Transcript Highlights:

• For example, using a five-year lookback that doesn't put us on an annual balance.
• For example, using a five-year lookback that doesn't put us on an annual balance.
• For example, using a five-year lookback that doesn't put us on an annual balance.
• For example, using a five-year lookback that doesn't put us on an annual balance.
• The budget is set up to basically be balanced, correct?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And what we have found is that the ideology of whole-word balanced literacy has not taught students the
• We have four years since the early 80s used a balanced literacy's We have for years since the early 80s
• used a balanced literacy approach in the majority of our classrooms in most English-speaking countries
• As you know, districts are making painful reductions to staff, programs, and services to balance budgets
• As you know, districts are making painful reductions to staff, programs, and services to balance budgets

Bills: HB1796, SGA9249, SGA9269, SGA9244

Keywords: school construction, contract indebtedness, school districts, bonding authority, education funding, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The rule is a balance of preservation and sustainable use.
• The rule is a balance of preservation and sustainable use.
• It's about balance, not exploitation.
• And so we've got a great balance going when we do those two things.
• And so we've got a great balance going when we do those two things.

Summary: The House Resources and Conservation Committee heard an update from Idaho Fish and Game Director Jim Fredericks on agency performance measures and current issues. He reported strong access numbers, website traffic, and personnel retention, but noted a slightly elevated violation rate and ongoing work on a website overhaul. Fredericks also described the new nonresident deer and elk tag draw, which he said was successful and drew more than 40,000 applications, and he reviewed wolf management, including reduced harvest due to a federal injunction on trapping in grizzly bear areas. He also outlined a planned elk depredation response in the Big Willow drainage, involving removal of about 100 resident elk through a mix of translocation and lethal control, with meat donated to food banks. Committee members asked about translocation sites, survival, public communication, access agreements, depredation funding, and endowment land access. The committee then heard an American Falls FFA Ag Issues presentation on the 2001 federal roadless rule and its 2025 rescission. Students presented arguments for and against the change in a mock court format, focusing on forest health, wildfire risk, tribal consultation, timber and mineral access, recreation, and ecosystem protection. Committee members praised the students’ preparation and presentation. In legislative business, the committee held RS 33185 at the sponsor’s request, introduced RS 33168 related to Clean Water Act standards and the Sackett wetlands case, and introduced RS 33194 to recognize county expertise in federal consultation. The committee also advanced House Bill 587, which would provide spending authority for the Idaho Department of Agriculture to carry out grazing improvement work tied to prior legislation, after testimony from the sponsor and a Western Landowners Alliance representative in support. Finally, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 26 supporting wildlife crossings where locally supported, with testimony from the Idaho Wildlife Federation and Idaho Sportsmen, Access and Opportunity in favor. The motion to send HCR 26 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation passed despite several dissenting votes, and the meeting adjourned after the bill was assigned for floor carry.

Transcript Highlights:

• We cannot balance the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable.
• We balance the budget. Give us our salaries under the Constitution. But it's all a lie.
• It is not balanced.
• And we did have to think about our fiscal limits balanced with our constituents' urgent needs.
• This budget is being balanced on the backs of the most vulnerable.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and proceeded to floor business, with the main item being SB 101, the state budget bill. Before debate on the bill, Assembly Member Sanchez offered amendments to redirect funding toward Proposition 36 implementation, wildfire prevention, Medi-Cal provider reimbursement, developmental services, and other priorities; the majority moved to lay those amendments on the table, and the motion passed 43-18. The chamber then took up SB 101 as the budget bill for immediate effect. Debate on the budget was extensive and sharply divided. Supporters, including Assembly Member Gabriel and several committee chairs, described the budget as a difficult but responsible compromise that protects Medi-Cal, IHSS, child care, housing, wildfire prevention, and other safety-net programs while responding to a projected deficit and federal uncertainty. Opponents criticized the budget as fiscally unsound and argued it relied on accounting gimmicks, did not adequately fund Proposition 36 or wildfire prevention, and continued spending on high-speed rail and Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented immigrants. Several members also raised concerns about gas taxes, provider reimbursement, probation funding, and the impact on vulnerable Californians. After debate, the Assembly voted on SB 101 and passed it 57-19. The measure was sent immediately to the Senate. The body then announced upcoming session schedules, with no floor or check-in sessions on June 14 and 15, and a floor session set for June 16 at 1 p.m., before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe that this measure offers a balanced pathway to help California tourism destinations remain
• Balancing economic growth and public safety is essential.
• I do appreciate the hours of conversation that we have had trying to hash out this particular balance
• Balancing economic growth and public safety is essential.
• I do appreciate the hours of conversation that we have had trying to hash out this particular balance

