Transcript Highlights:

• At only 14, our Inland Empire native from Rancho Cucamonga not only took home the Scripps Cup trophy,

Transcript Highlights:

• about the major events that we have coming up in the Olympic and the Paralympic Games, with the World Cup

Transcript Highlights:

• Travel Association survey about the World Cup this summer, personal safety emerged as travelers' top

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Emergency Management met to consider a large slate of bills, first approving a consent calendar that included measures on emergency management and related topics, with several bills moved on a due pass basis to Appropriations or other policy committees. The committee then heard AB 2013, which would require community water systems to report on wildfire-related preparedness measures such as tank levels, backup generators, and pump hardening. The author argued the bill would provide needed transparency after repeated wildfire water failures, while water agency and municipal utility representatives opposed it, saying it would create new standards, liability concerns, and duplicative reporting. The bill was ultimately passed to the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, with some members voting aye and one member not voting. The committee also approved AB 2385, which would authorize local governments to create local reconstruction agencies for disaster recovery planning and rebuilding; supporters from the League of California Cities and the Los Angeles fire recovery community said it would help communities plan before disasters and speed recovery. AB 2492, concerning public safety coordination for major sporting events like the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympics, was supported by the California Travel Association and passed to Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism. AB 2370, which clarifies Cal OES authority over statewide public safety communications systems, was supported by operating engineers and passed to Utilities and Energy. AB 2475, dealing with after-action report timelines and local reporting requirements, was also approved and sent to Appropriations. Later, the committee passed AB 2543, which addresses emergency preparedness for electric vehicle fast-charging infrastructure, and AB 2411, which would create a temporary process for in-state and out-of-state law enforcement to supplement security during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The most debated measure after AB 2013 was AB 2405, which would require law enforcement to transport patients to the nearest appropriate emergency department and report transport patterns. The author and Martin Luther King Community Hospital described severe overcrowding and frequent long-distance drop-offs, while some members raised concerns about rural impacts, exigent circumstances, and added reporting burdens. Despite those concerns, the bill passed to the Committee on Public Safety. At the end of the hearing, the committee reopened the roll to add votes from absent members on several items before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Travel Association survey about the World Cup this summer, personal safety emerged as travelers' top

Committee: House Emergency Management

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Cups, you'd like to join in on this conversation. Please proceed.

Committee: House Utilities

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Cups, you'd like to join in on this conversation. Please proceed.

Committee: House Utilities

Summary: The committee spent most of the meeting discussing a proposed overhaul of Missouri’s higher education funding model, centered on shifting core funding toward an FTE-based formula. The chair and vice chair argued the current system is outdated and inequitable, saying the new approach would better align state dollars with student enrollment and workforce outcomes. Several members supported the need for change but raised concerns about the speed of implementation, the lack of advance consultation with universities, and the possibility that some institutions could face severe budget cuts, accreditation problems, or even closure. Community college representatives were noted as unanimously opposing the recommendation, and members repeatedly asked for clarification on whether graduate programs would be counted at 9, 12, or 15 credit hours, with no definitive answer provided during the meeting. Testimony and comments focused heavily on the consequences for specific institutions and programs. Some members warned that the proposal could hurt schools with expensive programs such as nursing, engineering, doctoral study, research, and specialized missions, while others argued that institutions should be rewarded for producing graduates who are in demand in the workforce. Truman State, Harris-Stowe, Missouri State, and several community colleges were discussed as examples of schools that could either gain or lose substantially under the model. The chair and vice chair said the proposal was not intended to force consolidation, but several members said the size of the cuts could indirectly lead to consolidation or closure and would require a phase-in to avoid harming students. After the higher education discussion, the committee moved through other budget items. The chair described cuts and restorations in several areas, including removing easement funding at the Department of Revenue, adding hearing officers for the State Tax Commission, restoring some MODOT requests, and shifting interest earnings from I-70 and I-44 project funds back to general revenue. Members also asked about Bartle Hall funding, a Bolivar road project, and new language restricting personal-service spending unless appropriations explicitly allow it. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would continue moving through the budget items and follow up on unresolved questions with the department.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you're here to testify, you can wander off a little bit and take a break, get a cup of coffee or

Committee: House Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• in the same context that Representative War Cup might be highlighting them.

