Transcript Highlights:

• And Senator Gowan, did you hear it all from our insurance companies that this may, ...hear it all from
• And Arizona, every year we hear of a kid getting run over crosswalking in the school zone.
• And Arizona, every year we hear of a kid getting run over crosswalking in the school zone.
• And you're going to hear that bill later today, SCR 1004, and that puts this whole photo enforcement
• Thank you for hearing SB 1232 and thank you for President Peterson for sponsoring it.

Bills: SB1010 , SB1024 , SB1205 , SB1232 , SB1366 , SB1552 , SB1624 , SCM1002 , SCM1006 , SCR1004

Committee: House Transportation & Infrastructure

Keywords: Charlie Kirk, Loop 202, Arizona highways, transportation, renaming, roadable aircraft, registration, vehicle title, license plates, aviation safety, motor vehicle booting, private property, fees, dispute process, regulations, outdoor advertising, military compatibility, zoning, electronic signage, permitting

Transcript Highlights:

• Roads and bridges is what we hear most about. Unfunded mandates.
• We will be hearing H.B.... We will be hearing H.B. 852 by Representative Lyons. Mr. Wiggins.
• Hearing none, seeing no objections, HB 852 moves forward favorably as amended.
• Hearing none, seeing no objections, we move HB 474 forward favorably.
• Hearing none, Member Set 1681 has been adopted.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on March 16, 2026, and heard several bills dealing mainly with tax checkoffs, severance tax revenue, and estimated tax administration. The first major item was HB 156 by Rep. Bagley, a proposed constitutional amendment to remove the cap on the 20% share of severance tax revenues remitted to parishes where production occurs. Supporters from local government and the Police Jury Association argued that the cap prevents parishes from receiving the full share intended to help repair roads, bridges, drainage, and other infrastructure damaged by oil and gas activity. Members raised concerns about the bill’s roughly $42 million fiscal note and the state budget outlook, and the author ultimately agreed to voluntarily defer the bill after discussion of possible phase-ins and other compromises. The committee then took up HB 602 by Rep. Bamberg, another severance-tax-related constitutional amendment that would phase in a higher parish cap over five years, with a separate amendment tying the increase to parishes that exempt business inventory from ad valorem taxes. After questions about how it would interact with the pending inventory-tax amendment and its fiscal impact, the committee adopted the amendment and voluntarily deferred the bill pending a fiscal note. The committee also heard HB 852 by Rep. Lyons, which restores the income tax checkoff for donations to the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence by lowering the performance threshold from $10,000 to $5,000; members discussed the number of checkoffs on the return and the need to keep the form manageable, but the bill was reported favorably as amended. Next, the committee considered HB 474 by Rep. Young, creating an individual income tax checkoff for the Grambling University National Alumni Association. Members again debated whether tax-return checkoffs amount to government-facilitated fundraising and whether they crowd the return, but the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 633 by Chairman Bacala, a cleanup bill adjusting estimated tax penalty timing and calculations to match current tax law; an amendment set was adopted to replace references to personal exemptions with the standard deduction, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Was there any, I didn't hear any appropriations in there. Maybe I missed it.
• Was there any, I didn't hear any appropriations in there. Maybe I missed it.
• The opposition you'll hear may say that, hey, this is going to bankrupt counties.
• I hear you. We'll put representatives from counties on that study committee.
• I have been hearing it for a while, and it's very important that we address this issue.

