Transcript Highlights:

• I didn't mean to—I use the electronic medical record just as an example, but as a standalone, so the
• I didn't mean to—I use the electronic medical record just as an example, but as a standalone, so the
• I didn't mean to—I use the electronic medical record just as an example, but as a standalone, so the
• I didn't mean to—I use the electronic medical record just as an example, but as a standalone, so the
• I didn't mean to—I use the electronic medical record just as an example, but as a standalone, so the

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With the new records management system, most of our processes will be done electronically.
• So, the court reports that come to you, are those electronically also?
• Yes, they are electronically, but it's not in an integration system.
• It is electronically received. So, we do receive it as a database.
• It's electronically transferred back here after it's scanned and then printed here. Mr.

Bills: HF2432

Keywords: HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board

Transcript Highlights:

• record to the actual physical electronic record to the actual physical record<00:16:41.759> of
• <00:17:47.280> Pole towns now that are using electronic Pole towns now that are using electronic
• poll books the close out the electronic poll books the number<00:18:14.880> of<00:18:15.039><
• <00:18:32.039> form that is collected is in electronic form that is collected is in electronic
• The pre-election certificate does two things: it certifies that the electronic ballot-counting devices

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• result, digital games, downloadable a result, digital games, downloadable content, and other electronically
• Tax concerns under the Federal Internet Tax Freedom Act, which prohibits discriminatory taxes on electronic
• states from taxing digital goods broadly, but it does prohibit imposing taxes that treat one form of electronic
• That act pres uh prohibits discriminating taxes on electronic discriminating taxes on electronic commerce

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Electronic data itself should be free.
• Electronic data itself should be free.
• Electronic data itself should be free.
• Electronic data itself should be free. Electronic data itself should be free.
• judicial branch employs electronic judicial branch employs electronic reporters<01:34:45.040> for

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee continued its hearing on enforcement and compliance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, first taking additional public testimony from Melissa Zimmerman and Matt Senot of the East Side Corridor residents in Owatonna. They described submitting roughly two dozen data requests across several government entities related to a proposed highway project, saying some agencies responded but others did not, and that even after they substantially prevailed in a data practices complaint and the court imposed a maximum civil penalty, they still did not receive meaningful access to the records. Zimmerman said the lack of access harmed their ability to comment on the project’s environmental review, and both witnesses argued that the law needs stronger enforcement, realistic timelines, better communication, and more accessible remedies for requesters who cannot afford repeated litigation. They also raised practical barriers such as inaccessible file formats, missing software on a county-provided laptop, and the need for electronic delivery options. The committee then heard from Eric Johnson of Anoka County, who testified about Chapter 13 issues involving third-party polygraph data used in probation monitoring. He argued that when the state relies on third-party-generated summaries, the responsible authority’s obligations for access, retention, and correction are unclear, and there is no effective remedy when the third party does not respond. Johnson said the county directed him to seek raw data from the third party, which had not responded, and he warned that short retention periods can make data subject rights unenforceable if the records are destroyed before a request is resolved. Members asked about statutory citations and retention schedules, and several commented that the issue may warrant review of data-retention rules. During member discussion, legislators broadly agreed that the Data Practices Act’s enforcement mechanisms are not working well enough and that many requesters cannot afford to pursue administrative or court remedies. Co-Chair Scott suggested staff compile the testimony into a report to identify possible legislative fixes, while Senator Lucero said there may be some “low-hanging fruit” that could be addressed quickly in the short session. The chair also floated the idea of involving the Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution in a mediation role to improve communication and reduce gridlock, though members noted that any process would still need to produce results consistent with the law. The committee then moved on to its next agenda item, a discussion of the BCA Fusion Center and its annual reporting requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• With electronic shelf labels, companies can change the price of an item at the drop of a hat without
• We believe that AI-powered electronic shelf labels and surveillance pricing will hurt Minnesotans and
• We believe that AI-powered electronic shelf labels and surveillance pricing will hurt Minnesotans and
• We believe that we can do that, however, responsibly, because electronic shelf labels and AI pricing
• <00:19:12.000> shelf responsibly because electronic shelf responsibly because electronic shelf

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Form 10 is the number of the form the Ethics Commission uses, rather than electronically, also Form 1
• Form 10 is the number of the form the Ethics Commission uses, rather than electronically, also Form 1
• financial disclosures, and the reason is that the financial disclosures that are required are electronically
• The financial disclosures that are required are electronically filed, and this particular form is not

