Transcript Highlights:

• Under the current structure, tying tax to price.
• It treats comparable products equally and regardless of price, regardless of the price point, removes
• Yes, their prices will raise, and their taxes will raise, while the higher quality prices would climb
• And who may be impacted from a price standpoint?
• And who may be impacted from a price standpoint?

Bills: HB4322 , HB4202 , HB4203 , HB4457 , HB3983 , HB3660 , HB3802 , HB2933 , HB2955 , HB2956 , HB3781 , HB3521 , HB3794 , HB3796 , HB3800

Committee: Senate Business and Insurance

Keywords: funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer, funeral director in charge, dual licensure, mortuary science, Oklahoma Funeral Board, funeral establishment, commercial embalming establishment, crematory, cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, apprenticeship, licensing requirements, professional regulation, undertaker, mortician, burial services, death care industry, workers' compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• We see this when bidding wars push up home prices.
• for home ownership family uh homes for home ownership opportunities<01:21:52.639><c> for</c><01:21:52.880
• for first-time home owners or 50,000 new home buyers could be financed.
• </c> move forward in home ownership. move forward in home ownership.
• </c> that pathway to home ownership. that pathway to home ownership.

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• And there is no federal mandate to have that level of a price.
• safeguards or mechanisms like a price ceiling, a price cap?
• So if the credit prices respond or are aligned with the increase of price at the pump, and if those prices
• There's also credit prices, price ceilings, and floors.
• There's also credit prices, price ceilings and floors.

Bills: HCR93 , HCR14 , HR85

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: image-based sexual abuse, working group, gender-based violence, Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women, prevention efforts, survivor protections, new technologies, legal reform, HCR14, House Concurrent Resolution, perpetual easement, non-exclusive easement, state submerged lands, submerged lands, shoreline easement, drainage outfall, stormwater outfall, lagoon outfall, pipelines, Kahala Hotel & Resort

Transcript Highlights:

• It definitely stepped in and soaked up some more that risk problem possibly at a higher price or rates
• The problem park, they're ensuring it'll give estimated home value.
• So that resulted in in fairly flat pricing for the 2024 environment.
• We saw most programs below the Cat Fund either remains slat pricing or slightly up.
• So we'll just take a little schooler dive into each one of those from a pricing. We perspective.

Transcript Highlights:

• But if you can tell me exactly right now, besides the bill out of the homes, how much homes you are really
• I mean, like, just say maybe Hawaiian Homes.
• </c><00:36:54.880><c> of</c> more I frankly I expect the price of more I frankly I expect the price of
• /c> complaining about the pricing and the complaining about the pricing and the recent<00:39:25.160><
• </c><00:43:24.040><c> uh</c> acquiring a property to build homes uh acquiring a property to build homes

Committee: Senate Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The joint hearing focused primarily on Senate Bill 1409, which would cap county user fees charged to Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the measure, arguing it would reduce monthly housing-related costs for lower-income beneficiaries and help make homesteading more affordable. Several testifiers, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and some individuals, also submitted comments or support. County and city water and sewer agencies, including the County of Kauai Department of Water, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, and the City and County Department of Environmental Services, strongly opposed the bill, saying it would shift substantial costs to other ratepayers, create lost revenue, and could force fee increases for everyone else. They also raised concerns about the bill’s cap structure and potential misuse, while noting their systems are funded by user fees rather than taxes. During committee discussion, Honolulu Board of Water Supply officials estimated about 4,500 DHHL customers on Oʻahu and projected lost revenue of roughly $30 million to $36 million over five years, with larger cumulative impacts over time; they said any waiver would be absorbed by other customers. The County of Hawaiʻi representative estimated nearly 2,000 DHHL customers on the Big Island and about $2.4 million in annual lost revenue. DHHL responded that it is pursuing revenue-generating projects on unused lands, but members questioned whether the department should do more to generate its own revenue and suggested looking at other affordability mechanisms, including market rent on commercial properties or a similar cap on other beneficiary fees. After hearing the testimony and discussion, the committee chair announced the recommendation to defer SB 1409 indefinitely, and the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs agreed with that decision. The hearing then moved to Senate Bill 1408, a housekeeping measure. DHHL testified in support, saying the bill was part of an effort to lower housing costs through a modular manufacturing approach. DHHL described plans to use an unused hangar at Kalaeloa for a potential modular housing manufacturing plant, including discussions with the University of Hawaiʻi and a Denver-based company, and said it was also exploring a pilot project with Habitat for Humanity on Maui. No vote or final action on SB 1408 was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So often, young people leave home, especially in these small towns, and they never. come back home except
• There is a setback of 600 feet from a home or a well.
• And when you speak on negative pricing or low pricing, zero pricing, the biggest...
• So, yes, if that goes away, power prices will go up.
• Some of that, what I'm handing out there, will talk about the current price, the past price, and the

