Transcript Highlights:

• at the University of Kentucky.
• at the University of Kentucky.
• </c><01:01:49.200><c> of</c> wonderful visit to the University of wonderful visit to the University of
• </c><01:03:05.040><c> Uh</c><01:03:05.440><c> what's</c> the University of Kentucky.
• Uh what's the University of Kentucky.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Make America Healthy Kentucky Task Force met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then heard a presentation on the state’s “food is medicine” efforts. Chair Funky Fromm opened by describing a recent foot injury from a road hazard and used it to emphasize the importance of infrastructure, nutrition, sleep, and activity as part of a broader wellness culture. The main witnesses were Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, Holly Harris of Appalachian Regional Health Care (ARH), and Jim Muser of the Kentucky Hospital Association. Shell and Harris described a partnership between the Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Hospital Association, and hospitals such as ARH to connect local farmers with hospital cafeterias, farmers markets, CSA-style subscription food boxes, and medically tailored meals. Harris said ARH serves a large region with 14 hospitals, more than 95 clinics, about 6,700 employees, and 1,300 medical staff, and that the system began by improving employee food options because hospital workers often have limited access to healthy meals during shifts. They reported examples such as a local-protein burger, parking-lot farmers markets, subsidized CSA boxes for employees, and plans for container gardens at some hospitals. The witnesses said the program is intended to improve health outcomes, reduce readmissions, support chronic disease management, and also increase rural prosperity by expanding demand for Kentucky farm products. Shell said more than 40 hospitals had already been onboarded into the food-is-medicine program, with measurable outcomes being studied through pilots such as one at Russell County Hospital. He also noted that some systems, including CHI St. Joseph Health, Taylor Regional, and UK King’s Daughters, have formally embedded food-as-medicine goals into strategic plans. Members and witnesses also discussed barriers, especially the lack of reimbursement, fragmented short-term funding, and regulatory or purchasing hurdles that make it difficult for small farmers to participate. Shell said the goal is to make the model scalable and easier for hospitals and farmers to navigate, while Harris emphasized that ARH has been funding its efforts without reimbursement because of its mission. No votes or formal policy actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• My bill gives funding to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents to fund a comprehensive study to
• The Natural Resource Research Institute, NRI, at the University of Minnesota has decades of expertise
• ><00:02:10.479><c> of</c><00:02:10.640><c> Minnesota</c> funding to the University of Minnesota funding
• of Minnesota has NRI, at the University of Minnesota has decades<00:02:22.800><c> of</c><00:02:22.959
• </c><00:04:44.080><c> of</c> Minnesota agencies, University of Minnesota agencies, University of Minnesota

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:42.840><c> know</c> University of why shouldn't deed know University of why shouldn't deed
• </c><00:26:39.960><c> of</c><00:26:40.120><c> Hawaii</c> partnered with the University of Hawaii partnered
• But I mean, I'm just saying, the majority of the stuff that was of value went to University of Hawaiʻi
• But I mean, I'm just saying, the majority of the stuff that was of value went to University of Hawaiʻi
• But I mean, I'm just saying, the majority of the stuff that was of value went to University of Hawaiʻi

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Journal of the Day of the Secretary will read.
• And whereas the memory of the Holocaust serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of
• My great-grandfather, George's father, had been a university professor at the University of Hamburg.
• of Hamburg.
• It's a matter of fact...

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And is so named in honor of the memory of a gentleman by the name of Reed Elsa, the son of the foundation's
• Service of which I remain exceptionally proud of.
• of America.
• A 2018 study out of the University of Kentucky suggests that 135 people are directly impacted by just
• Ryan, what are some of the Outside of the veteran world.

Transcript Highlights:

• very supportive of.
• We also strongly support the approval of the paid pregnancy leave proposal, the rejection of the education
• Vanne Thomas, on behalf of the California Alliance of Child... Sorry, I ran here.
• amount of placeholder language.
• of accountability, lack of results, or the unfunded mandate.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• very supportive of.
• We also strongly support the approval of the paid pregnancy leave proposal, the rejection of the education
• Vanne Thomas, on behalf of the California Alliance of Child... Sorry, I ran here.
• amount of placeholder language.
• of accountability, lack of results, or the unfunded mandate.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Education held its close-out hearing for the 2026 budget plan, with the chair describing the Senate proposal as fully funding Proposition 98 and emphasizing investments in universal school meals, career education, immigrant and LGBTQ+ student supports, higher education compacts, community colleges, and other student services. Public commenters largely supported those priorities, including funding for CalNEW and Dream Resource Centers, educator workforce and English learner supports, community schools, special education, paid pregnancy leave, and the Middle Class Scholarship, while some raised concerns about proposed cuts, borrowing, and the inclusion of non-LEA preschool programs in Prop. 98.\n\nDuring member comments, one senator said many items were supportable but raised concerns about placeholder language, accountability, borrowing for the Middle Class Scholarship, and the structure of paid pregnancy leave and apprenticeship funding, indicating some no votes and abstentions. The chair responded that the budget reflects major investments in K-12 and higher education, including full Prop. 98 funding, elimination of the settle-up amount, expanded student aid, and continued support for immigrant students and resource centers.\n\nThe committee then moved through the vote-only calendar and adopted most staff recommendations by roll call. Several items passed unanimously or with one abstention/no vote, while some higher education and K-12 items drew opposition from one member, including the item on the Middle Class Scholarship borrowing structure and certain proposals related to pregnancy leave, Calbright/common cloud platform, apprenticeship backfill, and other specified issues. The hearing concluded after the chair thanked participants and adjourned the subcommittee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's see, I'm trying to think of, yeah, I think we'll still see some of the members of the committee
• And so you all have a packet in front of you of a brief PowerPoint presentation.
• The capacity of John Paul Taylor is 48 beds. The client demographic is boys up to the age of 21.
• There's a list of all of our positions that make up that 90.
• So sure, of course, we have time for plenty of questions, Mr. Chair.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Ray Watts, President of UAB, issued a challenge to the university community and said there are issues
• Currently, 14% of us have diabetes, and one in three of...
• Currently, 14% of us have diabetes, and one in three of us is obese.
• We do that in a number of... We do that in a number of ways.
• There's just one of each of these; one wellness unit and then one of the grocery stores.

Bills: HB269 , HB73

Committee: House Jefferson County Legislation

Keywords: firearm regulation, trigger activator, civil penalties, Jefferson County, law enforcement, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Commerce will work with Cyber Florida at the University of South Florida to further
• The Department of Commerce will work with Cyber Florida at the University of South Florida to further
• Despite the lack of four black men outside of Groveland in Lake County.
• own findings of innocence.
• The passage of this...

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum present and considered three bills. First, SB 214 by Senator McLean, described as a targeted rural access bill, would allow special districts in rural communities and areas of opportunity to receive certain state and federal financial assistance payments by invoice rather than reimbursement. An amendment expanding the benefit to independent special districts in those rural areas, including water and wastewater projects, was adopted, and the bill then passed favorably. Support was noted from representatives of water and sewer cooperatives, a water and sewer district, Resiliency Florida, and the Florida Association of Special Districts. The committee then took up CS for SB 1266 by Senator Kalata on cybersecurity internships and workforce readiness. The bill was substantially revised by a delete-all amendment creating a cybersecurity experiential learning opportunity and clearance readiness program within the Department of Commerce, working with Cyber Florida at the University of South Florida and participating institutions to provide certification and clearance-related training. A proposed amendment to the amendment was withdrawn, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS for SB 694 by Senator Bracey Davis, which would provide compensation to the descendants of the Groveland Four—Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepard, and Ernest Thomas—for wrongful convictions and related harms. Senator Bracey Davis and a supporter testified about the history of the case, prior legislative apologies, pardons, and exonerations, and the need for compensation as a final step. Members spoke in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• credit of work there.
• It's time that we take care of the Texans who take care of us.
• The last time Texas retirees received the cost of living adjustment, a gallon of gas cost $1.51.
• years of service makes them eligible. I believe it's Rule of 80. Is it Rule of 80 y'all?
• of 80, so a 6 year old with 20 years of service would be eligible.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hall Hancock, you know, host of Oasis, he knows of Hidalgo. Halfman. Hughes.
• And protective of each individual that serves. And I lift all of us up today.
• One Coach of the Year by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.
• He earned his Bachelor of Science at Trinity University and completed medical school at UT Southwestern
• She went to the University of New Mexico, graduated there with a nursing degree.

Transcript Highlights:

• administration of assessment instruments in public schools, indicators of achievement, and public school
• the board of trustees of an independent school district.
• Of higher education from foreign adversaries and to the prosecution of the criminal offense of theft
• As a matter of pending business, the bill relates to prohibiting a public institution of higher education
• Members, the bill relates to student union building fees at the University of Texas, El Paso.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• incidents, including 400 instances of anti-Semitism on college and university campuses.
• There is a memo of support from the Nurse Practitioner Association of New York State.
• You know, why Codes instead of another committee or anything?
• Cady, Mary, of which committee to refer it to.
• We have been in negotiations with both the State University of New York and the SUNY police and other

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Higher Education Committee met on May 5 and considered 12 bills, with most measures relating to higher education administration, student services, and professional licensing. The committee advanced a rural teacher loan repayment program for teachers serving underserved rural areas, a SUNY/CUNY mental health staffing requirement, a bill allowing SED access to patient or client records in professional misconduct cases, an AI-in-therapy regulation bill, cross-profession supervision for certain mental health professionals, an extension of limited permits for social workers, continuing education requirements for acupuncturists, and updated supervision rules for physical therapy assistants. One bill reorganizing SUNY police was held for further negotiations with SUNY, SUNY police, and stakeholders. Two Article 7, Section 2, subdivision E motions for committee consideration were taken up. Senator Rose’s bill to withhold financial aid from SUNY or CUNY institutions that permit organizations designated as terrorist organizations was defeated after several senators voted no or without recommendation. Senator Kanzanari Fitzpatrick’s bill requiring anti-Semitism awareness training, incident reporting, and compliance with state reporting rules for higher education institutions was approved and sent to the Codes Committee, with some senators voting without recommendation because they viewed the subject as already covered by existing law. The committee also reported Senator Rivera’s nurse practitioner conformity bill to the floor, and several other bills were reported either to the floor or to Finance depending on their fiscal impact. Most measures were approved without opposition, though some senators voted without recommendation on bills they said overlapped with existing statutes or prior legislation. The meeting adjourned at 10:52 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hi, I'm a student at Sac State University and part of Students for Quality of Education and Student for
• I'm also a product of San Francisco State University where I got my where I got my master's in ethnic
• Student Association, External Vice President's Office, University of California, Student Association,
• would sort of say is the objective of this and some other portions of the bill that have been part of
• And one of the reasons why I know that we kind of resolved or kind of ended up in this place of it not

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's 60% of what? And some of those things.
• I'm with the Associated Students of Washington State University, and I'm here today to support both Senate
• I'm with the Associated Students of Washington State University, and I'm here today to support both Senate
• On behalf of Washington State University Undergraduate Student Body, we urge support for Senate Bill
• University of Washington, representing 36,023 undergraduate students.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 6239, which would require civil arbitration for tort claims against the state and its subdivisions before trial. Staff explained current tort-claim procedures and said the bill would apply arbitration to claims of any dollar amount, with a fiscal note pending. The sponsor said Washington’s liability exposure is unusually high and argued the bill would promote early resolution without limiting jury trials, damage caps, or attorney fees. Members asked who pays for arbitration and whether trial rights are preserved; staff said costs are generally split and the bill preserves a jury trial de novo. Testimony on SB 6239 was sharply divided. Counties, cities, school districts, risk pools, and some public-safety groups supported the bill, saying rising liability and insurance costs are straining budgets and threatening core services. Opponents included trial lawyers, legal aid groups, victim advocates, journalists, and survivors of abuse, who argued the bill would create barriers to justice, delay relief, increase costs for claimants, reduce transparency, and retraumatize survivors by forcing private arbitration before a public trial. Several witnesses said the bill was too broad because it would cover employment, contract, and other claims, not just torts involving abuse or negligence. After public testimony closed, the committee noted the large number of sign-ins, with far more in opposition than in support. The committee then took up Senate Bill 6074, which would reinstate parole for certain felony offenses committed on or after July 1, 2027, allow eligible incarcerated people to petition the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board after serving 60% of their sentence, and create a parole implementation work group. Supporters said it would recognize rehabilitation and improve reentry, while some witnesses raised concerns about the bill’s prospective-only application, the 60% threshold, and the need to address racial disparities and parole criteria more fully. The sponsor said the parole bill was paired with tort-liability reform because criminal justice reform advocates have said liability changes are needed to restore parole in Washington.

Transcript Highlights:

• My district is one of many, but it certainly has the distinction of being a hub of innovation in California
• California has some of the best colleges and universities, some of the best national labs, nonprofit
• First of all, we're not talking about some of the environment in the state of California.
• of that.
• And the University of California, San Diego, just recently came out with a report that they are having

Summary: The Select Committee on Economic Development and Technological Innovation held a hearing on California’s industrial policy and manufacturing competitiveness. In opening remarks, the chair and Senator Wahab emphasized manufacturing’s role in good jobs, climate leadership, and regional economic growth, while noting barriers such as regulatory uncertainty, energy costs, permitting delays, and the loss of manufacturing jobs over time. They highlighted California Jobs First, workforce development, and the need to keep innovation and manufacturing in-state rather than losing scale-up opportunities to other states. The first panel featured California Forward and the Center for Manufacturing a Green Economy, along with an industry representative. Witnesses argued that California needs a durable, regionally based economic development system with ongoing funding, stronger state coordination, and sector-specific industrial roadmaps. They focused on advanced manufacturing and clean industry, especially batteries, bioeconomy, offshore wind, and heat pumps, and said industrial policy should help bridge the “missing middle” between research and commercial production. The industry witness stressed that power reliability, time to power, and coordinated utility engagement are decisive in site selection, and that California must better align utilities, state agencies, universities, and labs to compete for major projects. Senator Niello raised concerns about California’s business climate, including regulations, labor laws, energy reliability, K–12 education outcomes, and the cost impacts of climate policy. Panelists responded that California can compete by improving coordination, packaging existing state resources, and targeting strategic industries rather than racing to the bottom on taxes or wages. The second panel, from labor organizations, supported a worker-led industrial policy with strong labor and environmental standards, public financing, procurement, and targeted support for manufacturing firms. They cited examples such as union apprenticeship pathways, revolving loan funds, and programs with labor standards, and argued that manufacturing jobs can support both climate goals and middle-class employment. The final panel began with Fremont city officials, who described Fremont as the state’s leading manufacturing city and a model of intentional local policy. They said the city has protected industrial land, streamlined support for manufacturers, and doubled its manufacturing technician workforce over the past decade. The hearing concluded with discussion of how state and local governments can better coordinate to attract and retain manufacturing investment, with members and witnesses agreeing that California has strong assets but needs more proactive, integrated economic development tools.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the entire budget universe, and you can tell that by the throngs of public that are here in this hearing
• of you.
• brief overview of the history of California's reserves. as well as a kind of brief overview of the history
• But as we're looking into the cost of schools, the cost of schooling is so expensive for our universities
• But as we're looking into the cost of schools, the cost of schooling is so expensive for our universities

