Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to assist you in the field. to assist you in the field.
• country or foreign entity.
• and foreign entities.
• any foreign country or foreign<04:19:21.359><c> entity.
• </c> foreign countries and foreign entities. foreign countries and foreign entities.

Transcript Highlights:

• employers, medical products, religious exemption; SB 1017, informed consent signatures; SB 1018, foreign
• employers, medical products, religious exemption; SB 1017, informed consent signatures; SB 1018, foreign
• SB 1051, hospitals, patient immigration status reporting; SB 1052, assisted living, hyperbaric oxygen
• exemption, virtual currency; SCR 1004, photo enforcement systems prohibition; SCR 1005, elections foreign
• exemption, virtual currency; SCR 1004, photo enforcement systems prohibition; SCR 1005, elections foreign

Transcript Highlights:

• Diana Payton, has committed resources, including housing, legal services, child care assistance, and
• We have prohibited the purchase by our foreign adversaries around farmland and places like that.
• The definition of what a foreign adversary is, that is part of 15 CFR 791-4. It's U.S.
• Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response, and more than 10 years of those assisting with operations
• Nonprofit and faith-based organizations provide assistance and needed support to the most vulnerable

Committee: Senate Judiciary B

Transcript Highlights:

• They are sent today to oversee and assist in the... ...needs and concerns, and in great part the hopes
• We have with us Auburn's most famous assistant coach and Florida's current... ...head coach, Mr.
• Todd Goldman, and three-time men's basketball champion, Doreen Greene, our assistant coach.
• A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT RELATING TO CONTROLLING BUSINESS INTERESTS WITH PERSONS WITH TIES TO FOREIGN
• THE BILL MANDATES THAT INDIVIDUALS SERVING AS AN ASSISTANT COACH, MANAGER, OR REFEREE WHO DO NOT HAVE

