Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Eric Stallow, and I'm a Shannon County circuit clerk and recorder of deeds.

Committee: House Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources

Summary: The House Agriculture Committee met with a quorum and first took up two bills in executive session. House Bill 3014, previously presented by Representative Farnan, was approved due pass on a 20-0 roll call vote. The committee then considered House Bill 3392, adopted a committee substitute that added a small liability disclaimer for distributors and wholesalers at the suggestion of Ron Leone, and approved the committee substitute due pass on a 21-0 vote. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 938, presented by Representative Haley on behalf of Senator Bernskoetter. The bill would increase a long-standing user fee from $4 to $6 for recorded documents, with the additional revenue split among county recorders, the Secretary of State, and the Department of Agriculture’s land survey program. Haley and other members said the increase was needed to sustain the land survey program and reflect rising costs, while clarifying that the fee would not automatically increase again. Members asked questions about how the fee would be divided and what portions applied to different parts of the statute. Testimony was uniformly supportive. The Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri Society of Professional Land Surveyors, and the Recorder Association of Missouri all backed the bill, citing the need to preserve the land survey program and support record storage, digitization, and microfilming efforts in county recorder offices. No witnesses testified in opposition or for informational purposes. The committee then adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that, in short, is the proposal and its rationale, and we have Eric Towell here, who's the director
• So that, in short, is the proposal and its rationale, and we have Eric Towell here, who's the director
• So that, in short, is the proposal and its rationale, and we have Eric Towell here, who's the director
• My name is Eric Towell. I'm the interim director of the Office of Cannabis Management.
• My name is Eric Towell. I'm the interim director of the Office of Cannabis Management.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Eric Tanoi from the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association in support.
• Okay, we have testimony from Eric Tanio, Nicole Gass, and support from Brian Mamoto. He's here.
• 00:29:01.000><c> have</c><00:29:01.279><c> testimony</c><00:29:01.840><c> from</c><00:29:02.159><c> Eric
• </c> or St okay we have testimony from Eric or St okay we have testimony from Eric tanoi<00:29:03.679

Summary: The joint Committee on Higher Education and Agriculture heard Senate Bill 1158, which would authorize general obligation bonds and appropriations for a controlled environment agriculture research and demonstration facility at the Magoon Research and Teaching Site in Manoa. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive from the University of Hawaiʻi, Department of Agriculture, Farm Bureau, Maui County, MetroGrow Hawaiʻi, and other agricultural groups, who said the project would strengthen food resilience, support year-round production, create clean jobs, and provide a demonstration site for urban vertical farming. University representatives said the project would include demolition of an existing condemned building, a research and lab component, and a multistory vertical farm, with an estimated cost of $6 million and a projected two-year build time. Members questioned whether Manoa was the best location, whether the project fit the university’s broader strategy, and whether the request would displace other priorities. The University said the site is tied to SEAR activities, close to students and faculty, and intended to support hands-on training and commercial-scale production. In response to concerns about soil testing and stakeholder needs, the University said it would restart the soil testing lab using internal funds, though not as part of this bill, and would request additional staff for efficiency. The committee then recessed and later reconvened in decision-making, where the chairs recommended and the committee adopted amendments to SB 1158, including a name correction and deferral to July 31, 2050, and the bill passed with amendments. The committee then took up Senate Bill 663, relating to the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and SEAR research and experiment stations. The University testified that the stations are important for locally relevant agricultural research but are short staffed, with 34 positions down since 2005, and that the bill requests eight new positions, including agricultural technicians and four county community coordinator positions, to improve station operations, community engagement, and workforce development. The Farm Bureau supported the measure, saying the positions are needed to revamp extension services and that Manoa is an appropriate urban location for the vertical farming component. Members questioned why vacant or existing positions could not be used instead of new ones, and the University explained that some listed vacancies reflected old federally funded positions or inaccurate counts, promised a written update, and said it was working to fill current openings. No final vote on SB 663 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• district offices, we have our Kauai district office administrator and engineering program manager, Eric
• administrator and engineering program administrator and engineering program manager<00:04:16.560><c> Eric
• <c> agenna</c><00:04:17.959><c> from</c><00:04:18.120><c> AGS</c><00:04:18.720><c> 871</c> manager Eric
• agenna from AGS 871 manager Eric agenna from AGS 871 representing<00:04:20.199><c> the</c><00:04:20.320
• </c> registration information center Eric registration information center Eric which<01:25:57.000><c>

