Transcript Highlights:

• In 6218.11, you define a designated immigration support services facility.
• , and health care facilities.
• This essentially applies that to immigration legal services and immigration service organizations and
• I don't care what position they're in. I think data brokers do bad things.
• , and supportive services that they need to thrive in California.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• tax and the municipal utility service tax.
• What service did I get?
• So I can't give you a direct one-for-one, but I can give you a portfolio, if you will, of services that
• You know, if you ...care.
• Be careful, he's a job jock. I'm little spoon, he's big spoon. Go ahead.

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and first took up SB 122, which would repeal Chapter 205 governing local business taxes while allowing municipalities that already levy a gross-receipts-based business tax to continue doing so, with limits on changing the tax rate. The sponsor’s proxy and committee members discussed whether local business taxes fund identifiable services, with supporters saying the bill would reduce burdens on businesses and opponents arguing it would remove a capped home-rule revenue source used for general services, economic development, inspections, fire and police support, and business regulation. The Florida Association of Counties and the Florida League of Cities opposed the bill, citing a statewide revenue loss and concern that costs would shift to residential taxpayers, while one member noted the bill should be considered in the context of broader property tax changes. SB 122 was reported favorably by a roll call vote, with Senators Leek, Passidomo, Pizzo, Trumbull, and Chair McClain voting yes and Senator Sharief voting no. The committee then held an extended informational panel on Florida’s housing shortage and affordability challenges. Dr. Samuel Staley said Florida is in a housing crisis driven primarily by insufficient supply, arguing that the state needs far more units each year, that local comprehensive plans and zoning often fail to prioritize housing, and that the state should focus more on measurable impacts, density, accessory dwelling units, smaller lot sizes, and other ways to let the market respond. Ann Ray of the Shimberg Center presented data showing increased single-family and multifamily construction but limited condo growth, highly concentrated new development in a handful of counties, and continued high cost burdens for renters, especially lower-income and older households. Leslie Deutsch of John Burns Research and Consulting said the national housing market is slow, Florida prices are easing but remain well above pre-pandemic levels, and affordability problems are being driven by land, construction, financing, and insurance costs; she urged more product diversity, including build-to-rent, townhomes, manufactured housing, and higher-density redevelopment tailored to local demographics. Members questioned the panel about density, vertical development, impact fees, construction costs, and incentives for local governments. Several senators said local governments need clearer direction or incentives to approve more housing, while others emphasized preserving local character and avoiding overdevelopment. The panel generally agreed that no single policy will solve the problem, but that Florida needs more housing types, more density in appropriate places, updated zoning and building codes, and a more market-responsive regulatory framework. After the presentations and discussion, the committee adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• It feels like there's really good direction and energy.
• It feels like there's really good direction and energy.
• But just to let you know, Pocatello residents have submitted 1,644 acts of service.
• We have the service challenge. This morning, I thought, you know, you can't keep up with it.
• And we'll continue to take care of that.

Summary: The America 250 Council met to approve prior minutes and receive updates on commemorative fund finances, the celebration fund, and several planning efforts tied to Idaho’s America 250 observance. Staff reported returned or pending reimbursements, a donation for Liberty Bell restoration, and that the celebration fund would likely have about 7% remaining after pending grants are approved. The committee approved the March 13, 2026 minutes without objection. Members then approved $12,992 to fund commemorative “I Voted” stickers for the primary and general elections, with Secretary McGrane describing them as a way to reach many Idahoans and highlight the America 250 commemoration. The council also discussed the upcoming America 250 Capitol Celebration, including naming, vendor contracts, logistics, and the need for legal guidance on who has authority to sign contracts. Treasurer Ellsworth and others requested that an Attorney General’s office representative, identified as Yvonne, come to a future meeting to clarify the contracting process. Additional updates covered the ambassador program, service challenge participation, quilt displays, the Declaration of Independence rotunda display, and the Liberty Bell carriage and school fundraising materials. Director Gallimore reported on the “Surveying the Past, Mapping the Future” event at Initial Point and the Old Pen, and noted website/calendar changes to align local events with the federal America 250 calendar. The committee also approved a large slate of grant disbursements to cities and counties, and tentatively scheduled the next meeting for April 6 at 10:00 a.m. before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• But leadership is all about service.
• Of a bank loan in honor of his military service.
• In 2019 our county, in reflection of his care and accomplishment, established the Leon L.
• His legacy of service, leadership, and perseverance will live on for generations to come.
• His dedication to public service transformed our city in profound ways.