Bills: SCR37 , SB60 , SB226 , SB231 , SB264 , SB387 , SB570 , SB596 , SB651 , SB769 , SB855 , SB863 , SB991 , SB1079 , SB1085 , SB1151 , SB1191 , SB1214 , SB1243 , SB1247 , SB1314 , SB1364 , SB1372 , SB1401 , SB1409 , SB1504 , SB1522 , SB1625 , SB1662 , SB1663 , SB1728 , SB1759 , SB1762 , SB1804 , SB1818 , SB1838 , SB1839 , SB1851 , SB1855 , SB1872 , SB1873 , SB1874 , SB1877 , SB1879 , SB1901 , SB1919 , SB1921 , SB1923 , SB1936 , SB1937 , SB1968 , SB1977 , SB2034 , SB2053 , SB2066 , SB2077 , SB2124 , SB2143 , SB2166 , SB2180 , SB2204 , SB2231 , SB2237 , SB2243 , SB2321 , SB2569 , SJR39 , SJR68 , SCR29 , SCR42 , SB22 , SB30 , SB33 , SB37 , SB75 , SB217 , SB240 , SB331 , SB393 , SB505 , SB530 , SB546 , SB552 , SB584 , SB586 , SB618 , SB626 , SB636 , SB732 , SB762 , SB769 , SB825 , SB844 , SB870 , SB884 , SB926 , SB964 , SB1080 , SB1099 , SB1150 , SB1177 , SB1184 , SB1261 , SB1262 , SB1314 , SB1325 , SB1364 , SB1398 , SB1455 , SB1506 , SB1524 , SB1577 , SB1596 , SB1620 , SB1624 , SB1642 , SB1643 , SB1646 , SB1667 , SB1727 , SB1760 , SB1789 , SB1791 , SB1804 , SB1806 , SB1851 , SB1868 , SB1870 , SB1901 , SB1923 , SB1927 , SB1951 , SB1960 , SB1962 , SB2010 , SB2023 , SB2024 , SB2037 , SB2051 , SB2052 , SB2056 , SB2066 , SB2122 , SB2129 , SB2180 , SB2183 , SB2185 , SB2207 , SB2226 , SB2252 , SB2323 , SB2361 , SB2368 , SB2405 , SB2420 , SB2425 , SB2569 , SB2717 , SB2949 , SB1 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR39 , SJR63 , SJR68 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR38 , SCR37 , SCR42 , SCR29 , SB1596 , SB33 , SB505 , SB37 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB957 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB264 , SB1364 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB1877 , SB732 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB964 , SB287 , SB2143 , SB261 , SB1247 , SB1882 , SB618 , SB393 , SB2243 , SB2226 , SB1919 , SB1791 , SB22 , SB651 , SB1080 , SB826 , SB1079 , SB1243 , SB1504 , SB1851 , SB1879 , SB2237 , SB1257 , SB2034 , SB1522 , SB1151 , SB596 , SB1191 , SB226 , SB570 , SB870 , SB991 , SB60 , SB1401 , SB1728 , SB586 , SB529 , SB217 , SB209 , SB1923 , SB1839 , SB387 , SB1874 , SB1872 , SB1873 , SB1921 , SB1883 , SB1620 , SB1838 , SB2024 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB2166 , SB510 , SB2420 , SB1860 , SB1314 , SB1398 , SB855 , SB2425 , SB2037 , SB1759 , SB1924 , SB1818 , SB1762 , SB1968 , SB1977 , SB2077 , SB2321 , SB1662 , SB1663 , SB2124 , SB2204 , SB1855 , SB863 , SB2252 , SB1962 , SB2253 , SB825 , SB1577 , SB1184 , SB2018 , SB2206 , SB1901 , SB2368 , SB1963 , SB1960 , SB1643 , SB1625 , SB1299 , SB841 , SB668 , SB584 , SB231 , SB1085 , SB2431 , SB2231 , SB1490 , SB530 , SB1261 , SB552 , SB1099 , SB1646 , SB2180 , SB1804 , SB1937 , SB1936 , SB2569 , SB1372 , SB1506 , SB1806 , SB1868 , SB2361 , SB2314 , SB769 , SB1409 , SB2122 , SB434 , SB1214 , SB1951 , SB2183 , SB2046 , SB1667 , SB1870 , SB1727 , SB2405 , SB2127 , SB1975 , SB1760 , SB1734 , SB1335 , SB2066 , SB2129 , SB2246 , SB2439 , SB1624 , SB1244 , SB1468 , SB2717 , SB1612 , SB1262 , SB604 , SB2395 , SB2185 , SB1832 , SB1745 , SB1746 , SB2207 , SB2023 , SB1784 , SB1524 , SB626 , SB528 , SB437 , SB269 , SB1137 , SB968 , SB636 , SB747 , SB1325 , SB1789 , SB1455 , SB2056 , SB75 , SB1940 , SB2052 , SB1927 , SB2010 , SB1579 , SB2068 , SB3034 , SB844 , SB1920 , SB1177 , SB1558 , SB1236 , SB1044 , SB926 , SB884 , SB463 , SB331 , SB227 , SB240 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1626 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2216 , SB2681 , SB1717 , SB2053 , SB546 , SB2141 , SB2949 , SB2323 , SB2200 , SB2332 , SB2199 , SB1642 , SB1150 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB1138 , SB2051 , SB2626 , SB2458 , SB1864 , SB30 , SB2201 , SB1862 , SB1583 , SB1055 , SB2660 , SB1898 , SB2662 , SB2161 , SB2964 , SB2881 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2743 , SB2533 , SB1413 , HJR4 , SB2073 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB2774 , SB2702 , SB2629 , SB2443 , SB2349 , SB2167 , SB2145 , SB2121 , SB758 , SB648 , SB647 , SB512 , SB438 , SB1721 , SB2268 , SB1495 , SB2705 , SB2366 , SB1422 , SB1369 , SB1013 , SB682 , SB2692 , SB2570 , SB2797 , SB2111 , SB1896 , SB1164 , SB1020 , SB663 , SB2371 , SB1152 , SB2196 , SB2383 , SB2581 , SB2798 , SB330 , SB646 , SB843 , SB1998 , SB1418 , SB2788 , SB1169 , SB2873 , SB1754 , SB1534 , SB1718 , SB2779 , SB2004 , SB1143 , SB1756 , SB912 , SB2119 , SB2032 , SB527 , SB1580 , SB1952 , SB2601 , SB22 , SB39 , SB75 , SB626 , SB926 , SB1080 , SB1099 , SB1177 , SB1506 , SB1577 , SB1646 , SB1806 , SB2122 , SB2226 , SB2361 , SB2420 , SB2421 , SB30 , SB552 , SB964 , SB1927 , SB1962 , SB2023 , SR393 , SR412 , SR414 , SJR85 , SCR48 , SB23 , SB3047 , HB39 , HB 102 , HB300 , HB500 , HB1400 , HB2143 , HCR64 , HCR101 , SB30 , SB33 , SB37 , SB505 , SB552 , SB964 , SB1596 , SB1927 , SB1962 , SCR37 , SB60 , SB226 , SB231 , SB264 , SB387 , SB570 , SB596 , SB651 , SB769 , SB855 , SB863 , SB991 , SB1079 , SB1151 , SB1191 , SB1214 , SB1243 , SB1247 , SB1314 , SB1364 , SB1372 , SB1401 , SB1409 , SB1504 , SB1522 , SB1625 , SB1662 , SB1663 , SB1728 , SB1759 , SB1762 , SB1804 , SB1818 , SB1838 , SB1839 , SB1851 , SB1855 , SB1872 , SB1873 , SB1874 , SB1877 , SB1879 , SB1901 , SB1919 , SB1921 , SB1936 , SB1937 , SB1968 , SB1977 , SB2034 , SB2053 , SB2066 , SB2077 , SB2124 , SB2143 , SB2166 , SB2180 , SB2204 , SB2231 , SB2237 , SB2243 , SB2321 , SB2569 , SB1085 , SB1923 , SJR85 , SCR48 , SB23 , SB3047 , HB39 , HB 102 , HB300 , HB500 , HB1400 , HB2143 , HCR64 , HCR101

