Video & Transcript : 'rules reform' :
Page 56 of 500
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine perspectives from the field, focusing on farmer and rancher views on the agricultural economy. Feb 26th, 2025 at 09:30 am
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Finally, in the last 24 months, the Department of Labor has issued. over 3,000 pages of H-2A rulings.
- She seems to be a friend of farmers and an advocate for H-2A reform.
- that largely has bipartisan support. we hope if she's confirmed that she'll help us push reform and
- We really need reform in the areas of AWER as I stated before.
- First, ag labor reform. We continue to face an acute shortage of workers.
Keywords:
agriculture, avian flu, bipartisan farm bill, economic challenges, poultry, dairy, specialty crops
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on crucial discussions surrounding the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, particularly concerning avian flu and its impact on poultry and dairy producers. Members provided insights into the economic struggles within the industry, emphasizing the need for a new bipartisan farm bill that addresses the diverse needs of specialty crop and livestock producers. Witnesses from various agricultural sectors spoke about their experiences, illustrating the high costs, regulatory burdens, and emerging diseases that threaten their operations. The meeting underscored a commitment to exploring solutions that will help maintain market stability and ensure food security.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 19 Feb 26th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The rules are suspended. Question now is on suspension of Joint Rule 12.
- Rule 7A is suspended.
- Rule 7A is suspended.
- Rule 49 is suspended.
- The rules are suspended.
Summary:
The House opened with routine formalities and then adopted a resolution recognizing the work of Ukraine Forward after suspending the rules. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several petitions to proceed, including proposals related to a poverty-reduction grant program, an unemployment insurance study commission, and a local police-exam age waiver. The House then took up a major energy bill, House No. 4744/5151, reported by Ways and Means and scheduled by Steering, Policy and Scheduling, and advanced it through second reading and to third reading after adopting the committee amendment.
The main floor debate centered on the energy affordability, clean power, and economic competitiveness bill. Supporters argued it would lower rates through reforms to Mass Save, changes to procurement and interconnection, returning a share of alternative compliance payments to ratepayers, and other consumer protections, while preserving long-term clean energy goals. Opponents said the bill’s relief was too delayed and that it added costs and bureaucracy without immediate help for households facing high bills. Several amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to suspend public benefit charges for a year, change utility rate-filing disclosure rules, and alter propane delivery protections; one amendment on solar siting in forested areas was also defeated.
The House adopted a consolidated amendment to the energy bill by a roll call vote of 127-27, and earlier adopted the Ways and Means substitute version of the bill. The chamber also passed several other bills to be engrossed or enacted, including measures on unemployment insurance for fluctuating schedules, the Medical Society mission statement, a youth training wage, bridge and intersection designations, handicapped parking fines, public way safety, excavation restoration, and a Newton police age requirement. The House observed multiple moments of silence honoring deceased veterans, public servants, and community figures, including Navy Petty Officer Joden Booker, coach Thomas Skip Karam, former Police Chief Carlton Abbott, and former legislator William Q. Biff McLean, Jr.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- That criminal justice reform changed the way we do business.
- I'm not saying it can't be reformed.
- So I'm just saying that as we're seeing a decrease, and for all good reasons, reform, failed reform,
- So I'm just saying that as we're seeing a decrease, and for all good reasons, reform, failed reform,
- They're instituting rules there.
Summary:
The commission on correctional consolidation and collaboration heard testimony focused on how Massachusetts uses custody levels, staffing, programming, and medical release tools, with Prisoners’ Legal Services arguing that the system is overusing expensive high-security settings and underusing step-down options. Dave Rainey said the incarcerated population has dropped substantially over the last several years, but spending and staffing have not fallen in proportion. He argued that DOC overclassifies people into medium and maximum security, relies too heavily on behavioral assessment units that function like segregation, and keeps people in restrictive settings such as Souza-Baranowski and Shattuck Hospital longer than necessary. He also said medical parole is underused and that many people with serious chronic illness or advanced age pose little public-safety risk and should be released through existing legal pathways.
