Transcript Highlights:

• CS for SB 7014 delays the repeal date from October 2, 2026, to October 2, 2031, for two public record
• Let's take up tab 7, SB 292 on public records for appellate court clerks by Senator Rouson.
• Let's take up tab 7, SB 292 on public records for appellate court clerks by Senator Rouson.
• Thank you, affirmative on tab 7, 292. Senator Burgess.
• Thank you, and the affirmative on tabs 10 and tab 7. Anyone else?

Bills: S0062 , S0156 , S0168 , S0288 , S0290 , S0292 , S0296 , S0298 , S0364 , S0386 , S0624 , S7004 , S7006 , S7008 , S7012 , S7014 , S7016

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met with a quorum present and considered a long agenda of bills, many of which were reported favorably. Early action included CS for SB 62 on candidate qualification, which would create an enforcement mechanism for party-affiliation qualification requirements, and CS for SB 156, the Officer Jason Raynor Act, which would clarify resistance-to-officer language and add mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer. SB 156 drew strong support from the City of Daytona Beach and law enforcement groups, while the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers opposed parts of the bill, arguing it removed useful limits on force and imposed overly rigid sentencing. The committee also approved several open-government sunset review bills, including measures extending exemptions for social media platform investigations, small business loan program records, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles investigatory records, emergency shelter recipient information, Department of Military Affairs records, conviction integrity unit reinvestigation information, Public Service Commission records and meetings, and Florida Gaming Control Commission records and meetings. The committee also advanced CS for SB 624, allowing batterers’ intervention programs to offer optional faith-based activities, with supporters saying faith-based counseling can help reduce domestic violence and no participant would be required to take part. Other approved measures included HB 167 on former phosphate mining lands, which limits certain liability claims if notice and survey requirements are met; CS for SB 48 on housing, which requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units and was amended to remove hearing and variance requirements and clarify local ordinance obligations; SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives, described as a negotiated glitch bill preserving co-op authority over generation and power purchases; and CS for SB 364 on public accountancy, which creates additional CPA licensure pathways and mobility provisions. The committee also approved SB 292 creating a public records exemption for appellate court clerks and their families, despite some opposition votes. Later, the committee passed CS for SB 296 and CS for SB 298, which expand protections for victims of domestic violence and dating violence by creating a feasibility study for a secure web-based 911 alert platform and extending address confidentiality and public records protections to dating violence, stalking, and aggravated stalking victims. SB 386 on farm equipment, described as a “lemon law” for tractors and similar equipment, also passed. Additional open-government bills were approved for emergency shelter recipients, military affairs records, conviction integrity unit materials, PSC records, and gaming commission records. SB 168 on public nuisances was reported favorably as well. One bill, CS for CS for SB 290 on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, was temporarily postponed after extensive stakeholder testimony; the chair allowed public comment but no vote was taken, and the sponsor indicated ongoing discussions and possible changes. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded several individual votes for the record, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• All of that makes May, late September, early October, early June, all of that available to us.
• The primary uses, I would say, certainly late April till October, would be recreational.
• The primary uses, I would say, certainly late April till October, would be recreational.
• three participants at the public hearing on October 7, 2025.
• than usually 7% of our operations and our funding.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• Coming into effect in October of 2026.
• So it'll probably phase in over that year following October 2026.
• Year following October 2026.
• That program is eliminated as of October 1st this year.
• I was charged $7 for a latte the other day.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on the effects of H.R. 1 on Washington’s Medicaid, developmental disability, long-term care, and food assistance systems, followed by a separate discussion of juvenile rehabilitation caseloads and placement capacity. DSHS officials said HR1 could affect home equity rules, immigration-related eligibility, work requirements for some expansion-population enrollees, and provider taxes, while also creating a future opportunity for a new 1915(c) waiver. Advocates and providers warned that any state response that cuts home and community-based services would worsen already thin provider networks, increase waiting lists, push more people into hospitals or out-of-state placements, and strain families and workers. A pediatric behavioral health expert and a supported living provider said Medicaid reimbursement is already too low and further reductions would threaten outpatient, residential, and inpatient services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and severe behavioral needs. The committee then turned to SNAP and the state food assistance program. DSHS said HR1 would tighten work requirements and exemptions, end some immigrant eligibility for the federal program, eliminate the SNAP education program, raise state administrative costs, and eventually require Washington to share in benefit costs based on its error rate. Officials estimated large numbers of residents could lose or see reduced benefits, with significant added state costs. Anti-hunger advocates, a food bank director, and a SNAP recipient described the program as essential for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities, and said the changes would increase paperwork, reduce benefits, and worsen food insecurity while also harming local food economies. Testimony emphasized that food banks cannot replace SNAP and that work requirements may be difficult to meet for caregivers, people with disabilities, and those facing child care or transportation barriers. In the juvenile justice portion, the Caseload Forecast Council presented the JR forecast, which is currently mostly flat through the end of the biennium but expected to grow modestly over the longer term. Members discussed how policy choices, including the 2019 JR-25 law, have increased lengths of stay for adult-sentenced youth in JR, while diversion and other reforms have affected regular JR trends. A court researcher explained the data available to help forecast admissions and noted ongoing efforts to improve data sharing with JR, AOC, and county systems, though staffing and system-lag issues limit how quickly data can be produced. Juvenile court administrators and DCYF officials described the community-based juvenile justice continuum, rising complexity in the JR population, overcrowding at Green Hill and placement constraints at Echo Glen and Harbor Heights, and the need for more flexible community transition and mental health capacity. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item Number 7, SB 234, authored by Senator Nilo, due pass to Appropriations.
• 1, 2026, to October 1, 2028.
• As soon as October 1, 2026, to October 1, 2028, and it depends on the size of your system.
• So for the consent calendar, 7 to 0. Yep, that's out. For File Item 1, 7 to 0. That's out.
• File Item 1, SB 328, 7 to 0. Great. File Item 2, SB 466, 7 to 0. That's out.

