Transcript Highlights:

• These are very different sectors that are being regulated under one umbrella.
• These are very different sectors that are being regulated under one umbrella.
• And in our analysis, we've seen about 30% is the average from a data account.
• As others have acknowledged, farmers are facing rising input costs.
• And, of course, there's time for strong regulations.

Transcript Highlights:

• you're aware of the work we're doing in case members of this committee or other legislators might have input
• So if you have input or thoughts on those, please feel free to reach out to me.
• state agency procurement data and expenditure data to just look for patterns that we think might merit
• First, using centralized student data to inform intervention decisions with input from multiple professionals
• The first is using data to design early intervention and small group instruction, and looking at data

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the State Auditor’s Office on its current performance audit work plan. The auditor described how topics are selected from a large pool of ideas and coordinated with JLARC to avoid duplication. Four ongoing audits were highlighted: Liquor and Cannabis Board operations, oversight of authorized entities serving students with disabilities, the long-term care provisions of Initiative 1163, and Medicaid managed care versus fee-for-service costs. Other planned topics included housing commission tenant ownership follow-up, DSHS vendor payment growth, implementation of the Since Time Memorial curriculum, and Washington State Ferries operations. Members asked about coordination with JLARC, and the auditor said the office regularly exchanges work plans and monthly updates with JLARC staff. The committee then received the State Auditor’s report on how charter schools identify and support at-risk students. Auditors reviewed four schools—Catalyst Public Schools, Innovation High School, Pinnacles Prep, and Rainier Prep—and focused on English language learners, homeless students, and special education students. The audit found that the schools met nearly all legal requirements reviewed and used many leading practices, including small-group instruction, culturally responsive environments, family engagement, and multi-tiered systems of support. The main recommendations were to improve documentation and written procedures so staff can apply practices more consistently. One area of partial compliance involved language access planning, and MTSS implementation varied across schools. Committee members asked why those four schools were selected, how the sample compared with district and statewide student populations, and whether the audit examined K-2 MTSS requirements. The auditor explained the schools were chosen for student need, geographic diversity, and authorizer representation, and that K-2 MTSS was not evaluated because only one school served those grades. Representatives from the Charter School Commission and charter school advocates responded positively, saying the report reflected strong practices and could help spread effective approaches. Public testimony from the Washington State Charter Schools Association and Excellent Schools Washington also supported the report and urged continued sharing of best practices across schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• So inaction or loosening of these regulations, including our regulations around light-duty and heavy-duty
• What are the data points?
• We don't have detailed data that we gather.
• We address that through the at-berth regulation, and the goal of that regulation is to reduce emissions
• How do you regulate China when they come in?

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

Transcript Highlights:

• that data.
• another unit to be able to have that data.
• And so we did have input from the public, input from the social work associations, and we've had some
• They have 2023 death data, 2024 data will soon be released.
• They have real-time suicide data, suicide ideation, and attempt data.

Summary: The task force met to review the prior minutes, hear introductions from members and stakeholders, and receive an update on the HCR 86 study on African American suicide in Louisiana. Dr. Williams summarized survey findings from 94 university respondents and said the work focused on college students as a key risk group, with financial stress and other early triggers identified. He said universities had resisted participation because of stigma and concerns about enrollment and reputation, and he recommended stronger statewide reporting requirements, better data collection, and more targeted prevention efforts. Members discussed possible policy responses, including mandatory suicide prevention training, gatekeeper training for faculty and staff, student awareness materials, and adding 988 information to student IDs and campus outreach. Dr. Thomas described existing LDH efforts, including 988 partnerships, a university toolkit, and training through the Louisiana Center for Prevention Resources. Senator Boudreaux and others said the issue should be addressed through legislation rather than voluntary action alone, while Dr. McKee noted that occupational licensing rules and statutes could support required training and reporting. The task force agreed to revise the report language to say reporting would be confidential unless otherwise required by law, and to circulate additional state examples and recommendations before February 1 for use as a legislative template. Members also asked that the Office of Public Health be included in discussions about a centralized suicide data hub, since it already tracks real-time suicide data. The chair thanked the participants, said the final recommendations would guide possible legislation, and adjourned the meeting without setting another date unless further action is needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Rck, so I noticed we don't have a fiscal note, but I have some data from...
• Chair Rck, so I noticed we don't have a fiscal note, but I have some data from...
• </c> so um depending on what the regulations so um depending on what the regulations are<00:12:53.800
• So I think that, you know, I appreciate all the input and look forward to working together.
• </c><00:19:48.080><c> and</c> know I I appreciate all the input and know I I appreciate all the input

