Transcript Highlights:

• at least worth consulting with Representative Boyd because we had a lot of discussion about this extension
• of discussion about this this extension of discussion about this this extension down<01:04:26.880
• to other folks who are then extension to other folks who are then going<01:10:37.600> to<01:10
• My understanding was we had an extensive conversation for a few hours as part of code.
• They my understanding was we had<01:22:49.360> an<01:22:49.600> extensive<01:22:50.159>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the bill that we had extensive walk-through on in our last meeting, so if Mr.
• Chair Clardy is correct that I did a fairly extensive walkthrough of the DE2 when the committee met on
• work that Mr George has done extensive work that Mr George has done going<00:49:56.799> diving
• We just need a one-year extension. We are not requesting additional funding.
• The second reason we need the extension is because of the discovery and review of historic documents,

Bills: HF1837, HF361, HF2725, HF2566, HF2744, HF1685, HF501, HF1889, HF1389

Keywords: state policy, employment, health insurance, fossil designation, public funds, community resources, Capitol Mall, grantmaking, community vitality, livability, funding, healthy aging, aging policy, older adults, seniors, elderly, gerontology, long-term care, assisted living, nursing homes

Transcript Highlights:

• before the shortage situation extensions before the shortage situation resolves<00:34:22.960> itself
• Today's extensive rehabilitation work that's required is why we estimate it'll be between $90 million
• <00:53:06.240> Rehabilitation to today's what extensive Rehabilitation to today's what extensive
• This requires that lease extensions approved by the BLNR be drafted on forms that reflect contemporary
• this requires that lease extensions this requires that lease extensions approved<01:15:14.520>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several water, land, and conservation measures. HB 86, which would fund a permanent DLNR Makai Watch coordinator position, drew strong support from DLNR and community advocates. Testifiers said the coordinator is needed to connect community-based nearshore monitoring groups with government, support training and reporting, and provide stable civil-service funding instead of relying on grants and philanthropy. The committee discussed the position’s duties and cost, estimated at about $110,000 with fringe benefits, and noted broad support from organizations including Kuaʻulu, The Nature Conservancy, OHA, and others. HB 36, relating to state water code penalties, was also supported in principle by DLNR, but the agency proposed amendments to create two tiers of violations, distinguish first-time/non-harmful violations from repeat or harmful ones, and give the commission discretion on whether each day counts as a continuing violation. DLNR said the bill is intended to address egregious cases such as Red Hill while avoiding undue impact on small farmers and others without malicious intent. Testifiers from the Board of Water Supply, Lono Initiative, and others supported stronger penalties and transparency, while Earthjustice raised concerns about broader structural issues and the risk of penalties being applied unfairly. The committee then heard HB 316, which appropriates funds to continue the Green Jobs Youth Corps program. DLNR, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, Kōkua, The Nature Conservancy, and other groups testified in support, describing the program as a workforce pipeline that places young professionals in communities, builds trust, and helps recruit future state employees. Supporters said the program has expanded capacity in watershed and reef management and has drawn extensive public backing. Finally, HB 506, funding equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, received support from DLNR and others. DOCARE said recent recruit classes are moving through training, that the new positions will expand patrol capacity, including nighttime enforcement, and that the Oʻahu-specific funding is tied to priorities such as the Māʻili Bay herbivore rules. The committee also began hearing HB 510 on water shortage and emergency declarations. DLNR proposed limiting shortage declarations to 90 days unless extended, capping groundwater reductions at 20% for lower-priority permits, removing climate-crisis language as a standalone criterion, and moving the process into rulemaking for more public input. The Board of Water Supply supported the bill and the proposed changes, while Earthjustice urged deferral absent broader Water Commission reforms. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would be decision-making after the hearing on items on the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• this will also be extended to July 1st of 2035, and also in additional line 3.15 continues this extension
• this will also be extended to July 1st of 2035, and also in additional line 3.15 continues this extension
• <00:10:54.560> uh<00:10:55.079> effective continues this uh extension uh effective
• continues this uh extension uh effective retroactively<00:10:56.480> for<00:10:56.680> taxable
• Ultimately, this tax credit in today's bill represents a natural extension of our state's commitment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The new program is an extensive retooling so that everything fits into the Engaged Scholar Awards, and
• The new program is an extensive retooling so that everything fits into the Engaged Scholar Awards, and
• The new program is an extensive retooling so that everything fits into the Engaged Scholar Awards, and
• The new program is an extensive retooling so that everything fits into the Engaged Scholar Awards, and
• The new program is an extensive retooling so that everything fits into the Engaged Scholar Awards, and

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Amber Cameron of the University of Minnesota’s Office for Public Engagement about the University’s Outstanding Community Service Awards and, specifically, the community partner award given to Communities United Against Police Brutality in 2021 and 2024. Cameron explained that the awards program recognizes faculty, staff, students, and community partners, that nominations are reviewed by University selection committees using criteria such as positive societal impact, innovation, extraordinary results, and overall impression, and that the committee evaluates only the application materials. She said the nomination for Communities United Against Police Brutality described a long-standing partnership with the University through student learning, including work through the Center for Community-Engaged Learning and a student white paper connected to the passage of Travis’s Law. Committee members raised concerns about the organization’s history, its public messaging, and whether it was appropriate for the University to honor it. One member argued that the group’s IRS records showed it was formally organized in 2020, questioned claims that it had existed for 25 years, and objected to the organization’s letterhead and activism. Cameron responded that the award does not require formal tax status and that the selection process relies on the nomination packet rather than outside information. She also said the award nomination documented work with 130 course offerings across 17 academic departments and about 1,000 students over 24 years. Cameron further said the award program was being phased out and retooled into a new internal Engaged Scholar Awards program focused on community-engaged scholarship rather than volunteer service. No vote or formal action was taken during the exchange, and the discussion ended with questions about the nomination materials and how the University defines the organization’s work with students and faculty.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a very extensive rulemaking that right now we have a draft.
• It's a very extensive rulemaking that right now we have a draft rule out for public comments, which were
• I was thinking like a best efforts extension, a good cause exception.
• If you're telling me I can't get an extension cord to connect to the grid in batch zero, then when can
• And so we just need to understand for us, and again, by extension, that's a state in the country.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is one amendment, and it clarifies the deadline for current DROP participant to request an extension
• There is one amendment, and it clarifies the deadline for current DROP participant to request an extension
• on a number of really difficult issues, including the DDA and energy issues, we worked through extensively
• :59.040> through energy issues, um we worked through energy issues, um we worked through extensively
• on of of things, and it's extensively on of of things, and it's it<00:23:02.800> as<00:23:03.080

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 16, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened on Monday, March 16th, with an invocation focused on safety during storms, support for first responders, and recognition of Women’s History Month. A quorum was present, and the President noted the chamber was preparing for a very busy week, with possible double sessions and a Saturday session if needed. The House message on House Bill 297, concerning adult education and high school diploma pathways, was received and referred to the appropriate standing committees. The chamber then took up several committee reports, mostly adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection. Among the bills advanced to third reading were SB 85 on use of Information Technology Investment Fund revenues, SB 520 on public safety spending flexibility in charter counties, SB 558 creating a Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program, SB 641 on procurement exceptions for historic preservation services, SB 647 establishing a catastrophic disability benefit tier for certain law enforcement retirement members, SB 654 raising the State Police mandatory retirement age to 62 and adjusting DROP rules, and SB 668 on Children’s Cabinet funding for local management boards. SB 756, a Baltimore City PILOT/tax exemption bill for a Downtown Rise District project, was also advanced. Several bills were special ordered to allow time for amendments or further discussion. SB 334 on machine gun convertible pistols was special ordered to the next day after members said amendments were not ready. SB 309, concerning a statewide sales and use tax exemption for precious metal bullion or coins, was also special ordered for the next day so members could add co-sponsors. SB 818 on State Center development contract requirements and an advisory group was special ordered to the appropriate time the next day after discussion of its community input and federal-law compliance provisions. The Budget and Taxation Committee then reported on the fiscal 2027 operating budget, SB 282, and the budget reconciliation and financing act, SB 284. The committee chair said the budget left a $250 million cash surplus and $2.2 billion in the rainy day fund, kept general fund spending below the current year, imposed no tax or fee increases, and funded priorities including behavioral health in schools, child care scholarships, local government disparity grants, nursing homes, developmental disabilities services, public schools, Medicaid, energy assistance, and economic development. Both SB 282 and SB 284, along with their committee amendments, were laid over until the next day for second reading debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> House Bill 1014 by Representatives Tiger and Basineer, also Senator Friselle, concerning extension
• Representatives McCormack and Tagard, also Senators Michaelson, Jana, and Simpson, concerning the extension
• of the Colorado job concerning extension of the Colorado job growth<02:10:54.159> incentive<02
• of<02:11:06.960> the<02:11:07.119> Colorado<02:11:07.679> homeless the extension
• of the Colorado homeless the extension of the Colorado homeless contribution<02:11:08.800> tax

