Transcript Highlights:

• get much more than a six-month outlook of work, we see years of work with these data centers in security
• c><00:30:30.600><c> in</c> of work with these data centers in of work with these data centers in security
• <00:30:31.320><c> for</c><00:30:31.519><c> our</c><00:30:31.720><c> members</c> security for our members
• security for our members families<00:30:34.120><c> Johnson</c><00:30:34.480><c> thank</c><00:30:34.600
• We are a union representing over 18,500 state employees across all agencies, boards, and commissions.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• These revenues we earn are statutory revenues and commissions.
• A copy of the audit is also given to the County Commission for their review.
• This process is between the Department of Revenue and the County Commission.
• A collection of property taxes, we get a commission. We get a fee.
• A collection of property taxes, we get a commission.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee met to review how county budgets are developed and how constitutional officers fit into that process. Davin Suggs of the Florida Association of Counties gave an overview of county budgeting, explaining the statutory framework, the role of property taxes and TRIM notices, the fiscal-year timeline, fund balances and reserves, and the Department of Revenue’s oversight. He emphasized that county budgets include the board’s budget plus the budgets of constitutional officers, and that relationships and communication are critical to resolving budget issues. A panel of constitutional officers then described their offices’ budget processes and responsibilities: Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons discussed law enforcement budgeting and the importance of negotiated agreements with county commissions; Alachua County Property Appraiser Aisha Solomon explained the June 1 budget deadline, valuation methods, and the appeal process for property assessments; Manatee County Clerk and Comptroller Angelina Coleniso outlined the clerk’s court and finance duties, the county-side budget process, and the clerk’s personal liability under section 129.09 for unlawful expenditures; Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Early described the cyclical nature of election costs, staffing, equipment, and the impact of turnout and election law changes; and Columbia County Tax Collector Kyle Keene explained that tax collectors’ budgets are reviewed by the Department of Revenue, with fee offices funding themselves through service charges and budget offices relying on county support. Members asked about personal liability for unlawful spending, conflicts between clerks and county commissions, property valuation and storm damage adjustments, reserve levels, and whether tax collectors can retain excess fees. Responses noted that clerks must refuse illegal expenditures, property appraisers use market-based assessments with VAB and court review available, counties should maintain healthy fund balances for cash flow and emergencies, and tax collectors generally must zero out year-end balances and distribute excess revenues to taxing authorities. The committee took no votes and adjourned after thanking the panelists for their testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• The regulation is with the Energy Commission. It's not with DPMO.
• So the California Public Utilities Commission at this time, we...
• But have you sued the commission itself? Yes. Not to my knowledge.
• Does the Commission have a strategic plan that prioritizes proceedings?
• That was a newly created function at the Public Utilities Commission.

Summary: The committee first heard Issue 1 on trailer bill language to redirect funding for emergency demand-response programs. The Department of Finance proposed using about $26.9 million in General Fund originally set aside for the Distributed Energy Backup Assets program to bolster the Demand-Side Grid Support Program for summer 2026, and using about $70 million in CalCHAP interest to support ratepayer-funded demand response in summers 2027 and 2028. The CEC and CPUC said they are working on a transition from DSGS to ELRP or a successor program, while the LAO noted the General Fund money would otherwise revert to savings. Members pressed the administration on whether demand response remains important, whether DSGS has been successful, and whether the state should keep funding it through the CEC rather than shifting to a ratepayer-funded CPUC program. The CEC and CPUC said the programs are not directly comparable, emphasized different cost structures and enrollment metrics, and said a CPUC rulemaking is underway with a proposed decision expected in Q3 2026. No vote was taken in the transcript. The committee then took up Issue 2, a budget proposal tied to SB 254 and the new transmission accelerator. GoBiz and the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank described a five-year, roughly $26 million request to staff and administer the accelerator and manage Proposition 4 and AB 1207 funds for transmission financing. Members asked about state liability, ownership of financed lines, FERC revenue requirements, and whether the program would help underserved regions and offshore wind development. Staff explained that the accelerator would only consider projects already identified through CAISO’s competitive transmission planning process, and that state financing would be a small portion of large projects intended to lower overall costs to ratepayers. The LAO said it had no specific concerns but urged the Legislature to ensure the final language matches its intent. The committee also heard Issue 3 on petroleum market oversight. The CEC and its Division of Petroleum Market Oversight requested additional positions and funding to implement ABX2-1 and continue work on supply stabilization, refinery monitoring, and transportation fuels analysis. Members questioned why the work was funded through the Energy Resources Programs Account, whether existing staff from the paused price-gouging work could be reassigned, and whether the program had produced evidence of price gouging or improved supply conditions. CEC and Finance said the new positions are needed because the workload has expanded, while some existing staff remain on related analysis and reporting duties. The discussion ended without a vote in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill provides that the Public Service Commission may not enforce, originate, establish, change,
• The commission may not enforce, originate, establish, change, or promulgate tariffs, rates, joint rates
• The commission may not grant a certificate.
• The time frame for the commission to render its decision is reduced.
• The time frame for the commission to render its decision is reduced from 300 days to 270 days.

