Video & Transcript : 'Securities Commission' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- For-profit health insurance companies put shareholder profits ahead of patient health and financial security
- Boston's municipal emergency medical services provider and a bureau of the Boston Public Health Commission
- they currently are, and that the legislation is important for people like him to feel confident and secure
- Obtaining fees via fax is more secure, but in my office it takes four to five days to get a fax back,
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a lengthy public hearing with more than 70 people signed up to testify, focusing mainly on health insurance and health care access bills. Early testimony centered on H.1257/S.712, which would require insurance coverage for medically necessary treatment of genetic craniofacial conditions. Supporters included legislators, dentists, and medical experts who said these conditions are not cosmetic, can severely affect eating, speech, pain, and social functioning, and often create major financial hardship because insurers deny coverage. A related dental bill, H.1262/S.676, drew technical testimony from the Life Insurance Association of Massachusetts about implementation issues with the 2022 dental loss-ratio law, while the Massachusetts Dental Society supported H.1306/S.696 on transparency in dental network leasing and opposed H.1262. Representative Gentile also testified for H.4013, which would ban for-profit acute care hospitals and for-profit health insurers in Massachusetts, arguing that profit incentives undermine patient care.
A major portion of the hearing was devoted to H.1261/S.799, a bill to protect patients from surprise ambulance bills. Municipal fire chiefs, Boston EMS, nonprofit ambulance providers, and the bill’s Senate sponsor said the measure would require insurers to pay ambulance providers directly and promptly, cap patient out-of-pocket costs, and reduce confusion caused by out-of-network billing. Witnesses described ambulance services as essential public health infrastructure and said current billing practices can discourage people from calling 911 or leave municipalities and nonprofits unable to recover costs. Committee members asked about unpaid debt, municipal billing burdens, and how the bill would affect rates and reimbursement. No votes were taken during the hearing.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on H.1249/S.805, which would require screening for PANS/PANDAS in medical and clinical settings. Legislators, clinicians, parents, a teen with the condition, and educators described PANS/PANDAS as an infection-triggered inflammatory illness that can present as sudden psychiatric symptoms and is often misdiagnosed as a mental health disorder. Supporters said routine screening at well visits, emergency rooms, and other clinical settings would help identify children earlier, reduce unnecessary psychiatric treatment and hospitalizations, and improve outcomes. Testifiers repeatedly urged favorable action, emphasizing the personal and financial toll on families and the potential for early treatment to prevent long-term harm. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on these bills; no committee action or votes were announced.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government Feb 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So that's like the front desk, the security, the janitors.
- On a quarterly basis, each COC sends the data from their HMIS system to HDIS via a secure file transfer
- Last night it was presented before our Homelessness Commission.
- Secure housing is therefore a foundational concern for achieving successful independent living, making
Summary:
The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee 4 met to hear an information-only agenda focused on homelessness. The chair and vice chair opened with remarks about affordability, accountability, and the need for flexible but effective state responses. The committee then heard an update from Dr. Ryan Finnegan of UC Berkeley’s Turner Center on homelessness trends, data limitations, and program impacts. He said homelessness remains high, with 2024 point-in-time counts showing about 187,000 people experiencing homelessness statewide, though unsheltered homelessness has declined somewhat as shelter capacity expanded. He emphasized that California’s high housing costs and shortage of affordable housing are the main drivers, while also noting persistent racial disparities, high chronic homelessness, and the importance of coordinated housing, health, and social services. He also warned that cuts or changes to federal programs and state funding streams like HAP could threaten progress.
Members questioned Dr. Finnegan about the 9% decline in unsheltered homelessness, the timing and methodology of point-in-time counts, how to interpret trends over time, and the role of policy changes such as Housing First, Proposition 47, and Martin v. Boise. He explained that the 9% figure came from 30 continuums of care that had completed 2025 counts, and that HUD’s eventual statewide number would likely differ because not all regions counted that year. He also discussed how different funding sources are layered in local programs, including HAP, local funds, philanthropic support, federal funds, and CalAIM reimbursements. Several members stressed the need for clearer, more comparable measures of effectiveness and outcomes, including whether programs reduce long-term homelessness and move people toward self-sufficiency.