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened for the opening of the second regular session of the 75th General Assembly of the State of Colorado with ceremonial music, the presentation of colors by the Civil Air Patrol, the national anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber then handled organizational business, including appointing Vanessa Riley as chief clerk temporarily, establishing a quorum, and reading notices of resignations and vacancy appointments. The Committee on Credentials was appointed, met, and reported that Lori Goldstein and Kenny Van Wyn were properly appointed to fill vacancies in House Districts 29 and 33; the House adopted the report and both representatives-elect were sworn in. Afterward, the House appointed committees to notify the Senate and the governor that it was organized and ready for business, and later received those committees’ reports back in chamber. The House also received and read the full list of committee of reference and Joint Budget Committee assignments for the session. These included standing committees such as Appropriations, Education, Finance, Judiciary, Health and Human Services, Transportation, Housing, and Local Government, among others, along with the Joint Budget Committee membership. No substantive bills were debated or voted on in this transcript beyond the organizational motions and adoption of the credentials report. The remainder of the meeting consisted of opening-day remarks from House leadership. The Speaker and other members welcomed new and returning legislators, thanked staff and veterans, and noted recent losses and a moment of silence for those who had passed. The Speaker’s address focused on political violence, the state’s fiscal challenges, affordability, health care, housing, education, public lands, civil rights, and the need to lower costs while protecting prior policy gains. The session was framed as one in which the House would work on budget pressures, affordability, and continued investments in schools, health care, housing, and environmental protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I'm going to ask for an extension. And if I don't get the extension, you'll cut me off.
• to<00:51:34.079> ask<00:51:34.240> for<00:51:34.400> an<00:51:34.559> extension
• So, I'm going to ask for an extension. So, I'm going to ask for an extension.
• c><00:51:36.160> don't<00:51:36.240> get<00:51:36.319> the<00:51:36.559> extension
• ,<00:51:36.880> you'll And if I don't get the extension, you'll And if I don't get the extension

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• else that that person won't be able to access their benefit until they get the waiver or the more extensive
• else that that person won't be able to access their benefit until they get the waiver or the more extensive
• else that that person won't be able to access their benefit until they get the waiver or the more extensive
• else that that person won't be able to access their benefit until they get the waiver or the more extensive
• else that that person won't be able to access their benefit until they get the waiver or the more extensive

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You have an insurance regulator with extensive authority to get you answers on specific insurance questions
• You have an insurance<00:25:57.760> regulator<00:25:58.880> with<00:25:59.360> extensive
• insurance regulator with extensive insurance regulator with extensive authority<00:26:01.279>
• 37:13.440> worked<00:37:13.680> with<00:37:13.920> pretty<00:37:14.240> extensively
• who I've worked with pretty extensively who I've worked with pretty extensively through<00:37:15.520

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The interim task force on disaster prevention and resiliency met for its fourth meeting and focused heavily on insurance markets, affordability, and mitigation. Cochairs noted they are working toward recommendations for a later fall meeting. The main presentation came from David Snyder of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, who said the insurance industry sees itself as part of the problem and part of the solution because it ultimately pays for losses created by natural conditions, development choices, and construction practices. Snyder described rising losses from natural catastrophes, inflation-driven increases in rebuilding and repair costs, more development in disaster-prone areas, wildfire exposure, severe convective storms, hail, and roof damage. He argued that Kentucky should avoid the mistakes he attributed to California, where regulatory responses contributed to a strained insurance market and greater reliance on the FAIR Plan. He said Kentucky’s private market appears to be functioning better, with relatively few FAIR Plan policies, and urged lawmakers to preserve that market through risk-based rates and policies that do not worsen availability. He recommended a broad mitigation strategy involving stronger building codes, land-use decisions, stormwater infrastructure, public access to risk data, and incentives for resilient construction. He highlighted programs such as the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, fortified-home standards, wildfire-prepared community practices, and examples from Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida showing that mitigation can produce quick returns and insurance discounts. He also suggested catastrophe savings accounts, flexible coverage options, and a whole-of-government approach that includes the insurance department, building-code agencies, first responders, FEMA, NFIP, and NOAA. In questions, a legislator asked about the prognosis if carriers continue exiting markets and if nothing is done to address affordability and accessibility. Snyder said he could not predict market exits but stressed that regulators should monitor the market closely, use available data, and focus on loss prevention and mitigation. He said insurers want to do business in Kentucky and that the long-term solution is coordinated action among public and private stakeholders to reduce risk and keep coverage available.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is through my extensive work experience in multiple clinical and in-hospital settings, as well as
• It is through my extensive work experience in multiple clinical and in hospital settings, as well as
• I strongly urge you to review these documents carefully before considering any extension for CMTC.
• For that, we are grateful and do support the sunset extension. Thank you. Good morning.
• It seems to me that those who are opposed to this extension of CMTC fall into three categories: those