Summary: The Governmental Organization Committee heard a series of bills focused largely on alcohol licensing, nonprofit funding, tribal grants, public transparency, and tobacco policy. AB 342 (Haney) would allow local governments to create hospitality zones with extended last-call hours on certain days; supporters argued it would boost tourism, nightlife, and major-event readiness, while opponents warned of alcohol-related harms and public safety risks. AB 684 (Patel) would subject the UC Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools to open-meeting requirements, with supporters saying admissions-related changes should be more transparent and allow schools time to adjust. AB 1008 (Addis) would authorize up to 10 new on-sale general licenses in San Luis Obispo County to meet tourism demand, and AB 1039 (Hart) would require state agencies to offer advance payments on new nonprofit grants and contracts, which supporters said would help cash-strapped nonprofits deliver services. AB 221 (Ramos) would revise the Tribal Nation Grant Fund to provide more predictable annual distributions to eligible non-gaming and limited-gaming tribes, and it drew broad support from tribal representatives and others. AB 795 (Jeff Gonzalez) would create a California commission for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, with supporters describing it as a privately funded, nonpartisan planning body. AB 828/AB 28 (Mark Gonzalez, as referenced in the transcript) would expand neighborhood-restricted liquor licenses in Los Angeles County to reduce costs and support restaurant recovery, and AB 1246 (Hoover) would increase craft distillers’ direct sales limits and address barrel-storage rules; both were supported as small-business measures. AB 1428 (Ta) would require reporting of all surplus and underutilized state land, and AB 957 (Ortega) would prohibit tobacco sales in pharmacies, with strong public health support. Several bills were voted out on motions to Appropriations, some with amendments, while others were held or left on call until quorum was established; the committee also adopted a consent calendar and left rolls open for absent members on multiple measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is just a little more complicated, so bear with me a second, but in the fund balance that's published
• When rolling those amounts up in the fund balance, it was inadvertently left both as a separate line
• </c><00:01:56.720><c> that's</c><00:01:56.960><c> published</c> but in the fund balance that's published
• but in the fund balance that's published for<00:01:57.360><c> the</c><00:01:57.520><c> forecast,</c>
• , it was inadvertently left both balance, it was inadvertently left both as<00:02:10.479><c> a</c><00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• BALANCING WORK AND SCHOOL IS CHALLENGING.
• LOOSENING RESTRICTIONS MAY TIP THIS BALANCE FAVORABLY FOR OUR YOUTH.
• MANY STUDENTS PART TIME JOBS AND IT'S ALREADY IN PLACE ALLOWING THEM TO HAVE A HEALTHY BALANCE OF WORK
• THIS BILL WOULD MAKE THIS BALANCE COMPLETELY INFEASIBLE.
• BUT THERE IS A BALANCE. THERE IS A FREE BALANCE. THERE IS AN INVASION OF PRIVACY BALANCE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:34:54.360><c> our</c> taxpayer dollars we must balance our taxpayer dollars we must balance our
• </c> this floor Amendment and so it balances this floor Amendment and so it balances it it it balances
• And so the partisan balance will remain.
• That's the checks and balance on the system.
• </c> state senate we are not a balanced state senate we are not a balanced legislature<05:56:18.680><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That balance between accountability and access is what brings us here today.
• That balance between uninterrupted care.
• Uh like I said, and balances of things.
• We directed the balancing act.
• Welcome to the Senate. striking a balance between protecting striking a balance between protecting care