Committee: Senate Energy, Industry and Mining

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Commission will allocate up to $100 million per year for three years.
• We, at the Commission, staff just held a very...
• The Commission will have to investigate those allegations.
• Hi, Erin Scoobill, Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
• Erin Sullivan, Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard the Governor’s proposals on dual enrollment, reading difficulty screeners, special education, school facilities, and Commission on Teacher Credentialing programs. For dual enrollment, the Department of Finance described a $100 million one-time Proposition 98 General Fund proposal to expand the Dual Enrollment Opportunities Grant Program, add flexibility for regional occupational centers, support justice-involved youth, prioritize higher-need LEAs, and allow funds for teacher professional development, along with a reduction in required instructional minutes for some dual enrollment students. The LAO recommended rejecting the new funding, saying it did not address a clear implementation barrier, while CDE supported the proposal and suggested reserving $10 million for technical assistance. Members and public commenters largely supported the expansion, with some urging additional technical assistance and broader access, including adult dual enrollment. The committee then discussed the reading difficulty screener proposal, which includes $40 million one-time Proposition 98 General Fund for implementation costs and statutory changes that would delay formal screening until the 91st day for kindergarten and the 46th day for grades 1-2. Finance said the timing was intended to reduce over-identification and align screening with sufficient exposure to instruction; the LAO recommended rejecting the funding and redirecting it to a discretionary block grant. CDE supported the investment but cautioned about the timing restrictions, and several members and public witnesses argued the proposed deadlines were too rigid and could delay early intervention, while others supported the structured timeline as a way to improve accuracy and reduce misidentification. On special education, Finance presented a proposal to increase the statewide base rate to $99 per ADA through a $509 million ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund augmentation, plus COLA and a negative growth adjustment. The LAO said the proposal should be adopted but estimated it could be achieved with less funding; CDE strongly supported the increase, citing rising enrollment and local cost pressures, and district and SELPA representatives described large local funding gaps and growing expenditures. The committee also reviewed school facilities funding under Proposition 2, with Finance and the Office of Public School Construction describing $1.5 billion in proposed bond spending, existing balances for new construction and modernization, and the use of bond authority for natural disaster recovery, including projects related to recent fires. For the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the committee heard about the Student Teacher Stipend Program, the Golden State Teacher Grant, state operations funding for misconduct investigations and SB 848 implementation, and a $250 million proposal to extend the Teacher Residency Grant Program; CTC supported the proposals and highlighted new data systems and technical assistance, while public testimony broadly backed the investments and urged continued or additional funding for teacher recruitment, literacy screening support, and special education.

Transcript Highlights:

• Three small clarifying changes that all came from the Public Service Commission.
• The Public Service Commission wanted to strike 'equal to 120% of' and put in 'that exceed.'
• The Public Service Commission wanted it left in, and we weren't willing to have any sort of fight over
• Three small clarifying changes that all came from the Public Service Commission.
• The Public Service Commission wanted to strike 'equal to 120% of' and put in 'that exceed.'

Committee: House Utilities

Summary: The Committee on Utilities met in executive session with a quorum present and first took up House Bill 2248. Members adopted a substitute for the bill after Representative Hurlbert explained that it made three clarifying changes requested by the Public Service Commission: replacing certain threshold language with “that exceed” and restoring a section of existing law that had been removed in the original bill. The committee then voted House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2248 do pass by a vote of 18 ayes and 1 no. The committee next considered Senate Bill 1629 and moved it do pass without discussion. The roll call vote was unanimous, 20 ayes and 0 noes, and the bill was reported do pass. After completing action on both measures, the chair noted a chiropractor was available for members after the softball tournament, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Form 10 is the number of the form the Ethics Commission uses, rather than electronically, also Form 1
• Carrie Stillman, the executive director of the Ethics Commission, is here. Ms.
• be filed with the Commission.
• This bill will allow the Commission to update its form that is adopted by rule.
• We'll do rulemaking to clarify that the form is filed with the Commission.