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate that input.
• </c><00:04:09.799><c> I</c> last week and I appreciate that input I last week and I appreciate that input
• I do need your input and welcome your input, and I look forward to working through that with you.
• We will abide by all of your rules and regulations.
• We will abide by all of your rules and regulations.

Summary: The Senate Agriculture Committee took up Senate Bill 122, a measure dealing with pet stores, breeders, and the scope of local regulation. The chair explained the bill was intended to balance private business rights with local control, and said he wanted to clarify definitions such as qualified breeder, local authority, and where fees and fines would go. He also said he would work on a floor amendment and noted concerns about whether the bill would allow localities to outright ban pet stores or instead only regulate them. The committee first adopted a committee substitute by motion and voice vote. Supporters of the bill, including representatives from Petland and an attorney who had worked on animal-related regulation in Ohio, argued that the bill would create statewide standards, protect responsible pet retailers from what they described as politically motivated local bans, and preserve consumer choice. They said local governments would still be able to inspect, require documentation, and enforce licensing, but not shut businesses down without due process. A senator from Campbell County asked whether the bill would interfere with strong local ordinances; supporters responded that the bill would set standards higher than USDA rules and still allow local regulation, while opposing local bans. Opposition came from the Kentucky League of Cities and representatives of Kentucky animal care and control agencies. KLC said local decisions should remain at the local level and noted that several cities and one county already had ordinances that could be affected; it also said the bill was opposed by its board and might overlap with pending litigation. Animal control representatives said the bill did not clearly define breeder verification or enforcement responsibility, could restrict local authority, and did not address animal care conditions or consumer transparency. After questions and debate, the committee voted on the bill; the roll call ended in a 5-5 tie, and Senate Bill 122 failed to pass out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then you gather in the data so you can pull out the group that you want to look at and watch that data
• We did have input from the public, input from the social work associations, and we've had some statutes
• They have 2023 death data, 2024 data will soon be released.
• They have real-time suicide data, suicide ideation, and attempt data.
• So if data, suicide ideation, and attempt data.

Summary: The task force met to review work under HCR 86 on African American suicide prevention, with members introducing themselves and approving the prior meeting minutes. Dr. Williams summarized survey-based findings from 94 university student respondents, explaining that the study focused on warning signs and triggers rather than suicide behaviors themselves. He said financial stress, stigma, and lack of institutional ownership were major themes, and argued that Louisiana needs mandatory reporting and broader suicide data collection because universities and other institutions often avoid reporting incidents, especially those occurring off campus. Dr. Thomas described current and potential prevention strategies, including gatekeeper trainings, 988 outreach, postvention policies, student-facing information on mental health resources, and adding 988 to student IDs. She also noted that the Office of Public Health already serves as a suicide data hub with real-time and death data, and should be included in any centralized reporting discussion. Members discussed how to balance new mandates with university concerns, with several agreeing that legislation is needed but should be developed with input from the Board of Regents and university leadership. The task force reviewed recommendations in the report, including a Louisiana Suicide Prevention Data Act, a centralized data hub, incentive-based reporting for colleges, modernization of the 2018 suicide prevention law, and possible tax credits or other incentives. Dr. McKee suggested that any reporting requirement should be framed to fit existing professional obligations and that training requirements for licensees could be added. The chair asked that revised recommendations and examples from other states be circulated before February 1, with the final report updated to say “confidential unless otherwise required by law.” No public comments were offered, and the meeting adjourned after the chair said he and Senator Boudreaux would consider legislation and, if needed, a resolution to extend the task force.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what the data showed us is that in large numbers, we agree.
• And what the data showed us is that in large numbers, we agree.
• I have had a lot of input on this, and I look forward to more. ...a lot of input on this, and I look
• So at the end of the day, they even have my data.
• We know that data is valuable, and they have that data.