The committee then heard from the California Interagency Council on Homelessness on statewide data systems, especially the Homeless Data Integration System (HDIS). Staff described HDIS as the first state-level integrated homelessness data system, built from local HMIS data and used to track demographics, services, outcomes, and program performance across all 44 continuums of care. They said HDIS has enabled statewide dashboards, system performance measures, and new accountability tools under AB 977 and AB 799. Cal ICH also said HAP Round 4 was highly cost-effective under the State Auditor’s methodology, estimating a cost of about $9,172 per person permanently housed, and that new AB 799 dashboards are intended to provide clearer public reporting on outcomes, fiscal data, and progress toward statewide goals. Members asked about measuring self-sufficiency, identifying the best local partners, detecting fraud, and whether the new dashboards will allow better comparisons among program types and funding uses. No votes were taken, and the one scheduled vote was postponed.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Sep 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, we had a bill to get rid of the PD secretary and put it back to commission. I know.
- You are securing New Mexico's future by advocating for our children and for our... educating them.
- So we were able to secure some funds to assist with that, which is going to help with the planning.
- If they choose not to go to college and get a college education to secure a higher-paying job, then they
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability Aug 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- These are two of, I think, 18 boards, commissions, and authorities that are housed within the State Treasurer's
- including homelessness, until she and her two children, one of whom has special needs, were able to secure
- special needs, was able to, until she and her two children, one of whom is special needs, was able to secure
- Projects that look feasible at the start can become infeasible by the time approvals are secured.
Summary:
The Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability held its first hearing of 2025 to examine California’s housing finance system, with opening remarks emphasizing the state’s severe housing shortage, high costs, and the need for practical recommendations to the Legislature and Governor. Co-chairs described the committee as an educational and problem-solving forum focused on financing housing production, first-time homeownership, mixed-income developments, and affordability across the income spectrum. Witnesses from state agencies and the development sector were invited to explain how housing is financed and where the system is breaking down.
Panelists from the California Housing Partnership, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the Tax Credit Allocation Committee/State Treasurer’s Office, CalHFA, and Related outlined the “capital stack” used to finance affordable housing, stressing that projects typically rely on multiple public and private sources, including federal and state low-income housing tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, state subsidies, local funds, and rental income. Speakers noted that affordable housing rents generally cannot support full project costs without public subsidy, and that recent federal changes—especially the expansion of the 4% and 9% tax credit programs and the reduction of the bond financing threshold for 4% credits—should allow California to finance substantially more units. CalHFA also described its homeownership programs, including My Home, Dream For All, and disaster-related mortgage assistance, as well as its multifamily lending and bond issuance programs.
Several witnesses and committee members emphasized that the system remains too complex, too slow, and underfunded. They pointed to the need for more state funding, a housing bond, a permanent funding source, and better coordination among agencies, while also citing recent streamlining efforts such as AB 434’s SuperNOFA, AB 519’s one-stop-shop working group, and the planned California Housing and Homeless Agency reorganization. Members raised concerns about equity, access, missing-middle housing, gender and racial disparities, and whether current programs adequately serve extremely low-income households and those at risk of homelessness. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing; the discussion ended with committee members and witnesses agreeing that both funding and administrative reform are needed to increase production and improve affordability.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Jun 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- community child welfare services that would be eligible for Medicaid or federal Title IV-E of the Social Security
- child welfare services that are eligible for Medicaid funding or federal Title IV-E of the Social Security
- community child welfare services that will be eligible for Medicaid or federal Title IV-E of the Social Security
- Because if they believe that there's an issue, they will commission a special audit, and then Senator
NJ
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Jun 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill revises the Climate and Resiliency Security Fund in the Department of Agriculture, requiring
- It's both leading to the layoffs of New Jerseyans and it's taking food security out of this system.
- Food security out of this system. And I'm very excited that this bill is addressing that.
- can use some of the money appropriated by this to keep farming in New Jersey and keep that food security
- Thank you, Madam. ...needs to have a secure retirement.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The protest led to the appointment of a commission to review the allegations, but was also an impetus
- A few of these items include consolidating state purchasing power to secure bulk discounts and reduce
- We already don't tax Social Security, but there's a tax cut in here for you as well.
- We already don't tax Social Security, but there's a tax cut in here for you as well.
- We already don't tax Social Security, but there's a tax cut in here for you as well.
Summary:
The House convened, approved the journal, and spent much of the opening portion recognizing guests and interns from both parties, along with former lawmakers and a newly seated member, Representative Sylvia Allen. The chamber then took up House Concurrent Resolution 2065 honoring the late Alfredo Gutierrez. Members from both parties gave extended remarks about his life as a civil rights advocate, student activist, legislator, and mentor, and the resolution was unanimously adopted and transmitted to the Senate. Family members of Gutierrez were recognized in the gallery during the memorial tribute.
