, urgency, and government-to-government respect. The second panel examined how PL 280 complicates MMIP and trafficking cases. Professor Carol Goldberg explained that PL 280 created an unfunded mandate, reduced federal jurisdiction and funding, and contributed to under-resourced policing and mistrust; she recommended mandatory training, community-oriented policing, formal tribal-county collaboration, and possible retrocession in some cases. Yurok Chairman Joe James tied MMIP to boarding schools, trafficking, and the need to advance bills such as AB 31, SB 4, ACR 39, AB 285, and AB 1378, along with increased budget funding. Morning Star Gali argued that PL 280 enables traffickers and violent offenders to exploit jurisdictional gaps and called for tribally led public safety, housing, victim services, and stronger consultation. Dustin Contreras, a human trafficking investigator, described the overlap between trafficking and MMIP, stressed partnerships and task forces, and supported more education for law enforcement, schools, and families. In the final panel, state and county officials described current efforts and acknowledged remaining gaps. The Attorney General’s Office said it is working on MICIC outreach, tribal response planning, PL 280 training through an advisory council, and improved data systems, while supporting bills and the Feather Alert. Humboldt County Sheriff Hansel described the case of a missing woman, Emily, as an example of how people with mental illness or justice involvement can become invisible, and said counties need more consistent training and clearer jurisdictional protocols. He and other officials supported the Feather Alert, tribal police authority, and a pilot program for POST status for tribal police, which they said had been vetoed previously. Across the hearing, speakers repeatedly called for better coordination, more funding, stronger tribal authority, and sustained action rather than symbolic recognition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your service. Thank you for your service.
• Then the service...
• How does your bill... ...in those services.
• Is there any contemplation about how we provide these services and increase the number of service providers
• And that fire kept going on and off, where you had 24-hour fire service there on site for anywhere from

Summary: The Senate began with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, and a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange on the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron. After routine business, the Senate took up several special-order bills. The first major bill, transportation offenses involving death, increased penalties for repeat DUI/BUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide offenses. An amendment added penalties for refusal to submit to breath or urine testing and required law enforcement to notify suspects of those penalties. The bill passed 37-0. The Senate then passed SB 306 on Medicaid providers, requiring broader after-hours and holiday access to care and setting network standards for Medicaid managed care plans, also by a 37-0 vote. The chamber next considered a major condominium and cooperative associations bill responding to post-Surfside safety and financial concerns. Senators described the measure as balancing building safety with financial relief, extending reserve-study deadlines, allowing temporary reserve relief after inspections, tightening oversight of managers and inspectors, and adjusting voting, resale, and reserve rules. After extensive debate and praise from members for the bill’s sponsors and staff, the bill passed 37-0. The longest discussion centered on a constitutional amendments/petition process bill aimed at curbing fraud in citizen initiative petitions. Sponsors argued that the 2024 petition process was plagued by fraud and identity theft and proposed tighter rules for circulators, faster submission deadlines, voter notification, penalties, and limits on petition handling. Senators offered and adopted multiple amendments, including changes to petition-circulator definitions, invalid-signature thresholds, and voter notification procedures. After a substitute amendment was withdrawn, the Senate continued debating the underlying amended bill, with members split between concerns about election integrity and worries that the bill would burden volunteers and make it harder for citizen initiatives to qualify.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, the Attorney General, the Department of Public Safety, the State Fire
• State Fire Marshal Commission and the State Board of Licensed Social Workers.

