Video & Transcript : 'University of Montevallo' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services Mar 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- overview of some of the recent efforts.
- Hello, Nesed Shored, on behalf of Loma Linda University Health.
- Hello, Nesed Shored, on behalf of Loma Linda University Health, here to support the PACE budget request
- Jean Hurst here today on behalf of the University of California.
- First, we want to share Jean Hurst here today on behalf of the University of California.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard a lengthy Department of Health Care Services presentation on the governor’s Medi-Cal budget, including a $229.1 billion total-funds proposal, projected Medi-Cal enrollment declines as redeterminations continue, and several major cost drivers such as managed care growth, Medicare-related costs, pharmacy spending, and changes tied to federal policy. Members focused heavily on the elimination of Prop. 56 dental supplemental payments beginning July 1, 2026, questioning the likely impact on provider participation and utilization. DHCS said it is completing the required rate reduction/access analysis for CMS, has been holding stakeholder meetings and issuing provider bulletins, but could not yet quantify the real-world effect. The committee also discussed a $50 million savings proposal tied to new hospice utilization management authority and asked about possible effects on emergency dental care and provider participation.
The hearing then moved through the November 2025 family health estimate and several county and program administration issues, including CCS, GHPP, and Every Woman Counts. DHCS said family health costs are rising despite slight caseload declines because of higher utilization and medical costs, and members raised concerns about CCS website accessibility, county administrative funding, and the transition of youth aging out of CCS. The department said most CCS beneficiaries are also on Medi-Cal, that counties have long raised funding concerns, and that it had clarified use of maintenance-and-operations dollars to address some county workload issues. Members also asked about Every Woman Counts potentially seeing higher demand as Medi-Cal changes take effect; DHCS said that is possible and that the program has multiple funding sources including General Fund.
A major portion of the hearing focused on provider taxes and federal changes under H.R. 1, especially the Medi-Cal managed care organization tax and the hospital quality assurance fee. DHCS explained that H.R. 1 restricts new or increased health care-related taxes, phases down allowable tax levels over time, and tightens “generally redistributive” rules, which could sharply reduce the state’s ability to use the MCO tax for Medi-Cal financing. Members asked whether the Legislature could amend Prop. 35 or whether voters would need to act; DHCS said a three-fourths legislative amendment may be possible if it aligns with the measure’s purpose, but the department is still evaluating options. The committee also discussed hospital financing, with DHCS describing recent increases in state-directed payments and the effect of H.R. 1 in capping those payments at Medicare levels, and the LAO noting the tradeoff between preserving provider taxes and maintaining Medi-Cal funding.
The subcommittee also reviewed a series of DHCS budget change proposals and trailer bill items, including managed care final-rule implementation, managed care operations, a hospital value strategy, a one-year extension of skilled nursing facility financing, long-term care payment transparency, and interoperability/prior authorization requirements. Members repeatedly questioned the use of limited-term versus permanent positions, the overlap among proposals, and the timing of new financing reforms. DHCS said the SNF extension would preserve current workforce standards, sanctions, growth limits, and the SNF quality assurance fee while the department develops a broader 2027-28 redesign. No votes were taken; items were repeatedly held open for later action.
Covered California then presented on the expiration of the federal enhanced premium tax credit and the resulting affordability crisis. The agency said Californians will lose about $2.5 billion in premium assistance for 2026, average premiums could nearly double for many enrollees, and as many as 400,000 people could eventually leave marketplace coverage. Open enrollment ended with 1.9 million sign-ups, down 3% from the prior year, with especially steep declines among middle-income consumers and increased movement into bronze plans. Covered California said the state’s $190 million affordability subsidy is helping lower-income enrollees retain coverage, but cannot fully replace the lost federal assistance. Members also asked about the Health Care Affordability Reserve Fund, repayment of loans from that fund, the status of federal review of California’s essential health benefits benchmark, and implementation of the new gender-affirming care benefit under AB 144.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Eleanor Levine, Professor Emerita, California State University, East Bay, and a member of Baytikkun Congregation
- Professor Emerita, California State University, East Bay, member of Baytikkun Congregation.
- of people who are both supportive and opposed to this bill because of the kind of lateness of the ability
- of issues with the approval of materials.
- With that, some of the members of Burr...
Summary:
The committee heard several education-related bills, with the most extensive discussion focused on AB 2189, AB 2615, AB 2496, AB 1750, and AB 1644. AB 2189 would create an $800,000 grant program through the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to support a statewide parent network for special education advocacy and training. Supporters said families need stronger coordination and information to navigate special education, while an opponent argued the bill could duplicate existing family-led organizations. The bill passed 6-0 and was sent to Appropriations, held on call for add-on votes.