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:

• Jason has been on the Game Management Commission one term already.
• </c><00:58:43.160><c> this</c> hasn't really left the commission this hasn't really left the commission
• </c> support of um the the gaming commission support of um the the gaming commission and<00:59:10.480
• </c> I think this is one of the commissions I think this is one of the commissions that<01:10:29.560>
• </c><01:13:53.880><c> nominee</c> management advisory commission nominee management advisory commission

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard confirmation nominations for several DLNR-related boards and commissions, including GM 530 for Karen Ono to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, GM 582 for Jay Kenan to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission, and GM 584 for Adrien Trulock to the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board. The chair repeatedly noted the volunteer nature of these positions and said the committee would take up decision-making after hearing all nominees. Testimony and comments for each nominee were generally supportive, with agency representatives praising their preparation, experience, and willingness to serve. For Karen Ono, DLNR and several supporters from Kauai testified in favor, describing her as highly prepared and effective on the board. Senators questioned her about DLNR land use, especially state lands near rail stations and whether they should be used for affordable housing rather than commercial development. Ono said she had not taken a board position on those specific proposals because they had not yet come before the board, but she acknowledged the importance of housing and infrastructure. She also responded to questions about DLNR’s management of transferred agricultural lands, saying concerns about the department’s ability to manage such lands had been raised before and remain relevant. One senator expressed strong reservations about the nomination based on the land-use answers. For Jay Kenan, the NARS Commission testimony focused on the commission’s role in advising on land management and conservation policy. Kenan said he hoped to continue helping evaluate properties and policies, and he identified funding and staffing as the main challenge. DLNR staff explained that the position supporting NARS had been abolished and that the department had limited capacity to restore it because other priorities, such as fire-related positions, were taking precedence. The committee also discussed a separate bill affecting Legacy Lands funding through conveyance tax revenues, with members and agency staff expressing concern that the measure could reduce support for land संरक्षण efforts. For Adrien Trulock, SHPD and DLNR staff strongly supported the nomination, citing her preservation background and experience with historic properties. Members discussed the importance of her expertise for reviewing nominations and appeals and for helping with preservation planning. The committee also raised broader concerns about delays in historic-place designations and the difference between state and federal review processes; SHPD explained that board approval places a property on the state register, while federal National Register review can still require revisions and cause delays. No final votes or confirmations were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• OF CHARGES AND FEES IN THEIR UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE TO BE APPROVED BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.
• I think we understand that systems and commissions and authorities are bigger than any one person, and
• Public Service Commission did it. NYSERDA did it. DEC is doing the requirements and regulations.'
• Public Service Commission did it. NYSERDA did it. DEC is doing the requirements and regulations.'
• The Governor appoints them, and you confirm the Public Service Commission commissioners.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of utility and public service bills and resolutions. A resolution sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton designating April 9, 2026, as Yellow Ribbon Day was adopted after remarks honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The chamber then moved through several Public Service Law measures focused on utility affordability, consumer protections, and PSC procedures, with some bills laid aside and others advanced. Among the bills passed were measures by Senators Mayer, Cleare, Hinchey, Comrie, and Parker. Debate on the Mayer bill centered on limiting utility expenses and fees recoverable in rate cases; supporters said it was part of a broader package to reform PSC practices, while opponents argued it would not lower current bills and had been softened from earlier versions. The Webb bill creating a residential utility usage monitoring program drew extended debate over whether it would meaningfully reduce costs, who would pay for the program, and whether it could lead to government monitoring of household usage; supporters said it would give consumers more control and transparency, while critics said it would not lower rates. The Gonzalez bill, which would add consumer protections during PSC investigations and delay shutoffs in certain circumstances, also passed after questions about whether it applied to rate cases, with the sponsor saying rate cases were explicitly excluded. Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing affordability, transparency, and consumer protection, and opponents arguing the package would not address immediate rate relief and could burden ratepayers or encourage nonpayment. Senator Tedisco and others criticized PSC appointments and state energy policy, while Democratic sponsors argued the bills were part of a longer-term effort to reform utility regulation and address climate and affordability concerns. The chamber restored multiple bills to the non-controversial calendar before final votes, and the recorded results showed passage of the major utility bills by substantial margins, along with one amendment appeal being ruled nongermane and rejected.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have some questions about the fiscal note, first of all, and the Tax Commission didn't seem to find
• I have some questions about the fiscal note, first of all, and the Tax Commission didn't seem to find
• I believe when I review what the Tax Commission analyzed, I think they were looking at the R&E credit
• And they show that the impact is significantly higher than what our tax commission is showing.
• Significantly higher than what our Tax Commission is showing.

