Transcript Highlights:

• It’s concluding the things that a study should be seeking the answers of.
• In particular, we appreciate several of the key elements.
• We appreciate several of the key elements.
• I'll have that answer your question. What do you define as very quickly?
• And so I think that that would be my answer to them.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility rates, wildfire safety, carbon capture, methane reduction, large energy users, low-income energy programs, and clean energy supply chains. Early items included SB 613, which would direct state agencies to prioritize reducing methane emissions from imported fossil fuels, and SB 614, which would allow California to move forward with carbon dioxide pipeline safety rules and potentially lift the state’s moratorium on new CO2 pipelines. Both bills drew support from advocates and industry-related witnesses, with no opposition registered at the time they were presented, and the committee indicated it would vote once quorum was established. After quorum was called, the committee took up SB 57, which would require the Public Utilities Commission to establish tariffs for large energy users such as data centers to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers and address stranded infrastructure costs. Supporters argued the bill would protect affordability and encourage clean energy use, while opponents, including utilities and business groups, warned it could create uncertainty and interfere with existing regulatory processes. The committee also heard SB 256 on wildfire mitigation and emergency response, including undergrounding, PSPS communication, and removal of abandoned lines; supporters emphasized the need for stronger action after recent fires, while utilities raised concerns about duplicative requirements and public disclosure of sensitive infrastructure information. Both SB 57 and SB 256 were approved on roll calls. The committee then heard SB 647, which would expand and standardize oversight of low-income energy savings programs and performance metrics, with strong support from community advocates and some neutral or “tweener” positions from utilities that sought further work on data collection and implementation. SB 787 followed, proposing a state strategy to coordinate supply chains and workforce development for clean energy industries including EVs, building decarbonization, and offshore wind; it received broad support and no opposition. The committee also considered SB 332, a study bill on utility ownership models and affordability reforms, which drew strong support from consumer and climate advocates but opposition from utilities and business groups concerned about bias, investor signals, and executive compensation provisions. The consent calendar was later approved, and several bills were reported out with votes or held open for absent members to add on.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of our key benefits, I think, that we offer is that, depending on the topic, we convene folks.
• We also pull people together on key topics across the region.
• One of the key things I think to notice, and I'll highlight this in the next slide, is that you want
• <00:18:26.600> here may or may not be able to answer here may or may not be able to answer
• the street we have Donaldson Park a key the street we have Donaldson Park a key facility<00:24:37.399

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, I am happy to answer any questions. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Do we have any key witnesses in support? Any of me too's? Hello, Chair and Members.
• And now, do we have any key witnesses in opposition?
• And now, do we have any key witnesses in opposition? Our position is opposed unless amended.
• So I hope that answers some of your questions. Yes, and thank you. So this isn't a done deal.

Summary: The committee took up AB 2285, a bill related to cryptocurrency staking and broader crypto regulatory issues. The author said the amendments would give California clearer guidelines for staking-as-a-service, maintain consumer disclosures, and remove a fee cap to make the business model workable. Supporters, including representatives of the Crypto Council for Innovation and the Satoshi Action Fund, said the bill would provide needed clarity and help Californians participate in blockchain-related opportunities. Opposition came from the Consumer Federation of California and credit union representatives, who argued the bill would weaken consumer protections, create an uneven playing field for state-chartered institutions, and move California into the middle of unresolved federal debates over the Clarity Act. They also raised concerns about fraud, money laundering, and the effect of the bill on DFPI’s authority and pending litigation involving Coinbase. The author responded that staking is distinct from buying crypto, that blockchain can improve traceability, and that the bill was still a work in progress with room for further amendments. Members discussed preemption, the pending federal framework, and whether the bill should wait until federal law is settled. The chair emphasized California’s role in setting policy and said other states were allowing consumers to benefit from staking. The committee ultimately adopted a due pass as amended motion and sent AB 2285 out on a 7-2 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• From those, I want to highlight a couple of key points.
• Processing contested cases quickly and efficiently is key to our regulatory mission.
• Retaining this experienced staff has been key to supporting our work.
• Thank you and we're happy to answer your questions. Members, any questions?
• Um, and so I appreciate you all coming in and answering our questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• “To cool it,” answered Jefferson. “My throat is not made of brass.”
• challenges we face in state government, we can't forget that Florida's agricultural industry is the key
• We can't forget that Florida's agricultural industry is the key to thriving families and businesses and
• From tax-free grocery store food to diapers, clothes, and supplies for young children, key household
• The answer to that question would vary widely across Florida, even within this very chamber.