Sheriffs and other commission members pushed back on some of those points, emphasizing that staffing needs are driven by the acuity of the current population, that corrections is not overstaffed, and that classification decisions involve serious public-safety judgments. They also stressed that some high-cost medical placements are necessary because people remain under sentence and require care, and that furloughs and other release tools can create security risks if contraband or substance use is involved. The discussion also covered the role of county sheriffs versus DOC in reentry, with several members saying county systems tend to do more day-to-day step-down and release planning, while DOC has more difficulty moving people through lower-security settings before release.
Ben Foreman of MassINC offered a more systemwide, data-focused perspective, praising the state’s transparency and arguing that Massachusetts has made major progress in reducing incarceration and increasing public safety. He said the state still has an opportunity to improve by right-sizing facilities, investing in community-based mental health treatment, and using the commission to better understand the capital and operating costs of the current system. In response to questions, he said he was aware of DOC studies on programs like furlough but had not reviewed recent ones, and he noted that total-control facilities like Souza-Baranowski have long been criticized in the research literature for poor outcomes.
Nora Wassel of the Women and Incarceration Project then testified that the commission should issue an interim report and scrutinize the planned new women’s prison, which she said is not justified by current population trends or available data. She argued that women are overclassified under DOC’s own tools, that reentry beds and minimum-security placements are underused, and that the system may be failing to account for women’s distinct medical and reentry needs. The meeting ended with continued discussion of reentry, furloughs, day reporting, and whether consolidation should mean fewer facilities, better step-down pathways, or both.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Apr 21st, 2025
Banking and Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- We have tried other reforms at the federal level and across other states.
- And first, you know, I worked on this debit reform. ...and know the history of it.
- They did pass along savings from reform.
- They have not been able to increase their profit margins since reform.
- Open up the rules for now.
Committee:
House Banking and Finance
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 3/23/26 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> rule that every Minnesotan understands. rule that every Minnesotan understands.
- It could use some reform, but the reform that we need is not voting down this bill.
- It could use some reform, but the reform that we need is not voting down this bill.
- It could use some reform, but the reform that we need is not voting down this bill.
- It could use some reform, but the reform that we need is not voting down this bill.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy Mar 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But reform takes constant vigilance and diligence in carrying it through.
- Reform also brought community-centered cleanup initiatives that have been tremendously successful and
- And so that is a substantial improvement from pre-reform as well.
- So those are kind of the big areas that come to mind on DTSC pre-reform versus now. Thank you.
- And so I know from onboarding positions in the past from reform, we’re ready to do that here.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 699, a bill to amend the Shopping Reform and Modernization Act.
- House Bill 699, a bill to amend the Shopping Reform and Modernization Act.
- Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the Senate has inserted the full title.
- Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the Senate has inserted the full title.
- Pursuant to Joint Rule 20, the Senate has inserted the full title.
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum, excused several members, and heard a memorial statement from Majority Floor Leader Singh honoring Thomas James Cleary, a longtime Michigan public servant, lobbyist, and civic volunteer. The chamber also recognized a departing staff member from Senator Geis’s office and later welcomed guests from Cleary’s family. No substantive debate occurred during these tributes, and remarks were ordered printed in the journal.
The Senate then handled a large number of introductions and referrals, including Senate Joint Resolution K to prohibit autopen use by certain executive officials, Senate bills on Treasury revenue collection and liquor control, and numerous House bills covering housing, health, insurance, natural resources, education, consumer finance, child care licensing, public employment contracts, and other topics. Several housing and finance-related House bills were sent directly to the Committee of the Whole by unanimous consent. In Committee of the Whole, bills including House Bill 4072, House Bill 5630, Senate Bills 792, 793, 947, 1013, and 885 were considered; substitutes were adopted for House Bill 5630, Senate Bills 1013, 947, and 885, and the committee recommended all of those bills, plus House Bill 4072, Senate Bills 792 and 793, for third reading.
On final passage, House Bill 4042 and House Bill 5630 each passed 34-0, with four members excused. The Senate also concurred in the House substitute to Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, approving an extension of the state energy emergency, by a 33-1 vote. By contrast, concurrence in the House substitute to Senate Bill 878 failed 2-32, sending that appropriations bill to conference committee. The House then named conferees on Senate Bill 878, and the Senate named conferees for both SB 878 and HB 5630 after the chambers disagreed on those measures.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We did do some reform on that for this past session.