Summary: The Elections Committee met with a quorum present and took up Senate Bill 964, sponsored by Senator Wright on behalf of Senator Linda Stewart. The bill revises reporting requirements for certain gifts and honoraria by clarifying that Ethics Commission forms, including Form 10 and related financial disclosure forms, are to be filed on paper with the Commission rather than electronically attached to the financial disclosure filing. Senator Wright explained the bill was intended to align the statute with current filing practice, and Ethics Commission Executive Director Carrie Stillman testified in support, saying the change would clarify filing location and allow the Commission to update its rules accordingly. After no debate, the committee voted on SB 964 and reported it favorably. The committee then moved to confirmation hearings for appointments listed in Tabs 2 through 15. Because no senator requested separate consideration of any nominee, the committee took one combined vote to approve all of the appointees. The combined confirmation vote passed unanimously among members present, and the nominees were reported favorably to the Senate. With no further business, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposed draft of the electronic meeting policy before you is identical to last year's electronic
• So, yeah, the electronic verification needs to be a little bit easier to understand, and I think less
• So yeah, the electronic verification needs to be a little bit more easy to understand.
• In 2000, when the feds implemented this EVV requirement, electronic visit verification, we originally
• And we do have to look at the electronic verification requirements. I think, Ms.

Summary: The Virginia Disability Commission held its first meeting of the year on June 18, established a quorum, and introduced members. Senator Barbara Favola was elected chair and Delegate Amy Laufer was elected vice chair, both unanimously. The commission also reviewed and unanimously approved its electronic/remote participation policy, which mirrors last year’s policy and allows limited remote participation under Virginia FOIA rules. Staff then reviewed a package of 14 disability-related bills that passed last session and were signed into law. Topics included disabled veterans’ vehicle registration fee exemptions, open captioning requirements for movie theaters, guardianship/conservatorship order forwarding, service dog team definitions, education and transition planning for students with disabilities, Blue Envelope and driver communication training for law enforcement and driver education, deferred disposition and jury service protections, voting rights in guardianship cases, expansion of the Virginia Human Rights Act, continuation of a DD waiver eligibility change, and DMAS training authority for autism competency checklists. Members discussed implementation concerns, especially making the Blue Envelope/driver communication program more visible and considering a follow-up letter and DMV presentation. The commission then adopted its interim work plan unanimously, with discussion of possible presentations on DMAS and Medicaid waivers, DBHDS telehealth training implementation, SCHEV and VDOE transition planning, transition from institutions to community settings, criminal justice reform, transportation and parking accessibility, adult-sized changing tables, and school accessibility. Members also suggested adding EVV concerns, seclusion and restraint, rare disease issues, and insurance coverage problems for needed medications. Public commenters urged the commission to address burdensome EVV requirements for family caregivers, improve accessibility for local government meetings and documents, and explore a standardized credential/career pathway for direct support professionals. The chair said follow-up work would be assigned on EVV and implementation issues, and the meeting location would move to the Senate side of the Capitol going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a reminder to everybody, please silence all electronic devices, and anyone will be...
• Just a reminder to everybody, please silence all electronic devices, and anyone wishing to speak before
• Next members will move to Tab 6, Senate Bill 774 by Senator Wright, related to electronic transmittal
• Next members will move to Tab 6, Senate Bill 774 by Senator Wright, related to electronic transmittal
• Amendments that would ensure fairness in how electronic notices are handled.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum present and considered several bills. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults would allow service of process on scammers through the same nontraditional communication methods they use; it passed 8-0. CS/SB 280 on candidate qualification would create an enforceable party-affiliation requirement and a private right of action to disqualify noncompliant candidates; it passed unanimously. CS/SB 948 on flood disclosures was amended to extend disclosure requirements to residential leases, condo developer leases, and mobile homes, with tenant remedies if disclosures are not provided and flooding causes major losses; it passed 8-0. The committee also advanced CS/SB 498 on IOTA interest rates after a lengthy debate over legal aid funding and bank regulation. Supporters argued the bill would restore sustainability and fairness to the program by setting alternative interest-rate benchmarks, while opponents said it would cut funding for civil legal aid and that banks participate voluntarily. After testimony from legal aid leaders and bankers, the bill passed 7-2. SB 774, requiring clerks to electronically transmit certain mental health, substance abuse, and risk protection orders to sheriffs within six hours, was presented in response to a fatal Volusia County incident and passed 11-0. CS/SB 752 on defamation and online publication was amended to require removal from a website rather than the internet, then passed 8-2 after testimony from the media, a private attorney, and supporters who said it would help people harmed by false online reports. The committee also heard SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, which would create a narrow defense against strict liability claims if notice and gamma radiation survey requirements are met. The bill was amended to clarify notice provisions and received support from industry and technical witnesses describing radiation surveys and reclamation practices. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on SB 832, so no committee action on that bill is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:24:05.880> and proposed changes for electronic and proposed changes for electronic and
• and that that we don't see electronics and that that we don't see Alternatives<00:33:00.080> yet<
• <00:33:07.320> components<00:33:08.200> and internal and electronic components and
• internal and electronic components and really<00:33:08.600> focusing<00:33:09.000> on<00
• However, more time is needed to address the use of PFAS in the internal and electronic components of

