Video & Transcript Research : 'utility marking'
Page 49 of 500
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 28 January, 2026; 9:00 A.M.
Judiciary, Division B
Transcript Highlights:
- they're utilizing that mobile ID. they're utilizing that mobile ID. on<00:15:49.360>
that - But if they're going to have the tool, utilize it, but utilize it as instructed. But thank you, Mr.
- But if they're going to have the tool, utilize it, but utilize it as instructed. But thank you, Mr.
- But if they're going to have the tool, utilize it, but utilize it as instructed. But thank you, Mr.
- But if they're going to have the tool, utilize it, but utilize it as instructed. But thank you, Mr.
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 21104, a Gaming Commission criminal penalties bill presented by Commissioner Jay McDaniel. He said the measure is essentially the same as a bill passed by the Senate last year and would keep penalties low for people merely playing gaming, but make it a felony for operators of illegal online gaming platforms, with a $100,000 fine per conviction and forfeiture authority for funds tied to the crime. The committee substitute was described as clarifying that the penalties target the operator rather than the platform being used. After no questions, the committee moved and adopted the bill.
The committee then heard three Department of Public Safety bills from Commissioner Tindle. Senate Bill 2232 would raise seat belt fines from $25 to $100 and direct the additional revenue into existing driver education-related funds, with the stated goal of supporting driver education programs and improving teen road safety. Members asked about the revenue impact and whether the money would be appropriated back to the department and schools; Tindle said the funds would still be subject to legislative appropriation. The bill was moved and adopted, though some members raised concerns about redirecting local fine revenue.
Senate Bill 2314 was described as a cleanup bill for driver’s license statutes, updating outdated references, removing obsolete paperwork requirements, allowing first-class mail and optional digital notice through mobile ID, and reflecting the department’s move from Jackson to Pearl. Members questioned whether first-class mail could shorten response time for suspension notices and how mobile ID notices would work; Tindle said the change was intended to save money and allow electronic notice if users opt in. The committee also adopted this bill. Senate Bill 2817 would reorganize DPS by consolidating several divisions into a new Mississippi State Bureau of Investigations, combine equipment and software purchases, raise autopsy fees from $1,000 to $1,200, increase salvage title inspection fees from $75 to $125, and open a broader discussion about the Highway Patrol’s future role. It was also moved and adopted. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2230 from Senator Hill, which would extend electronic warrants to misdemeanors; members discussed efficiency, warrant databases, and Fourth Amendment concerns, but no final action on that bill was shown in the excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair calls Mark Friesenhahn. Senate Bill 1757 and its committee substitute.
- Chair calls Mark Friesenhahn. Cal Kincaid and Rich Isudziski, and there's one more, Kevin Webb.
- Yes, Mark Friesenhahn. I represent myself in tram.
- And if I may say, Mark, I had mentioned that y'all are in conversations.
- As Mark said, TRAM is unfortunately... ...opposed to the bill as it's currently written, as am I.
Keywords:
rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, February 25, 2026
Minerals, Business & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- So, Mark, when you're ready, would you call the roll? Representative Campbell — here.
- Thank you, Mark. Thank you, everyone, for being here.
- Mark, would you please?
- Mark,<00:42:12.160>
you're <00:42:12.319>up. Mark, you're up. Mark, you're up. - Green River area earlier about utilizing Green River area earlier about utilizing AI<01:11:44.560
NE
Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Morning Session Apr 17th, 2026
Nebraska Unicameral Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The governor gave me an X, not a check mark. So that is very first-grade coded for not accepted.
- Nebraskans like Mark Piper, who's featured in that article, are now forced to drive three-hour round
- When you don't, it does drive utilization.
- And so it does drive utilization. It drives costs, and that's part of the challenge with this.
- LIHEAP, we increased the federal poverty level to help the working poor with utility bills.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Sep 11th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 24 by Senator McNerney and others, relating to public utilities.
- Our utility bills should be spent on services, not political activity.
- I have to admit, y'all can mark this off all on your bingo card.