Committee: Senate Senate Health and Human Services COR

Summary: The committee approved minutes from February 18, February 19, and March 4, then took up several health-related bills. HB 2050, which updates radiologic technologist and radiologic assistant standards, school accreditation, clinical hours, supervision rules, fees, and telehealth definitions, received support from a radiologic technologist and a nurse practitioner and passed 7-0 with a do-pass recommendation. HB 2082, creating a Childhood Cancer and Rare Childhood Disease Research Commission and expanding the research fund, was amended to require at least $5 million in funding before commission allocations and to shift grant-awarding authority to the DHS director; it passed 7-0 as amended, though members raised concerns about oversight. HB 2176, which changes DHS licensing denial criteria and complaint-investigation procedures for health care institutions, also passed 7-0 after testimony from hospital and public health representatives supporting clearer timelines and transparency, with one member noting concerns about possible subjectivity in ownership-related denials. HB 2195, addressing DHS oversight of nursing care institutions, including personnel record access, deficiency timelines, and complaint-investigation deadlines, was amended to delay implementation until July 1, 2027 and allow off-site preliminary reviews; it passed 7-0 as amended, though one member said DHS should have been present to answer questions. HB 2202, appropriating $300,000 annually for a dementia care tele-mentoring program, drew support from the Alzheimer’s Association and a patient with younger-onset Alzheimer’s; it passed 6-1, with one no vote arguing medical schools should teach the material instead of the state funding it. HB 2307, an emergency measure to address placement of dangerous, incompetent, non-restorable defendants, was heavily debated and amended to use up to three beds at the Arizona State Hospital forensic campus temporarily, create a study committee, and sunset after five years; counties and DHS disagreed over whether counties should bear any costs, and the bill passed 4-3 as amended. Finally, HB 2584, which prohibits public funds from being used for genetic sequencing equipment or services tied to foreign adversaries, passed 4-3 after a sponsor and a national security witness argued it would protect genomic data from hostile foreign control. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, hearing none, so ordered.
• Chair, hearing none, so ordered.
• Chair, hearing none, so ordered.
• Chair, hearing none, so ordered.
• Chair, hearing none, so ordered.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said apparently that is already happening, and he did not hear any concerns about it.
• He said apparently that is already happening, and he did not hear any concerns about it.
• He said apparently that is already happening, and he did not hear any concerns about it.
• He said apparently that is already happening, and he did not hear any concerns about it.
• So, it's frustrating to hear safety.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we hear them out throughout that process.
• Okay, so, and I understand, I think I'm hearing that staff is limited on OMES' side.
• I'm hearing that. I'm knowing that you all had a report to do.
• “I’m just wondering, where is that disconnect in terms of, when I hear OMES, I immediately hear management
• I'd just like to hear that answer.

