Transcript Highlights:

• But it is a system-wide process.
• And it is what it is. I’m sorry.
• out earlier this year does allow it to fully cover its costs in the near term.
• it bill last year and it was in partnership with UL SB 323 to make it easier for students to utilize
• We usually call it MCS 2.0.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard updates on higher education issues, beginning with California State University’s turnaround plans for seven campuses with enrollment declines. CSU said overall enrollment is growing systemwide, but some campuses, especially in Northern California, face structural declines tied to demographics and community college pipelines. The plans focus on reengaging stopped-out and adult learners, expanding partnerships and guaranteed admissions, improving retention and student support, and reducing costs through program suspensions, hiring freezes, shared services, and procurement consolidation. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the strategies were reasonable but urged regular legislative updates, and the Department of Finance had no additional comments. Committee members emphasized the need for implementation oversight, written updates, and attention to student outreach, financial aid, and privacy concerns around AI tools used in recruitment. The committee then reviewed the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education’s request for a $10 million General Fund appropriation to repay litigation-related borrowing. Department of Consumer Affairs and bureau staff said the bureau has a long-standing structural deficit, has already cut positions and shifted some costs, and that the General Fund backfill would reduce future fee increases on institutions. The LAO opposed the request, arguing the bureau can cover near-term costs with its existing loan and that litigation costs should remain the responsibility of the regulated entities through fees. Finance supported the one-time backfill as a unique situation that would lower fee increases and avoid passing litigation costs on to schools and students. Members asked about preventing a repeat of the problem, and bureau staff said they are pursuing fee increases through the sunset review and have strengthened internal policies and disability accommodation practices. The subcommittee also heard a broad update on Cal Grant funding and student aid. The California Student Aid Commission, UC, CSU, and the community colleges described Cal Grant as essential to affordability, but the LAO noted spending has grown faster than historical averages and said the state likely lacks capacity for major expansion in the near term. The segments highlighted the importance of state aid in covering tuition and living costs, and raised concerns about federal changes to student loans and Pell Grants, especially the elimination of Grad PLUS for some graduate students and limits on part-time borrowing. Committee members pressed for data on students who are eligible but not served by current Cal Grant rules, including adult learners and students affected by age and merit restrictions, and asked for analysis of phased-in implementation of the Cal Grant Equity Framework. Finance said full implementation would cost hundreds of millions of dollars and that affordability remains part of the state’s multi-year compact with the segments. Finally, the committee began discussion of the Middle Class Scholarship Program. CSAC and the UC and CSU said the program is a key part of affordability and debt reduction, especially after the 2022 reforms that expanded awards to total cost of attendance and improved administration. They warned that cutting funding by more than half would reduce award coverage from 35% to 17.5% of cost of attendance and could affect enrollment and persistence, particularly for middle-income students who do not qualify for other need-based aid. The segments also noted that recent administrative changes have reduced award revisions and campus workload, but that data exchange and award volatility remain challenges.

Transcript Highlights:

• And why or what is it, how is it being used?
• Our goal remains the same as it ever was, which is to deliver a reliable, modern, Next Generation 911
• And is it getting people to do it? Is having people that are qualified to do it?
• The second is $11.2 million General Fund in 2026-27 to continue the firearms IT systems modernization
• The second is $11.2 million General Fund in 2026-27 to continue the firearms IT systems modernization