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Government Operations committees received a biennium budget preview from Keith Regan, Comptroller and Director of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), who introduced department leadership and described DAGS’ broad responsibilities across accounting, public works, procurement, elections, archives, risk management, and other attached agencies. He emphasized that DAGS supports nearly every state department and cited ongoing workforce challenges, while noting progress in reducing the department-wide vacancy rate from 21% in 2023 to 17.7% in 2024. He also highlighted recruitment efforts, including new salary schedules for engineers and architects, job fairs, internships, and outreach to retiring federal employees. A major focus was modernization of the state’s aging financial systems, especially the 55-year-old FAMIS platform and the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) project. DAGS said it expects to release the RFP for the FAMIS replacement by the end of January and is seeking a second tranche of CIP funding, including $35 million, plus position augmentation and creation of a Business Transformation Office to manage EFS and future modernization work. The department also described major capital projects such as the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, Wahiawā Civic Center, Kauaʻi Civic Center, and Ahuimanu Community Correctional Center, and reported that Public Works is managing 455 projects statewide valued at more than $2.5 billion. Other budget requests discussed included funding for cemetery operations, with DAGS asking for two positions and $1 million in operating funds to support maintenance of eight cemeteries; a $200 million ceiling increase tied to anticipated insurance proceeds for West Maui fire-related recovery and rebuilding; and several staffing and operating items for district offices and facilities. These included full-year funding for positions in West Hawaiʻi and East Hawaiʻi, support for a small business coordinator at the State Procurement Office, funding for cloud hosting and PeopleSoft licensing, six positions and staff augmentation for the EFS project, electricity costs, and security-related funding. DAGS also noted that two requested reductions totaled $7.9 million, including transferring the security contract to the Department of Law Enforcement and reducing nonrecurring expenses; members discussed whether some security funding should remain with or be moved to DLE, and DAGS said it would not object to that transfer. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hi, my name is Eric C. Anderson. I'm a film editor. Hi, my name is Eric C. Anderson.
• Eric Paredes with the California Faculty Association, in support. Thank you. I thank the witnesses.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several tax-related bills, beginning with AB 760, which would exempt settlement payments tied to the Garden Grove chemical incident from California income tax. The author and a school district trustee described evacuations, school closures, and losses to residents, businesses, students, and staff, arguing the payments should make victims whole rather than be taxed. There was support from the Orange County Board of Supervisors, no opposition, and the bill passed 3-0 to Appropriations, with committee amendments accepted. Members then heard AB 2319, creating a California post-production tax credit for film and television work done in-state, even when principal photography occurred elsewhere or the project did not receive the existing film credit. The author and supporters from the Motion Picture Editors Guild, California Post Alliance, and others said post-production jobs and facilities are leaving California and that the bill would help retain high-wage work; opponents were not present. The committee members generally supported the measure, and it passed 3-0 to Appropriations. AB 2186 followed, excluding future reparations benefits for descendants of formerly enslaved people from state income tax. The author and NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference said taxing such benefits would undermine reparative justice; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 3-0. The committee also heard AB 762, which would ban the sale of disposable nicotine vapes and add enforcement tools. Supporters, including waste, recycling, local government, and public health groups, said disposable vapes create fire hazards, waste problems, and costs for local agencies; opponents argued the bill would mainly eliminate the legal market while leaving illicit products untouched and urged stronger enforcement instead. The author accepted committee amendments adding CDTFA enforcement, but the bill was not voted on because a motion was pending and members were absent. Later, AB 1519, AB 2172, AB 2222, AB 1793, AB 2089, and AB 1265 were heard and each received support from committee members and passed 2-0 or 3-0 to Appropriations, with amendments accepted where noted. AB 1519 clarified that the 20-year tax collection statute of limitations should not be reset by later fees or penalties; AB 2172 would let large counties use a single assessment appeals commissioner for complex property tax appeals; AB 2222 would create a temporary tax credit for local news organizations to retain and hire journalists; AB 1793 would authorize symmetrical cash rounding to the nearest nickel after the federal penny phaseout; AB 2089 would streamline the welfare exemption filing process for affordable housing; and AB 1265 would extend and revise the historic building tax credit to encourage adaptive reuse for housing and mixed-use projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jessica Tang, who's here and who's also, more importantly, my constituent as well, and also President Eric
• Next, we have a panel: Jessica Tang, President of AFT Massachusetts; Eric Berg, President of the Boston
• I'm Eric Berg, a 25-year elementary school teacher and proud president of the Boston Teachers Union here

