Transcript Highlights:

• </c> inadvertently omitted from the filed inadvertently omitted from the filed version<00:29:14.240><
• The process was filed October 31st.
• </c><00:47:33.520><c> on</c> believe, I think that, um, was filed on believe, I think that, um, was filed
• Post filing of the statements of consideration. >> That's good to know.
• Post filing of the statements of &gt;&gt; Yeah.

Keywords: 0:00 – Meeting start/roll call 0:10 - Roll call/approval of minutes 1:43 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Medicaid Services 27:40 - Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control 55:54 - Board of Veterinary Examiners 1:33:15 - Testimony in support of 804 KAR 13:010E, 020E, 030E and 040E. 1:49:04 - Education Professional Standards Board 1:49:58 - Attorney General, Office of Regulatory Relief 1:52:18 - Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA) 1:54:28 - Board of Nursing 1:56:44 - Board of Occupational Therapy 1:57:37 - Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy 1:58:58 - Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources 1:59:50 - Economic Development Finance Authority 2:01:34 - Department of Corrections 2:02:37 - Department of Juvenile Justice 2:04:02 - Department for Employment Services, Unemployment Insurance 2:04:57 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Public Health, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up Department for Medicaid Services regulations 907 KAR 23:010 and related rules. DMS explained that one regulation would establish a beneficiary advisory council and another would remove language barring coverage of GLP-1 drugs for obesity-related use. The department said coverage would still be limited by prior authorization and clinical criteria, with use tied to underlying chronic conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and that the pharmacy and therapeutics committee would help set the detailed standards. Members discussed the potential health benefits, but several raised concerns about cost, timing, and whether the legislature and the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board should review the policy first. DMS said the drugs are already on the formulary, that current Medicaid users with diabetes are already covered, and that the fiscal impact was estimated using current utilization, rebates, and expected savings; the department also said it would only cover the drugs if subject to rebates. The committee then voted 5-1 to find 907 KAR 23:010 deficient. The committee next considered several emergency regulations from the Public Protection Cabinet’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control implementing SB 100. The rules covered tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product licensing, including the application form, denial standards, and transitional licensing. ABC counsel said the department had received about 5,500 applications and issued nearly 5,000 licenses, with additional provisional licenses issued to avoid interruption in sales after the law’s effective date. He said some applications remained pending because inspections and photographs revealed possible unauthorized nicotine vapor products, and the department was seeking documentation before approval. A staff amendment was adopted without objection before the ABC presentation continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules reports the resolutions filed by Representatives Badger of Plymouth and LaNatra
• I also want to thank all of the colleagues who filed and advocated for so many of the bills that are
• It is not uncommon for House Democrats and House Republicans to file legislation together, to co-sponsor
• I want to thank the gentleman from Sharon for his filing of this bill and for the work that went into
• I want to thank the gentleman from Sharon for his filing of this bill and for the work that came in creating

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed several guests and birthday celebrants, and adopted a resolution honoring the Jeller family for 100 years of service to Plymouth. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition authorizing a lease for Pilgrim Memorial Park in Plymouth. The chamber then took up Senate No. 3028, the omnibus animal welfare bill titled “An act promoting pet equity, treatment, and safety,” which Ways and Means recommended ought to pass with a House amendment and an emergency preamble. During debate on S. 3028, members described the bill as a package of animal welfare reforms covering veterinary technician regulation, expanded oversight of veterinary medicine, pet insurance disclosures and cancellation rights, changes to the Beagle Bill adoption process, a ban on animal testing for household products when alternatives exist, requirements for reporting found dogs to law enforcement, protections for service dogs in transportation, stronger kennel licensing enforcement, and limits on discrimination against companion animals in public and senior housing. Several members spoke in support, especially of Section 25, which creates a civil process for animal neglect cases so authorities can seek care or removal without relying solely on felony prosecution; supporters said it better balances animal protection with due process and human crises. The House rejected two proposed amendments, adopted two others, and then passed the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 151-1. The House also passed Senate No. 2577, increasing parking fees in the town of Scituate, and House No. 2250, dissolving the Whately Water District, by roll call vote of 150-0. In addition, the House declined to concur with Senate amendments to House No. 4361, a bill concerning benefits for teachers, and instead ordered a Committee of Conference, appointing Representatives Ryan of Boston, Gonzales of Springfield, and Ferguson of Holden. Finally, the House passed House No. 5492, authorizing Billerica to transfer land for the Yankee Doodle Bike Path, and then adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a project that I worked on a couple of years ago that required taking a lot of these files
• Often they were in PDF files, not in Excel files, and trying to convert that into a table that could
• Files that the legislature had, they had these tables.
• Often they were in PDFs, not in Excel files, and trying to convert that into a table that could be used