Transcript Highlights:

• THEY ARE SENT TODAY TO OVERSEE AND ASSIST IN THE NEEDS AND CONCERNS AND IN GREAT PART THE HOPES AND DREAMS
• WE HAVE WITH US AUBURN'S MOST FAMOUS ASSISTANT COACH AND FLORIDA'S CURRENT HEAD COACH MR.
• TODD GOLDMAN AND THREE-TIME MEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPION DOREEN GREENE, OUR ASSISTANT COACH, IF YOU COULD
• A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT RELATING TO CONTROLLING BUSINESS INTERESTS WITH PERSONS WITH TIES TO FOREIGN
• A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT RELATING TO CONTROLLING BUSINESS INTERESTS WITH PERSONS WITH TIES TO FOREIGN

Transcript Highlights:

• Some aspects of funding cuts to the agricultural industry and food assistance program appear to me to
• So, it's actually food assistance.
• and said they're going to look into the lands that were already foreign owned.
• Uh, was Mike's already foreign owned.
• But on a national level, the threat is not only foreign.

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on how federal policy changes, tariffs, funding cuts, the federal shutdown, and delays in the farm bill are affecting Hawaii agriculture and food access. Opening remarks emphasized Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported food and farm inputs, the state’s vulnerability to disruptions in USDA services, and the need for stronger state, county, and community coordination. Speakers also noted that immigration enforcement and broader global supply-chain pressures can affect local farm labor, production, and food availability. Sharon Herd, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, described both positive and negative federal impacts. She said Hawaii has benefited from some recurring grants and a large new $8.8 million federal grant, but also reported about $22 million in losses from suspended or terminated grants, including farm-to-school and water-related projects. She said some USDA programs, such as microgrants for food security and FISMIP, are currently suspended, while the specialty crop block grant remains active. She also said Hawaii farms declined from 7,328 to 6,569 between the 2017 and 2022 censuses and argued the state cannot rely on imports alone to feed its people. Amanda Shaw of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii presented findings from federal funding cut reports. She said the first report, in March, identified about $88 million in potential cuts, and the newer report found $64.7 million in confirmed cuts and about $175 million in potential cuts. She said federal shifts are creating uncertainty for farmers, food-system organizations, and school and community food programs, and noted that 4,000 to 5,000 Hawaii farmers could receive less money because of changes to payment-factor provisions for socially disadvantaged farmers. She also said Hawaii has lost 18% of local USDA staff since September 2024, with possible further national reductions expected. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair noted that any legal questions, including the reported SNAP changes, would be for the Judiciary Committee to assess later.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many individuals navigate the legal system without the assistance of an attorney.
• One of our biggest problems here is the monopoly that these four foreign-owned packing companies have
• And so, foreign-owned packing companies have in this business.
• , like, we sell the most meat—like, we sell the most beef, meat, beef in the United States versus foreign
• In 2025 alone, the U.S. imported from foreign countries almost 2 million head of live cattle and 5.47

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Summary: The committee first took up executive action on Senate Bill 890. Members explained that the House committee substitute combined provisions from related bills, changed the title to accommodate an amendment, and restored language that had been unintentionally repealed in section 217.550. The amendment was adopted, the substitute was adopted, and the House Committee Substitute for SB 890 was voted do pass by a roll call of 11 ayes and 1 no. The committee then heard Senate Bill 945 from Senator Carla May, which would raise the civil filing surcharge in the city of St. Louis from $15 to up to $20 to support the law library and related court services. Senator May and a representative of the Law Library Association of St. Louis testified that the surcharge had not been raised since 1996, that costs had increased, and that the increase would help maintain legal research resources and public access. Questions focused on whether the amount was sufficient and what other funding sources existed; there was no opposition testimony. Finally, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 29, which urges Congress to restore mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork. The sponsor and supporters argued that consumers should know where meat comes from, that independent cattle producers are harmed by consolidation in the packing industry, and that voluntary labeling is inadequate. Opponents from the Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Chamber of Commerce, and Missouri Pork Association argued that mandatory labeling adds regulatory burden, is not supported by consumer purchasing data, and should remain voluntary. The hearing included extensive testimony from cattle producers and consumers, but no vote on HCR 29 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• assistance.
• Year over year, those who received assistance from CVSOs outperform those receiving no assistance, which
• bono claims assistance.
• As nobody may assist claimants for this reason until they... ...power of attorney, as nobody may assist
• So for all these reasons, CVSOs are critical in assisting...

