Transcript Highlights:

• the effectiveness of rules implemented by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. governing the management
• government Senate bill 2898 by Cook relating to the provision of certain nursing services under the Case Management
• Senate Bill 2984 by Hancock relating to plans for the management and inspection of distribution poles
• Business and Commerce, Senate Bill 3001 by Cochourse, relating to requiring contracts with Medicaid-managed
• Relaying to the creation of Velicima Municipal Management District Number 1 to local government, Senate

Bills: SJR12 , SJR81 , SCR39 , SB22 , SB32 , SB241 , SB393 , SB414 , SB458 , SB464 , SB568 , SB583 , SB609 , SB660 , SB693 , SB731 , SB732 , SB746 , SB783 , SB785 , SB897 , SB993 , SB996 , SB1008 , SB1029 , SB1035 , SB1036 , SB1120 , SB1122 , SB1147 , SB1163 , SB1188 , SB1197 , SB1209 , SB1227 , SB1245 , SB1267 , SB1307 , SB1321 , SB1332 , SB1386 , SB1394 , SB1396 , SB1470 , SB1494 , SB1537 , SB1596 , SB1598 , SB1610 , SB1664 , SB1814 , SB1822 , SB1841 , SB1948 , SB2065 , SB2155 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SJR12 , SJR36 , SJR81 , SJR50 , SJR4 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB765 , SB62 , SB666 , SB888 , SB687 , SB847 , SB1248 , SB504 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB241 , SB304 , SB1023 , SB204 , SB609 , SB670 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB447 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB1215 , SB1302 , SB583 , SB673 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB955 , SB957 , SB1120 , SB541 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB53 , SB1352 , SB785 , SB1450 , SB1502 , SB1566 , SB414 , SB1062 , SB711 , SB746 , SB1404 , SB1448 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596 , SB1403 , SB667 , SB1059 , SB1567 , SB310 , SB311 , SB505 , SB1209 , SB1210 , SB1470 , SB264 , SB1029 , SB1358 , SB1364 , SB1569 , SB1376 , SB1228 , SB519 , SB1350 , SB462 , SB827 , SB1585 , SB1396 , SB1484 , SB1273 , SB927 , SB1227 , SB1229 , SB1353 , SB1464 , SB1709 , SB1729 , SB1733 , SB1744 , SB1772 , SB1841 , SB1147 , SB1008 , SB2016 , SB1173 , SB1163 , SB996 , SB568 , SB1370 , SB1321 , SB1101 , SB860 , SB993 , SB693 , SB1610 , SB1537 , SB1332 , SB1307 , SB963 , SB493 , SB984 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB455 , SB522 , SB1057 , SB1239 , SB1254 , SB1255 , SB1259 , SB1341 , SB1664 , SB1877 , SB464 , SB1277 , SB32 , SB732 , SB660 , SB731 , SB921 , SB268 , SB1822 , SB1188 , SB1589 , SB397 , SB1058 , SB1036 , SB1267 , SB2112 , SB1930 , SB532 , SB1035 , SB2155 , SB508 , SB292 , SB291 , SB901 , SB1333 , SB1436 , SB1494 , SB964 , SB779 , SB1378 , SB2312 , SB1719 , SB1386 , SB287 , SB2143 , SB1245 , SB261 , SB1247 , SB1948 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SB1882 , SB1197 , SB1814 , SB618 , SB38 , SB393 , SB2065 , SB1371 , SB1394 , SB1365 , SB2243 , SB2226 , SB2039 , SB1919 , SB1895 , SB1598 , SB1493 , SB1810 , SB1791 , SB1706 , SB1644 , SB1238 , SB783 , SB458 , SB22 , SB651 , SB897 , SB1809 , SB1080 , SB745 , SB826 , SB989 , SB1320 , SB1437 , SB2320 , SB2289 , SB1171 , SB664 , SB1637 , SB2064 , SB868 , SJR40 , SJR27 , SCR38 , SCR37 , SB1079 , SB1243 , SB1504 , SB1851 , SB1879 , SB2237 , SB1257 , SB2034 , SB1522 , SB883 , SB249 , SB1318 , SB1151 , SB596 , SB1191 , SB226 , SB570 , SB870 , SB991 , SB60 , SB365 , SB1067 , SB1786 , SB326 , SB1401 , SB1592 , SB1728 , SB1265 , SB586 , SB529 , SB217 , SB209 , SB1923 , SB1559 , SB1839 , SB387 , SB1874 , SB1872 , SB1873 , SB1921 , SB1883 , SB1677 , SB95 , SB1620 , SB1838 , SB2024 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB2166 , SB871 , SB510 , SB33 , SB2420 , SB1860 , SB1541 , SB1316 , SB1314 , SB1313 , SB1426 , SB1398 , SB1869 , SB1750 , SB1871 , SB36 , SB855 , SB1233 , SB760 , SB2425 , SB2037 , SB1758 , SB1759 , SB2365 , SB1924 , SB762 , SB1271 , SB1818 , SB605 , SB1405 , SB1762 , SB1968 , SB1977 , SB2077 , SB2148 , SB2321 , SB1967 , SB1662 , SB1663 , SB2124 , SB2204