Committee: House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we move to debate we have a late filed amendment filed by Senator Gaetz, barcode 673-0746.
• Without objection show the late filed amendment introduced.
• Senator Gaetz, would you like to explain the late filed amendment?
• Chair: Show the late filed amendment withdrawn. We are back on the bill as amended.

Committee: Senate Finance and Tax

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and first reading of bills will be deemed read, and we will move on to consideration of the daily file
• Of the daily file, we do have several items. Item 52 under Governor's appointments.
• Colleagues, today we're asking for a file item 52 is the confirmation of Hampas, etc., for appointment
• President, colleagues, file Item 53 is a confirmation of Peter Stern.
• File Item 54 is the confirmation of Diane White for appointment to the State Mining and Geology Board

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized guests in the gallery. The body then took up several gubernatorial appointments: confirmation of Hampas to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Peter Stern to the California Horse Racing Board, and Diane White to the State Mining and Geology Board. Each appointment was presented by Senator Grove and approved by roll call, with later calls on the items lifted and the confirmations finalized by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The main floor debate centered on SCR 112, designating January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Senator Grove and several colleagues described human trafficking as modern-day slavery and emphasized survivor support, law enforcement tools, public awareness, and the vulnerability of foster youth, Indigenous women and girls, immigrants, and children targeted online or in hotels and other venues. Senators Rubio, Troy, Valadez, Arreguín, Wahab, and others spoke in strong support, citing local cases, online grooming, and the need for prevention and services. The resolution was adopted on a 38-0 vote. The Senate also adopted SR 74, which amended the Senate’s standing rules to create two new committees: Emergency Management, and Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection. Senator Ashby explained that the new committees would better address wildfire response, disaster preparedness, data privacy, artificial intelligence, and consumer protection. The chamber then approved a consent calendar containing SB 557, SB 57, SB 674, SB 623, and SB 837, all by 39-0 votes. The Pro Tem thanked members and staff for completing deadline-week work and announced the next floor session for February 2, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• and first reading of bills will be deemed read, and we will move on to consideration of the daily file
• Of the daily file, we do have several items. Item 52 under Governor's appointments.
• Today we're asking for a file item 52 is the confirmation of Hampas, etc., for appointment to the Boating
• President, colleagues, file item 53 is a confirmation of Peter Stern.
• File item 54 is the confirmation of Diane White for appointment to the State Mining and Geology Board

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So last year we considered an amendment that I'd filed, and we had this discussion, and I opted not to
• file it this year.
• I very much look forward to the visa legislation you're going to file to upend the buyer-beware standard
• As far as filing a lawsuit and the burden of the company survey, well, gosh, a survey—if I just had to
• file just a basic survey with many of my complaints, that would be great.

Summary: The State Affairs Committee opened with a tribute to the late Representative Joe Casello, with remarks from the chair and Ranking Member Eskamani honoring his service, especially his advocacy for first responders, veterans, and working people. The committee then turned to its only bill, HB 167, which would remove strict liability for certain previously mined phosphate lands if the landowner notifies the county and requests a Department of Health radiation survey. The sponsor said the bill is intended to create a voluntary process, add data about the land, and provide notice through the public record and title process. Members asked extensive questions about who pays for the surveys, how notice would reach future buyers, whether the bill affects renters or construction workers, and whether it would impact pending lawsuits. The sponsor said the landowner would pay for the survey needed to remove strict liability, plaintiffs would pay for surveys in litigation, the bill does not address OSHA or rental disclosures, and it would not apply retroactively to current cases because the complaint must include a survey. Supporters argued the bill simply replaces automatic liability with recorded notice and due diligence, while opponents said it could leave families and renters without adequate warning and should include stronger disclosure protections. Public testimony was in support from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Florida, and one individual. After debate, the committee voted 18-8 to report HB 167 favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second reading of Senate files. Second reading of Senate File 3446. Introduction of bills.
• The following House files have been offered for introduction today.
• The chief clerk will report the House files and give them their first reading.
• Introduction of first reading of House Files 3316 through 3318. Resolution.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• File.
• File. Beginning on page two, House Communication No. 409 to 412.
• File.
• File. Am I at the right place, Madam Clerk? Yes, you are. Okay.
• Referrals and re-referrals are made in accordance with the supplemental orders of the day that may be filed