Bills: SB458 , SB819 , SB1238 , SB1642 , SB1643 , SB1644 , SB1791 , SB1810 , SB1824 , SB1825 , SB758 , SB1455 , SB1706

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• “I just want to go home. Not to Mexico, to Rochester.” Because Rochester is his home.
• Since then, gas prices have gone up. Grocery prices have gone up.
• The prices of groceries are up. The price of gas is up. The price of housing is up.
• The price of everything is up. The price of everything is up.
• That when you buy that 30-year mortgage on an average-priced home, and I think we used an average-price

Bills: HR1399 , HCR108 , HR1398

Keywords: HCR108, H. Con. Res. 108, War Powers Resolution, Lebanon, Lebanese Armed Forces, U.S. Armed Forces, hostilities, military withdrawal, troop removal, concurrent resolution, Congressional war powers, executive war powers, foreign policy, Middle East, diplomatic facilities, security cooperation, cease hostilities, military engagement, war authorization, non-authorization of force

Transcript Highlights:

• So the credit price doesn't necessarily translate to the price at the gallon immediately.
• Because you've chosen the price you want to pay, and you'll get whatever you get for that price.
• Prices wouldn’t be a problem.
• and then the price that would be at the pump on the retail prices?
• That force pushes prices up.

Summary: The hearing focused on California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), its role in reducing transportation emissions, and whether its costs at the pump are justified by its climate, air quality, and investment benefits. The co-chairs and several members framed the discussion around affordability and asked whether the program’s benefits, including cleaner fuels, zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and public health gains, outweigh any added fuel costs. Members also raised concerns about how the program is understood by the public and whether its benefits are being communicated clearly. CARB and CEC officials explained how LCFS works as a market-based program that sets declining carbon-intensity targets, generates credits for lower-carbon fuels, and requires deficit holders to buy credits or otherwise comply. They said the program has driven billions in annual private investment, expanded alternative fuels, supported EV charging and hydrogen stations, and helped reduce emissions and local pollution. They also argued that LCFS credit prices are not the main driver of gasoline prices, that the recent amendments added only about seven cents per gallon, and that crude oil, refining, and distribution costs account for most pump price variation. Committee members pressed witnesses on credit banking, market effects, the recent rule updates, additionality, and whether the program’s benefits are concentrated in-state or out-of-state. CARB said banking helps keep the program cost-effective and provides investment certainty, while the Energy Commission said LCFS-related costs are relatively stable and separate from the broader gasoline market. The panel also discussed how the 2025 amendments were shaped by the state’s 2030 and 2045 climate goals and by uncertainty over federal actions. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• or gas prices one or two cents a gallon.
• prices.
• They want to see lower gas prices, lower grocery prices, and they want lower utility bills.
• We took action to stabilize gas prices to prevent price shocks while keeping health and environmental
• He's got a little one at home.

Summary: The chamber reconvened after a late-night session and first adopted the consent calendar, including ACR 107 on the Diablo Range, by a 48-0 vote. Members then took up several Senate bills and Assembly measures, with repeated remarks about the long hours and the need to respect staff and keep proceedings moving. A vote change was also announced for Assembly Member Patel on SB 414, changing from aye to not voting. The main policy debate centered on energy, climate, and affordability. SB 237, dealing with oil and gas policy, refinery closures, pipeline safety, Kern County permitting, gasoline blend flexibility, and regional fuel coordination, drew strong support from members who framed it as a managed transition to stabilize fuel supply and protect jobs, and strong opposition from members who called it a giveaway to oil interests and a setback for climate goals. The bill passed 59-0. SB 254, an energy affordability and wildfire package, included wildfire mitigation financing, a successor wildfire fund, transmission cost reductions, clean energy permitting changes, and energization timelines; members raised some concerns about local control, but the bill passed 58-0. SB 840 and AB 1207 advanced the cap-and-invest reauthorization package, with supporters emphasizing emissions reductions, housing, transit, wildfire prevention, and community air programs, while opponents argued it would raise costs and function as a tax-and-spend scheme. SB 840 passed 54-15 and AB 1207 passed 55-10, both with urgency and immediate transmittal. Members also approved SB 352, which makes the Bureau of Environmental Justice permanent and requires air quality monitoring and reporting on AB 617 implementation, by 43-19. AB 825, authorizing California to help establish a Westwide electricity market, was presented as a way to lower bills, improve reliability, and reduce emissions; it passed 67-2 and was sent to the Governor. Additional actions included concurrence in Senate amendments to AB 8 on cannabinoids and AB 383 on firearms cleanup, and the chamber began consideration of AB 764 on wildlife as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• prices.
• price of the house.
• homes.
• But in the end, it's better for the home buyers.
• The home buyer has to meet that number, but they also have to cover...