Summary: The committee heard an overview from Cal OES on disaster response, LA wildfire recovery, federal FEMA reimbursements, security monitoring, and the state’s 911 transition. Cal OES said its budget supports disaster preparedness and recovery, including ongoing work in Los Angeles, where it reported about 700 FEMA public assistance applications totaling roughly $1.2 billion and about $545 million in state wildfire response and recovery funding already allocated under AB 100. Members pressed for more detail on FEMA delays, hazard mitigation grants, federal event planning, and the status of Operation Stonegarden, while also raising concerns about small-disaster recovery, federal shutdown impacts, and the need for more timely reporting. A major portion of the hearing focused on Next Generation 911. Cal OES described problems with the current regional deployment, especially call-routing and transfer failures, and said it now plans to shift to a statewide provider as an interim step, then run an open procurement for a long-term vendor. The agency said it expects to execute a bridging contract in the coming weeks, release an RFP in the second quarter of 2026, award a long-term contract in the fall, begin transitioning Los Angeles-area PSAPs ahead of the 2028 Olympics, and complete statewide migration by summer 2030. The LAO urged the Legislature to pause further implementation until it has more information on the problems, alternatives, costs, privacy/security issues, and oversight needs, and recommended quarterly and monthly reporting if the project proceeds. Several senators echoed concerns about cost, redundancy, cybersecurity, and whether the statewide model could create new risks, and the chair said she would pursue a joint oversight hearing with the Emergency Management Committee and seek input from the State Auditor. The Department of Justice then presented its overall workload and budget pressures. DOJ highlighted its work on fentanyl enforcement, human trafficking, firearms recovery, housing enforcement, consumer protection, environmental and civil rights litigation, and a large federal litigation workload, saying it has filed 59 lawsuits against the Trump administration and won most of them. DOJ said the added federal cases and other mandates have strained existing staff, though 44 additional hires have been made. Members praised DOJ’s work on immigration, housing, and federal accountability, and asked for more information on detention facilities and staffing. The committee also reviewed DOJ’s firearms-related budget proposals. DOJ requested funding for continued firearms IT modernization, implementation of SB 704 on firearm barrels, and a temporary shift of Bureau of Firearms costs to the General Fund. The LAO supported the IT modernization request but recommended funding SB 704 from the Dealer’s Record of Sale Special Account, with startup costs covered by a loan from the Firearm Safety and Enforcement Special Fund, and suggested limiting the General Fund shift to one year and treating it as a loan. The LAO also asked DOJ to develop a framework by January 10, 2027, for deciding which firearm and ammunition workload should be supported by fee revenue rather than the General Fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• And why or what is it, how is it being used?
• Our goal remains the same as it ever was, which is to deliver a reliable, modern, next generation 911
• The regional architecture didn't build it into the one system; it did it by adding systems.
• And is it getting people to do it? Is having people that are qualified to do it?
• The second is $11.2 million General Fund in 2026–27 to continue the firearms IT systems modernization

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation heard updates from the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Department of Justice. Cal OES Acting Director Tina Curry described the department’s proposed budget, disaster response and recovery work, Los Angeles wildfire recovery, FEMA reimbursement delays, hazard mitigation grant applications, planning for major events like the FIFA World Cup and LA28 Olympics, and the state’s next generation 911 priorities. Senators raised concerns about Operation Stonegarden, small-disaster recovery delays, FEMA reimbursement timing, VOCA funding, and the need for more detailed reporting on federal grants and recovery costs. The committee then focused on Next Generation 911. Cal OES staff said the current regional deployment encountered call-routing and transfer failures, leading the department to pause further rollout and propose a new phased plan centered on a statewide provider, followed by an open procurement for a long-term vendor. They said the plan is intended to improve reliability, simplify architecture, and support Los Angeles-area PSAPs ahead of the Olympics, with a target of full statewide transition by summer 2030. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to pause major changes until it receives more information, including a clearer explanation of the problems, alternatives considered, costs, cybersecurity and privacy issues, and oversight needs. Members expressed mixed views, with some supporting a joint oversight hearing and requesting quarterly fiscal reports and monthly progress updates. The Department of Justice then presented its overall workload, emphasizing public safety enforcement, fentanyl and human trafficking prosecutions, housing enforcement, civil rights work, and extensive federal litigation against the Trump administration. DOJ said the additional federal accountability work has significantly increased staffing and overtime demands, though it has hired 44 additional employees. The committee also heard DOJ’s firearms workload proposal, including funding for SB 704 implementation, continued firearms IT modernization, and a proposed shift of Bureau of Firearms costs to the General Fund. The LAO recommended using special funds and loans instead of ongoing General Fund support where possible, and asked DOJ to develop a framework by January 2027 for determining which firearms and ammunition workload should be supported by fee revenue. The Department of Finance largely agreed with the need for SB 704 funding but disagreed with the LAO’s proposed loan approach for the firearms account.