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, tax exemption, ad valorem, tangible personal property, income production, border security, southern border, federal immigration policy, illegal immigration, cartels, transnational cartels, fentanyl, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Operation Lone Star, Texas border

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on educational reforms, particularly in special education funding. Notably, Senator Bettencourt laid out the transformative impacts of Senate Bill 568, which aims to lift a historical cap on special education funding that affected approximately 775,000 students. The discussions included plans for an intensity-based funding model that could ensure fair distribution of resources depending on individual needs, thereby enhancing educational support for diverse learning requirements. Senators acknowledged past failures in the special education framework, emphasizing the necessity of moving towards a system that is transparent and focused on delivering adequate services.

Transcript Highlights:

• My cousin who was like a brother to me died of a fentanyl overdose because he was trying to manage mental
• Personally, I've experienced first hand the health effects of wildfire smoke when I visited many of my
• constituents and surveyed the impact of the LA wildfires.
• It blends fairness with conservation, aligning the best practices in California's fisheries management
• My district was hit hard by the same strong winds that spread the brutal January wildfires, leading to

Transcript Highlights:

• Makes wildfires worse.
• Makes wildfires worse.
• Makes wildfires worse.
• Makes wildfires worse.
• Makes wildfires worse.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Joel Creswell, manager of the Climate Pollution Reduction Program at the Department of Ecology, signed
• I serve as conservation advisor to fund and manage the acquisition and protection of salmon habitat,
• And in past land trust roles, I've managed the acquisitions of tens of thousands of acres, directly for
• 5919 is the bill that encourages fire districts and insurance providers to create incentives for wildfire
• chair is also encouraging a yes on this as we think about the work to ensure that we're addressing wildfire

Bills: SB5919 , SB5816

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Joel Creswell, manager of the Climate Pollution Reduction Program at the Department of Ecology, signed
• I serve as conservation advisor to fund and manage the acquisition and protection of salmon habitat,
• And in past land trust roles, I've managed the acquisitions of tens of thousands of acres, directly for
• 5919 is the bill that encourages fire districts and insurance providers to create incentives for wildfire
• chair is also encouraging a yes on this as we think about the work to ensure that we're addressing wildfire