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the role of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s support for them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, education benefits, survivor benefits, housing, health care, and other wraparound services. Testimony highlighted the return on investment from CVSO work, with witnesses citing hundreds of millions in new federal benefits secured for California veterans and arguing that current state funding is too low relative to the workload and need. County representatives from Nevada, Los Angeles, and San Luis Obispo described local models of service. Los Angeles County highlighted a “no wrong door” approach, peer navigators, suicide review work, justice-involved veteran services, and homelessness coordination, while San Luis Obispo described rural outreach, mental health partnerships, and high suicide rates in its county. Nevada County stressed that smaller counties can be disadvantaged by workload-based formulas and that additional funding would expand access, especially in rural areas. Several witnesses said veterans often need more than claims help and should be connected to mental health, employment, food, and family supports. Much of the discussion centered on predatory claims consultants, which witnesses said charge veterans for services that accredited CVSOs provide free. Members and witnesses described cases involving requests for VA and banking logins, misleading advertising, and contracts that can take a percentage of veterans’ benefits. Committee members expressed support for legislation to curb these practices and for increased funding for CVSOs, including the Legislature’s intent to fund 50% of county veterans’ services operations. A CalVet deputy secretary also testified that California’s accreditation and training system improves claim quality and appeal outcomes, and that CalVet works with CVSOs through training, district offices, and appeals representation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe everybody on this committee is passionate about foreign relations, passionate about international
• , of course. growing industry of technology that is pretty foreign, of course.
• And, of course, as I pointed out, we talked about the mentorship and technical assistance.
• We talked about the mentorship and technical assistance.
• And importing boxed beef from foreign countries should not be the solution.

Committees: House International Trade , House House International Trade Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of concerns have arisen that our network is vulnerable to foreign interference.
• And right now, companies... ...directly connected to foreign adversary governments like Huawei and ZTE
• Cell towers with communications equipment produced by these foreign adversaries have been shown to be
• The commission changed its administrative rules specifically to assist in the criminal rigging of the
• for the entertainment of the individual, making something that does not allow for these, you know, foreign

Bills: HB 11 , HB 12 , HB21 , HB26 , HB30 , HB33 , HB37 , HB45 , HB210 , HB303 , HB630 , HB879 , HB 1041 , HB 1188 , HB 1261 , HB1318 , HB1465 , HB1535 , HB1593 , HB1778 , HB2559 , HB2596 , HB2692 , HB2703 , HB2712 , HB2742 , HB2809 , HB2890 , HB3012 , HB3526 , HB5061 , HB5092 , HB5238 , HCR92 , SB203 , SB317 , SB393 , SB397 , SB644 , SB731 , SB801 , SB867 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1073 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1250 , SB1310 , SB1359 , SB1444 , SB1483 , SB1705 , SB1782 , SB1861 , SB1897 , SB1944 , SB2023 , SB2043 , SB2082 , SB2133 , SB2215 , SB2309 , SB2497 , SB2532 , SB2549 , SB2566 , SB2617 , SB2639 , SB2696 , SB2717 , SB2747 , SB2751 , SB2790 , SB2797 , SB2799 , SB2841 , SB2850 , SB2857 , SB2891 , SB2919 , SB2928 , SB2994 , SB3051 , SJR34 , SB529 , SB541 , SB693 , SB963 , SB1968 , SB2308 , SB2544 , SB1173 , SB1646 , SB1734 , SB1833 , SB1 , SB17 , SB260 , SB509 , SB1506 , SB1637 , HB1393 , HB2559 , HB26 , HB3012 , HB1593 , HB2607 , HB3526 , HB3810 , HB388 , HB879 , HB 12 , HB2703 , HB30 , HB2712 , HB2692 , HB1633 , HB1318 , HB685 , HB630 , HB4753 , HB2742 , HB303 , HB198 , HB1535 , HB762 , HB148 , HB1520 , HB5061 , HB2286 , HB1606 , HB 1041 , HB132 , HB 11 , HB45 , HB48 , HB 1261 , HB1465 , HB1778 , HB2596 , HB5238 , HB33 , HB 1188 , HB210 , HB 1022 , HB1458 , HB5560 , HB 1240 , HB1950 , HB2027 , HB2768 , HB2788 , HB2791 , HB3146 , HB3698 , HB3699 , HB1893 , HB3700 , HB4850 , HB4187 , HB1397 , HB4885 , HB4804 , HB3751 , HB3611 , HB2775 , HB2061 , HB2003 , HB1729 , HB 1242 , HB791 , HB2029 , HB647 , HB2522 , HB4738 , HB3033 , HB3594 , HB3474 , HB2563 , HB2802 , HCR90 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB128 , SB2043 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB2891 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB2994 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1861 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2799 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2639 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2617 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB1897 , SB1749 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1782 , SB1705 , SB2696 , SB1944 , SB2215 , SB1232 , SB2850 , SB2969 , SB2497 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB781 , HB34 , HB 128 , HB 130 , HB581 , HB668 , HB677 , HB766 , HB2259 , HB2960 , HB2358 , HB2894 , HB4384 , HB2663 , HB748 , HB793 , HB 1193 , HB1734 , HB2340 , HB2350 , HB3104 , HB5180 , HB4739 , HB1584 , HB4344 , HB4238 , HB4219 , HB3806 , HB3805 , HB3804 , HB3803 , HB3229 , HB3228 , HB1922 , HB1522 , HB431 , HB3597 , HB1612 , HB4224 , HB754 , HB1314 , HB2254 , HB2789 , HB3560 , HB4643 , HB 1237 , HCR98 , SB3070 , SB835 , SB524 , SB2233 , SB2683