Summary: The Florida Senate convened for the opening of the 2026 regular session with prayer, presentation of colors by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance led by children in the chamber, and a performance of the national anthem by the FAMU Marching 100. Newly elected Senator Ralph Massullo was certified and sworn into office by Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz, and several current and former state officials and senators were recognized in the chamber. The Senate then adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 1466 to convene in joint session with the House to receive the Governor’s message, waived the rules to immediately certify the resolution to the House, and notified the House and Governor that the Senate was ready to proceed with the 2026 regular session. In remarks, Senate leadership and the President discussed priorities including rural Florida, agriculture, citrus recovery, food insecurity, affordability, tax relief, balanced budgets, and the importance of deliberation and checks and balances. The President also highlighted recent and planned initiatives such as the Farmers Feeding Florida program, rural health care investment, and property tax relief, while emphasizing faith, service, and cooperation in the chamber. Senator Gates announced that 52 executive appointments would be taken up the following day. The session concluded with a benediction by Senator Massullo and adjournment until the next scheduled meeting, with the Senate set to meet later in joint session with the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• our interpretation and also our key our interpretation and also our key concern.<00:12:53.000>
• Maybe I don't know what the answer to that is.
• <00:36:17.600> to Maybe I don't know what the answer to Maybe I don't know what the answer
• And I'm happy to answer any questions.
• to answer any questions. to answer any questions.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The witness said the honest answer is that they do not have that information.
• The short answer is yes.
• The the longer short answer is yes.
• <00:44:55.680> a<00:44:55.920> common answer is unfortunately it's a common answer
• Nick answer that. Thank you for that question, Senator.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:01 Kentucky’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative – Domestic Violence: 00:02:00 Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act: 00:46:41, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary approved the minutes from its July 24, 2025 meeting and heard an announcement about a lunch sponsored by the Kentucky State Buildings and Trades Council on forming a blue-collar caucus. The main presentation came from the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center on the Kentucky Justice Reinvestment Initiative’s domestic violence work, which was described as a multi-year effort begun in 2023 to analyze data and interview stakeholders across the state. Presenters reported that domestic violence is widespread in Kentucky, with about half of adults experiencing some form of violence or stalking in their lifetimes, and that an average of about 22,000 IPV incidents occurred annually from 2018 to 2022. They said domestic violence is a major driver of violent crime, accounting for about 48% of person offenses over a six-year period, and is linked to significant shares of homicides, sex crimes, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and simple assault. They also said reported incidents and arrests have risen in recent years, that protective-order violations and convictions have increased, and that Kentucky ranks near the bottom among surrounding states in the share of victim compensation for domestic-violence-related claims. Law enforcement survey results showed strong adoption of model policies and guidance, but limited use of screening tools for serious injury risk. The presenters emphasized that domestic violence also places heavy demands on law enforcement, courts, and corrections, citing roughly 30,000 law-enforcement responses in 2022 and noting that more than a third of people entering DOC custody and nearly a third under supervision had DV-related histories. They said a small group of repeat offenders drives ongoing harm and that targeted interventions could reduce recidivism. They highlighted a North Carolina example in which focused intervention reduced IPV-related homicides and calls for service, and they referenced Kentucky’s 2020 assessment recommendations on training, language access, protective-order service, and coordination with victim services and batterer intervention providers. They estimated that a 25% reduction in reported DV incidents could prevent nearly 5,000 victimizations annually and reduce DOC commitments and costs substantially. Committee members asked about the relationship between civil domestic violence petitions and companion criminal cases, and the presenters said they would check whether the data could answer that question. Members also discussed recent Kentucky legislation, including Senate Bill 319 on crime victims compensation and House Bill 38, which made a third domestic violence offense a Class D felony. Several members thanked the presenters and advocates, and one member raised concerns about service of process and recent violent incidents involving domestic violence-related warrants, prompting discussion of dedicated service units in larger jurisdictions and the resource limits faced by smaller agencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:27:45.880> that keep so uh that's how I'll answer that keep so uh that's how I'll answer
• We do have staff that can answer questions about that or during the bill.
• And glad to answer any questions, and just want to reiterate Department support Senator's bill.
• And glad to answer any questions, and just want to reiterate Department support Senator's bill.
• And glad to answer any questions, and just want to reiterate Department support Senator's bill.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee held a Dairy Day hearing focused on Minnesota’s dairy industry, beginning with a presentation recognizing Pat and Jodi Lunneman of Twin Eagle Dairy in Clarissa as Minnesota Milk Producers’ Dairy Producer of the Year. Their farm’s history, growth from a 50-stall tie-stall barn to an 800-900 cow freestall operation, and the role of family and long-term employees were highlighted. Members praised the Lunnemans’ work, community involvement, and the collaborative nature of the video tribute. Garrett Luthin, president of Minnesota Milk Producers Association, testified on industry priorities. He said the group represents Minnesota’s 1,625 dairy farms and emphasized that dairy farmers invest in their communities and want policies that support long-term viability. He raised concerns about compliance with labor mandates such as earned sick and safe time, paid family leave, and secure retirement requirements, saying dairy work does not fit a standard schedule and that smaller farms lack HR capacity to track leave requirements. He also urged improvements to county and state permitting by allowing processes to run concurrently rather than sequentially, and he expressed support for dairy profitability and development programs. Members asked about the status of federal dairy support programs, labor mandate implementation, and the realities of dairy work. Luthin said Minnesota Milk was waiting on federal action to keep certain dairy funds in place and described labor compliance as a wage and administrative burden. Pat and Jodi Lunneman later described why they expanded their farm in the 1990s, citing labor efficiency, changing economics, and the need to remain profitable; they said they do not use robotic milkers but do use robotic calf feeders. Pat explained their double-12 parallel parlor, three-shift milking schedule, and the need to keep equipment fully utilized. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll be glad to answer any questions anybody's got.
• I got the answer to that too. It's modeled the same as.
• I'll be glad to answer. Are there any questions? OK, thank you.
• because I don't know, but I'll get you the answer to that.
• And here's the key, Representative Frank, to your question.

