Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to start with Senator Campos and the appointment of Mary Roman to the State Investment Council
• , basically advising the council members.
• And one of the issues that has come, the State Investment Council.
• You have had exposure to the council for three years now that you've been working.
• Bingman to the State Investment Council. Your Senate sponsor is Senator Worth.

Bills: SM20, SM9, SJR6, HB124

Keywords: youth violence, violence prevention, violence intervention, community violence intervention, credible messengers, peer support, restorative justice, violence interrupters, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, high-risk youth, public safety, Department of Health, New Mexico, statewide summit, data collection, reporting, interagency coordination, community-based organizations, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• the council works.
• council? council?
• . council. council.
• . council. council.
• members joining the council.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and the California Desert Arts Council.
• And as Chair of the California Arts Council, I also want to speak on behalf of my fellow council members
• He's one of our work group members and also our arts council member.
• Please properly fund the California Arts Council.
• The California Arts Council supports more than just programming.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Arts held an informational hearing on California’s first sector-specific creative economy strategic plan, “California’s Future: Creative Strategies for Cultural Resilience, Economic Growth, and Global Leadership.” Chair Allen opened by framing the creative economy as a major state asset and urged support for arts funding in the May Revision, including California Humanities, museums, public media, cultural districts, LA28 arts programming, and AB 2319, which would create a $100 million post-production incentive. He also emphasized the need for next-step funding to implement the strategic plan and noted concerns about federal headwinds and declining creative-sector jobs. California Arts Council Director Danielle Brazel, Institute for the Future’s Rachel Hatch, CDE’s Allison Frenzel, and Workforce Development Board representative Michael Weoff described how the plan was developed through AB 127 and related legislation, a 30-plus-member work group, and an interagency process. They outlined the plan’s phased approach and six priority areas, including preparing the workforce, stabilizing businesses, increasing revenue through cultural tourism, leveraging state incentives, defining and tracking ROI, and building state capacity. Testimony highlighted workforce pipelines, apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, digital badging, and cross-agency coordination, with speakers stressing that the sector is shaped by AI, climate change, affordability, capital access, and social cohesion. A second panel of artists and advocates described on-the-ground implementation and the need for better data and support. Ricarlo Handy discussed the Handy Foundation’s apprenticeship pipeline into film and TV jobs and the difficulty of capturing freelance and 1099 creative work in state data. Joanna Reynolds described Arts for LA’s Creative Jobs Collective, which aims to create 10,000 living-wage creative jobs in Los Angeles County by 2030. Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez urged the state to embed artists in health, aging, behavioral health, and climate resilience systems, and Roxanne Messina Kaptur spoke about the need to treat arts careers as viable professions and expand residency and school-based artist programs. Senator Rubio, who joined the hearing later, shared her own background in teaching and the arts, supported arts education and small theaters, and raised concerns about AI, asking how schools and educators can adapt. In the final panel, Rebecca Ratzkin reported on 26 town halls across eight regions, where more than 1,100 people attended and generally affirmed the plan while asking for better access to information, new financial models, clearer definitions and data, and stronger networks. Julie Baker of California for the Arts and California Arts Advocates argued the plan is an urgent blueprint for a sector that generates $288 billion and more than 820,000 jobs, but remains below pre-pandemic employment levels and is losing market share. She and others called for funding, statewide definitions, better data collection, and cross-agency implementation, while committee members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized that the plan will require political will and resources to move from strategy to action.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Council is clearly aware of their lack of progress.
• How we develop a protocol and the Council...
• Yes, Council Chair and Member Carr as well.
• If I might, Chair and Council... Members, Mr.
• Chairman, council members, Director Romero.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I also have Legislative Council Service Director Shauna K. Spear here today. Mr.
• Shauna Case here, Director of the Council Service.
• will be addressing after the session and bring back to Legislative Council.
• Or do they also work for you year-round in Council as an example? Mr.
• Aides and District Offices, the Human Resources Department for Council Service.

