Transcript Highlights:

• with citizens of Idaho, is, like, first and foremost, everyone still wants to know how much state employees
• Normally, those would be tied into the benefit section, where the taxes would be tied on from the employee
• portion, and that piece would be... ...from the employee portion, and that piece would be.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee first acted on two gubernatorial appointments to the State Board of Education. Senator Ward-Engelking moved to send Jennifer White and Peter Kohler to the Senate floor with recommendations for confirmation, and both motions carried without opposition. The chair then noted that sponsors for the nominees had not yet been assigned and asked for a volunteer to sponsor Jennifer White on the floor. Brandon Wolfe, Idaho State Controller, then presented an overview of Transparent Idaho’s education data tools. He explained that the site now includes annual financial, payroll, enrollment, and salary data, plus quarterly transactional education spending data received through the State Board of Education from the IC system. He described how users can drill down from district-level summaries to school-level and transaction-level detail, export data, and view audited figures from fiscal years 2019 through 2024, with fiscal year 2025 to be added soon. Committee members asked whether the site could separate federal from state funding and break out other funding sources such as levies and bonds; Wolfe said those breakdowns are not currently available but would be a useful future enhancement. Senator Cook also asked about an IRS line item in the transactional detail, and Wolfe said it likely related to employee benefit taxes but would need further review. Wolfe said his office is open to further ideas through the interim transparency committee, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• My response is: when the executive branch fails to protect its employees, laws are not just necessary
• My response is: when the executive branch fails to protect its employees, laws are not just necessary
• </c><01:19:33.920><c> involved</c><01:19:34.280><c> with</c><01:19:34.440><c> his</c> haido employees
• </c> because you are not a unionized employee because you are not a unionized employee or<01:30:10.280
• , or you were not at the time, you were an exempt employee, correct?

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard three House bills related to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. HB 606 would extend the Act 279 special fund to June 30, 2028, continue deposits and appropriations to help eliminate the DHHL waitlist, and require a strategic plan and annual reporting. DHHL strongly supported the measure, saying most of the initial $600 million had been used and that the need remains large, with more than 29,000 people on the waitlist. Public testimony also supported the bill, emphasizing its importance to Native Hawaiian families and concerns about Hawaiians leaving the islands because of housing costs. A member noted the bill is a priority and that the committee will keep working on how to fund another $600 million. HB 1086 would exempt DHHL homestead lot and housing development from general excise and use taxes. DHHL supported the bill, saying any tax savings would reduce the eventual cost of housing for low-income beneficiaries. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the measure and noted it is already being implemented under the governor’s emergency proclamation, with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2026. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical comments and urged the committee to weigh existing benefits already received by DHHL beneficiaries. HB 1307 would appropriate funds for DHHL water well development and geothermal exploration on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL said the bill is a follow-up to prior study funding and would support slim-hole drilling, site evaluation, and consultant work to identify viable geothermal resources, especially on Hawaiʻi Island. Several testifiers opposed the bill, arguing there had been inadequate beneficiary consultation, raising environmental, cultural, and safety concerns, and objecting to using $20 million for geothermal rather than housing. In response to committee questions, DHHL staff explained that the goal is to gather information for a future public-private partnership to develop geothermal electricity, and that a Chapter 343 environmental review would be required later in the process. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• that had to be paid for employees that had to be paid for relating<00:10:43.320><c> to</c> relating
• The general funds are only available to cover employees whose salaries are paid with general funds in
• So how many employees is that? About 100, 110 employees?
• We have about 140 total employees, and about 30, I think 28, are general funded.
• is that about 100 110 employees is that about 100 110 employees<00:20:50.640><c> we</c><00:20:50.720

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it says, upon notification that an employer has been convicted of failing to pay the wages of an employee
• IT SAYS UPON NOTIFICATION THAT AN EMPLOYER HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF FAILING TO PAY THE WAGES OF AN EMPLOYEE
• LET ME JUST TELL YOU HOW SMALL The amounts are: one employee was hired at a daily rate of $160.
• Another employee, $900 a week for demolition, carpentry, and drywall, either not paid or paychecks bounced
• And we see it not only in the wage area, we see it also with workers' comp, also involving employees