Transcript Highlights:

• But first, I've got some business I've got to take care of, which is, let's see, in past sessions, and
• In Human Services, the governor prioritized projects that protect Washingtonians in the state's care
• As a reminder, the Public Works Assistant Account provides direct funding with limited red tape.
• Alliance Place includes community services, including behavioral health care, child care, and job training
• Our communities are counting on your care and support.

Bills: HB2295

Committee: House Capital Budget

Keywords: Washington capital budget, supplemental capital budget, capital appropriations, state building construction account, taxable building construction account, climate commitment account, natural climate solutions, housing trust fund, affordable housing, supportive housing, homelessness, manufactured home communities, mobile home parks, school construction, school modernization, school seismic safety, healthy schools, school electrification, SCAP, behavioral health facilities

Transcript Highlights:

• I call this hearing of the Assembly Committee on Human Services to order.
• We provide prenatal care and affordable child care so parents can focus on their education, their careers
• Head Start is an instrumental program on our child care. It's a similar.
• child care and development services if they meet specific criteria.
• This meeting of the Assembly Human Services Committee is adjourned.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services met to hear several measures focused on children, foster youth, farmworker families, and disaster assistance. AJR 12, recognizing May 2025 as Head Start Month and urging Congress and the President to protect and increase Head Start funding, was presented by Assemblymember Hadwick on behalf of Assemblymember Arambula. Testimony emphasized Head Start’s role in early education, health, and family support, especially in rural and low-income communities. The resolution passed 6-0. The committee also heard SB 624, which would expand access to the California Foster Youth Tax Credit by requiring counties to mail notices and provide guidance to non-minor foster youth about filing taxes and claiming the credit. Supporters from John Burton Advocates for Youth and former foster youth described the credit as a meaningful poverty-reduction tool that helps with rent, transportation, and other basic needs. Members praised the bill, and it passed 7-0 as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. SB 778 would broaden eligibility for the Migrant Child Care and Development Program by redefining migrant agricultural worker family and allowing self-certification of income eligibility. Support came from the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, California Citrus Mutual, and First 5 California, with witnesses saying the changes would ease enrollment for farmworker families facing seasonal and verification challenges. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing SB 444, SB 471, and SB 792, all on a 7-0 vote. Finally, SB 739 would authorize the Department of Social Services to check whether counties in disaster areas can provide timely CalFresh and Disaster CalFresh services, aimed at improving coordination when local systems are damaged or overwhelmed. Supporters said the bill would help protect access to food benefits after disasters, and members noted its importance in light of recent Los Angeles County emergencies. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations, and the meeting adjourned after all items were acted upon.

Transcript Highlights:

• Each year their dedicated staff and volunteers provide direct services to tens of thousands of people
• So today, we honor Steve's memory, his legacy of service, and the countless lives.
• Dedicated to public service, Greg.
• . service.
• Forms should be submitted electronically, questions may be directed to Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Marin and Sonoma Counties, Jewish Family Service of the Desert, Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles
• , Jewish Family Service of the Desert, Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles, Jewish Federation Bay Area
• Every single one of us in this room is here because we care about California's children.
• We're all trying to go in that direction, with that We're all trying to go in that direction.
• Seeing no further business to take care of, this hearing is adjourned. Thank you. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee held an informational hearing on AB 715, followed by discussion of SB 48. AB 715 was presented by Assembly Members Zbur and Addis as a response to rising anti-Semitism in California schools. They described incidents involving harassment, swastikas, biased classroom materials, and students feeling unsafe, and said the bill would create an Office of Civil Rights with coordinators to address anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, provide prevention resources, and support school districts. Witnesses in support, including a rabbi and a student who described personal experiences with anti-Semitic harassment, urged immediate action to protect Jewish students. Opposition testimony came from the California Teachers Association, county superintendents, school board groups, labor organizations, civil liberties advocates, ethnic studies educators, and many community members. Their main concerns were that the bill was rushed, had not been fully vetted in the Assembly Education Committee, and could chill classroom speech or create constitutional problems, especially around language requiring instruction and materials to be “factually accurate” and not based on advocacy, bias, or partisanship. Several opponents argued that anti-Semitism should be addressed through education, training, and restorative practices rather than new statutory restrictions. Some witnesses also raised concerns about the bill’s impact on ethnic studies and free speech. Committee members then debated the bill’s process and substance at length. The authors said the bill had been narrowed through negotiations with education stakeholders and the Senate, that some disputed provisions would be revisited in cleanup language, and that the urgency of anti-Semitic incidents required action now. Several members expressed support for the bill’s goal but criticized the late release of the final language and the lack of consultation with the Assembly committee. Others emphasized the need to protect Jewish students immediately and argued the bill was a necessary response to a real crisis. The transcript does not show a final vote on AB 715 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:16.799><c> about</c> Senate not that we always care about Senate not that we always care about
• </c><00:22:44.880><c> that</c> price of taxable goods and services that price of taxable goods and services
• </c> providing government goods and services providing government goods and services increases<00:22:
• </c><00:28:45.399><c> was</c><00:28:45.640><c> fundamentally</c> and services was fundamentally and services
• </c> appropriate um inflation for a service appropriate um inflation for a service it<00:49:06.680><c

Bills: HF3

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: legislative auditor, reporting, accountability, state finance, executive agency oversight

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the direction it should go in as well.
• So I will look for the direction from the chair, but I think we, Mr.
• So I will look for the direction from the chair, but I think we, I will look for the direction from the
• What are the services that are available? Who's being considered? Has an RFP gone out?
• I'll call it also the GRN. to afford the service even if we wanted to.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> receive special education services, receive special education services, making<00:13:28.800><c>
• </c> in fiscal year 26 using only direct in fiscal year 26 using only direct certification<00:22:06.080
• Food service fund.
• </c> time to nonprofit food service account. time to nonprofit food service account. um<01:06:29.200>
• I mean, uh, services cuts to that.

Bills: HF51 , HF1161 , HF2201 , HF2786 , HF1053

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: HF51, Sibley County, State-Aid Highway 21, capital investment, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, transportation infrastructure, road improvements, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, local infrastructure, county grant, Minnesota Department of Transportation, bond proceeds fund, public works, utility infrastructure, education finance, school district funding, tax base adjustment

Transcript Highlights:

• As a practicing primary care doc with over 30 years of patient care, I would say the true front line
• of health care is daily life.
• health care systems.
• For example, if the market for direct-to-consumer sensors and, in fact, direct-to-consumer care that's
• In rural health care, we find these community practices. true in rural health care.

Summary: The hearing focused on how artificial intelligence is being used across California’s life sciences sector, from research and drug discovery to digital health, medical devices, and patient care. Chair Ward and Chair Bauer-Kahan opened by emphasizing California’s leadership in biotech, the need to preserve that ecosystem, and the importance of balancing innovation with privacy, consumer protection, and equitable access. They also highlighted the potential role of public compute and public-private partnerships, including CalCompute, in keeping California competitive. The first panel featured representatives from UCSF, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Dr. Ida Sim described AI-enabled digital health tools, including sensor-based blood pressure monitoring and efforts to connect wearable data with electronic health records through open infrastructure. Dr. Karen Knudson focused on cancer, saying AI can accelerate drug discovery, improve learning from every patient, and expand clinical trial access. Dr. Shankar Sundaram discussed AI for public health and biosecurity, including outbreak prediction, antibody redesign, and the need to unlock data, expand compute access, and support public health agencies. Panelists also discussed privacy, HIPAA/CMIA protections, open-source versus closed models, validation, and the need for faster, more modern FDA pathways. The second panel included speakers from Pangea Data, Dexcom, Eli Lilly Ventures, and Twist Bioscience. Dr. Vibhur Gupta described AI systems that identify care gaps in electronic health records and argued for reimbursement frameworks that would let such tools scale beyond large health systems into rural care. Dexcom’s Ginny Hu explained how the company uses AI in its continuous glucose monitoring products, with strong FDA-aligned verification, validation, cybersecurity, human oversight, and post-market monitoring. Eli Lilly’s Danjima Corliss emphasized AI as a scientific collaborator in drug discovery and highlighted Lilly’s high-performance computing investments in California. The discussion continued to return to data access, model transparency, regulatory modernization, and how California can support innovation while protecting patients.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and then you continue the the service. and then you continue the the service.
• This toolkit healthc care providers.
• House Bill Office of Dementia Services.
• House Bill 541, religious service.
• House Bill 551, health services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Authority to provide Medicaid direct.
• Senate Bill 10, sponsored by Senators Bergman, Nava, Duhigg, and Campos, an act relating to health care
• act relating to taxation, extending the sunset date for a gross receipts tax deduction for health care
• Senate Bill 14, sponsored by Senators Hickey, Figueroa, Nava, and Duhigg, an act relating to health care
• the New Mexico Insurance Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Law, and the Non-Profit Health Care

