Transcript Highlights:

• ACA 8 allows for the temporary use of voter-approved congressional district boundaries contained in AB
• Seniors, children, workers, and families left with nothing. That's not policy. That is punishment.
• This is a temporary approach to react to what's happening with other states.
• And don't, for a moment, call it temporary. You know darn well that this is permanent.
• The temporary map will only take effect if the voters approve it, and only because Republicans forced

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call, recess, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into a highly procedural and contentious floor session centered on redistricting measures. Members debated a point of order raised by Assembly Member DeMaio challenging the constitutionality of SB 280, ACA 8, and AB 604; the Speaker ruled the point not well taken, and the Assembly sustained that ruling on appeal. The body also took up consent-calendar and procedural motions, including suspending rules to adopt late amendments on ACA 8 and to bring the measure up without reference to file. Several motions to re-refer or suspend rules on related measures failed, while the motion to adopt the late amendments on ACA 8 carried. The main substantive item was ACA 8, the Assembly Constitutional Amendment related to redistricting, presented by Assembly Member Berman as a response to mid-decade redistricting efforts in other states, especially Texas. Supporters argued the measure was a temporary, voter-driven response to protect democracy, counter partisan gerrymandering, and address broader threats tied to the Trump administration, including immigration enforcement and health care cuts. Opponents argued ACA 8 would undermine California’s independent citizens redistricting commission, violate the state Constitution, and amount to partisan gerrymandering or a power grab. Members on both sides framed the issue as a defense of democracy, but disagreed sharply over whether the Legislature should act or leave redistricting to voters and the existing commission. No final vote on ACA 8 is shown in the transcript excerpt, but the Assembly did vote on several procedural matters: the appeal of the Speaker’s ruling was sustained 58-18; the motion to adopt late amendments on ACA 8 passed 58-19; a motion to re-refer ACA 8 and SB 280 to Judiciary failed 19-58; and a motion to take up A.J.R. 21 without reference to file failed 19-58. The session remained focused on ACA 8 and related redistricting questions, with extensive floor speeches from both supporters and opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• ACA 8 allows for the temporary use of voter-approved congressional district boundaries contained in AB
• So today, I proudly joined with my father, the architect of this commission, in urging its temporary
• This is a temporary approach to react to what's happening with other states.
• congressional. tactics by approving the use of these temporary congressional district maps.
• And don't, for a moment, call it temporary. You know darn well that this is permanent.