Summary: The Revenue and Taxation Committee met on January 23, 2026, and considered only one item: RS 33071, Representative Jeff Ehlers’ annual tax conformity bill. Ehlers explained that the proposal would conform Idaho tax law retroactive to calendar year 2025 and forward to federal changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill, while continuing Idaho’s longstanding nonconformity with bonus depreciation. He said the bill also addresses federal R&E/R&D expensing and allows individuals to benefit from the federal changes, which he described as providing tax relief to Idaho taxpayers. Ehlers also said the bill would prevent “double dipping” by taxpayers who might otherwise use the same qualified expenses for both the new federal deduction and Idaho’s research activities credit or investment tax credit. Representative Gannon questioned the fiscal note, arguing that the Tax Commission’s estimate appeared too low compared with analyses from the Tax Foundation and other states, and raised concerns that the true revenue impact could be much higher, potentially affecting future budgets. Ehlers responded that the Tax Commission’s zero-impact view applied to the credit portion, while the main cost came from the R&D deduction and the personal provisions, and he said the committee’s fiscal estimate of about $155 million was based on the midpoint of Tax Commission estimates. After discussion, the committee took up Representative Raybould’s motion to introduce RS 33071. The motion passed on a voice vote, with one recorded nay, and the bill was introduced. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I also am very concerned that it creates a false sense of security for families, for parents, for
• ><03:06:47.600><c> false</c><03:06:47.920><c> sense</c><03:06:48.160><c> of</c><03:06:48.280><c> security
• </c><03:06:48.880><c> for</c> creates a false sense of security for creates a false sense of security
• </c><04:46:28.080><c> National</c><04:46:29.320><c> uh</c> the Uniform Law Commission National uh the
• Uniform Law Commission National uh Assembly<04:46:30.400><c> back</c><04:46:30.840><c> in</c><04:46:

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I would like to note for this commission the opportunity.
• Survivor and victim voice on this commission are few.
• It has never been filled on this commission.
• Survivor and victim voice on this commission are few.
• It has never been filled on this commission.

Summary: The Law and Justice Committee first heard testimony on four gubernatorial appointments to the Sentencing Guidelines Commission. Kristen Ferreira, a Chelan County Superior Court judge, said she would bring a rural court perspective; Lisa Mannion, the King County Prosecuting Attorney, emphasized fairness, equity, victim input, and modernization of sentencing grids, and answered a question about her gun responsibility advocacy by saying responsible gun ownership and Second Amendment rights can coexist. Kate Bedward, an appellate public defender with experience in tribal and other defense systems, said she wanted to help evaluate whether the sentencing scheme is meeting Washington’s goals. Rochelle Cleland, seeking renewal in the survivor/lived-experience seat, stressed the importance of survivor and victim voices and criticized the commission for leaving the victim advocate seat vacant and for how it handled a recent vote. The chair said the committee would take executive action on the appointments the following Tuesday. In executive session, the committee reviewed and amended several bills. SB 5906, concerning data and personal safety protections in public accommodations, was amended with a substitute and an amendment requiring notification of union representatives when certain early learning or school employees are subject to immigration enforcement; it received a due pass recommendation. SJM 8014, requesting an investigation into the killing of Aishanor Eski Aege, was amended for more neutral language and also received a due pass recommendation, with members noting the emotionally charged nature of the memorial. SB 6087, expanding liability protections for donations of baby items, and SB 5890, reclassifying certain high-speed driving conduct as negligent driving in the first degree, both advanced after substitutes/amendments were adopted. SB 6017, addressing victim- and witness-centered court procedures, advanced after the sponsor withdrew a proposed amendment for later floor work; members discussed trauma-informed protections and funding concerns. The committee also advanced SB 5520 on compensation for wrongly convicted persons after rejecting amendments that would have removed civil detention language and advance-payment provisions, with members debating the scope and fiscal impact of the bill. SB 6239, concerning arbitration for older tort claims, moved forward after extensive discussion about balancing survivor access to compensation with state and local fiscal concerns and sovereign immunity. SB 5886, expanding personality rights to forged digital likenesses, was advanced with a substitute combining it with related subject matter. Finally, SB 6190 on critical infrastructure protection and scrap metal records was amended to require photographs and database reporting for certain transactions and then received a due pass recommendation. The committee adjourned after sending the bills to the Rules Committee, subject to signatures.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just really proud to see all the great work that the commission has done.
• And also just their commitment to this commission.
• And one more thing that the commission, It is so important and crucial.
• What do other people think on the commission about that idea?
• And that could be, you know, we have a large commission.