Summary: The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard three bills after beginning without a quorum and later establishing one. SB 328 would cap DTSC hazardous waste generation and handling fees for infill housing and master development projects and set response timelines for cleanup reviews. Supporters said the current fee structure has made some housing and remediation projects infeasible, while opponents warned that capping fees for one sector could shift costs to other hazardous waste generators. The committee discussed the need for broader DTSC fee reform, and SB 328 was approved on a 7-0 vote and sent to the Committee on Revenue and Taxation. SB 754 would require manufacturers of disposable menstrual products to test for and disclose concentrations of certain contaminants, with DTSC able to verify results and publish them. Supporters framed the bill as a transparency and public health measure, citing recent studies finding toxic metals in tampons and emphasizing consumer right-to-know. Opponents, including manufacturers and hygiene product groups, argued the bill adds duplicative testing, vague requirements, and public disclosure that could be misinterpreted, and urged amendments. The committee members generally supported the goal of transparency, and the bill passed 5-2 with not voting members, moving to Appropriations. SB 466 would provide temporary legal protections for public water systems that are complying with approved chromium-6 compliance plans while they work toward the new drinking water standard. Supporters from Los Banos, Coachella Valley Water District, and other water agencies said the measure would help avoid costly litigation during a lengthy and expensive compliance period, especially for systems dealing with naturally occurring chromium-6. Committee members raised concerns about limiting recourse for harmed individuals and discussed possible alternative language, but the author said the bill would not affect state enforcement authority. SB 466 passed 7-0 and was sent to the Committee on Judiciary. The committee also adopted a consent calendar of additional measures by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• On page 7 of this brief, you will find general recommendations that could impact the Advisory Council's
• Is it October? November?
• I don't remember what other acts we're going to hear about in October.
• So for October, we also, so I'm on House Appropriations.
• In October, with data that proves that this is very successful, that's what we need, okay?

