Transcript Highlights:

• I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for that.
• It's on our website, and we're happy to answer any questions.
• Thank you for That answers the question.
• Yes, the short answer is yes.
• I am happy to answer any questions.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A couple of my questions were answered. Thank you all very much.
• It's key code 622, is it 623?
• That's my personal opinion, but you can answer that if you want. Mr.
• So this leads me into a follow-up based on your answer.
• Let me get back to you so we get you the correct answer.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll be glad to answer any questions. Thank you very much.
• Am I understanding your answer?”
• “Am I understanding your answer?
• It also highlights key election dates and deadlines.
• Respect for the answer from my vote.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of elections-related bills. It first approved three consent items: AB 808, AB 1029, and AB 1072. The committee then took up AB 1249, which would require non-Voter’s Choice Act counties to offer at least one Saturday early-voting location before statewide elections and allow in-person return of vote-by-mail ballots at designated county offices or satellite locations. Supporters said it would expand access for working voters and those with transportation barriers; some members raised concerns about ballot verification and added workload for rural counties. The bill passed the committee on a divided vote and was placed on call for absent members. The committee next considered AB 25, a voter ID and election integrity measure that would require citizenship verification, government ID for voting, tighter voter-roll audits, and a 72-hour ballot-counting deadline. The author and supporters argued it would restore public trust and improve election integrity, while opponents from the League of Women Voters, ACLU California Action, labor groups, disability advocates, and others said it would restrict access, burden vulnerable voters, and amount to voter suppression. After extensive debate, the committee voted the bill out on a narrow split and kept it on call. Members also approved AB 1164, which clarifies when voters are entitled to a replacement ballot and updates the Voter Bill of Rights language; AB 1441, which would create an independent citizens redistricting commission in Merced County despite opposition from the county board over cost and local control; and AB 16, which would clarify county election officials’ authority to begin processing vote-by-mail ballots earlier and clean up outdated code. The committee also heard AB 1411, which would require non-VCA counties to prepare voter education and outreach plans and use a Secretary of State template, with the sponsor saying it would improve voter information statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:33.000> any I'm happy to ask any answer any I'm happy to ask any answer any questions
• to or are not really too willing answers to or are not really too willing to<00:51:08.880> answer
• are testifying trying to answer are testifying trying to answer questions<00:51:55.160> from<
• occasionally ask them for input on key occasionally ask them for input on key items<01:10:19.520
• don't say anything but I want to answer don't say anything but I want to answer your<01:31:06.320

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Colleen McAllister: In answer to your question about the AR-15, the gun belonged to Deputy Hammer.
• If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer. Chair: Thank you for your testimony.
• This is a key node in the United Front system.
• And Diamond Mines has continued to serve as a key node of influence here in the state.
• The Chinese Scholars and Students Associations on campus are also key nodes of influence.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had an IT individual who answered these questions and couldn't answer how the dollars were spent and
• We expect answers.
• We welcome this audit process and are happy to answer any questions.
• I’m a little bit curious by that, and that’s not a question for you to answer.
• We never heard back and never had any answers on how to become certified.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard a presentation from Senator Kevin Payne on Arizona’s school safety interoperability communication systems, which he said were inspired by the Parkland and Uvalde shootings and designed to bypass overwhelmed 911 systems through panic-button alerts, live camera access, and direct communication with law enforcement. Committee members broadly praised the concept as a school safety tool, while also noting it should complement, not replace, school resource officers. Senator Payne said the audit had not fully captured the systems’ value and emphasized what he saw in Yavapai County as a successful example. Auditor General Lindsay Perry then summarized the second special audit in the JLAC school safety series, explaining that it reviewed whether fund expenditures were authorized, whether purchased systems met statutory requirements, and whether procurement followed applicable standards. She noted that 12 of 14 law enforcement agencies had provided follow-up information, while Pinal and La Paz counties had not, and that the committee had requested additional details on participating and non-participating schools. Members pressed Perry about Pinal County’s refusal to respond and about delays in payment to Mutualink, and several members defended the committee’s oversight role. The committee then heard from the vendors. Mutualink’s CEO said the system is intended to connect schools, dispatch, law enforcement, fire, and EMS through live video, floor plans, and group communications, and argued that implementation problems often stem from training, infrastructure, and coordination rather than the technology itself. Motorola Solutions described its work in Maricopa, Yuma, and Tucson, including panic alarms, radio and dispatch integration, and school participation challenges; it said Tucson canceled its contract after schools declined to join. Navigate 360 described its Cochise County project as a success story, saying 60 of 69 schools were implemented, with ongoing training and support, but acknowledged it did not yet meet all statutory criteria and that two charter schools had opted out. Members repeatedly raised concerns about procurement, inconsistent implementation, rural infrastructure, training, and whether the systems met all statutory requirements, and vendors said they would follow up on those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm happy to answer any questions that you might have. Thank you.
• You've got very specific answers there, but I'm going to...
• And so to get answers. That leaves us still unclear as to why.
• And we are happy to answer any of your questions. I have one question.
• Can you answer one question for me?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CLASS is a nationally validated tool that assesses three key domains of classroom quality. emotional
• Chaffin, to discuss our next finding and key recommendations. recommendations.
• So what's the long-term answer to that? That.
• Again, I thank you all for your support, and I'd love to answer any questions that you have.
• Thank you for that answer.