Transcript Highlights:

• American University of Armenia, The American University of Armenia was founded with the direct assistance
• And the government of the Republic of Armenia adopted balanced and balancing foreign policy.
• Go-Biz's export promotion program, called Cal Export, provides targeted export assistance to eligible
• Bona Angels wanted to connect with Go-Biz to seek assistance in establishing an Armenian startup hub
• Department of Commerce and is the largest foreign investment attraction event in the world.

Summary: The inaugural meeting of the Select Committee on California and Armenia Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange focused on strengthening California-Armenia ties through trade, investment, education, culture, and diplomacy. Chair Harabedian and Assemblymember Caloza opened by emphasizing the importance of the Armenian-American community in California and the committee’s goal of expanding opportunities for business, job creation, cultural preservation, and academic exchange. The Republic of Armenia’s ambassador and the Armenian Consul General both described Armenia as a growing strategic partner for California, highlighting recent peace and connectivity developments, Armenia’s diversification strategy, and the role of the Armenian diaspora in linking the two places. The first panel featured Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and Go-Biz trade specialist Trisha Utterback. Kounalakis reviewed the 2019 California-Armenia framework agreement and the opening of the California trade and services desk in Yerevan, noting growth in academic ties and California’s support for Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Utterback outlined Go-Biz’s trade and investment programs and reported that California-Armenia two-way trade has more than doubled since 2019, with exports rising sharply; she cited examples of California companies expanding into Armenia and Armenian businesses seeking California opportunities. Members asked about future priorities, and panelists pointed to tech, clean energy, agriculture, and continued outreach through trade and investment programs. A second panel centered on Glendale’s role as a gateway for the partnership. Mayor Ara Najarian described Glendale’s large Armenian-American population, the Armenian American Museum, sister-city relationships, and the city’s role in cultural and economic diplomacy, while also raising concerns about Artsakh, displaced Armenians, detainees, and discrimination against Armenian Americans. Vahe Kozoyan of ServiceTitan shared his company’s growth from a Glendale startup to a global firm with major operations in Armenia, and Armina Galstian of SmartGate VC and Hero House Glendale described a California-Armenia innovation corridor supporting startups, AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and neuroscience. Committee members discussed how the state can further support the partnership through investment, delegation visits, education, innovation hubs, and ensuring Armenian-owned businesses are not excluded from supplier diversity and anti-discrimination protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had in Washington what is called a back channel, and the then foreign minister, Luis Videgaray, had
• We had in Washington what is called a back channel, and the then foreign minister, Louis Videgaray, he
• And these engagements have enabled our team to connect with hundreds of foreign visitors across North
• This is not a foreign relationship. It is a binational community.
• If you're familiar with that, it's the largest no-cost technical assistance program that the SBA and