Bills: HB145 , HB311

Committees: House Tourism , House Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: HB145, scrap tires, scrap tire disposal, illegal dumping, ADEM, Alabama Department of Environmental Management, environmental enforcement, Class 2 municipality, municipal court, local enforcement, delegation agreement, primacy, waste management, tire recycling, tire hauling, environmental quality act, misdemeanor penalties, Class A misdemeanor, Class B misdemeanor, Class C misdemeanor

Transcript Highlights:

• I had spoke with different entities and the home, the Idaho home visiting program.
• a home visiting program.
• Which money in the Idaho Home Visiting Program?
• care is, what that definition of home-based care is.
• Price. Would anyone like to change his or her vote?

Summary: The committee first approved a $3,700 dedicated-fund enhancement for the Endowment Fund Investment Board to replace a high-end laptop. It then took up several Department of Lands items. A $125,000 supplemental for Forest and Range Fire Protection to help stand up firefighters was rejected after concerns were raised that prior firefighter bonus money had gone largely to office staff rather than firefighters. The committee did approve a supplemental shifting 1.25 FTP and $160,000 from the Abandoned Mines Lands Fund to the Navigable Waterways Fund to align spending with statutory uses, and later approved a broader FY 2027 Department of Lands package including radio equipment, vehicle storage, a UTV, legal counsel fund shifts, Idaho Geological Survey support, replacement items, and OITS hardware. A proposed substitute that would have omitted the $140,500 general-fund restoration for eastern Idaho fire preparedness failed, but the original motion including that amount passed. The committee also adopted language for the Idaho Geological Survey and later approved Parks and Recreation FY 2027 enhancements for staffing, trail work, a mower, grant pass-throughs, staff housing, interpretive displays, Farragut entrance work, RV campsite development, and replacement items, after questions about federal replacement-item funding were answered by the director. A FY 2026 Parks and Recreation supplemental allowing program transfers above the 10% cap also passed. The committee then moved to the Department of Health and Welfare’s Division of Public Health Services. It approved FY 2027 funding for the Idaho Home Visiting Program, immunization assessment fund restoration, disaster planning and training, fee-for-service lab testing, ARPA multi-year grants, HIV prevention, hepatitis prevention, and a $19,000 suicide prevention restoration; a substitute motion that would have reduced the home-visiting restoration to $500,000 failed, and the original motion passed. The committee adopted reporting language for suicide prevention, HIV prevention, hepatitis prevention, and immunization assessment funds. It then considered the Division of Early Learning and Development, approving funding for Idaho Child Care Program capacity, replacement items, population forecast adjustments, and the transfer of the Idaho Home Visiting Program from Public Health; a separate motion to require an open competitive acquisition process for Idaho STARS was set aside and the committee instead held the language in committee for further work. The committee also adopted language for Idaho Home Visiting reporting, Idaho Child Care Program reappropriation, Idaho Child Care Capacity Grant restrictions, and a transfer-limitation exemption for the division. Finally, the committee began the Division of Family and Community Partnerships and heard a request for $180,000 in federal funds for kinship navigation services to help relatives and close family friends care for children and prevent foster care entry. The transcript cuts off before the vote on that item, so no final action on it is shown here.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:24:38.159><c> Farm</c><01:24:38.800><c> drug</c> their list prices Farm drug their list prices
• </c><01:27:56.520><c> was</c> therapy per drug if their price was therapy per drug if their price was
• </c><01:28:03.960><c> that</c><01:28:04.159><c> once</c> their prices that once their prices that once
• </c><01:41:07.639><c> premiums</c> concerned about higher priced premiums concerned about higher priced
• You know, a price of zero is about as low a price as you can get, and that's what they have once these