Transcript Highlights:

• Other key examples include advancements in precision medicine and drug discovery.
• covered well uh we have some uh key covered well uh we have some uh key leadership<00:52:28.160>
• If you introduce yourself for the record and go ahead and answer the question, if you can.
• Melton Moes is probably the best positioned to answer the issue around health care.
• And I think that’s the absolute key.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• where we start getting to those key where we start getting to those key budget<00:16:16.079>
• <00:19:37.679> can health that those kinds of answers can health that those kinds of answers
• um we we can go quickly happy to answer um we we can go quickly happy to answer any<01:27:46.760
• Happy to answer questions.
• I don't know the answer to that.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division III work session focused on the Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health Services budget. Department staff said Public Health has a relatively small budget compared with other DHHS divisions, is supported mostly by federal and other non-General funds, and contains nearly 100 accounting units and more than 50 federal grants. They emphasized that the governor’s budget did not include significant cuts, but that federal funding uncertainty and the winding down of pandemic-era resources were major factors affecting the division. The division also explained that some apparent budget growth reflects reorganizations, including moving the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery and some programs from other DHHS divisions into Public Health. The presentation described Public Health’s mission as serving the entire state through food and water safety, disease surveillance, emergency response, maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, WIC, community health center support, and public health data collection. Members asked about bird flu, and staff explained that human-health response would involve Public Health’s lab, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness units, while animal-health issues are handled with the Department of Agriculture; they also noted ongoing milk testing requested by FDA and USDA. The division said its organizational structure includes bureaus for Family Health and Nutrition, Infectious Disease Control, Public Health Protection, Emergency Preparedness, Prevention and Wellness, Statistics and Informatics, and Public Health Laboratories, with about a 15% vacancy rate. Committee members questioned whether the division’s budget and staffing had really grown since pre-COVID, and staff responded that full-time authorized staffing is about the same as in 2018, with the increase largely due to federal pandemic funding that has since receded and to program transfers between divisions. They said Public Health’s General Fund share is about $24 million out of roughly $1.1 billion in DHHS General Fund spending, or about 2.2% of the department total. Members also asked about the 3,000-position cap and unfunded positions; staff explained that the cap remains in chapter law through June 30, 2025, that 394 positions were unfunded in the governor’s budget, and that the division expects flexibility to move money from personnel lines and fill unfunded positions to manage changing needs. No votes or formal actions were taken in this portion of the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• My answer is always Minnesota.
• My answer is always Minnesota.
• My answer is always Minnesota.
• Happy to answer any questions.
• Happy to answer any questions.

Bills: HF1545, HF2426, HF1615, HF2403

Keywords: medical cannabis, cultivation, cannabinoid products, plant canopy, Minnesota statutes, cannabis, hemp, lower-potency, edibles, regulations, licensing, local control, consumer safety, age restrictions, commerce policy, financial institutions, insurance regulation, limited long-term care insurance, Medicare supplement, health insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what makes this program so key.
• Libraries are the key to knowledge. Libraries are the key to knowledge.
• Um and so the the short answer request.
• So, thank you for your time and happy to answer any questions.
• So, thank you for your time and happy to answer any questions.

Bills: HF1972, HF229, HF1090, HF1084, HF1307, HF1274, HF1609, HF2110, HF211, HF216, HF222, HF224, HF225, HF203, HF206, HF207, HF208, HF227, HF246, HF427, HF466, HF502, HF680, HF971

Keywords: community center, Breckenridge, capital investment, state bonds, economic development, HF229, North Branch Area Hockey Association, Stacy Ice Arena, Chisago County, general fund appropriation, grant, ice arena, hockey rink, youth sports, recreational facility, community arena, nonprofit, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, local infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• And this concludes my presentation, and I'll be happy to answer any questions. Thank you.
• I'd be happy to answer any questions. Members, are there any questions? Thank you Chairman.
• And with that, I'm happy to answer any questions you have for me today.
• Thanks for your time, and I'll be happy to answer... any questions at the system level.
• I would be happy to answer any questions. Thank you, Dr. Annie. Members, any questions?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Happy to answer any questions. Members, do we have any questions for staff?
• Okay, your answer. Madam Chair, I'm sorry. Give me the free enterprise answer.
• Okay, your answer. Madam Chair, I'm sorry. Give me the free enterprise answer.
• Happy to answer any questions you might have. Members, do we have any questions?
• Happy to answer questions. I'm going to do one each. Members, any questions for staff?