Summary: The joint hearing of the Assembly Select Committee on California-Mexico Bi-National Affairs and the Assembly Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee focused on the USMCA and California’s economic dependence on trade with Mexico and Canada. Members emphasized that California exports more than $183 billion globally, with roughly a third going to Mexico and Canada, and argued that the agreement supports jobs in manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, technology, and ports. The hearing was framed as preparation for a legislative report and possible resolution on California’s priorities for the upcoming USMCA review. Academic and policy witnesses described the USMCA as essential to North American competitiveness, affordability, and regional security. Dr. Rafael Fernández de Castro said the agreement is central to a stronger North American alliance, helps keep food and other goods affordable, and supports the Cali-Baja region’s integrated economy. Dr. Ismael Placencia argued that California and Mexico co-produce value through integrated supply chains and nearshoring, and proposed ideas such as specialized technician visas, cross-border innovation zones, binational certification standards, and a technology fund. Members asked about the uncertainty around the agreement’s sunset/review clause and the possibility that investment is being delayed while businesses wait for clarity. Go-Biz representative Diana Dominguez said USMCA gives businesses, especially small and medium-sized firms, predictability, market access, and stronger digital trade and supply-chain integration, while also noting challenges such as regulatory barriers and financing. California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce president Julian Canante said the agreement benefits small businesses but also creates complexity through stricter rules of origin, compliance burdens, and tariff uncertainty, and he urged more trade assistance and education. Mexican officials Miroslava Pérez-López and Pedro Casas Alatriste said the treaty remains the cornerstone of North American trade, that Mexico’s public consultation process generated nearly 800 submissions, and that the region should deepen integration rather than weaken the agreement. A later panel from San Diego regional organizations reinforced the same themes, citing the border region’s co-production economy, the importance of border infrastructure, and the need to protect integrated supply chains from tariff shocks. Witnesses urged investment in ports of entry, energy reliability, talent development, and smoother review processes, while members repeatedly stressed that any renegotiation should preserve labor and environmental standards without harming small businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• NOW, YOU MIGHT THINK THAT YOU'RE DOING SOME KIND OF GREAT JUSTICE FOR SOME FOREIGN NATION BUT KEEP IN
• The foreign countries that are borrowing money aren't going to decide the jurisdiction.
• So, the idea that some foreign country is going to borrow money but they are going to decide, not the
• SO, THE IDEA THAT SOME FOREIGN COUNTRY IS GOING TO BORROW MONEY BUT THEY ARE GOING TO DECIDE NOT THE
• NOT NECESSARILY FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS OR LARGE CORPORATIONS BUT PEOPLE.

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, and then processed a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate or Assembly versions for third reading. The chamber also adopted the resolution calendar with exceptions and took up several resolutions and ceremonial recognitions, including a resolution mourning Hudson Talbott, a Dairy Month resolution highlighting New York’s dairy industry, and introductions honoring Niskayuna academic teams, Gabriella Scheer for receiving the Liberty Medal, the Hartstein family’s civic engagement, and Diana Cochran’s advocacy for safe firearm storage. The Senate then moved through the calendar and passed many bills on topics including insurance, public health, education, labor, social services, banking, local government, veterans, public service, consumer protection, criminal procedure, cannabis, parks, taxation, election law, and highway matters. Several members explained votes on notable measures: support for acupuncture insurance coverage, consumer protections for doorbell-camera data sharing, expanded protections in debt collection cases, trauma-informed procedures for sexual assault survivors, a Legionnaires’ disease awareness program, changes to mandatory minimum sentencing, and universal safe storage of firearms. A number of home rule and local authorization bills were also approved, including parkland alienation measures and local tax exemption authorizations. Most measures passed with broad bipartisan support, though some drew recorded opposition. Notable roll calls included the consumer debt uniformity bill, the mandatory minimum sentencing bill, the safe storage/firearms bill, and the public housing and public health measures, each with more divided votes. The chamber also accepted a lengthy Rules Committee report sending many additional bills directly to third reading, and then began the supplemental calendar, passing at least the first items before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Remote assistance agents do not continuously monitor a vehicle.
• Over half of your remote assistants are located overseas.
• Remote assistants are required to have a license.
• For all of our remote assistance, yes. for both.
• For all of our remote assistance, yes. Okay.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard an informational hearing on California’s newly finalized autonomous vehicle regulations, with DMV and CHP officials describing the updated framework and committee members pressing them on safety, enforcement, and first-responder impacts. DMV said the rules, effective April 28, 2026, expand reporting, create a phased permitting system from testing to deployment, add requirements for safety cases, remote operations, and first-responder coordination, and open a path for heavy-duty AV testing and deployment while still prohibiting oversized loads and hazardous materials. CHP said it worked with DMV on enforcement tools, first-responder interaction plans, and training local agencies on the new notice of noncompliance process. Members asked about crash data, immobilizations, freeway and construction-zone safety, weigh-station enforcement, and whether foreign licenses can qualify for remote assistants or drivers; DMV and CHP said the rules are intended to keep AVs accountable and that heavy-duty AVs will be held to the same roadway standards as human-driven commercial vehicles. A second panel focused on data collection and enforcement. Consumer attorneys argued the prior rules were too limited because DMV stopped collecting meaningful data once AVs moved from testing to deployment, making it difficult for the public and litigants to understand incidents; they supported the new regulations but urged that the collected information be made public. The industry association said California now has the nation’s most robust AV oversight, with monthly or quarterly reporting of collisions, system failures, immobilizations, harsh braking, vehicle miles traveled, and notices of noncompliance, plus broad DMV authority to restrict or suspend operations. In response to questions, the industry said it generally supports the new framework, believes the regulations are clear, and does not favor full federal preemption of state AV rules, though it wants federal standards for design, construction, and performance. A third panel addressed first-responder interaction and remote operations. The San Francisco Fire Department described repeated AV interference with emergency scenes and said AVs have generated hundreds of “sleeper calls,” where passengers fall asleep and trigger 911 responses; the department said these incidents consume significant staff time and it wants better protocols to reduce unnecessary dispatches. Waymo said it has trained thousands of public-safety personnel, maintains a 24/7 emergency line, uses geofencing/avoid-the-area messages, and can allow first responders to manually override or move vehicles when needed. Committee members asked about sleeper-call prevention, remote assistant licensing and drug testing, communication redundancies during outages, and how manual overrides work for vehicles without traditional controls; Waymo said it is collaborating with responders and that its vehicles are designed to reach a safe stop if connectivity is lost. The final panel began with testimony on heavy-duty autonomous vehicles. A transportation researcher said freight is essential to California’s economy and that heavy-duty AVs pose distinct safety risks because of their weight, stopping distance, and the potentially severe consequences of crashes or immobilizations on highways. He said the new regulations are important because they create a regulated pathway for heavy-duty AV deployment, require a safety case, set mileage thresholds, and add reporting categories that can serve as leading safety indicators. The hearing was still in progress when the transcript ended, with additional testimony expected from labor and industry witnesses on heavy-duty AV deployment.