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• in the same context that Representative War Cup might be highlighting them.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session on HEAL Act implementation, beginning with an orientation from Environmental Justice Council member David Mendoza. He described the law’s purpose as integrating environmental justice into agency decision-making, community engagement, tribal consultation, strategic planning, and environmental justice assessments, with the goal of reducing environmental health disparities and improving accountability to communities and tribes. He also discussed the council’s role, the interagency work group, challenges with limited volunteer and agency capacity, and concerns about inconsistent assessment formats and future funding pressures. Committee members asked about council composition, including the balance of tribal, community, business, and other representation, whether the HEAL Act increases permitting time or costs, how “overburdened” and “vulnerable” populations are defined, and whether the council should be refreshed or audited. Mendoza said the statute is not limited to racial categories and can include rural and low-income communities, that the council has not quantified permitting delays, and that there is no formal audit requirement, though the council is discussing how to improve its work. Members also raised questions about the relationship between the Environmental Justice Council and the Office of Equity, with Mendoza saying the bodies are complementary but should coordinate more closely. The Department of Agriculture then reported on its HEAL Act work. Director of Equity and Environmental Justice Nicole Johnson said WSDA conducts environmental justice assessments for significant actions, applies an equity lens to licensing, funding, rulemaking, and strategic planning, and has completed 11 EJ assessments to date. She highlighted pesticide regulation, animal health, and weights-and-measures work as examples of environmental and economic justice, and said the department recently hired a full-time tribal consultant and has only 1.5 FTE supporting HEAL implementation. Members asked whether WSDA’s assessments apply to its role on boards such as the Forest Practices Board; Johnson said the department’s current understanding is that assessments are conducted on agency work. The Department of Natural Resources then presented on its HEAL Act implementation, focusing on strategic planning, community engagement, tribal consultation, environmental justice assessments, and equitable funding. DNR officials said environmental justice is being embedded in the agency’s 2025-2029 strategic plan, in its Community Access and Impact Plan, and in its advisory committee and board representation efforts. They reported conducting EJ assessments for sustainable harvest calculations, agency request legislation, and a prescribed burn manager certificate program, and said DNR has invested about $130 million in overburdened communities and vulnerable populations in fiscal year 2025 through wildfire resilience, youth education, and urban forestry programs. Committee members pressed DNR on how it identifies impacted communities, why landowners were not more visible in the process, how agency-request legislation is being assessed, and whether assessments are required for actions taken through other boards and commissions. DNR said its current interpretation is that assessments apply to internal agency actions, that some notices may appear on OFM’s notices page rather than the completed-assessments dashboard, and that it would follow up on specific questions about its posted assessments and process.

Transcript Highlights:

• And yeah, I don't know whether the Mark with CUP is on that determination process.

Bills: SB234 , SB210 , SB243 , SB244 , SM16 , HB8

Committee: Senate House Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee began by announcing that SB 210 would be rolled over to Friday and would not be heard. The committee then returned to SB 234, which would provide foster child school transportation funding statewide rather than only for Albuquerque Public Schools. Members adopted an amendment striking the APS-only language and making the bill statewide after testimony from the sponsor, PED, and others that foster youth transportation is a growing issue and should have its own funding stream. The committee discussed how the money might be distributed and whether the $1.2 million appropriation would be sufficient, then voted do pass on SB 234 as amended. The committee next heard HB 8, which creates a Higher Education Major Projects Fund for large capital projects that are difficult to fund through existing capital outlay processes. Testimony from the sponsor, LFC, HED, and university representatives explained that the bill would support projects such as the UNM School of Medicine, an NMSU multidisciplinary building, student housing, student life projects, and certain Division I athletic facilities, while requiring design readiness, institutional matches, and legislative oversight. Several senators raised concerns about the clarity of the prioritization process, the Division I-only athletics language, the recurring nature of future funding, and the relationship to other capital funding streams, but the committee ultimately voted do pass on HB 8. The committee then considered SB 243 and SB 244, nearly identical bills for UNM and NMSU that would each appropriate $5 million for student health, student support, nutrition, travel, scholarships, and other athletic department needs. Athletic directors testified that conference realignment, higher travel costs, nutrition demands, and new revenue-sharing/NIL obligations have increased expenses, and sponsors said the bills were intended as one-time appropriations. Some senators questioned whether the requests should be recurring or funded through university revenue rather than the state, but both bills received do pass recommendations. Finally, the committee heard SM 16, as amended, which asks HED to convene a task force to study parenting students in higher education and recommend ways to collect data and improve support. Supporters said better data is needed to understand barriers such as child care and transportation, and the memorial passed with a do pass recommendation. The committee then adjourned until Friday morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the A criminal illegal alien late last year beat an ice officer in the face with a metal coffee cup