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we let local government wrestle their way through that, and if they can't, somebody files a lawsuit
• Members, now we'll move on to a late-file amendment by Senator Gates, barcode 791116.
• Is there any objection to take up the late-file amendment to the amendment?
• It could probably be strengthened in some way to codify, or maybe perhaps have this be filed as a recorded
• It could probably be strengthened in some way to codify, or maybe perhaps have this be filed as a recorded

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs heard three measures. First, SB 184 by Senator Gates would require local governments to allow accessory dwelling units in single-family residential areas, with exceptions for planned unit developments and master-planned communities. The bill and its amendments were discussed at length, including parking restrictions, homestead exemption treatment, short-term rental concerns, impact and mobility fees, pre-approved designs, manufactured ADUs, and an OPPAGA study on mezzanine financing and tiny homes. Testimony from the Florida League of Cities raised concerns about parking, short-term rentals, and fee parity, while several senators supported the concept but asked for further refinement. The committee adopted the amendments and reported CS for SB 184 favorably. The committee then took up SB 118 by Senator Brodeur, which preempts regulation of presidential libraries to the state and defers regulation to the federal government, with the stated purpose of preventing local governments from imposing obstacles to a future presidential library in Florida. There was no debate or public testimony, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered SPB 7704, a proposed committee bill to repeal the sunset date on a public records exemption for property photographs and personal identifying information of applicants or participants in disaster-related housing assistance programs held by state and local housing entities. With no questions, debate, or public testimony, the committee approved the motion to submit it as a committee bill and reported it favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> 4252</c> up House File 4252 up House File 4252 and and and we<00:02:36.200><c> will</c><00:02:36.440
• I move House File<00:02:49.840><c> 4252</c> File 4252 File 4252 be<00:02:51.840><c> sent</c><00:02:52.080
• </c> House File 4252. House File 4252.
• </c><00:04:35.360><c> 4608</c> This is derived from House File 4608 This is derived from House File 4608
• </c> folks that are in the Epstein files. folks that are in the Epstein files.

Bills: HF4252

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: higher education, student aid, financial aid, grant programs, scholarships, Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, community college, technical college, postsecondary institution, college affordability, student fees, athletic facilities, competitive athletics, developmental education, remedial courses, pregnant students, parenting students, priority registration

Transcript Highlights:

• 3593 and Senate File 1201.
• Next, we will hear Senate File 2010.
• </c> Next, we will hear Senate File 2010. Next, we will hear Senate File 2010.
• </c> envisioned in Senate File 2909. envisioned in Senate File 2909.
• I urge you to support Senate File issue. I urge you to support Senate File 121. 121. 121.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; oh where I had struck through the filing &gt;&gt; oh where I had struck through the filing
• </c> &gt;&gt; So I didn't want to you know shall file &gt;&gt; So I didn't want to you know shall file
• In 2025, there were 13 complaints filed relating to the massage therapy board.
• relating to the massage therapy filed relating to the massage therapy board.
• </c> It would stay with the applicant file. It would stay with the applicant file.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think file item six in your file. So thank you for this opportunity.
• Down on file item 27. This is AB 1355. All right.
• Yeah, AB 45, file in two. AB 45, we'll do an order. Yeah, AB 45, file in two.
• That's a file item 2. Connolly? Aye. Connolly, aye. That's a file item 2. Connolly? Aye.
• File item 19. AB 1025. Bauer-Kahan, Connolly? Aye. Connolly, aye. File item 23, AB 1197, Calderon.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to reproductive access, child safety online, immigration enforcement in schools, health privacy, location data, digital provenance, reparations, and age assurance. AB 54 would protect the medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and others from liability; AB 1137 would strengthen reporting and enforcement tools for child sexual abuse material on social media; AB 49 would limit ICE activity at California public schools; AB 82 would expand privacy and safety protections for gender-affirming care patients and providers; AB 1355 would restrict the collection, use, and sale of precise location data; AB 853 would expand provenance requirements for AI-generated and authentic content; AB 62 would create a pathway for restitution for racially biased eminent domain takings; and AB 1043 would create a device-based age assurance framework for online services. Supporters generally framed the bills as necessary responses to current harms: reproductive rights advocates emphasized California’s role as a safe haven; child safety witnesses described the persistence and re-victimization caused by CSAM online; immigrant rights and education advocates said schools should remain safe from immigration enforcement; health and LGBTQ+ advocates stressed privacy and safety risks tied to tracking and harassment; privacy and consumer groups backed limits on location data and stronger provenance tools; and reparations advocates said AB 62 would help address historic injustices. Opposition came from family policy, tech, business, law enforcement, and industry groups, who raised concerns about safety claims, constitutional issues, implementation burdens, transparency, law enforcement access, and the need to preserve existing privacy frameworks and voluntary standards. The committee members largely expressed support for the policy goals while noting implementation concerns on some measures. Several members asked for or were offered coauthor status on bills. AB 1137, AB 54, AB 49, AB 82, AB 1355, AB 853, and AB 62 all received do-pass votes to Appropriations, with some members voting no or not voting on certain bills. AB 1355 and AB 853 were advanced with amendments or ongoing work promised with opponents, and AB 1043 was presented with discussion of possible amendments on parental consent and age assurance details, though the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Philip Wheeler also filed a similar bill in 2022.
• </c><00:15:55.360><c> We</c><00:15:55.680><c> believe</c> filed a similar bill in 2022.
• We believe filed a similar bill in 2022.
• </c> &gt;&gt; but less than that actually have filed &gt;&gt; but less than that actually have filed
• bill &gt;&gt; Are you are you going to file your bill again?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the October 21 minutes, and then heard a KO presentation focused on county jail funding pressures. KO leaders and county judges said jail costs have become a statewide crisis, noting that county general fund contributions to jail budgets have risen sharply since 2019. They said the organization’s sole legislative priority this session is to “reshape the shared responsibility” for county jails through three main proposals: incentivizing regional jails, clarifying responsibility for pre-trial felony detainees, and changing the model for housing state inmates. On regional jails, KO proposed one-time state construction help for new or expanded regional facilities, allowing former county jails to become 96-hour holdover facilities, changing regional jail authority boards so each participating county jailer can serve, increasing the closed-jail supplement, and offering a one-time payment to counties that close a jail and join a regional plan. On pre-trial felony detainees, Judge Mosley argued counties bear the full cost for people held before trial, sometimes for years, and said counties should be reimbursed for time served credit when those inmates are later sentenced. On state inmates, KO said the current per diem of $35.34 is below the average daily county jail cost of $63.44, and proposed a new contract model requiring the Department of Corrections to pay actual housing costs while counties provide agreed programming such as substance use treatment, cognitive behavioral programming, re-entry services, workforce training, and academic programming. Members asked about the fiscal impact of the package, the feasibility of regional jail population thresholds, and whether the proposal could affect counties’ ability to house federal inmates. KO said regionalization should remain a local decision, that a bill draft and fiscal note were being developed, and that only certain jails are eligible to house federal inmates under existing agreements. Representative Maddox also asked about social media comments by Judge Mosley regarding homeschooling; Mosley said the remarks were unrelated to KO and apologized for any offense. Senator Mills asked what counties would do with savings from jail costs, and judges said the money would likely go to local services such as roads, ambulance service, senior programs, parks, economic development, infrastructure, broadband, and water projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would suggest that you change that to say, “A motion for a new trial shall be filed within 3 years,
• So the relationship between RSA 526:1 and 526:4 is only that 526:4 says you cannot file these petitions
• Under current law, an individual must file a motion for a new trial within three years.
• </c><01:13:11.600><c> a</c> would allow an innocent person to file a would allow an innocent person to
• a petition if their case involved file a petition if their case involved discredited<01:13:19.760><c