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing focused first on teacher retirement legislation, especially H. 2932 and S. 1884, which would give long-serving educators a one-time opportunity to enroll in Retirement Plus after the program’s 2001 rollout was described as confusing and inconsistently communicated. Legislators, union leaders, and many teachers testified that some educators missed the opt-in window because of faulty notices, leave status, transfers, or misinformation about payroll deductions, and that many have had to work several extra years as a result. Supporters said the bills would correct an unfair administrative error, provide a buyback option with interest, and could also save local school districts money by allowing earlier retirements. Representative Mark Sylvia also testified for H. 4234, a Fairhaven-specific bill to raise the age limit for special police officers from 65 to 70 and clarify appointing authority, citing experience and budget needs. The committee then heard testimony on several pension investment and divestment bills. Supporters of H. 2811 and related climate-risk measures argued that PRIM should assess, disclose, and address climate-related financial risk in the state pension fund, warning that fossil fuel investments could threaten long-term returns and public finances. Environmental advocates and financial experts said climate risk is systemic and urged transparency, divestment planning, and alignment with the Commonwealth’s climate goals. Another set of speakers supported H. 2984, which would divest pension investments from companies selling weapons to Israel; they argued the state should not be complicit in violence in Gaza and cited humanitarian and human rights concerns. Additional testimony supported H. 2900 and S. 1869 to divest from the firearm industry, with speakers saying pension investments should not undermine Massachusetts gun laws. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs repeatedly thanked speakers, limited testimony time, and noted that written testimony could be submitted later. The hearing concluded with the committee moving through the sign-up list and hearing extensive public testimony on the teacher retirement and divestment proposals.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have my good friend Eric Turner here with me from Lake Q to express their support and their partnership
• And Eric Turner is here at the table if you'd like to introduce yourself for the record. Thank you.
• Eric Turner, Louisiana's Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. All right, Mr.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met to hear several education-related measures. It reported favorably, without objection, on House Bill 1215, which would transfer certain removed historical statues and monuments to the Office of State Parks, prohibit re-erection in the parish where they were removed, and require interpretive signage. The committee also advanced House Bill 682, which creates a school guardian program for honorably discharged veterans employed or contracted by local school systems or charter schools; testimony emphasized that guardians would be unarmed, trained, and used for mentoring and school safety. House Bill 1079, giving enrollment preferences in charter schools to children in early childhood programs, military families, foster children, and children in custody disputes, was also reported favorably, as was House Concurrent Resolution 81, directing the Department of Education to study options for districts facing declining enrollment. The committee then took up House Bill 1084, which would allow public postsecondary institutions to raise tuition and mandatory fees by up to 15 percent annually, with higher increases requiring Board of Supervisors approval. The bill drew extended debate over affordability, TOPS, student retention, and whether universities should have more autonomy to set prices. Members raised concerns about fee burdens on families and whether the state should first study the issue; supporters argued the bill would increase transparency and let institutions respond to funding needs and market conditions. Senator Mazzell offered an amendment lowering the cap from 15 percent to 10 percent, and the committee adopted the amendment before reporting the bill favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 342, which would shift the burden of proof in special education due process hearings from parents to local education agencies. The author and parents testified that the current system places an unfair burden on families of children with disabilities, who often lack access to records and legal resources, and that schools already control the documentation and should have to show compliance with IEP obligations. Jefferson Parish school officials opposed the bill, arguing it would increase legal costs, require more staff and attorney time, and potentially lead to more hearings; they also questioned the fiscal note. The Legislative Fiscal Office said the fiscal impact was indeterminable, and the committee continued hearing testimony from parents and school representatives as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I welcome Director Eric Tavville from OCM. with the adult use products um and the with the adult use
• I welcome<00:02:46.800><c> Director</c><00:02:47.200><c> Eric</c><00:02:47.440><c> Tavville</c><00:02
• Uh my name is Eric Tobble.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to ask Russ Brown and Eric Eisenger to please come up, introduce themselves, and begin, hopefully
• My name is Eric I. Singer.
• community without a lot of resources... ...if I grew up in a rough community without a lot of resources, Eric