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal funds are 7%.
• In October of last year, the ESF-6 function was moved from DCFS to LDH.
• Starting in October of 2027, the provider taxes will start decreasing.
• We are still around 7% today, and it's in the budget.
• My questions are on page 7 also, and I just lost my page.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation on LSU Health Care Services Division and Lallie Kemp Medical Center. Staff reviewed HCSD’s roughly $74.7 million budget, much of it tied to legacy obligations for former LSU hospital systems and support for Lallie Kemp. Committee members asked about prisoner care, risk management costs, declining admissions and emergency visits, and the hospital’s 340B drug program. Lallie Kemp officials explained that prisoner care serves multiple state and local facilities, that lower admissions largely reflect more patients being placed in observation status, and that the in-house 340B program provides major savings to patients and the prison system. Members also asked about care for unhoused patients and the hospital’s discharge practices, and the hospital said social services works to find placement when possible. The committee then moved to the Louisiana Department of Health budget, which was presented as just under $23.5 billion, with Medicaid making up more than 90 percent of the total. The presentation covered the Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Health, Office of Behavioral Health, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, and Medicaid. Major items included the new Rural Health Transformation Program, the transfer of several functions from DCFS to LDH under the One Door initiative, changes to SNAP administration, and large Medicaid adjustments driven by enrollment, utilization, and federal policy changes. Testimony also highlighted the statewide crisis hub and 988, the commodity food program for seniors, women’s health and maternal outcomes, and the department’s efforts to modernize technology and reorganize services. Members questioned LDH officials on a wide range of budget and policy issues, including the rural health grant, crisis services, Medicaid redeterminations, provider taxes, physician and hospital supplemental payments, nursing home rates, HCBS funding, and the impact of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. LDH said the rural health grant would support workforce, technology, and care-delivery improvements; that the crisis hub and mobile crisis units are being expanded to improve access and reduce emergency room use; and that the department is working to keep the SNAP error rate below 6 percent to avoid a projected state cost increase. Officials also said they expect to return next year with additional funding requests for HCBS and other programs, while emphasizing that current budget changes are largely meant to realign funding with actual expenditures and new federal requirements. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• $64,225,846, a decrease of $3 million, or 4.3% when compared to December 2025, but an increase of $7
• $64,225,846, a decrease of $3 million, or 4.3% when compared to December 2025, but an increase of $7
• Okay, we'll now move on to Item 7 on our agenda, video gaming issues.
• The licensee did not submit its 2025 annual forms and fees until October 29, 2025. ...until October 29
• 21st, 2025, and was delivered on October 24th, 2025.

Summary: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on February 26, 2026, and first approved the January minutes and received revenue reports showing year-over-year gains in several sectors, including riverboats, racetrack slots, video gaming devices, sports wagering, and daily fantasy sports. Staff also reported on fourth-quarter 2025 employment and procurement compliance for riverboat and racetrack licensees, noting several properties that missed employment or procurement targets, while others were fully compliant. Under casino gaming issues, the board approved annual certificates of compliance for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel and Live Casino and Hotel. It also approved two petitions finding Alpha North Partners Fund, Inc. and Alpha North Asset Management to be institutional investors in connection with Jackpot Digital’s pending manufacturer and supplier applications. Under video gaming issues, the board approved a transfer of membership interest in Bonus Casino, LLC. The board then approved a series of proposed settlements involving late filings, permit lapses, and ownership-notification violations, including matters involving American Amusements, McKinley’s Pub, Whispering Pines Plaza and Casino, Ms. Mamie’s Rain Casino, Pablo’s Truck Stop Casino, Clearly Tavern and Sports Bar, and Golden Lantern, with civil penalties ranging from $750 to $9,250. In the final agenda items, the board granted reconsideration for Burritos Grill LLC after finding a good-faith but misdirected hearing request, but denied reconsideration for Toby’s Dead, Inc., doing business as The Gemini, concluding that the licensee missed the hearing deadline and that no sufficient grounds for rehearing were shown. The board then adjourned and announced its next meeting for March 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We meet, as many of you know, three times a year, usually in January, April, and October, for the committee
• That is better than the $67 million that we anticipated in October.
• , with the... ...forecast, but rebounded sharply in September and October.
• So we've gone from 7% mortgage rate to 6%, which is great.
• It's 7 percent. The current rate is 6.5 percent.

