Transcript Highlights:

• That temporary funding expires this June, but what we're experiencing is that this work is ongoing, and
• The temporary funding period served as a pilot to prove that this was the right staffing needs for the
• However, this funding is temporary and it is set to expire on June 30 of this year.
• So against this backdrop, we are requesting a transition from temporary to permanent support.
• them should not be temporary either.

Summary: The committee heard budget and workload presentations from the Office of the State Public Defender, legal aid organizations, and the Judicial Branch. OSPD requested permanent funding for positions that had been temporarily funded to implement the Racial Justice Act, explaining that the work has become ongoing and now includes additional Supreme Court briefing, habeas proceedings, investigations, expert analysis, and data requests. The State Public Defender also presented the AB 625 public defense workload report, which found statewide staffing shortages, caseloads above recommended standards, and major gaps in investigators and support staff. Senators asked about racial bias claims, the volume of data requests, and the impact of Prop. 36, and OSPD said it would provide additional written information. The legal aid panel asked for a $50 million increase to the Equal Access Fund, $20 million to restart homelessness prevention services, and $10 million for health care access work, while also supporting Access to Justice Commission requests for loan repayment assistance, immigrant family preparedness services, and innovation grants. Witnesses described legal aid as homelessness prevention and cited examples involving eviction defense, domestic violence survivors, and immigration detention cases. Los Angeles Superior Court Presiding Judge Sergio Tapia discussed eviction data, low tenant representation, and court pilots in Compton and at Stanley Mosk that combine mediation, rental assistance, and legal help. Senators asked for service maps, outreach materials, and more detail on funding needs and federal funding losses. For the Judicial Branch overview, the Judicial Council and trial court representatives supported the Governor’s proposed budget, including $70 million for trial court operations, $21.7 million for employee health and retirement costs, and funding for appellate counsel, case processing, and courthouse construction. They said rising costs, staffing retention, and interpreter shortages continue to strain the courts, and described efforts to reallocate interpreter funds and recruit hard-to-find languages such as Mixteco. Senators pressed the branch and the Department of Finance on courthouse facilities, noting that the long-term need is far larger than the current budget proposal; Finance said the branch’s facility needs were estimated at about $22.5 billion over 10 years to start 68 projects and $29.4 billion to complete the remaining projects. The committee requested follow-up information on facilities, judgeships, and interpreter needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Brian El Takash is appointed to serve as temporary clerk. The committee on credentials report.
• Chair, the report of the committee on credentials has been submitted to the temporary clerk for action
• Temporary Clerk: Mr. Chair, I am in receipt of said report. Representative Tares: Mr.
• clerk for Action Mr clerk are temporary clerk for Action Mr clerk are you<00:50:15.760><c> in</c><00
• The House will take a temporary recess. The House will take a temporary recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is $40 per, and then you have to have workers there to be...
• This is $40 per, and then you have to have workers there to be implementing what's going on.
• And the result will be that victims of trafficking and the sex workers themselves will be subject to
• And under current statute, also, a parent may delegate temporary custody to another person.
• And under current statute, also, a parent may delegate temporary custody to another person.