- Members, today marks 24 years since the deadliest terror attack in the United States.
- Today marks 24 years since the deadliest terror attack in United States history.
Summary:
The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance recognizing 9/11. Members then moved through a long daily file and concurrence calendar, with many items passed without debate or temporarily retained. The chamber also took procedural actions, including re-referring AB 1152 to the Public Safety Committee, suspending rules for guest access and file-item handling, and later taking a roll-call vote to allow a late-filed journal letter request.
Among the major Senate bills taken up on third reading, the Assembly approved SB 385 on peace officers’ rights, SB 753 on shopping cart recovery, SB 838 on housing and hotel projects, SB 643 on carbon dioxide removal grants, SB 645 on jury peremptory challenges in civil cases, SB 761 on CalFresh access for students, SB 774 on real estate licensing sunsets, SB 400 on renewable energy labor tax incentives, SB 24 on utility spending transparency, SB 37 on attorney advertising ethics, SB 258 on spousal rape involving disabled spouses, SB 364 on outdoor advertising near new freeways, SB 403 removing the sunset from medical aid in dying, SB 770 on HOA barriers to EV charging, and SB 22 on gift certificate cash redemption values. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition; SB 403 and SB 770 drew more divided votes, while SB 24 was briefly delayed by a call before passing.
The Assembly also concurred in numerous Senate amendments on Assembly bills covering a wide range of topics, including service of process (AB 747), local clean energy planning (AB 39), firearms (AB 1078), workers’ compensation (AB 1336), public health (AB 1487), survivor leave protections (AB 406), solid waste (AB 70), water reporting for data centers (AB 93), Diwali recognition (AB 268), wildfire workforce recovery (AB 338), educational equity (AB 419), civic education (AB 422), office-to-housing conversions (AB 507), cannabis tax relief (AB 564), privacy/browser opt-out rules (AB 566), housing element transparency (AB 610), tenant appliance requirements (AB 628), code enforcement penalties (AB 632), homelessness and LGBTQ-related policy (AB 678), energy (AB 740), DEIA review in state government (AB 766), inmate firefighter wages (AB 247), children’s health (AB 798), real estate (AB 851), COVID-era rehiring protections (AB 858), hazardous materials (AB 961), real property and housing covenants (AB 1050), aging (AB 1069), health care facilities (AB 1172), endangered species protections (AB 1319), CalWORKs modernization (AB 1324), cannabis access for seriously ill patients (AB 1332), foreign labor contractors (AB 1362), and downtown revitalization financing (AB 1445). Several of these passed overwhelmingly, while a few drew notable opposition, including AB 93, AB 403, AB 770, AB 851, AB 1050, and AB 1319.
The transcript also included extended debate on SB 34, which was presented as a compromise measure on air pollution and port operations in the San Pedro Bay area. Supporters said it narrowed the scope to protect union jobs while preserving AQMD authority, while opponents and supporters alike noted the underlying distrust between labor and environmental stakeholders. The Assembly passed SB 34, SB 515 on disaggregated demographic data collection, and then began taking up AB 495 on immigration, with the sponsor describing family separation and immigration enforcement trauma before the transcript cuts off.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 23rd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark Gonzalez, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin
- Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez, you are recognized. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
- erase the LGBTQ+ community under the guise of so-called religious liberty, let me be clear: my name is Mark
- retire to the rear of the chamber as I call your name: Assembly Members Ward, Lee, Jackson, Zbur, Mark
- Escorted by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez is Richard Ayyub.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the previous day’s journal. Procedural motions were adopted to allow certain members to speak on adjournment in memory and to host guests on the floor, and the chamber suspended Joint Rule 61 to allow the Appropriations Committee to meet and consider AB 1533. The majority leader also requested that SB 272 and HR 44 be removed from the consent calendar.
The main floor action was the Assembly’s Pride Month observance, centered on HR 43, which recognizes June 2025 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month. Assembly Member Ward and members of several caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing LGBTQ+ history, civil rights, community contributions, and current political attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. Assembly Member DeMaio spoke in opposition, arguing the resolution was divisive and included controversial policy references. After debate, 49 coauthors were added and the resolution was adopted by voice vote.