- The two-subject rule, I can only deal under this bill.
- We did PFC reform last session.
- But they didn't talk about reforms.
- Because if you don't have the rule of law, then what do you have?
Committee:
House Intergovernmental Affairs
Keywords:
housing finance, multifamily residential, low income, tax exemption, audit requirements, affordable housing, local government, development bonds, housing assistance, financial assistance, low income housing, community support, affordability, veterans housing, community involvement, air conditioning, tenant support, healthcare, elderly, taxation
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Mar 12th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The rule is suspended. The petitions were referred to the respective committees.
- The chair hears none, and the rules are suspended.
- The chair hears none, and the rules are suspended.
- reforms tied to compensation.
- Order that, notwithstanding Senate Rule 7 or any other rule to the contrary, the Senate bill banning
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Feb 18th, 2026
Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Since August 2025, that 5% rule is now rescinded, and so only the physical work test remains.
- This does not mean transmission is the only area where reforms are needed.
- And as these reforms continue to roll out, we expect even greater benefits.
- You mentioned the reforms to the CAISO interconnection queue.
- What is your assessment of those reforms? How is that working? Are there other opportunities?
Committee:
House Utilities and Energy
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Second, there are some general rules of conduct before we start our hearing today.
- It meant more rules, more chances to fail. More destabilizing.
- It meant more rules, more chances to fail.
- It's very antiquated out and why we have these rules, but we do. So we'll register.
- The monopoly chronic fiscal mismanagement and resistance to reform efforts.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several public safety bills, with most of the discussion focused on AB 1650, AB 2014, AB 1886, AB 2126, AB 2624, and AB 2257. AB 1650 would require clearer identification on privately owned vehicles rented or leased to government agencies for enforcement operations; supporters framed it as a transparency and safety measure in response to ICE activity, while no opposition testified. AB 2014 would allow post-conviction habeas relief where gender bias or stereotypes were used at trial and may have affected the outcome; supporters described cases involving sexist and anti-LGBTQ stereotypes, while the California District Attorneys Association opposed the bill as overbroad and likely to restrict relevant evidence, though the author said recent amendments removed the evidence-code provisions and left only the habeas remedy. AB 1886 would extend a 12-month probation presumption to youth in out-of-home placements and those discharged from secure youth treatment facilities; youth advocates supported it as a fairness and rehabilitation measure, while judges, probation officials, and district attorneys opposed it as undoing a recent compromise and limiting individualized decisions. AB 2126 would speed hiring of peer partners in child welfare by creating a narrow exemption process for certain foster-youth-related offenses; it drew broad support and no opposition. AB 2624 would expand the Safe at Home address-confidentiality program to immigrant service providers, employees, and volunteers; supporters cited threats, doxing, and harassment, while one journalist opposed it over possible effects on reporting, and the author and committee members said the bill preserves press protections and is narrowly aimed at threats and harassment. AB 2257 would restore county authority to create a separate corrections department to run jails instead of the sheriff; supporters argued it would improve accountability and address jail deaths and fiscal problems, while sheriffs opposed it as unnecessary and said sheriffs are already subject to oversight. The committee also noted several bills pulled by their authors and adopted a consent calendar of unrelated measures. Votes were not always taken immediately because the committee was waiting for a quorum, but AB 2624 was moved on a do-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations and left on call, and the chair indicated support or favorable recommendations on several of the other measures.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Each subsequent proposal attempt just falls short of the need for reform here.
- , ruling that the Illinois law was preempted.
- It's not in the MasterCard rules or the Visa rules, and it has nothing to do with the issuing banks.
- In fact, our entire modern payment system is based on similar rulings.