Transcript Highlights:

• a foreign terrorist organization.
• It's propagated from foreign regimes into the United States.
• They want those people to feel that they are still subject to this foreign jurisdiction.
• We are working in 17 different states now to fight hostile foreign influence.
• These foreign practices cannot coexist with American values, laws, and rights.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The Committee for the Administration of Criminal Justice met on April 8, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several criminal justice bills. HB 322, which would prohibit fees for victims or family members requesting transcripts of executive-session testimony before the Board of Pardons and Parole, was described as a cleanup measure and was reported favorably without objection. HB 635, dealing with criminal activity by agents of foreign adversaries or foreign terrorist organizations, received extensive support testimony from advocacy groups focused on foreign influence and transnational repression; the committee adopted a technical amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 132, which expands battery of a police officer to cover intentional sound directed at an officer and related conduct, drew strong support from law enforcement groups and significant opposition from civil liberties and criminal defense organizations concerned about vagueness, First Amendment issues, and impacts on parades and protests; after adopting an amendment moving the sound-related language into the general battery definition, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also considered HB 275, which increases minimum sentences when domestic abuse occurs in the presence of a child and extends the penalty to battery of a dating partner. Supporters argued the bill recognizes the lasting trauma to children exposed to domestic violence, while opponents warned that mandatory minimums reduce judicial discretion and that the child-presence language is broad; the committee adopted two amendment sets and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 808, revising Louisiana’s HIV exposure law to require a substantial likelihood of transmission based on current medical science and to narrow criminal liability for negligible-risk conduct, drew broad support from physicians, advocates, and people living with HIV, with testimony emphasizing that the law should reflect modern science and avoid overcriminalization; after adopting an amendment set, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. Finally, HB 1054, sponsored by Chair Villio, would allow certain law-enforcement drone footage to be self-authenticating with notice requirements; it received support from prosecutors and sheriffs’ groups and was reported favorably without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> it very clear just provide no assistance it very clear just provide no assistance to<01:21:11.040
• All federal assistance can be received by Wyoming to aid in the enforcement of Wyoming law.
• All federal assistance can be received by Wyoming to aid in the enforcement of Wyoming law.
• All federal assistance can be received by Wyoming to aid in the enforcement of Wyoming law.
• All federal assistance can be received by Wyoming to aid in the enforcement of Wyoming law.

Bills: SF0101

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• And beginning on lines 52, assistance.
• The foreign medical school 1913.
• </c><00:26:14.799><c> coverage</c> provide for medical assistance coverage provide for medical assistance
• </c> provide technical assistance. provide technical assistance.
• </c> representative for doing the foreign representative for doing the foreign medical<01:26:15.600><

Bills: HF2435

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a member of the State Public Defender's Office here locally in Ada County, and the assistant managing
• attorney in our office, as well as a Here locally in Ada County, and the assistant managing attorney
• It basically says that if someone tries to drag your case overseas or force foreign law onto a dispute
• And currently, Idaho Code 10-1309 covers foreign judgments coming in for enforcement.
• And currently, Idaho Code 10-1309 covers foreign judgments coming in for enforcement.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, it essentially says that we will not send our National Guard into combat in a foreign land
• And again, it essentially says that we will not send our National Guard into combat in a foreign land
• And again, it essentially says that we will not send our National Guard into combat in a foreign land
• as we said, is utilized to defend the homeland, defend the border, respond to floods, fires, and assist
• And I would say that we can use a foreign adversaries bill that has been quite contentious for a number