Bills: HB5, HJR3, HB155, HB513, HB5, HB155

Keywords: dementia, research, health care, Texas Institute, grants, medical breakthroughs, oversight, prevention, funding, healthcare, Texas, autopsy, confidentiality, public records, medical examiner, law enforcement, HB 513, surgical smoke, surgical plume, smoke evacuation

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, Madam Chair, I'm happy to answer questions.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you for your answer.
• With that, we're happy to answer questions.
• And right now, the answer is we're not sure.
• The answer was no. So once again, that product market fit.

Transcript Highlights:

• The caucus requested the opportunity to bring Officer Barry to the committee to answer questions about
• I think that's key. Thank you very much. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• So I'm not sure that probably doesn't answer your question.
• I think you've answered most of them. Any concerns? Thank you very much, Madam Chairwoman.
• We could not answer that, so we got rid of that rule. Very good.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• folks that authored this bill, and he is here with me today to provide more information and help answer
• A couple of the key features of the bill that I'd highlight: it's entirely optional.
• Excuse me, the short answer to the question about what's different in the PUC's ability to scrutinize
• Excuse me, the short answer to the question about what's different in the PUC's ability to scrutinize
• Excuse me, the short answer to the question about what's different in the PUC's ability to scrutinize

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So with that, I can answer any other questions.
• But a lot of key people moving on. Yeah, for sure. Because of whatever reason.
• I mean, if you could answer new, you wouldn't be working for us.
• I mean, see, that's one of the key components of this conversation.
• Key to all of these projects.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met as the Regulatory Division of the budget section and received updates on several Industrial Commission-related agencies and programs. Legislative Council first reviewed base budget materials, then the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported on its current appropriation and staffing, noting that its new FTEs were being filled gradually and that it remained largely funded through special and federal funds. Agency leaders described homeownership lending, loan servicing, and housing incentive fund activity, including below-market mortgage rates, down payment assistance, and a growing servicing portfolio that has increased workload but not yet required additional FTEs. Housing Finance also detailed use of the Housing Incentive Fund and homeless grant dollars. Officials said the multifamily HIF round drew more than $73 million in requests and awarded $25 million, while the single-family program supported rural development and community land trusts. Homeless grant funding was split between emergency shelter, prevention, and rapid rehousing, with performance-based scoring used to renew or reallocate awards. Members discussed housing affordability, aging households, rental assistance, and the need to coordinate housing and site-preparation messaging with Commerce. The agency asked that HIF, single-family, and homeless funding be maintained or increased in the next session. The Department of Mineral Resources then presented its budget and operations update. Staff said the agency was on track financially, had filled most of its new reclamation FTEs, and was not expecting major litigation costs beyond normal late-biennium invoices. The director reviewed agency initiatives including Project North Star IT modernization, organizational restructuring, succession planning, rulemaking, and implementation of the development incentive well tax program and critical minerals rules. He also discussed oil and gas activity, explaining that longer laterals, especially three- and four-mile wells and the first five-mile spacing case, are helping keep production relatively flat even as rig counts ease. Members asked about gas capture, hedging, break-even prices, and the effects of Iran and Venezuela on oil markets. The committee also heard about enhanced oil recovery grants and the Pipeline Authority. The EOR program’s $25 million appropriation was fully allocated to six projects, with total awards reaching about $45.1 million when other fund balances were included, subject to a possible 5% reduction if federal DOE money does not materialize. Officials said the projects are public, reimbursement-based, and will produce results over the next several years. Finally, the Pipeline Authority outlined natural gas transmission projects, including the imminent Bakken Express line and the proposed Bakken East project, which WBI was selected to advance after an Industrial Commission RFI process. The project is moving through open season, survey permission, and regulatory work, with in-service dates projected for 2029 and 2030.