Summary: The LOFT Oversight Committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then received LOFT’s report on state office space utilization in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. LOFT presented three main findings: OMES is not fully exercising its statutory authority over state property and relies on flawed self-reported data; state office space is being used inefficiently and often below policy benchmarks; and better use of state-owned space could save tens of millions in private lease costs. LOFT also described errors in the state’s real property inventory, low utilization rates across OMES-owned, agency-owned, and privately leased space, and recommended stronger data verification, clearer space standards, and more active oversight of underused property. OMES responded that it believes it is meeting its statutory obligations and said it tries to balance oversight with being a partner to agencies, placing them in space that best fits their mission and service needs. OMES officials said they rely on agency-reported data, do not have enough staff to independently verify all inventory information, and do not “police” daily occupancy. Members questioned the distinction between meeting statutory duties and exercising full authority, the use of “shall” versus “recommend,” the lack of enforcement for agencies that decline space recommendations, and whether OMES should more aggressively consolidate or divest underused buildings. LOFT and OMES also discussed the methodology behind utilization calculations, including badge-swipe data, space standards, and common-area adjustments. In the final finding, LOFT estimated that relocating agencies from private leases into existing state-owned space could save roughly $16 million to $28.8 million annually, depending on the scenario used. LOFT cited other states and federal reforms as models and recommended that OMES more actively assess underutilized properties, verify data, and use actual utilization analysis to reduce private leasing. OMES said it would review the comments and work to improve. The committee then unanimously approved a rapid-response evaluation request for LOFT to examine DHS child care subsidy verification and reimbursement processes, citing concerns about possible improprieties and the need to confirm whether fraud or waste is occurring.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know it's very, very loud on my left ear here to try to hear.
• Did we have a hearing on that? I believe we will. But we have not at this moment. No.
• Did we have a hearing on that? I believe we will. But we have not at this moment. No.
• It is a non sequitur, and we ought not take such into account when we hear non sequiturs.
• be in House Hearing Room 3 if you want to learn about rice, cotton, and peanuts in the Bootheel.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by roll call vote, 102-1. Members then used points of personal privilege and special guest introductions to recognize constituents, advocacy groups, students, school officials, physical therapy advocates, domestic violence service providers, and others. One member delivered an emotional statement about the arrest of the suspect in his sister’s 26-year-old murder case, thanking law enforcement and prosecutors involved in the cold-case investigation. The chamber then took up House Bills 2097 and 1905, a measure to expand an agriculture education pilot program into a statewide option for elementary schools. Supporters from both parties described it as a way to teach children where food comes from, connect agriculture with literacy and math, and encourage interest in farming and related careers. The House adopted the committee substitute and perfected and printed the bills. Members also considered House Bill 2167, which would codify and expand authority for Attorney General investigators and, through amendments, address House and Senate security officers and certain other state officers. Debate centered on whether the bill improperly broadened the original subject and whether it would give too much arrest power or create safety and constitutional concerns. One amendment to the amendment failed on a roll call, 62-68-1, but the House adopted the St. Charles amendment 61-43 and then perfected and printed HB 2167 as amended. Finally, the House took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2747 and 2047, a clean-slate/automatic expungement bill. Supporters said it would give people who have completed their sentences a second chance and improve access to jobs and stability; the sponsor also explained a related change limiting death-penalty sentencing in hung-jury cases so judges would not impose death in that circumstance. The House adopted an amendment requiring expungements to be shared with consumer reporting agencies, then adopted the committee substitute and perfected and printed the bill as amended. The House also announced upcoming events and then recessed until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, that will conclude our hearing on HB 1664.
• The Commerce Committee will now hear House Bill 1845, sponsored by Representative Gallick.
• Tennessee has no income tax, because we hear about that all the time, how great Tennessee is.
• Seeing none, that will conclude our hearing on House Bill 1845.
• I think you'll hear from some labor folks behind me about some of their concerns, too.