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• The conversation previously was about the question of retail prices, and retail prices are difficult
• Therefore, it won't raise gas prices, and it can reduce or avoid gas price spikes at moments of acute
• Preventing oil companies from price gouging consumers is the way to protect consumer prices from oil
• Preventing oil companies from price gouging consumers is the way to protect consumer prices from oil
• Arbitrary lower prices and have to report back to their shareholders, so gas prices lowered with more

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on California’s transportation fuels sector, especially the risk of refinery closures, fuel supply stability, and how the state should manage a long transition to cleaner transportation. Committee chairs and agency leaders said California’s fuel market is becoming more fragile as demand declines, refinery capacity shrinks faster than demand, and the state relies more on imports and a smaller number of critical pipelines. Professor Emily Grubert framed the issue as a managed transition problem in which the public already bears much of the risk and should also capture benefits from any state intervention. CARB Chair Leanne Randolph reviewed California’s climate and air-quality framework, including AB 32, the low-carbon fuel standard, clean vehicle rules, and the state’s at-berth regulation for port vessels. She said these programs are intended to reduce fossil fuel demand while protecting public health, and she noted that California remains in litigation over federal attempts to block some waivers. CEC Vice Chair Sivagunda described the administration’s market-stabilization work, saying the state is trying to preserve fuel supply and investor confidence during a “mid-transition” period. He said the CEC’s recommendations fall into three broad areas: stabilizing the existing fuel system, aligning regulatory tools such as a possible pause on the CEC’s margin cap, and planning for worker and community impacts. Department of Conservation Director Jennifer Lucasey outlined the administration’s petroleum market stabilization proposal, centered on returning California crude production to a 125 million-barrel annual stabilization target to support pipeline throughput and domestic supply. The proposal would codify the ban on hydraulic fracturing, validate Kern County’s oil and gas permitting ordinance, create a temporary CEQA exemption for new wells in existing fields paired with a two-for-one plug-and-abandon requirement, and strengthen spill prevention and pipeline safety rules. Several members questioned the CEQA exemption, tribal consultation, environmental review, and whether the proposal would adequately protect communities and workers. Mayor Steve Young of Benicia testified that a Valero refinery closure would sharply reduce city revenue and jobs, while also creating redevelopment and remediation challenges; he said the city wants a cleaner future but needs time and support to manage the economic loss. No formal vote was taken at the hearing, though CEC officials said a vote on a margin-cap pause was expected at an upcoming business meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• crude oil prices.
• Prices also went up, but you saw an exaggerated price increase for...
• Prices also went up, but you saw an exaggerated price increase for Prices also went up, but you saw an
• The contract says you shall pay this price. So if that price gets...
• and price volatility.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• , lower-income homes, and older homes to weatherize them, to bring them up so that they become more energy
• , lower-income homes, and older homes to weatherize them, to bring them up so that they become more energy
• such for uh homes, lower income homes,<00:10:57.400><c> and</c><00:10:57.520><c> older</c><00:10:57.839
• ><c> homes</c><00:10:58.280><c> to</c><00:10:58.560><c> weatherize</c> homes, and older homes to weatherize
• homes, and older homes to weatherize them<00:10:59.360><c> to</c> them to them to bring<00:11:00.240

Bills: HB224 , HB591 , HB609 , HB614 , HB224 , HB591 , HB609 , HB614

Committee: Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund

Keywords: HB224, Alabama, obstructing governmental operations, first responder, emergency responder, police, firefighter, EMT, paramedic, public safety, harassment, interference with emergency personnel, crime, Class A misdemeanor, law enforcement, emergency scene, scene control, 100 feet, stay back order, public safety and homeland security

Transcript Highlights:

• Medicare fixes prices.
• So, my broad view is that if you aren't controlling prices, prices will find a way to a level where med
• Prices will adjust.
• sensible price.
• and driving up prices.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And to be in compliance with the state's price disclosure laws, you see those two prices: cash, credit
• the prices for any item that you're doing.
• Home, thank you so much for bringing that up.
• Finally, 28% of surveyed businesses planned price hikes in April.
• Finally, 28% of surveyed businesses planned price hikes in April.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses

Summary: The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held an informational hearing focused on the conditions facing small and micro businesses in Massachusetts and the state programs intended to support them. Chairs Andy Vargas and Adam Gomez opened by emphasizing equitable economic development, the importance of CDFIs, and the need to help underserved entrepreneurs, especially women, minorities, veterans, immigrants, and other groups facing barriers. Committee members noted the hearing would not take up bills, and testimony was limited to 10 minutes per organization. State and quasi-public agency witnesses described current programs and funding. Dico Gibral of the Executive Office of Economic Development highlighted the Business Front Door, multilingual access, small business office hours in Gateway Cities, and funding in the Mass Leads Act, including support for CDFIs, small business technology, and capital grants. Tom Hooper of Commonwealth Corporation described workforce training programs such as the Workforce Training Fund, Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, and Career Technical Initiative, saying they help small businesses train workers, fill labor shortages, and support returning citizens and people with disabilities. Committee members asked about federal funding uncertainty, workforce migration, training schedules, and program uptake. Business and advocacy groups focused on cost pressures and regulatory burdens. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association urged continuation of outdoor dining and takeout alcohol sales, and pressed for relief from high credit card swipe fees, support for surcharging, and streamlining municipal licensing. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts cited survey results showing inflation, utility costs, payroll taxes, health insurance, and interchange fees as major concerns, and said many members might sell or close within five years; it also backed ending the state prohibition on surcharging and creating an Office of Main Streets Massachusetts. MACDC, BECKMA, and the Coalition for an Equitable Economy emphasized the need for more technical assistance, CDFI and small business funding, and protections against rising costs, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and immigration enforcement impacts on immigrant-heavy business districts. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• But when a judge is at their home and you're threatening them at their home, that's not necessarily impacting
• It requires the food prices in prison vending machines align with the average market rate retail price
• I've never price gouged, would not price gouge.
• If you look at the community, our prices are cheaper. My prices are cheaper than everywhere else.
• There is no regulation when it comes to the prices.

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The committee heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. AB 837 by Assembly Member Davies would add ketamine transportation to existing drug-trafficking law; supporters, including district attorneys and law enforcement groups, said the bill closes a loophole and addresses a growing public safety threat, while opponents argued increased penalties do not reduce drug supply and can discourage people from seeking help. The bill passed on a due pass as amended vote to Appropriations. AB 352 by Assembly Member Pacheco would make threats against judges and court commissioners an aggravating factor in sentencing; supporters cited rising threats to the judiciary, while opponents said existing law already covers threats and aggravating factors. The committee approved it on a due pass vote to Appropriations. AB 938 by Assembly Member Bonta would expand vacature and affirmative defense relief for survivors of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence, including for some violent offenses, and featured powerful testimony from survivor Susan Bustamante and vacature expert Jamie Beck. Supporters said the bill would let survivors tell their full stories and seek justice; opponents, including district attorneys and sheriffs, warned it could go too far by covering violent crimes and could affect public safety. The chair recommended an aye, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 475 by Assembly Member Wilson would make prison work assignments voluntary and was framed as part of efforts to end involuntary servitude; supporters linked it to rehabilitation and racial justice, while one member opposed it as inconsistent with accountability and the will of voters. The measure was moved on but left on call pending additional votes. AB 704 by Assembly Member Lowenthal would allow people convicted of low-level misdemeanors before age 26 to petition to seal and destroy records, with supporters emphasizing brain development and the limits of expungement in the digital age. District attorneys opposed it over Brady/discovery concerns and the destruction of records, but the chair recommended aye and it passed to Appropriations. AB 812 by Assembly Member Lowenthal would expand resentencing opportunities for incarcerated firefighters; supporters highlighted the rigor of fire camp work and rehabilitation benefits, while the district attorneys’ association opposed giving firefighters independent petition authority. Testimony on AB 812 was still underway at the end of the excerpt, and no final vote was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Miller: Given the home price is about $350,000, most Floridians will have zero nonschool
• My concern is if you look at the data on the Representative Bartleman: median home prices, you're going
• And even in our own home checkbook.
• Whether it be at home or business.
• This is the greatest attack on home rule.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so when there is an extreme price hike, people deserve to know why. prices continue to increase all
• /c><00:03:05.440><c> increases</c> correlation between the price increases correlation between the price
• </c><00:30:34.480><c> All</c> homes? I mean, I don't understand. All homes?
• </c> nursing home workforce standards board. nursing home workforce standards board.
• </c> financial viability of nursing homes. financial viability of nursing homes.

Committees: Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Human Services