Bills: SJR49 , HB3281 , HB4319 , HJR1086

Committee: Senate Administrative Rules

Keywords: wildlife, conservation, Oklahoma, regulations, permanent rules, administrative procedures, guidance documents, transparency, public inspection, rulemaking, rulemaking authority, specific authority, legislative review, agency rules, judicial rules, public safety, state agencies, legislative approval

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Joint Resolution 49, as amended, which revokes an Oklahoma Wildlife Department rule requiring oil and gas companies to post a surety bond. Senator Murdoch explained that the change was intended to eliminate what he described as duplicate regulation, since the Corporation Commission already requires security bonds, and said the Wildlife Department had agreed to the revision. Senator Merritt’s amendment narrowing the resolution to the surety bond provision was adopted by voice vote, and the resolution then passed 6-0. The committee then heard House Bill 3281, described by Senator Bergstrom as the same measure previously passed as Senate Bill 1433, the Guidance Transparency Act. It was advanced without questions or debate and passed 6-0. House Bill 4319 followed, requiring agencies to have explicit statutory authority for each rule and to inventory existing rules within three years so noncompliant rules would be automatically repealed by January 1, 2030; it passed 7-0 after a due-pass motion. Finally, House Joint Resolution 1086 was approved, which ratifies rules from the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, the Attorney General, the Department of Public Safety, the State Fire Marshal Commission, and the State Board of Licensed Social Workers. Senator Bergstrom said committee concerns had already been addressed in prior hearings, and the resolution passed 7-0. The chair then announced a meeting for the following Wednesday at 11:30, urged members to continue reviewing rules and raising concerns promptly, and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's got the Forest Service on two sides.
• Let’s tell the people no more and no more services.
• </c><02:42:17.040><c> as</c> licenses and motor vehicle services as licenses and motor vehicle services
• </c> 36, Forestry Division, wildland fire 36, Forestry Division, wildland fire modules.<02:52:47.359>
• </c> 57, transparency and hospital service 57, transparency and hospital service pricing.<02:53:19.439

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're here as a service for you.
• We're here as a service for you.
• We're here as a service for you.
• not that I want anybody fired, but they'd have to counsel him otherwise.
• That student in East Kingston receives special education services.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We carry the legacy of those who marched through the Jim Crow era, facing down fire hoses and dogs to
• His career in state service started in 2001 at the Department of Finance.
• Supervisor Rodriguez lived a life of service.
• His service extended far beyond the Board of Supervisors.
• He believed public service was about showing up, listening, and doing the work.

Summary: The Senate opened with a ceremonial Independence Day observance featuring a prayer, color guard, Pledge of Allegiance, and a performance of the national anthem by Philo Abit, followed by acknowledgments of the event organizers and the California Military Department’s flyover. The body then moved to business, beginning with Assembly Bill 126, the education budget trailer bill. Senator Laird described major education investments, including a 4.31% LCFF COLA, increased special education funding, teacher pipeline support, universal school meal funding, kitchen infrastructure grants, homelessness support, and pregnancy disability leave for K-12 teachers. Senators Nilo and Choi opposed the bill, criticizing Proposition 98 funding maneuvers and transparency concerns, while Senator Perez supported it as a historic investment. The bill passed on a 28-8 vote. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 67, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Senators from both parties spoke at length about patriotism, the nation’s founding ideals, immigration, civil rights, and the need to acknowledge America’s historical injustices while celebrating its democratic promise. The resolution passed unanimously, 36-0. The chamber also confirmed Jesse Melgar, Tom Epstein, Joseph Williams, and Mark Beckley to or for reappointment to state boards and departments, each by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Later, the Senate concurred in Assembly amendments to SB 830, a Bay Area regional ballot-measure administration bill, after supportive remarks from Senators Arreguín and Cortese; the concurrence passed on a 29-4 vote. The consent calendar was then approved, with one item later reconsidered and removed. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of former Madera County Supervisor Max Rodriguez, whose public service and community leadership were praised, and with remarks from the President Pro Tem reflecting on the Independence Day observance before the Senate recessed and announced its next meeting date.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, when Trina, Kenny Waller's wife, went to have his jacket laundered for his service, there were
• An interesting thing about the sex offender registry—I mean, it's really a dumpster fire as far as the
• It has the Service Members Relief Act language that was put on here, TRICARE protections for members
• I think it does a number of very important and very needed things to assist our service members when
• That funding is intended to expand services, stabilize providers, and bring innovative care models to