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine formalities, approved the journal, welcomed a SkillsUSA student delegation, and then moved into budget and policy business. The chamber accepted a Rules Committee report and took up a supplemental budget extender, Senate Print 9963, which would extend state operations through April 22 and authorize $12.7 billion, including about $5.1 billion in new funding for Medicaid, payroll, and school aid. Senator O’Mara questioned the delay in the budget, the lack of public detail, and unresolved issues such as CLCPA changes, auto insurance, and SEQR reforms; the sponsor said negotiations were ongoing and that school aid would likely build on the executive budget. The extender passed 57-1, with Senator Weik voting no. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 1887, sponsored by Senator Brisport, memorializing the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month. Senators Brisport, Fahy, Salazar, and Gounardes spoke in support, emphasizing Arab Americans’ cultural, civic, and economic contributions in New York and condemning anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias. The resolution was adopted by voice vote and opened for co-sponsorship. The chamber next considered several bills on the calendar, including a bill by Senator Cleare to prohibit state-chartered financial institutions from investing in private correctional facilities. Supporters framed it as a moral response to private prisons and rising federal use of detention facilities, while opponents argued it would overregulate state-chartered banks and affect private investment decisions. The bill passed 36-22. The Senate also passed a bill by Senator Krueger raising the nonprofit lobbying disclosure threshold from $5,000 to $10,000, after debate over transparency and whether the change would reduce oversight; it passed 35-23. Finally, the Senate passed Senator May’s bill on advanced transmission technologies and utility planning, after extensive debate over ratepayer costs, battery storage, and data center growth; supporters said it could lower energy costs through more efficient grid use, while opponents said it would raise rates and duplicate existing studies. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have 272 employees. This board, this Denturity Board, does not use any of those employees.
• They have 272 employees. This board, this Denturity Board, does not use any of those employees.
• They have 272 employees.
• This board, this debt and charity board, does not use any of those employees.
• projects, good neighbor authority projects, inflationary costs for fisheries, funding temporary employees

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And these were employees, and some of them have come forward and testified publicly, nationally, and
• And these were employees, and some of them have come forward and testified publicly, nationally, and
• And these were employees, and some of them have come forward and testified publicly, nationally, and
• And these were employees, and some of them have come forward and testified publicly, nationally, and
• And these were employees, and some of them have come forward and testified publicly, nationally, and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We actually created that for the state employees as a way of cost savings for the members of the SEIB
• c><00:27:00.240><c> for</c><00:27:00.559><c> the</c><00:27:00.720><c> state</c><00:27:00.960><c> employees
• </c><00:27:01.440><c> as</c> created that for the state employees as created that for the state employees
• or whatever and have some of our Mexico or whatever and have some of our 4,000<00:49:09.520><c> employees
• laid off and those 4,000 employees laid off and those functions<00:49:13.280><c> taken</c><00:49:13.599

Bills: HB55 , SB15 , SB247 , HB55 , SB15 , SB247

Committee: House Financial Services

Keywords: fishing, licensing, jubilee, Marine life, Alabama, regulations, sex offenders, employment restrictions, first responders, public safety, juvenile offenders, local laws, registration requirements, picketing, protesting, residential protest, noise amplification, amplified sound, residential picketing, harassment

Transcript Highlights:

• So right now the bill is limited to government employees, and we think that could be expanded to more
• than just government employees and anybody who’s at risk of being doxed.
• 24:42.080><c> government</c> the bill is limited to government the bill is limited to government employees
• and we think that that could employees and we think that that could be<00:24:44.480><c> expanded</c>
• government</c> be expanded to more than just government be expanded to more than just government employees

Bills: SB2064 , SB2312 , SB2811 , SB2662 , SB2744 , SB2809 , SB2862 , SB2343 , SB2336 , SB2075 , SB2308 , SB2601 , SB2397 , SB2219 , SB2849 , SB2449 , SB2781

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Keywords: state architect, construction projects, design approvals, building codes, state agency oversight, government contracts, transparency, record retention, public oversight, Hawaii Revised Statutes, building permits, task force, state-owned lands, construction, regulatory process, government accountability, external consultants, procurement reform, cost efficiency, in-house expertise