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Summary: The committee work session began with a staff presentation on state tort liability, focusing on why Washington’s tort payouts and claims have risen and how sovereign immunity, statutes of limitation, damages rules, and case law shape state exposure. Staff and the Attorney General’s Office highlighted that DCYF, DSHS, and DOC account for the largest share of claims and payouts, with Washington’s broad waiver of immunity and lack of caps on non-economic damages making it unusual compared with many other states. The discussion emphasized childhood sexual abuse claims, foster care and juvenile rehabilitation liability, and the impact of recent cases and the 2024 statute of limitations changes. Agency witnesses from DCYF, DSHS, and DOC described rising claims, delayed payout timing, difficulty defending older cases with limited records, and efforts to reduce future liability through practice changes, electronic health records, medication-assisted treatment, staffing, and early resolution programs. The committee then shifted to parole and sentencing. Staff from the Sentencing Guidelines Commission and Public Safety Policy and Research Center reviewed Washington’s move from indeterminate sentencing and parole to the current determinate sentencing system under the Sentencing Reform Act, and explained that parole can coexist with sentencing guidelines in other states through different models. They also summarized Criminal Sentencing Task Force recommendations related to three-strikes, persistent offender review, and a second-chance review process, noting that the task force did not reach consensus on those ideas. Judges Veronica Galvan and Cindy Larson, speaking for the Minority and Justice Commission and the Superior Court Judges Association, supported considering a parole or review-board model as a way to address racial disparities, improve fairness, and create a more centralized and transparent review process with data collection and judicial review. The final panel began with prosecutors, with Eric Eisenger introducing himself and indicating he would speak from both his role as Benton County prosecutor and as a former defense attorney. The transcript cuts off before the prosecutors’ full testimony or any committee action on the parole topic, and no votes were taken during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:01:43.280><c> Eric</c> Beni off medical center in support.
• Eric Beni off medical center in support.
• Eric A,<01:01:44.240><c> Hawaii</c><01:01:44.559><c> Primary</c><01:01:44.960><c> Care</c><01:01:45.200

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Higher Education hearing took up HB 441 HD2, a measure to increase cigarette taxes and dedicate the revenue to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. The Department of Taxation said it had no substantive objection but requested an effective date of January 1, 2026 if tax rates change so it can order new stamps. The Department of Health, the Deputy Attorney General/tobacco enforcement, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the American Cancer Society, the Hawaii Medical Association, and several other health organizations and youth advocates supported the bill, arguing that higher cigarette prices reduce youth initiation, encourage cessation, and help fund cancer research and care. Several supporters asked for a larger increase, including at least $1 per pack, while opponents from retail, wholesale, and tobacco-related groups argued the tax would be regressive, burden low-income smokers, and drive sales to the illicit market. The Tax Foundation and other opponents also criticized reliance on sin taxes and said smoking rates are already at historic lows. After testimony and questions, members discussed how the revenue should be used and whether higher taxes change smoker behavior or push people toward vaping or other alternatives. The chairs announced they would pass HB 441 HD2 with amendments, replacing the contents with SB 528 SD1 except for changes reflecting the Department of Taxation’s request and a provision directing all proceeds from the tax increase to the Hawaii Cancer Center’s debt reduction, with an effective date of December 31, 2025. The House Health, Human Services, and Higher Education committees then voted to adopt the recommendation; the Health, Human Services committee vote was adopted with Chair and several members voting aye and one member voting no in the Higher Education committee vote. The hearing also briefly covered HB 1334 on meat donation, which drew support from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, food industry, and community groups, though no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1098 on crimes against protective services workers. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying assaults on protective services workers can have chilling effects and deserve stronger deterrence; a committee question raised whether the bill should instead be part of a broader, more proactive approach to assault statutes. The Department of Human Services also described safety steps such as panic buttons and phone apps for social workers. The excerpt ends before any final vote on HB 1098.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Carson Hayden; son-in-law Jeff McAdams; daughter-in-law Michelle Hayden; and her four nephews, Eric

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted several congratulatory and commemorative resolutions, and welcomed sixth-grade students from Holy Name School in West Roxbury, along with guests and chaperones. The chamber then took up House No. 4100, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill, which was described as addressing a roughly $240 million shortfall in the Group Insurance Commission. Senator Tarr emphasized the urgency of funding the GIC while also urging lawmakers to examine the causes of the deficiency and consider longer-term cost controls. The Senate suspended the rules, ordered the bill to a third reading, passed it to be engrossed, and later received notice that the House had non-concurred in the Senate amendment and appointed a conference committee. The Senate then insisted on its amendment and appointed conferees. The chamber also passed Senate No. 2508, establishing a sick leave bank for Andrew Satera, an employee of the Trial Court. The Senate observed National Law Enforcement Memorial Day with remarks honoring fallen officers and a moment of silence, and later adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Charlene Roberts Hayden, whose life and career in mathematics, software engineering, teaching, and public service were recognized. Finally, the Senate adopted the emergency preamble for H. 4100, passed the bill to be enacted, and adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Eric, Brendan, Scriven, and Steve. I love you guys.