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The key elements here of the compromise are that balance billing would be prohibited.
• </c><02:16:24.560><c> billing</c> been dealing with the balance billing been dealing with the balance
• </c> was the whole point with the balance was the whole point with the balance billing<02:17:23.040><
• But the big win obviously for the consumer is no more balanced billing.
• </c> the consumer is no more balanced the consumer is no more balanced billing.<02:27:01.520><c> You<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee continued work on Senate Bill 297 and a new amendment dealing with pooled risk management programs and whether they should be regulated under the insurance department. Lisa Duket, executive director of SchoolCare, testified at length that the draft language could allow co-mingling of public entity risk funds, could trigger producer-licensing requirements for staff who are not actually brokers, and may not fit public entity risk pools because they are not insurance companies. She also raised concerns about the March 1 reporting deadline, the proposed uniform accounting language, aggregate excess insurance, examination costs being charged to the program, and confidentiality provisions that she argued may conflict with right-to-know principles for public entities. She urged the committee to slow down and consider a study committee or more time for review, saying the regulated entities were not adequately involved in drafting the proposal. Chairman Hunt and the department responded that the bill is intended to create a licensure-based regulatory model, similar to other licensed industries, and that the pooled risk management program would be exempt from producer licensing while anyone else selling or negotiating such coverage would need a producer license. The department said failure to comply would be handled through an administrative licensing process, with denial or nonrenewal of a license and appeal through the department process. On the reporting deadline, the department said March 1 is a standard filing date used for financial analysis and that the filing can be the most recent annual report, regardless of fiscal year end. They also explained that the confidentiality language was taken from existing RSA 5B, that aggregate excess insurance was included as a solvency measure, and that the draft was intended to preserve familiar language while adapting it for pooled risk programs. The discussion did not include a final vote or formal action on the bill in the portion provided. The committee appeared to be compiling follow-up questions for the insurance department and considering whether additional revisions or a slower process would be needed before moving the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• The balance of power between the State Board and the superintendent shifted over time.
• So we do see a lot of value in having oversight and checks and balances.
• I mean, it really, it's the checks and balances.
• I mean, it really, it's the checks and balances.
• For example, we believe that we need appropriate checks and balances.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee first heard two bills. AB 1665 by Assemblymember Pacheco would require school sports coaches to complete approved mental health training. Supporters said coaches are trusted adults who are often first to notice student-athlete distress, and a witness described personal experience with body image and disordered eating pressures in athletics. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved out of committee on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, ultimately passing 9-0 after add-on votes. AB 2316 by Assemblymember Hoover would allow charter schools to apply for the same financial hardship relief in the state school facilities program that traditional districts can seek. Supporters argued this would improve parity and help smaller and low-income charter schools access permanent facilities; some initially opposed agencies said their concerns were addressed by amendments. The bill also passed unanimously, 9-0, to Appropriations. The committee then took up a consent calendar containing 12 additional measures, including bills on education funding, facilities, and other school-related matters, plus a resolution. Those items were approved on a 7-0 vote, with the roll left open for add-on votes. After the bill hearing portion was recessed and later reconvened, additional members added votes to AB 1665, AB 2316, and the consent calendar, bringing each to 9-0. The committee then held an informational hearing on state-level education governance, centered on Governor Newsom’s proposal to restructure the California Department of Education and the role of the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction, with AB 2117 serving as a policy vehicle carrying the same language and no action to be taken. Testimony came from the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Education Commission of the States, and former CDE chief deputy Richard Zager. Witnesses reviewed the history of California’s governance structure, compared it with other states, and discussed accountability, legislative oversight, and the role of the superintendent under the proposal. Committee members raised concerns about preserving checks and balances, the fiscal implementation plan, county-office relationships, and whether the superintendent’s role would be reduced too far; no vote was taken at the informational hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with this amendment, what kind of balance in the checks and balances between the three branches of
• So with this amendment, what kind of balance in the checks and balances between the three branches of
• So with this amendment, what kind of balance in the checks and balances between the three branches of
• They're supposed to be checks and balances.
• There's a big balance. There are no checks.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No, it's not. directly toward that balance between the directly toward that balance between the regulated
• And you heard about the regulatory balance earlier from another speaker.
• I can't think of anybody better who could, you know, hold that balance than Cynthia Almond.
• </c><00:57:11.440><c> earlier</c> about the regulatory balance earlier about the regulatory balance earlier
• </c> uh that balance and and Cynthia Almond. uh that balance and and Cynthia Almond.