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call and brief recess, then moved into a highly procedural and contentious floor debate centered on redistricting measures, especially ACA 8, along with SB 280, AB 604, and related motions. A point of order challenging the constitutionality of the redistricting items was raised by Assembly Member DeMaio, but the chair ruled it not well taken; an appeal was taken and the chair was sustained, 58-18. The body also approved a motion to adopt late amendments on ACA 8 (57-20), rejected a motion to re-refer ACA 8 and SB 280 to Judiciary (19-58), and defeated a motion to take up AJR 21 without regard to file (19-58). Earlier, the consent calendar was taken up and SB 482 was removed at the author’s request; ACR 105 was listed on the consent calendar and the roll was opened, though the transcript then moved into further procedural business. The main substantive debate focused on ACA 8, described by supporters as an “Election Rigging Response Act” that would temporarily use voter-approved congressional district boundaries and send the question to the voters, while opponents argued it would undermine California’s independent redistricting system and violate the state constitution. Supporters, including Assembly Members Berman, Lowenthal, Boerner, Carrillo, Mark González, Bonta, Gibson, Elhawary, Gabriel, Salachi, Ransom, Ávila Farías, and others, framed the measure as a response to mid-decade redistricting efforts in Texas and other states, warning that Donald Trump and Republican-led states were trying to rig the 2026 election and threaten democracy, health care, immigrant communities, and other rights. Several supporters emphasized that ACA 8 would still leave the final decision to California voters and argued the state needed to act to preserve fair representation and counter national power grabs. Opponents, including Assembly Members Wallace, Ta, Gallagher, DeMaio, Dixon, Patterson, and Davies, argued that ACA 8 would abandon the voter-created independent citizens’ redistricting commission, erode trust, and amount to partisan gerrymandering or a “power grab.” They stressed that Californians had already approved independent redistricting, that the Legislature lacked authority to redraw maps, and that the proposal was rushed with limited public input. Several opponents also criticized the cost of a special election and argued the state should focus on other priorities. The debate was marked by repeated admonitions from the chair to avoid impugning motives and to keep remarks decorous, but no final vote on ACA 8 itself appears in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are identified to be temporary to support the immediate transition.
• In theory, however, the Medi-Cal unwinding was temporary.
• In theory, however, the Medi-Cal unwinding was temporary.
• This is the time we actually have to invest in our eligibility workers.
• This is the time we actually have to invest in our eligibility workers.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held a May Revision hearing covering several health-related budget proposals and broader concerns about the state’s budget structure. The Chair opened by praising some May Revision changes, such as added health IT funding, county administration support tied to Medi-Cal changes, a delay in Medi-Cal cuts for some lawfully present immigrants, and additional support for Covered California subsidies, while criticizing proposed increases in Medi-Cal premiums, changes to senior eligibility, the lack of a Medi-Cal dental solution, and other reductions affecting counties, mobile crisis units, workforce incentives, and physician shortages. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the state’s budget condition remains weak despite progress on the structural deficit, and the Department of Finance said the May Revision uses a mix of reductions, reforms, revenue proposals, and fund shifts to cut out-year deficits. The committee first heard Department of State Hospitals proposals, including adjustments to county bed billing authority, contract exemption language for online clinical/pharmacy subscriptions, reversion of unspent funds, a revised Metro Central Utility Plant replacement project, electronic health record implementation, and workforce development funded partly through Behavioral Health Services Act resources. DSH also described savings and realignments in incompetent-to-stand-trial and conditional release programs, including extending the independent placement panel program and shifting funds to support additional bed capacity and a mental health rehab center. Members asked about the use of BHSA funds for workforce programs, and the department said the proposal would replace General Fund support with BHSA reimbursements. The Emergency Medical Services Authority proposed funding for statewide behavioral health crisis response guidance and for enterprise system development, and the Department of Managed Health Care proposed modernization of its complaint system and claims-settlement data system to improve oversight and comply with AB 3275. The largest discussion centered on the administration’s BHSA spending plan under Proposition 1, including state-directed prevention, workforce, and other uses, plus General Fund offsets for existing programs. The LAO questioned whether some proposed offsets fit Proposition 1’s non-supplant and eligible-use requirements, while the administration argued the uses were consistent with the measure and that the state-directed share can be adjusted annually. The Commission for Behavioral Health’s proposals drew the most public and member concern. The administration proposed cutting the commission’s Innovation Partnership Fund from $20 million to $10 million and reducing the Community Advocacy Program by $6.7 million, while redirecting BHSA dollars to other state purposes and direct services. Commissioners, advocates, and several members argued the cuts would weaken community voice, reduce support for underserved populations, and disrupt grants already in process; they also objected to using BHSA funds to backfill General Fund commitments. Public commenters, including youth, disability, behavioral health, LGBTQ, tribal, veteran, immigrant, and community-based organization representatives, overwhelmingly opposed the cuts and urged preservation of prevention, advocacy, mobile crisis, and innovation funding. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• , adding new trainings for workers, adding new trainings for experienced<00:03:54.480><c> workers,</c
• , and expanding the experienced workers, and expanding the certified<00:03:56.520><c> train</c><00:03
• </c> worker burden. worker burden.
• </c> navigation and improved worker navigation and improved worker experience, experience, experience
• </c><00:25:12.960><c> perspective</c> manage and from a worker perspective manage and from a worker perspective

Bills: HF4525 , HF3002 , HF3665 , HF4420

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: human services, background studies, NETStudy 2.0, licensing, license suspension, license revocation, provider enrollment, program integrity, fraud, medical assistance fraud, Medicaid, payment withholding, credible allegation of fraud, background check, disqualification, variance, set-aside, foster care, family foster setting, adult foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• But on the sales tax on motor vehicles, we were promised, and we promised that that was only Temporary
• It was going to be temporary. Well, here we are in 2026, and it's still there.
• Tina Frazier to the state board of licensed social workers.
• advise and consent to the nomination of Tina Frazier of Okeene to the state board of licensed social workers