The House then moved into Committee of the Whole on the first budget-related measures. On House Bill 4138, the “feed bill”/budget operations measure, Democrats argued the budget favored corporations and data centers over seniors, health care, housing, universities, and vulnerable families, while Republicans defended it as a continuation of prior policy and said it preserved tax conformity and modest agency cuts. After debate and questions, the committee recommended the bill do pass and the House adopted that report, sending HB 4138 to engrossing.
The chamber next considered House Bill 4139, the amusement/gaming-related budget bill. Members debated whether it was essentially unchanged from last year’s budget language, with Republicans saying it was a continuation bill and that gaming-related provisions would support rural economies and tourism, while Democrats questioned the broader budget context and its effects on working families. The committee recommended HB 4139 do pass, and the House adopted that recommendation. The House then began debate on House Bill 4140, the state budget implementation bill, focusing on the budget stabilization fund and a proposed government efficiency initiative; discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/20/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- The government exists to secure these rights, not to grant them.
- rights, not to exists to secure these rights, not to grant<01:14:47.120><c> them.
- It recognizes and secures one that already exists.
- It recognizes and secures one right.
- ,</c> would provide greater clarity, security, would provide greater clarity, security, and<03:50:59.120
Committee:
House Education Policy and Administration
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (04/14/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So, Senate Bill 655 allows flexibility by permitting either the PEO or the client business to secure
- </c><00:09:32.240><c> and</c><00:09:32.480><c> maintain</c> client business to secure and maintain client
- business to secure and maintain coverage<00:09:33.760><c> depending</c><00:09:34.080><c> on</c><00:09
- I'm not sure that's... if a client under this construct, if a client wants to secure their coverage,
- If a client under this construct wants to secure their coverage, they're just going to go out and do
Summary:
The committee opened its labor hearing on SB 655 and outlined the day’s schedule, including a later working session on SB 416 and an executive session planned for 2:30 p.m. Senator Dan Innis introduced SB 655, describing it as a technical bill affecting employee leasing companies/professional employer organizations (PEOs), workers’ compensation coverage, and a Senate-added minimum wage exemption for minor league baseball players covered by a collective bargaining agreement. He said the PEO change would let either the PEO or the client business hold workers’ comp coverage, while still requiring coverage, and argued it would align New Hampshire with most other states and reduce barriers for small businesses and multi-state employers. He also said the baseball provision would clarify wage treatment for minor league players and support the Manchester team.
Justin Warell of Insperity testified in support of the PEO portion, explaining that PEOs provide HR, payroll, benefits administration, and workers’ compensation administration through a co-employment model. He said the bill would preserve mandatory coverage while allowing flexibility for the client or PEO to maintain the policy, which could help clients who already have preferred coverage or who face cost or administrative issues in multiple states. He noted that most clients would still remain under the PEO’s policy and said Insperity would submit written comments. Committee members asked about how the arrangement would work, whether the client or PEO would pay, and whether the bill would affect liability insurance packaging; Warell said the employer still bears the cost and that the bill mainly gives larger clients an option. One member asked him to remain available for possible follow-up after hearing from the labor department.
Stephen Gonzalez of Major League Baseball testified in support of the minor league baseball exemption. He said MLB and the MLB Players Association negotiated a collective bargaining agreement that already provides players with salary, housing, meals, per diems, health and retirement benefits, disability continuation, tuition assistance, and signing bonuses. He argued that treating players as hourly workers creates impractical time-tracking problems because players do work-related activities on their own time, and said the bill would recognize them as salaried workers and avoid litigation over what counts as hours worked. Committee members questioned why the exemption was needed if players are already salaried and whether MLB could simply amend its CBA; Gonzalez said the bill would help prevent wage-and-hour lawsuits and noted that similar exemptions have been enacted in other states. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the chair indicated the bill would be considered for executive action later that afternoon.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- my daughter, and my now grandchildren have been living under the weight of the conviction and was secured
- my daughter and my now grandchildren have been living under the weight of the conviction and was secured
- turn of the 20th century, the local grand jury found that the local tax collector was not properly securing
- civil rights violations could be brought, whether they would be employment actions, human rights commission
- could arguably rights commission could arguably rights violations<04:54:02.000><c> should</c><04:54:
Committee:
House Judiciary
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (01/28/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- She was about to turn 62 and wanted to take Social Security. I was against it.
- </c><00:35:02.960><c> I</c><00:35:03.200><c> wanted</c><00:35:03.440><c> her</c> security.
- I wanted her security. I was against it. I wanted her to<00:35:03.760><c> wait.