Bills: HB2388, HB2804, HB2926

Keywords: HB2388, Arizona Commerce Authority, ACA, small modular reactor, SMR, nuclear energy, advanced nuclear, data center, data centers, economic development, study, appropriation, general fund, jobs, wages, tax revenue, broadband, infrastructure, secondary businesses, tertiary businesses

Summary: The committee began with short presentations highlighting historic sites in Prescott, including the Arizona Pioneer Home and the First Territorial Governor’s Mansion/Charlotte Hall Museum, framed as ways to showcase rural districts and Arizona history. Members discussed the importance of using committee time to feature district-specific projects and tourism assets before moving to legislation. The main action was on HB 2804, a bill creating a state rural development and housing tax credit tied to the federal low-income housing tax credit for projects in counties under 800,000 population. Supporters, including the sponsor, the mayor of Flagstaff, housing developers, and other local officials, argued the credit would help finance affordable housing for seniors, veterans, and low-income residents in rural areas where projects are otherwise not feasible. Opponents, including the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, argued the program is inefficient, difficult to police, and disproportionately benefits intermediaries and developers. After extended questioning and debate about whether the bill truly helps veterans and seniors, the committee passed HB 2804 on a 7-0 vote. The committee then heard HB 2388, which directs the Arizona Commerce Authority to study the economic benefits of small modular reactors and data centers and report findings to the governor and legislature. The sponsor described it as a data-gathering measure to inform future policy, while supporters said it could help assess energy and job impacts, especially for Hispanic workers. One member suggested adding information on utility-rate impacts and waste/storage issues through amendment. The bill passed on a 6-1 vote, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But happy to answer questions.
• But happy to answer questions.
• But happy to answer questions.
• But happy to answer questions.
• But happy to answer questions.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't necessarily answer some of the key questions.
• The plans don't give you answers to any of those questions.
• There certainly are no easy answers, but there are certain elements that I think really do help us answer
• I don't know if that answers your question. Okay.
• Those five key areas are: one, ongoing stable funding.