Bills: HB1168

Keywords: abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, methotrexate, pro-life, pro-choice, reproductive health, unborn child, trafficking, felony, contraception, pharmacist, pharmacy, Title 63, Oklahoma statutes, abortion pill, drug distribution, criminal penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• It authorizes DOEA to provide temporary direct services during declared emergencies or lead agency failures
• It authorizes DOEA to provide temporary direct services during declared emergencies or lead agency failures
• is to say that because of the lack of education that goes on, I am left with a lot of health care workers
• This bill would also have to take the educational course to continue on to be a health care worker herself

Bills: S0006 , S0036 , S0560 , S0778 , S0844 , S0864 , S1002 , S1016 , S1022 , S1030 , S1630

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard and advanced a series of health, child welfare, aging, disability, and public records bills. CS/SB 1002, on child welfare and parental substance abuse, was described as clarifying that acute or chronic parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect when it creates an ongoing risk to a child; it passed after limited questions and supportive testimony from Florida Smart Justice Alliance. CS/SB 1630, a broad aging and long-term care modernization bill, would streamline eligibility screenings, allow temporary DOEA services during emergencies or lead agency failures, tighten oversight of area agencies on aging, permanently establish the Florida Alzheimer’s Care Center of Excellence, and expand guardianship training and enforcement tools; it drew support from AARP, area agencies, and the Alzheimer’s Association and was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1022 to add Bay County and Pompano to the Florida Children’s Initiatives, and CS/SB 1030, via strike-all amendment, to streamline regulation of substance abuse and behavioral health providers and clarify background screening and privacy rules. Several bills focused on health care practice and patient access. CS/SB 36, with an amendment, allows nurses with doctoral degrees to use appropriate titles while requiring clear identification as nurses and making misuse grounds for discipline; nursing organizations supported it and it passed. CS/SB 844 requires physicians and nurses to complete a one-time, board-approved continuing education course on sickle cell disease care management, with multiple patients and advocates testifying about delayed care, bias, and the need for better provider education; the bill was reported favorably after an amendment aligning it with the House version. CS/SB 560 streamlines procedures for psychotropic medication for children in DCF custody by reducing duplicative reports, clarifying evaluator qualifications, limiting repeated background checks, and simplifying consent documentation; an amendment removed postsecondary education language, and the bill passed. The committee also approved a public records exemption bill for a uterine fibroids research database (CS/SB 864). The committee also advanced measures affecting disability services and forensic care. SB 6, a claims bill, would pay $3.8 million to a trust for a child who suffered severe abuse-related injuries after DCF involvement; it passed without opposition. SB 778 updates the definition of forensic clients so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism found incompetent to proceed can be housed in the same secure forensic setting, reducing duplicative staffing and space needs; it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1016 codifies the Working People with Disabilities Program, allowing eligible developmentally disabled adults to work while retaining Medicaid waiver benefits and requiring notice to enrollees; advocates described the bill as essential to employment and independence, and it passed. Throughout the meeting, most bills received supportive public testimony, few questions, and unanimous or near-unanimous favorable votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• increase the cost to our agriculture sector, and therefore the cost of food, health care, energy, workers
• food, increased cost to our agriculture sector, and therefore the cost of food, health care, energy, workers
• The other one I'd mention, although again, I think it's maybe temporary, is this increase in the complete
• The other one I'd mention, although again, I think it's maybe temporary, is this increase in the complete

