Transcript Highlights:

• When you drive through Fremont, you don't necessarily see manufacturing, right?
• And it drives innovation as you go from a controlled lab environment to full-scale production.
• And it drives innovation as you go from a controlled lab environment to full-scale production.
• AI data centers, electrification, and renewable integration are driving unprecedented load growth.
• California will host the... ...and renewable integration are driving unprecedented load growth.

Summary: The Select Committee on Economic Development and Technological Innovation held a hearing on California’s industrial policy and manufacturing competitiveness. In opening remarks, the chair and Senator Wahab emphasized manufacturing’s role in good jobs, climate leadership, and regional economic growth, while noting barriers such as regulatory uncertainty, energy costs, permitting delays, and the loss of manufacturing jobs over time. They highlighted California Jobs First, workforce development, and the need to keep innovation and manufacturing in-state rather than losing scale-up opportunities to other states. The first panel featured California Forward and the Center for Manufacturing a Green Economy, along with an industry representative. Witnesses argued that California needs a durable, regionally based economic development system with ongoing funding, stronger state coordination, and sector-specific industrial roadmaps. They focused on advanced manufacturing and clean industry, especially batteries, bioeconomy, offshore wind, and heat pumps, and said industrial policy should help bridge the “missing middle” between research and commercial production. The industry witness stressed that power reliability, time to power, and coordinated utility engagement are decisive in site selection, and that California must better align utilities, state agencies, universities, and labs to compete for major projects. Senator Niello raised concerns about California’s business climate, including regulations, labor laws, energy reliability, K–12 education outcomes, and the cost impacts of climate policy. Panelists responded that California can compete by improving coordination, packaging existing state resources, and targeting strategic industries rather than racing to the bottom on taxes or wages. The second panel, from labor organizations, supported a worker-led industrial policy with strong labor and environmental standards, public financing, procurement, and targeted support for manufacturing firms. They cited examples such as union apprenticeship pathways, revolving loan funds, and programs with labor standards, and argued that manufacturing jobs can support both climate goals and middle-class employment. The final panel began with Fremont city officials, who described Fremont as the state’s leading manufacturing city and a model of intentional local policy. They said the city has protected industrial land, streamlined support for manufacturers, and doubled its manufacturing technician workforce over the past decade. The hearing concluded with discussion of how state and local governments can better coordinate to attract and retain manufacturing investment, with members and witnesses agreeing that California has strong assets but needs more proactive, integrated economic development tools.

Transcript Highlights:

• That it's the carbon market and the price that it puts on pollution that drives emissions reduction in
• In most parts of the country, electricity prices need to rise. in order to drive down decarbonization
• This rare combination of being able to drive bold climate action while advancing fiscal priorities makes
• And that's what we allocate to the funds that would drive climate emissions down.
• Now, I live a five-minute drive from a BART station, but down windy roads that are actually not safe

Transcript Highlights:

• It drives a lot and everything for the people.
• Yeah, you know, you're not supposed to drive down a... you're not supposed to drive down a certain side
• Driving down the wrong side of the street, you should be arrested.
• Driving down the wrong side of... Yeah, sure, we do. We can't drive down the wrong side.
• You can't drive down the wrong side of the street. We know that.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the drive over was slow. Every truck on 4 was going 45. I understand, and rightfully so.
• to work and drive to shop, work, play.
• </c><00:06:00.520><c> to</c> that everybody basically has to drive to that everybody basically has to
• drive to work<00:06:01.160><c> yes</c><00:06:01.720><c> and</c><00:06:01.840><c> drive</c><00:06:02.120
• Yeah, I have a number of employees that do not drive, really.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• And so there already is an amalgamation of labeling which drives more confusion... ...an amalgamation
• of labeling which drives more confusion to the consumer.
• I think, similar with Senator Kavanaugh, this would go a long way in both saving folks money and driving
• And so there already is an amalgamation of labeling which drives more confusion... ...an amalgamation
• of labeling which drives more confusion to the consumer.