Summary: The Senate convened in special session with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then read the Governor’s proclamation calling the session. The special session was called to consider property tax-related legislation, including a proposed constitutional amendment affecting assessment caps, homestead exemptions, and limits on county and municipal ad valorem taxes, along with related implementing measures such as ballot language, taxpayer notices, supermajority requirements for tax increases above the rolled-back rate, and a public website showing estimated savings for homestead properties. The bills filed within the call were read for the first time: Senate Joint Resolution 2F by Senator Avila and Senate Bill 4F by Senator Avila, both referred to Appropriations. The Rules Chair announced the Appropriations Committee would meet later that day, and the Senate adopted motions to waive rules and place both measures on the special order calendar for Tuesday, June 2, with an amendment deadline one hour before convening. The Senate also adopted a motion sending any bills filed outside the call to the Rules Committee for review. The chamber then heard farewell remarks from Senators Hooper and Polsky, who reflected on their service and thanked colleagues, staff, and constituents. Senator Hooper emphasized respect and kindness in public service, while Senator Polsky thanked local officials, staff, caucus members, and family, and noted the importance of bipartisan work. The Senate adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, or upon the President’s call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Eric, Brendan, Scriven, and Steve. I love you guys.

Summary: The Senate convened in special session with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then read the governor’s proclamation calling the session. The proclamation said the special session was for property tax relief measures, including a proposed constitutional amendment affecting assessment caps, homestead exemptions, and local ad valorem tax limits, along with related implementing legislation on ballot language, taxpayer notices, supermajority voting requirements for tax increases, and a public website showing estimated savings. The secretary read the bills filed within the call: Senate Joint Resolution 2F by Senator Avila, proposing constitutional amendments to Article 7 and Article 12 to revise annual assessment limits, increase the homestead exemption, limit county and municipal ad valorem taxes, and create a trust fund; and Senate Bill 4F by Senator Avila, relating to property tax administration. Both were referred to Appropriations. The Rules Chair announced the Appropriations Committee would meet later that day, and the Senate adopted motions to waive rules, place SJR 2F and SB 4F on the special order calendar for June 2 with an amendment deadline one hour before convening, establish the special order calendar for the rest of special session by website publication and announcement, and send any bills filed outside the call to Rules for review. The chamber then heard farewell remarks from Senators Hooper and Polsky, who were leaving the Senate. Hooper reflected on his long public service and said he hoped to be remembered for treating others with respect and kindness. Polsky thanked constituents, staff, colleagues, and family, and spoke about his years representing communities in South Florida. The Senate then adjourned until 9:00 a.m. the next day, or upon the President’s call, for committee meetings and other business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Eric, Brendan, Scriven, and Steve. I love you guys.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Eric Champa, and I'm with UCP of Sacramento and Northern California.
• My name is Eric Champa, and I'm with UCP of Sacramento in Northern California.
• And I also—one of the panelists today with us, Eric Chiampa, talked a lot about co-creation.
• Eric Champ with UCP. The respite tool has come up. That was part of my comments.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing on several Department of Developmental Services proposals, with no votes taken. The first item focused on equitable access to intake and services for regional center clients, including standardizing eligibility assessments and modernizing the strengths-and-needs evaluation used to inform individual program plans. DDS said the changes would create a more consistent, equitable, and evidence-based process statewide, while the LAO explained the proposals as a response to disparities and inconsistent regional center practices. Advocates and regional center representatives were divided: Disability Rights California, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and some providers supported modernization but urged clearer safeguards, more community co-design, and stronger legislative review; others, including some regional center leaders and family advocates, warned against replacing the CEDER too quickly and stressed the need to preserve the person-centered IPP process. Committee members emphasized fair process, fidelity, and the need for a validated tool, while also noting that the proposals would not change eligibility definitions or replace IPPs. The second major item addressed state-operated transitional and rehabilitative services, including proposed time limits for stays at Porterville Developmental Center and Canyon Springs, plus the merger of the Community Placement Program and Community Resource Development Program. DDS argued that people should not remain in locked