Summary: House and Senate Republican leaders held a press availability focused on the late-session legislative agenda, with repeated criticism of Democratic proposals they said would raise costs and expand state control. Their main targets were a proposed state income tax on high earners, which they described as an unconstitutional income tax likely to expand over time, and an anti-initiative bill they said would make it harder for voters to use direct democracy. They also objected to bills they said would restrict local authority over camping bans and housing permits, and to a series of tax and fee increases affecting bottles, tires, groceries, food, health care, energy, labor, and licensing costs. The Republicans said the income tax proposal drew more than 60,000 opposition sign-ins and argued that the level of opposition showed Washingtonians broadly reject it. They said any legal challenge would likely come from outside the Legislature, not from caucuses, and cited former Attorney General Rob McKenna’s testimony as support for their view that the measure violates the state constitution. They also discussed capital flight and said prior tax increases, including the estate tax and capital gains tax, were already prompting businesses and wealthy residents to leave the state. The caucus highlighted several Republican-backed affordability bills they said remain alive, including a diaper tax exemption, a prepared-food tax exemption, repeal of last year’s services tax, and sales tax exemptions for certain continuing education and licensing fees. They also said they had helped block or weaken several Democratic bills, including proposals involving grocery stores, wildfire utility costs, college encampments, plastic bag fees, and a juvenile justice bill they said would have allowed earlier release of violent offenders. On child welfare, members criticized a bill addressing the Keeping Families Together Act as insufficient and said they would keep pushing to change the “imminent harm” standard, while also supporting a separate bill to add fentanyl exposure to the child endangerment statute. No formal votes were taken in the press event itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• It includes Representative Gordon's bill dealing with the publication of temporary polling locations.
• So he's opted to take a leave of absence, and a temporary member The school board was appointed to vote
• You are shifting money away from the workers who have been deprived of overtime, of minimum wage.
• I'm going to stand up for our workers.
• As well as setting forth temporary actions that are not subject to appeal.

Transcript Highlights:

• Back in 2002, a worker would pay on average... ...health coverage.
• So workers are paying more for health insurance and getting less.
• workers compared to 69% for all other workers.
• But what will the benefits of the cost growth target be for workers?
• I will need to employ staff such as eligibility workers.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the cost of uncertainty in California health care, especially the effects of federal policy changes on coverage, access, and affordability. Opening remarks from committee leaders and members emphasized that California’s uninsured rate had fallen to historic lows under the Affordable Care Act and state policies, but that the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, H.R. 1, and other federal regulatory changes could reverse those gains. Members repeatedly cited rising premiums, skipped care, medical debt, and the strain on low-wage workers, families, clinics, hospitals, and public programs. The first panel reviewed the federal landscape and state response. A federal policy analyst described the ACA’s coverage gains and consumer protections, then outlined current threats: H.R. 1’s Medicaid and marketplace cuts, the end of enhanced premium tax credits, shorter open enrollment, more verification requirements, and changes affecting preventive services and vaccines. Covered California reported that the loss of subsidies is expected to nearly double average monthly premiums, reduce enrollment, and push more consumers into bronze plans with higher deductibles; it also noted that California’s $190 million affordability fund is helping the lowest-income enrollees. HCAI’s Office of Health Care Affordability explained its work on spending targets, market consolidation review, and primary care investment, saying the goal is to slow spending growth rather than impose price caps. Committee members pressed witnesses on the practical effects of bronze plans, administrative burdens, immigration-related disenrollment, provider taxes, uncompensated care, and whether California can sustain current coverage levels without new revenue. Witnesses said bronze plans preserve essential benefits but shift more costs to consumers, and that H.R. 1’s verification and auto-renewal changes will likely reduce enrollment. They also said provider tax reductions could significantly weaken state financing over time, and that higher uninsured rates may increase uncompensated care and pressure premiums elsewhere in the system. The second panel, featuring UC Berkeley Labor Center and California Health Care Foundation experts, highlighted broader affordability problems across job-based coverage and Medi-Cal, citing medical debt, skipped care, and the role of underlying system costs, administrative waste, and lack of competition. They pointed to medical debt relief efforts such as Los Angeles County’s program as a short-term mitigation strategy while the Legislature considers longer-term policy and budget responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• So workers are paying more for health insurance and getting less.
• workers compared to 69% for all other workers.
• But what will the benefits of the cost growth target be for workers?
• Workers should not have to choose between health care and a living wage.
• I will need to employ staff such as eligibility workers.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Senate and Assembly Health Committees focused on the “cost of uncertainty” in health coverage, access, and affordability amid federal policy changes. Opening remarks from committee leaders and members emphasized that California’s gains under the Affordable Care Act and Health for All policies—high coverage rates, consumer protections, and lower uninsured rates—are now threatened by federal rollbacks, including the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits and H.R. 1. Members repeatedly cited rising premiums, skipped care, medical debt, and the risk of coverage losses, especially for low-income Californians, workers, seniors, and immigrant communities. The first panel featured federal policy and state implementation experts, including Don Joyce, Jessica Altman of Covered California, and Elizabeth Lansberg of HCAI’s Office of Health Care Affordability. Testimony described the ACA’s coverage expansions and the current federal threats: shorter open enrollment, more verification requirements, loss of enhanced subsidies, and changes affecting immigrants and preventive coverage. Covered California reported that average monthly premiums could nearly double without the subsidies, new enrollment is down sharply, and more consumers are shifting into bronze plans with higher deductibles. HCAI explained its affordability strategy through spending targets, consolidation review, and primary care investment, while members asked about the impact of federal cuts on provider taxes, uncompensated care, and whether California can sustain coverage without new revenue. The second panel, with UC Berkeley Labor Center’s Miranda Dietz and California Health Care Foundation’s Christoph Stremikis, broadened the discussion to statewide cost drivers and consumer impacts. They highlighted that more than half of Californians under 65 rely on job-based coverage, yet premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs have risen faster than wages. They also pointed to medical debt, administrative waste, market consolidation, and underinvestment in primary care as major drivers of unaffordability. Members asked about the 25% of health spending that does not improve patient care, the role of fraud versus administrative friction, the effect of cost growth targets on workers, and the need for preventive care and possible revenue solutions. The hearing then moved to a third panel on human impacts, beginning with testimony from a Central Valley promotora describing how families are choosing lower-tier coverage, struggling with diabetes care, and facing higher premiums after subsidy losses.