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Human Services to provide for a system for the electronic filing of all days of attendance
• child care services shall submit any and all supporting documents for the department's review electronically
• Department of Human Services to provide for a system for the electronic filing of all days of attendance
• The bill would add new language requiring the Tax Commissioner to design and implement an electronic
• The bill would add new language requiring the tax commissioner to design and implement an electronic

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then considered a series of House bills and committee substitutes. House Bill 5438, dealing with changes to Step 7 of the school aid formula and allowable uses of certain education allocations, was amended to adopt the Education Committee’s changes and then reported to the full Senate. House Bill 4087 creating the West Virginia-Ireland Education Alliance was also reported, as was House Bill 4191, which expands child care tax credit eligibility for employer-sponsored facilities and changes subsidy payments from attendance-based to enrollment-based reimbursement; senators emphasized its workforce and economic development benefits. House Bill 5074, which reallocates medical cannabis fund balances and future revenues, was amended to increase the Child Protective Commission pilot funding from $3 million to $5 million and remove proposed ibogaine research funding for Marshall and WVU before being reported. House Bill 5353, regulating virtual currency kiosks and money transmission licensure, and House Bill 5527, creating licensure and oversight for wellness reimbursement program administrators, both received strike-and-insert amendments and were reported. House Bill 5687, which phases down the metallurgical coal severance tax and adds a temporary oil and gas tax reduction with county/municipal revenue adjustments, was amended and reported. House Bill 4418, creating an electronic system for municipal business and occupation tax filing and collection with a 1% administrative fee and a participation threshold, was also reported. The committee then took up House Bill 4245, the Revenue Rules Bundle, which bundles 26 legislative rules from the Department of Revenue and related agencies. The bundle included alcohol, banking, insurance, racing, and tax rules, with several sunset extensions and repeals of outdated rules; the committee adopted a strike-and-insert amendment affecting a lottery consumer protection rule and a pre-need cemetery company rule, then reported the bill. House Bill 5168, providing a $12 million lottery-funded stream for emergency medical services, was amended to clarify the uses of the funds, rename one fund, require a 30% county match for mental health treatment spending, and create two additional county-based EMS funds; senators described it as a needed permanent funding source for EMS, and it was reported. Throughout the meeting, members generally supported the measures, with some discussion on technical details, funding allocations, and the impact of the bills on local services and workforce needs. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced that Senate House Bills 4004, 4006, and 4009 would not be taken up that day, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, last on our list is HB 1642, authorizing notice of dissolution of corporations and LLCs electronically
• And would they, um, this would allow for you to do electronic mail notifications, but the intention as
• I think it’s much easier to get on board with electronic service for a period of time to reduce the number
• <00:12:41.839> service<00:12:42.880> for get on board with electronic service for get
• on board with electronic service for a<00:12:43.360> period<00:12:43.600> of<00:12:43.839