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions, including Arizona agricultural producers and suppliers and sixth graders from James W. Rice Elementary School. The chamber then moved through a lengthy calendar of first- and second-reading bill references and committee reports, with no substantive debate on those items recorded in the transcript. The main floor action centered on Senate Resolution 1036, which was converted from a concurrent resolution to a Senate resolution and brought forward under a suspension of rules. The resolution condemned Attorney General Chris Mays for public comments about the use of force and law enforcement, and called on her to retract, clarify, and resign. Senators debated whether the resolution was a necessary public safety response or a politically motivated stunt, with supporters arguing Mays’ remarks endangered officers and opponents saying the resolution misquoted her and was being rushed without committee review or public input. A floor amendment was adopted, and after extended debate the Senate passed SR 1036 on a 17-13 vote. After the resolution vote, the Senate briefly returned to personal privileges, including an introduction of visitors connected to civics education, and then recessed and adjourned until Monday, February 2, 2026. The transcript does not show any other bill final actions beyond the SR 1036 vote and the routine referral and reporting of other measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• A criminal illegal alien late last year beat an ICE officer in the face with a metal coffee cup, sending

Transcript Highlights:

• It also allows for drone support during large planned events, so think of the World Cup coming up here

Bills: SB6084 , SB6044 , SB5950 , SB6046 , SB5763 , SB5784

Committee: Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections

Keywords: elections, double voting, voting twice, multiple voting, same-day election, primary election, general election, special election, cross-state voting, ballot fraud, election fraud, voter misconduct, RCW 29A.84.660, State v. Padilla, civil infraction, class C felony, Secretary of State, Washington elections, election law, voter eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows drone support for large planned events, so think of the World Cup later on this year, as well

Bills: HB2357 , HB2365 , HB2446

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: civil air patrol, military, Washington, emergency services, public safety, digital opportunities, accessibility, technology, economic growth, education, quantum technology, economic development, workforce development, innovation, technology industry

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows drone support for large planned events, so think of the World Cup later on this year, as well

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee held public hearings on three bills and then a work session on tourism. House Bill 2365, concerning digital equity programs, would shift more responsibility to the Broadband Office, rename the Digital Equity Opportunity Program as the Digital Opportunity Program, expand the forum’s role, and require more reporting and outreach on broadband adoption and affordability. The prime sponsor and several advocates from community organizations, PTA, and digital navigation groups supported the bill, emphasizing the need for digital skills, cybersecurity, affordability, and trusted community partners. Commerce testified that the bill has technical and fiscal concerns and would add costs, and the sponsor said amendments were likely to reduce the fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2365 was then closed. House Bill 2446 would direct the Department of Commerce to develop a state quantum strategy by June 30, using non-state funding if possible, to identify growth areas, partnerships, and workforce and economic impacts for the quantum industry. The prime sponsor, industry representatives, and technology organizations supported the bill as a way to keep Washington competitive with other states and build a quantum ecosystem. Committee members raised questions about fiscal impact, private funding, regulatory capture, and cybersecurity risks, including concerns about quantum’s effect on passwords and AI-related harms. A Microsoft representative requested a technical amendment to broaden the definition from quantum computing to quantum technology and said the company would follow up on funding and AI-regulation questions. The hearing on HB 2446 was closed. House Bill 2357 would create a Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department, allowing the governor to activate it for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions. The sponsor, the adjutant general, the Civil Air Patrol commander, and a veterans coalition representative all supported the bill, citing recent flood response work, emergency preparedness, and youth training benefits. Testimony emphasized that the proposal would clarify coordination, not change federal authorities, and would not create a fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2357 was closed without any amendment requests. In the work session on tourism, State of Washington Tourism and industry partners presented recommendations from an advisory group calling for a more sustainable, industry-led funding model, likely through an assessment or visitor-fee structure. They argued Washington is underfunded compared with western peers and estimated that a competitive program could generate $14.6 billion in additional visitor spending over the next decade, along with significant tax revenue and lodging tax growth. Speakers from tourism, the wine commission, hospitality, and advisory group leadership stressed predictable funding, industry governance, and statewide benefits, while committee members discussed international tourism, regional access, and the need to avoid further decline in the sector. The meeting adjourned early after the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Cups. Will you meet me outside? After that's a good question.