Summary: The Finance Advisory Committee met for its January session to review Arizona revenue and economic conditions ahead of the budget process. JLBC staff presented the January baseline, noting projected positive cash balances through FY 2029 and about $577 million to $578 million in discretionary capacity, but also highlighting major unfunded items not included in the baseline, including federal tax conformity costs, ongoing one-time spending for state employee health insurance and school facility repairs, and administrative costs tied to H.R. 1. Staff also reviewed revenue trends by category, saying FY26 general fund revenues were running above forecast overall, with strength in retail, restaurants and bars, and individual income tax payments, while contracting and utility-related collections were weaker or flat. They also compared JLBC and executive revenue assumptions and discussed the executive’s proposed revenue changes, including border reimbursement assumptions, sports betting tax changes, data center-related tax and fee proposals, and other non-general fund measures. A major topic was income tax conformity with recent federal tax law changes. Staff explained that current Department of Revenue forms assume “straight conformity,” but the governor’s proposal and vetoed SB 1106 do not fully match those forms, creating possible amendment and timing issues for taxpayers and the department if the legislature adopts a different policy. Members also discussed the difficulty of forecasting revenues amid volatile monthly collections and uncertainty over how much of the current revenue strength will persist in the second half of the fiscal year. Danny Court of Elliott Pollack gave a broader national and state economic outlook, arguing that the U.S. has avoided recession despite several warning indicators, largely because of AI and data center investment, while employment growth has softened and inflation remains above the Fed’s target. He said Arizona remains relatively resilient, with strong population and job pipelines, but faces housing affordability constraints, slowing employment growth, and a more concentrated population forecast in the Phoenix area. Panelists generally agreed that Arizona remains in better shape than many states, though they cautioned that job growth is slowing, population estimates may be revised, and budget and revenue forecasts should be treated carefully given uncertainty in the data. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a 400% increase in incidents in recent years from 2015 to October 7, 2023.
• After October 7, we saw a 400% increase compounded on that already high level, and because of those last
• 7, and there were 14 from October 7 to December 31.
• We have had professors openly praise the terrorist attacks of October 7 and call for more in one case
• 14 from October 7th to there were 14 from October 7th to December<00:31:02.760><c> 31st</c><00:31:03.760

Summary: The committee first took up SB 19, which would require a daily moment of silence or reflection in Kentucky public schools and clarify that students may use the time as they choose without coercion or religious direction. The sponsor and supporters, including representatives of the Kentucky Jewish Council, argued the bill is nonsectarian, intended to promote calm and focus, and supported by research and prior bipartisan backing. Opponents from the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass said they supported the anti-coercion language but objected to making the moment of silence mandatory rather than permissive, citing concerns about the statute’s interaction with the Lord’s Prayer language already in law. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 19 unanimously with favorable expression. The committee then considered SB 83, which revises the KEES scholarship program so homeschool and non-certified school students can receive awards using an ACT-to-GPA conversion and be treated more comparably to public school students. The sponsor described the bill as a recurring measure and walked through how the award amounts would be calculated under the substitute. There was no opposition raised during the hearing, and the committee adopted the substitute and passed SB 83 unanimously with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard Senate Joint Resolution 55, directing Kentucky public postsecondary institutions to combat anti-Semitism. The resolution would require campuses to adopt policies using the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, notify students of Title VI and state-law complaint rights, recognize Jewish organizations as community resources on the same basis as other religious organizations, take action against student groups supporting designated terrorist organizations, and collect and report campus anti-Semitism data. The presenters and supporters described a sharp rise in anti-Semitic incidents on campuses after October 7 and said schools have not responded adequately. The committee adopted the substitute and began hearing testimony on the resolution, but the transcript cuts off before any final vote on SJR 55.

Transcript Highlights:

• Article 1, section 7, beginning on line 7.1, amends the definitions under the school safety drills law
• Article 1, section 7, beginning on line 7.1, amends the definitions under the school safety drills law
• </c> they may notify their school by October they may notify their school by October 30th<00:14:54.880
• 15:01.040><c> line</c><00:15:01.279><c> 20.3,</c> Section 7, beginning on line 20.3, Section 7, beginning
• Article 3, section 7 is also a relocation provision.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're going to start at Section 7, which begins on page 13. So everything else is in. Yes.
• Section 7 is the first epilogue section here. That is boilerplate language.
• I move to adopt Section 7 through 25. Section 26 is on hold.
• An annual report is required on October 1st. Christina Riverfront areas.
• An annual report is required on October 1st.