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 57th day by roll call vote, 125-0. Members then used points of personal privilege to honor former Representative Ken Waller and to remember Keaton O’Neill, a Rawls County teenager who died after a battle with brain cancer; the chamber observed a moment of silence for O’Neill. The House also welcomed several special guests, including a deployed Marine’s family, a Greater Springfield Board of Realtors leadership class, family members of a member, and an intern and family members of another member. Committee reports recommended passage of several bills, and the House took up multiple Senate-amended measures. On House Bills 2637 and 3155, members discussed technical corrections and added provisions involving sentencing effective dates, sex offender registry procedures, drone restrictions, health care treatment orders, and prosecutor salaries; the House voted to refuse the Senate substitute and request a conference. House Bill 2593, a bipartisan military and veterans bill, was described as expanding military leave, adding cybersecurity and emergency-response protections, strengthening TRICARE and Service Members Civil Relief Act-related provisions, and supporting National Guard benefits; it was adopted 137-1 and then truly agreed to and finally passed 138-1. House Bill 2974, dealing with license reciprocity and telehealth, was amended to include interstate compacts for athletic trainers, dietitians, and physician assistants; it passed the Senate substitute 109-29 and was finally passed 108-30. The House also adopted and finally passed House Bill 2108, a Jefferson City land conveyance and infrastructure measure tied to the viaduct area, safety improvements, and an added property provision for Northwest Missouri State University land in Nodaway County; the Senate substitute was adopted 138-1 and the bill was finally passed 138-2. Afterward, the chamber received Senate messages stating that the Senate refused to recede on House Bills 2596 and 2637/3155 and appointed conference committees. The Speaker appointed House conferees for those bills and named conferees for budget bills 2002 through 2013. The House then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• create a new bureaucracy just because we don't necessarily agree with the National Accreditation Services
• We hope that their service to those sectors of the population will continue throughout their careers,
• and we're thankful that they dedicate their lives to protecting our communities through selfless service
• For those of you that don't understand necessarily how it works in the fire service and the police service
• Faculty and staff roles that include advising, instruction, collaboration, tutoring, and student services

Bills: SB1998 , SB646 , SB2786 , SB2076 , SB2615 , SB1961 , SB1418 , SB2647 , SB1322 , SB2788

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: pediatrics, medical education, subsidiary, preceptorship, medical training, student programs, mental health, loan repayment, education funding, mental health professionals, healthcare access, Texas Success Initiative, exemption, public officers, employees, higher education, Capitol view, Austin, urban planning, construction

Transcript Highlights:

• DCT has five major service lines: mental health and substance abuse treatment services, forensic services
• , community-based services, outpatient services, and the Minnesota Sex Offender Program, which is the
• </c> Treatment Services Treatment Services forensic<00:05:00.759><c> Services</c><00:05:01.440><c> Community
• </c><00:05:01.919><c> Based</c> forensic Services Community Based forensic Services Community Based Services
• <c> the</c> Services outpatient services and the Services outpatient services and the Minnesota<00:05

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But the thread that ties your service together is courage of your convictions.
• In recognition of his service, he received the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service
• . and the National Intelligence Superior Service Medal.
• In fact, Brent has had a long and distinguished record of service to the American people.
• Brett returned to public service.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: John Eisenberg, assistant attorney general, national security, China Initiative, Department of Justice, judicial authority, executive actions, nomination hearing