Bills: HB403, HB399, HB392

Keywords: criminal enterprise, database, law enforcement, data privacy, criminal justice, Lamar County, property auction, county commission, online auction, public notice, HB392, Lauderdale County, Eleventh Judicial Circuit, district attorney, chief assistant district attorney, assistant district attorney, assistant district attorneys, prosecutor, prosecutorial compensation, salary supplement

Transcript Highlights:

• Our goal is to manage a transition toward cleaner fuels while balancing affordability, and that’s no
• We still have some work to do to get this balance right. And I’m looking forward to this point.
• We still have some work to do to get this balance right.
• The proposal, this proposal, the two-for-one, is targeted to create that balance of both stabilizing
• And so that's what this proposal is: the balance, looking at that holistic approach.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Utilities and Energy, Transportation, and Natural Resources focused on California’s transportation fuels sector, especially the state’s response to refinery closures and the broader transition away from fossil fuels. Opening remarks emphasized the tension between climate and air-quality goals, fuel affordability, refinery jobs and local tax bases, and the need to avoid crisis-driven responses as Phillips 66 and Valero consider shutting refineries in Wilmington and Benicia. Professor Emily Grubert framed the issue as a long-term managed transition in which the public already bears much of the risk and should also capture benefits from a well-planned shift. CARB Chair Leanne Randolph reviewed the state’s emissions and fuel policies, including AB 32, the low-carbon fuel standard, clean vehicle programs, and the at-berth regulation for ocean-going vessels. She said California’s transportation sector remains the largest source of greenhouse gases and a major source of smog-forming pollution, but that the state has made substantial progress and still needs to reduce demand for fossil fuels while maintaining compliance with federal air-quality standards. Randolph also said CARB’s recent LCFS amendments had not caused the predicted spike in gas prices and explained that compliance pathways for the at-berth rule include emissions-reduction technologies or payments into a remediation fund. CEC Vice Chair Gunda described declining gasoline demand, shrinking in-state refining capacity, and growing dependence on imports, arguing that the state is in a “mid-transition” period that requires both support for legacy infrastructure and continued investment in cleaner alternatives. He outlined the administration’s petroleum market stabilization proposal, which aims to return California crude production to 125 million barrels a year through four components: codifying the ban on fracking, validating the Kern County oil-and-gas permitting ordinance, creating a temporary CEQA exemption paired with a two-for-one plug-and-drill framework, and strengthening pipeline and spill-safety requirements. Department of Conservation Director Jennifer Lucasey said the proposal is intended to stabilize crude supply and pipeline throughput while preserving health and environmental protections, and noted that CalGEM would still review permits and enforce other requirements. Mayor Steve Young of Benicia testified that a Valero closure would significantly reduce city revenue and leave the community facing years of cleanup and redevelopment challenges. He said the city supports environmental protection but is worried about the economic hit, the possibility that Benicia becomes a fuel-import terminal, and the lack of local influence over refinery decisions. Members pressed the panel on the CEQA exemption, tribal and habitat review, disclosure of closure liabilities, fuel-demand projections, and whether the proposal should include more demand-side measures. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and officials said some proposals, including a margin-cap pause and further transition planning, would be taken up later in the process.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's kind of the balance, right?
• </c> have to find the balance have to find the balance there<01:46:16.000><c> um</c><01:46:16.199><c>
• It would just be the balance. Thank you.
• </c> Revenue so I think it would be a balance Revenue so I think it would be a balance between<01:51:
• Okay, seeing none, thank you. beginning balances was beginning balances was and<04:22:18.000><c> on</