Committee: Joint Capital Improvement

Summary: The committee met for a fiscal year 2027 capital budget writing session with all 12 members present. It first reviewed and approved the DNREC Resource Conservation and Development drainage project list, which would add projects across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties and bring the total eligible projects to 1,561. Members offered personal remarks thanking retiring conservation district staff, especially Kevin Donnelly, for years of work on drainage and water issues. The committee then reviewed DelDOT Rule 12 changes, including annual date updates and a reduction in the inflation markup applied to older estimates, and approved the rule as amended. The committee next adopted DelDOT Appendix A and the FY27 paving and rehabilitation list, including the subdivision street management fund and various road resurfacing projects. DelDOT explained that paving projects are for state-of-good-repair work and that major changes from corridor studies would be handled separately. The committee also approved DelDOT epilogue changes, including updates to authorization amounts, a $25 million increase for toll infrastructure work, changes to subdivision street paving language, and an increase in the subdivision street paving management fund to $30 million. Several sections were placed on hold for later updates. The committee then moved through boilerplate epilogue sections in the bond bill, approving a wide range of provisions affecting conservation districts, housing, economic development, corrections, DNREC, public safety, transportation, agriculture, fire prevention, education, and other agencies. Many sections were adopted in groups, while some were held for later revisions or deleted as no longer needed. The session included updates to school capital rules, transportation restrictions and reporting requirements, DNREC conservation and land-use provisions, and funding and administrative authorities across multiple agencies. The committee broke for lunch after approving the education-related sections through 147, with additional sections still pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in early November, actually late October, we'll be updating the national economic forecast.
• Year to date, we're up about 7%.
• Likely expectation that they'll reduce rates in October, then again in December.
• With that, Of about 10.8% for the current biennium and 7% for the next biennium.
• entered into prior to October 1st.

Committee: House Finance

Summary: The Finance Committee work session began with a presentation from Dr. Reich on the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC), explaining how the state’s revenue forecasts are built from economic models and how they are used to support the budget process. He described the main revenue sources for state operating funds, the ERFC’s membership and quarterly public process, and the factors affecting the latest forecast, including slow employment growth, weak taxable sales, higher inflation pressures, tariffs, federal spending uncertainty, and the federal shutdown. He said the September forecast was reduced, mainly because of lower sales tax and real estate excise tax collections, with smaller changes to capital gains and other funds, though revenues were still roughly on track and the base case remained slow growth rather than recession. Committee members asked about whether Washington’s economy can lag national downturns, and Dr. Reich said the timing and severity of impacts can differ by recession and sector. Representative Chase asked what happens if revenues fall short of expenses, and Dr. Reich said that is a budgeting question for elected officials rather than the forecast council. Members also noted the importance of the forecast for policy decisions, especially given slowing employment and manufacturing. The committee then heard from the Department of Revenue on implementation of Senate Bill 5814, which expands retail sales tax to certain services effective October 1, 2025. Steve Ewing explained the existing sales and use tax framework, sourcing rules, reseller permits, and the multiple points of use exemption, then walked through the new taxable categories, including live presentations, temporary staffing, investigations and security services, IT services, custom website development, advertising services, and custom software changes. He described DOR’s implementation efforts, including listening sessions, a public landing page, notices to taxpayers, and interim guidance, and noted a six-month grace period for certain pre-existing contracts but no general penalty or interest relief. Committee members raised concerns about taxpayer confusion, the burden on new taxpayers, sourcing and allocation issues, and the difficulty of determining liability in cases like speakers, nonprofits, and advertising services. DOR said it would continue outreach, answer ruling requests, and likely seek technical cleanup legislation in the 2026 session. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in early November, actually late October, we'll be updating the national economic forecast.
• Year today, we're up about 7%.
• With that, ...of about 10.8% in the current biennium and 7% for the next biennium.
• Effective October 1, 2025, the law makes certain services a retail sale, and I list those here.
• entered into prior to October 1st.