The chamber then held a Pride Month ceremony honoring 14 distinguished individuals for contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, followed by guest introductions recognizing APICA fellows, family members, educators, and community leaders. The Assembly later adopted the consent calendar, with SB 61, SB 66, SB 846, SB 229, and SCR 3 approved, and then heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for John E. Brison and former Assembly Member William T. Bagley. The House adjourned until Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 9 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Insurance Committee Apr 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Mark, second, an American Property Casual Insurance Association, were also opposed unless amended.
- Mark, second American Property Casualty Insurance Association, respectful opposition.
- Mark, second American property casualty insurance association, respectful opposition.
- This is a question purely of insurance policy and its utility here.
- This law won't be utilized at all. It's just for those kinds of exceptional circumstances...
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.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, December 12, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- championship marks This year's championship marks Southside's<00:14:57.040>
second <00:14:57.440 - <00:33:39.120>
prices going to pay 40% more for utility prices going to pay 40% more for utility - on his entire left an indelible mark on his entire community.<02:03:19.760>
Mr. - A vote that is going to be marked as a seminal moment in time.
- indelible mark. indelible mark.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Mark Gonzalez. Mark Gonzalez present. Carrell present. Pacheco. Pellerin. Karel. Karel present.
- AB 1579 ensures counties can fully utilize available funding, move forward with viable models, and build
- for your support in this common-sense legislation that does two very righteous things: lowers our utility
- Sydney Robinson, survivor from the 2018 Camp Fire, Utility Wildfire Survivors Coalition.
- And we need this because not just skyrocketing utility costs, but also utility companies keep walking
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 13, 2026, and began by taking up a large consent calendar, moving a first group of bills to the floor consent calendar and a second group by due pass. The committee then heard and advanced a series of measures covering housing, public safety, health care, education, and local government issues. Among the bills discussed were AB 2641 on a sales tax exemption for pawnbroker redemptions, AB 2525 on a narrow Surplus Lands Act exemption for Mission Bay Park, AB 1732 and AB 2433 on student housing and the Affordable Homes Bonus Law, AB 2055 on boating safety and enforcement, AB 1579 on children’s crisis residential services, AB 2139 on a Surplus Lands Act amendment for an Inland Empire soccer project, AB 2041 on EMS reporting, AB 1973 on reproductive health scope for advanced practice clinicians, AB 1929 on health plan investment disclosures, AB 2700 on utility rates and wildfire victim compensation, AB 1809 on school job order contracting, SB 73 on election security, AB 2418 on commercial building permit timelines, AB 1970 on step therapy limits for serious mental illness and substance use treatment, AB 2361 on peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing liability, AB 1976 on bike and pedestrian project approvals, AB 2110 on tax increment financing for workforce housing, and AB 2146 on supportive housing documentation and vacancy rules.
Testimony was generally supportive for the measures heard. Authors and sponsors emphasized consumer fairness, housing production, public safety, access to care, and administrative streamlining. Supporters included local governments, housing advocates, school districts, law enforcement groups, health care organizations, and affected individuals. AB 2700 drew especially extensive public testimony from wildfire survivors and local officials who urged stronger compensation for victims of PG&E-caused fires and relief from high utility costs. AB 2034 and AB 1790 were raised during public comment on bills not heard in committee, with several industry groups opposing AB 2034 and both supporters and opponents speaking on AB 1790’s Waters Edge issue.