Transcript Highlights:

• So workers are paying more for health insurance and getting less.
• to 69% for all other workers.
• But what will the benefits of the cost growth target be for workers?
• Workers should not have to choose between health care and a living wage.
• I will need to employ staff such as eligibility workers.

Transcript Highlights:

• guardianship is um um and a temporary guardianship is um awarded<00:10:05.600><c> because</c><00:10:
• Secondly, we're talking about our workers.
• Going to move ahead to number two is our workers in, you know, the 580 workers that staff Stillwater
• Number one, I want to thank our workers, the folks who staff that facility and do incredible work every
• , the folks who staff that workers, the folks who staff that facility<00:21:21.520><c> and</c><00:21:

Transcript Highlights:

• Workers' comp rate for the gin in California for the workers, $29 per $100 of payroll.
• Our workers' comp rates are twice what they are in other states.
• We get access to farm workers in the fields.
• workers.
• We have to take care of our farm workers.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the state of agricultural production in California, with opening remarks from the Senate and Assembly Agriculture Committee chairs and Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry emphasizing agriculture’s economic importance and the need for stronger state investment. They highlighted concerns about water scarcity, labor shortages, rising costs, extreme weather, tariffs, pesticide and regulatory pressures, and the lack of agricultural funding in recent climate-related allocations. Aguiar-Curry also urged immediate action on the glassy-winged sharpshooter outbreak, which CDFA said would cost about $18.5 million annually to detect, monitor, and eradicate. The first panel featured CDFA and the Department of Water Resources. CDFA described California agriculture as a $61.2 billion industry producing more than 400 commodities, but also noted farm bankruptcies, rising input and compliance costs, climate stress, trade issues, and crop removals in vineyards and almonds. DWR focused on hydrologic variability, snowpack decline, groundwater overdraft, subsidence, and SGMA implementation, and discussed tools such as forecast-informed reservoir operations, groundwater recharge, basin characterization, and the 2028 water plan update. Members asked about immediate legislative priorities, flood response after 2023, Prop. 4 and greenhouse gas reduction funding, and regulatory alignment; officials pointed to pest control, science-based water management, affordability, infrastructure, and better coordination across agencies. The second panel examined water, climate, and resource sustainability. PPIC presented estimates that SGMA, climate change, and environmental regulations could reduce irrigation water in the San Joaquin Valley by about 20% by 2040, potentially requiring 500,000 to 900,000 acres of fallowing and affecting billions in agricultural GDP and tens of thousands of jobs. UC Merced discussed practical adaptation tools including FIRO, managed aquifer recharge, on-farm recharge, land repurposing, agrivoltaics, and crop flexibility. The Agricultural Energy Consumers Association argued that energy costs are unsustainable, that electricity and natural gas rates are rising sharply, and that state programs supporting climate-smart agriculture, biomass, and food processing need more funding and coordination. Members and witnesses discussed how limited Prop. 4 and GGRF dollars might be used for recharge, conveyance, subsidence mitigation, and regulatory improvements. The final panel addressed workforce innovation and the future of food production. Industry representatives said food and fiber processors cannot pass along rising costs from energy, labor, workers’ compensation, packaging rules, and compliance mandates, and warned that SGMA-driven land fallowing, pest pressure, and abandoned orchards threaten small farms and processing jobs. The Almond Alliance called for periodic review of regulations, stronger invasive species response, and targeted support for orchard removal, ag burn alternatives, and water efficiency. The California Farmworker Foundation described its work providing health, education, and civil assistance services to farmworkers in multiple counties, including health navigation, field-based clinics, and food support, and stressed the needs of an aging labor force and food insecurity in rural communities. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members and witnesses discussing possible future legislation and funding priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Happy to be a temporary substitute here in calling up the panels.
• some some good presentations to be made so vice chair Richards thank you mr. chair happy to be a temporary
• substitute here on calling up the panels panel one Vice Chair Richards: I'm a temporary substitute here
• My name is Meg Martin, and I'm a licensed clinical social worker working with people experiencing homelessness
• My name is Meg Martin, and I'm a licensed clinical social worker working with people experiencing homelessness