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then also if somebody were to file a lawsuit saying that no, you cannot prohibit guns from my local
• park because that's not allowed by statute, if they don't fix that until the lawsuit is filed, it says
• were</c><00:10:13.839><c> to</c><00:10:15.120><c> were</c><00:10:15.440><c> to</c><00:10:15.760><c> file
• were to were to file a lawsuit saying<00:10:17.120><c> that</c><00:10:17.839><c> no,</c><00:10:18.160
• </c> there's a lawsuit filed. there's a lawsuit filed.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The continued conference on House Bill 609 focused on reconciling House and Senate drafts dealing with firearms and other personal defense tools, local government preemption, and agency rulemaking. Representative Leyon walked through amendment 21107H, explaining that it narrows undefined terms, clarifies that the General Court has supremacy over local regulation, allows damages actions for violations of preemption law, and adds language limiting agency rules unless specifically authorized by statute. She also described a three-year sunset and a delayed effective date for new rules so existing rules could continue temporarily while the legislature considers any needed statutory carveouts. Members then debated the practical effect of the language, especially whether it would bar agencies from adopting internal employment rules or instead require those rules to come through JCAR and be tied to express statutory authority. Several examples were discussed, including state plow drivers, corrections employees, and other workers who may need to carry personal defense tools in the field. The committee also discussed a provision making a plaintiff a prevailing party if a municipality changes a challenged policy after suit is filed, and a clause stating that good faith or advice of counsel is not a defense, though it may be considered in mitigation. The discussion narrowed to the difference between the House approach, which some members read as an absolute prohibition on agency rules in these areas, and the Senate approach, which some members said would allow rules only when an agency can point to express enabling authority and JCAR can review them. Members agreed that the goal was to prevent agencies from adopting rules that conflict with the statute while still allowing legitimate safety-related regulations where the legislature has authorized them. The conference took a recess and later resumed with the chair stating the parties had reached an agreement in principle based on the latest Senate language, and Representative Leyon was asked to continue reviewing the draft line by line for remaining concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• to pension offsets for when the National Guard is called up to state active duty, which was a House File
• This was House File 2773, Representative Clardy's bill, and that is $300,000 one-time funding.
• That was for House File 492, Representative Hills' bill.
• This was house file services program.
• That was<00:03:47.120><c> for</c><00:03:47.360><c> house</c><00:03:47.519><c> file</c><00:03:47.840><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Between fiscal year 2010 and 2014, around 850 new SIBTF applications were filed per year.
• When an applicant files a claim, an award amount is not guaranteed.
• And once that case file is closed and all the information that is requested is needed is in that file
• And once that case file is closed and all the information that is requested is needed is in that file
• Under former Section 5909, the 60 days began to run when the petition was filed.

Summary: The subcommittee heard a series of budget and trailer bill presentations focused on labor and public employment programs. The first item covered EDD Next modernization, where EDD described progress on customer service improvements, fraud prevention, language access, and the Integrated Claims Management System. The LAO urged stronger legislative oversight as the project enters its most difficult phase, and members questioned the revised schedule, total cost, change orders, stress testing, SB 1090 implementation, and how race and ethnicity data will be protected. EDD said the overall project cost remains about $1.2 billion, that the work is being phased with disability insurance and paid family leave first, and that fraud has been greatly reduced since pandemic-era programs ended. Members also asked for follow-up information on SB 590 outreach and equity impacts. The committee then reviewed the California Workforce Development Board’s request to reduce staffing as one-time grant workloads wind down, along with trailer bill language to streamline reporting requirements. The board and Department of Finance said the staffing reductions reflect the end of surge funding and that the proposal would consolidate roughly 10 to 12 reports into one annual report, with additional reporting only if new funds are appropriated for certain programs. Senator Durazo questioned the policy direction of reducing workforce staffing, while the administration said the positions were tied to temporary grant programs and that current staffing is sufficient for ongoing duties. Members also asked about the board’s role in AI-related workforce planning and the rationale for using state funds for the High Road Construction Careers Program. A major portion of the hearing focused on the Subsequent Injury Benefits Trust Fund reforms and related staffing request at DIR. The administration and LAO described rapid growth in applications, backlog, and liabilities, saying the program’s eligibility has expanded beyond its original intent and that liabilities could reach about $30 billion by 2030 without reform. The trailer bill would tighten eligibility, apply the changes to open cases, and use the QME process and contemporaneous evidence to document preexisting disabilities. Members raised concerns about fairness to pending claimants, evaluator capacity, and the relationship to other SIBTF legislation, while the LAO said the proposal largely aligns with its prior recommendations. DIR also presented a request to eliminate vacant positions under a statewide vacancy sweep, which drew criticism from members who argued the cuts could weaken enforcement and backlog reduction efforts; the committee asked DIR to return with more detail on impacts and on its use of temporary-help authority. The final items addressed a request for additional Cal/OSHA investigative staff and a trailer bill to make permanent the revised Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board petition timeline. DIR said the BOI staffing would help investigate fatalities and serious injuries more quickly, while members emphasized the importance of family contact and timely investigations. For the WCAB item, the chair explained that the 2024 change to Labor Code section 5909, which starts the 60-day decision clock when a case is transmitted rather than when a petition is filed, has reduced pending cases and should be made permanent; the remaining backlog was reported at 460 cases, down from 637 before the change.