Summary: The joint hearing focused on coherence in California’s education planning and reporting systems, especially the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and related grant plans. Committee chairs and members described widespread frustration with duplicative, lengthy, and sometimes conflicting reporting requirements, while emphasizing that the goal was not to reduce accountability but to make planning more useful, stable, and student-centered. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond also previewed the Governor’s education budget priorities, including expanded learning, community schools, universal transitional kindergarten, literacy supports, and concerns about the proposed Prop. 98 deferral. Panelists from the State Board of Education, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office said the LCAP was intended to balance local flexibility with statewide transparency, but has become overloaded by repeated revisions and additional requirements. They argued for fewer core reporting elements, more stability over time, better alignment of planning cycles, and integrated systems that reduce duplication. Fresno County staff described a multi-year calendar and support tools that help districts manage timelines, but said these tools only ease the burden rather than solve the underlying problem. The LAO noted that some newer plans, such as expanded learning and transportation plans, are narrative-heavy and often less informative than separate reporting requirements. Local district leaders and county officials described the practical effects of the current system: staff time diverted from instruction, multiple portals and forms, audit risk aversion, and planning documents that can exceed 100 pages. Several superintendents said coherent systems work best when districts have clear priorities, stable governance, and aligned budgets, and when state requirements are predictable and tied to outcomes like literacy, attendance, and student achievement. The California Federation of Teachers added that coherence also depends on meaningful collaboration with educators, classified staff, parents, and communities. Committee members repeatedly asked whether the state should streamline reporting, create a uniform portal, or develop a more unified grant-reporting structure, and Thurmond said the department was piloting a simplified common form and was willing to work with the Legislature and districts on broader solutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And happy to answer any questions. Thank you.
• And with that, I'm here to answer any questions.
• And with that, I'm here to answer any questions.
• Hopefully that answers your question. It does.
• I'm happy to answer any questions.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard several May Revision proposals, primarily from the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Government Operations Agency, the Department of Technology, and the Franchise Tax Board. CDFA presented funding for the animal care program under Proposition 12, a transition away from the state hemp program to USDA oversight by January 1, 2028, ongoing support for agricultural statistics reporting after USDA reorganization, and trailer bill changes to the department’s indirect cost cap. The LAO generally supported the animal care, hemp transition, and statistics proposals, while also urging future review of the Prop 12 funding once litigation is resolved. The indirect-cost-cap language was described as technical and not increasing charges to programs, and it was held open with no objections from the LAO or Finance. The committee also discussed the new federal Workforce Pell program and related Cradle to Career funding and trailer bill language. Finance said the state is still reviewing federal rules and is focusing on basic implementation steps, with the trailer bill assigning eligibility determinations to the California Student Aid Commission, requiring data sharing through Cradle to Career, and prioritizing public institutions first. The LAO urged caution because the federal rules were just finalized and said the Legislature should better define the process and costs before appropriating the $1.3 million requested for Cradle to Career. Members raised policy concerns about limiting the program to certain institutions and about aligning the proposal with pending legislation and broader workforce policy. The Department of Technology presented a $1 million request for Poppy, the state’s digital assistant, to expand a secure GenAI platform for state employees. Members asked detailed questions about data security, model training, bias controls, and whether the system could eventually support local governments; CDT said the system uses state-controlled cloud infrastructure, does not use user data for training, and quarantines new models for review. CDT also sought provisional authority for the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative to cover possible operating shortfalls while the network is still being built; the LAO remained concerned about broad spending authority, and several members questioned the revenue assumptions and oversight. FTB then proposed retaining a smaller set of CalFile resources after the federal Direct File program was discontinued, with the LAO saying the reduced staffing level was broadly reasonable but still worth legislative scrutiny. The committee also began hearing the administration’s revenue proposals, including a permanent limitation on business tax credits and a tax on electronically delivered prewritten software, with the LAO generally supporting the goal of raising ongoing revenue but recommending changes to the software proposal’s exemptions and business-use treatment.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:26:48.320> Um will do her best to answer this. Um will do her best to answer this.
• <00:31:05.280> metrics of of key metrics of of key metrics in<00:31:07.360> terms<00
• <01:48:26.400> And try to answer any questions. And try to answer any questions.
• , have that answer, have that answer, um,<02:00:03.000> for<02:00:03.320> you<02:00
• answer and yeah, and I think the key answer and yeah, and I think the key thing<02:00:12.600>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To answer your question everyone.
• Um one of the things that that answer.
• helps answer your question sir. helps answer your question sir. >> Perfect.
• Um so >> Just some key dates to remember.
• One key with the drinking water state One key with the drinking water state revolving<01:04:50.880>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• answer questions. answer questions.
• <00:41:32.000> topics what are the what are the key topics what are the what are the key topics
• It's a hard one for me to answer.
• <01:11:49.280> Um the answer to that. You are correct. Um the answer to that.
• answer so I should not represent Howard. answer so I should not represent Howard.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a Senate message on HB 179, relative to hazardous waste accident fees. Members reviewed the Senate amendment, which would cap the daily non-payment penalty at no more than $1,000 per day and limit the cumulative penalty to 25% of the cost, with no additional daily penalty if the responsible party is following an agreed payment plan. Members discussed the change from the committee’s earlier version, which had allowed penalties up to 100% of the damages, and agreed the revised language was reasonable. The committee voted to concur with the Senate amendment and indicated the bill could be placed on consent. The committee then recessed SB 302, requiring background checks for solid waste facility owners, because a late request for an additional change had not yet been fully reviewed. It next voted on SB 229, relative to the sale of uninspected bison, red deer, and elk meat. Supporters said the bill would expand retail access to these meats, support New Hampshire farms, and improve food security. Members also noted the Department of Agriculture did not object, that the bill would remove a sunset and keep more workable inspection rules in place, and that the animals involved are largely from closed herds. The committee voted unanimously to pass SB 229 and agreed to place it on consent. Finally, the committee considered SB 50, establishing a committee to study the regulation of private animal boarding facilities. Members described disturbing testimony about missing, injured, or dead dogs and the lack of clear oversight, licensing, or even a reliable list of kennels in the state. They discussed possible study topics including licensing, inspection authority, standards, penalties, and protections for both pet owners and boarding operators, including disclosure of medical conditions. The committee voted unanimously to pass SB 50 and also agreed to place it on consent. After the executive sessions, the committee heard a presentation from the New Hampshire Food Alliance on the state’s first food and agriculture strategic plan, introduced by director Nicole Cardwell, with participation from advisory committee members including Rep. Bixby and Commissioner Sean Jasper.