Summary: The committee met for decision-making on measures heard earlier in the week and took up a series of government operations, procurement, public records, public meetings, and related bills. Several measures were deferred one week to February 12, 2026, including bills on state construction projects, government accountability, gubernatorial appointments, the legislature, public procurement, and a bill on Hawaiian lei sales, largely so the committee could compare similar measures, address concerns, or integrate related reports. The committee also deferred SB 2449 on public meetings for the year, citing concerns that the proposed business-day definition was overly prescriptive and unnecessary. The committee passed several bills with amendments. These included measures clarifying UIPA applicability to records created or maintained by agencies, with amendments changing “government function” to “agency function” and committee report language noting Attorney General concerns and exempting ERS for now; SB 2811 on state building projects with technical amendments and a delayed effective date; SB 2809 on budget-related reports; SB 2336 on trees, with a Senate draft and removal of “political subdivision”; SB 2308 on small purchase vendor compliance, setting the threshold at $5,000 and adding a delayed effective date; SB 2601 on procurement, reorganizing misdemeanor language and leaving funding/FTE issues to Ways and Means; SB 2219 on a capital visitor center working group; and SB 2849 on public meetings, with technical amendments and a delayed effective date. Bills on neighborhood board concerns and public notice were also adopted, with SB 2929 drawing testimony both for and against. Testimony was generally supportive on procurement and small business measures, especially SB 2928 establishing permanent small business procurement coordinator positions, which drew strong support from the State Procurement Office, DBEDT, the Chamber of Commerce, DOT, the Ethics Commission, and others. On public notice, the County of Maui supported allowing website posting, while another witness raised concerns about accessibility, centralized notice locations, and impacts on kūpuna and people with disabilities. On search and rescue, the committee heard support for creating a statewide coordination structure, along with discussion of where such an office should reside; the Attorney General raised constitutional and placement concerns, while witnesses suggested law enforcement, DLNR, or DoD as possible homes. The committee also heard support for a bill protecting home addresses of covered public servants and candidates, though the Public First Law Center urged broader coverage and a better fit with existing law.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:01.360><c> We</c><00:10:01.600><c> tried</c><00:10:01.920><c> to</c> employees they have.
• We tried to employees they have.
• The lives we were talking about impacting were certainly our students first, but then the 70 employees
• </c><00:18:40.240><c> That</c> employees that staff those schools.
• That employees that staff those schools.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Thousands of employees in Florida, they Owning and running the enterprise.
• Thousands of employees in Florida they employ across the state.
• There's a place for employees with autism in the workforce in productive jobs, but a major stumbling
• will provide all the employees of our state health plan with the ability to get a definitive diagnosis
• His concern for the community extended to his employees.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, pledge, and several member introductions and recognitions, including resolutions and visiting groups. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles, which would allow local governments to opt in to street use of UTVs under specified safety conditions; it passed 32-5 after debate over safety concerns. SB 102 on exceptional student education created a workforce credential/badge program for students with autism or on modified curricula; despite concerns about unfunded mandates, it passed 36-0. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults authorized alternative service methods for scammers through the apps they used to contact victims and passed 37-0. SB 130 expanded and eased procedures for compensation of victims of wrongful incarceration, including extending filing deadlines and removing restrictive bars; it passed 38-0. SB 158 eliminated cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams under the state employee health plan and passed 38-0. The Senate then considered SB 234 on crimes against law enforcement officers, prompted by the killing of Officer Jason Raynor. The bill clarified that a person may not resist an officer with violence and added a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. A late amendment to restore “good faith” language failed, and after extensive debate over due process, racial profiling, and sentencing concerns, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than brought to a final vote. SB 262 on trust code technical changes passed 36-0. SB 274 designated portions of roads in Orlando as Harris Rosen Way and Geraldine Thompson Way; it passed 38-0 and then received 37 co-sponsors. SB 280 created an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualification requirements and passed 38-0. SB 296 repealed the statewide middle and high school start-time mandate and returned the issue to local districts with reporting requirements; it passed 38-0. Later, SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida, with the sponsor emphasizing anti-Semitism and the need for education and remembrance. The transcript also included additional ceremonial remarks and recognition of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members in the gallery. Throughout the meeting, most measures advanced with unanimous or near-unanimous support, while SB 234 generated the most substantive disagreement and was set aside for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• that we had placed became employee of the month for Georgetown County Parks and Recreation.
• game on Tuesday night and one of our game on Tuesday night and one of our other<00:19:53.280><c> employees
• that we had had had other employees that we had had had placed<00:19:56.320><c> uh</c><00:19:56.520>
• <c> became</c><00:19:56.880><c> employee</c><00:19:57.320><c> of</c><00:19:57.400><c> the</c><00:19:57.520
• ><c> month</c> placed uh became employee of the month placed uh became employee of the month for<00:19