Most bills were reported out of committee on due pass motions, with several noted as amended or with members not voting on particular roll calls. The committee also read and approved a lengthy suspense calendar, then opened public comment on bills not presented that day before adjourning.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- One is called the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, or AURI, and the other is MALC, the Minnesota
- is called the<00:02:48.239>
agricult <00:02:49.040>agricultural <00:02:49.680>utilization - the agricult agricultural utilization the agricult agricultural utilization research<00:02:51.040
- Also in subdivision three, you will see prohibitions on vehicle markings so that a reasonable person
- on vehicle markings so that a<00:20:16.960>
reasonable <00:20:17.440>person <00:20:17.919
Keywords:
agriculture, education, leadership council, compensation, research institute, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, investment, relief initiative, farm support, medication repository, drug donation, healthcare, Minnesota Statutes, pharmacy, public health, controlled substances
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Floor Session 4/30/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a mandate on the department, and the schools will utilize this tool given to them by the department
- this<00:09:31.360>
tool <00:09:31.760>given <00:09:32.000>to schools will utilize - this tool given to schools will utilize this tool given to them<00:09:32.320>
by <00:09:32.480 - This year also marks 50 years since resettlement of Southeast Asian families in Minnesota.
- This year also marks in Southeast Asia.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 25th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- And Troy Weaver, if you would like to come up and speak, I had marked on wave on...
- And Troy Weaver, if you would like to come up and speak, I had marked on wave on Troy Weaver, if you
- would like to come up and speak, I had marked you as waving, but if you want to speak, please, you're
- This is done throughout the state by various utilities and local governments.
- This project is not something that, you know, JEA tried to push off, or the utilities tried to push off
Keywords:
funeral homes, cemetery law, cremation, embalmer, funeral director, preneed contract, preneed funeral, human remains, unclaimed cremated remains, disposition of remains, hospice, palliative care, end-of-life care, direct disposal, mortuary science, funeral service arts, licensure by endorsement, cemetery license, contiguous acres, consumer services
Summary:
The committee first took up appointments, recommending confirmation of James Patrick Grambling and Brian J. Aungst on a single favorable vote. It then heard and approved several committee bills, including CS/CS/SB 1260 on building code inspections, which directs the Department of Management Services to contract with private providers for plan review and inspections; CS/SB 1668 on NICA, which updates benefits, oversight, funding, and immunity language; SB 1300 on a workforce/CDL training program for selected nonviolent inmates; CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services; CS/SB 1580 on illegal gaming enforcement; CS/SB 934 on Florida Keys affordable housing tax exemptions; and CS/CS/SB 1452, an agency bill updating DFS programs and licensing rules. Each of those bills was reported favorably after committee debate and, in several cases, amendments were adopted.
The committee spent substantial time on CS/CS/SB 1510, the DEP package, which reorganizes environmental rulemaking and land acquisition authority, expands septic-to-sewer and nutrient-reduction requirements in sensitive areas, updates stormwater and resilience provisions, and revises related permitting and grant programs. Two amendments were adopted, including one adding solar-energy and stormwater-related provisions and another removing septic disclosure reporting language. Testimony included support from DEP and concerns from environmental advocates about septic timelines and implementation. The bill was ultimately reported favorably.
The committee also considered CS/CS/SB 1566 on local government budget transparency, requiring counties and municipalities to post budgets and related materials online for extended periods in a standardized format. The League of Cities opposed the bill as an unfunded mandate, while the sponsor argued it would improve taxpayer access and accountability; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 7034, a rule ratification for minimum flows and levels for the lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers and priority springs, with testimony focused on the proposed Water First restoration strategy, conservation measures, and concerns about water quality, funding, and local opposition. The transcript ends during closing remarks on that ratification bill, before a final vote is shown.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- and publicly owned water, electrical, and gas utilities.
- Over the last several years, utility corporations have collected data on incidents reported by utility
- This also delays public utility infrastructure projects and maintenance.
- Thank you, Mark. Item 20, SB 1365 by Senator Allen. Gonzalez. Thank you, Mark.
- Thank you, Mark. Item 20, SB 1365 by Senator Allen. Gonzalez. Thank you, Mark.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Feb 5th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Our linemen, whether through our co-ops or our utility providers throughout the state, those dedicated
- We're coming up on the 10th of this month at the 120-day mark, and we don't anticipate any challenges
- That's a question mark in my mind as we work on policy.
- That's a question mark in my mind as we work on policy.