Transcript Highlights:

• It gets hot in the summer.
• It is warm. But, you know, Not those three months out of the year. It is warm.
• In 2007, FTB introduced its tax system modernization, which was a 30-year strategic vision comprising
• We'd like to open it up to any questions. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate it.
• We appreciate it, and I appreciate it.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on State Administration heard several budget proposals from CDTFA, the Board of Equalization, and the Franchise Tax Board. The first panel focused on cannabis, hemp, flavored tobacco, and related enforcement. CDTFA requested ongoing funding to implement cannabis tax changes, enforce the new intoxicating hemp restrictions and flavored tobacco seizure authority, and continue compliance work. The department said it is targeting illicit product, protecting licensed businesses, and using referrals from the public and lawmakers to focus inspections. The LAO supported some of the proposals but urged the Legislature to treat them as part of a longer-term enforcement strategy and raised concerns about the use of General Fund support for cannabis enforcement. Public testimony on the cannabis item largely supported stronger enforcement and funding for the legal market. The committee also heard CDTFA’s request to reappropriate funds for an upgrade to the CROS tax collection system, which would improve taxpayer services, security, and software maintenance without adding new money. A separate CDTFA proposal would make all delivery network companies, such as DoorDash and Uber Eats, marketplace facilitators for sales tax purposes. CDTFA said the change would reduce confusion for restaurants and improve compliance, while the LAO questioned whether the proposal functioned more like a tax increase because it would also capture service fees. Members raised affordability concerns, but the proposal was framed by the administration as a parity and compliance measure. The subcommittee then considered a governor’s proposal for a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit. Finance argued the credit would help decarbonize aviation and support in-state production, while the LAO recommended rejection, citing cost, uncertainty about environmental benefits, possible diversion of diesel excise tax revenues from transportation programs, and concerns about consistency with voter-approved transportation funding rules. Testimony from airlines, labor unions, airports, and refinery workers strongly supported the credit, emphasizing union jobs, refinery conversions, and emissions reductions, while fuel retailers and some others warned about fiscal risk and higher fuel prices. The chair and some members expressed support for the proposal despite the funding concerns. Finally, the BOE presented an IT modernization project for state-assessed property administration, saying the current system is outdated and manual and that a new system is needed to improve accuracy, cybersecurity, and workflow efficiency, especially with a likely increase in workload from new VoIP assessments. The LAO asked for more justification for the timing, but BOE said the urgency stems from aging systems and growing workload. BOE also requested modest funding to implement SB 293 changes to intergenerational property transfers and wildfire relief guidance, which the LAO did not oppose. The Franchise Tax Board began its presentation on the final phase of its Enterprise Data to Revenue modernization effort, describing the project’s rollout across audit, collections, legal, and filing enforcement workloads and noting it is now in a warranty period.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it is what it is. I'm sorry.
• out earlier this year does allow it to fully cover its costs in the near term.
• it bill last year and it was in partnership with UL SB 323 to make it easier for students to utilize
• We typically call it MCS 2.0.
• It could have And housing would have made it extremely difficult to stay on this path.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Like when it rains, Like when it rains, all of us get wet. That's what God's love is like.
• Whereas human trafficking is a modern form of slavery that exploits individuals through force, is a modern
• The ayes appear to have it. So ordered.
• The ayes appear to have it. So ordered.
• The House Ways and Means Committee will not be meeting tomorrow morning for its regular agenda, but it

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> definition of kindergarten to make it definition of kindergarten to make it clear<00:04:51.759><
• </c> because it is incorrect. because it is incorrect.
• And so it takes it out of its inappropriate statutory home. And finally, Article 4.
• Jordan for carrying it.
• It may just be able to be an others. It may just be able to be an oral<00:32:13.919><c> amendment.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't really have it.
• So across all of the areas, again, our hope is just to modernize statute to ensure that it aligns with
• It just feels like... ...we need it because the vendor thought it was a good idea, and it would help
• Is it the IT committee or is it the DOGE committee? Where does that land?
• it.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What their age is, or who it is, and as I understand it, before it was $5,000.
• Again it was it was uh, it was what yeah, it was a mistake I should have a knowledge receipt, but don't
• It didn't used to be. this way and it shouldn't be.
• it?
• It is imperative that funds be provided to modernize the RTS system so that we can continue to serve