Summary: The subcommittee met to approve the January minutes and then heard an update from Undersecretary of Labor and Workforce Development Josh Cutler on apprenticeship expansion in the Healey-Driscoll administration. Cutler described apprenticeship as a key workforce tool, especially for sectors with labor shortages, and highlighted growth in early education, health care, banking, bio, and human services. He noted the administration’s milestones and supports, including reaching 10,000 registered apprenticeships, expanding the registered apprenticeship tax credit (RATSY), lowering program fees, adding apprenticeship liaisons, and issuing Grow grants to help employers start programs. Members focused on how apprenticeship could better serve people with disabilities and human services employers. They raised examples such as sterile processing, radiology, PCA services, developmental disability supports, and community college partnerships, and asked how smaller or lower-paid providers could afford to participate. Cutler explained that apprentices are W-2 employees, programs must include on-the-job learning, related instruction, mentorship, and progressive wages, and employers largely design their own programs. He said the state can support through tax credits, grants, and intermediaries such as trade associations or disability organizations that help employers navigate the process. The discussion also covered employer outreach, the role of intermediaries, and possible collaboration with community colleges and organizations like Commonwealth Corporation. Cutler said Eastern Bank did not currently have a program but could be a potential partner, and he confirmed that the RATSY credit is $4,800 per apprentice, with a cap and online application process, and that it can be stacked with the disability employment tax credit. The subcommittee agreed to follow up with Cutler’s team, identify a few priority occupations, and consider a targeted panel or information session to help expand apprenticeship opportunities for people with disabilities and in human services.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to hear SJR 1, the Legislative Salaries Commission, this morning.
• We have just one agenda item today, which is We'll be hearing SJR 1, Legislative Salaries Commission.
• And 62% supported an independent salary commission.
• In the Senate, we put in this language every time we're talking about a border commission.
• Chair, Senator, I mean, so we can look at what we've done for other commissions.

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• The regulation is with the Energy Commission. It's not with DPMO.
• So the California Public Utilities Commission at this time, we...
• And then it's voted out by the commission. Thank you.
• And then it's voted out by the commission. Thank you.
• And then it's voted out by the commission. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, and that's every governor, governor's commission, so like capital commission, all of the different
• We go to the commission and the commission will be responsible for tracking that.
• We go to the commission and the commission will be responsible for tracking that.
• In terms of the nominating commission, he said the reference to commissions is specifically to the nominating
• commissions under the nonpartisan court plan.