AB 2615, a cleanup bill to AB 715 on antisemitism and instructional materials, drew the most controversy. The authors said it was intended to clarify prior commitments by removing references to professional responsibility standards, refining the “factually accurate” language, and clarifying how discriminatory materials are handled. Supporters said it would help protect students from discrimination, while many educators, civil rights groups, and other organizations opposed it unless amended, warning that the factual-accuracy language could chill teaching and be applied too broadly. The committee chair and members raised concerns about implementation but ultimately supported moving the bill forward; it passed 5-0 and was held on call.
AB 2496 would streamline school accountability reporting by making the California School Dashboard the primary transparency tool, phasing out the School Accountability Report Card over time, and making mid-year LCAP reporting optional. Supporters said this would reduce duplication and administrative burden while preserving access to key data; opponents worried families could lose the simplicity and accessibility of the current SARC and that the mid-year update still serves an important purpose. The bill was approved 3-0 and held on call. AB 1750, which would extend full salary for an additional five months for school employees who exhaust sick leave due to illness or injury, was supported as a dignity and retention measure but opposed by administrators over staffing and cost concerns; it passed 4-0 and was held on call. AB 1644 would require a bell-to-bell smartphone ban in TK-8 and recommend it for high school, with exceptions for instructional and safety needs; supporters said phones are harming attention and learning, while opponents argued districts had just adopted local policies and needed more flexibility. The transcript ends during discussion of that bill.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And we will be moving away from the ideals of universal health care coverage.
- We will be moving away from the ideals of universal health care coverage, which we embodied in health
- The 2025-26 state budget included cuts that reversed years of progress towards universal coverage.
- Good afternoon, Jen Chase, on behalf of the University of California, would echo thank you for holding
- beyond capacity at the University of California.
Committee:
House Health
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force Jun 24th, 2026
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- as the Director of Addiction Science at the University of Missouri–St.
- I then joined the faculty at the University of Missouri–St.
- I'm an administrator in a university, and I have to manage a bunch of different personalities.
- I'm an administrator in a university, and I have to manage a bunch of different personalities.
- I also am director of the mobile clinical programs for St. Louis University.
Summary:
The task force meeting opened with a brief organizational update, including new leadership, roll call, and an explanation of the task force’s statutory duties: to study current and future drug and substance use in Missouri, explore solutions, draft or modify legislation, and report recommendations on prevention and treatment. The chair outlined the summer hearing plan, which would feature field experts, with future sessions expected to cover alternative therapies such as psilocybin and ibogaine and testimony from the Department of Mental Health. Members were encouraged to think about legislative ideas and policy recommendations for the upcoming session.
The first major testimony came from Dr. Rachel Winograd, who described Missouri’s overdose crisis as evolving into a “fourth wave” marked by fentanyl mixed with animal tranquilizers such as xylazine and medetomidine, along with methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs. She said overdose deaths have declined for a third straight year, with preliminary 2025 data around 1,200 deaths, but emphasized that the crisis remains severe. Her main recommendations were to focus on demand reduction rather than repeated supply crackdowns, expand evidence-based treatment—especially methadone and buprenorphine—broaden naloxone access, and improve practical supports like housing, transportation, and case management. She also said peer services are valuable but should not be used as a substitute for clinical care, and noted that Missouri Medicaid generally covers evidence-based treatment but reimbursement for peer recovery services remains a gap.
Dr. Heidi Miller, the state medical director at the Department of Health and Senior Services, reinforced the call for integrating substance use disorder care into whole-person health care. She highlighted the state naloxone standing order, which supports more than 11,000 Medicaid naloxone prescriptions annually, and urged five best practices: integrating SUD treatment into primary care, maternal health, general medical training, EMS initiation of buprenorphine after overdose, and expanded methadone access. She also argued for team-based reimbursement, stronger parity enforcement between behavioral health/SUD and physical health, and caution in regulating emerging substances so policy does not outrun the science.