Transcript Highlights:

• healthcare workforce advisory council. healthcare workforce advisory council.
• councils to see what the structure was. councils to see what the structure was.
• work necessary to establish the council work necessary to establish the council and<01:14:52.320
• So, while I'm not I'm not council.
• or I'm sorry um the advisory council or I'm sorry um the advisory council will<01:18:05.760>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and the California Desert Arts Council.
• And as Chair of the California Arts Council, I also want to speak on behalf of my fellow council members
• He's one of our work group members and also our arts council member.
• Please properly fund the California Arts Council.
• The California Arts Council supports more than just programming.

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Arts held an informational hearing on California’s first sector-specific creative economy strategic plan, “California’s Future Is Creative,” developed under AB 127 and related legislation. Chair Allen framed the plan as a response to California’s large but vulnerable creative economy, citing workforce losses, federal funding headwinds, and the need to support artists, cultural organizations, public media, museums, cultural districts, and film/TV production. He also highlighted budget asks including support for California Humanities, museums, public media, cultural districts, a post-production incentive proposal (AB 2319), and funding to implement the strategic plan. California Arts Council Director Danielle Brazel, Institute for the Future’s Rachel Hatch, CDE’s Allison Frenzel, and CWDB’s Michael Weoff described the planning process, which included a 30-plus-member work group, interagency coordination, and a phased approach from framework development to implementation and evaluation. They identified major forces shaping the sector over the next decade, including AI, climate disruption, affordability, access to capital, and social cohesion, and outlined six action areas: workforce preparation, business stabilization, cultural identity/tourism, cross-sector incentives, ROI/data tracking, and state capacity/infrastructure. Members and panelists repeatedly emphasized that the plan must be resourced and integrated across agencies rather than left siloed. A second panel of practitioners and advocates focused on workforce pathways and local implementation. Ricarlo Handy described the Handy Foundation’s registered apprenticeship pipeline into film and TV jobs and argued that current data systems undercount gig, 1099, and LLC-based creative work. Joanna Reynolds discussed Arts for LA’s Creative Jobs Collective, which aims to create 10,000 living-wage creative jobs in Los Angeles County by 2030, while Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez urged embedding artists in health, aging, and behavioral health systems as community problem-solvers. Roxanne Messina Kaptur spoke about the need to normalize arts careers and expand residency and school-based models. Senator Rubio, who joined later, shared her own arts and teaching background, supported arts access in schools and small theaters, and raised concerns about AI, asking how schools and educators can adapt. In the final panel, Rebecca Ratzkin reported on 26 statewide town halls with more than 1,100 attendees, which confirmed support for the plan but also highlighted needs for better information access, new financial models, stronger definitions and data, and more partnerships. Julie Baker of California for the Arts and California Arts Advocates urged sustained public funding, saying the plan is actionable only if the Legislature and administration provide resources, including increased California Arts Council funding and support for implementation. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with calls for continued legislative and cross-agency collaboration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Later, when we talk about the advisory council, you'll see that reflected as well.
• And that is the advisory council.
• Our leader on the advisory council is Osmondaha, and he is going to give us a full update.
• Council input has visible impact on the commission's decisions.
• This advisory council is being devised to help you in your work.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual meeting and approved the September minutes. Chair Denise Garlick opened with updates on the commission’s first “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Needham, reporting strong attendance, a large resource fair, and mostly positive survey feedback. Commissioners said the event was valuable for connecting advocates, providers, and people with disabilities, while also noting lessons learned about accessibility, timing, and the need for more networking time and advance materials. The chair said the commission is planning future forums in other regions, including possible sites in Lowell, Northampton, and the South Shore. A major item was the new advisory council. Oz Osmondahar and Eman described the outreach and screening process, which drew roughly 60 nominations and emphasized lived experience, sector expertise, geographic diversity, and connections to broader networks. The council will serve as strategic advisors and thought partners, meet twice a year, and hold its first in-person orientation on January 30 at the State House Members Lounge. Commissioners were encouraged to stay engaged with the council and use it to strengthen commission and subcommittee work. Subcommittee reports covered employment, workforce supports, and long-term services and supports/health equity. The Disability Employment Subcommittee reported collaboration with SEED, a presentation at the Employment Matters Conference, a discussion with a disability employee resource group, and upcoming work with CED and veterans advocates. The Workforce Supports Subcommittee heard from the MassHealth Policy Commission’s Behavioral Health Workforce Center about workforce data gaps and an upcoming needs assessment, and plans to host ADDP on 2025 workforce metrics. The long-term services and supports committee discussed the Housing Navigator program, barriers to accessible housing, and concerns about how federal cuts could affect disability services and health equity. The commission also heard from DDS Deputy General Counsel Erin Brown and Associate Commissioner Chris Klaskin on a new law expanding access to records from former state institutions, including new notification and privacy procedures and a forthcoming regulatory process with public input. Commissioners welcomed the law as a step toward transparency and dignity. Amen gave an executive director update on the annual report, recent collaboration with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, a national state-employer practice group, and the IDD/Autism Alliance working group. The meeting also included a moment of reflection for disability activist Alice Wong, a commissioner announcement about Work Without Limits’ virtual career fair, and adjournment after a motion and second were approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Council. Council. Thank<00:02:24.319> you.
• <00:05:09.440> All council. Also here for questions. All council.
• the councils.
• the<02:16:08.079> council during that hearing, the council during that hearing, the council
• . councils. councils.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :19:28.320> on We developed council recommendations on We developed council recommendations on
• So some routes are directly Council.
• Maple Grove in 2024. 2.7% of Met Council Maple Grove in 2024. 2.7% of Met Council and<00:53:46.559
• most service is operated by Met Council most service is operated by Met Council 4.1%. 4.1%. 4.1%
• How does the Met Council does do you have a board or is it the Met Council members that tell you, hey