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• Access I hear what you're saying and I agree being a former Senator Osgood: school board member.
• I'm not hearing that any of those are closed off to only one certain group of individuals.
• Speaker: I'm glad to hear that. Chair: Thank you.
• And again, you will hear it again and again: diversity and inclusion, DEI, it's okay.
• Did I hear Doctor Jones had already left? She has already left. She is in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1455: Representation by counsel in hearings on petitions for risk protection orders.
• rights and under current law, that person does not have the right to have an attorney at that hearing
• I think obviously they can have an attorney if they choose to have an attorney at their hearing.
• Sorry, I couldn't hear on this case.
• Thank you for hearing this. This is CS for HB 181.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill that you're hearing today is a composite bill of my bill, 2273.
• Speaker, I can hardly hear myself because of the volume behind me.
• In general, yes, I do hear that in the insurance marketplaces.
• In general, yes, I do hear that in the insurance marketplaces.
• hearing that it was unfair to drag that money back.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for February 3 by roll call vote, 131-1. Members spent much of the morning introducing special guests, including Missouri State University Citizen Scholars, Jobs for America’s Graduates participants, school counselors observing National School Counselor Week, Gainesville Elementary students joining online, interns and student shadows, and a tribute to Josephine Baker highlighting her St. Louis roots, artistic career, wartime service, and civil rights legacy. The chamber then took up first reading of several measures, including a firearms-related joint resolution, a bill on flags at cemeteries, and a bill on ownership of single-family residential property. The main floor action centered on House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2273, a large anti-trafficking package combining provisions on child sexual abuse material terminology, trafficking, grooming, sextortion, training requirements for professionals, a statewide council in the Attorney General’s office, longer civil statutes of limitation, and tougher penalties. Supporters cited survivor testimony, the need for training and enforcement, and the bill’s role in helping victims; the House adopted the committee substitute and ordered it perfected and printed. Members also advanced House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1694, 1674, 1780, 2056, 2312, and 1755, a bill string aimed at curbing abusive website accessibility lawsuits against Missouri businesses while preserving ADA rights. Sponsors and supporters said the measure would protect small businesses from sue-and-settle tactics and give businesses notice and time to fix problems; the House adopted the substitute and ordered it perfected and printed. Finally, the House considered House Bill 2375 on workers’ compensation, which would clarify the prevailing-factor standard, adjust treatment of pre-existing conditions, change how certain benefits are treated, and add an early dismissal mechanism and temporary appeal process. Supporters called it a fairness and clarification measure for employers and insurers, while opponents argued it could raise barriers for injured workers; the House nevertheless adopted the substitute and ordered it perfected and printed. The session ended with announcements, including committee meetings, a Black History program, a reminder for American Heart Month, concern for the city of Cameron after a fire, and a moment of reflection for the House doorkeeper Charlie, followed by a recess until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have members struggling to hear. Proceed. I agree. Thank you. Thank you, Speaker.
• Speaker, I can hardly hear myself because the volume behind me.
• Speaker, I can hardly hear myself because the volume behind me.
• In general, yes, I do hear that in the insurance marketplace.
• In general, yes, I do hear that in the insurance marketplace.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for February 3, 2026 by roll call vote, 131-1. Members then spent much of the morning introducing special guests, including a page for the day, Missouri State University Citizen Scholars, JAG program students, school counselors, elementary students observing online, interns, and a tribute honoring Josephine Baker’s life and legacy. The chamber then moved to first reading of several bills and to perfection of multiple House Committee Substitutes. The most substantial debate centered on a composite anti-trafficking bill, House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2273, 1946, 1814, and 2551. Supporters said it would strengthen Missouri’s response to trafficking, grooming, sextortion, and child sexual abuse material by updating terminology, creating a permanent Attorney General’s statewide council, expanding training for professionals, extending the civil statute of limitations for trafficking claims, increasing penalties, and allowing expungement for victims. Members cited testimony from survivors and advocates and emphasized the need for coordinated enforcement and education. The House adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. Members also debated House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1694 and related bills, a package aimed at curbing abusive website-accessibility lawsuits against Missouri businesses. Supporters described “sue-and-settle” tactics targeting small businesses with little notice and high settlement demands, while opponents of the abusive practice argued the bill preserves legitimate ADA claims and gives businesses a chance to cure problems. The House adopted the substitute and ordered it perfected and printed. Finally, the House considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2375 on workers’ compensation, which supporters said would clarify the “prevailing factor” standard, address preexisting-condition claims, adjust treatment and appeal rules, and reduce costs; opponents warned it could make it harder for injured workers to obtain care and create disputes between insurers. The House adopted the substitute and ordered it perfected and printed. The chamber then moved to announcements and recessed until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will now move into public hearings.
• We will now hear House Bill 1772, sponsored by Representative Amato.
• That will conclude the public hearing on House Bill 1772. Thank you.
• You just didn't hear me. I understand. Thank you so much.
• And to Representative Terry, we'll hear from you next week.