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:01.279><c> charge</c> not subject to the service charge not subject to the service charge
• Specifically, section 9 directs the department to hold available one evaluation spot in even-numbered
• Sections 18 to 22 are services. Sections 18 to 22 are houseonly<00:24:01.280><c> provisions.
• He said this is just a baby step in that direction, but it is an important one.
• </c> people access emergency phone services people access emergency phone services in<00:28:45.679><c

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have an insurance services division and that leader reports to me.
• Senator Conway: Tammy, you know, this year the WA Cares is implemented.
• WA Cares is actually active in that limited scope.
• We also have an office of agricultural and seasonal workforce services.
• And thank you for your service. I don't see any questions at this moment.

Summary: The Senate Labor and Commerce Committee opened its 2026 session with member introductions and a work session on the Employment Security Department’s structure and programs. ESD officials described their roles and reviewed paid family and medical leave, WA Cares, unemployment insurance, workforce services, and agricultural worker outreach. Senators raised concerns about call volume, program solvency, fraud detection, employer access to information, and whether workers can receive leave benefits while working other jobs. ESD said WA Cares is in a limited pilot, PFML has seen rapid growth, UI trust fund solvency is projected to be near the statutory trigger level, and they would follow up with more detailed information on eligibility, fraud referrals, and employer scenarios. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5292, which would replace the current PFML rate-setting formula with a forward-looking actuarial model and require a four-month reserve beginning in 2030. Supporters, including the sponsor, JLARC staff, labor advocates, and employer groups, said the change would improve stability and follow JLARC recommendations; opponents warned it could lead to higher payroll taxes and argued the program is already too costly. The chair said she intended to keep the bill narrow as it moved forward. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6014, a technical bill on pregnancy-related accommodations that would preserve the ability of pregnant workers to request certain accommodations without a doctor’s note and create a public records exemption for sensitive complaint and investigation records; the sponsor and supporters said it corrects a drafting error and protects privacy. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 5972, which would remove the population threshold limiting interest arbitration for correctional officers in jails, and Senate Bill 5869, which would make permanent and expand from residential to all building construction sites a requirement that L&I notify employers or owners within 10 working days when a hazard is identified. Correctional officers’ representatives and labor groups supported SB 5972 as a fairness and safety measure, while the sponsor said it would create consistency across jurisdictions. Construction industry groups supported SB 5869, and L&I said it had no concerns but wanted the bill kept narrow; the chair noted the bill’s purpose was to speed hazard communication. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 5874, which would allow ESD to waive penalties for minor errors in quarterly unemployment reports, especially missing SOC/job-title information. The sponsor said small businesses were being hit with unnecessary fines, and ESD said it had identified a sharp rise in penalties and was working with the sponsor on possible fixes. The committee adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• fund and then be dispersed by that service fund.
• They're not currently collecting sales tax on these services for early childhood development.
• Representative Davis: Yeah, only the individuals that qualify for this service.
• Yeah, only the individuals that qualify for this service. Although it's the city of St.
• , for child care.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• And so this is the direction America is going, and this is the direction we're going, and I support it
• And so this is the direction America is going, and this is the direction we're going, and I support it
• But the statute doesn't tell us, doesn't direct the county clerk or direct the secretary of state to
• But the statute doesn't tell us, doesn't direct the county clerk or direct the secretary of state to
• </c><04:52:31.360><c> the</c> direct the county clerk or direct the direct the county clerk or direct