Committee: House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2415, which would regulate kratom by treating certain synthetically derived compounds as narcotic drugs, raising the minimum sale age to 21, and penalizing sales of products exceeding a 400 parts per million cap. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill targets dangerous synthetic or highly concentrated kratom while preserving natural leaf products; testimony included a woman describing kratom addiction and treatment, family members describing harm from 7-OH products, and law enforcement and Attorney General’s Office support. Opponents, including criminal justice advocates, warned the bill could sweep in users and create harsh felony penalties, while some speakers urged a full ban and others defended natural kratom as distinct from synthetic products. The committee adopted the Wynn amendment and then gave HB 2415, as amended, a do-pass recommendation by a 6-3 vote. The committee then considered HB 2870, which would prohibit more than one Level 2 or Level 3 registered sex offender from residing in the same home unless they are related by blood, marriage, or adoption. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by a neighborhood case involving multiple sex offenders in one residence and argued it was aimed at residential homes, not supervised group homes. Supporters described fear and disruption in their neighborhoods, while opponents argued the bill would reduce already limited housing, make supervision harder, and potentially force people onto the streets; some also raised due process and recidivism concerns. After discussion about possible amendments and the distinction between group homes and unsupervised residences, the committee approved HB 2870 with a do-pass recommendation by a 6-3 vote. Next, the committee heard HB 2413, which requires GPS or electronic monitoring for registered sex offenders who are homeless or lack a permanent address until they obtain one. Supporters said the bill would close a gap because transient registrants are only required to check in every 90 days, leaving law enforcement without regular location information; a policy analyst said monitoring could be implemented through existing systems, though costs and administration would vary. Opponents argued the bill raises due process and equal protection concerns, duplicates existing reporting requirements, and could impose costs on people trying to stabilize their lives. The committee passed HB 2413 on a 5-4 vote. Finally, the committee took up HB 2720, which increases the penalty for purchasing prostitution to a class 6 felony and directs a $200 assessment to the anti-human trafficking fund, with an amendment clarifying the affirmative defense for trafficking victims and restricting use of the assessment to trafficking services. Supporters, including the sponsor, prosecutors, Phoenix police, and a city council member, said the bill targets buyers who drive demand and exploitation. Opponents from criminal justice and anti-violence groups argued the bill could still ensnare trafficking victims and sex workers, especially because the affirmative defense may be hard to assert in practice. After adopting the amendment, the committee gave HB 2720, as amended, a do-pass recommendation by an 8-0-1 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this is $40 per, and then you have to have workers there to be...
• This is $40 per, and then you have to have workers there to be implementing what's going on.
• And the result will be that victims of trafficking and the sex workers themselves will be subject to
• And under current statute, also, a parent may delegate temporary custody to another person.
• And under current statute, also, a parent may delegate temporary custody to another person.

Bills: HB2205 , HB2265 , HB2413 , HB2415 , HB2418 , HB2495 , HB2589 , HB2661 , HB2720 , HB2771 , HB2833 , HB2870

Committees: House Judiciary , House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Keywords: criminal damage, trespassing, critical facilities, felony, Arizona Revised Statutes, sex offender, electronic monitoring, registration, public safety, youth protection, Kratom, narcotic drugs, regulation, labeling, public health, age restriction, consumer protection, appropriation, law enforcement, task forces

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:13.759><c> commissioner</c> I'm serving as temporary commissioner I'm serving as temporary
• </c><00:31:27.200><c> with</c> the counties and tribal workers with the counties and tribal workers with
• I am incredibly our frontline workers.
• </c> are threatening our frontline workers are threatening our frontline workers and<01:52:28.480><c>
• <c> and</c><01:52:51.599><c> we</c> workers, the frontline workers, and we workers, the frontline workers

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:39.160><c> commissioner</c> I am serving as temporary commissioner I am serving as temporary
• or CFSS workers, and it also applies to workers in that Consumer Directed option under the waiver called
• or CFSS workers, and it also applies to workers in that Consumer Directed option under the waiver called
• The proposal would apply to PCA work, ERS, or PCA workers or CFSS workers, and it also applies to workers
• The proposal would apply to PCA work, ERS, or PCA workers or CFSS workers, and it also applies to workers

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Workers who lost hours, disrupted.
• The restaurant worker who housed.
• Also, as a licensed Social Workers.
• </c><00:27:07.120><c> eight</c> school social worker serving eight school social worker serving eight
• My co-workers are hardworking people. We My co-workers are hardworking people.