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill deals with Met Council reform.
• the nominating committee for the council the nominating committee for the council members<00:03:
• that are affected by them at Council that are affected by them at Council decision<00:04:47.720>
• Council here um half the people are Council here um half the people are affected<00:06:55.160> by<
• districts and so an elected me Council districts and so an elected me Council while<00:09:13.760

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Madam Chair, members of the Council.
• Good afternoon, Madam Chair, members of the Council.
• The current rates are set in statute, but the council... ...plans.
• So, and I believe we've lost some of the council members. Okay.
• I believe we have no further business before the council.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We were thinking that those local re-entry councils would kind of...
• re-entry councils.
• ; not every council looks exactly the same.
• We have these workforce councils. There's probably other councils that exist.
• I think those local councils could do that as well.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We attended 22 advisory councils across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
• Thank you all. councils has to do a a comprehensive councils has to do a a comprehensive plan<00:06:47.280
• <00:15:52.240> plan look at every county council plan look at every county council plan throughout
• So working in concert with the council.
• > two serve on a county council uh two serve on a county council uh two two-year<00:22:18.159>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:04 Approval of Minutes 00:36 KOAP Report 00:51, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the June 12 minutes, and then received a presentation from Brandon Reid and Bill McCloskkey of the Agricultural Development Board on the June report and the 25th anniversary of the Agricultural Development Fund. They described a joint anniversary meeting held at the Kentucky Historical Society, thanked staff, and noted that the board presented members with a token of appreciation. They also reported a clean annual audit, with the audit report to be shared more fully at a later meeting. The presenters reviewed June activity and funding decisions, saying the development board approved about $3.3 million and the finance board about $5 million in loans. They highlighted program activity such as advisory council meetings, site visits, project reports, and county comprehensive plans. Specific projects discussed included the Food Chain project, which sought support for equipment and improvements to expand Kentucky product marketing; Miller Rockbridge Farms LLC, which sought county support for a barn for an education program; and Thompson Family Farm LLC, which sought funding for a livestock buying station. The board approved reduced or county-only funding in some cases, including $45,643 for the Food Chain project and county money for the farm projects. Members asked about the meaning and purpose of the county comprehensive plans and how counties use them to guide funding decisions. The presenters explained that House Bill 611 created a structure in which each county council develops a comprehensive plan, updated on a five-year cycle, to prioritize local agricultural investments and evaluate applications. They said county councils work with extension agents and the Agricultural Development Office, and that staff attend meetings, provide training, and help new agents and council members understand the program. Members emphasized that the planning process helps ensure funds are targeted to local needs and supports diversification of agriculture beyond tobacco.