- And that's why we're here today: to have those conversations about what changes and reforms, and/or reforms
Summary:
The Special Commission on the future of payments and sales transactions by credit card heard extensive testimony from credit union, banking, retail, restaurant, and payments-industry representatives about proposals to limit interchange fees, especially on the tax and tip portions of transactions. Several witnesses opposed state-level restrictions, arguing they would create a patchwork of rules, burden state-chartered institutions, raise compliance complexity, and ultimately reduce resources for fraud prevention, cybersecurity, rewards, and access to credit. Others, including retail and merchant advocates, said swipe fees are a significant and growing cost for small businesses and that states should consider reforms such as limiting fees on taxes and tips, allowing surcharging, improving transparency in merchant contracts, and studying collection costs more closely.
Witnesses also discussed recent legal and regulatory developments, including Illinois’s interchange-fee law, OCC and NCUA interim rules, and the ongoing Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement. Industry representatives said the Illinois law has been delayed and is likely preempted for most transactions, while merchant advocates argued the state efforts and court rulings show that networks and banks do not set fees competitively. The proposed antitrust settlement was described by some as a meaningful but limited merchant victory, with temporary fee reductions and expanded surcharge/steering rights, while others said it still falls short of structural reform.
The commission members pressed witnesses on the practical effects of fees, the cost of cash, whether merchants can pass costs through, and whether small businesses are actually seeing benefits from the current system. Members repeatedly emphasized the need for a fair middle ground that protects both small businesses and the payment system. No substantive votes or policy actions were taken beyond accepting testimony, and the meeting ended with adjournment after all scheduled witnesses had spoken.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 05/01/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> local</c><00:05:27.840><c> leaders</c> Housing reform will enable local leaders Housing reform will
- :51.600><c> on</c><00:08:51.839><c> that</c> reforms will make progress on that reforms will make progress
- </c><00:08:59.600><c> in</c> officials are opposed to the reforms in officials are opposed to the reforms
- </c> benefit from these common sense reforms. benefit from these common sense reforms.
- </c><01:19:51.120><c> that</c> Minnesota has in place rules that Minnesota has in place rules that dictate
Committee:
Senate State and Local Government
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee and Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It takes advantage of national, international reforms that I will talk about in a second.
- And the key thing, again, about this reform are two, actually.
- It would be under different accounting rules than we use.
- Deferral rules differ.
- There might be privacy rules in other countries that prevent them from sharing this.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-01-28 (4:30PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We will abide by the rule of law. We understand that.
- We will abide by the rule of law. We understand that.
- I move that the rules be waived and HB 1B be read a third time by title.
- Immigrants, nonetheless, we need serious immigration reform. We don't...
- But in... ...on the House floor that we need comprehensive immigration reform.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and adoption of the special order calendar for the day. The chamber then took up House Bill 1B on immigration, along with discussion of anticipated Senate changes. The sponsor described the bill as creating a chief immigration officer housed in the Department of Agriculture, establishing an Office of State Immigration Enforcement, expanding cooperation with federal immigration authorities, increasing criminal penalties for certain offenses by unauthorized aliens, ending undocumented-student fee waivers, and providing substantial appropriations for enforcement and related programs. Members also questioned the Senate version’s proposed mandatory death penalty provision for certain capital offenses involving unauthorized aliens, as well as pretrial detention, 287(g) participation, DMV reporting requirements, and the bill’s effects on schools, teachers, social workers, and local agencies. The sponsor and supporting members repeatedly said the bill required broad cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and that existing federal law would control where conflicts arose.
A major portion of the debate focused on whether the bill would allow or require immigration enforcement in schools and other sensitive settings, and whether teachers, school resource officers, and social workers could be placed in conflict with federal privacy or professional obligations. Members also raised concerns about detention based on suspected status, the standard of proof for immigration-status determinations, prison and jail impacts, workforce shortages, and the fiscal effects on counties and state agencies. The sponsor said the bill did not provide DMV funding, that the state would need to study some implementation questions, and that the appropriations included $25 million for a local law enforcement participation incentive program and up to $350 million for broader implementation and coordination.