- Because in the worst-case scenario, there are no utilities, there's no power, there's no water.
Summary:
The committee received a program review from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and FEMA reimbursement process. Deputy Director Keith Pruitt described the impacts of Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, including major storm surge, flooding, tornadoes, debris removal, power restoration, flood-control deployments, sheltering, and logistics missions. He emphasized that Florida’s approach is “federally funded, state managed, locally executed,” and said the division has already obligated large amounts of public assistance funding and mitigation dollars while continuing to work on remaining missions and reimbursements.
A major focus of the discussion was how local governments can better document and vet debris-removal and other disaster costs so they are eligible for FEMA reimbursement. Chair DiCeglie and other senators raised concerns about local planning, commercial debris collection, and whether counties and municipalities that spend money up front will be reimbursed. Pruitt explained that eligibility depends on documentation, scope of work, insurance, and FEMA rules, and that the state’s FROC process is intended to help counties identify eligible work before costs are incurred. He also said commercial debris may be eligible in some cases but is not guaranteed, and that counties should coordinate early with FDEM and FEMA.
Senators also asked about possible FEMA reforms, the age of outstanding reimbursement claims, and a proposed state fund to advance money to fiscally constrained counties while they wait for FEMA payments. Pruitt said Florida’s system is a national best practice, but that more county-level training and clearer coordination would help reduce de-obligations and audit problems. He said the reimbursement-advance idea is still being developed, and that the state continues to look at ways to streamline mitigation through programs like Elevate Florida. The committee took no formal action beyond hearing the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after closing comments from senators praising FDEM’s work.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Business and Professions
Transcript Highlights:
- and author respond to this by saying if the physician is concerned about switching, they should just mark
- Speaking with multiple rheumatologists, each of them shares stories of marking the do-not-substitute
- And as for the DAW marking, if you put that, the pharmacist can't dispense, but the payer can say, 'Well
- So I do hope with the amendments that will be coming, that it will be very clearly marked.
- Again, HAZWOPER training is utilized when there is a major disaster and toxic material.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Mark Bender.
- Uh Mark Binder uh on Zoom being here.
- My name is Mark Bender. it for Copart. My name is Mark Bender.
- Thank you, Mark.
- Thank you, Mark.
Keywords:
sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, Hawaii, economic development, carbon footprint, aviation sector, renewable fuels, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation, clean fuel standard, alternative fuels, carbon intensity, emission reduction, greenhouse gases, transportation, autonomous vehicles
Summary:
The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a two-minute oral testimony limit and that decision-making would follow after testimony. It then took up SB 20008, which would set 55 mph as the maximum speed limit on all parts of the DKI/Saddle Road highway. The bill’s introducer described it as a response to safety concerns and noted prior public opposition when the speed limit was lowered from 60 mph; the Hawaii Police Department was listed in opposition, while DOT and several individuals testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided.
The committee next heard SB 20009, requiring new plates/tags or emblems for used motor vehicles transferred between private individuals, and SB 2026, which would require drivers approaching stationary vehicles on the shoulder or roadside to slow down and, if necessary, change lanes. The Attorney General supported SB 2026 but recommended narrowing and clarifying the language by removing references to shoulder/roadside, collision or mechanical problem, and other limiting definitions so the duty would apply more broadly and be easier to enforce; AAA and OMA also supported the measure. Members discussed the practical need for a mandatory move-over rule, especially for roadside workers and tow operators, and the committee heard concerns about enforceability on two-lane roads and in accident scenes.