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Agriculture Committee met for its first 2026 meeting and took up a full agenda of bills focused on food safety, agricultural programs, consumer transparency, and farm-related policy. Early measures included S.592 on a youth and agriculture entrepreneurship summer employment program, which was reported to finance without opposition, and S.1239E, the Food Safety and Technical Disclosure Act, which would require disclosure of certain food ingredients to the state and public and also ban three substances outright. Senator Kavanaugh described the bill as closing a loophole in federal food safety law; Senator Borrello opposed it as a state-by-state approach that could raise costs and disrupt the supply chain, while Senator O’Rourke supported it as a science-based measure with available substitutes. The bill was reported back to the board with one no vote and one without recommendation. The committee also advanced S.1783A on liquefied petroleum/propane fee disclosures, with supporters saying it would prevent consumers from being charged for improper or hidden fees and opponents arguing it should not single out state-related charges; the bill moved to the board. S.4041, creating a sanitary retail food store grant program, was reported to finance. S.4162, relating to the Fresh Connect program and local produce purchases, prompted discussion about whether state resources should instead be concentrated on the Double Up Food Bucks program; sponsors said both programs are needed and that Double Up has capacity limits, and the bill was moved to finance. Later, the committee advanced S.6286A, establishing an agricultural tax viability pilot program tied to agrivoltaics; supporters said it would address a need raised in recent hearings and work with farm groups, while Senator Borrello voted no. The final bill, S.7618 on food safety and quality date label requirements, drew debate over whether New York should act without a federal standard and whether the bill could create confusion or unintended costs, especially for dairy and other perishables. Supporters said the bill would reduce food waste and simplify the many existing date labels without forcing new labeling on those who do not already use it; members also discussed refrigeration references in the bill, and the sponsor said the language could be adjusted. The committee then adjourned and announced that future meetings will be held on the third floor in the new location.

Transcript Highlights:

• bill that brings, I think it's a glitch bill, that brings in conformity a second-degree reckless driving
• for situations where perhaps somebody is charged with a DUI and then it's bound down to a reckless driving
• when it gets reduced down to six months, that you can only give if it's a second-degree reckless driving
• The suspect who initially got away was driving at twice the speed limit.
• I appreciate you driving up. Barney Bishop, Florida Smart Justice Alliance. Thank you.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered three bills. HB 91, by Reps. Rayner and Jacques, would align probation rules for certain misdemeanor reckless driving cases involving controlled substances with existing DUI law, allowing up to 12 months of probation in those cases. The bill was described as a technical “glitch” fix and as supporting both accountability and treatment; it drew one supportive public appearance and passed 17-0, reported favorably. HB 113, by Rep. Chamberlin, sought to increase penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement. Members raised concerns about unmarked vehicles, jurisdictional markings, and whether the bill could apply to drivers who slow down or stop for safety reasons when unsure a vehicle is police. Chamberlin said he was open to clarifying language and other amendments. A strike-all amendment was adopted that increased the penalty for fleeing in a patrol vehicle with lights and sirens from a third-degree to a second-degree felony, revised offense severity rankings, and added a 1.5 sentencing multiplier for second or subsequent offenses. The amended bill received supportive public testimony and passed 16-1, with Rep. Hart voting no, and was reported favorably as amended. HB 195, by Rep. Chambliss, would require the Department of Corrections to coordinate with professional boards under DBPR so inmates completing classes tied to licensure can receive credit toward those licenses after release. Supporters said the bill would help rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and give returning citizens a better path to employment. The bill had no amendments, received supportive public testimony, and passed unanimously 17-0, reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• camping that we've seen, which creates dangerous passing situations and contributes to aggressive driving
• There's a question that came up: if nobody's around and you're the only one there, and you're driving
• and the left lane has ruts or the right lane has ruts in it, can you drive in the left lane?
• Because it seemed to me, coming in here, driving that every day, people get in that lane from the main
• Senator Harris, this would inherently make it illegal for people to do things like fill up the lanes and drive

Committee: House Transportation and Defense

Transcript Highlights:

• Survivor-led and survivor-informed, this coalition brings lived experiences to the forefront, driving
• HB 2045, drive-by shooting media. HB 2046, under probation notification.
• HB 2087, driving on highways. HB 2088, legal tender. SCR 2089, premium. SCR 2090, long term.
• HB 2087, driving on highways. HB 2088, legal tender. SCR 2089, premium. SCR 2090, long term.
• HB 2109, destructive driving penalties. HB 2110, school governing body. HB 2111, driver licensing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not asking someone to drive farther than they've already driven, and we're not asking someone to
• be impacted here, public transportation is of course an issue there as well, including the need to drive
• many in many... ...including the need to drive many cases more than 20 miles just to work at a Walmart
• many places who really do only have six or seven viable employers at any level within a half-hour's drive
• change in your job has less hours, less pay, or... in your job has less hours, less pay, or you have to drive