Transcript Highlights:

• When an applicant files a claim...
• When an applicant files a claim, an award amount is not guaranteed.
• And once that case file is closed and all the information that is requested is in that file, then they'll
• And once that case file is closed and all the information that is requested is in that file, then they'll
• Under former Section 5909, the 60 days began to run when the petition was filed.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation heard presentations on labor and public employment issues from the Employment Development Department (EDD), the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB), and the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). The committee first focused on EDD Next modernization, where EDD described progress on online claims, call center upgrades, language access, fraud prevention, and the Integrated Claims Management System (ICMS). The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged closer legislative oversight, especially as the project moves into the most difficult phase. Senators asked about the revised timeline, total cost, fraud reduction, stress testing, transparency around change orders, and the decision to phase in disability insurance and paid family leave before unemployment insurance. EDD said the overall project cost remained about $1.2 billion, that it had no major cost overruns, and that it had saved more than $20 million by shifting some shared customer portal work into ICMS. The subcommittee then considered CWDB’s request for additional operational resources and trailer bill language to streamline reporting. CWDB and the Department of Finance said staffing had been expanded during the pandemic-era surge in grant funding and should now be reduced as one-time grant programs wind down. Senators questioned the proposed staffing reduction, arguing that workforce development needs remain strong and that the board’s policy role still requires adequate capacity. The committee also discussed a proposal to consolidate multiple annual and interim reports into a single biennial report, with LAO supporting the streamlining. Members asked about reporting for specific programs and the cost savings from reducing duplicative evaluations. A major portion of the hearing addressed DIR’s proposed reforms to the Subsequent Injury Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) and related workload funding. DIR and LAO described rapid growth in applications, a large and growing backlog, and sharply rising liabilities and employer assessments. The administration’s trailer bill would tighten eligibility, apply reforms to open cases, and use contemporaneous evidence and QME reports to document preexisting disabilities. LAO said the proposal largely matched its prior recommendations and would help return the program to its original intent. Senators raised concerns about fairness to pending claimants, the effect on workers with undocumented preexisting conditions, and whether the QME system could absorb the added workload. The committee also heard DIR’s request to eliminate vacant positions under a statewide vacancy sweep, with members objecting that some vacancies reflect unmet enforcement and safety needs rather than excess capacity. The hearing continued with DIR proposals for additional Cal/OSHA investigative staff, permanent changes to Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board petition deadlines, and apprenticeship-related funding increases. DIR sought 14 permanent positions for its Bureau of Investigation to handle serious workplace fatalities and injuries, and members emphasized the importance of timely investigations and family communication. The WCAB requested making permanent a 2024 change that starts the 60-day reconsideration clock when a case is transmitted rather than when the petition is filed; the board said this had reduced the number of cases awaiting decisions from 637 to 460. Finally, DIR proposed increasing apprenticeship training grants from $3 million to $20 million annually using the Apprenticeship Training Contribution Fund, citing an $80 million fund balance and workforce demand tied to rebuilding and infrastructure needs, and then began discussion of a separate request to expand pre-apprenticeship programs.