facilities for years and that the proposal would create urgency, clearer transition planning, a right of return, and a more efficient single program for community resource development. Supporters, including Disability Rights California, the State Council, the Public Defenders Association, and some service providers, said the proposals align with Olmstead and the Lanterman Act, reduce overreliance on institutions, and should be paired with stronger mental health supports, oversight, and notice to counsel. Opponents, including a district attorney representative, argued that a blanket 24-month limit could endanger public safety and that some individuals require longer, case-by-case commitments. Committee members said they wanted a more comprehensive plan showing that community placements and supports will be ready before people are moved, and they questioned whether an arbitrary timeline could work for such a complex population. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly stressed that any implementation must be fair, transparent, and backed by valid tools, adequate community capacity, and public input. DDS said both sets of proposals would require legislative approval and that the department is still open to changes in trailer bill language and further stakeholder consultation. The hearing ended with the committee indicating it would continue reviewing the proposals and hear public comment, but no formal action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Eric Champa, and I'm with UCP of Sacramento and Northern California.
• My name is Eric Champa, and I'm with UCP of Sacramento in Northern California.
• And I also, one of the panelists today with us, Eric Chiampa, talked a lot about co-creation.
• Eric Champ with UCP. The respite tool has come up. That was part of my comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Here with me today to testify is Eric Arias with the Yolo County Public Defender's Office.
• My name is Eric Adias, and I'm a... Good morning, Mr. Chair and members.
• My name is Eric Arias, and I'm a youth defender at the Yolo County Public Defender's Office and a member
• Eric Paredes with the California Faculty Association in support.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills and took testimony on each, with members often noting amendments and continuing negotiations. SB 1009 by Senator Becker would require juvenile courts to find that less restrictive alternatives are unsuitable before ordering detention, and would require periodic review of continued detention and consideration of alternatives at disposition. Supporters argued it would reduce unnecessary youth detention and improve transparency; probation, judges, and police groups opposed it as an undue limit on judicial discretion and potentially unsafe in serious cases. The chair said he would recommend an aye with amendments, but the bill was held pending quorum and later remained on call. SB 1130 by Senator Gomez Reyes would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses, requiring consent before recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and banning devices or accessories designed to defeat recording indicators. Supporters said the bill addresses secret recording and invasive surveillance; opponents from tech and hospitality groups sought clarification to avoid unintended liability for businesses and exempt workplace communication devices. Members discussed those exemptions, and the chair recommended an aye, but the measure also remained on call. Senator Blake Spear presented SB 99, which would let courts consider military protective orders in domestic violence proceedings and require better communication between civilian law enforcement and military authorities. Supporters from the Department of Defense, local officials, and military representatives said it would close protection gaps for military families; the ACLU opposed it on due process grounds because MPOs are issued without judicial process. The chair and author emphasized that the bill only allows consideration of MPOs and does not require civilian enforcement of them. The bill passed out on a vote, though it remained on call for additional members. The committee also heard SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, restricting flashbang use for crowd control and banning flashbangs and explosive breaching charges in immigration enforcement, and SB 1022, creating a statewide anti-trafficking task force. SB 937 drew support from civil rights and community groups and opposition from police and sheriffs over the use-of-force standard and limits on tactics; it passed out on a vote but remained on call. SB 1022 was supported by survivor and faith groups and opposed by public defenders and sex worker advocates who raised concerns about racial disparities and enforcement harms; it also passed out on a vote. Later, SB 1395, extending criminal protective orders for certain felony sex offenses against minors up to 20 years, and SB 1230, increasing penalties for repeat illegal dumping, were both heard with mixed testimony and were held on call after committee votes. The committee also adopted a consent calendar and several bills were moved forward with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Eric Castanella. I live in Pittsburgh, California. I'm a proud apprentice for Local 342.
• My name is Eric Castanella. I live in Pittsburg, California. I'm a proud apprentice for Local 342.
• Eric Thronson on behalf of Sacramento Regional Transit District.
• Eric Thronson on behalf of Sacramento Regional Transit District.