Summary: The committee first approved the February 9, 2026 minutes and then took up SB 1618, which restructures the Military Affairs Commission to add governor-appointed defense and industry experts, expand advisory participation, require more frequent meetings and reporting, and create a commission fund. The sponsor and a witness from the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center said the bill would modernize Arizona’s approach to retaining and attracting military missions and defense-related business. After adopting a Gowan amendment, the committee voted 6-1 to give SB 1618 a do pass recommendation as amended. The committee then heard SB 1047, the “Defend the Guard” bill, which would bar deployment of the Arizona National Guard into active combat without a congressional declaration of war. Supporters, including veterans and activists, argued it would restore constitutional limits and protect Guard members from unauthorized foreign wars. Opponents, including a retired National Guard officer, warned it could harm readiness, create tension with the Pentagon, and risk federal funding or missions. The committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1047 a do pass recommendation. Next was SB 1474, which preempts state and local restrictions on cooperation with federal immigration authorities, requires immigration-enforcement training, and, under amendment, requires county sheriffs to enter 287(g) agreements with ICE by January 1, 2027. The sponsor said the bill would improve cooperation and enforcement consistency, while opponents—religious leaders, public servants, and others—argued it would expand federal immigration enforcement, increase fear in communities, and burden local agencies with an unfunded mandate. After a lengthy and contentious debate, the committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1474 a do pass recommendation as amended. Finally, the committee considered SB 1620, which changes Arizona Space Commission membership by reducing governor appointments, adding the lieutenant governor as chair, and making legislative and executive leaders nonvoting advisory members. The commission chair said the changes would align Arizona with other states and improve structure and continuity. The bill passed 5-1 with a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard SB 1365, a strike-everything amendment removing the income cap for disabled veterans’ property tax exemption on a primary residence; members discussed whether very high-income veterans should still qualify, but agreed the bill would help disabled veterans. The committee adopted both amendments and gave SB 1365 a do pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• So can you clarify what is meant by foreign law, legal code? Enforceable.
• entity, and you can't expect a foreign entity to do business.
• So if an entity in Oklahoma had to do business with a foreign entity and a foreign country, then that
• would be where foreign law may apply.
• foreign countries in our country.

Bills: HJR1024 , SB1316 , SB1491 , SB1552 , SB1679 , SB1877 , SB2040 , SB2133 , SB2153 , SB2174 , SB2180 , SB227 , SJR39 , SJR47 , SJR48

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met and first laid over Senate Bill 2133 and skipped several bills because the Pro Tem and Senator Hall were not present. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1552, which would expand an option for very large counties to adopt local charters; an amendment was adopted to raise the population thresholds so the bill would apply only to future growth. After discussion that the measure was optional and not a mandate, the bill passed 12-7. The committee also passed SJR 39, a proposed constitutional amendment to lower the cap on annual increases in property tax assessed value from 3% to 1% for homestead and agricultural property and from 5% to 3% for other property, despite opposition that it would worsen funding pressures and create inequities between long-term owners and new buyers. SJR 47, moving voter ID requirements into the Constitution, and SJR 48, changing how the state handles ad valorem reimbursement for tax-incentive projects, both passed 16-2. The committee next passed Senate Bill 1491, which requires replacement presidential electors to take the same oath as the original slate, and Senate Bill 2174, which changes the membership mix of the State Fire Marshal Commission to include more business-oriented voices; both measures drew little opposition and passed overwhelmingly. Senate Bill 1877 also passed unanimously; it creates a centralized reporting system for 510 reports, with members noting it should have no fiscal impact because an existing state filing system would be used. House Joint Resolution 1024, which revises the Judicial Nominating Commission by removing certain lawyer/non-lawyer and party-balance restrictions and capping service at 12 consecutive years, passed after significant debate over judicial independence and political influence. The committee then approved Senate Bill 2040, which updates the Tulsa Reconciliation Education Scholarship Program by simplifying eligibility rules, changing the income cap to $128,000 and indexing it to inflation, and clarifying that unused funds may still be used for room, board, and books; supporters said it preserves a long-standing scholarship with no fiscal impact. Senate Bill 1316 passed 17-1 and would require agencies to periodically sunset a percentage of administrative rules, though the author said he may lengthen the cycle after reviewing other states’ models. Senate Bill 1679, the Preserving Oklahoma Values Act, passed 16-2 after debate over its references to foreign law and Judeo-Christian Western values; supporters said it protects due process and equal protection, while opponents warned it could marginalize other faith traditions and create legal uncertainty. Finally, the committee passed Senate Bill 227, clarifying which oil and gas facilities are exempt from ad valorem tax and ensuring flow lines, gathering lines, and injection wells are treated consistently; Senate Bill 2153, directing state agencies to use the terms Judea and Samaria instead of West Bank in official documents; and Senate Bill 2180, a transparency measure on foreign lobbying that was amended before passing 17-0. The meeting then adjourned.