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you very much, sir, and thank you for your service. Anyone in the room wishing to add on?
• We are leaving for states that recognize our service, not just with words, but with action.
• Thank you very much for your service to our country.
• What led you to move in this particular direction?
• What led you to move in this particular direction?

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills focused largely on veterans’ tax relief, disaster-related property tax rules, contractor tax compliance, and nonprofit property tax exemptions. The chair reviewed committee procedures, including the suspense file process for bills with significant revenue impacts, and noted that only one bill would be voted on immediately. Most measures were presented with supportive testimony and then referred to suspense. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. The author argued the bill would prevent disabled veterans from being unfairly penalized and help them remain in their homes; a VFW representative testified in support, and there was no opposition. SB 1053 would allow county boards of supervisors, for disasters declared on or after January 1, 2026, to extend the five-year period for transferring a damaged property’s base-year value by up to three years. Support came from the California Assessor Association, and the bill was also sent to suspense. SB 1407 would exempt the first $40,000 of military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefit payments from state income tax for qualifying filers, with the author and witnesses arguing it would improve veteran retention in California and support the state economy. Multiple organizations and veterans spoke in support, and the committee members expressed strong sympathy for the measure, but it too was referred to suspense. SB 420 would deny charitable property tax exemption to organizations tied to private immigration detention facilities; the author and supporters said the bill would close a loophole that had allowed a detention facility in Imperial County to avoid millions in property taxes. Members voiced strong support and concern about the reported conditions at the facility, and the bill was also sent to suspense. The only bill taken up for a vote was SB 1165, which would improve coordination between the CDTFA and the Contractors State License Board so unpaid tax liabilities by contractors could be used in licensing enforcement, while preserving due process and installment agreement flexibility. After supportive testimony from the author and the California Tax Reform Association, the committee approved a due pass motion to Appropriations on a 7-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Human Services and Labor.
• So the following agencies are going to be announced at this table: the Department of Human Services,
• , DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN SERVICES AND THE PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS BOARD.
• We added the 4 percent human services TII, and that covers approximately 20 new safety service contracts
• get their children into child care, they may not be able to go to work.

Summary: The Human Services and Labor budget hearing opened with Senate and Assembly co-chairs introducing members and naming secretaries for the record. The agencies covered included Human Services, Labor, Temporary and Disability Assistance, Children and Family Services, Veterans Services, Human Rights, Workers’ Compensation, the Welfare Inspector General, and the Public Employment Relations Board. Members then gave brief statements on their priorities for the upcoming budget negotiations. A major theme was affordability, with repeated discussion of child care, SNAP, housing, and worker supports. Senators and Assembly members highlighted the Senate and Assembly one-house proposals for a $500 million child care worker retention grant program, additional child care slots and subsidies, cost-of-living adjustments for human services workers, and expanded support for supportive housing, youth employment, HEAP, and energy affordability. Several members also emphasized food insecurity and SNAP-related issues, including funding to address payment errors, prevent penalties, expand SNAP education, and respond to expected federal changes. Labor-related issues included workers’ compensation fraud, wage theft enforcement, workplace violence, temporary disability insurance reform, and the creation of dedicated enforcement funding for the Department of Labor. Some members supported using workers’ compensation assessments or insurance-company-related funding to pay for anti-fraud efforts, while others preferred grants to district attorneys or broader DOL enforcement. There was also discussion of occupational health clinics, labor standards in any SEQRA changes, and expanding access to doctors in the workers’ compensation system. Veterans, child care, and public assistance fraud prevention were also discussed, including funding for veterans legal defense and mental health services, microchip/secure EBT cards to reduce skimming, and restoring or protecting various programs. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with the chairs stating that the Senate, Assembly, and Executive would continue negotiations toward a final budget.