Committees: House Transportation , House Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, it's F: Tribal College and University Presidents and Sometimes I say teacup because I like the cup

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• have incredible resources, and we have to start talking about what we have instead of having this half cup

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• cell cultivation to give the same sensory experience as your everyday burger, steak, or your ordinary cup

Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its first informational hearing to examine the state of alternative protein research, industry growth, and policy needs in California. The chair opened by noting California’s $5 million public investment in UC research in 2022 and framed the hearing around three panels: the climate, environmental, and security potential of alternative proteins; industry scaling and commercialization; and university-led research and workforce development. Members emphasized that the committee will continue with site visits and additional hearings across the state. The first panel focused on the case for alternative proteins as a climate, land, water, biodiversity, and food-security solution. Shana Fertig of the Good Food Institute argued that plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated proteins can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water use while helping California meet its climate and conservation goals. Zane Swanson of CSIS added that alternative proteins could reduce risks tied to zoonotic disease, antimicrobial resistance, supply-chain disruption, and broader national security concerns. In questions, members discussed the role of pharmaceuticals in animal agriculture and how alternative proteins might complement, rather than replace, traditional farming by creating new markets for California crops and helping farmers diversify. The second panel featured industry leaders Ethan Brown of Beyond Meat, Myra Passick of Upside Foods, and Arye Elfenbein of Wildtype. Brown highlighted plant-based meat’s health and climate benefits, criticized misinformation campaigns against the sector, and urged better labeling, reduced subsidies for factory farming, and more plant-based food in public institutions. Passick described cultivated meat as a scalable food-production technology, said Upside Foods has already produced millions of pounds annually at its Emeryville facility, and asked for grants, low-interest loans, and possible participation in cap-and-trade or similar revenue programs. Elfenbein described cultivated seafood as a way to address overfishing, contamination, traceability problems, and the heavy import dependence of the U.S. seafood supply, while also noting conservation benefits and the need for California to remain a hub for the industry. The final panel centered on research and workforce development. UCLA’s Amy Rowat described state-funded work on technical bottlenecks such as growing fat cells and creating edible scaffolds, along with a Future Food Fellows program that trains students across science, engineering, law, and policy. UC Santa Cruz economist Galina Hale argued that alternative proteins are necessary to meet future protein demand while reducing food-system emissions, and said California must support the sector through grants, loans, procurement, and research centers to avoid losing leadership to other states and countries. The hearing ended with the chair thanking the witnesses, noting that all materials would be posted online, and saying the committee would continue building policy and budget proposals to support the sector.

Transcript Highlights:

• cell cultivation to give the same sensory experience as your everyday burger, steak, or your ordinary cup

Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its first informational hearing to examine the state of alternative protein research, industry growth, and policy needs in California. The chair framed alternative proteins as meat, dairy, and eggs made from plants, fermentation, or cell cultivation, and emphasized California’s prior $5 million public investment in UC research, the state’s large concentration of alternative protein companies, and plans for future site visits and hearings around the state. The first panel focused on the climate, environmental, food security, and national security rationale for alternative proteins. Representatives from the Good Food Institute and CSIS argued that alternative proteins can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land and water use, methane, antimicrobial resistance, and supply-chain vulnerabilities tied to conventional animal agriculture. Members asked about pharmaceutical and disease risks in livestock systems, and witnesses said intensification of animal agriculture increases antibiotic use and disease transmission risks. The chair also raised the relationship between alternative proteins and traditional farming, and witnesses described the sector as complementary, with opportunities for California farmers to supply inputs such as nuts, legumes, and commodity crop side streams. The second panel featured industry leaders from Beyond Meat, Upside Foods, and Wildtype. They described plant-based, cultivated meat, and cultivated seafood products, argued that the products can match conventional foods on taste while improving health and environmental outcomes, and said misinformation and labeling battles have hurt public perception. They also discussed scaling challenges, the need for grants, low-interest loans, manufacturing support, and possible participation in cap-and-trade or other revenue-generating programs. The chair highlighted tasting events and efforts to educate legislators and staff, and noted that schools, hospitals, and prisons are important markets for healthier food options. The final panel featured UCLA and UC Santa Cruz researchers who described university-led advances in cultivated fat, publicly available datasets, and workforce development programs supported by state funding. They said the UC system is well positioned to provide foundational research, open-access data, student training, and extension support for farmers. The hearing ended with the chair saying the committee will continue its work through additional hearings, tours, and possible budget or legislative proposals, while acknowledging that the current budget climate makes additional funding uncertain.