Dr. Doug Burgess of University Health in Kansas City echoed the integration theme, arguing that Missouri’s system is too fragmented and that patients are often stabilized and then left to coordinate their own next steps. He compared ideal SUD care to the coordinated response used for heart attacks, with seamless transitions from emergency care to inpatient treatment, rehab, and outpatient follow-up. He said treatment courts can be effective when they are well coordinated and informed by addiction science, and he stressed the importance of discharge planning, peer recovery coaches, information-sharing, and maintaining Medicaid coverage during justice involvement. No formal votes or committee actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas Kayla was an art history major at the University of New Mexico and hoped to be a museum curator
- And whereas Kayla loved her classes, her professors, and the University of New Mexico campus, and especially
- Arts in Native American Studies from the University of New Mexico, where she focused on nations, building
- It's not a piece of paper in front of us. In fact, none of us have seen this bill.
- There's been a challenge of the ruling of the chair. Point of order, Mr. President.
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum, opened with an invocation, pledges, and a series of announcements recognizing West Side Day, School Board Appreciation Day, Sierra Club Climate Solutions Day, Gallup-McKinley County Day, and New Mexico Athlete Trainer Day. Members also agreed to allow cameras on the floor and a relaxed dress code for guests. Numerous student and community groups were introduced, including West Side Day students, ABC Prep basketball students, Bernalillo High School AP students, MANA del Norte Hermanitas, honorary lieutenant governors, Taos Municipal Schools leaders, Classical Conversations homeschool students, Bloomfield school board members, and others.
A major portion of the session was devoted to honoring Bueno Foods with a Senate certificate recognizing February 5, 2026, as Bueno Foods Day in the Senate and celebrating the company’s 75th anniversary. Senators praised the Baca family’s multigenerational business, its role in New Mexico’s chile industry, its jobs and community support, and its national reach. Several members spoke in support, sharing personal stories about Bueno products and the company’s help during COVID and over decades of family and community life.
The Senate also adopted a condolence certificate for Kayla Reagan Van Landingham, a 19-year-old bicyclist killed in Albuquerque, with remarks emphasizing her life, advocacy, and the need for stronger pedestrian and bicycle safety. Her mother and family were recognized, and members observed a moment of silence. Senators spoke about the importance of traffic safety reforms and the local ordinance changes already pursued in her memory.
On legislation, the chamber received House and governor messages and adopted several committee reports. The main floor debate was on Senate Bill 38, concerning the spay and neuter program funding stream. Senator Block offered a floor substitute to restore a sunset clause for review and transparency; supporters argued the program should be periodically evaluated and that the funding functions like a tax rather than a fee. Opponents argued the program is important and should continue without a sunset. The floor substitute failed by roll call, 15 in favor and 22 against, and the Senate returned to the underlying bill for further debate.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Consumer and Public Affairs Feb 7th, 2026 at 12:35 pm
House Consumer & Public Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- of New Mexico.
- of the costs.
- fee is one of the cost drivers of the cost of the exact same visit.
- So larceny of the property of the value of a stolen firearm is guilty of a third-degree felony when its
- F of X. Sorry, I'm not thinking of math.
Committee:
House House Consumer & Public Affairs
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR-EEP Joint Public Hearing - Fri Feb 6, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- So we have Harwall, University of Hawaii.
- Funds to the University of Hawaii to conduct a study on effective treatment methods to reduce populations
- So we have Dean Gwall, University of Koi. Aloha, Chair, Vice Chair.
- This bill will allow us at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo to continue research on the effectiveness
- </c><00:58:26.559><c> of</c> next we have Dean Gwalt, University of next we have Dean Gwalt, University
Committee:
House Agriculture & Food Systems
Keywords:
pesticides, environmental impact, agriculture, 1,3-dichloropropene, chlorpyrifos, land management, wastewater compliance, state funding, survey issues, 910, house, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Agriculture and Food Systems and Energy and Environmental Protection heard three bills. HB 1621 would create a conservation, agriculture, and soil health incentive program under the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, with annual reporting and funding. Testimony was broadly supportive from the Climate Commission, University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii Farmers Union, White Alliance for Progressive Action, and the Farm Bureau, and the bill was described as a way to advance soil health and support producers. HB 1880 would prohibit, beginning in 2027, the use of pesticides containing 1,3-dichloropropene (such as Telone). The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity offered written comments, Hawaii Farmers Union supported the ban citing drift and health concerns, and the Farm Bureau opposed it, arguing growers need such tools; the bill also drew discussion about crop rotation and other pest-management practices. HB 1831 would authorize funding to address survey deficiencies and wastewater compliance issues on certain non-agricultural parklands; the Attorney General’s Office warned the bill as written may violate the U.S. Constitution’s contract clause and suggested revisions, while the department and Farm Bureau supported the measure’s intent. The committees later took up decision-making and voted to pass all three measures with amendments, with the effective dates changed to July 1, 3000 and HB 1831 amended to reflect the Attorney General’s suggested changes.
