Transcript Highlights:

• So, I don't have the answer to how tall that dam is. I was prepared for that. You're correct.
• I think to answer the question, Representative Wiler, I think some of that's going to depend on where
• I think to answer the question, Representative Wiler, I think some of that's going to depend on where
• <00:30:34.320> any all we'd be happy to answer any all we'd be happy to answer any questions
• <00:34:26.159> That's give you an answer. All right? That's give you an answer.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Joint Fiscal Committee met on March 20, 2026, approved the minutes, and adopted the consent calendar after removing two items for separate discussion: FIS 26048 from the Department of Safety and FIS 26053 from the Department of Environmental Services. The committee then adopted both of those items after brief questioning. Safety explained that a $2 million transfer would reduce its lapse, though it still expected a lapse of just under $4 million. Members, especially Senator Gray, emphasized concern about lapses and the need to track them closely given prior-year shortfalls. On the Environmental Services item, members discussed the Heavy Falls dam removal. The commissioner said the dam is old, not grounded in bedrock, and does not meet current safety standards, so removal was the practical option because replacement funding was unavailable. He said the aquatic resource mitigation fund and Army Corps of Engineers support made the removal feasible, and that the town had been involved in discussions for years. The committee adopted the item. The committee also adopted a Department of Transportation item, with staff noting high snowfall and a roughly 25% vacancy rate but saying contractors and bonus incentives had allowed plowing operations to continue. A Judicial Council item was then adopted, with the director saying it would likely be his last appearance this fiscal year. The committee next reviewed information materials on YDC claims administration, where DOJ staff said current spending would leave about a $10 million buffer into the next fiscal year and described reduced staffing and ongoing claims work; no action was taken. The committee then heard audit presentations for the Liquor Commission and Lottery Commission. The Liquor Commission audit reported seven findings, including a material weakness on reconciliations, issues with NextGen data/reporting, gift and promotional card controls, procurement and leasing practices, and one nonconcurrence on whether certain purchases were exempt from bidding requirements; members discussed whether attorney general review or legislation might be needed. The commission said it had completed a year-end reconciliation and was about 70% reconciled through February. The Lottery Commission audit reported three internal control comments, all concurred with by the lottery, focused on written procedures, filling the controller position, annual risk assessments, disaster recovery testing, user access controls, and training compliance; the lottery said it was hiring to reduce reliance on one employee and had no unresolved findings. The committee took no vote on the audit materials and adjourned after setting the next meeting for April 17 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The reasons why I filed it, and I'll be happy to answer any questions.
• We should probably bring him up to answer these questions.
• So let me just real quick to answer, as I was talking about earlier.
• I'm not prepared to answer that to be very specific. I would like to try to answer it first.
• Now, whether that could, in theory, occur, I'm not prepared to answer that question.

Bills: SB 21, SB21, SB72, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB372, SB495, SB627, SB703, SB764, SB842

Keywords: emergency alerts, weather alerts, public safety, local government, municipality, county, website posting, online notice, emergency management, disaster preparedness, evacuation, National Weather Service, NOAA, Texas Division of Emergency Management, TDEM, localized alerts, hazard warnings, severe weather, watch warning advisory, public information

Transcript Highlights:

• Happy to answer any questions. Happy to answer any questions.
• I'm happy to answer any questions.
• I'm happy to answer any questions.
• answer that question. answer that question.
• I'm happy to answer sizes. Thank you. I'm happy to answer any<00:42:05.600> questions.

Bills: HF4560, HF4559, HF2317, HF3179, HF4880, HF2862, HF4374

Keywords: Public Utilities Commission, PUC, energy regulation, utility regulation, electric utility, public utility, rate case, multiyear rate plan, decoupling, rate decoupling, greenhouse gas, social cost of carbon, environmental cost, resource planning, certificate of need, distributed renewable energy, interconnection, budget billing, electronic filing, contested case

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you very much, Mr. Yates.
• If you can get back to us on that, I think your answers would be very helpful to our permitting reform
• We ought to be looking for those same sorts of answers in our EPA. Mr.
• I appreciate your answer there because that's something that Again, as a former governor, I appreciate
• But the key to all of this—and it's not the only key, but it's the key to every one of these projects—is

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, we directly perform uh key Additionally, we directly perform uh key compliance<00:
• policies and procedures is a key policies and procedures is a key responsibility<00:29:01.040>
• components of the across five key components of the framework. framework. framework.
• Chair Robbins and Representative Schultz, I am not well positioned to answer that question.
• Chair Robbins and Representative Schultz, I am not well positioned to answer that question.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• probably more appropriate at that point in time, and I think the agencies will be more prepared to answer
• And I will be happy to answer any questions that any of you may have on this matter. Okay.
• That I cannot answer because... Oddly enough...
• So we'll give you 60 seconds to answer that question if you want.
• This is very – I appreciate the – I appreciate the answer.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the answer to that is probably yes.
• The department is also here to answer any questions.
• Chairman and members, I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you, Chair.
• Chairman, I'm happy to answer any questions and reserve the right to close.
• I'm ready to answer any questions you might have.