SB 2053 was then heard, authorizing electronic signatures on supporting documents used to transfer ownership of total-loss vehicles to insurers without notarization and requiring insurers to indemnify the finance director for claims arising from those electronic title issuances. The Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, the City and County of Honolulu, and others supported the bill, with Copart describing it as a modernization that would reduce delays for total-loss settlements; technical amendments were requested. The committee also heard SB 2172, which would allow all-terrain vehicles to operate at night if equipped with lights and a slow-moving vehicle emblem, adjust helmet requirements, define utility terrain vehicles, and include ATVs in motor vehicle insurance law. DOT said it could support the bill only if limited to low-speed areas, and the insurance industry warned it could create a new insurance scheme; the City and County of Honolulu opposed while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and an individual supported. Finally, SB 2253 was introduced to expand first-degree negligent injury to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, with DOT, county prosecutors, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office in support; Honolulu prosecutors said they would oppose a proposed amendment because they wanted the language to preserve the offense as a lesser included offense tied to negligent homicide.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Mar 10th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The Rio Grande River system relies heavily on seasonal tropical storms, and the watershed missed the mark
- You mentioned you're basically Utilizing half of your asset at this point, right?
- politely but any business person knows you can't operate when you're max when you're only half way utilizing
- Mark Dromboski.
- Public Utilities.
Keywords:
water rights, treaty compliance, Rio Grande, agriculture, drought, international water, Texas water supply, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, harvest reports, wildlife harvest data, public information act, open records, confidentiality, hunter privacy, angler data, game animals, game birds, fur-bearing animals, nongame animals
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 21st, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Gallagher, Garcia, Gibson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark Gonzalez, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin
- File item number 20 is AB 1837 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez. The clerk will read.
- Assembly Bill 1837 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez and others, an act relating to parking violations
- Californians are feeling the squeeze of surging utility bills.
- Assembly Bill 2031 by Assembly Member of Pete you Norris and acculating the public utilities.
Summary:
The Assembly met on May 7, 2026, after an initial delay due to lack of quorum, then proceeded through a long House of Origin deadline session focused mainly on floor votes for dozens of bills. The day opened with prayer, a moment of silence for victims of a hate-motivated shooting at an Islamic Center in San Diego, and a warning to visitors about disrupting proceedings. Leadership repeatedly urged members to be on time and at their desks as the chamber worked through a large daily file.
The bills considered covered a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence, community college trustee compensation, transit camera enforcement and privacy, taxation and excess proceeds claims, HOA rules, hepatitis C treatment access, child care planning, greenhouse energy standards, consumer lending, housing and homelessness, pet spay/neuter access, local financing for workforce housing, student financial aid, DUI penalties, senior housing, foster youth, behavioral health licensing, transit stop data, disaster response for child welfare, elections notices, safe surrender for infants, college enrollment and leave policies, insurance regulation, fair funding, school safety, environmental labeling, cash rounding, park passes through libraries, grocery access, pregnancy protections in education, swatting, domestic violence protective orders, farmworker housing, juvenile justice, cervical cancer screening, Medi-Cal transitions, disability certification, and home protection products. Most authors described their bills as cleanup measures, consumer protections, access expansions, or targeted fixes to existing law.
Testimony from authors and supporters emphasized access, safety, affordability, and administrative simplification, while a few bills drew policy concerns or opposition, especially AB 1751 on townhome development and labor standards. That bill prompted extended debate over wages, prevailing wage, and stakeholder engagement, but it ultimately passed. Other notable discussion included AB 1628 to extend California’s safe surrender window for infants, AB 1902 on juvenile detention extension hearings, and AB 1925 on permanent disability certification, each framed as addressing difficult real-world gaps in current systems.
The chamber took many roll-call votes, with most measures passing overwhelmingly and several by unanimous or near-unanimous margins. A few bills were temporarily passed, retained on file, or moved to the inactive file, and AB 1534 required the call to be lifted and then passed on a 54-8 vote. Overall, the session was dominated by floor action on the daily file rather than committee reports or gubernatorial messages, and the Assembly advanced a large number of bills on a deadline day.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It's Mark with a K. All right. A and K now. How are you going to throw shade? I'm kidding.
- This is not uncommon with utilities.
- On AB 476, Mark Gonzalez, the motion is do pass as amended to the Committee on Public Safety.
- On AB 476, Mark Gonzalez, Chen? Aye. Elhawary? Aye. Haney? Aye. Irwin? Aye.