Bills: SB5871 , SB5919

Committee: Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development

Keywords: motor vehicle, glass repair, insurance claims, consumer protection, regulations, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures

Transcript Highlights:

• To focus on the crude inputs, looking at some of this data, it looks like about 29% probably of total
• Not, you know, I don’t want to gainsay that that’s a regulation, but reporting data is also something
• Do you have data, though?
• And it's a tribute to the fact that the public has this data. The CEC has a lot of data.
• This is data, SB 1322 data showing the refining margins going back to 2023 when the data from SB 1322

Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications held an oversight hearing on managing the transportation fuels transition, fuel pricing, and supply reliability. Chair Allen opened by discussing prior legislation, including SB 1322 and special session measures, that expanded reporting to the California Energy Commission (CEC) and gave the state tools to study gasoline costs, refinery margins, inventories, and potential supply disruptions. He framed the hearing around refinery closures, rising imports, global conflict affecting crude markets, and the need to balance affordability, reliability, and the state’s long-term clean-fuels transition. CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda, CDTFA Chief Deputy Director Gentian Droboniku, and DPMO Director Ty Miller presented data showing California’s growing dependence on imported crude and refined products, declining in-state refining capacity, and stable-to-tight inventories that are being supported by higher imports. They said the new transparency laws have improved understanding of the market and pointed to the proposed Gateway Pipeline, marine imports, and distribution constraints as important supply issues. CDTFA and DPMO emphasized that retail margins, especially for branded gasoline, have widened significantly, with large price gaps between branded stations and hypermarts/unbranded stations, and that some of the recent price increases were tied to the Iran conflict while earlier spikes were more consistent with localized market behavior and possible price gouging. DPMO also said it is investigating high-priced branded stations, monitoring algorithmic pricing under AB 325, and continuing to analyze diesel spot-market transparency. The CEC and CARB also discussed the Transportation Fuels Transition Plan and the SB 237 assessment, describing them as efforts to plan for a managed decline in fossil fuel demand while protecting workers, communities, and consumers. They said California’s climate goals remain centered on an 85% greenhouse gas reduction by 2045, with continued use of liquid fuels expected but with lower-carbon alternatives, more efficient vehicles, and alternative fuels playing a larger role. Committee members focused heavily on workforce impacts, the need for concrete transition planning, and whether the agencies could provide a clearer picture of what California’s fuel system will look like under the state’s long-term goals. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Inaccurate and incomplete data limits the Liquor and Cannabis Board's capacity for data-driven regulation
• regulate the industry.
• regulate the industry.
• DOH posts data to its website, though it provides limited analysis of the data.
• , and data before that is accessible by ...least 10 years in data, and data before that is accessible

Summary: The meeting began with JLARC’s biennial executive committee elections. Members elected Representative Pollitt as chair, Senator Wagner as vice chair, Representative Orcutt as secretary, and Senator Solomon as assistant secretary, all by roll call vote. The committee then approved the May 14 meeting minutes unanimously, and Chair Pollitt noted plans to strengthen bipartisan input and coordination on future audit scopes and agendas. Staff then presented a preliminary report on Washington State recreational boating programs. They said six agencies collect or spend boating-related funds, that the state collected $108 million in boating-related revenue during the 2021-23 biennium, and that $86 million was spent on boating-related activities. Most spending went to infrastructure and water access, with additional amounts for environmental protection, boater safety, and marine law enforcement. Staff also summarized a survey of other states showing Washington’s boating laws are broadly similar to those elsewhere. The committee spent most of the meeting on preliminary tax preference reviews. JLARC staff reviewed preferences for natural gas used for transportation, travel agents and tour operators, nonprofit low-income housing development, multipurpose senior citizen centers, disabled veteran adapted housing, trade convention attendance, agricultural fertilizer and seed wholesaling, hazardous substance tax treatment for certain pesticides, and energy sold to silicon smelters. Recommendations ranged from continuing preferences, modifying reporting or performance metrics, and in some cases allowing preferences to expire. Members raised questions about emissions benefits, missing employment data, low utilization by veterans, housing reporting gaps, and whether some preferences still fit current policy goals. The committee also adopted the proposed final cannabis market study. Staff reported that Washington businesses produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023, and that the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s reporting system is incomplete and unreliable. LCB said it is working toward a new system and concurred with JLARC’s recommendations, though it said the timeline may extend beyond 2026. The committee then began the proposed final report on Department of Health oversight of hospital data reporting, inspections, and complaints, with staff saying DOH was late on most acute care hospital inspections and does not consistently verify third-party inspections or fully review complaint and reporting issues; DOH concurred with the recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Warehouse uses like that of a data Warehouse uses like that of a data center<00:03:43.640><c> can
• Bank data center.
• > committee toured a data center last committee toured a data center last Friday<00:09:49.360><c> um<
• Our coalition is not opposed to data centers, but we are concerned about lack of regulation.
• Our coalition is not opposed to data centers, but we are concerned about lack of regulation.