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:24 SB 3 Discussion 01:06 SB 3 Vote 04:51 SB 15 Discussion 07:14 SB 15 Vote 14:42 SB 103 Discussion 15:39 SB 103 Vote 33:53 SB 201 Discussion 35:44 SB 201 Vote 39:47, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment met with a quorum and first considered Senate Bill 3, relating to student athletes and NIL. Senator Max Wise said the bill would modernize Kentucky’s NIL framework so universities remain competitive and student-athletes can benefit, noting the state’s earlier NIL law and the need to act before a pending national settlement. Several members supported the bill but expressed concern that NIL has changed college athletics and could eventually affect high school sports. The committee reported Senate Bill 3 favorably. The committee then took up Senate Bill 15, relating to minimum wage exceptions for minor league baseball players. Senator Amanda Bledsoe and MLB representative Josh Allen explained that the bill would align Kentucky law with the players’ collective bargaining agreement, treating the players as salaried rather than hourly workers and addressing overtime issues. Members discussed the minimum weekly salaries at Single-A and Triple-A, along with housing, meals, and health benefits under the agreement. The committee adopted a committee substitute, passed a title amendment, and reported Senate Bill 15 favorably. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 103, which concerns the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and services for people with disabilities. Senator Danny Carroll and provider advocates said the bill would add regulatory oversight, require reporting to the legislature and governor, and give preference to in-state services when available, while preserving access to out-of-state services when needed. Testimony focused on Kentucky’s low employment ranking for people with disabilities, unused federal funds, provider funding concerns, and an OVR order of selection that would limit services to the most severe cases. The committee adopted a committee substitute and reported Senate Bill 103 favorably after supportive comments from members about the program’s impact on employment and quality of life.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not getting new customers, it's not doing the work, it's not finding the employees to do the work
• My business, our customers, and our employees need the self-certification process in order to streamline
• It's not getting new customers, it's not doing the work, it's not finding the employees to do the work
• My business, our customers, and our employees need the self-certification process in order to streamline
• It's not getting new customers, it's not doing the work, it's not finding the employees to do the work

Bills: HB1984 , HB1593 , HB2423 , HB1691 , HB2283 , HB2386 , HB1824 , HB1697 , HB2164 , HB2165

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: renewable energy, solar energy, self-certification, building permits, environmental regulations, HB1593, affordable housing, pet-inclusive housing, pet friendly housing, rental housing, affordable rental housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, tenant pets, companion animals, dogs, cats, landlord-tenant law, security deposit, pet deposit

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support. The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified. Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a small but mighty staff of 12 full-time employees that work tirelessly to get food to our 220
• that work tirelessly to get employees that work tirelessly to get food<00:26:18.960><c> to</c><00:26
• I firmly believe that there are other ways of increasing the number of employees who can conduct this
• I understand that this bill likely came from a need to expand the number of employees that can do this
• Representative Gottfried said the bill likely came from a need to expand the number of employees who

Bills: HF2446

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• The purpose of vocational rehabilitation is to return an injured employee to work as quickly as possible
• So when an employee is injured, they may choose to enroll in VR services.
• </c><01:05:30.720><c> is</c><01:05:31.400><c> you</c><01:05:31.640><c> have</c><01:05:31.839><c> employees
• </c><01:05:32.559><c> that</c> years with VR is you have employees that years with VR is you have employees
• </c> the statute that is to get the employee the statute that is to get the employee back<01:05:45.760

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 117 on condominiums. Testifiers were split: reserve-study professionals and the Community Associations Institute opposed tying reserve requirements to assessed value, arguing reserve studies should be based on actual components and costs and that the bill could lead to over- or under-collection. Condominium owners and advocates supported the bill, saying some associations are not completing reserve studies or are failing to provide audits and adequate funding, and urging stronger fiduciary accountability. A member later asked about compliance rates, and a witness said he was not aware of any association that had failed to do a reserve study, estimating compliance at well over 95 percent, likely close to 100 percent. The committee then took testimony on HB 544 on pet insurance, which drew support from the Attorney General’s office and the Insurance Division with comments about contract-impairment issues, as well as support from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Testifiers said the bill would help consumers understand and use pet insurance as veterinary costs rise. HB 983 on certified public accountants also drew mostly support, with the Hawaii Society of CPAs and the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants offering conditional support and proposed amendments. Public accountants said the bill could help address a shortage of CPAs and expand pathways into the profession, while some speakers cautioned that the language needed clarification and that public accounting experience should be tied to CPA-firm work. An instructor from UH West Oahu said students cannot afford the extra credits currently required and would benefit from a more accessible pathway. The committee also heard HB 1050 on Title 24, with DCCA supporting the measure and no opposition or questions. The discussion then moved to HB 256 HD1 on environmental protection and incinerator emissions. The Department of Health offered comments, while Energy Justice Network and Climate Protectors Hawaii supported strengthening the bill, warning that it could weaken existing standards at H-Power unless amended to preserve stricter state rules and require modern pollution controls. A member questioned the Department of Health about H-Power’s permits and whether additional controls would be required if federal rules change; the department said permits are reviewed every five years and that the facility currently meets state and federal requirements, while EPA rules remain in a public comment process. Finally, the committee heard HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, with support from the Consumer Advocate, State Energy Office, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaii Energy. The committee then heard HB 350 HD1 on energy, where the State Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray Corporation offered conditional comments urging any new mandated water-heating technology to meet the same efficiency level as existing solar thermal systems, and the Kauai Climate Action Coalition testified in support. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• when making a determination about a renewable energy application to include consultants, temporary employees
• application to include consultants, application to include consultants, temporary<00:08:51.320><c> employees
• /c><00:08:51.960><c> and</c><00:08:52.120><c> other</c><00:08:52.280><c> providers</c> temporary employees
• , and other providers temporary employees, and other providers of<00:08:52.960><c> research,</c><00:08