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> And I think, yeah, that's it. So, it removes it to just those who are elected.
• </c> doing it, explain why you couldn't do it doing it, explain why you couldn't do it cuz<00:37:37.920
• /c><00:50:39.000><c> like</c><00:50:39.280><c> any</c> and it it sounds to me like any and it it sounds
• stopped work on it at its last hearing.
• Our plan on it at its last hearing.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also advances needed government efficiencies by cutting waste, modernizing technology and cybersecurity
• , not weaponizing, the by modernizing, not weaponizing, the IRS.<04:53:37.600><c> It</c><04:53:37.840
• They said it couldn't be done. We're going to do it.
• They said it couldn't be done. We're going to do it.
• Uh, it is a recent one that actually talks about what a modern nuclear war would look like from the point

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So as far as the life expectancy with modernization or any type of upgrades to it, um, environmental
• So as far as the life expectancy with modernization or any type of upgrades to it, um, environmental
• So as far as the life expectancy with modernization or any type of upgrades to it, um, environmental
• So as far as the life expectancy with modernization or any type of upgrades to it, um, environmental
• So as far as the life expectancy with modernization or any type of upgrades to it, um, environmental

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:10 Approval of Minutes 00:01:19 Helping Power Kentucky's Growth (LG&E/KU) 00:01:39 Update from Kentucky's Electric Cooperatives 00:47:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the previous meeting, and then heard a presentation from LG&E and KU representatives Caroline Clark and John Bevington on economic development, energy demand, and the utility’s role in supporting Kentucky’s growth. Bevington described the company’s service territory, generation fleet, and recent economic development activity, including 76 projects supported in 2024, more than $2.8 billion in private investment, and over 3,000 new jobs. He emphasized that data centers are now the dominant driver in the pipeline, with 22 data center projects representing about 8.7 of the 9.7 gigawatts of potential demand, alongside other manufacturing and commercial projects. A major focus was how data centers choose sites and how utilities respond. Bevington explained that hyperscale data centers typically approach utilities first because they need transmission-level access, and that utilities then conduct internal analyses, estimate infrastructure needs, and require financial security before proceeding. He said the company is working through formal transmission studies and long-lead infrastructure planning, and noted that Kentucky’s sales tax exemption for data centers helped attract interest. He also outlined the economic benefits of data centers, citing an announced Louisville project of 525 megawatts and about $11 billion in investment, with an estimated $500 million in new tax revenue over 10 years, plus broader job and GDP impacts. Members asked about whether data centers could generate their own power, the reliability of the pipeline numbers given confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements, and cybersecurity concerns. Bevington said the company does not assume all pipeline projects will materialize in Kentucky and instead assigns probabilities to avoid overbuilding. He also said he was not the right person to address cybersecurity in detail but offered to return to a committee focused on IT or security. In response to questions about future supply, he said LG&E and KU are adding generation through a 120-megawatt solar facility in Mercer County, a 120-megawatt solar purchase in Marion County, and a 645-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle plant in Louisville, with PSC approval recently granted for additional generation and related system upgrades.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was at a data center, so it was a much smaller scale, but it was the raised-floor fire suppression
• c> with this you got it go there it is with this you got it go there it is okay<01:09:40.120><c> Miss
• it varies it can security zones uh but it varies it can go<01:14:05.960><c> all</c><01:14:06.120><c>
• It takes time.
• but it but it was adamantly opposed this but it but it was passed<01:26:09.000><c> over</c><01:26:09.320