Summary: The committee first received a presentation from Dr. Reich on the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC), including how the council’s joint executive-legislative forecasting process works, the main state revenue sources, and recent economic conditions. He said Washington’s economy is slowing, with weak employment growth, softer taxable sales, and uncertainty from tariffs, federal spending, and the federal shutdown. He also noted that the September forecast was reduced, mainly because of lower sales tax and real estate excise tax collections, and that the state still expects modest growth rather than a recession. Members asked about whether Washington tends to lag national downturns and how forecast information should affect budgeting; Dr. Reich said the forecast is a revenue tool, not a budgeting decision, and that spending choices remain with elected officials. The Department of Revenue then presented on Washington’s sales and use tax structure and the implementation of Senate Bill 5814, which expands retail sales tax to several services effective October 1, 2025. Steve Ewing explained how sales and use tax are sourced, how reseller permits and the multiple points of use exemption work, and how the new law applies to live presentations, temporary staffing, investigations and security services, IT services, custom website development, advertising services, and custom software. He said DOR held listening sessions, issued interim guidance, and set up a centralized landing page and outreach efforts to help taxpayers understand the changes. He also described a six-month grace period for certain pre-existing contracts through March 31, 2026, but said penalties and interest still apply under the statute. Committee members raised concerns about how businesses and individuals will know when a service is taxable, who is responsible for collecting and remitting tax, and how sourcing will work for services delivered across multiple locations or online. DOR staff walked through examples involving accounting services, live lectures, virtual events, advertising campaigns, and search engine marketing, including the use of reasonable allocation and pool codes when exact sourcing data is unavailable. Members also questioned the administrative burden on small businesses and professionals newly subject to tax, and whether additional legislative fixes or relief from penalties and interest may be needed. No votes or formal actions were taken in the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The nation just faced the longest federal government shutdown earlier this year, which started on October
• This is scheduled to go into effect on October 1, 2027.
• benefits were still issued for the month of October.
• to more than 460 calls a week in late October.
• I also want to note that starting next October, October 2026, the state will also be on the hook for