Bills: HB321, HB 1027, HB 1295, HB1782, HB2295, HCR29, HCR56

Keywords: Medicaid, child health, express lane option, income verification, supplemental nutrition assistance, telepharmacy, healthcare access, remote dispensing, rural clinics, pharmacy regulations, health literacy, state health plan, health care, patient outcomes, public health, economic impact, healthcare, breast cancer, cervical cancer, insurance eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm here to answer more questions when we're ready.
• And I'm happy to answer any questions about this.
• So I'll have the people answer and then that'll be it.
• , but answered just for the sake of time.
• Yes, and then we'll do the rapid-fire answer of that one. Ms.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Utilities and Energy, Transportation, and Natural Resources focused on California’s transportation fuels sector, especially the state’s response to refinery closures and the broader transition away from fossil fuels. Opening remarks emphasized the tension between climate and air-quality goals, fuel affordability, refinery jobs and local tax bases, and the need to avoid crisis-driven responses as Phillips 66 and Valero consider shutting refineries in Wilmington and Benicia. Professor Emily Grubert framed the issue as a long-term managed transition in which the public already bears much of the risk and should also capture benefits from a well-planned shift. CARB Chair Leanne Randolph reviewed the state’s emissions and fuel policies, including AB 32, the low-carbon fuel standard, clean vehicle programs, and the at-berth regulation for ocean-going vessels. She said California’s transportation sector remains the largest source of greenhouse gases and a major source of smog-forming pollution, but that the state has made substantial progress and still needs to reduce demand for fossil fuels while maintaining compliance with federal air-quality standards. Randolph also said CARB’s recent LCFS amendments had not caused the predicted spike in gas prices and explained that compliance pathways for the at-berth rule include emissions-reduction technologies or payments into a remediation fund. CEC Vice Chair Gunda described declining gasoline demand, shrinking in-state refining capacity, and growing dependence on imports, arguing that the state is in a “mid-transition” period that requires both support for legacy infrastructure and continued investment in cleaner alternatives. He outlined the administration’s petroleum market stabilization proposal, which aims to return California crude production to 125 million barrels a year through four components: codifying the ban on fracking, validating the Kern County oil-and-gas permitting ordinance, creating a temporary CEQA exemption paired with a two-for-one plug-and-drill framework, and strengthening pipeline and spill-safety requirements. Department of Conservation Director Jennifer Lucasey said the proposal is intended to stabilize crude supply and pipeline throughput while preserving health and environmental protections, and noted that CalGEM would still review permits and enforce other requirements. Mayor Steve Young of Benicia testified that a Valero closure would significantly reduce city revenue and leave the community facing years of cleanup and redevelopment challenges. He said the city supports environmental protection but is worried about the economic hit, the possibility that Benicia becomes a fuel-import terminal, and the lack of local influence over refinery decisions. Members pressed the panel on the CEQA exemption, tribal and habitat review, disclosure of closure liabilities, fuel-demand projections, and whether the proposal should include more demand-side measures. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and officials said some proposals, including a margin-cap pause and further transition planning, would be taken up later in the process.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said he does not know that answer, and he also does not know that we could accurately answer it because
• He said he does not know that answer, and he also does not know that we could accurately answer it because
• She said she does not know that answer, and she also does not know that we could accurately answer it
• dysgraphia I don't know that answer dysgraphia I don't know that answer representative<00:20:56.520
• He then said he was going to answer and, if he could not answer correctly or fully, he would look to