Summary: The Housing Committee held work sessions on federal Continuum of Care homelessness funding and on state step-housing siting rules before moving into public hearings on House Bill 2266 and House Bill 2489. Commerce staff said HUD’s late and restrictive Continuum of Care funding notice put about $120 million a year in Washington operating support for existing homeless housing projects at risk, but a lawsuit led by the Attorney General forced HUD to restart renewal funding. Commerce also reviewed how local governments are implementing step-housing requirements, including model ordinances, planning updates, and ongoing compliance reviews under recent state law. House Bill 2266 would require cities and counties to allow step housing in all nonindustrial zones, apply the same permitting and environmental review as other residential uses, limit design review to administrative processes, and remove certain local standards and conditions on existing buildings and affordable housing. Supporters, including Plymouth Housing, Disability Rights Washington, King County, the Attorney General’s Office, and Catholic Community Services, argued the bill would reduce discriminatory barriers, protect people with disabilities, and make it easier to site shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing. Several city representatives and the Association of Washington Cities opposed or sought amendments, saying the bill was too broad and could limit local authority over operational agreements, safety plans, spacing, community engagement, and funding conditions; some asked for clearer carveouts for emergency shelters and related uses. House Bill 2489 would bar local governments from enforcing public-space anti-camping or similar laws unless adequate alternative shelter space is available, with “life-sustaining activities” and “adequate alternative shelter space” defined in detail. Rep. Gregerson said the bill would create a statewide floor and prevent punishment for survival conduct when no real shelter option exists. The ACLU, service providers, and shelter operators supported the bill, citing displacement from fragmented local ordinances, enforcement costs, and the need to align enforcement with actual shelter availability. Testimony also described low-barrier shelter operations and examples of people stabilizing once housed. The hearing on HB 2489 began with staff explanation and initial testimony; no votes were taken on either bill in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• H.J.R. 1023 is the Workers' Comp schedule fee that's done biannually. Open for questions.
• We are waiting for workers' comp to get that back to us. So the actual rate fees are...
• We are waiting for workers' comp to get that back to us.
• you have a county officer, a county assessor who resigns, a county commissioner gets to a point, a temporary

Bills: HB3183 , HB2999 , HB3787 , HB3499 , HJR1023

Committee: House Rules

Keywords: electric utilities, grid congestion, transmission technology, advanced power flow controllers, dynamic line rating, energy efficiency, nondisclosure agreements, public officials, transparency, government accountability, utility infrastructure, election, qualified elector, municipal office, school board, registration requirements, HB3499, special judge, special judges, court jurisdiction

Transcript Highlights:

• H.J.R. 1023 is the Workers' Comp schedule fee that's done biannually. Open for questions.
• We are waiting for workers' comp to get that back to us. So the actual rate fees are...
• We are waiting for workers' comp to get that back to us.
• you have a county officer, a county assessor who resigns, a county commissioner gets to a point, a temporary