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Inaccurate and incomplete data limits the Liquor and Cannabis Board's capacity for data-driven regulation
• and Cannabis Board's capacity for data-driven regulation.
• We also found that LCB's data system does not support a data-driven approach to regulation.
• We also found that LCB's data system does not support a data-driven approach to regulation.
• Until this time, LCB will likely continue to have incomplete and unreliable data with which to regulate

Summary: At the May 14, 2025 JLARC meeting, members approved the January 9 minutes and adopted the 2025–27 biennial work plan with a minor typo correction. Staff reviewed two new work plan studies: a drug takeback program fee-setting and expenditures review due in December 2025, and a state energy performance standard compliance review due in June 2027. Staff also summarized recent JLARC session activity, noting six committee presentations and five bills enacted related to JLARC work or recommendations. The committee then heard a preliminary cannabis market study. JLARC staff reported that Washington businesses likely produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023, but that incomplete and unreliable Liquor and Cannabis Board data limits regulation, tax verification, and diversion tracking. Staff recommended that LCB submit a plan by the end of 2025 describing what resources and funding would be needed to collect accurate data by the end of 2026. Members and agency representatives discussed the 2031 timeline for a new tracking system, data quality problems, and the social equity program; LCB said it is evaluating vendor options and will provide more information on its plan. JLARC also presented a preliminary report on Department of Health oversight of hospital data reporting, inspections, and complaints. Staff concluded DOH is late on many hospital inspections, does not verify third-party inspection standards, does not review adverse health event correction plans, and could make hospital data more accessible. The report included five recommendations to DOH and one to the Legislature. DOH said it would work with JLARC on a strategic management plan and acknowledged the need for improvements. The committee next reviewed a preliminary report on the public records survivor exemption, concluding the exemption is being used but needs clearer guidance. JLARC recommended keeping the exemption and having the Attorney General provide additional implementation guidance. Members then approved a proposed final report on Developmental Disabilities Administration processes and staffing; DDA concurred with the recommendations and described steps it has already taken on metrics, data quality, and workforce planning. Finally, JLARC introduced proposed study questions for its upcoming review of DCYF juvenile rehabilitation programs, focusing on safety and security, access to services, staffing, education, and comparisons to best practices. No votes were taken on the preliminary reports, and the meeting adjourned after the study question presentation.

Bills: SR44 , HCR1027 , SJR50 , SJR52 , SJR53 , HB1185 , HB1937 , HB2035 , HB2137 , HB2166 , HB3148 , HB3323 , HB3466 , HB3498 , HB3661 , HB3678 , HB3710 , HB3977 , HB3986 , HB4104 , HB4108 , HB4142 , HB4191 , HB4274 , HB4275 , HB4322 , HB4336 , HB4484 , HB3880 , HB1687 , HB3673 , HB1170 , HB2959 , HB3718 , HB3021 , HB3443 , HB3501 , HB4143 , HB4326 , HB2992 , HB3660 , SB171 , SB1325 , SB1980 , SB2045 , HB4422 , HB4423

Keywords: SR44, Senate Resolution 44, Teacher Appreciation Week, teachers, educators, Oklahoma educators, public schools, K-12 education, pre-K, school recognition, education resolution, appreciation week, National PTA, Eleanor Roosevelt, teacher recognition, school staff, classroom, Oklahoma Legislature, concurrent resolution, sine die adjournment

Transcript Highlights:

• This industry is still regulated in other statutes.
• This actually only applies to regulated entities.
• The Department of Commerce is going to oversee this and regulate it.
• The review of existing data then the evaluation process.
• The process outlined in this bill's naturally and carefully regulated.