Bills: HB93 , HB160 , HB29 , HB29 , HB93 , HB160

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: HB93, Alabama State Port Authority, State Auditor, property inventory, inventory control, audit exemption, state property, personal property inventory, public authority, port authority, Section 36-16-11, Code of Alabama 1975, administrative oversight, state audit, conforming changes, government property, Alabama Municipal Electric Authority, AMEA, municipal electric authority, board of directors

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:00:05.000><c> through</c> takes 9 seconds longer to drive through takes 9 seconds longer to drive
• I know there was a reason for that, and so I drive accordingly. I have another one.
• And would it be fair to the motorist to be asked to drive that slow when there's nobody else present?
• </c> to the motorist to be asked to drive to the motorist to be asked to drive that<01:03:48.560><c>
• I think people drive where whole lot.

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Drunk driving didn’t just break my body. It changed how I slept, how I drive, and how I live.
• Drunk driving didn’t just break my body. It changed how I slept, how I drive, and how I live.
• Drunk driving didn’t just break my body. It changed how I slept, how I drive, and how I live.
• Drunk driving didn’t just break my body. It changed how I slept, how I drive, and how I live.
• Drunk driving didn’t just break my body. It changed how I slept, how I drive, and how I live.

Bills: HB1991 , HB1776 , HB1897 , HB1900

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1991, which would change Hawaii’s liquor excise tax structure to an ABV-based system. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii took no position and stood on written comments. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and an individual testifier who described surviving a drunk-driving crash, argued that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol-related harms, save lives, and generate additional state revenue. The public health witness cited alcohol-related harms as a major preventable cause of death and said the tax increase would have only a small annual cost for most consumers. Most industry testimony was in opposition. Representatives of Lanikai Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, the Wine Institute, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association said the bill would sharply raise taxes on beer and wine, squeeze already thin margins, and threaten local jobs and businesses. They argued Hawaii producers already face high costs for labor, energy, shipping, and compliance, and said an ABV-based tax would be difficult to administer, would require additional testing and labeling work, and could reduce consumer choice. Several industry witnesses urged lawmakers to instead adopt a small-producer or class 18 carveout, with one suggesting a cap tied to 60,000 barrels. Committee members questioned the brewers about alcohol content testing, labeling, and whether smaller producers already measure ABV. Witnesses said many local producers do not certify ABV for in-state sales, that yeast and fermentation can vary by batch, and that an ABV-based system could require more testing than current practice. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the other piece of that is, okay, they're in the Dover Hannaford parking lot driving on the
• And in so to meet that burden, it is driving a motor vehicle, okay, upon any way within the state of
• And then the driving test I &gt;&gt; Okay.
• People drive 90 down 93. >> Well, 393.
• People drive 90 down 93. >> Well, 393.

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• I typically drive a lot more than that.
• And ability to drive is the single biggest barrier to successful employment.
• And my concern is if they can't drive, can they get to work?
• And my concern is if they can't drive, can they get to work?
• And nicotine actually reinforces its own formation of a receptor that drives the cravings and drives

Committee: Joint Legislative Management

Transcript Highlights:

• The person who got your friend pregnant, regardless of consent, could sue you for driving your friend
• them to a clinic, who drives them to the hospital.”
• This bill is for the mother who, driving home from work, sick This bill is for the mother who, driving
• We have another illegal. ...officer, illegal reentry, driving under the influence of liquor.
• , trunk driving, and possessing a fake name.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the infrastructure and lower-income individuals that have these types of jobs where they have to drive
• They create jobs, drive innovation, and serve as economic anchors in communities throughout our state
• A drive-through option removes that barrier, allowing patients and consumers to access what they need
• A drive-through model addresses this gap in a controlled, compliant manner.
• No jurisdiction is required to allow drive-through operations unless locally approved.

Summary: The committee met as a subcommittee until quorum was established, then took up a series of bills on business, professions, health, cannabis, and consumer protection. AB 72, creating an electric vehicle economic opportunity zone in Riverside County, drew questions about whether the state should target one region over others, but supporters argued it would help bring EV manufacturing and related jobs to the Inland Empire. The bill passed on a 8-1 vote to Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement. AB 685, which would create the Small Business Resiliency and Innovation Fund to support technical assistance and capital infusion programs, drew broad support from small business networks and chambers, but some groups raised concerns that the June amendments could affect eligibility and that the funding should be clearly supplemental rather than replacing existing support. The author said discussions were ongoing, and the bill passed 10-0 to Senate Appropriations. The committee also approved AB 173, a resolution, on a 7-0 vote, and AB 1760, a Dental Practice Act cleanup bill sponsored by the Dental Board, on a 10-0 vote. AB 1637, which would limit changes to physician-authored medical records and make unauthorized alterations a misdemeanor, was supported by physicians and labor groups who said it would protect patient safety and professional accountability; it passed 10-0 to Senate Appropriations. AB 1785, allowing online sales of pseudoephedrine products with existing age and quantity safeguards, passed 10-0. AB 1973, expanding the ability of advanced practice clinicians to perform procedural abortions within their training, drew strong support from reproductive health providers and strong opposition from anti-abortion witnesses who raised safety concerns; after questions about training and oversight, it passed 7-3 to Senate Appropriations. The committee then considered AB 2025, requiring disclosure when rental listings use digitally altered or AI-staged images. Supporters said it would prevent renters from being misled, while the California Apartment Association said it was working with the author on implementation; the bill passed 8-1 to Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies and Consumer Protection. AB 2697, allowing drive-through cannabis sales with local approval and security requirements, was supported by cannabis businesses and operators as a way to improve access and compete with the illicit market, while narcotics officers opposed it over ID verification and public safety concerns; it passed 7-3 to Senate Appropriations. Finally, AB 2249, responding to a state audit on cannabis packaging attractive to children by defining prohibited imagery and creating a public rubric and pre-review process, received support from the cannabis operators association and the state auditor’s office, while small independent farmers raised concerns that some categorical bans could sweep too broadly. The transcript cuts off during that bill’s opposition testimony, and no final action on AB 2249 is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• A second driver, allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, crashed into the stopped vehicles.
• One is that it's not just that people are deeply impaired and shouldn't be driving.
• I'm going to use drunk driving as a perfect example.
• They made a stupid decision to drink and drive. That doesn't make them an alcoholic.
• They made a stupid decision to drink and drive. That doesn't make them an alcoholic.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• So for our friends from the fire departments, I wanted to ask a question about what factors are driving
• You'll see technical rescue, certainly fire suppression, medical—drives about 70 to 80% of our run volume
• </c><00:19:15.760><c> the</c> about what factors are driving the about what factors are driving the financial
• </c><00:20:00.320><c> about</c> suppression, uh medical uh drives about suppression, uh medical uh drives
• </c> is also driving cost in and the need. is also driving cost in and the need.

Committee: House Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• Seven hours of driving, or if there is no driving required, then it's 54 hours, 56 hours. Okay.
• If you don't drive, you don't pay it. And it's a closed system.
• Affordability for rural and working-class families who have no alternatives to long-distance driving.
• It was such a beautiful drive. And it was— And it was just such a smooth road.
• It was such a beautiful drive. And, yeah, I was just like, wow, this is great.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 251, which would amend the Horse Racing Act to address “program owners” and “program trainers” used as fronts by suspended or unlicensed people in the racing industry. The sponsor and Racing Commission director said the bill is meant to protect the betting public, deter fraud, and give the commission stronger enforcement tools, including suspension, revocation, and fines. After brief questions about how penalties are applied and whether the standards are already reflected in statute and racing rules, the committee voted 9-0 to give the bill a due pass. Senate Bill 73 followed, requiring driver education schools to teach at least three hours on vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists, beginning in 2027. Supporters, including local officials and advocacy groups, said the bill would improve public safety and help new drivers understand the rights and responsibilities of people outside vehicles. Committee members discussed existing driver-ed content, the definition of vulnerable road users, and whether the bill would replace any current instruction; sponsors said it would set a statewide minimum without crowding out existing curriculum. The committee approved the bill on a 9-1 due pass vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 111, an agency bill to expand confidential personal information under the Motor Vehicle Code to include sex, gender, national origin, and immigration status. The sponsor and Tax and Revenue officials said the change would protect sensitive records in MVD files from disclosure except in limited circumstances. With no public opposition, the committee passed the bill 6-4. Senate Bill 150, creating refundable tax credits to support local newspaper printing operations, drew broad support from newspaper and business representatives who said the credits would help preserve local news and printing capacity amid plant closures and rising costs. Some members raised technical and oversight questions, but the committee voted 9-1 to advance it. Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 172, a committee substitute extending a gross receipts tax credit tied to national lab technology transfer and commercialization. Supporters from the labs, economic development groups, and chambers of commerce said it helps move research into New Mexico businesses and supports job creation; the committee adopted the committee substitute and advanced it. Senate Bill 76, which would raise the gasoline and special fuel taxes to fund road maintenance, generated extensive debate over infrastructure needs, affordability, and whether a broader transportation funding plan should be developed first. Supporters argued the state’s road backlog and maintenance needs justify the increase, while opponents cited consumer costs and the need for more study; the bill passed 6-4. The final bill, Senate Bill 235, would regulate large microgrids and data centers by requiring renewable energy use, PRC oversight, annual reporting, and limits on rate shifting. Supporters said it would protect air quality, water, and utility customers, while opponents warned it would add burdens and discourage investment; the committee heard extensive testimony but the transcript ends before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we'd like to drive more of our kids toward the health professions in this state. And, Mr.
• And I will tell you, I pack my bags and I drive to Grants and I'll consume their health care.
• And so understanding the things that drive individuals to... ...and work anywhere.
• And so understanding the things that drive individuals to pick rural communities.
• Willing to drive.