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on CalFresh enrollment, food insecurity in California, the recent federal shutdown’s disruption of SNAP benefits, and the long-term effects of H.R. 1 on eligibility, benefits, and state and county costs. Opening remarks emphasized that millions of Californians rely on CalFresh, that the shutdown briefly delayed benefits for the first time in the program’s history, and that state and local governments, including Alameda County, stepped in with emergency food aid and funding. Members also framed the issue as both a hunger and affordability problem, with several noting that California’s agricultural abundance contrasts sharply with persistent food insecurity. The first panel presented research and advocacy perspectives on food hardship. PPIC’s Tess Thorman described food insecurity rates, disparities affecting households with children and Black and Latino households, and the role of nutrition programs in reducing poverty. Nourish California’s Betzabel Estudio argued that hunger is a policy choice and highlighted campaigns to expand state-funded food assistance for immigrants, support reentry populations, and continue the CalFresh fruit-and-vegetable incentive program. The California Association of Food Banks’ Josh Wright said food banks are seeing sustained high demand, lower federal food supplies, and cannot replace CalFresh, while urging more state support for food purchasing, school meals, and SunBucks. The second panel reviewed CalFresh operations and participation. The California Department of Social Services reported that CalFresh participation has risen over the past decade, with the state closing much of the participation gap through outreach, simplified applications, and demonstration projects such as the Elderly Simplified Application Project and a minimum nutrition benefit pilot. Alameda County Social Services described local caseloads, application trends, and emergency food distributions during the shutdown, while also warning that H.R. 1’s work requirements, immigrant eligibility restrictions, and possible cost-sharing could reduce enrollment. A student CalFresh ambassador testified about the burdensome application and recertification process and urged more funding for campus basic-needs centers and outreach to reduce stigma and administrative friction. In the final panel, county, food bank, and policy witnesses described the shutdown response and the expected impact of H.R. 1. Alameda County Community Food Bank and the County Welfare Directors Association said counties, food banks, and community partners mobilized emergency funds, pop-up pantries, and food purchasing to bridge the shutdown gap, but warned that hundreds of thousands of Californians could lose benefits under the new federal rules. The California Budget and Policy Center began outlining the scale of federal cuts, noting that H.R. 1 will significantly reduce SNAP funding and shift costs to states. No votes or formal committee actions were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with discussion of possible state responses, including backfilling benefits, preserving outreach funding, and improving administrative systems to protect enrollment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since the October 7th massacre.
• October 7, 2023, changed my life from a happy middle schooler with many friends.
• 7.
• 7.
• My name is Simon Hyatt, a resident of Assembly District 7. I strongly oppose this bill.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee held a special hearing on AB 715, with the authors presenting the bill as a response to rising anti-Semitism in K-12 schools. The authors said the measure is intended to strengthen protections for Jewish students, improve district accountability, expand the uniform complaint process, clarify protections related to religion and nationality, and create a state-level anti-Semitism coordinator. They emphasized that the bill was developed through collaboration with the Black, Latino, AAPI, and Jewish caucuses and argued it is meant to protect all students from hate while preserving legitimate classroom discussion. The hearing included extensive public testimony. Supporters, including students, parents, rabbis, Jewish organizations, and some educators, described harassment, biased curriculum, delayed or ineffective school responses, and fear among Jewish students and families. They urged the committee to act to make schools safer and more responsive. Opponents, including teachers, ethnic studies advocates, civil liberties groups, Palestinian rights advocates, and some Jewish parents, argued the bill was rushed, vague, and could chill academic freedom, censor discussion of Palestine and Israel, and expand complaints against teachers and school districts. Several witnesses said existing complaint and anti-discrimination systems already address these issues. Committee members then questioned the authors and witnesses about implementation, definitions, and possible effects on curriculum and school boards. The authors said the bill is still intent language and that details would be refined in further negotiations with stakeholders. Representatives from the California School Boards Association and California Teachers Association raised concerns about the new language and possible unintended consequences, while ACLU California Action said it had concerns but wanted to keep working on the bill. The transcript does not show a final vote or action taken on AB 715 during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• :13.679><c> registration</c> understand that a 7-day registration understand that a 7-day registration
• But October 31st is when they stopped selling it.
• So these registrations are sold through October.
• So these registrations are sold through October.
• But October 31st is when they stopped selling it.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• , passed away on October, on October, and whereas, And whereas Clint was born on April 12, 1947, to Clinton
• District 7 in 2002.
• Certificate 7. Certificate 8. Certificate 9. Certificate 10.
• Senate Bill 7.
• So I hope you'll join us 5 to 7 tonight at the Terrace Room at the Hotel La Fonda.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was reduced this year to $7 million based on budget reductions.
• Yeah. 7 to 2, Mr. J. Okay.
• </c><01:26:25.040><c> and</c><01:26:25.280><c> the</c> signed it in October and the signed it in October
• So the last division that's going to report will be Division Two on the 16th of October.
• </c> &gt;&gt; 22 October a Wednesday. &gt;&gt; 22 October a Wednesday.

Summary: The committee opened a work session on 17 retained bills and moved through several measures, often with motions to ought to pass or inexpedient to legislate. House Bill 54, allowing alternative treatment centers to operate for profit, was supported as a way to improve efficiency and potentially lower costs for medical cannabis users, and it was recommended OTP by a 9-0 vote. House Bill 97, an appropriation for wastewater infrastructure, drew mixed views: supporters said the Senate’s reduced funding still met the bill’s intent, while opponents argued the funding was inadequate for critical infrastructure needs; the committee voted 5-4 to ITL. House Bill 111, extending the Right to Know Ombudsman and exempting certain assistance from unauthorized practice of law, was recommended ITL 9-0. House Bill 197, concerning state payment of a portion of local retirement contributions, was discussed as a recurring issue; members noted an amendment could fund it starting in fiscal 2027, but the committee ultimately voted 5-4 to recommend the bill itself rather than ITL. House Bill 215, requiring landfill permit applicants to submit a harms-and-benefits report, was amended to narrow its scope to future privately owned landfills only; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed 9-0. House Bill 216, on workers’ compensation credit toward retirement service, was ITL’d 9-0 after the sponsor said the proposal was too open-ended and could affect unknown numbers of people.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, your bill points to Article 7 of the Public Lands Law.
• And that's probably why Article 7 of the Public Lands Law...
• And that's probably why Article 7 of the Public Lands Law...
• And that's probably why Article 7 of the Public Lands Law...
• And that's probably why Article 7 of the Public Lands Law...