Committee: House Children and Families

Summary: The Committee on Children and Families met with a quorum and first took up several bills in executive session. House Bill 1818, dealing with protections for children involved in content creation and related financial arrangements, was amended and converted into a House Committee substitute. Members discussed that the bill is aimed at children creating content for financial gain and clarifies that platforms must comply with federal law without being drawn into disputes between children and parents. The substitute was then voted do pass by a 17-0 roll call. House Bill 1948 was also amended and substituted; the amendment changed references from the Family Support Division to the Department of Social Services, and members briefly joked about the wording of “fatherhood” versus “fathership.” The committee then voted the substitute do pass 17-0. The committee next debated House Bill 2688, which drew sharp disagreement. Opponents argued the bill’s due process language for unborn children was too vague, could create legal uncertainty, and might have consequences for IVF, miscarriage investigations, and criminal liability for women and medical providers. Supporters said the bill was about protecting pre-born life and that due process should apply. The bill was voted do pass by a 12-5 roll call. The committee then moved into public hearings. In public hearing, House Bill 1772 was presented as an adoption-fee bill intended to raise state-paid attorney fees for adoptions, increase fees for contested adoptions, and separate guardian fees so more children could be adopted from foster care. The sponsor said the goal was to reduce costs and speed adoptions; Foster Adopt Connect testified in support, while members raised questions about contested adoptions, subsidy timing, and whether the bill would affect access to attorneys. House Bill 1696 proposed clarifying who has the right of sepulcher for minors with court-appointed guardians, giving the guardian priority unless the guardian is under criminal investigation for the child’s death, and adding religious-belief protections regarding cremation. Testimony from family members described painful experiences where legal authority reverted to abusive parents after a child’s death, and committee members generally supported clarifying the law. Finally, House Bill 2505 was heard, a grandparent custody bill giving grandparents priority when both parents are found unfit, unsuitable, or unable to serve as custodians and the child’s welfare requires placement. Supporters, including Foster Adopt Connect and a grandmother who testified emotionally, said grandparents often provide the most stable care and should be recognized in statute. An opponent argued the current law already allows courts to place children with grandparents when appropriate and warned that statutory priority could override the child’s best interests in some cases. The committee adjourned after concluding public testimony on HB 2505.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so what we're asking is for a hearing to consider is for a hearing to consider changing the licensing
• We want you to hear.
• Now that we had public hearing testimony on HB 513, this is RS 33099.
• A little bit surprised to hear Representative Monks support New York legislation.
• A little bit surprised to hear Repres of Monks support New York legislation.

Committee: House Business

Transcript Highlights:

• And as a result of that, my father was able to get a hearing aid, proving that his hearing loss was a
• For the rest of his life, he was able to have top-notch hearing care, top-notch hearing aids, top-notch
• hearing aids, top-notch...
• We have top-notch hearing care, top-notch hearing aids, top-notch quality care, because he used somebody
• During our hearing, one of the questions that came up was about those veterans who had to be...

Transcript Highlights:

• It just gets frustrating when we hear some of these timelines. It's not your issue.
• It just gets frustrating when we hear some of these timelines. It's not your issue.
• So, EMRAC, I've been on the committee for a couple of years along with Senator Salomon, and we hear so
• But we hear when Senator Van deway was chair maybe. So I think Todd was, but not me.
• I think it we... ...all learn most when we hear stories from each other. So that will be one.