The Agriculture and Food Systems committee then heard HB 1572, which would establish a four-year restorative aquaculture development program to streamline permitting, expand infrastructure and workforce capacity, create pilot sites, and convene an advisory council. The Attorney General noted a technical issue about whether council members would be compensated, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Farmers Union all expressed support for streamlining aquaculture and promoting restorative aquaculture. Members asked about the bill’s focus on restorative aquaculture, and the department said the program would give the area dedicated resources and a framework. The committee also heard HB 219, which would temporarily reestablish the coffee berry borer pesticide subsidy program and manager position; the department, Waimea Coffee Association, Farm Bureau, and Farmers Union supported it. HB 2139 would fund University of Hawaiʻi research on treatment methods for the Queensland longhorn beetle. Testimony from DLNR, the invasive species council, university researchers, farmers, and the Farm Bureau emphasized the beetle’s spread and damage to trees and crops, and described nematode biocontrol as promising but labor-intensive and in need of more research and scaling. Members asked whether the funding was for research rather than a position, whether the current nematode approach is sufficient for large orchards, and whether other controls are being explored; the response was that the bill funds testing and that more work is needed, including local production of nematodes if the method proves effective.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Press Conference: HB 2081 Jun 1st, 2025 at 11:06 am
Transcript Highlights:
- We do Artist of the Month programs.
- I'm going to ask you to interview the family right in front of us here.
- Well, it's also going to incentivize universities to compete, and I think our universities should...
- I'm hoping that the majority of people in the Senate and the House can come together to solve some of
- It makes no sense that I'm standing before you where I am, but because of my education and because of
Keywords:
special education, legislation, Texas, personalized education, families testimonies, education reform, committee meeting
Summary:
The committee meeting featured strong dialogues focused on improving educational provisions for special needs students in Texas. A key highlight was the discussion around legislation aimed at personalizing educational programs to cater to individual needs, which included testimonies from families who have benefited from similar initiatives. The overall sentiment was one of urgency to rectify past shortcomings in the education system and to foster an environment where every student is given the chance to thrive. Members also expressed frustration over delayed bills and a commitment to continue fighting for progress as the session approached its end.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- and universal meals.
- two of the areas I'm really proud of two of the areas I'm really proud of protecting<00:04:06.000><c
- The bill also terminates the partnership with the University of Minnesota's Center for Applied Research
- um</c><00:09:05.040><c> which</c> University of Minnesota's Kerry um which University of Minnesota's
- </c> science of reading. science of reading.
Bills:
HF1049
Committee:
House Taxes
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And we take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
- She is also a graduate of the University of Arizona College of Medicine and the University of Arizona
- President of the Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists.
- his life, Ramona, whom he married in 1971, and later earned his degree from the University of Arizona
- Therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona that the members of
Summary:
The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the Journal, and recognized Dr. Heidi Teval as Doctor of the Day. Members then offered several points of personal privilege, including tributes to former Representative Noel Campbell, introductions of guests, and observances tied to Muslim Day at the Capitol, Food Bank Day, and Holocaust Remembrance Day. The chamber also heard remarks from Holocaust survivors and community members, and the House later adopted a proclamation recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The main legislative action was House Concurrent Resolution 2045, honoring the life and public service of former Congressman Raul Grijalva. The resolution detailed his career in education, county government, and Congress, and highlighted his work on public lands, tribal sovereignty, environmental protection, public education, and social justice. The House unanimously adopted the resolution and stood for a moment of respectful silence, then received the Grijalva family in the chamber.
Additional floor business included referral changes for HB 2351 and HB 2573, the first reading of several bills, and the second reading of a larger slate of measures covering water, land, energy, agriculture, public safety, immigration, and other topics. No substantive debate or votes on those bills occurred during this session. The House also announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Introduction of first reading of bills.
- Introduction of first reading of bills.
- his life, Ramona, whom he married in 1971, and later earned his degree from the University of Arizona
- in 1967, and later earned his degree from the University of Arizona in 1967, ...and later earned his
- degree from the University of Arizona in 1986.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And we take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
- She is also a graduate of the University of Arizona College of Medicine and the University of Arizona
- President of the Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists.
- his life, Ramona, whom he married in 1971, and later earned his degree from the University of Arizona
- Therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona that the members of
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/05/2026 - House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
Transcript Highlights:
- A couple of examples: In 2024, the Hawaii legislature appropriated funds to the University of Hawaii
- states go the route of creating a private right of action.