Summary: The committee meeting primarily involved discussions around key nominations and pressing legal issues pertaining to the Department of Justice. Notable discussions included the nomination of John Eisenberg for assistant attorney general for national security, where concerns over the revival of the China Initiative were raised. Senators expressed significant apprehensions regarding previous actions taken under this initiative and its implications for national security. Additionally, there were critiques of the broader implications of executive actions that challenge judicial authority, aligning with ongoing dialogues about the integrity of the judiciary and executive oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Senator Putnam, their service.
• </c> Committee on Health and Human Services Committee on Health and Human Services and<00:40:15.800><
• </c> Emergency Medical Services Director. Emergency Medical Services Director.
• </c> Human Services. Senator Westrom. Human Services. Senator Westrom.
• Services. Services.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't have easy access to services. for predator control.
• We'd have money to run our services.
• So, thank you very much. to run our services. People would have to run our services.
• There were a lot of people targeted. firing off rounds during lunch. firing off rounds during lunch.
• </c> 30 rounds or so were fired off.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:40:52.040><c> in</c><00:40:52.200><c> their</c> offer it as a service in their offer it as a
• service in their establishment<00:40:53.480><c> in</c><00:40:53.680><c> Portsmouth</c><00:40:54.319><
• whatever they may to increase Services whatever they may be<00:41:35.240><c> police</c><00:41:36.240
• Yeah, and you can't have a surplus statement on the fire fund.
• </c><01:02:06.920><c> fund</c><01:02:07.200><c> we</c> surplus statement on the fire fund we surplus

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Representative Sweeney present and defend the budget amendment legalizing video lottery terminals (VLTs) and setting a 30% tax rate, with 65% of the tax going to the state and 35% to charities. He argued the lower rate was needed to encourage operators of historic horse racing (HHR) machines to convert to VLTs, saying the higher 45% rate would discourage adoption. He walked through revenue projections for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, estimating significant increases in state and charity revenue as machines transition over time, and said the amendment was designed to expand charitable gaming revenue overall. Several members questioned the assumptions behind his projections and the basis for his analysis, including why his independent research differed from the governor’s and Lottery Commission’s estimates. Sweeney said his figures were based on research into other states and conversations over many years, and he maintained that a 45% tax would likely result in no VLT adoption. Members also debated whether the transition costs for operators would be quickly recouped and whether the state’s share should be larger. One member emphasized that the committee was effectively choosing between a lower operator share and a higher state share, while Sweeney argued the 30% structure would produce revenue for everyone. The committee then moved to other revenue items on the tracking sheet. It voted 7-0 to accept the Lottery Commission’s revised base revenue estimates. Members also discussed an amendment to repeal the local option requirement for Kino games, which would expand Kino availability and was estimated to generate additional lottery profit in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. That amendment drew opposition from members who said local control was an important part of the original Kino policy and that removing it would override municipal decisions. The committee also noted that the VLT/HHR revenue item had already been adopted and was being revisited only to confirm the associated revenue estimates.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2138, fire his employment status. Finance. HB 3214, noncustodial money's appropriation.
• Health and human services. HB 3202, Department of Education reporting requirements. Education.
• Health and Human Services. HB 3223, DCS investigations; interviews; recording.
• Health and Human Services. HB 2395, fitness program school report cards. Education.
• Senate Bill 1461 was drawn from the Committee on Health and Human Services. Thank you.