Summary: The committee first received an update from Larry Madsen of the Office of Columbia River on eastern Washington water supply projects. He described the office’s mission to develop new water supplies for in-stream and out-of-stream uses, noting that funded projects have developed more than 800,000 acre-feet of water toward a 1 million acre-foot goal by 2030. He reviewed the four major program areas: the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program, the Walla Walla Water 2050 plan, the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, and the Icicle Work Group. He highlighted major projects such as East Low Canal work, Springwood Ranch reservoir planning, Bateman Island causeway removal, and Icicle Creek improvements, and emphasized the importance of state, federal, tribal, and nonprofit partnerships and cost-sharing. Senators asked about accelerating the Springwood Ranch study, reservoir sizing and refill potential, and how conservation fits into the Yakima plan. The committee then heard from Betsy Peabody, Dr. Micah Horwith, and Bill Dewey on the Marine Resources Advisory Council and ocean acidification. They explained that Washington was an early bellwether for ocean acidification impacts, especially on shellfish hatcheries, where low aragonite saturation and changing pH caused major oyster larval mortality. They described the state’s monitoring network, hatchery buffering systems, research partnerships, and adaptation strategies such as kelp co-culture, selective breeding, and native oyster restoration. Testimony stressed that ocean acidification is affecting shellfish, Dungeness crab, razor clams, and even salmon, and that continued state investment, emissions reductions, and nutrient pollution control are needed. Senators asked about differences between native and farmed species, real-time monitoring, and the pH/aragonite thresholds that threaten shellfish production. Finally, Todd Myers and Pam Lewis of the Washington Policy Center presented concerns about agricultural viability, sustainability, and food security. Lewis said Washington farms are under severe financial pressure, citing negative farm take-home pay, high production and labor costs, and the need to rely more on voluntary programs, tax relief, and labor cost changes. She also argued that food insecurity is rising and that donations to food banks are harder when farms are financially strained. Myers followed with remarks on forest health and salmon recovery, arguing for more active forest management, expanded use of Good Neighbor Authority, and fewer permitting barriers. He also said salmon recovery funding should be locally prioritized and science-based, with regulatory barriers reduced so projects can move faster. The committee then voted to refer Senate Bill 6154, a culvert replacement permitting bill, to the Senate Local Government Committee without recommendation, and the motion passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• You will hear us talk about our peer group.
• approach to wait to hear back from the IRS before anything happens.
• It could be nine months without us hearing anything.
• And then at the nine-month mark, for example, we might hear, 'We received it.
• But it can easily be nine months without hearing anything.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Summary: The Select Committee on Pension Policy approved the September minutes and then received a presentation from DRS staff on the FY 2024 CEM benchmarking survey. DRS described its administrative costs, service levels, and technology modernization efforts, noting that its overall service was just below peer averages but had recovered since COVID, and that major projects such as the CorePAM system replacement are a significant driver of costs. Committee members and DRS emphasized that the benchmarking is meant to compare administrative efficiency, not the total cost of benefits, and DRS said the CorePAM project is expected to finish around September 2027. The committee then continued its LEOFF 1 study discussion with staff, the Office of the State Actuary, the Attorney General’s office, Ice Miller, and the State Investment Board. The discussion focused on two legislative approaches: a merger of LEOFF 1, PERS 1, and TRS 1 into a Legacy Plan (5085) and a terminate-and-restate approach for LEOFF 1 (2034). Testimony explained that both approaches could satisfy federal tax requirements if the IRS issues a favorable determination letter and private letter ruling after enactment, and that the merger is viewed as the more conservative option. Witnesses said the exclusive benefit rule prevents surplus assets from being used for non-benefit purposes, but allows them to support benefits and reasonable administrative costs for plan members and beneficiaries. Questions from members centered on whether the IRS would require plan funding above 100 percent, how overfunding could be managed, the effect of prior legislation such as ESSB 5357, and the costs and timing of IRS filings; staff and counsel said the IRS process can take a year or more and recommended waiting for approval before implementation. The committee also adopted preliminary 2026 meeting dates. During public comment, several speakers supported the merger bill because it would permanently eliminate the current LEOFF 1 employer surcharge and provide a permanent COLA for retirees, while others urged caution about creating additional pension burdens for state and local governments. One commenter asked the committee to study climate change as a systemic risk to pension investments, and another requested an ad hoc COLA for Plan 1 retirees in 2026. The meeting ended with no action on the LEOFF 1 study beyond discussion and with the meeting calendar approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Process goes, requiring a hearing, and so forth.
• Hearing none, Representative O'Brien. Representative O'Brien. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Pink is in the room, if you'd like to hear from him, how that would occur.
• So the public hearing would be held with the department and the facilities.
• from the public, because the public hearing is done with the agency.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee began with roll call and a brief update on remaining work, then took up Senate Bill 2213, the “science of math” bill. Members clarified that the appropriation for the program was not included in the DPI budget and would remain attached to the policy bill for now. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a do pass recommendation, 21-2. The committee next considered Senate Bills 2036 and 2037, both juvenile justice/Human Services bills involving mental health and criminal responsibility evaluations for minors. Testimony explained that the bills create new processes and require DHS to contract with specialized providers, with appropriations of $500,000 in 2036 and $300,000 in 2037. Members debated whether the funding should come from existing DHS resources or remain as separate appropriations, and whether the programs were one-time or ongoing. The committee adopted amendments on both bills and then recommended both do pass, with 2036 passing 14-6 and 2037 passing 17-4. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2021, the Information Technology Department budget. Representative Bosch outlined major themes in the budget, including migration from PeopleSoft and the mainframe, onboarding/off-boarding automation, double-counting of IT spending, and the transition of education technology from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus. Members also discussed a study amendment related to a statewide enterprise resource planning system, and added language on grant management and compliance management. The committee adopted the amendments and gave the budget a do pass recommendation, 20-0-3. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2011, the Highway Patrol budget. Representative Pyle explained the House changes, including shifting some one-time costs to the motor carrier electronic permit fund, funding for body armor, breath tests, road course resurfacing, fleet costs, handgun replacement, and carryover authority for federal technology funds. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the budget 21-0-2. The committee then began Senate Bill 2399, a Human Services bill on Medicaid reimbursement for psychiatric residential treatment facilities, but deferred action after testimony from a facility representative and committee discussion about therapeutic leave days, reimbursement rates, and whether a cap on reimbursable days should be set in statute or rule. The chair said the committee would seek more information from DHS and take the bill up the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 15 bills to hear today, nine of which will be on consent.
• So we'd like to invite Assembly Member Caloza to hear AB 262.
• Hear illegally.
• And I'm hearing anywhere between $5 and $10 million for a Lima for each 60.
• And I'm hearing anywhere between $5 and $10 million for a Lima for each 60.