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several education bills and first received a presentation from Paige Cash of Kentucky FFA/Kentucky Association for Career and Technical Education. She described the reach of CTE in Kentucky, saying more than 143,000 secondary students are enrolled in CTE courses, and highlighted work-based learning, dual credit, industry certifications, and student organizations such as FFA, DECA, FCCLA, HOSA, TSA, and SkillsUSA. She said CTE funding has helped update lab equipment, support teacher training, fund field trips, and expand participation in career and technical student organizations. Representative Wilson presented House Bill 132, which would address home hospital instruction reimbursement in cases involving short stays, particularly mental health placements that are often under five days. He said schools continue providing instruction even when they are no longer reimbursed under current rules. The committee advanced the bill unanimously after a motion and second, with the measure passing with an expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee then heard House Bill 272 on dyslexia, sponsored by Representative Heavrin. The bill would require KDE to annually update the dyslexia toolkit, require local boards to adopt policies for identifying and assisting K-3 students with dyslexia, require KDE to report district implementation data to LRC, and require teacher preparation programs to include dyslexia instruction. Members discussed whether the bill would require teacher diagnoses, how it would interact with existing IEP/504 and RTI processes, and concerns about added reporting and district burden. Supporters said many students are falling through the cracks and that earlier identification is needed; Representative Willner noted a shortage of school psychologists. The committee passed HB 272 with a motion and second, though several members voted pass and explained concerns about reporting burdens, red tape, and district costs. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 193, a dual credit cleanup bill presented by Joe Carol Ellis of KHEAA. She said the bill would consolidate the statutes governing general education dual credit and CTE/work-ready dual credit scholarships to match current funding practice and reduce confusion for K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions. The presentation was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• In defining the role of CareerSource Florida and our network, there are a couple of key points that I'd
• By June 30, 2024, our key objective was complete: the reduction of local workforce development boards
• While this list may seem intuitive, it answers a fundamental supply-and-demand question.
• And so for us, it was key to be able to understand, okay, how can we help?
• I hope that answers your question. The other side to that is the employer matching piece.

Summary: The subcommittee met to receive an informational presentation from CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrian Johnson, joined by Anthony Gagliano of CareerSource Suncoast, on the structure, funding, and services of Florida’s workforce development system. Johnson explained that CareerSource serves job seekers and businesses through 21 local workforce development boards and nearly 100 career centers, using federal and state funding streams such as WIOA, Wagner-Peyser, SNAP Employment and Training, and TANF. She described services including case management, training, wraparound supports, job matching, rapid response for layoffs and disasters, and business services such as recruitment, customized training, and on-the-job training. She also highlighted the REACH Act’s role in consolidating local boards from 24 to 21, creating the Master Credential List and Credential Review Committee, and implementing performance-based letter grades for local boards. Members asked detailed questions about funding formulas, letter grade metrics, apprenticeships, youth services, small business access, and the demand occupation list. Johnson said federal allocations are driven largely by unemployment and poverty formulas, which has reduced Florida’s WIOA funding by about $27 million over four years because of the state’s low unemployment rate. She explained the letter grades measure outcomes such as increased earnings, reduced public assistance, employment and training outcomes, work-based learning, business engagement, and service to individuals in certain programs, and said the system is being reviewed for possible changes, including removing extra credit and adjusting weights. On youth services, she said Florida has a waiver allowing a 50/50 split between in-school and out-of-school youth funding, and that local partnerships drive outreach. On the demand occupation list, she said it is based on state labor market data and projections, but local boards can submit evidence of local demand when data does not reflect conditions in their area. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on apprenticeships and workforce training grants. Johnson and Gagliano described apprenticeship navigators funded by the $7.75 million apprenticeship expansion allocation, which help employers navigate registration and expand apprenticeships into nontraditional fields such as IT, health care, education, and hospitality. Gagliano gave examples from CareerSource Suncoast and said navigators helped employers move faster through registration and develop programs with local education providers. Johnson also discussed Incumbent Worker Training Grants and Quick Response Training Grants, noting recent awards of nearly $3 million to 69 businesses and $6.5 million to 24 businesses, respectively, and said these programs are targeted toward high-skill, high-wage occupations and priority industries. The meeting ended with no votes or formal action; the chair thanked the presenters, invited follow-up questions, and adjourned the meeting without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:30.680> any we possibly can I'm happy to answer any we possibly can I'm happy to answer
• That would be my short answer. "Thank you."
• Is that a fair answer? Mr. Reber, thank you.
• Is that a fair answer?
• <01:34:10.440> positions hire some key positions hire some key positions because<01:34:12.800