Keywords: Business and Financial Institutions - Room 216, 2 March, 2026; 4:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several House bills related to fraud prevention and business filing procedures. On HB 1719, members discussed creating a study committee to examine prevention strategies for financial fraud and related scams, with the sponsor citing a sharp increase in securities division investigations and the need to coordinate among multiple state agencies. Questions focused on whether the study would include deed fraud and veterans’ fraud; the sponsor said the committee was initially aimed at securities fraud but could be expanded, and noted the Veterans Affairs director was included. An amendment adding the president of the Mississippi Bankers Association or designee was adopted, and the bill was given a do pass strike all recommendation. HB 1532 would allow the Secretary of State to remove fraudulent business filings and protect personal information used without consent. The sponsor explained that current law does not let the office remove a filing even when someone’s name, address, or phone number is used fraudulently, and said the bill would create a process to investigate complaints and take down fraudulent filings. Members clarified that the bill would not address scam solicitation letters sent to businesses, only fraudulent filings themselves. The committee then voted title sufficient, do pass. HB 1642 would move dissolution notices for corporations and LLCs to electronic notice. The sponsor said Mississippi already requires email addresses on filings and has been sending both email and mailed notices, but the bill would allow email-only notice and save about $65,000 in mailing costs while improving response rates. After concerns were raised about whether electronic notice alone was enough before a business is dissolved, the committee adopted a reverse repealer amendment to keep working on the issue, then reported the bill out with a title sufficient, do pass strike all recommendation and rose and reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most people don't have records going back that far; records were not necessarily electronic back that
• Most people don't have records going back that far; records were not necessarily electronic back that
• Most people don't have records going back that far; records were not necessarily electronic back that
• Most people don't have records going back that far; records were not necessarily electronic back that
• Most people don't have records going back that far; records were not necessarily electronic back that

Keywords: 919, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All amendments shall be filed electronically in the office of the clerk of the Senate by 5 o'clock p.m
• All amendments shall be filed electronically in the office of the clerk of the Senate by 5 o'clock p.m
• All amendments shall be filed electronically in the office of the clerk of the Senate by 5 o'clock p.m
• It shall be filed electronically in the office of the clerk of the Senate by 5 o'clock p.m. on Monday

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate convened, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up reports from the Temporary Committee on Rules. The chamber adopted orders placing Senate No. 14, proposing permanent Senate rules for the 2025-2026 session, and Senate No. 15, proposing permanent joint rules for the Senate and House, on the Orders of the Day for February 12, 2025, with amendments due electronically by February 10. In both cases, the rules were suspended to allow immediate consideration, and the orders were adopted without objection. The Senate also adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Senator Keenan then offered a motion, joined by all members, that the Senate adjourn in memory of Francis Xavier Bellotti. The Senate heard a tribute recounting Bellotti’s military service, public career as lieutenant governor and attorney general, and his contributions to civil rights, environmental protection, and civic life. The motion to adjourn in Bellotti’s memory was adopted, and the Senate adjourned with a moment of silence in his honor. The chamber is set to meet again on Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, electronic waste puts toxins into the landfills, creates fire risk.
• You know, electronic waste puts toxins into the landfills, creates fire risk.
• There is no ban on the electronic dumping in the landfills. Nicole Loen knows this bill very well.
• We will be burning electronics to this day.
• We will be burning electronics to this day.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered three measures. SB 1602 would appropriate funds to DLNR for monitoring wells for the Koho aquifer system; DLNR and HHFDC supported it, and written testimony from several organizations and individuals was also in support. Members asked whether monitoring wells are a statewide function rather than a county function, and staff confirmed they are done statewide. The second bill was an administration measure clarifying that criminal water pollution enforcement remains with the Department of Health rather than DLNR. The Attorney General’s office said it was a cleanup clarification and that DOH has stronger enforcement powers and better testing capability; DOH and DLNR supported it, and there was no opposition noted. The final and most heavily debated measure was SB 1074 on environmental impact statements. The bill would let previously authorized or permitted commercial activities continue for up to one year while an agency determines whether environmental review applies after a challenge, and would allow permit renewals during that review. DLNR said it stood on written comments and suggested aligning the bill with similar House language. Supporters, including several ocean tourism and Maui business representatives, argued the bill would provide certainty and keep families and small operators working while environmental review is completed, especially in the wake of the Lahaina fires and ongoing business losses. Some supporters said the measure should be narrowed with a sunset or limited to recently renewed permits. Opponents, including the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Earthjustice, the Sierra Club, and other environmental advocates, argued the bill was overly broad and could weaken HEPA/NEPA-style environmental review, especially for fisheries and other commercial activities. They said the bill could be used as a “Trojan horse” to avoid review and that DLNR could resolve the underlying disputes more quickly through settlement or existing exemption processes. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This increases penalties for removing electronic monitoring devices and changes the pretrial release
• records in an electronic format.
• To the electronic prescribing requirement with federal exceptions for electronic prescribing by removing
• It is not electronic. It's not through the EMR. It is done on the phone.
• If it is in my electronic prescription to one pharmacy, it's stuck there.