Bills: HB3183 , HB2999 , HB3787 , HB3499 , HJR1023

Committee: House Rules

Summary: The committee heard several measures and adopted PCS versions as working drafts before taking action. H.J.R. 1023, the biennial workers’ compensation fee schedule resolution, was presented as a vehicle to keep the schedule alive while the updated rates were still pending from the federal side due to the shutdown; it passed 8-0. House Bill 2999, which would prohibit requiring public officials to sign nondisclosure agreements, drew discussion about whether it should be broadened to cover litigation outcomes and other government transparency issues. The author agreed to strike the title and continue working on the language, and the bill passed 8-0 with the title stricken. House Bill 3788, as amended in PCS-2, would require officeholders to be U.S. citizens; members questioned whether the bill should also bar non-citizens from certain appointments, with examples raised about local boards and temporary appointments. The author said the intent was to focus on elected office, the Election Board assistant secretary said the bill reflected that intent, and the committee voted 9-1 to report it do pass, with the title still stricken for further work. The committee also advanced House Bill 3499, which allows special judges to hear applications for title matters, on a 10-0 vote. House Bill 3183, described by its author as a cost-saving measure related to electrical transmission infrastructure and protecting ratepayers from large loads, also passed 10-0. Throughout the meeting, members frequently used motions to adopt PCS drafts, move bills, and strike titles where language was still being refined before floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• The department proposes amendments to 23 Code of Arkansas Rules, Part 203, Arkansas Workers' Compensation
• The insurance commissioner is charged with administering the workers' compensation insurance plan.
• This plan finds coverage for those employers who are required to have workers' compensation coverage
• So the changes we have made are to clarify that the temporary coverage for presumptive eligibility for
• Both of these are permanent rules, or making permanent temporary rules that we've had in place since

Committee: All ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 339 creates an alternative pathway for temporary licensure for surveyors and mappers to help meet
• Upon passing the exam, they'll be issued a temporary license as a surveyor mapper that would expire on
• Now, the registered professional for the temporary license, is there anything that they will not be able
• So if we were to receive a complaint that someone was concerned about another worker, then that's when
• , workers, to come in and do what in Florida is very, very tough, hot, dirty work.

Summary: The subcommittee heard and approved four bills focused on reducing or modernizing professional regulation. HB 6015, by Rep. Oliver, repeals the word “reusable” from the wine keg statute to allow businesses more flexibility in container materials; members joked about the possibility of a Home Depot bucket, and the bill passed 16-0. HB 339, by Rep. Abbott, creates an alternative temporary licensure pathway for surveyors and mappers based on employer recommendation and exam passage, but members raised concerns about qualifications, liability, and oversight; Abbott said he was open to amendments, and the bill passed 14-1 with Rep. Overdorf dissenting. HB 139, by Rep. Lopez, allows pawnbrokers to use digital transaction forms instead of only printed forms; a technical amendment added readability and placement requirements for digital forms, and the bill passed unanimously. HB 195, by Rep. Chambliss, lets the Department of Corrections coordinate with DBPR boards so inmates who complete licensure-related classes can receive credit toward professional licensure; supporters framed it as a second-chance and workforce bill, an amendment clarified that DBPR handles professions without boards, and the bill passed favorably 15-0. The committee then received a presentation from DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin on the department’s role overseeing more than 1.7 million businesses and professionals across over 30 fields. She highlighted enforcement and complaint data, including more than 24,000 inspections and complaints handled in the last fiscal year, a preference for education and voluntary compliance over formal discipline, and the department’s alternative dispute resolution program, which returned $2.7 million to consumers and saved $270,000 in costs. Griffin also reviewed recent deregulatory and efficiency efforts, including endorsement/reciprocity reforms, fee waivers, reduced processing times, and shorter call wait times, and said DBPR is continuing to look for ways to cut red tape while protecting public safety. Members questioned Griffin about permitting, continuing education, complaint processing, board vacancies, fraud in cosmetology and construction, coordination with other agencies, and whether schools can block students from taking state exams over unpaid tuition. DBPR staff said complaints are generally processed within 60 days, schools cannot bar graduates from taking the exam because of tuition debt, and the department works with other agencies when issues cross jurisdictional lines. The panel discussion that followed featured industry representatives from landscape architecture, building/code administration, pools, roofing, construction, HVAC/electrical, and hospitality, who generally supported reducing local permitting burdens, standardizing requirements, improving reciprocity and training pathways, and using technology and clearer scopes of work to make licensure and inspections more efficient.