- On AB 476, Mark Gonzalez, Bauer-Kahan? Aye. On AB 506, Bennett, Bauer-Kahan? Aye. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee heard a long agenda of bills, with most measures drawing support from industry, professional, local government, and advocacy witnesses, and several receiving committee amendments before moving forward. AB 8 on hemp and cannabis drew the most extensive debate: supporters said it would close loopholes around intoxicating hemp products, strengthen enforcement, and bring THC products into the regulated cannabis supply chain; opponents, including small cannabis farmers and environmental groups, warned it could undermine Proposition 64’s closed-loop system, harm California cultivators, and reduce tax revenues for youth, environmental, and law enforcement programs. The author said the bill was intended to protect consumers and children and to work further with stakeholders. AB 476 on copper theft was presented as a public safety and infrastructure bill to tighten reporting, documentation, and penalties for scrap metal theft; supporters from cities, utilities, broadband, and recycling-related groups described major losses and outages from copper theft, and the remaining opposition moved to neutral after amendments, with the bill advancing with committee support.
The committee also heard AB 985, which would allow nationally certified anesthesiologist assistants to practice under direct supervision of licensed anesthesiologists to address anesthesia workforce shortages. Supporters, including the California Society of Anesthesiologists, medical groups, students, and patients, said it would expand access and bring California in line with other states; nurse anesthesiology groups expressed concerns and sought further clarification, but there was no formal opposition at the hearing. AB 506, aimed at online pet sales, would void contracts that fail to disclose an animal’s origin or veterinary records or that require non-refundable deposits; animal welfare groups said it would curb puppy mill pipelines and deceptive online sales, and there was no opposition. AB 876, on certified registered nurse anesthetists, generated the sharpest health care policy dispute: supporters said it would codify existing practice and clarify CRNA duties, while physicians and medical associations argued it would expand scope too far and reduce patient safety. After a roll call, AB 876 passed the committee 9-0, as amended, to Appropriations.
Other bills advanced with broad support after amendments. AB 432, the Menopause Equity Act, would require continuing medical education on menopause-related care for certain physicians; the author and medical experts said the bill addresses widespread gaps in menopause treatment and research, while CMA and ACOG opposed the mandate as an inappropriate CME requirement, though they agreed the underlying problem is real. The bill passed on call, as amended, to Health. AB 759 would allow eligible architectural candidates to use the title “architect in training” to encourage completion of licensure and improve diversity in the profession; it passed unanimously, as amended, to Appropriations. AB 967 would create an optional expedited licensure fee for out-of-state physicians to reduce delays in bringing doctors into California’s workforce; supporters said it would help address shortages and improve patient access, and the bill was presented with support from medical stakeholders.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Michael Kratsios, of South Carolina, to be Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Mark Meador, of Virginia, to be a Federal Trade Commissioner. Feb 25th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Kratios has been nominated to lead the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Mark
- Chief Technology Officer at OSTP during the first Trump administration was marked by efforts to advance
- Mark Better is well prepared to serve as a commissioner, and he should be confirmed.
- I offer my wholehearted support for Mark, for whom I have great regard. It's also great to have...
- I have every confidence in Mark, and I am proud to be here in support of his nomination.
Keywords:
Senate Committee, Commerce, Science, Technology, Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, FTC, Consumer Protection, Innovation, Emerging Technologies
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation featured significant discussions regarding technological advancements and their implications for the future. Notably, nominations were made for key positions in the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Federal Trade Commission. Committee members expressed the importance of leading in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, emphasizing that the pace of innovation is crucial for maintaining the United States' global position as a leader in technology. The discussions also highlighted the role of the FTC in protecting consumers from deceptive business practices and ensuring fair competition in the marketplace.
Attendees underscored the urgency of advancing research and development in areas such as quantum computing, as evidenced by a demonstration of a new quantum chip anticipated to redefine computing capabilities across industries. Various members engaged in vibrant exchanges, showing support for initiatives aimed at bolstering innovation through public and private collaboration. Overall, the meeting set a strong agenda for pursuing future science and technology policies that ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of global advancements.