- states go the route of creating a private right of action. a lot of states go the route of creating
- of the deep face.
- Particularly, what I've used it for is kind of just a review of what I've written.
Committee:
House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Gubernatorial appointment of Erica Malman of Boise to the Idaho Personnel Commission.
- I started my legal career with the state of Idaho in 2000 as the first employee of the Idaho Office of
- 30 to 150% of the board's five-year rolling average of expenditure.
- 30 to 150 percent of the board's five-year average rolling of expenditures.
- Johnson, just a couple of questions, so I kind of understand your role.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Human Resources
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Gubernatorial Appointment of Erica Malman of Boise to the Idaho Personnel Commission.
- I started my legal career with the state of Idaho in 2000 as the first employee of the Idaho Office of
- 30 to 150% of the board's five-year rolling average of expenditures.
- 30 to 150 percent of the board's five-year rolling average of expenditures.
- Johnson, just a couple of questions, so I kind of understand your role.
Summary:
The Senate Commerce committee approved the January 22, 2026 minutes and then heard three gubernatorial appointments. Erica Malman of Boise was introduced for the Idaho Personnel Commission; she described her background as a natural resources attorney and law firm managing partner, and senators asked about the challenges and rewards of commission service and her legal practice. Brett Thomas of Twin Falls was reappointed to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, and Dr. Karen Cabell of Post Falls was appointed to the same board; both briefly outlined their professional backgrounds and service, and the committee indicated it would likely vote on the appointments the following Tuesday.
The committee then considered two DOPL rules dockets. Docket 24-3201-2101 for the Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors moved licensing fees into rule, formalized a 60% fee reduction, and removed intern-related fees; it received no public comments and was approved. Docket 24-3950-2101 for the Public Works Contractors Board finalized temporary fee reductions of 16% to 20% and added “not to exceed” language to allow future reductions; it also drew no public comments and was approved effective sine die.
Senate Bill 1221 was presented by Paul Arrington of the Idaho Water Users Association and supported by a water master from Water District 65. The bill would change Percy retirement language from “irrigation district” to “irrigation or drainage entity” so seasonal retirees can work up to eight months for certain water entities without triggering penalties, matching how the provision is already applied. The committee heard no opposition and voted to send the bill to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation.
The final presentation was an informational briefing from NCCI on Idaho workers’ compensation. Todd Johnson explained NCCI’s role as the state’s rating bureau, described declining claim frequency and generally favorable combined ratios, and noted recent rate decreases, including a 2.5% overall decrease effective January 1, 2026, plus reductions in assigned-risk surcharges. Senators asked about high-risk employers, NCCI’s rating process, and whether it handles claims decisions; Johnson said NCCI sets class-code rate recommendations and does not decide compensability or claims adjustment. The committee adjourned after the presentation.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- As many of you may know, Lincoln Memorial University has created a second veterinary college in Florida
- Along with the University of Florida's class size increase to 150 students, we will be graduating 300
- of qualified applicants or number of applicants.
- And the other half of the year, right now, I'm currently employed by Colorado State University, half-time
- of just a matter of a few weeks.
Committee:
Senate Regulated Industries
Keywords:
heated tobacco products, tobacco regulation, vaping, definition changes, Florida statutes, veterinary medicine, telehealth, veterinary professional associate, animal health, public safety, access to veterinary services
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up two bills. First, it heard SB 754 on heated tobacco products. The bill would statutorily define heated tobacco products and exempt them from the cigarette tax. Senator Davis questioned why the exemption was needed, and Senator Bernard asked about youth access; the sponsor said the bill was limited to taxation and would look into age and regulatory issues. A Florida Retail Federation representative appeared in support. The committee voted the bill favorably, and Senator Bracey Davis later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tab 1.
The committee then considered SB 796 on veterinary medicine, after adopting a delete-everything amendment. The amended bill would create a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) role for individuals with a master’s degree in veterinary clinical care to perform delegated tasks under a licensed veterinarian’s responsible supervision. It also would extend the time period for telehealth prescriptions for flea and tick products from one month to six months and for other medications from 14 days to 30 days. Senator Boyd raised liability concerns, and the sponsor said existing statute already places liability on the supervising veterinarian.
The Florida Veterinary Medical Association testified against the bill, arguing Florida should expand and better utilize existing veterinary technicians rather than create a new mid-level role, and warning about federal prescribing restrictions and animal safety. Supporters, including the Animal Legal Defense Fund and Dr. Wayne Jensen, argued the bill would expand access to care, reduce costs, and provide a well-trained supervised workforce. Several senators said the bill balanced access and safety, and the committee reported SB 796 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Obviously, a lot of our theme parks and a lot of other places sort of satisfy the same conditions.