Bills: HF3403 , HF3410 , HF3424

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF3403, emergency rental assistance, rental aid, homelessness prevention, housing crisis, imminent risk of homelessness, eviction prevention, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aids, general fund appropriation, Minnesota revenue commissioner, poverty level, low-income housing, housing stability, family homeless prevention and assistance, emergency housing assistance, eviction, rent, redemption

Transcript Highlights:

• That also, under current law, includes a person employing one or more domestic workers.
• That also, under current law, includes a person employing one or more domestic workers.
• Speaker, HB 5, as it left the Senate, removes key provisions aiming to protect workers across multiple
• The Senate substitute, in its enactment clauses, provides for localities to have temporary procedures
• Senate Bill 28, this conference report relates to overtime for certain employees, domestic workers.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm asking this committee to consider and take up this topic of shared custody on a temporary basis in
• I'm asking this committee to consider and take up this topic of shared custody on a temporary basis in
• So, if our committee can discuss this as temporary, just to see if this works for parents and families
• So, if our committee can discuss this as temporary, just to see if this works for parents and families
• Eventually, the daycare worker was charged with misdemeanor simple battery.

Summary: The Judiciary Interim Committee met under time constraints and asked members to rank interim topics for a letter to Management Council. The committee then took brief public testimony on a series of proposed study topics, with no formal votes recorded in the transcript. Early testimony focused on landlord eviction rights, where speakers said the court eviction process is too slow, can worsen housing shortages, and leaves landlords unable to recover rent, fees, or damage costs. The foster care topic was presented as a request to examine whether the system gives too much weight to reunification and not enough to the child’s best interests, especially for younger children. A Blue Envelope Program proposal was also discussed; supporters said it would help law enforcement communicate with autistic or otherwise communication-challenged individuals during traffic stops and emergencies, and improve consistency statewide. The committee also heard a proposal to study Wyoming’s homicide-by-vehicle statute, with testimony from a constituent whose mother was killed by a repeat dangerous driver. Speakers argued the current law leaves a gap because prior DUIs, high-risk driving history, and other aggravating factors do not meaningfully affect charging unless intoxication or extreme conduct is present. Related testimony from Wyoming Pathways said the change should be a tool in the toolbox for prosecutors and could improve safety for pedestrians and drivers. Senator Cooper then raised campaign finance reform and dark money, urging a resolution asking Wyoming’s congressional delegation to seek a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United and restore state control over election spending transparency. Additional topics included a request from the Wyoming Livestock Board to review peace officer statutes so its investigators could act on felonies committed in their presence or prevent imminent bodily harm, while remaining within their current duties and certification. Representative Lee asked for review of non-disclosure agreements in public-private partnerships and executive sessions so the public can eventually understand how such agreements were used. Senator Pearson asked for interim consideration of shared custody amendments, saying fit parents should have a fair opportunity for shared parenting after separation. Representative Storer proposed revisiting DUI penalties, especially for refusal of chemical testing, arguing that refusal often prevents prosecution and that the law should impose treatment and license suspension consequences. The committee also heard a request to review statutes involving political parties, and the state court administrator asked for interim study of remote public access to court records, citing ongoing automation efforts, privacy concerns, and funding needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• They've been giving workshops on workers' rights and also workers' information, building out the capacity
• I am a mother, a worker, and a proud contributor to New Mexico's economy.
• I am a mother, a worker, and a proud contributor to New Mexico's economy.
• HB 124 moves us from temporary programs to long-term economic stability.
• HB 124 moves us from temporary programs to long-term economic stability.