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And as we know, early intervention is key.
• You can answer real briefly on this.
• I would be happy to answer any questions from the committee.
• Certified nurse midwives are key to reversing this trend.
• History will remember how we answered. I know we can get 100%.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a lengthy public hearing with testimony on a wide range of health insurance and access-to-care bills. Early testimony focused on prescription drug pricing and pharmacy reimbursement, with supporters of H. 1326 arguing that pharmacy benefit managers and MassHealth managed care arrangements reimburse independent pharmacies too little, contributing to pharmacy closures and “pharmacy deserts.” The committee also heard repeated support for H. 1151/S. 742 on cognitive rehabilitation for acquired brain injury, H. 1288/S. 716 on telehealth parity for nutrition counseling, H. 1309/S. 761 on full-spectrum pregnancy care without cost-sharing, H. 1312 on insurance coverage for doula services, H. 309 on prompt access to health care by removing deductibles for certain services, H. 809/H. 1227 on biomarker testing, H. 1162/S. 810 on reducing inequities in access to medical procedures by limiting insurer cuts tied to Modifier 25, and S. 726 on insurance coverage for mobile integrated health. Testifiers included legislators, physicians, pharmacists, dietitians, emergency and rehabilitation clinicians, and patients and family members. Supporters of the brain injury bill said cognitive rehabilitation is medically necessary, improves long-term outcomes, and can reduce institutional care and public costs; they noted the bill has been heard repeatedly and has support from the Brain Injury Commission and prior favorable committee action. Supporters of the pregnancy care and doula bills described out-of-pocket costs as a barrier to maternal health and shared personal stories of high bills and unmet support needs. Biomarker testing advocates and cancer patients said coverage gaps deny patients access to precision treatment, can lead to avoidable suffering, and should be standardized across insurers; several speakers said insurers often deny claims despite clinical benefit. Dermatology witnesses said insurers’ use of Modifier 25 cuts reimbursement for same-day evaluation and procedure visits, forcing separate appointments and increasing patient burden. Mobile integrated health supporters described home-based care as a way to reduce emergency department use and hospital readmissions, especially for patients with transportation or mobility barriers. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:12:09.280> collaterals of time, we bring key collaterals of time, we bring key collaterals
• This is really key for New Hampshire.
• followed by a discussion on key followed by a discussion on key outstanding<03:11:09.040> items
• :19:11.120> including highlights key program areas including highlights key program areas including
• <03:24:04.960> issues<03:24:05.359> early key to catching mechanical issues early key

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of our housing specialists had a heavy set of keys thrown in her face by a person unauthorized in
• a<00:05:17.199> heavy<00:05:17.520> set<00:05:17.680> of<00:05:17.840> keys
• thrown in her had a heavy set of keys thrown in her face<00:05:18.880> by<00:05:19.039> a<
• I'm happy to answer questions. person on the telephone was not getting person on the telephone was not
• I'm happy to answer of House File 4141. I'm happy to answer questions. questions. questions.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 4141, which would amend Minnesota Statutes 609.2231 to add housing and redevelopment authority (HRA) employees and agents to the list of public employees receiving enhanced criminal penalties for assault while performing official duties. Representative Johnson said the bill does not create a new crime, but simply extends existing protections to HRA staff who work in high-contact, high-stress settings such as inspections, enforcement, benefit decisions, and evictions. Testifiers Melissa Taporn and Terry Smith, both representing Minnesota housing authorities/NARO, supported the bill and described numerous incidents of threats, assaults, and weapon-related confrontations involving HRA staff across the state, arguing the change is needed for worker safety, retention, and continued delivery of housing services. Committee members expressed support for the proposal, with Vice Chair Dos saying it would create reasonable guardrails to help keep workers and residents safe. Discussion also noted that repeated or unsafe inspections can add costs back onto housing operations. The chair said the bill would likely be incorporated into the committee’s broader housing policy work with possible tweaks. No vote was taken; House File 4141 was laid over for possible inclusion.

Transcript Highlights:

• DOES IT END OR DOES IT END WHEN THIS COMMITTEE SAYS IT ENDS AND IF THAT IS TRUE I NEED TO KNOW THE ANSWER
• NOT AN END DATE IN THE STATUTE SO IT WOULD BE WHENEVER THE APPROPRIATION EXPIRES SO RIGHT NOW THE ANSWER
• AND I WISH WE HAD MORE WORK DONE AT THIS POINT SO I COULD GIVE YOU A BETTER ANSWER AS TO THE SUCCESS
• SO YOU USE YOUR KEYBOARD AND YOUR FUNCTION KEYS THAT ARE AT THE TOP THAT YOU PROBABLY HAVEN'T USED IN
• AGENCY WORKSHOPS WE HAVE HOSTED A LOT OF ALL DAY LONG WORKSHOPS TO KIND OF NAVIGATE THE KEY AGENCY FOLKS

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm happy to answer any questions.
• I'm happy to answer any questions.
• <00:56:55.480> any testimony and I'm happy to answer any testimony and I'm happy to answer
• 50,000 Target um so yeah and the key 50,000 Target um so yeah and the key here<00:57:57.119>
• self-sufficiency uh but happy to answer self-sufficiency uh but happy to answer any<01:02:41.480