Bills: HJR 99, HB 1399, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HCR 35, SB 14, HB 12, HB 1522, HB 422, HB 675, HB 204, HB 748, HB 912, HJR 99, HB 1399, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HCR 35, HCR 123, HCR 124, HR 57, HR 87, HR 111, HR 228, HR 230, HR 322, HR 624, HR 625, HR 626, HR 627, HR 628, HR 630, HR 631, HR 634, HR 635, HR 636, HR 637, HR 638, HR 639, HR 640, HR 645, HR 646, HR 648, HR 649, HR 651, HR 652, HR 653, HR 654, HR 664, HR 665, HR 668, HR 675, HR 676, HR 678, HR 679, HR 680, HR 683, HR 686, HR 688, HR 689, HR 694, HR 695, HR 697, HR 698, HR 699, HR 472, HR 622, HR 632, HR 633, HR 643, HR 655, HR 657, HR 660, HR 661, HR 662, HR 663, HR 667, HR 670, HR 674, HR 681, HR 682, HR 696

Keywords: animal feed, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, retail, constitutional amendment, retail sale, tangible personal property, Texas tax code, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption, regulation, deceased transportation, HB 365

Transcript Highlights:

• To give you a little information on electronic voting, we've had 83-year-olds vote electronically before
• <00:17:46.400> voting little information on electronic voting little information on electronic
• before it can be done electronically before it can be done that<00:17:51.559> you<00:17:51.679
• instead of electronic and all the<00:20:27.799> other<00:20:28.000> ways<00:20:28.200>
• proposing HB 850 that allows electronic proposing HB 850 that allows electronic voting<00:23:15.760

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met on February 20, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. HB 850, relating to condominiums, drew support from the Community Associations Institute and the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, who said it would improve owner participation, clarify voting rules, and preserve the use of proxies as a personal choice. A Zoom testifier supported the bill’s intent but warned that special meetings can be abused and suggested further amendments to address board president authority. Members asked about proxies versus electronic voting and whether the bill would reduce proxy use; no vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 48 on coffee labeling, with the Department of Agriculture in support, and HB 1370 on taxation, where a local brewery representative supported equal tax treatment for beer served from 5-gallon kegs and larger kegs when dispensed from a faucet, arguing the bill would clarify draft beer treatment and encourage sustainability. HB 1422 on motor carriers received comments from the Public Utilities Commission and the Department of State Parks, while representatives from a community-based shuttle initiative supported the bill and said nonprofit, community-led transportation solutions should not be regulated like traditional carriers. HB 874, relating to child performers, received support from SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and individual performers, who emphasized protecting minors’ earnings, safety, and schooling. Testimony also discussed whether to include social media influencers and whether to add annual income limits or trust-account protections; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said the issue was outside its wheelhouse. Later, HB 799 on healthcare drew support from health plans and HMSA, with the Department of Health requesting amendments such as a sunset date, a Maui-only pilot, and a report back before changing its position. HB 1379 on health received support from Hawaii Pacific Health, but the Hawaii Medical Board raised concerns about vague language and public-safety implications for internationally trained physicians, asking for more time to study national licensing recommendations. Finally, HB 439 on education was heard, with the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board opposing the bill as drafted and warning about licensing standards and predatory third-party loans affecting J-1 teachers; the transcript ends before any action or vote on these measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1 by Senator Jenkins provides for electronic voting requirements under the Open Meetings
• The bill will provide for electronic voting to be in compliance with the Open Meetings Law.
• right after the electronic vote and that it is in the minutes?
• It's made right after the electronic vote, and it is in the minutes. It actually has both ways.
• But at least while some folks are prepping for electronic, we can still have the option to go electronic