Summary: The subcommittee heard extensive testimony on the governor’s proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit, which would provide a $1 to $2 per gallon credit against the diesel excise tax for SAF sold for use in California from 2026 to 2036. The Department of Finance and CARB argued the proposal would help decarbonize aviation, support a long-term transition in the fuel sector, and encourage in-state investment and jobs. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and several outside witnesses recommended rejecting the proposal, saying it is a relatively expensive way to reduce greenhouse gases, could have uncertain or limited net climate benefits, and may shift limited feedstocks away from renewable diesel rather than create additional fuel supply. A major point of debate was whether the credit would mainly benefit California refineries and workers or instead subsidize out-of-state producers while reducing revenue for transportation programs. Supporters, including union members, refinery workers, airlines, Boeing, and airport representatives, said SAF is one of the few viable near-term options for aviation, that California should keep fuel production and jobs in-state, and that the credit would help maintain refinery operations and support the industry’s transition. Opponents, including the LAO, trucking and fuels groups, environmental organizations, and county/road advocates, warned that the proposal could raise gasoline and diesel prices, reduce diesel excise tax revenue for highways and local streets and roads, and provide limited climate benefit compared with other uses of state funds. Some members also raised concerns about feedstock availability, food-system impacts, and whether the policy should be more narrowly targeted if the goal is to support a specific refinery. No vote was taken. The chair stated at the outset that all items on the agenda were being held open for a future hearing, and public comment was taken after the first item because of the level of interest. The hearing then continued with public testimony, which was split between strong support from labor and industry and strong opposition from environmental, transportation, and local government groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Eric Castanella. I live in Pittsburgh, California. I'm a proud apprentice for Local 342.
• Eric Thronson on behalf of Sacramento Regional Transit District.
• Eric Thronson on behalf of Sacramento Regional Transit District.
• Eric Thronson on behalf of Sacramento Regional Transit District.

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on the governor’s proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit, which would provide a $1 to $2 per gallon credit against the diesel excise tax for SAF sold for use in California from 2026 to 2036. The Department of Finance and CARB argued the credit would help decarbonize aviation, support refinery transitions, and keep fuel production and jobs in California. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended rejecting the proposal, saying it is a relatively expensive way to reduce greenhouse gases, could have uncertain or limited climate benefits, and would reduce diesel excise tax revenue that supports highways, local streets and roads, and other transportation programs. A major point of debate was whether the credit would simply shift limited feedstocks from renewable diesel to SAF rather than create new low-carbon fuel supply. Professor Aaron Smith and the LAO said that because feedstocks such as used cooking oil, tallow, and vegetable oils are limited and already used in other fuel markets, the policy could increase SAF at the expense of renewable diesel, with possible increases in fuel prices and little net emissions benefit. Administration and CARB staff disputed that outcome, saying additional waste-based feedstocks are available and that the policy would not meaningfully raise gasoline or diesel prices. Senators focused on feedstock availability, impacts on road funding, fairness to consumers, and whether the proposal was really aimed at preserving specific refineries such as Phillips 66. Public comment was sharply divided. Labor representatives, refinery workers, airlines, Boeing, airports, and some local residents supported the proposal, emphasizing jobs, refinery investment, and aviation’s need for a liquid-fuel decarbonization pathway. Environmental and transportation groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, World Resources Institute, Earthjustice, California Environmental Voters, counties, cities, and trucking and asphalt associations, opposed it, citing weak net climate benefits, possible fuel-price impacts, and losses to transportation funding. No vote was taken; the chair announced all items would be held open for a future hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric Emerit, come on down. By the way, members, we're having lunch brought in.
• Welcome, Eric. You know the drill. Please introduce yourself and talk to us about this bill.
• For the record, Eric Emerit with Dorm Policy Group, representing the Arizona Incident Response Company
• For the record, Eric Emerit with Dorm Policy Group, representing the Arizona Incident Response Company

Bills: HB2014 , HB2111 , HB2156 , HB2165 , HB2202 , HB2305 , HB2321 , HB2399 , HB2403 , HB2416 , HB2418 , HB2446 , HB2601 , HB2615 , HB2620 , HB2812 , HB2939 , HB2940 , HB2955 , HB2957 , HB2960 , HB2992 , HB4026 , HB4049

Committee: Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology

Keywords: air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, driver license, examinations, motorcycle awareness, public safety, traffic laws, livestock, compensation, funding, ranching, agriculture, veterans, state parks, admission fees, military exemption, recreation access