- </c><01:25:31.520><c> group</c> from the insurance um commission group from the insurance um commission
- So, >> and<02:25:21.040><c> commission,</c> Good morning, everyone. DJ Benton Court.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/16/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, and the security National Guard.
- Uh, and the security forces<01:30:47.920><c> for</c><01:30:48.080><c> the</c><01:30:48.239><c> New</c
- Um, and it's also been a topic of the governor's commission on domestic violence.
- Um, and it's also been a topic of the<02:53:44.319><c> governor's</c><02:53:44.800><c> commission</c>
- </c> subcommittees of that um, commission subcommittees of that um, commission about<03:01:13.520><c>
Committee:
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/02/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> of</c><03:08:34.880><c> 19</c> HB1212 creates a commission of 19 HB1212 creates a commission of
- 39.520><c> drafts</c><03:08:40.080><c> of</c> commission would review all drafts of commission would
- </c> proposed commission. proposed commission.
- c> tasked</c><03:13:38.160><c> with</c> the commission is uh tasked with the commission is uh tasked
- </c> responsibilities of the commission is. responsibilities of the commission is.
Committee:
House Education Policy and Administration
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> we've done with with other commissions we've done with with other commissions like<00:32:18.440>
- </c><00:32:51.440><c> It</c> commissions, I think is important.
- It commissions, I think is important.
- Chair, members, it looks like appointed legislative members of the LCCMR serve on the commission for
- You know, part of the permitting process for an event is to review all the event criteria: security,
Committee:
Senate Finance
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 2/17/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- unfazed by my operation made me feel unfazed by my operation made me feel really<00:51:06.520><c> secure
- ><c> we</c><00:51:07.160><c> would</c><00:51:07.319><c> figure</c><00:51:07.640><c> it</c> really secure
- that we would figure it really secure that we would figure it all<00:51:08.000><c> out</c><00:51:09.000
- Mental Health Grants Region 5 Mental Health Grants Region 5 development<01:18:22.159><c> commission</
- um and the base development commission um and the base for<01:18:24.000><c> that</c><01:18:24.120><c
Committee:
House Agriculture Finance and Policy
Keywords:
agriculture, agricultural education, leadership development, Minnesota Agricultural Education and Leadership Council, MAELC, chapter 41D, grant funding, general fund appropriation, commissioner of agriculture, farm education, youth agriculture programs, ag literacy, workforce development, extension education, research funding, extension services, technology transfer, grant programs, 1183, house
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 4/7/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It was created by the Social Security Act of 1935.
- The purpose of that is to be promoting economic security in difficult times.
- </c><01:09:36.159><c> And</c><01:09:36.319><c> while</c> Social Security Act of 1935.
- And while Social Security Act of 1935.
- </c> the IRS, the Social Security the IRS, the Social Security Administration,<01:24:48.000><c> third
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, that person then had to put a security system on their house at their own expense after threats.
- Uh, that person then had to put a security system on their house at their own expense after threats.
- , past security, that were sitting on the floor waiting around.
- The man-hour cost in officer time alone was $31,000 to sit security on this one civil detainee.
- The man-hour cost in officer time alone was $31,000 to sit security on this one civil detainee.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Clerk, do I have the commission to proceed?
- essential services and social safety nets, but actually expand support for housing stability, food security
Summary:
The Senate convened for the opening day of the 194th General Court, with ceremonial remarks, an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the formal canvass of election returns. A special committee reported that all senators had been duly elected, and a committee was then appointed to notify the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor’s Council that a quorum of senators-elect was assembled and ready to be sworn in. Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll addressed the chamber, praised public service, and administered the oaths of office to the senators.
The main business of the day was the election of the Senate President. Senator Karen Spilka was nominated by Senator DiDomenico and seconded by Senator Edwards, while Senator Bruce Tarr was nominated by Senator Durant and seconded by Senator Dooner. After nominations were closed, the roll call resulted in 34 votes for Spilka and 5 for Tarr, and the Senate declared Spilka elected president. Senator Tarr then moved that the vote be considered unanimous, and the Senate agreed. President Spilka delivered an inaugural address focused on the chamber’s recent legislative record and priorities for the new session.
In her remarks, Spilka highlighted prior accomplishments including education funding, free community college, early education reforms, mental health care reform, prescription drug cost reductions, tax relief, housing, transportation, climate, and veterans’ legislation. She also outlined priorities for the new session, including a statewide listening tour, more transparency in committee and joint committee proceedings, housing and transportation affordability, health care reform, career and technical education, early education, and juvenile justice reform. She emphasized continued bipartisan work and public engagement.