Transcript Highlights:

• still on 85 Wyoming Business Council. still on 85 Wyoming Business Council.
• the business council. It's in process. the business council. It's in process.
• Wyoming Business Council? 085. Wyoming Business Council? 085.
• of the Wyoming Business Council. of the Wyoming Business Council.
• 220 environmental quality council. 220 environmental quality council.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to present House Bill 1 with our Legislative Council Service Director Shawna K. Spear.
• Chair, at least for the Legislative Council Service, I would request that the Council approve a transfer
• Council will bring forward Legislative Council Service will bring forward a need.
• And things like that, so it is an important role of the Council. Okay, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• And so, I really hope that, and I don't know if Legislative Council needs to ask Council services to

Bills: HB1

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Kila: Madam Speaker, what is to be said about Hawaiian Council is that they have never
• experiences, and the Hawaiian Council experiences, and the Hawaiian Council has<00:22:52.040>
• But Hawaiian Council thrives in disaster, Madam Speaker.
• <00:24:01.440> please the employees of Hawaiian Council please the employees of Hawaiian Council
• Congratulations, Hawaiian Council, and happy 25th birthday.

Bills: HR39, HCR43, HR178, HCR188, SB3144, SB3102, SB2053, SB3248, SB2256, SB3118, SB2245, SB2519, SB3055, SB2090, SB2765, SB2169, SB3136, SB2521, SB2851, SB3154, SB3262, SB2387, SB3001, SB2818, SB2972, SB2372, SB2108, SB888, HR63, HCR69

Keywords: pedestrian safety, crosswalks, traffic calming, school zone, Honolulu, community safety, raised crosswalks, traffic infrastructure, agritourism, agricultural tourism, Hawaii Tourism Authority, HTA, working group, farm tourism, regenerative tourism, working lands, agricultural land use, county ordinances, permitting, farm bureau

Transcript Highlights:

• The Arts Council was established in 1976 as a state arts agency.
• The California Arts Council has a total of 24 cultural districts.
• The California Arts Council oversees, and the appointed members of the council oversee policy.
• I've experienced firsthand support from the California Arts Council Impact Grant.
• I've experienced firsthand support from the California Arts Council Impact Grant.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration heard a series of budget change proposals and trailer bill items, beginning with Housing and Community Development (HCD) requests. HCD sought permanent authority for seven existing temporary positions to support the HCD Connect IT system, and a separate proposal to fund implementation of eight 2025 housing-related laws with $4.2 million General Fund and 16 positions, plus $470,000 one-time General Fund. Members asked about how HCD Connect would interact with programs moving to the new Housing Development Finance Committee, and HCD also explained that the estimated cost to implement AB 1053 had been revised downward from about $6 million to $1.9 million because of shared implementation with CalHFA and the new committee structure. The committee also heard a Cal ICH proposal for $339,000 one-time General Fund to implement AB 678 on LGBTQ+ inclusive and culturally competent homelessness services, with testimony emphasizing data gaps and the need for a contract-based approach because HMIS cannot be changed unilaterally. The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented three continuation proposals: $15.34 million and 53 positions for the California Consumer Financial Protection Law program, $13.5 million and 51 positions for the Debt Collector Licensing Act program, and $49,000 ongoing for two positions in the broker-dealer/investment adviser education program. Members and the public raised concerns about the size and fairness of debt collector assessments and licensing fees, while DFPI explained the pro rata fee structure, the current license count, and how larger assessments fall on larger firms. Public testimony also supported retaining funding for the Student Loan Empowerment Network and requested funding for a franchise broker registration program. The committee also considered a mandate item involving suspension of a disclosure requirement related to property taxation, and trailer bill language from the Government Operations Agency to amend AB 91 on MENA demographic data collection, with the administration emphasizing data nondisclosure, protection of federal funding, and delayed implementation. The Secretary of State’s office then presented Help America Vote Act funding requests: $10.3 million for VoteCal maintenance and operations and $4.492 million for HAVA spending plans supporting voter education, training, accessibility, auditing, and county assistance. The office also requested $660,000 General Fund to implement AB 1392, which would make voter registration information for elected officials and candidates confidential, and explained the need to modify VoteCal and county election systems. The committee also heard requests to continue the Cal-Access Replacement System with $11.8 million General Fund and to continue the Notary Automation Program Replacement Project with $9.75 million from the Business Fees Fund. Members asked about total project costs, testing, data migration, and the expected November 2026 go-live date for Cal-Access replacement. Votes were taken on the vote-only items once quorum was established, and the committee approved the items considered. The final informational item was an overview from the California Arts Council, which highlighted the agency’s 50th anniversary, its statewide grantmaking, and the economic impact of arts funding. Council staff described Creative Corps, cultural districts, and the role of arts funding in local economies, while members and public witnesses urged increased support, including a request to raise local assistance grant funding to $50 million and to provide additional funding for cultural districts. Testimony emphasized the arts as economic infrastructure, community infrastructure, and a source of civic and cultural vitality across California.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mia Leon, Hawaii Insurance Council, in opposition.
• Mia Leon, Hawaii Insurance Council, in opposition.
• <00:02:09.080> in Insurance Council in Insurance Council in opposition<00:02:10.920> next
• 527 Katon Le um health planning Council 527 Katon Le um health planning Council honolu<00:18:26.520
• That is very helpful to the council. We're delighted to have him back.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing began with SB 59 on prescription drugs, which drew extensive testimony from insurers, pharmacies, patient advocates, and health organizations. Supporters argued the bill would address PBM practices such as spread pricing, unclear reimbursement, and patient steering, and would help independent pharmacies and lower patient costs by passing rebates through to consumers. Opponents from health plans and PBM-related groups raised concerns, while Walgreens supported the measure and suggested amendments to establish a reimbursement floor. After questions, the committee accepted the Hawaii Pharmacist Association’s proposed amendments, added technical changes and a defective date of December 31, 2050, and voted to pass SB 59 with amendments. The remainder of the hearing focused on a series of nominations and reappointments to health, aging, disability, mental health, juvenile justice, and advisory boards. Nominees and agency representatives generally described their backgrounds and interest in serving, with support testimony emphasizing experience, continuity, and the value of volunteer service. Several nominees highlighted issues such as mental health access, substance abuse treatment, elder services, language access, disability access, and rehabilitation services. The Department of Health, SHPDA, DHS, and other organizations largely testified in support of the nominees. No votes were taken on the nominations during the transcript excerpt, and the chair repeatedly thanked the nominees for their service and testimony. The hearing also included brief procedural remarks about time limits, Zoom testimony, and a possible reconvening date in case of technical difficulties.

Transcript Highlights:

• It goes to a volunteer council.
• They're voluntary councils.
• let's face it, there's no arts council. let's face it, there's no arts council.
• council and keep it going. council and keep it going.
• They're voluntary councils. And I staff. They're voluntary councils.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all