Committee: Senate House Rules & Order Of Business

Summary: The committee first heard HB 124, which would codify the Office of New Americans within the Workforce Solutions Department. The sponsor and Workforce Solutions officials said the office has already been operating on a grant and has become a key resource for businesses and immigrant workers, especially for workforce development, credential recognition, language access, and referrals. Supporters from immigrant advocacy, child care, conservation, and civic groups argued the office would help address labor shortages, improve integration, and strengthen economic growth. Several members questioned whether the office would serve people without legal status, what services would be provided, and whether it would create taxpayer costs; sponsors said eligibility would depend on specific programs, the office would mainly provide referrals and workforce support, and it is currently philanthropic grant-funded. The bill was ultimately passed on a 6-4 due pass vote. The committee then considered SJR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment to change New Mexico’s pretrial detention standards. The sponsor argued the 2016 bail reform language has contributed to a “revolving door” for repeat offenders and that the current standard is too restrictive and inconsistently applied across judicial districts. Supporters from State Police said the resolution would give clearer direction and let voters revisit the issue. Opponents from the ACLU and the Criminal Defense Lawyers Association warned it would expand pretrial detention, weaken the requirement that the state prove no release conditions are adequate, and disproportionately affect poor people and people of color. After extended debate over public safety, judicial discretion, and whether the proposal should include a clearer standard, the committee approved the resolution on a 6-4 due pass vote. The committee also passed SJR 7, a land swap between the state and the City of Santa Fe involving the DPS site and part of the Midtown campus. The sponsor, the Department of Public Safety, and the Santa Fe mayor said the exchange had been discussed for years, would allow the state to own the land under its DPS facilities, and would help the city advance its Midtown redevelopment plan, including housing and public amenities. Members asked about the parcels involved, whether both sides agreed, and whether any member had a financial interest; the sponsor said the swap was non-monetary and fully agreed to by both parties. The resolution passed without opposition. Finally, the committee heard SM 31, which creates a workgroup with LFC, DFA, and PERA to study the loss of COLAs for PERA retirees and recommend solutions. Retiree advocates said the reduced COLA has significantly eroded pension value and that retirees relied on the statutory promise of a 2% COLA. Other speakers emphasized the need to protect long-term fund solvency while addressing retiree losses. The memorial passed unanimously by roll call. The meeting then recessed, with the chair noting the next day’s agenda would be posted later.

Transcript Highlights:

• And yet in California law, it still can be the case where temporary restraining orders are denied simply
• Family Justice Center and our district attorney, we had an individual file the paperwork to seek a temporary
• They know that their partner has weapons, and yet a judge denied the temporary restraining order even
• I think that for the next party, temporary restraining order, I think this is appropriate.
• California, the Amalgamated Transit Union, Engineers and Scientists of California, Unite Here, the Utility Workers

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• , and CT scan results, treatment notes from doctors, nurses, specialists, technicians, and social workers
• The timing requirement for temporary administrators to file proof of service is unclear.
• Fifth, it requires temporary administrators to provide proof of service within seven days of appointment
• And then finally, when a temporary administrator is appointed for an estate, it would give the administrator
• within, I believe, seven days, which would allow the heirs time to contest the appointment of the temporary