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1077, a governor’s administration bill to increase transient accommodations tax revenue and split it between two new special funds: a climate mitigation and resiliency special fund and an economic development and revitalization special fund for tourism/resort areas. Supporters, including the Governor’s Office, recovery and resilience staff, climate and conservation groups, and several state agencies, said the bill would create a dedicated, more reliable funding stream for wildfire mitigation, coastal resilience, land clearing, infrastructure, and community-led projects. Some supporters also urged changes to the bill, including moving the fund to DLNR, adding DHHL and OHA representation, clarifying community grants, and ensuring the fund can support both state-led and community-led resilience work. The Attorney General’s office flagged a drafting issue, noting that the bill references fees deposited into the new fund even though the new chapter does not authorize fee collection, and recommended deleting that language or adding fee authority. The Climate Advisory Team representative also suggested adding DHHL to the decision-making body and requiring at-large members to have climate, resilience, conservation, or infrastructure expertise. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Kohala Coast Resort Association opposed the measure, arguing that the special fund structure does not meet statutory criteria, that the bill functions as a tax increase, and that the transient accommodations tax is not being collected equitably across all lodging types before any increase is imposed. Other opponents, including tourism and lodging interests, warned that hotels and timeshares already bear most of the tax burden and that raising the TAT could hurt an already struggling visitor industry and drive tourists away. Supporters countered that current funding is far short of what is needed and that a dedicated revenue stream is necessary to address climate impacts now. Committee members questioned why the Legislature should cede spending decisions to a separate executive-branch process, and the administration responded that the bill is intended to create a transparent, recurring mechanism for funding priorities that can be adjusted over time. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have my answer. Yes. So let me remember, Ortega.
• Thank you for the answer. Now we’ll go to public comment.
• To answer your question, we have it in what we call early release.
• I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
• Thanks for the thorough presentation and answering my question already.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration held a May Revise hearing focused on state administration proposals, with the chair noting no actions would be taken and all items would remain open. The committee heard presentations on a range of budget proposals, including technical adjustments for the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement and the California Workforce Development Board, security and election-related funding for the Secretary of State, modernization and loan-backfill requests for the Department of Consumer Affairs, and multiple Employment Development Department updates covering EDD Next, UI and DI/PFL benefit estimates, workforce funding, and an EMT training reappropriation. Several items drew discussion from the LAO and committee members. The LAO generally supported technical or modernization items such as PERB’s implementation requests, GoServe’s College Corps adjustment, the Secretary of State’s security and HAVA grant items, and the Board of Pharmacy modernization proposal, but raised concerns about the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education’s proposed $10 million General Fund backfill and interest-free loan language. For EDD, the LAO flagged the size of the DI/PFL benefit adjustment and the unusual structure of the document management system proposal within EDD Next, while EDD said the changes reflected higher participation and benefit levels after SB 951 and ongoing modernization needs. The Department of Industrial Relations drew the most extensive questioning. It proposed funding for legal unit reclassifications, EAMS and Cal/OSHA data modernization, a new Cal/OSHA emerging technologies unit, a COYA reappropriation, and trailer bill changes requiring electronic payment of employer assessments and adjusting the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board timeline. Members pressed DIR on high vacancy rates, long wage theft and workers’ compensation backlogs, low collection rates for fines, and the need for clearer workload and outcome measures. DIR said the requests were intended to improve efficiency, support audits and corrective action plans, and better address emerging workplace risks, while the LAO said the workload drivers behind delays remain unclear. The hearing also included support for CalHR’s employee assistance program consolidation and CDT’s proposal to expand “Poppy,” a statewide generative AI assistant for state employees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our second key finding, or key area of focus for this work, is around youth violence.
• And the answers and all that, you all can dispense with that.
• Chair stuff every time you get a question answered.
• not getting a direct answer, it's up to you to interrupt and get the direct answer.
• Chair, could you please just answer: is your information inaccurate?

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you very much, and happy to answer any questions. Thank you very much.
• Thank you very much and happy to answer any questions. Thank you very much.
• Primarily the biggest portion is for funds to update the public safety answering points.
• Primarily the biggest portion is for funds to update the public safety answering points.
• Can you answer me, as you said, that we were saving more money, how that actually reflects?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that's one key question we would like to answer.
• to<00:07:51.680> answer.
• like to to answer. like to to answer.
• > seeking<00:07:55.280> to Another key problem we're seeking to Another key problem we're
• <00:13:13.120> and waiver case management is a key and waiver case management is a key and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all