Committee: House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 3423 from Rep. Darren Chappell, which would require judges in Missouri courts of record to file annual financial disclosure statements, bar judges from hearing cases involving people who have given them money, and extend similar disclosure rules to members of judicial nominating commissions. Chappell framed the bill as a transparency and ethics measure. Business groups supported the proposal, but judges, bar groups, and trial and defense lawyers opposed it, arguing existing judicial ethics rules already address gifts and recusals, that the bill is overly broad in covering “anything of value,” and that it could create unintended consequences, including strategic donations to force recusal and reduced public access to judicial financial disclosures. The Supreme Court’s representative said the bill should be read alongside the full Code of Judicial Conduct and offered to provide the committee with that material. No vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 2922 from Rep. Jeff Myers, which would align Missouri’s right-to-try law with federal law by extending access from terminal illness to debilitating conditions and by addressing the use of Schedule I drugs in that framework. Myers said the bill is intended to help ensure access to emerging treatments and has passed in various forms in prior sessions. There was no opposition testimony, and the hearing concluded without action. Next, the committee heard House Bill 2643, also from Rep. Senate, the “Hope for Missouri Patients Act,” which would expand right-to-try access for individualized treatments such as gene therapies, enzyme replacement therapies, and substrate reduction therapies for patients with rare or debilitating diseases. Supporters, including the Goldwater Institute, a parent of a child with a rare disease, and Americans for Prosperity, said the bill could help patients access customized treatments sooner and reduce red tape. The sponsor and witnesses emphasized that the bill would not require insurance coverage and is meant to help patients who cannot wait for lengthy clinical trial or FDA pathways. No opposition testimony was offered. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3204 from Rep. Senate, which would create a tax credit to encourage private donations to prevention resource centers that work on substance misuse prevention. Supporters from prevention organizations and advocacy groups said the credit would strengthen local prevention coalitions, reduce future treatment and criminal justice costs, and stabilize funding for services such as school education, early intervention, and suicide prevention. One opponent warned that Planned Parenthood could qualify as a prevention resource center and receive tax credits, but supporters said they had no concern about that. The hearing ended with no vote or other committee action, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• right now with the blue ribbon commission?
• The blue ribbon commission, who has the appointments on this commission?
• &gt;&gt; SENATOR, WHO HAS THE APPOINTMENTS ON THE COMMISSION RIGHT NOW WITH THE BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION
• &gt;&gt; SORRY ABOUT THAT THE BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION, WHO HAS THE APPOINTMENTS ON THIS COMMISSION?
• But your solution is a nine-member commission of all appointed Democrats to identify the problems.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then moved through a series of budget-related and ceremonial items. The chamber accepted Rules and Finance Committee reports and took up several budget extender and budget implementation bills, including the main appropriations extender and later a transportation, economic development, and environmental conservation budget bill. Senators questioned the sponsor extensively about the status of the remaining budget bills, the use of messages of necessity, and the absence of joint budget conference committees. The extender bill passed 59-2, and later budget-related measures were advanced after reconsideration and amendment. A major portion of the session focused on the environmental and energy provisions in the budget bill, especially changes to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Senators debated extending emissions targets, the role of cap-and-invest, utility affordability, ratepayer impacts, and the structure of a proposed blue-ribbon commission. Supporters said the changes were needed to give the state more time to implement the law and to protect affordability, while opponents argued the bill was a political delay that would not lower energy costs and relied too heavily on subsidies and future planning. The bill also drew questions about electric vehicle rebates, thermostat control programs, emergency diesel generation for Micron, and how imported electricity and out-of-state emissions would be treated. The Senate also adopted several previously adopted resolutions honoring the 50th anniversary of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, India Independence Day, the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame, and the 50th anniversary of Interfaith Works of Central New York. Senators spoke in support of each resolution, highlighting the contributions of Black legislators, Indian-American communities, veterans, and refugee and interfaith service organizations. The Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony was specifically noted as a chamber event, and guests were recognized from the floor and gallery. In addition, the Senate restored recalled bills to the third reading calendar through reconsideration votes and amendments, including a highway law bill and another recalled bill, and then stood at ease for scheduled conferences and a Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony before resuming session. The transcript ended with discussion of a separate bill affecting automobile insurance serious-injury standards, with questions about what claims would remain available and whether the change would improve affordability.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Soil and Water Conservation Commission agreed to that.
• The commission agreed to that. It appointed me as administrator on May 16th.
• Soon after assuming the role, the Governor's Office asked me to work with the commission and districts
• Today we're keeping our comments focused on the regular and ongoing duties of our commission.
• My name is George Hitz, and I'm the Deputy Administrator for the Soil and Water Conservation Commission

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Roger Batt, representing the Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission.
• And we also have Jules Germain and Moia Dolesby with us from the Grape and Wine Commission office.
• I have been with the commission... I have been with the commission for three years.
• And, yeah, the Wine Commission does a great job on the education side. That's definitely true.
• Yeah, the Wine Commission does a great job on the education side. That's definitely true.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee, if you remember when we had the Tax Commission here and we were looking at some of the rules
• And so I kind of sat down with the Tax Commission and we also looked at, if you remember, we passed that
• However, the Tax Commission did point out to me that with those two yard sales currently in law, there
• I don't know if that had ever actually happened, but the Tax Commission was concerned.
• The Tax Commission has some rules around this and also on their website.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 989, all