Bills: HB368 , HB3311 , HB1734 , HB2495 , HB2716 , HB793 , HB3376 , HB2524 , HB3421 , HB3446 , HB3181

Committee: House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Keywords: electronic devices, family violence, criminal prosecution, protective orders, tracking, harassment, family allowance, decedent's estate, surviving spouse, minor children, inheritance, child support, maintenance, HB 1734, Family Code, Section 155.207, suit affecting the parent-child relationship, SAPCR, continuing exclusive jurisdiction, jurisdiction transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• What are garment workers doing when they go to work? I'll let you think about that.
• Even government workers are paying hundreds of dollars for health care coverage.
• And we cannot look silently as we see our workers ask to do more and more.
• , and then reimagine and make the program better for both the families and for workers.
• Christopher Sanchez, on behalf of the Government Workers' Center of Los Angeles.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee heard opening remarks on the 2025 Budget Act, which will be amended into AB 101 and SB 101 for floor consideration. Committee leaders described the budget as a difficult compromise shaped by a $12 billion deficit, federal funding uncertainty, wildfire impacts, and rising out-year costs, while emphasizing a balance between compassion and fiscal responsibility. Each budget subcommittee chair then summarized major actions in their areas, including health care, human services, education, climate and transportation, housing and state administration, public safety, and oversight/transparency. Key policy items included delaying or narrowing some of the Governor’s proposed cuts, especially in Medi-Cal and other safety-net programs; preserving funding for dental care, women’s health, family planning, hospice, long-term care, IHSS, and services for undocumented Californians; and maintaining or expanding child care, foster care, food banks, and CalWORKs-related supports. Education actions included additional Proposition 98 settle-up, reduced deferrals, support for TK-12, teacher recruitment, literacy, mental health, preschool slots, and restored funding for UC and CSU. Other major items included housing and homelessness investments, wildfire and disaster response funding, transit loans and greenhouse gas reduction fund support, Proposition 36 and VOCA-related public safety funding, and oversight measures on federal impacts and state efficiency. Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst staff said the package makes some of the same savings moves as the May Revision but relies more on internal borrowing and fewer reductions, leaving a smaller reserve than the administration’s plan but still maintaining roughly $11 billion in the rainy day fund. Members from both parties largely supported the package while raising concerns about long-term sustainability, Medi-Cal costs, reserve use, and the need for future revenue and program review. The committee adopted the subcommittee actions by roll call, 18-6, with the roll held open for absent members and additional comments continuing after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving down now to the dark blue, this is the alternative temporary authorization certificate.
• The school district places the individual on a temporary authorization certificate.
• And is that true on the career temporary as well, the one year with renewal three times?
• So this would be a temporary authorization certificate.
• So you're proposing that the temporary would expand to a program like you're saying.

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:

• From MassHealth eligibility workers to SNAP workers, every day our workers answer heartbreaking phone
• income to the worker.
• 100% on worker right now, family leave benefits are always taxable income to the worker.
• If the worker pays 40% of the medical leave contribution, as we presently require them to, The worker
• , would be 100% on the worker, and medical leave would be 100% on the worker.

Bills: H4975

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Keywords: federal tax changes, OBBBA, revenue impact, pass-through entities, state budget, tax relief, high-income earners, opportunity zones

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also a proud member of SEIU, United States Workers West.
• I'm also a proud member of SEIU, United States Workers West.
• We need workers in these roles to be prepared, protected, and supported.
• Chair, and I really want to thank the workers for coming and sharing their stories.
• And to this day, many are still living in temporary housing as they manage their rebuild process.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• We have been planning to submit a joint health care worker testimony signed on by health care workers
• , dietary workers, and environmental service workers, many of whom are immigrants.
• When workers are afraid, patients feel it.
• Workers are afraid to drive to their jobs.
• As someone who works with health care workers who are immigrants, one in five health care workers are

Bills: H4697 , S2635 , S2680 , S2681 , H5158

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Keywords: constables, civil deputy sheriffs, law enforcement, training, certification, public safety, emergency response, red lights, Barnstable, town management, public health, safety standards, nuclear power, waste management, community protection, BMX, motocross, safety, regulation, insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• With regard to emergency authority and continuity of care, it authorizes DOEA to provide temporary direct
• Florida's Labor Pool Act was adopted in 1995 to set basic standards to protect workers from abuse.
• Often companies that want to ...to set basic standards to protect workers from abuse.
• Workers lose out on an opportunity to improve their situation, and employers lose out on an opportunity
• to hire quality workers.