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> has been a child welfare IT has been a child welfare IT modernization modernization modernization
• Oh, this is where you get to hear about the IT modernization. We get to move on it modernization.
• And so starting with the IT modernization...
• I think all done on the IT modernization part of things then.
• I think all done on the IT modernization part of things then.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Select Board then brought it to town meeting.
• serves, is that it reduces the number of town meeting members.
• It reduces the number of town meeting members.
• It would take it down to a three-member board.
• The ayes have it. This hearing now stands adjourned. Thank you.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a public hearing on several local bills affecting Plymouth, Dunstable/Groton-Dunstable, Shrewsbury, Danvers, and the Town of Berry. Committee chairs reviewed hearing procedures, including three-minute testimony limits, livestreaming, and written testimony submission, and noted members joining in person and online. No votes were taken on the bills themselves during the hearing. Representative Michelle Badger testified in support of H.5497 for Plymouth, which would let the town move its annual spring town meeting and local elections to a later date so budget decisions can be made with more complete information about the state budget and state aid. Lacey McCabe and Dunstable Town Administrator Jason Silva supported S.3118/H.5542, which would address an election error that left a Groton-Dunstable Regional School Committee seat off the ballot and allow the vacancy to be filled for the full three-year term rather than only a one-year appointment. Kevin Mizikar supported H.5512 for Shrewsbury, which would allow digital postings to serve as official legal notices for procurement instead of requiring newspaper publication. Senator Lovely, Danvers Town Manager Jill Cahill, and Representative Kearns testified for H.5571, describing it as an update to Danvers’ town meeting act with precinct changes, moderator-election provisions, and other governance revisions approved locally. Kearns said the bill followed a year-long review and included largely housekeeping and modernization changes. John Chase testified against H.5577 for the Town of Berry, arguing that eliminating the DPW board would reduce oversight and concentrate too much power, though he noted the highway superintendent now has a signed MOU. The hearing ended after the chair asked for and received a motion to adjourn, which was approved by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• It modernizes Wyoming law without expanding government or increasing costs.
• It modernizes Wyoming law without expanding government or increasing costs.
• It modernizes Wyoming law without expanding government or increasing costs.
• It modernizes Wyoming law without expanding government or increasing costs.
• It modernizes Wyoming law without expanding government or increasing costs.

Bills: HB0117, HB0126

Keywords: informed consent, abortion, civil liability, coercion, healthcare rights, fetal heartbeat, termination of pregnancy, medical emergency, Wyoming legislation, rights of minors, healthcare regulations, parental consent, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it.
• Have you seen it? No, I have not. All right. Well, we'll leave it. We'll forward it to you, okay?
• It was $250. It was obviously lifted with no cap.
• Well, we had it right. Yeah, you had it about 50. Yeah, you had it about—you had it right.
• Well, we had it right. Yeah, you had it about 50. Yeah, you had it about, you had it right.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began. MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• it.
• Have you seen it? No, I have not. All right. Well, we'll leave it. We'll forward it to you, okay?
• It has not. It has not. Have any questions about who was involved with us? Got it.
• It was $250. It was obviously lifted with no cap.
• Well, we had it right. Yeah, you had it about 50. Yeah, you had it about, you had it right.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Modern anti-Semitism rears its ugly head during attacks at synagogues, shootings on beaches, and marches
• Modern<00:33:32.000><c> anti-semitism</c><00:33:33.279><c> rears</c><00:33:33.600><c> its</c><00:33:33.840
• ><c> ugly</c><00:33:34.080><c> head</c> Modern anti-semitism rears its ugly head Modern anti-semitism
• </c><00:34:47.919><c> and</c> humanity lost its mind and its heart and humanity lost its mind and its
• But it family was in it. They nothing.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It keeps it simple and straightforward. Mr.
• Speaker and gentlelady, it is certainly to modernize and to bring a new level of professionalism and
• It's a general examination of legislative modernization in New Mexico, and it shows that the percent
• It delivers in the complexity of modern governance.
• It just stops them from adding additional fees and permits to it. and permits to it. Mr.

Bills: HB145, HB164, HJR6, HR1, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB166, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HB99, HB206, HB213, HB270, HJR5, SB104, SB193, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, lobbying, transparency, public records, government oversight, accountability, constitutional amendment, legislative sessions, veto override, New Mexico legislature, session length, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation