Transcript Highlights:

• Social service workers who use their personal vehicles while caring for an individual with mental, physical
• We have over 1,800 clients that we provide services to and over 400 direct service professionals, DSPs
• Delia is a direct support professional who provides services to individuals in day programs and residential
• concerns about adding it to this system that would increase delays in a system intended to provide care
• concerns about adding it to this system that would increase delays in a system intended to provide care

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Insurance met as a subcommittee and heard several bills related to workers’ compensation, insurance access, climate resilience, and farmworker protections. AB 815 would prevent social service workers who use personal vehicles to transport clients from being misclassified as commercial or for-hire drivers under personal auto policies; supporters said the current practice leads to unaffordable premiums and denied claims, while no opposition testified. AB 1329 would revise the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund to reduce litigation and medical-legal costs and lower employer assessments; insurers and business groups opposed unless amended, citing concerns about eligibility standards and the QME process, but the bill advanced after amendments were discussed. AB 1048 would allow disputed unauthorized payment reductions for medical providers to be reviewed through independent bill review; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, while opposition argued IBR is the wrong forum and existing contract dispute processes should control, though the bill also passed. AB 1236 would create a Department of Insurance grant program for climate and sustainability risk-reduction projects, with broad support from the department, environmental groups, and insurers, and it passed unanimously. The committee also heard AB 1336, the Farmworker Heat Illness Prevention Act, which would create a rebuttable presumption that a heat-related injury arose out of employment when an agricultural employer fails to comply with heat illness prevention standards. Supporters, including United Farm Workers, argued the bill would help protect farmworkers amid extreme heat and enforcement gaps; opponents from the workers’ compensation and agricultural sectors said the measure improperly uses the compensation system to enforce OSHA rules and could create unclear adjudication and delay issues. Members discussed Cal/OSHA enforcement limits, undocumented workers’ reluctance to report violations, and the relationship between the bill and existing workers’ compensation procedures. Despite opposition, AB 1336 passed on a divided vote. The committee also took up a consent calendar including AB 1125, AB 1293, and AB 1398, which were approved together. Roll calls were held open and later completed, and the bills that advanced were sent to the Committee on Appropriations. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after final votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• He cares so deeply about this country as an immigrant.
• You took care of those concerns. You addressed them.
• You took care of those things. You took care of those things. I think there's a misconception.
• If you care about taxpayers, if you care about bringing income into your cities and counties, make sure
• If you care about taxpayers, if you care about bringing income into your cities and counties, make sure

Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests including law enforcement officers and several student visitors. The chamber then adopted the special order report and moved to the special order calendar, with members also approving the journal and establishing a quorum. Later in the day, the House paused for several introductions and farewell remarks, including extended closing speeches from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf reflecting on their service, staff, constituents, and policy priorities. The House passed several bills, often after brief explanations and amendments. CS/SB 590 on the statute of limitations for failures to report child abuse was clarified to apply prospectively and passed 111-0. SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder was amended to include House language and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) passed 112-0 after an amendment merging House and Senate provisions, and CS/SB 1246 on the linking industry to nursing education fund passed 112-0 after amendments expanding eligible contributions and program support. Additional bills approved included CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care standards, CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences, CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts for aviation safety, CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services, and CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools, which would allow school coaches to use limited personal funds to support student-athletes with items such as food, transportation, and rehabilitation services, with parental consent added by amendment. Most of these measures passed unanimously or near-unanimously, with SB 422 passing 108-2. The House also heard debate on CS/CS/SB 1134, a bill restricting counties and municipalities from taking official actions related to DEI and limiting the use of public funds for DEI-related activities and contracts. Members questioned how the bill would affect local government practices, observances, and staff functions, and the sponsor explained several exceptions and enforcement provisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Angela Melody Young Cares testifying in strong support.
• </c> Angela Angela Melody young cares Angela Angela Melody young cares testifying<00:04:39.639><c> in
• This is a good bill that moves in that direction.
• This is a good bill that moves in that direction.
• </c> we should be meeting them with direct we should be meeting them with direct concrete<01:33:41.040

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on environmental protection and wastewater management. HB 26 HD 2, relating to environmental protection, drew support from the Department of Health, Reworld, and Energy Justice Network. Supporters said it would preserve existing standards for waste-to-energy facilities, including H-Power, even if federal EPA rules are weakened, while Energy Justice Network urged the state to go further and require stronger pollution controls on older burners at the plant. HB 734 and HB 735, both relating to wastewater systems, received broad support from state agencies, county representatives, realtors, environmental groups, and others. Testimony emphasized reducing the cost of cesspool upgrades, updating rules, and improving coordination between the Department of Health, counties, and the University of Hawaiʻi. Members raised concerns about whether some areas, such as Ewa, should be treated differently if they are not near aquifers or the ocean, but the department said the existing prioritization process already considered statewide conditions and that cesspools generally still affect water resources. On HB 735, the committee discussed the current bedroom-based limits for individual wastewater systems and whether the bill would allow more flexibility for housing configurations, with the department explaining the limits are tied to density and system capacity. HB 879, relating to cesspool conversions, was also supported by the Department of Health, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and several advocacy groups. Testimony said the bill would help low- and moderate-income homeowners in priority areas by increasing grant assistance for cesspool upgrades, but the Department of Health noted it would need three full-time positions to administer the program. Members asked for clarification on the grant amount and staffing costs, and the department indicated the grant cap should remain at $20,000 unless changed. HB 918, relating to labeling of non-flushable wipes, drew support from wastewater and industry groups, including the Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, which said similar laws have passed in other states and that the bill reflects cooperation between manufacturers and wastewater officials. The Department of Health and county officials supported the concept but said enforcement and outreach would require additional staff, and senators questioned whether the state could effectively enforce the labeling requirement without a national standard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Direct appropriations ensure timely allocation of funds for our museum projects.
• Direct appropriations ensure timely allocation of funds for our museum projects.
• Direct appropriations ensure timely allocation of funds for our museum projects.
• Direct appropriations ensure timely allocation of funds for our museum projects.
• I would like to emphasize under taking care of what we have.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No one really cares.
• No one really cares.
• No one really cares.
• No one really cares.
• No one really cares.

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It a hands-on health care profession.
• </c> that there was $52 million in direct that there was $52 million in direct recoveries<00:54:49.119
• Uh we're we're at should the state care?
• And uh you're going in the right direction.
• Um I just think the right direction.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You wouldn't necessarily put things that are in direct contrast.
• You wouldn't necessarily put things that are in direct contrast.
• You wouldn't necessarily put things that are in direct contrast.
• If you only care about the actual cost of the electric system, that gives you the orange line.
• clean and we don't care and we care<00:52:23.000><c> also</c><00:52:23.440><c> about</c><00:52:24.280

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Shall I go ahead and take care?
• While it's not perfect, SB 1517 is a major step in that direction.
• While it's not perfect, SB 1517 is a major step in that direction.
• While it's not perfect, SB 1517 is a major step in that direction.
• 00:14:17.079><c> this</c> direction how we care for this direction how we care for this 100-year-old<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Water and Land Committee heard several measures related to DLNR, coastal management, and public lands. SB 561, which appropriates funds for conservation enforcement equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple organizations, with the chair noting 18 supporters and no opposition. SB 465 would require DLNR to study the carrying capacity of Kīkiʻola Small Boat Harbor on Kauaʻi and report to the Legislature; DLNR supported the intent but suggested the study be timed with an ongoing $41 million capital improvement project. Senator Kouchi explained the bill was meant to close a permit loophole that has allowed operators to increase passenger capacity without additional approval, while one testifier opposed the measure as unnecessary and late. Supporters included county and community representatives, while some written testimony opposed it. The committee also heard SB 1456, which broadens the definition of beach restoration to include work on eroded beaches and degraded dune systems, including sand management, native vegetation, and removal of abandoned materials. DLNR, the University of Hawaiʻi, and other testifiers supported the measure as an administrative update. SB 1460 would require BLNR lease extensions to use updated forms reflecting current leasing practices; DLNR supported it as an administrative bill. SB 1517 would authorize public land leases for recreational residential use by public lottery limited to county residents. DLNR supported the bill, and Chipper Wiman and others testified that it would help preserve Kauaʻi’s historic recreational cabins and create fairness for local families; the committee also heard concerns about older cabins, market-based auction prices, and the need to keep these leases affordable for residents. The committee then heard SB 1511, which would prohibit vessels longer than 75 feet from entering Honoliʻi Bay, with an exemption for government vessels; DLNR and at least one additional testifier supported it. SB 1019 would allow the Ocean Stewardship Special Fund to be used for beach restoration planning and grants to nonprofits for cleanup, but DLNR said that purpose fit better under the separate Beach Restoration Special Fund, and the Ocean Tourism Coalition opposed the bill on that basis. Finally, SB 1457 would authorize DLNR to issue interim rules on commercial and recreational water sports equipment use for up to two years; DLNR described it as an adaptive-management tool for changing conditions, while multiple water-sports operators and residents opposed it, arguing it would reduce public participation, expand agency power, and target the foiling community. The hearing closed with the chair noting heavy opposition to SB 1457, including 88 written testimonies against it and only a few in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• care by health care professionals.
• care.
• care.
• It becomes computer care instead of patient care.
• It becomes computer care instead of patient care.

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it was another important directive and guidance to the CEC as we moved forward.
• I'm asking you a very direct question.
• Well, the question was directed at me, but I think, yeah, look at the market.
• Well, the question was directed at me, but I think, yeah, look at the market.
• And that was the directive: hey, get with all these stakeholders.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications held an oversight hearing on managing the transportation fuels transition, fuel pricing, and supply reliability. Chair Allen opened by discussing prior legislation, including SB 1322 and special session measures, that expanded reporting to the California Energy Commission (CEC) and gave the state tools to study gasoline costs, refinery margins, inventories, and potential supply disruptions. He framed the hearing around refinery closures, rising imports, global conflict affecting crude markets, and the need to balance affordability, reliability, and the state’s long-term clean-fuels transition. CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda, CDTFA Chief Deputy Director Gentian Droboniku, and DPMO Director Ty Miller presented data showing California’s growing dependence on imported crude and refined products, declining in-state refining capacity, and stable-to-tight inventories that are being supported by higher imports. They said the new transparency laws have improved understanding of the market and pointed to the proposed Gateway Pipeline, marine imports, and distribution constraints as important supply issues. CDTFA and DPMO emphasized that retail margins, especially for branded gasoline, have widened significantly, with large price gaps between branded stations and hypermarts/unbranded stations, and that some of the recent price increases were tied to the Iran conflict while earlier spikes were more consistent with localized market behavior and possible price gouging. DPMO also said it is investigating high-priced branded stations, monitoring algorithmic pricing under AB 325, and continuing to analyze diesel spot-market transparency. The CEC and CARB also discussed the Transportation Fuels Transition Plan and the SB 237 assessment, describing them as efforts to plan for a managed decline in fossil fuel demand while protecting workers, communities, and consumers. They said California’s climate goals remain centered on an 85% greenhouse gas reduction by 2045, with continued use of liquid fuels expected but with lower-carbon alternatives, more efficient vehicles, and alternative fuels playing a larger role. Committee members focused heavily on workforce impacts, the need for concrete transition planning, and whether the agencies could provide a clearer picture of what California’s fuel system will look like under the state’s long-term goals. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Did we get the same answers the last time they got audited, that we're going to take care of this, and
• A 24-foot tandem axle trailer, and I don't care whether it's a flatbed or has sides on it or whatever
• Because sometimes if you don't take care of your business, somebody will take care of it for you.
• “We're very much aware when it comes to health care and other things.
• And so I appreciate you caring for your community. And so do we. Thank you, Mr. Chair.”

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Summary: The committee approved the prior minutes and then received a series of audit and compliance updates. Staff reported on delinquent private water and sewer reports, delinquent 2013-2023 water reports, and several municipal accounting code noncompliance cases. Denning and Gum Springs were recommended to be removed from the 60-day clock after staff visits showed improved records, while Fargo, Lead Hill, Almy, Jericho, Haynes, Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove were discussed for repeat findings involving missing audits, poor bookkeeping, unpaid or misapplied street funds, deficit balances, and other accounting deficiencies. Several of these entities were given additional time or had reports filed without objection, while others were deferred for later review. Fargo’s mayor said the town had been understaffed and was working to improve its accounting systems; the committee voted to defer the matter to the August meeting. Lead Hill’s mayor described efforts to complete overdue water audits and improve office procedures, and the committee also postponed action for 60 days. Almy’s mayor and recorder-treasurer were present, and the committee placed the town on the 60-day clock for repeat accounting issues. Biggers and Gilmore both acknowledged long-running audit problems and said they were working with auditors and the IRS; their reports were filed. Holly Grove’s treasurer said she had only recently taken the position, and that report was filed as well. The committee spent considerable time on the street-fund misuse cases for Jericho and Haynes. Jericho was found to have exceeded the statutory threshold tied to fines and costs, with staff noting the town had since become current on its repayment plan; the committee deferred the report to September. Haynes was also behind on its repayment plan for street funds, with staff saying the town had recently made up the shortfall and was current as of the meeting, but the committee still deferred the report to September. Members and staff also discussed how the speed-trap law is applied, whether certain fines and costs count toward the threshold, and the role of the prosecuting attorney in deciding whether to take further action. The committee then reviewed a special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District, which had six findings involving board approval of payroll and contracts, credit card documentation, vehicle and cell phone use, competitive bidding, electronic funds controls, and unusually high advertising spending. District Director Craig Douglas said the board had delegated some authority, that receipts were missing during a temporary staffing gap, and that advertising was needed to educate the public; he also defended the sale of trailers and other equipment as a way to exit the trailer business. Several members questioned the explanations and the low resale value of equipment, but the committee ultimately deferred the report to September. The meeting also included a recognition of accounting students interning with audit staff and a final set of actions on deferred water and sewer reports: 11 were filed, seven were deferred for lack of proper responses, and a private report on Shannon Hills Water, Sewer, and Fire Department was noted as involving misappropriation by an office manager and inadequate internal controls.

Transcript Highlights:

• Father, Lord God, we come to you at this appointed time and hour to take a break from the worries, cares
• centers because we've got a workforce need and we've got a child care center shortage.
• </c> child care center shortage. child care center shortage.
• Senate Bill 124 is a practical step in that direction.
• It gives [snorts] local that direction.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a certified medical auditor and coder, and I'm certified in health care compliance.
• Health care is unique in that amounts billed are far higher than the amount actually paid.
• The current law does not set health care prices.
• An individual seeking abortion care is not sufficient because it's an individual.
• I've met with CARE. I've met with M. Gage. My office door is open. Okay?

Summary: The subcommittee took up a long agenda of civil justice measures and claims bills. HB 1407, on commencement of civil actions under the Florida Civil Rights Act, was presented as a fix to conflicting appellate decisions about whether an EEOC no-probable-cause notice can start the clock for filing suit; the bill would allow an EEOC determination to suffice and permit filing within 18 months of the complaint. It passed 16-0. HB 1337, an estates bill reducing court involvement in decedent asset distribution by expanding personal representative authority over safe deposit boxes and increasing small-estate thresholds, also passed unanimously, 17-0. The committee then considered PCS for HB 1553, which would change what medical expense evidence juries may see in personal injury and wrongful death cases, with supporters saying it would clarify the law and let both sides present evidence, and opponents arguing it would roll back 2023 tort reforms and reintroduce inflated medical bills. After extensive testimony from business, insurance, trucking, and plaintiff-side interests, the PCS passed 13-4. HB 1423, dealing with negligent security in multifamily residential properties, would remove a presumption against liability when two or more specified crimes were reported in the prior 24 months; an amendment clarified that the crimes must have been reported to the owner or principal operator. Supporters said it would help crime victims and restore balance, while opponents warned it would undermine incentives for property owners to maintain security. The amended bill passed 14-4. Several claims bills also advanced unanimously: HB 6527 for Patricia Armini and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, HB 6531 for the estate of McKenzie Navarra and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, HB 6507 for L.E. and the Department of Children and Families, and HB 6521 for Jose Carrera and Miami-Dade County. Each was described as providing compensation for serious injuries or death after prior government negligence, and each was reported favorably without opposition votes. Finally, the committee heard HB 1471, a controversial bill on systems of law and terrorist organizations. The sponsor said it would bar enforcement of foreign or religious law over the U.S. and Florida Constitutions, create a state process for designating domestic terrorist organizations, and prevent state funds from supporting terrorism. Members raised extensive concerns about vague definitions, First Amendment and due process issues, and the lack of a predesignation hearing; public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with supporters arguing the bill was needed for public safety. The transcript ends during public testimony on HB 1471, before any vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• We got that taken care of.
• And AI doesn't care if you are a state agent. Or if you have 10 million dollars or you don't.
• Because again, AI doesn't care.
• Direction with workforce: Advancing Centralized Cybersecurity in New Mexico.
• That is a direction that we definitely need to continue.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Our ancestors took care of our land in 1492.
• Take care of yourself. Take care of your people. For me. fraud and deception.
• Take care of everybody. Be safe.
• Take care of yourself.<00:56:52.160><c> Take</c><00:56:52.319><c> care</c><00:56:52.480><c> of</c><00
• Take care of your people. for yourself.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and health care facilities in rural America.
• , health care.
• It was there that I had my first direct leadership role in big state ag policy.
• And I even love Senator Hoeven, who always forgets that I care about sugar in Minnesota.
• It is housing, it is child care, it is education; it is all of the above.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Lord, would You be especially close to them and take care of them?
• He cares so deeply about this country as an immigrant.
• You took care of those concerns. You addressed them.
• Speaker, and my full-time job was taking care of my cows.
• If you care about taxpayers, if you care about bringing income into your cities and counties, make sure