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several bills, mostly dealing with open meetings, public records, election administration, and local government notice requirements. Senate Bill 1 by Sen. Jenkins would authorize electronic voting under the Open Meetings Law and apply retroactively to validate prior electronic votes; after brief discussion and support from the Louisiana Municipal Association, it was reported favorably. House Bill 1052 by Rep. Spell would exempt certain child advocacy center and multidisciplinary team work product, forensic interviews, and related sensitive records from public records disclosure to protect child abuse investigations; testimony from child advocacy organizations emphasized the need to prevent misuse of records and preserve court-controlled access, and the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 289 by Sen. Abraham, concerning confidentiality of certain university records and negotiations, was amended to clarify protections for proprietary research, donor confidentiality, and limited confidentiality for industry negotiations, then reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 218 by Sen. Talbot, allowing alternative certification programs for election officials if approved by the State Board of Election Supervisors, and Senate Bill 220, a technical correction regarding the official journal of the state, were both reported favorably. Senate Bill 161 by Sen. Seaball, repealing a requirement that certain high-salary unclassified state employees register vehicles in Louisiana, was also reported favorably after questions about its scope and purpose. The committee then took up House Bill 1193 by Rep. Sawyer, which authorizes the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to use indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity construction contracts for maintenance and emergency work. CPRA officials said the model would speed small repairs and pre-construction tasks, improve efficiency, and mirror a similar DOTD approach; an amendment narrowed the public-records language and excluded design-build contracting. Members raised concerns about public records transparency and inclusion of minority and small contractors, but the bill was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 249 by Rep. Green, a constitutional amendment creating an independent compensation commission for elected officials and tying adjustments to CPI, drew extensive debate over removing the legislature from setting salaries, the appointment structure, and whether the state could afford automatic increases. After opposition from several members and a roll-call vote, the bill failed to be reported, 6 yeas to 9 nays. Because HB 249 failed, the companion enabling bill, House Bill 248, was deferred. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 997 by Rep. Edmondson, which would let parishes, municipalities, and school boards use their own websites as an alternative to newspaper publication for public notices. Supporters from the Police Jury Association argued the bill would reduce duplicative costs, preserve all existing notice requirements, and simply add a third option alongside newspaper publication and newspaper-hosted digital publication. An amendment narrowed the bill to parishes, municipalities, and school boards, removing other political subdivisions. Members questioned transparency, enforcement, record retention, and whether the change would undermine newspapers; supporters said courts would still enforce notice requirements and that local governments already maintain the records. The bill remained under discussion at the end of the transcript, with no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• here in San Diego, Tijuana, companies depend on the cross-border production in medical devices, electronics
• And meanwhile, California... ...manufacturing, electronics, medical devices.
• Key industries—electronics, vehicles, medical devices, agriculture—rely on Mexico as both a supplier
• Just 15 years ago, 70% of it was solely in electronics, but that story is...
• Fifteen years ago, 70% of it was solely in electronics, but that story's really changed.

Summary: The joint hearing of the Assembly Select Committee on California-Mexico Bi-National Affairs and the Assembly Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee focused on the USMCA and how the agreement affects California’s economy, jobs, supply chains, and competitiveness. Opening remarks emphasized California’s heavy trade dependence on Mexico and Canada, the importance of stable trade rules, and concerns that tariffs or uncertainty could harm workers, small businesses, agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, and border communities. Members said the hearing would help inform a future legislative report or resolution on California’s priorities for the agreement’s review. Academic and policy witnesses argued that the USMCA is central to North American economic integration and California’s role in it. Testimony from UC San Diego and CETYS University described California and Mexico as co-producers rather than simple trading partners, highlighting sectors such as medical devices, aerospace, semiconductors, logistics, and advanced manufacturing. Witnesses also warned that the upcoming review could involve not just trade but security and immigration issues, and they urged a stronger, longer-term agreement with more certainty, better border efficiency, and new tools such as specialized technician visas, binational certification standards, innovation zones, and a technology fund. Go-Biz and chamber representatives said USMCA provides predictability, market access, and support for small and medium-sized businesses, while also creating compliance burdens through rules of origin, labor standards, and customs procedures. They pointed to California’s trade missions, export support programs, and state-level cooperation with Mexico and Canada as ways to help firms participate in regional supply chains. Mexican government and business representatives said the agreement is largely functioning well, that Mexico’s public consultation process received nearly 800 submissions and about 2,000 chapter-specific comments, and that many stakeholders favor maintaining or extending USMCA. No formal votes were taken; the committee heard testimony and asked witnesses for follow-up information to inform its report and future recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• These included VA senior-level personnel decisions and involvement in negotiations for the VA electronic
• Health care, health, electronic health records, you had some... Discussions.
• It sent us down a path to modernize electronic health records.
• The electronic health record—I have a real problem with it.
• Electronic health care records.