Summary: The joint sunset oversight hearing reviewed five regulatory entities: the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the Board of Psychology, the Physician Assistant Board, the Podiatric Medical Board, and the California Massage Therapy Council. Across the hearing, each entity described recent accomplishments, licensing and enforcement workload, workforce shortages, and efforts to modernize processes. Common themes included streamlining licensure, expanding access to care, addressing telehealth or emerging technology, and balancing consumer protection with workforce needs. For the Board of Behavioral Sciences, members discussed workforce shortages in mental health, supervision barriers, telehealth confidentiality, AI in therapy, interstate compacts, school-based services, and military spouse licensure. The board said it has expanded outreach, improved licensing processes, and created temporary practice authority tracking, while also expressing concern about counseling compacts and emphasizing California-specific law, ethics, and cultural competency. Public commenters supported the board’s work and the possible move to a national MFT exam, while also urging more resources. The Board of Psychology highlighted fee adjustments, streamlined licensure pathways, enforcement process improvements, new CPD requirements, and proposed changes including a psychotherapist-client privilege exception for investigations. Committee members and public witnesses focused heavily on that privilege proposal, with some members opposing it as too broad and privacy-invasive, while the board argued it is needed to obtain records in bias and sexual misconduct cases. The board also discussed workforce shortages, processing improvements, and the use of inactive status for psychological associates. The Physician Assistant Board reported growth in the PA workforce and education programs, SB 697 implementation, and financial pressure from rising enforcement costs. The main policy debate centered on physician-to-PA ratios and practice agreements, with board representatives and many public commenters arguing that current restrictions limit access to care, especially in rural areas, while the California Medical Association defended the need for explicit ratios and agreements. The board also discussed AI, fee increases, and tracking temporary practice authority. The Podiatric Medical Board described licensing and renewal reforms, residency expansion, enforcement support, and budget constraints, while public testimony raised concerns about a proposed fee increase and about reimbursement parity and practice recognition for podiatrists. Finally, the California Massage Therapy Council defended the certification model over licensure, citing lower costs, local government collaboration, anti-trafficking work, and its role in vetting applications and disciplining bad actors; no formal votes or final actions were taken during this portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I got information here about the extensive grant requirements that were put into place, expanding the
• information here about the extensive information here about the extensive Grant<00:50:55.319>
• 2019, I was quite involved when there were concerns about the integrity of the CCAP program and extensive
• 2019, I was quite involved when there were concerns about the integrity of the CCAP program and extensive
• 2019, I was quite involved when there were concerns about the integrity of the CCAP program and extensive

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um they are doing, you know, the academics, they're doing the research, they have extension.
• So, um they are doing, you know, the academics, they're doing the research, they have extension.
• So, um they are doing, you know, the academics, they're doing the research, they have extension.
• So, um they are doing, you know, the academics, they're doing the research, they have extension.
• <00:37:47.440> I the research, they have extension. I the research, they have extension.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the beginning, but then others, like the Ninth Circuit, have found that meetings are more like an extension
• the beginning, but then others, like the Ninth Circuit, have found that meetings are more like an extension