Several amendments were offered and failed. Representative Chambliss proposed protecting schools, churches, and places of worship from enforcement activity; Representative Escamani offered amendments to preserve in-state tuition for Dreamers and to grandfather currently eligible students; Representative Woodson offered a similar Dreamer-related amendment; and Representative Bartleman proposed barring local law enforcement from entering schools during school hours to detain children solely for immigration status. Supporters of these amendments argued they would protect children, preserve educational access, and prevent trauma in schools and houses of worship. The House rejected each amendment by voice vote, and the transcript ends during debate on the Bartleman school-safety amendment before final disposition is shown.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- pretrial reforms to spearheading comprehensive youth diversion programs.
- Finally, we have implemented this type of reform in the past to great effect.
- We know that reforms supporting 18- to 20-year-olds reduce recidivism and violence.
- This legislation is not just legal reform; it is a...
- And yes, this population includes men serving life without parole under the joint venture ruling.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The hearing opened with procedural remarks and acknowledgments of Rosh Hashanah, followed by testimony on several criminal justice bills before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. A major focus was S. 1061, the “Raise the Age” bill, which would gradually move 18- to 20-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Supporters included youth and young adult advocates, former juvenile court Judge Jay Blitzman, ACLU and CPCS representatives, Roca, United Way, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, and Senator Brendan Crichton. They argued that young adults are still developmentally immature, that juvenile court services improve education and rehabilitation, and that adult-system involvement leads to higher recidivism and racial disparities. Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would work, and witnesses explained that it would expand access to juvenile court diversion, probation, and DYS services for the covered age group. The chairs also noted a notice issue, clarifying that the hearing had been posted seven days in advance rather than the usual ten.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to revise accomplice and joint venture murder liability and sentencing. Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Liz Miranda supported the reform, arguing that current law can impose life sentences on people with limited or no knowledge of a killing and that the doctrine contributes to racial bias and disproportionate punishment. A law professor, a former defendant, and advocates from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls described cases where people were punished far beyond their actual role and said the bill would better align charges and sentences with individual culpability. Related testimony also supported a proportionality-focused reform to reduce the harshness of joint venture sentencing.
Several other public safety and criminal justice bills drew testimony. Senator Robin Kennedy supported a bill redefining strangulation in domestic violence law, saying the current “substantial pressure” standard is too vague and that strangulation is often lethal without visible injury. District Attorney Ryan and a retail business executive backed a bill on organized retail theft, saying it would give prosecutors more flexible charging options and better address coordinated theft rings. Representative Vieira and the family of Kiana Barros urged action on Kiana’s Law, which would improve restraining-order notification and enforcement after Barros’s daughter was killed after an order was not served. The hearing also included support for the HALO Act, which would create a 25-foot safety zone around first responders and penalize harassment or obstruction, and for a bill to enhance courthouse security by creating specific protections for judges and their families. No votes were taken during the hearing."} 0}]}
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider an original resolution authorizing expenditures by the committee during the 119th Congress; to be immediately followed by a hearing to examine eliminating waste by the foreign aid bureaucracy. Feb 13th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- As required by the Rules Committee, this resolution authorizes funding for the committee for the next
- Well, the court ruled that you can't do that.
- And so, yeah, no, I mean, I think it's an incredible moment of reform. I wish it were bipartisan.
- The last time of serious reform in the United States was, of course, in the mid-1970s.
- And trying to get those reforms over the finish line.
Keywords:
fiscal responsibility, government waste, foreign aid, funding resolution, legislative oversight
Summary:
The committee meeting addressed government spending and foreign aid, with a particular emphasis on perceived wasteful expenditures. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a funding resolution for the committee, which received unanimous support from the members present. The chair noted a quorum at the beginning of the meeting, signaling that the committee was ready to conduct its business. Discussions highlighted ongoing debates concerning fiscal responsibility and the necessity of legislative oversight, notably regarding foreign aid allocations and their implications for domestic fiscal health.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We apply these rules consistently to all people who participate in our proceedings, regardless of the
- Now let's cover the ground rules for appropriate conduct.
- The rules for today's hearing...
- The rules for today's hearing include no talking or loud noises from the audience.
- And there is a legitimate argument about overhang from the current rules.