Summary: The Emergency Management Committee met to adopt its rules and hear a series of disaster- and public safety-related bills. Several measures were placed on consent and approved, including bills sending items to Appropriations, Natural Resources, Judiciary, Labor and Employment, and Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. AB 262, by Assembly Member Caloza, proposed a California Individual Assistance Act to create a state grant program for disaster-related costs when federal aid is unavailable; supporters cited Rio Dell’s earthquake recovery as an example, while some members raised concerns about eligibility, cost, and whether the bill could aid undocumented residents. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 4-2 vote. AB 549, by Assembly Member Gabriel, would create an interagency coordination framework for major sporting events such as the 2026 World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympics, with supporters emphasizing public safety and anti-trafficking planning. An opposition witness argued the bill could be used to justify prostitution arrests and misuse trafficking funds, but the committee members largely supported the coordination concept, and the bill passed 6-0 to Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. AB 270, by Assembly Member Petrie-Norris, would establish a three-year pilot for autonomous aerial firefighting helicopters overseen by the Orange County Fire Authority; supporters described it as a way to extend wildfire response into conditions where crewed aircraft are limited, and the bill passed 6-0 to Privacy and Consumer Protection. Later, AB 367, by Assembly Member Bennett, sought to require Ventura County water districts in high fire-risk areas to top off tanks during red flag warnings, maintain backup generators, and harden critical water infrastructure. Water agencies opposed the bill unless amended, citing cost, flexibility, and liability concerns, while the author argued the requirements were necessary after failures during the Thomas Fire; it passed 6-1 to Utilities and Energy. AB 615, by Assembly Member Davies, required emergency response plans to be submitted with initial applications for battery energy storage and other energy facilities and to be reviewed with local responders; it passed 7-0 to Utilities and Energy. AB 1075, concerning privately contracted firefighters, also passed on consent to Natural Resources. Finally, AB 1143, by Assembly Member Bennett, would create a voluntary statewide home hardening certification program through the State Fire Marshal; supporters called it a best-practices approach to reduce wildfire losses and insurance risk, and it passed to Natural Resources. The committee then completed roll calls for absent members and adjourned after all bills were moved out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for hearing the bill today. Thank you.
• I'm not sure if I will hear from other school districts after this bills heard today and I don't I'm
• And I surprised to hear you saying nothing is happening if they answer those surveys.
• And there's areas of growing concern throughout our state hearing story after story after story.
• And I echo what many people of hear hear of said as well. Thank you for taking the time to be here.