Transcript Highlights:

• EAH doesn't see this as just a temporary fix.
• These experts guide social workers in real time, helping them understand family dynamics and connect
• With AB 779, we can expand this model and give our social workers and families the tools they need to
• act with compassion and precision. ...give our social workers and families the tools they need to act
• They assist people who are applying for deferred action for childhood arrivals, DACA, temporary protected

Committee: House Human Services

Summary: The Assembly Human Services Committee met as a subcommittee while waiting for quorum and heard several bills related to homelessness, housing, foster youth, domestic violence, disability services, and immigrant legal aid. AB 790, by Assembly Member Avila Farias, would require cities, counties, and continuums of care receiving homelessness funds to develop systems specifically supporting women and children; it drew supportive testimony from New Economics for Women and others and passed unanimously after committee amendments. ACA 4, the Housing Opportunities Made Equal Act by Assembly Member Jackson, would dedicate 5% of the state general fund to affordable housing and homelessness solutions; supporters argued more stable funding is needed, while opponents questioned whether more spending would help, and the measure passed on a 5-2 vote. AB 349, by Assembly Member Dixon, would index the infant supplement for parenting foster youth to inflation, with testimony emphasizing the needs of teen mothers and babies in foster care; it passed unanimously after amendments. AB 779, by Assembly Member Lackey, would expand a domestic violence consultant model in child welfare offices statewide to better support survivors and keep families together; it also passed unanimously after amendments. The committee also heard AB 1335, by Assembly Member Gonzales, which would remove the CARF outside accreditation requirement for regional center vendored employment programs for people with disabilities and shift oversight to state standards. Supporters said the current accreditation process is costly, duplicative, and a barrier to expanding employment services, while the chair expressed concern about reducing quality checks; the bill was left on call and later reported out on a 5-2 vote. AB 1066, by Assembly Member Castillo, would bar state-funded immigration legal services for undocumented immigrants convicted of specified serious felonies; supporters framed it as a public safety and fiscal responsibility measure, while opponents said it would undermine due process and align California with mass deportation efforts. After extended debate, the bill failed on a 2-2 vote, and a motion for reconsideration also failed. Two bills were pulled by the author and not heard: AB 277 and AB 318. After the roll was reopened for absent members, the committee finalized the votes on the measures heard earlier, confirming passage of AB 790, ACA 4, AB 349, and AB 779, while AB 1066 remained failed. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's for our workers.
• That's for our workers.
• Have flashers that would be activated when there are bonafide workers present in the work zone.
• That's for our workers.
• Have flashers that would be activated when there are bonafide workers present in the work zone.

Summary: The committee met for its sixth and final interim meeting after a brief technical delay, approved the October 14 minutes, and heard a presentation on a proposed Kentucky hands-free driving bill. The main discussion centered on distracted driving and a draft measure modeled on South Carolina law that would prohibit holding or supporting a mobile electronic device while driving on public roads, while allowing limited exceptions for parked/stopped vehicles, navigation, emergency reporting, dispatch systems, first responders, and certain hands-free call functions. The bill would make a violation a $100 fine plus court costs, with the draft allocating fine revenue to the traumatic brain injury trust fund, Kentucky trauma care system, and veteran program trust fund. The sponsor also said the bill would address prior concerns about enforcement and clarify that officers need a clear, unobstructed visual observation before stopping a driver, and that they may not search or seize devices or make custodial arrests solely for the violation. Alyssa Burns gave emotional testimony in support of the bill, describing the death of her young daughter Kimberly in a crash she attributed to a distracted driver and urging lawmakers to pass the measure to improve roadway safety. The sponsor cited Kentucky traffic fatality statistics, including 814 deaths in 2023 and an estimated 20% involving distracted driving, and argued that the bill could reduce preventable deaths. Several members voiced support and sympathy, including remarks comparing the effort to past seat belt legislation and suggesting possible future additions such as community service. One member raised concerns about enforcement and whether officers could reliably observe phone use inside vehicles, while another asked about the bill’s interaction with existing texting-while-driving penalties and whether points would still apply. The sponsor said the draft was still being refined, acknowledged gray areas, and invited further changes as the bill moves forward.