The Senate also adopted temporary joint rules and temporary Senate rules, authorized printing of the daily journal, and scheduled the next meeting for the following day at 11:30 a.m. Michael D. Hurley was elected clerk of the Senate and sworn in, and James DiTulio was sworn in as Senate counsel. The chamber also adopted a memorial adjournment in memory of Mary J. Hurley of South Boston before adjourning.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming
Transcript Highlights:
- interconnection payments so that developers ...for interconnection payments so that developers can secure
- And as of two weeks ago, we were awarded a California Energy Commission grant to expand into automated
Summary:
The hearing focused on ways Massachusetts can accelerate solar deployment, lower costs, and preserve reliability as electricity demand rises and federal support for solar and other renewables changes. Chair Creem opened by emphasizing solar’s role in meeting climate mandates and peak demand, citing June heat-wave data showing behind-the-meter solar reduced wholesale prices and saved ratepayers money. Commissioner Elizabeth Mahoney of DOER said Massachusetts has grown from 3 MW of solar in 2008 to 3.5 GW today, highlighted SMART 3.0 as a flexible, evergreen incentive program, and said DOER is working on updated rates, interconnection reforms, flexible interconnection, net crediting, and a petition to the DPU to speed implementation. She also said Massachusetts joined the lawsuit over canceled federal Solar for All funding.
Committee members and witnesses discussed several policy changes to speed projects before federal tax credits expire, including automated permitting, remote inspections, faster interconnection, and changes to caps on municipal and regional solar development. Senator Barrett pressed Mahoney on whether the 10 MW municipal cap and regional caps should be lifted, and on whether the state should increase its solar tax credit to offset the loss of the federal residential credit. Mahoney said the municipal cap should be revisited and that interconnection cost allocation and other market issues need to be worked out before lifting broader caps. She also said DOER is open to automated permitting and is already developing a permitting portal under the 2024 climate law.
Industry and advocacy witnesses largely supported streamlining measures. Sunrun’s Bronte Payne urged removal of a proposed requirement that all net-metered facilities enroll in SMART, and recommended automated permitting, remote inspections, flexible interconnection, better hosting-capacity information, consumer protections, and continued support for Connected Solutions and virtual power plants. Permit Power’s Hannah Bernbaum and Solar App’s Matthew McAllister argued that smart permitting and remote inspections can significantly reduce soft costs and delays, with McAllister saying Solar App now operates in over 320 jurisdictions and saves about three weeks on average. They said remote inspections are already common and can be done safely with photos, video, and qualified third parties. Community solar and clean energy advocates, including CCSA’s Kate Daniel and Vote Solar’s Lindsay Griffin, supported a 10 GW solar target by 2035, a higher refundable state tax credit for low-income households, interconnection reforms, flexible interconnection, and preserving the option to build outside SMART so projects can retain renewable energy certificates. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and members requested follow-up materials and draft language from witnesses.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 11th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ., and in April 2022 was confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as vice chairman of the Securities
- After the 2019 earthquakes, Jim was appointed to the Commission of Emergency Medical Services, a role
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journals, and removed SB 830 from the inactive file for return to the Assembly. It then took up several gubernatorial appointments, including Clint Kellum as Director of the Cannabis Control, Jennifer Osborne as Director of Industrial Relations, and two Medical Board of California appointments, Dr. Trinidad Solis and Dr. Gerald Tolbrook. Each appointment was confirmed by roll call, with broad support and no recorded opposition.
The chamber also adopted SR 97 recognizing Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting AAPI contributions to California, histories of exclusion and solidarity, and the importance of visibility and representation. The resolution passed 39-0. The Senate also recognized numerous AAPI community leaders and honorees on the floor, including Kay Buck and Mira Sorvino for anti-trafficking advocacy, and later several additional guests and community figures.
Members then adopted several other resolutions by unanimous consent: SCR 168 designating Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, SCR 148 declaring GM1 gangliosidosis awareness day, SR 95 proclaiming ALS Awareness Month, SCR 156 for Stroke Awareness Month, and SR 110 recognizing Hospital Week in California. Floor remarks focused on public safety, rare disease awareness, stroke recovery and aphasia, and the role of hospitals and health care workers. The Senate also honored retiring California Professional Firefighters president Brian Rice with extensive tributes to his labor leadership, firefighter safety work, and disaster response advocacy. The meeting concluded with the remaining appointment confirmations and adjournment until May 14, 2026.