Summary:
The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee held an informational hearing on the state of broadband affordability in California. Chair Tasha Berner said the committee was examining how broadband prices, access, and affordability are affecting households, especially after the end of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program and amid concerns about federal resistance to state broadband regulation. She noted the committee’s continued interest in policy options for 2026 and referenced prior legislation, including AB 353, that would have required affordable home internet as a condition of doing business in California.
Industry witnesses from U.S. Telecom and CTIA argued that broadband and wireless prices have generally fallen in real terms even as inflation and other household costs have risen, citing competition, infrastructure investment, and faster speeds as the main drivers. They said California’s higher costs are tied to permitting delays, taxes, copper theft, and legacy obligations such as COLR requirements, and they urged the Legislature to preserve market incentives, reduce fees and regulatory burdens, and support infrastructure deployment. They also discussed fixed wireless access, federal BEAD funding, and Universal Service Fund reform, arguing that more entities benefiting from networks, including tech platforms, should contribute to support programs.
Consumer and public-interest witnesses presented a different view, saying California still has a serious affordability and adoption problem, especially for low-income households. Sunny McPhee of the California Emerging Technology Fund said broadband adoption has improved dramatically over time, but about 500,000 households remain offline or underconnected and many low-income households still pay above the FCC affordability benchmark. Ernesto Falcon of the CPUC Public Advocates Office said California’s market is losing its competitive edge, with prices higher than in other states and meaningful price pressure coming mainly from fiber competition at the gigabit tier. He said roughly 4.8 million Californians are limited to one gigabit option and estimated that more competition could save consumers more than $1 billion annually. Both witnesses emphasized the need for stronger transparency, targeted subsidies, and a permanent affordability solution, including extending and refining the CPUC broadband Lifeline pilot and advancing SB 716.
Public commenters, including representatives from cable providers, nonprofits, and digital equity organizations, largely supported SB 716 and a permanent broadband affordability program. Several urged the committee to remove a cap on the Lifeline program, expand the CPUC pilot, and invest in digital navigators, outreach, and enrollment assistance. The hearing ended without a vote or formal action, after the chair thanked the witnesses and public commenters for their testimony.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Jul 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Now let’s cover the ground rules for appropriate conduct.
- Now let’s cover the ground rules for appropriate conduct.
- There needs to be some reform?
- The PUC would adopt rules to implement the program by July 1, 2027.
- So I don't want to put all that pressure of reforming... ...reforming Lifeline to be a fair and equitable
Summary:
The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee heard three bills. SB 371 by Senator Cabaldon would reduce uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage requirements for transportation network companies from $1 million to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, with committee amendments adding findings and declarations, higher limits than originally proposed, and a joint study on UM/UIM impacts. Supporters, including Uber, Lyft, business groups, and some consumer advocates, argued the bill would lower fares and increase driver earnings by reducing insurance costs. Opponents, including consumer attorneys, labor groups, and consumer watchdog organizations, warned it would cut protections for riders and drivers and might not guarantee savings would be passed through. The committee approved SB 371 on a due-pass basis and re-referred it to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote.
The committee then heard SB 716 by Senator Durazo, which would create a Home Internet Lifeline Program to let eligible low-income households apply Lifeline subsidies to home broadband service. Proponents said the bill addresses broadband affordability after the federal Affordable Connectivity Program expired, and that it would help students, workers, and families access reliable internet. Opponents from the wireless industry objected to the funding mechanism, arguing the surcharge would fall unfairly on wireless consumers, while one broadband group moved to neutral after amendments. The bill was approved on a due-pass basis and sent to Appropriations, but the roll was held open and later completed with the bill passing 7-1.
The committee also took up SB 480 by Senator Archuleta relating to autonomous vehicles as a consent item, with no presentation or debate. It was approved on a due-pass basis and re-referred to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly focused on affordability, consumer protection, and whether savings from the bills would actually reach riders, drivers, or households.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services May 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But Robert's Rules of Order don't change year to year.
- As shared in the agenda, the department underwent appeals reform in 2023, and since those reforms have
- We also know, based on the appeals reform, that we did see an increase.
- The final implementation of rate reform began on January 1, 2025.
- The final implementation of rate reform began on January 1, 2025.