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Rules Committee met to consider House Bill 2074, an abortion regulation measure that would add a reporting requirement and make failure to comply a class two misdemeanor. The Rules Attorney said the bill is in proper form but flagged possible constitutional issues in light of Arizona’s 2024 Prop. 139, which established a fundamental right to abortion and bars laws that deny, restrict, or interfere with that right. Members questioned the penalty and whether similar reporting requirements exist for other fundamental rights. The bill was recommended as constitutional and in proper form by a 5-3 vote, with opponents arguing it would criminalize providers and volunteers and conflict with the voters’ constitutional amendment. The committee then took up a mass motion covering numerous other bills and memorials. The Rules Attorney said the measures were in proper form, and offered a specific comment on House Bill 2110, which concerns prayer at school board meetings. He noted that courts are split on whether such prayer is permissible and said the sponsor was working with the office on a floor amendment to address potential legal concerns. After no further questions, the committee approved the mass motion by an 8-0 vote, recommending the listed measures as constitutional and in proper form. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The list of those opposed is extensive. Great. Thank you very much. Thank you.
• It is in writing and the list of those opposed is extensive. Great. Thank you very much. Thank you.
• Each pilot has gone through an extensive selection, training, and evaluation process in accordance with
• The next group up will, you can talk extensively on District 3.
• Since there is already a body with extensive experience in the administration of the protective order

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states. The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since its release, we have received extensive feedback from a wide range of stakeholders.
• One is the extension of liquidation of $430,000 for the Early Psychosis Intervention Plus program.
• Essentially, this is just a one-year extension for one grantee who started one year later as a result
• The second reappropriation proposal is to do a two-year extension for the liquidation of $7,768,000 for
• HCAI has extensive experience in collecting and reporting prescription drug data.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held an informational hearing on the Governor’s May Revision, focusing first on the Commission on Behavioral Health, then EMSA, and then the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The Department of Finance said the state faces a third consecutive deficit and that the May Revision includes difficult trade-offs, including proposed eliminations or reversions of some behavioral health and public health funds. The LAO echoed concern about the structural deficit and said it was still awaiting some budget details before offering a full analysis. For the Commission on Behavioral Health, Finance proposed eliminating $20 million in Mental Health Wellness Act funds, arguing the money would help offset General Fund costs and noting future Proposition 1 innovation funding. The commission strongly opposed the cut, saying it would eliminate or delay launch-ready grants for early childhood supports, full-service partnerships, and peer respite, and would eventually end ongoing grant programming. Several advocates and commissioners testified that the funds support underserved communities and that Proposition 1 is not a substitute for the existing programs. The chair asked Finance to look for alternatives, but no vote was taken. EMSA presented mostly technical budget adjustments: increased authority for the California Poison Control System, a correction to EMSIS funding, and a reappropriation for enterprise services and data management. CDPH then reviewed a broader set of May Revision proposals, including reversions from the California Reducing Disparities Project, workforce development, STD prevention, hepatitis C prevention, hospice, and extreme heat funding, as well as a new generative AI pilot for health facility survey reporting. Members raised concerns about cuts to CRDP and gender health equity programs, especially because many grants are mid-contract and serve underserved communities; CDPH said the reversions were part of solving the deficit and that CRDP had been successful, while also clarifying that abortion.ca.gov would not be eliminated. Public comment was overwhelmingly opposed to the CRDP and related cuts, with many speakers describing the programs as life-saving and cost-effective. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of the K-12 Strong Workforce Program, it has fostered an extensive network of local educational
• PE programs and generating extensive apportionment revenue as a result.
• The development of the master plan included extensive public input from across the state.
• If there is an extension, that may vary, again, just depending, but there's a possibility there as well
• If there is an extension, that may vary, again, just depending, but there's a possibility there as well