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee received an overview from Chris of the Legislative Budget Assistance Office on how it will estimate unrestricted revenues for the General Fund, Education Trust Fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He explained that the committee’s work is based on current law, not pending bills, and that the estimates will feed into a House resolution and an amendment to House Bill 1, the operating budget. He also described the broader budget process, including how House and Senate estimates are reconciled, how surplus statements account for revenue changes from enacted bills, and how a committee of conference could resolve differences later in the session. No votes were taken. Members then asked about why the Education Trust Fund was running below plan. Chris said the shortfall appeared to be driven largely by business taxes, including differences in the BET/BPT split and improved tax-processing systems that better track where business tax payments belong. Representative Orr also asked about tobacco tax collections and out-of-state sales; Chris said tobacco revenue was likely overestimated in 2023 based on COVID-era patterns, with more people smoking at home, and noted that e-cigarette tax revenue goes to the General Fund while cigarette taxes are split between the General Fund and Education Trust Fund. He said he did not have a specific estimate for cross-border sales. Commissioner Lindsay St. Pierre of the Department of Revenue then began a deeper dive into the department’s role and the taxes it administers. She reviewed the department’s mission, organizational structure, taxpayer services, and the tax policy and legislative analysis staff who prepare fiscal notes and testify on bills. She noted that the department administers about $2.9 billion in revenue across major taxes such as business taxes, meals and rooms, and utility property tax, and that the figures being discussed were preliminary because the annual report had not yet been issued. The discussion was informational only, with no formal action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:29:17.360><c> between</c><00:29:17.760><c> what</c><00:29:17.880><c> we're</c> know the balance
• between what we're know the balance between what we're required<00:29:18.600><c> to</c><00:29:18.760
• The cat's claws are a big part of its balance.
• They are off balance. They don't have as much control.
• </c><03:55:43.080><c> a</c> a little toe we might be off balance a a little toe we might be off balance

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 153, which would require two or more law enforcement officers in each county to receive animal cruelty training through the police standards system. Representative Barbara Coma, the sponsor, said the bill was prompted by problems in animal cruelty cases, especially in rural areas without animal control officers, and she described it as a limited training measure. She said an amendment was forthcoming that would add an eight-hour approved course and a two-hour refresher every three years, and she emphasized that the trained officers would serve as resources rather than being required to take action themselves. Members asked about cost, due process, overlap with animal control officers, how trained officers would be identified and notified, and whether veterinarians could fill the role. Coma responded that the bill would not be a heavy financial lift, would not interfere with animal control officers, would apply to livestock as well as companion animals, and would still require law enforcement involvement because veterinarians cannot lawfully remove animals from property. She also said the training could improve due process by helping officers better understand when animal removal is appropriate and how cases should proceed. Sheriff William Wright, speaking for the New Hampshire Sheriffs Association, testified in opposition. He said training itself was acceptable, but the bill went beyond training by creating an obligation for sheriffs and state police to respond to and potentially investigate animal cruelty cases, which he argued would be ambiguous, unfunded, and burdensome for staffing and resources. He said some sheriff’s offices do not have investigative deputies and that the bill could create liability and uncertainty about who would lead investigations. In response to questions, he said the association would likely have no objection if the bill were limited to training, but it opposed the assistance/investigation mandate as written.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, yet in spite of that, I think we did a really nice job kind of balancing what the needs were that
• so that we have a balance between greater Minnesota and the metro area.
• </c> have um you know a balance between have um you know a balance between greater<00:37:32.960><c> Minnesota
• </c> discussion about this, you're balancing discussion about this, you're balancing two<01:31:01.920
• The balancing interest is that regime.

Bills: HF2300, HF2432, HF2445, HF2443, HF2439, HF3023, HF1615, HF2563

Keywords: HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board

Transcript Highlights:

• But it is a balance.
• So, is there a projected year that's going to be balanced?
• But, it is a balance. It's not easy, it. But, it is a balance.
• And is there a plan to to be balanced?
• </c> low as possible relative to balancing low as possible relative to balancing the<01:54:30.960><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, you know, it's a balancing act.
• So, um, you know, it's a balancing act.
• So, um, you know, it's a balancing act.
• So, um, you know, it's a balancing act.
• </c><01:02:21.839><c> of</c> the provider can dispute the balance of the provider can dispute the balance

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And as far as transparency goes, are you aware that the EFA account balances are carried forward and
• And as far as transparency goes, are you aware that the EFA account balances are carried forward and
• And as far as transparency goes, are you aware that the EFA account balances are carried forward and
• </c><01:12:45.199><c> between</c><01:12:45.719><c> those</c> a balance between those a balance between
• </c><02:12:50.320><c> so</c> again next year it was a big balance so again next year it was a big balance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all