Bills: SR44 , HCR1027 , SJR50 , SJR52 , SJR53 , HB1185 , HB1937 , HB2035 , HB2137 , HB2166 , HB3148 , HB3323 , HB3466 , HB3498 , HB3661 , HB3678 , HB3710 , HB3977 , HB3986 , HB4104 , HB4108 , HB4142 , HB4191 , HB4274 , HB4275 , HB4322 , HB4336 , HB4484 , HB3880 , HB1687 , HB3673 , HB1170 , HB2959 , HB3718 , HB3021 , HB3443 , HB3501 , HB4143 , HB4326 , HB2992 , HB3660 , SB171 , SB1325 , SB1980 , SB2045 , HB4422 , HB4423

Keywords: SR44, Senate Resolution 44, Teacher Appreciation Week, teachers, educators, Oklahoma educators, public schools, K-12 education, pre-K, school recognition, education resolution, appreciation week, National PTA, Eleanor Roosevelt, teacher recognition, school staff, classroom, Oklahoma Legislature, concurrent resolution, sine die adjournment

Transcript Highlights:

• , which was carried out in 2021, and to provide opportunities for public input.
• Is there regulation based on... ...small modular pieces of that?
• Is there regulation based on some kind of a buffer?
• I don't have that data on hand, although I have a request in to get it.
• Nuclear energy is the most regulated industry in the United States for safety.

Bills: HB2090 , HB2215 , HB2245 , HB2272

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: nuclear energy, renewable energy, energy strategy, sustainable development, state energy policy, climate change, fuel regulations, compliance obligations, sustainability, environmental policy, consumer-owned utilities, clean energy, port districts, market customers, energy transformation, ski areas, winter sports, terminology update, recreation, regulatory changes

Transcript Highlights:

• I think Mountain States has some data on your question, maybe, so potentially.
• Thirty-five percent say reduced regulations; 18% are not sure.
• Permits if local regulators don't respond in a reasonable amount of time.
• I'll have to look into the data, though. ...rate and as young as they used to.
• I don't know if you want to respond and some input. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee: Senate Local Government and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:31:51.840><c> licensed</c> uh a uh I guess a regulated licensed uh a uh I guess a regulated licensed
• Uh, we certainly hear the range of input from sheriffs.
• Uh, we certainly hear the range of input from sheriffs.
• </c> considering like that external data considering like that external data shows,<01:29:18.880><c>
• ,</c><01:29:38.880><c> cost</c> projections, facility age data, cost projections, facility age data,

Bills: HF3700 , HF3982 , HF3927 , HF3933 , HF3949 , HF4238 , HF4275 , HF4476 , HF4504

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• chemicals that aren't regulated.
• Compost is one of the inputs that a lot of organic farmers rely on.
• DCC serves as the national voice for the data center industry, and our members include leading data center
• Data centers aren't trying to circumvent regulation, but seek equitable treatment to comparable end users
• The number of data centers throughout the state.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• People are exhausting their benefits, and we have data about exhaustion.
• To update these data as we have the opportunity to do so. Thank you.
• And as a legislator, I appreciate good data.
• the public about the regulations, about the program.
• Madam Chair, Commissioner Hammond, thank you for that input.