Transcript Highlights:

• The answer is no.
• We don't know the answer to that. We do know a lot about it.
• The answer in terms of the three-year Commitment.
• Can answer that right now.
• My simple-minded answer is.

Transcript Highlights:

• answers your question. answers your question.
• an answer for you uh right now. an answer for you uh right now. >> Okay. >> Okay.
• to clarify and I think I know the answer to clarify and I think I know the answer to<00:43:37.280
• CEOs here, North Key, in Louisville.
• We have a six-month problem the answer.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:01 Department for Public Health Budget Request 00:01:46 Department for Community Based Services Budget Request 00:31:58 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) 00:57:13, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes, then heard a lengthy presentation from the Department for Public Health on Kentucky’s rural health transformation plan and related budget questions. Commissioner John Langfeld said the state received a $212.9 million federal award, one of the larger awards nationally, and outlined five focus areas: maternal and infant health, integrated EMS/trauma response, behavioral health and substance use disorder, oral health, and chronic disease prevention with an emphasis on obesity and diabetes. He stressed that the effort is intended to be integrated, data-driven, and sustainable, and that the federal funds cannot be used for new construction, clinician salaries, research and development, EHR replacement, or to pay for currently billable services. He also said the program carries accountability requirements and that funds can be clawed back if milestones are not met. Members pressed for clarification on duplication with other budget requests, sustainability after the five-year funding period, and how success would be measured. Langfeld said he was not aware of any duplicate funding with the department’s additional budget requests and said the rural health funds were separate from those requests. He also said the program will be tracked through specific metrics and timelines, using both execution measures and outcome measures such as readmissions, with more rapid-cycle feedback to allow course correction. Representative Fleming raised concerns about possible overlap with navigator funding and asked for more detail on the budget breakdown; Langfeld said a detailed line-item budget had been prepared but was still awaiting final CMS approval before release, and that he would explore sharing more information once restrictions were lifted. The committee then heard from the Kentucky State Public Health Laboratory about a request for a new central lab expansion. The presenter described the current 35-year-old facility as outdated and constrained by aging infrastructure, obsolete equipment, deferred maintenance, and inadequate space, and said the lab performs critical work with no in-state alternative for many services, including newborn screening, select-agent and biosafety level 3 testing, animal necropsy for rabies, genetic sequencing, environmental and food safety testing, and response to emerging infectious diseases. The project is already in design phase C, expected to finish in mid-April, with construction funding sought at roughly $276 million on top of about $35 million already approved for design. Members asked about long-term operating costs, backup arrangements, and whether the current facility would remain in use; the presenter said the current lab would continue to be used by the department while other divisions move into vacated space, and that the lab has mutual-aid agreements with the Southeast Consortium and universities for contingency support. Finally, the Department for Community Based Services began its budget presentation on SNAP and relative caregiver issues. Commissioner Lisa Dennis and budget director Misty Sammons identified the governor’s recommended budget items tied to new federal requirements under HR1, including changes affecting payment error rates. The discussion was just beginning when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Keys, Jared members. Mr. Keys, Jared members.
• Keys just said right now. He said, Mr. Keys just said right now.
• So, uh I appreciate you answering the questions that I had.
• So, uh I appreciate you answering folks.
• But after listening to all of answered.