Summary: The Senate met in several Committee of the Whole sessions to consider a large number of bills, with most measures receiving do-pass recommendations and several being amended before advancing. Early action included bills on fentanyl penalties (SB 1061), firearm suppressors/prohibited weapons (SB 1069), DCS attorney appearance and hotline/case-history access (SB 1081 and SB 1174), mandatory reporting and scrap metal theft (SB 1127 and SB 1128), and a narcotic-drug-to-minor offense bill (SB 1170). Senators Ortiz, Kuby, and others argued against the drug bills as harmful mandatory-minimum policies that would reduce judicial discretion and worsen addiction and incarceration outcomes, while supporters framed them as public-safety measures. SB 1170 ultimately failed on third reading; SB 1061, SB 1069, SB 1127, SB 1128, SB 1171, SB 1174, and SB 1188 passed, while SB 1021 later failed after concerns were raised about possible federal anti-kickback conflicts. The chamber also advanced health-care and regulatory measures, including chiropractic board compliance training (SB 1021), radiation protection and health-care institution requirements (SB 1120 and SB 1121), health care cost containment system changes (SB 1171), and pharmacy scheduling/prescription authority (SB 1188). Several of these bills were amended with technical changes or rulemaking authority, and most passed on third reading. SB 1243 and SB 1244 on court-ordered treatment also moved forward after amendments; supporters said the changes would improve notice and allow guardians or agencies to act more effectively, while opponents warned about due-process concerns and expanded coercive treatment authority. In later calendars, the Senate considered local planning and permitting (SB 1241), school access and GED preparation (SB 1166 and SB 1370), water and groundwater issues (SB 1202 and SB 1287), tax and finance measures (SB 1180, SB 1221, SB 1293, SB 1294, and SB 1429), and a constitutional resolution on legislative boundaries (SCR 1031). SB 1166 was amended to limit GED preparation to grades 11 and 12, SB 1241 and SB 1287 received technical amendments, and SB 1180 was clarified to align tax forms with federal conformity. SB 1075 on foreign entities and land sales drew the most debate: an Ortiz amendment would have shifted it toward corporate homebuyer restrictions and housing affordability, but that amendment was defeated on a roll call vote before the bill advanced as amended. Most remaining measures passed their third readings, with the Senate adopting Committee of the Whole reports and transmitting the approved bills to the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• And recently, the rising prevalence of live service games requiring online server connections has been
• rely on publisher-run authentication or gameplay servers, meaning that if a company discontinued service
• Books, movies, music, software, and online services are not required to remain available forever, yet
• Books, movies, music, software, and online services are not required to remain a standard.
• And to me, that's, you know, I'm paying a fee, I don't get the service, I get my money back.

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ultimately, this means that we are paying more for goods and services, and families and businesses are
• Many of you live in wildfire-affected districts, and I know that you are hoping that when fires occur
• We will see we will threaten the stability, safety, and of our modern power service. Thank you.
• So what are the levers for the cost of service?
• He explained that once the LGIA is signed, SDG&E typically proceeds and meets the in-service date.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 13, which would restructure the CPUC to increase legislative oversight, add legislative liaisons, require more detailed and timely reporting on rate-setting decisions, and add a public advocate member. The author and supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and geographic diversity in CPUC decision-making amid rising utility rates. Witnesses from TURN, San Joaquin County, SDG&E, and former CPUC Commissioner Loretta Lynch offered support or support-in-principle, while no opposition testimony was presented. Members generally praised the bill’s transparency goals, and AB 13 passed 10-0 to Appropriations, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee then adopted the 2025-2026 committee rules and approved three consent items: AB 61, AB 365, and AB 406. The next bill, AB 99, would cap investor-owned utility rate increases above inflation except for specified costs such as safety, modernization, and fuel/commodity costs. The author and supporters, including a representative of the California Senior Legislature, said the bill was needed to protect ratepayers, especially seniors and low-income customers, from repeated rate hikes. Opposition came from utility labor, utilities, the Chamber of Commerce, and others, who argued the bill was too simplistic, could suppress labor costs, and did not account for major cost drivers such as wildfire mitigation, mandates, and net metering. Several members supported moving the bill forward as a starting point on affordability, while others criticized it as overly blunt. AB 99 passed 11-0 to Appropriations, with the roll left open. The hearing then shifted to an informational panel on strategies to reduce California transmission costs. A Public Advocates Office staffer described a growing backlog of approved-but-unbuilt transmission projects, rising transmission access charges, and long project timelines driven largely by utility pre-application and construction periods. Panelists from Net Zero California and consulting firms presented research suggesting that public financing or public-private partnership lease models could reduce transmission costs by lowering financing, tax, and capital costs, with estimated savings of up to 57% and as much as $123 billion over 40 years. PG&E’s representative said the utility is already pursuing federal loan guarantees, grants, and a public-private partnership with Citizens Energy, but warned that state ownership could create tax, wildfire-liability, and governance risks. Members asked about the CPUC’s role, the causes of delays, and whether public financing could complement existing competitive solicitation processes.