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Select Committee itself, your task is to study issues and policies affecting the state's public employee
• It's important to remember that the staff are nonpartisan employees, and other than Kate, we are employees
• My name is Derek Vanspore, executive director of the Retired Public Employees Council of Washington,

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• covered, and it increases the cap on hearing aids and hearing aid related services under the state employee
• hearing aid related services under the hearing aid related services under the state<00:09:22.120><c> employee
• ><c> plan</c><00:09:22.920><c> from</c><00:09:23.080><c> 1,400</c><00:09:23.680><c> to</c> state employee
• health plan from 1,400 to state employee health plan from 1,400 to 2,500. 2,500. 2,500.

Committee: Senate Banking & Insurance

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:12 Discussion HB 527 00:47 Vote HB 527 02:26 Discussion HB 265 04:46 Vote HB 265 06:49 Discussion HB 164 08:19 Vote HB 164 10:25, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But, of course, in reality, because of employee turnover and whatnot, some positions are inevitably vacant
• Does CDCR have a policy that allows employees to receive vacation payouts before retirement, like while
• they're active employees?
• Employees don't have to do it. It's just something, it's an election that they can make.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety heard updates on CDCR’s population projections and the preliminary fiscal impacts of Proposition 36. CDCR said its fall 2025 projections show continued declines in the institution and parole populations through June 2030, while noting Prop. 36 admissions are increasing but remain uncertain. The LAO said the administration’s Prop. 36 estimates may be somewhat low because they were based on only six months of implementation data, and the Department of Finance agreed the methodology is still developing. Committee members asked about the offenses driving admissions and the sentence-length impacts, and CDCR identified the main qualifying offenses and enhancements it is tracking. No votes were taken. The committee then discussed CDCR’s request for $91 million ongoing for lump-sum leave cashouts for correctional officers and nurses. CDCR said vacancy reductions and prison closures have reduced the salary savings historically used to cover these costs. The LAO supported the funding only on a limited-term basis and urged more oversight and reporting on CDCR’s structural shortfall, while the Department of Finance argued ongoing funding is needed because leave liabilities are mandatory and salary savings are less stable. Members raised concerns about transparency, asked about leave buyback practices and accrued leave balances, and requested more information before the May Revision. Members also heard CDCR’s proposals for $10 million for the final two statewide video surveillance projects and $15.2 million for Fire Watch coverage and related fire alarm work. The LAO supported the Fire Watch request as a one-time health and safety cost, while CDCR explained the aging prison infrastructure and the need for interim safety measures while longer-term replacement planning is developed. The committee then reviewed CDCR’s proposal to close the California Rehabilitation Center, which would produce a net General Fund reduction of $99.6 million in 2026-27 and ongoing savings of more than $150 million starting in 2027-28. CDCR said the closure is driven by sustained population declines and will include retention and realignment funding; the LAO recommended approval. Public comment focused on county funding for Prop. 36 implementation, opposition to using Prop. 36 as a reason to keep prisons open, and support for community-based rehabilitation programs. The hearing adjourned without any votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• County, I'd like to introduce a man that's got 34,000 students, 43 schools, a little over 4,000 employees
• 00:09:02.320><c> little</c><00:09:02.520><c> over</c><00:09:02.680><c> 4,000</c><00:09:03.480><c> employees
• ,</c><00:09:04.240><c> and</c><00:09:04.360><c> no</c> a little over 4,000 employees, and no a little
• over 4,000 employees, and no telling<00:09:04.800><c> how</c><00:09:04.880><c> many</c><00:09:05.120

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 2 March, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CNN provides much of these programs, and then that contractor, yeah, they take their employees through
• But again, it's investing in their company and their employees.
• amend the tech jobs and R&D credit to provide that if... ...the credit is claimed on wages for an employee
• , those wages are limited to $500,000 per employee.

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Keywords: 996, all