- Obviously, we have a lot of major events coming, both this summer and in the future of the subject of
- I'm the Director of Operations for Sacramento State University and also a current MMA fighter in the
- of support?
- Are there any members of the public here wishing to issue a statement of support or a position of support
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism heard three bills. AB 2113, by Assemblymember McKinnor, would prohibit unauthorized drone operation within 400 feet of ticketed outdoor entertainment events with 1,000 or more attendees, creating a $500 infraction to improve crowd safety and emergency response. Support came from Live Nation, the San Francisco 49ers, and BottleRock; opposition was limited to a support-if-amended position from the California Attractions and Parks Association and a less-amended concern from TechNet about impacts on nearby commercial drone use. Members discussed enforcement challenges and the need for a layered state-federal approach, and the bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations.
AB 2492, by Assemblymember Gabriel, would create an interagency coordination framework for major sporting events such as the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including planning for security, emergencies, and reducing risks such as trafficking and discrimination. The California Travel Association testified in support, emphasizing the economic importance of these events and the need to reassure visitors about safety. Members noted the bill’s inclusion of watch parties and the need for strong coordination across agencies; it also passed 9-0 to Appropriations.
AB 2130, by Assemblymember Haney, would allow the California State Athletic Commission to place sponsor logos on referee and official apparel at boxing and MMA events to generate revenue for fighter retirement benefits and related training, without using the General Fund or raising ticket prices. Support came from Combat U and the UFC, with testimony stressing that California is the only place offering this type of retirement benefit and that the bill would help support fighters after their careers. The committee described it as a targeted but important measure, and it passed 9-0 to Appropriations. After reopening the roll to capture absent members, all three bills were reported out unanimously.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- Obviously, a lot of our theme parks and a lot of other places sort of satisfy the same conditions.
- Obviously, a lot of our theme parks and a lot of other places sort of satisfy the same conditions.
- of this sport.
- I'm the Director of Operations for Sacramento State University and also a current MMA fighter in the
- state of California.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- She is the great niece of House member Stafford and also a guest of Representative Jacqueline Times.
- [Applause] [Applause] Team for their first NCAA basketball win in the history of that University.
- University.
- So we want to give special kudos to one of our own, President Ross of the great Alabama State University
- They do a... people entering, and they do a lot of damage to some of our buildings.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Commerce and Tourism Jan 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there questions of the sponsor? Any questions of the sponsor?
- Are there questions of the sponsor? Any questions of the sponsor?
- of Chicago.
- of the system.
- I don't did University of Miami, FIP, Ashton Martin. I do a lot.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism considered several bills. SB 1338, by Senator Burton, would strengthen protections for charitable endowment gifts by creating a legal pathway to enforce written donor agreements and by requiring legislative approval for certain charity reporting requirements. The sponsor and Philanthropy Roundtable supported the measure as a way to honor donor intent while protecting nonprofits, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1080, by Senator DeSigley, would require FDOT to adopt rules allowing direct payments to first-tier subcontractors in certain circumstances; transportation industry testimony supported it as a rare but needed statutory remedy, and it also passed favorably.
The committee also adopted a strike-all amendment to SB 1582, by Senator Yarbrough, which would require secondhand dealers, secondary metal recyclers, and pawnbrokers to submit transaction data to FDLE for statewide sharing through systems such as LInX. The sponsor said the bill was developed with law enforcement to improve theft and fraud investigations, while a recycler representative spoke against it. The amended bill was reported favorably. SB 1672, by Senator McLean, creating a home buyer workforce tax credit for employer contributions to help employees make a first-time Florida home purchase, drew support from the Florida Chamber of Commerce and was also reported favorably.
A large portion of the meeting focused on SB 1112, by Senator Garcia, which would amend the Florida Labor Pool Act by prohibiting placement fees when a temporary worker is hired permanently by a client employer and by requiring annual registration of labor pools with the Department of Commerce. The sponsor and many speakers from Beyond the Bars, labor advocacy, and reentry communities argued the bill would improve worker protections, transparency, and pathways to stable employment, especially for formerly incarcerated workers. A few cards were filed against, but the bill received broad supportive testimony and was reported favorably. SB 1324 was temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after recording members who wished to be noted as voting in the affirmative on the day’s bills.