Bills: SB37 , SB29 , SB37 , SB29

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: high-quality literacy instruction, science of reading, structured literacy, reading instruction, literacy assessment, dyslexia screening, phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, biliteracy, English language learner, ELL, bilingual education, dual language program, reading intervention, reading difficulty, reading improvement plan, literacy coach

Transcript Highlights:

• Before you is Senate Bill 5890 concerning reckless driving in cases involving excessive speed.
• To give some background information, right now a person is guilty of reckless driving if they drive any
• This bill creates an alternative means of committing reckless driving, so going more than 30 miles per
• hour over the posted speed limit would constitute reckless driving.
• This important bill would add speeding more than 30 miles over posted speed limits as reckless driving

Summary: The committee heard several public hearings on criminal justice and victim-related bills. SB 6087 would expand existing liability protections for donations of children’s items to include religious organizations and add strollers and car seats to the definition of children’s items; the sponsor said it would make it easier to donate usable baby equipment, and the Washington State Board of Health said it supported the goal but noted rulemaking and funding concerns under the original version. SB 5934 would change the standard for post-conviction DNA testing so courts must grant testing unless the state shows by clear and convincing evidence that the results could not demonstrate a likelihood of innocence; the Innocence Project and a DNA exoneree supported it as a way to reduce years of litigation, while prosecutors and sheriffs/police chiefs opposed it as a burden shift that could increase frivolous motions and strain lab and attorney resources. SB 5520 would revise Washington’s wrongful-conviction compensation law by broadening definitions, extending filing deadlines, removing the waiver requirement, and making other process changes; the sponsor and Innocence Project said it would reduce barriers and better fulfill the state’s promise to exonerees, and a DNA exoneree described years of litigation just to access compensation. The committee also heard SB 6017, which would expand victim-centered and trauma-informed protections. The bill would allow a court to appoint a representative to ask questions of victims when a defendant represents themself, extend forensic exam consent to minors 13 and older in non-fatal strangulation cases, add female genital mutilation survivors to protections similar to the Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights, and reauthorize and broaden the Safe Advisory Group’s mandate. Survivors, advocates, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy strongly supported the bill, describing courtroom questioning by self-represented defendants as retraumatizing and urging broader access to services for FGM survivors; defense advocates raised constitutional concerns about limiting a pro se defendant’s right to personally question witnesses and said the bill could be vulnerable to challenge without narrower guardrails. The hearing drew extensive survivor testimony, and the chair noted 108 people signed in support and one opposed. Finally, the committee heard SB 5890, which would create an alternative reckless-driving offense for driving more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. The sponsor, a former firefighter, framed the bill as an accountability measure aimed at preventing severe crashes caused by extreme speeding. A committee member asked about officer discretion in emergencies, and the sponsor said the bill targets excessive speed while acknowledging that some situations may still be problematic. A preliminary fiscal note had been received.