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee held an informational hearing on California’s Budget Stabilization Account, or Rainy Day Fund, with opening remarks focused on the state’s long history of revenue volatility and the role reserves play in smoothing downturns. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that California’s personal income tax base is highly volatile because high-income earners’ income is tied to capital gains and other fluctuating sources, and that Proposition 2’s current reserve rules set aside 1.5% of General Fund revenues plus a share of excess capital gains, but cap constitutional deposits at 10% of General Fund taxes. The LAO said its analysis evaluates reserve policy over decades and found the current system would cover about 30% of funding shortfalls in a 90th-percentile downturn scenario over 50 years, which is an improvement over no reserve but still inadequate. The LAO recommended raising the reserve cap substantially, ultimately to 50% by 2055, with an immediate increase to 20% and gradual increases thereafter. It also suggested either replacing Proposition 2’s deposit formulas with broader rules that capture volatility across all tax revenues or, alternatively, depositing all excess capital gains rather than only a share. The Department of Finance said the Governor’s prior proposal similarly sought to raise the cap from 10% to 20% and exclude reserve deposits and withdrawals from the state appropriations limit, arguing those two constraints limited the state’s ability to save during recent revenue surges. Other panelists and members discussed whether reserves should be paired with broader structural changes, including unemployment insurance reform, safety-net funding, infrastructure reserves, and the projected surplus temporary holding account. The California Budget and Policy Center supported reserve reform but emphasized balancing savings with current needs and noted other tools such as revenue increases, borrowing from special funds, and the new surplus-holding account. Members debated the causes and effects of Proposition 13, the appropriations limit, business departures, and whether reserve policy should be more directly tied to protecting Californians’ access to health care, food assistance, child care, and other core services. No votes or formal actions were taken, as the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have three panelists: Michael Fishman, who is an associate professor of practice at the University
• We have three panelists, Michael Fishman, who is an associate professor of practice, University of Pennsylvania
• Michael Fishman, who is an associate professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania Weitzman
• I'm an associate professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design, Department
• And I teach an urban planning graduate course on nighttime cities here at the University of Pennsylvania

Summary: The Select Committee on Downtown Recovery held a hearing titled “Revitalizing California’s Downtowns Through the Nightlife Economy,” focused on how nightlife, arts, entertainment, and late-night transportation can support downtown recovery after the pandemic. Chair Matt Haney framed nightlife as a major economic and cultural sector and said the committee hopes to produce policy, budget, and legislative proposals, building on last year’s downtown recovery bills. The hearing included three panels: nightlife policy experts and a venue owner; representatives from entertainment, tourism, and rideshare; and remote witnesses from London, Philadelphia, and New York discussing how other cities manage 24-hour economies. Witnesses on the first panel emphasized that nightlife is an ecosystem that includes workers, venues, transportation, and public safety. Michael Fishman described the growth of night managers and argued that zoning, licensing, and land costs can either support or choke off creative venues; he also said extending hours can reduce congestion and unsafe spillover if done in a regulated way. Ben Van Houten highlighted San Francisco’s entertainment zones, hospitality zone liquor licenses, Type 90 music venue licenses, and other local reforms, while urging more state coordination and possible tax and licensing changes. Darcy Drolinger of Oasis said independent venues are operating on thin margins, have faced repeated near-closures, and need tools such as extended alcohol service hours to remain viable and preserve community and LGBTQ+ cultural spaces. The second panel focused on tourism, major events, and transportation. Another Planet Entertainment’s Mary Condi said festivals and venues like Outside Lands, the Castro Theatre, and the Fox and Greek theaters draw large numbers of visitors, support hotels and restaurants, and require close coordination with city agencies; she also raised concerns about unexpected possessory interest tax bills and the burden of secondary ticketing and cannabis taxes. Amelia Zamani of Cal Travel said travel and tourism remain a major economic engine and argued that nightlife is central to attracting international visitors, conventions, and major events, especially if California wants to compete with cities that allow later alcohol service. Lyft’s Nicholas Johnson said late-night rides serve workers as well as patrons, reduce DUI risk, and are essential for safe access to downtowns and event venues. In the final panel, officials from London and Philadelphia described their nighttime governance models. London witnesses said the city created a 24-hour city strategy, a night czar, and a nightlife commission, and found that nightlife supports economic activity, workforce retention, and safer, more diverse districts when paired with flexible licensing and better transit. Philadelphia’s Rahim Manning said his city treats the nighttime economy as a major industry, with a $26.2 billion annual impact, and stressed that it includes manufacturing, logistics, health care, transportation, food service, arts, and sports—not just bars and clubs. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with committee members asking questions about extended hours, transportation, family-friendly programming, cannabis activation, ticketing, and how California can better support a safe and competitive nighttime economy.

Transcript Highlights:

• In some ways was positive was kind of a rapid process to identify the universe, so really working with
• But that 700 projects is a pretty good definition of the universe.
• But that 700 projects is a pretty good definition of the universe of what it ultimately will be, and
• We just don't know what the universe of options is or what the technical cost or managerial trade-offs
• Myra Morales, Assistant Director of the Bureau of Firearms of DOJ. Ms.

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.