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance heard an overview of the governor’s new Career Education Master Plan and related budget items. Labor Secretary Knox described the plan as an effort to reduce fragmentation across K-12, community colleges, workforce boards, and other systems by improving statewide and regional coordination, data sharing, skills-based hiring, career pathways, and wraparound supports such as child care, housing, food, and transportation. Members asked how success would be measured, how the plan would serve disconnected youth and adults, and whether the proposed data integration would rely on Cradle to Career; the secretary said it would. The Department of Finance said it was available to answer questions on the education side. The committee then reviewed existing CTE funding and oversight. The LAO, CDE, and Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office described the major ongoing programs, including CTIG, Perkins, K-12 Strong Workforce, and Community College Strong Workforce, and noted that many programs overlap in purpose and administration. Members repeatedly raised concerns about duplication, annual applications and reporting burdens, lack of clear outcome metrics, and whether funding incentives should be better aligned to regional collaboration. CDE and the Chancellor’s Office said they support alignment and dual enrollment, and Finance and CDE said LCFF/local match dollars are part of the funding structure. The committee also discussed child care as a barrier to participation and the need for better tracking of enrollment, completion, and job outcomes. On the consolidated application proposal, Finance proposed a study directing CDE to examine whether three long-standing CTE grant programs—Specialized Secondary Programs, CTIG, and California Partnership Academies—could be streamlined into a single application and reporting process. The LAO supported reducing administrative burden but noted that the largest programs, CTIG and K-12 Strong Workforce, were excluded from the proposal even though districts most often cite them as burdensome. CDE said it did not oppose the study but warned that statutory differences may limit consolidation. Members said the proposal should better address regional coordination, multi-year funding stability, and outcome measures rather than only simplifying paperwork. Finally, the committee heard a proposal for a $5 million ongoing California Education Interagency Council. GovOps said the council would provide a neutral venue for statewide coordination across education and workforce systems. The LAO opposed the proposal, arguing that existing bodies already provide coordination, the proposal does not change agency incentives, and the council would lack authority to implement decisions. Members expressed mixed views, with some supporting a coordinating body and others questioning whether it would differ from past efforts. No votes were taken during the portions summarized here, and the committee indicated it would hold some items open for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Karen Knudsen, for four decades, has extensive Asia-Pacific experience, 30 years at the East-West Center
• <00:02:16.560> Asia-Pacific<00:02:17.600> experience,<00:02:18.400> 30 extensive
• Asia-Pacific experience, 30 extensive Asia-Pacific experience, 30 years<00:02:19.080> at<00:02
• . extensions. extensions.
• . extension. extension.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several gubernatorial nominations for confirmation, beginning with GM 788 for Karen Knudsen to the Hawaii Sister State and International Partnerships Commission. DBEDT strongly supported her nomination, describing her decades of Asia-Pacific and East-West Center experience. Senators asked about the new commission structure, confirming that the old committee was abolished and replaced by a five-voting-member commission with two governor appointees before the Senate, other ex officio and legislative appointees, and one OHA vacancy still pending. Knudsen said the commission would help review new sister-state and international partnership proposals, while existing relationships would remain in place. Members also discussed the commission’s lack of a separate budget and its use of DBEDT international relations funding. The committee then moved to GM 789 for Wesley Fong to the same commission; DBEDT supported him based on his military, legal, and international trade background. A concern was raised that he also served on the State Ethics Commission, and Fong stated he had resigned from that post effective the 20th of the month to avoid a conflict. Senators questioned his reasons for leaving ethics, and he explained that his term was ending and he wanted to continue public service in a role aligned with his background in international agreements, education, and Indo-Pacific relations. No votes were taken in the portion provided. The committee next considered GM 769 for Patrick Branco to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The foundation and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both testified in strong support. Branco appeared by Zoom and said he was currently on temporary military orders on the East Coast, but had prior experience in public diplomacy as cultural attaché in Caracas and had worked on Fulbright and cultural exchange efforts. The committee then took up GM 770 for Makanani Salā to the same board. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported her nomination, and Noe Wong-Wilson testified in person, citing Salā’s work at Windward Community College and her role in organizing the Best Fest festival, saying she would bring Hawaiian cultural perspective to the foundation. Salā said her county experience included arts, culture, and sister-city work, and that she would emphasize public-private partnerships and helping other agencies use the foundation’s expertise. Members briefly discussed FESTPAC and its rotating international location. Finally, the committee heard GM 767 for Miles Miyatso to the Land Use Commission. The Land Use Commission and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both supported the nomination, and Avalon Development Company was listed but did not appear on Zoom. The discussion in the provided transcript ended during this item, with no vote or final action shown for the nominations covered.

Transcript Highlights:

• of our role in creating a extension of our role in creating a high-quality<00:53:00.760> workforce
• We are asking for a time extension of 1 year to utilize funds allocated to this program to continue this
• And this, Jesse and Michelle, this is a one-year no-cost extension, correct? >> Correct.
• , extension is it's a no-cost extension, extension is it's a no-cost extension, correct?
• So, that extension of eligibility would be intended to avoid a cumbersome appeals process, which would

Keywords: 1187, senate, all