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> essential services for the direct essential services for the direct benefit<01:05:38.160><c> of<
• </c><01:11:09.600><c> and</c> operation for medical care and operation for medical care and transport
• . care. care.
• </c> take care of them. take care of them. &gt;&gt; Absolutely.<01:14:14.800><c> Okay.
• </c> disability after trial and direct disability after trial and direct appeal.<01:38:18.159><c> So,

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then recognized a staff member’s birthday and a guest shadowing Senator Adams. It then moved into informational review of Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Education regulation 702 KAR 3:30, which sets insurance coverage requirements for school district buildings and structures. Department of Education officials explained that districts are expected to carry coverage at replacement cost and said they understand some districts participate in self-insurance pools with backup policies, but they deferred detailed insurance questions to the Department of Insurance. Senators raised concerns that pooled coverage could leave districts exposed if claims exceed pool limits, and the chair asked KDE to follow up with DOI to confirm districts are adequately covered, especially for bondholders. No vote was taken on the informational review. The committee then reviewed emergency ABC regulations 804 KAR 130:01 through 130:04 implementing Senate Bill 100’s new licensing requirements for tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product businesses. ABC and Public Protection Cabinet representatives outlined the emergency rules governing enforcement, license applications, denial criteria, and transitional licenses. Retail industry witnesses Shannon Stiglet and Brian Clark said they support licensure in principle but argued the rules add duplicative requirements borrowed from alcohol licensing, create confusion about transitional licenses, and may be too burdensome for the roughly 7,000 affected businesses to meet by the January 1 deadline. They also said guidance has been inconsistent and requested the agency revise the regulations, remove requirements not grounded in law, and provide clearer, separate processes for new and existing businesses. Committee members asked whether the industry had worked directly with ABC and noted the public comment period was still open. Witnesses said they had communicated with ABC and the Public Protection Cabinet, but responses had been uneven and they wanted written guidance. Members expressed concern about the short timeline and the need to avoid disruption so businesses can operate legally on January 1. Representative Marzian asked for clarification that the discussion concerned emergency regulations already in effect while ordinary regulations remain in process. No formal action was taken beyond receiving the informational testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> environmental regulation, healthc care environmental regulation, healthc care compliance,<01:03:
• And today, this bill... licensed health care providers. licensed health care providers.
• It is a question with direct<02:28:19.280><c> concrete</c><02:28:20.560><c> constitutional</c> direct
• The direction of with expanded access.
• </c> opposite direction? opposite direction?

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> care in a safe and private setting. care in a safe and private setting.
• </c> there to provide compassionate care. there to provide compassionate care.
• care?
• . care. care.
• </c> in the care of our pregnant patients. in the care of our pregnant patients.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1189, house, all