Bills: HF3542, HF3819

Keywords: data privacy, investigative data, welfare system, public funds, transparency, child care, licensing, inspections, compliance, program integrity, 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 3542, authored by Representative Hudson, and first adopted the February 25 minutes. Hudson explained that the bill, as amended in a DE1, would require agencies to disclose to the public, legislators, or the press the existence of certain investigations only after the subject has been notified and the agency has decided to reduce, suspend, or withhold payments. He said the amendment was intended to avoid tipping off subjects before notification while still increasing transparency about investigations involving public funds. A separate A3 amendment was withdrawn after the DE1 was adopted. Several members questioned the bill’s scope and timing, asking what “existence of an investigation” meant and whether the proposal would disclose information before findings were complete. Hudson clarified that the bill was aimed at identifying who is being investigated, not revealing investigative details. The committee then heard extensive public testimony from child care providers and advocates, who opposed the bill and argued it would expose providers to harassment, threats, and stigma before any findings were made. Testifiers described recent threats, ICE-related disruptions, audits, overpayment findings, and the burden of CCAP compliance, saying the bill would punish providers for paperwork errors and worsen safety concerns, especially for Somali and other providers of color. A board member of the Minnesota Child Care Association also opposed the bill, saying providers had been chilled from speaking publicly because of death threats and harassment, and warning that disclosure of investigations could intensify that climate. In response, Hudson said the bill was not about targeting child care providers generally and was limited to confirmed ongoing investigations after notice to the subject. The committee then heard from Inspector General Keys, who explained that CCAP investigations are administrative, not criminal, and are based on evidence of repeated errors or financial misconduct rather than intentional fraud. He said the office looks for patterns beyond simple mistakes and that the bill’s notice requirement would not impede investigations. The discussion ended amid a brief procedural dispute over comments directed at Hudson, after which the chair returned to the bill and the Inspector General’s testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• So to answer the question, um, programs.
• And I'm hoping that's the answer.
• Any one of our testifiers... key part of that. So all that to say, key part of that.
• your answers, gentlemen. your answers, gentlemen.
• Um uh gentlemen, for uh the the answer.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Audra Hartman is here to answer any technical questions that you may have about the program.
• Our report identified four key principles.
• Our report identified four key principles.
• So then if I open the analysis, I can answer your question. Okay.
• The bill does three key things.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd be happy to tell you all more about that in the question-and-answer section.
• I'd be happy to tell you all more about that in the question-and-answer section.
• The short answer is no.
• So happy to answer that question.
• The key lesson from this shutdown is that California needs stronger state infrastructure.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on CalFresh enrollment, food insecurity in California, the recent federal shutdown’s disruption of SNAP benefits, and the long-term effects of H.R. 1 on eligibility, benefits, and state and county costs. Opening remarks emphasized that millions of Californians rely on CalFresh, that the shutdown briefly delayed benefits for the first time in the program’s history, and that state and local governments, including Alameda County, stepped in with emergency food aid and funding. Members also framed the issue as both a hunger and affordability problem, with several noting that California’s agricultural abundance contrasts sharply with persistent food insecurity. The first panel presented research and advocacy perspectives on food hardship. PPIC’s Tess Thorman described food insecurity rates, disparities affecting households with children and Black and Latino households, and the role of nutrition programs in reducing poverty. Nourish California’s Betzabel Estudio argued that hunger is a policy choice and highlighted campaigns to expand state-funded food assistance for immigrants, support reentry populations, and continue the CalFresh fruit-and-vegetable incentive program. The California Association of Food Banks’ Josh Wright said food banks are seeing sustained high demand, lower federal food supplies, and cannot replace CalFresh, while urging more state support for food purchasing, school meals, and SunBucks. The second panel reviewed CalFresh operations and participation. The California Department of Social Services reported that CalFresh participation has risen over the past decade, with the state closing much of the participation gap through outreach, simplified applications, and demonstration projects such as the Elderly Simplified Application Project and a minimum nutrition benefit pilot. Alameda County Social Services described local caseloads, application trends, and emergency food distributions during the shutdown, while also warning that H.R. 1’s work requirements, immigrant eligibility restrictions, and possible cost-sharing could reduce enrollment. A student CalFresh ambassador testified about the burdensome application and recertification process and urged more funding for campus basic-needs centers and outreach to reduce stigma and administrative friction. In the final panel, county, food bank, and policy witnesses described the shutdown response and the expected impact of H.R. 1. Alameda County Community Food Bank and the County Welfare Directors Association said counties, food banks, and community partners mobilized emergency funds, pop-up pantries, and food purchasing to bridge the shutdown gap, but warned that hundreds of thousands of Californians could lose benefits under the new federal rules. The California Budget and Policy Center began outlining the scale of federal cuts, noting that H.R. 1 will significantly reduce SNAP funding and shift costs to states. No votes or formal committee actions were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with discussion of possible state responses, including backfilling benefits, preserving outreach funding, and improving administrative systems to protect enrollment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee is to submit a series of reports on key issues associated with any transition in state
• Continue to explore all our options holistically, so I appreciate the answers on all those things.
• And second, to answer your question on that second piece of that question, there is a calculation that
• Let me get you an answer on that one, and I will follow up on that piece of it. Okay.
• I'm happy to answer questions.

Keywords: 988, house, all