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy considered a long agenda of bills covering education, health, criminal justice, aging services, labor, and commemorative measures. Among the measures reported favorably were CS/SB 1062 creating Florida Speech and Debate Week and the Florida Debate Initiative; CS/SB 196 and CS/SB 864 establishing and protecting a Uterine Fibroid Research Database; CS/SB 432, as amended, adding restrictions on xylazine and nitrous oxide sales; CS/SB 1630 modernizing aging and disability services and guardianship oversight; SB 1112 on labor pool placement fees and registration; CS/SB 524 revising FDLE and medical examiner provisions; CS/SB 530 updating lottery operations; CS/SB 646 narrowing drug paraphernalia testing equipment exemptions to fentanyl, analogs, and xylazine; SB 676 strengthening animal cruelty penalties and the animal abuser database; CS/SB 1180 creating a recall process for community development district board members; CS/SB 800 increasing penalties for unlicensed engineering practice; CS/SB 1404 creating a memory care specialty license for assisted living facilities; SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force; and CS/SB 1684 and CS/SB 1686 establishing and exempting records for a Parkinson’s Disease Registry. The committee also took up several high-profile commemorative bills. CS/SB 194, designating October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing civic engagement and free speech and opponents criticizing Kirk’s rhetoric and the appropriateness of a state honor. The bill was reported favorably after a recorded vote. SB 174, designating Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue in Miami-Dade County, also drew significant opposition testimony on similar grounds and was reported favorably. A late-file amendment to a related remembrance measure was withdrawn after discussion. Other bills, including the speech and debate, fibroid research, aging services, labor pool, animal cruelty, engineering, memory care, anti-Semitism, and Parkinson’s registry measures, were generally supported by agency, advocacy, or stakeholder testimony and advanced without major opposition. Several bills were amended before passage, including substitute or delete-all amendments on SB 432, SB 524, SB 646, SB 676, SB 1180, SB 800, and SB 1404. The committee repeatedly adopted amendments by voice vote and then reported the bills favorably by recorded roll call. The meeting ended with members requesting to be recorded on specific bills, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the school board, rightfully so, said, well, we need to put a temporary levy on the ballot.
• They had passed a levy that year, but their school district said, well, to be fair to our workers, to
• Because my temporary was good through January, I think, 18th or 19th. So I went back home.
• The lady says, well, well, Because my temporary was good through January, I think 18th or 19th.
• He said, I can't afford to hire workers to do a $12.50 inspection. So he quit doing it.

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:

• , iron workers, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, and many more.
• This amendment makes a technical correction to the requirement for awards of a temporary certificate
• It clarifies that a temporary certificate authorized in the bill is to be issued to the school district
• This amendment makes a technical correction to the requirement for awards of a temporary certificate
• It clarifies that a temporary certificate authorized in the bill is to be issued to the school district

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including visiting student groups, chambers of commerce, and apprenticeship participants. Senators also observed a moment of silence for a fallen Walton County deputy and later for the late John Pasadoma. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading calendar and special order calendar, with most bills passing overwhelmingly and several amendments adopted along the way. Among the major measures, SB 234 on criminal offenses against law enforcement officers passed 37-0 after debate and an amendment clarifying “good faith” in an officer’s duties; SB 7020 on open government and cybersecurity information passed 37-0; SM 1488 urging Congress to create a U.S. sovereign wealth fund was adopted by voice vote; SB 944 reducing insurance overpayment claim deadlines for psychologists passed 37-0; SB 878 expanding misdemeanor probation treatment provisions to controlled substances passed 36-1; SB 538, the state court system package, passed 37-0; SB 480 on nonprofit agricultural organization medical benefit plans passed 32-4; SB 472 on correctional-facility education credit for licensure passed 37-0; and SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification passed 28-9 after extensive debate about enforcement, federal preemption, and the bill’s purpose. Later, the Senate passed CS/HB 421 on peer support for first responders 37-0 after substituting the House companion, and SB 164 on vessel accountability advanced with a technical amendment. SB 166 on administrative efficiency in public schools drew the most extended debate and multiple amendments; it changes testing, promotion, teacher evaluation, certification, and facilities rules, and passed 37-0. The chamber also passed SB 282 on warranty association financial requirements 36-0, SB 316 creating series LLCs 35-1, and SB 384 on annexing state-owned lands 36-0. At the end of the day, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all passed bills to the House, received budget schedule guidance from Appropriations Chair Hooper for SB 2500 and SB 2502, and adjourned until April 9.