Summary: The Commission on Unemployment Compensation met, established a quorum, and elected Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling as chair and Senator Mike Jones as vice chair. The commission also adopted its electronic meeting policy and heard introductions from new members, staff, and officials from the Secretary of Labor’s office and the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). Secretary Jessica Lumen outlined the administration’s workforce and labor priorities, including supporting workers, employers, and program transparency, while members raised concerns about business climate, job losses, labor participation, and the implementation of paid family and medical leave. Staff provided legislative updates on recent unemployment-related bills. These included increases to the weekly unemployment benefit amount enacted in 2025 and 2026, a bill on labor dispute disqualification that changed how lockouts are treated for benefit eligibility, and a budget item providing $75,000 for actuarial support to the commission. The commission also discussed the 2025 work group on annual adjustments to weekly benefit amounts; staff reported that the work group did not complete its charge, and members agreed to revisit whether to reconstitute it at a future meeting. Delegate Martinez expressed support for continuing the work, and the chair said the issue would be taken up at the next meeting. Deputy Commissioner Joanna Darkus gave a detailed presentation on Virginia’s unemployment insurance system, including current claims data, eligibility rules, employer tax structure, benefit levels, trust fund solvency, fraud prevention, and customer service operations. She reported that Virginia’s unemployment rate remains low, weekly claims are modest, the current weekly benefit range is $160 to $478, and the trust fund balance factor is projected at 50.9 percent, near the threshold for additional employer charges. Members asked about the taxable wage base, trust fund solvency, the effect of benefit increases, fraud controls, and the planned paid family and medical leave program. VEC said it is implementing that program through regulations, staffing, IT procurement, public listening sessions, and consultation with other states. A public commenter from the Virginia Poverty Law Center urged the commission to strengthen state investment in unemployment insurance and warned that federal support is uncertain. The commission then adjourned without taking further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• chemicals that aren't regulated.
• Compost is one of the inputs. Compost is one of the inputs that a lot of organic farmers rely on.
• Timothy Berg Jr., on behalf of the Data Center Coalition, or DCC.
• DCC serves as the national voice for the data center industry, and our members include leading data center
• Data centers aren't trying to circumvent regulation, but seek equitable treatment to comparable end users

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with SB 1350 by Senator McNerney presented first. The measure would expand California’s use of renewable hydrogen in the power sector by allowing renewable portfolio standard credit for power plants using green hydrogen, with supporters emphasizing grid reliability, clean-energy goals, in-state investment, and construction jobs. Support came from labor, clean-energy, municipal utility, and local government representatives; NRDC Action Fund withdrew opposition after amendments, while a few groups remained opposed or neutral. The committee later took a roll call and SB 1350 passed out on a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard SB 1180 by Senator Allen, which would set operational rules for the Plastic Pollution Mitigation Fund created under SB 54, including clearer eligible uses, transparency, technical assistance, and access for tribes and smaller community groups. Environmental justice, ocean, conservation, and local government groups strongly supported the bill, saying it would ensure the fund addresses plastic pollution’s public health and environmental harms. Industry and manufacturing groups opposed unless amended, arguing the bill should stay tightly tied to plastic waste reduction and not broaden into source-reduction policy. After quorum was established, the committee approved SB 1180 on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. SB 1326 by Senator Wahab was then heard to strengthen tribal consultation and tribal cultural resource protections under CEQA by recognizing tribal registers and requiring feasible avoidance or mitigation measures when tribes identify resources. Tribal representatives and supporters said the bill would better protect sacred sites and tribal knowledge, while cities, counties, utilities, builders, and rural county groups opposed unless amended, citing implementation concerns, possible litigation, and uncertainty for infrastructure and housing projects. The committee voted the bill out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. Finally, SB 954 by Senator Blakespear was presented as a cleanup of last year’s SB 131 advanced-manufacturing CEQA exemption, narrowing eligible projects and adding guardrails such as setbacks, air-quality limits, tribal consultation, labor standards, and habitat protections. Environmental and labor groups supported the bill as a needed correction to an overly broad exemption, while business, manufacturing, housing, and local-government groups opposed, warning it could make the exemption unusable and slow investment. Members debated the balance between environmental protection and manufacturing competitiveness, and the committee voted SB 954 out on a due pass recommendation to the Labor and Employment Committee; the transcript then moved on to SB 1031 on compostable plastics, which was introduced but not acted on in the portion provided.