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal, and then recognized several guest groups, including the Shenendehowa High School girls varsity cross country team and tennis champion Jolie Chichak, as well as the Downsville Central School Student Council. Senator Tedisco introduced the Shenendehowa athletes, highlighting their state and federation championships and strong academic records, and Senator Oberacker introduced the Downsville students. The chamber extended courtesies to the guests. The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills and resolutions. Among the measures approved were a bill designating Overdose Awareness Day, a real property tax bill, a public authorities bill, several education-related bills, a private housing finance bill, a workers’ compensation bill, and a labor law bill. Some items were laid aside before later being taken up, including the cannabis bill and the environmental conservation bill. Votes were largely unanimous or near-unanimous, with a few recorded negatives on certain bills. The most extensive debate centered on Calendar 261, Senator May’s environmental conservation bill concerning renewable energy installations and transmission on state reforestation lands. Senator Walczyk and others questioned whether the bill would allow solar, wind, battery storage, tree cutting, herbicide use, and reduced environmental review, while supporters argued the bill was mainly about transmission corridors, climate goals, and preserving flexibility for DEC oversight and mitigation. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed 42-13. The Senate also passed Calendar 353, Senator Ramos’s labor law bill addressing class action wage recovery and statutory damages. Supporters said it would clarify the law so workers can recover full wages in class actions, while opponents warned it could encourage litigation against small businesses over technical payroll errors. The bill passed 47-8. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until March 4, 2026, with intervening days as legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• The task force will end by October 1, 2026.
• The department shall then submit by October 31, 2026, a summary report to the governor, the President
• The department shall then submit by October 31st of 26 a summary report to the governor, the president
• Comparably, children between the ages of 1 and 7 drowned at a rate of approximately 5 per 100,000 and
• Comparably, children between the ages of 1 and 7 drowned at a rate of approximately 5 per 100,000 and

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and a doctor of the day announcement. Members also observed a moment of silence for former Senator Charlie Dean, with tributes offered to his service and family. Several introductions were made, including guests in the gallery and visiting students. On the special order calendar, the Senate temporarily postponed bills on Citizens Property Insurance, artificial intelligence, public records, and data centers, then took up and passed several measures. SB 198/HB 505 on virtual currency kiosks was substituted to the House bill, amended to adopt the Senate language, and passed 37-0 to address fraud, registration, transaction limits, warnings, receipts, and refunds for scam victims. SB 382 on electric bicycles passed 37-0 after amendment to broaden the task force to micro-mobility devices and collect crash data. SB 844 on sickle cell disease continuing education passed 37-0, requiring one-time board-approved training for certain licensed health professionals. SB 1014 on municipal utility service outside city limits passed 37-0, prohibiting cities from denying water or wastewater service solely because an owner refuses annexation, subject to service and funding conditions. The Senate also passed SB 428 on the swimming lesson voucher program by 36-0 after amendments expanding eligibility to ages 1 through 7 and adding postpartum drowning-prevention education and safe bathing guidance. SB 540 on the Office of Financial Regulation passed 36-0, creating cybersecurity program and oversight requirements for certain financial licensees and clarifying anti-money-laundering enforcement. SB 1440 on public records passed 35-1 after technical amendments, extending cybersecurity-related public records exemptions and reporting provisions. SB 1594 on veteran benefit payments to minor clients passed 36-0, directing benefits received on behalf of foster youth toward post-secondary education or aftercare rather than agency reimbursement. At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to waive rules so all bills passed that day would be immediately certified to the House and the postponed bills would remain on the special order calendar; both motions were adopted. The Senate then adjourned until the next morning for committee meetings and other business.