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard public testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 5971, which would create a green fertilizer incentive program to support low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer production in Washington. Committee staff and agency witnesses described the bill as implementing recommendations from a prior work group and said the Department of Agriculture and Ecology could develop the program, though Ecology recommended clarifying lifecycle emissions accounting, defining green fertilizer, and tying incentives to emissions reductions. Supporters, including a labor representative, Atlas Agro, NRDC, and TRIDEC, said the bill could reduce emissions, stabilize fertilizer prices for farmers, create jobs, and help Washington capture federal hydrogen tax credits. The committee also heard testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 6097, which would add federally recognized Indian tribes as eligible participants in the Conservation Futures Program; tribal, county, and land trust witnesses said the change would improve conservation partnerships, reduce transaction complexity, and better support stewardship of open space, farmland, and habitat. Public testimony tallies were read into the record for both bills, with strong support and opposition noted on each. After the hearings, the committee took up executive session on three bills. Senate Bill 5919, encouraging fire districts and insurers to create voluntary incentives for wildfire mitigation and agricultural activities, was moved out of committee with a due pass recommendation on a 10-0 vote with one excused. Senate Bill 5816, adding juice grapes as a covered agricultural product under the Agricultural Marketing and Fair Practices Act, was also reported out with a due pass recommendation on a 10-0 vote with one excused. The committee deferred action on engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5838, which concerns membership on the Board of Natural Resources and includes tribal representation; staff explained a proposed amendment would reduce tribal seats to one and alternate east-west representation by term. The chair announced the next day’s hearing would start at 9 a.m. and reminded members to submit any amendments by 6 p.m. that evening.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate floor without floor managers. 47 bills.
• Senate offices, please work to identify Assembly floor managers for your bills.
• There are nearly 30 Senate measures on our floor that do not have floor managers.
• I thank my colleague for managing it here. I thank my colleague in the Senate.
• There are nearly 30 Senate measures on the floor without floor managers.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and prayer, then handled a long consent and third-reading file with many Senate bills, most of them passing with little or no opposition. Early procedural actions included rescinding the prior passage of SB 351, suspending the floor-amendment deadline for SBs 80, 351, and 415, and referring several measures to committees. Members also welcomed new Assembly Member Natasha Johnson and recognized guests and an intern. The floor then took up a wide range of policy bills. Major topics included housing and land use (including SB 5 on Williamson Act land and EIFDs, SB 516 on EIFDs, SB 233 on housing element timing, SB 262 on pro-housing policies, SB 21 on SRO conversions, SB 340 on emergency shelters, and SB 625 on disaster rebuilding), public health and health care (SB 386 on dental virtual credit card fees, SB 504 on HIV confidentiality, SB 520 on nurse midwifery education, SB 568 on epinephrine in schools, SB 582 on inactive licenses for damaged health facilities, SB 306 on prior authorization, SB 454 on PFOS cleanup, and SB 317 on wastewater surveillance), labor and consumer protections (SB 261 on wage theft enforcement, SB 291 on workers’ compensation compliance, SB 355 on wage theft judgments, SB 517 on home improvement disclosures, and SB 82 on limiting arbitration clauses), and elections/government transparency (SB 3 on signature curing, SB 398 on paying people to vote or register, SB 470 on teleconferencing for state boards, and SB 595 on local financial reports). Other measures addressed transportation and infrastructure, including SB 371 on TNC insurance coverage, SB 78 on dangerous highways, SB 419 on hydrogen vehicle tax treatment, and SB 86 on the clean energy financing tax exclusion. The Assembly also approved bills on criminal justice and public safety such as SB 734 on due process for law enforcement officers, SB 701 banning signal jamming devices, SB 380 on transitional housing for sexually violent predators, and SB 20 on silicosis prevention. Several bills focused on education and equity, including SB 241 on AI guardrails in community colleges, SB 670 on immigrant integration in adult education, SB 411 on Sun Bucks and student food insecurity, SB 437 on descendant-status verification for reparations-related work, SB 388 creating a California Latino Commission, and SB 373 strengthening oversight of out-of-state nonpublic schools for students with disabilities. Most measures passed overwhelmingly, often unanimously; a few drew notable debate, especially SB 388, which saw opposition over creating another commission, and SB 398, which prompted discussion about election-related incentives. The session ended with continued passage of additional bills, including SB 514 on wildfire defensible space reporting, with the chamber moving through the file and recording numerous aye votes and immediate transmittals where required.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm gonna have Kathleen, policy manager, she can probably answer your question.
• My name is Kathleen Nakason with the Insurance Division, Rate and Policy Analysis Manager.
• , the condo managers do not really have information.
• <00:14:05.279><c> company</c><00:14:05.759><c> Representatives</c><00:14:06.560><c> could</c> management
• company Representatives could management company Representatives could not<00:14:06.920><c> answer</

Summary: The committee opened by outlining hearing procedures, including a two-minute limit for live testimony, a request not to repeat written testimony, and a reminder about decorum. The first bill heard was SB 697, which would create a nonrefundable individual income tax credit for expenses to retrofit residences with wind-resistive devices. The Insurance Division said it supported the concept but noted it may need an appropriation or outside expertise to develop certification standards, while the Department of Taxation said the bill should retain a third-party certification requirement if the Insurance Division cannot administer the credit. The Hawaii Insurers Council supported the bill, and the Tax Foundation suggested a subsidy-style program would be more efficient than a tax credit and criticized the bill’s 100% credit structure. A testifier in support argued the measure would help homeowners fortify houses against hurricanes and reduce shelter demand; written testimony from several others, including HIEMA, was noted as supportive. The committee then moved through SB 76, which would require the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to provide commercial property coverage after two private-market denials, and SB 83, which would require insurers to give advance written premium-change notices and explanations to common-interest community policyholders and the insurance commissioner, along with a report on premium increases. For SB 76, the State Insurance Division stood on its written comments, and testimony in support came from Michael Honda, the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, and Jessica Herzog. SB 83 drew more extensive discussion: the Insurance Division supported the need for better transparency, while the Hawaii Insurers Council opposed the bill, arguing that agents—not insurers—typically communicate with AOAO boards and that the measure could worsen an already difficult market. Insurance Division staff acknowledged widespread complaints from condo associations about lack of transparency and said the division had received many calls about premium increases and nonrenewals. The discussion on SB 83 expanded into broader concerns about condo insurance, nonrenewals, surplus lines, and the difficulty of getting timely explanations for large premium increases. Committee members and testifiers described older buildings struggling to fund repairs and upgrades while facing steep insurance costs, and some urged the committee to craft baseline statutory protections for unit owners. The Insurance Division said surplus lines serve a critical gap-filling role and warned against regulating that market in a way that could slow access to coverage. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• return projects and 11 that incorporated traditional ecological knowledge in tribal access or co-management
• fund land acquisitions, habitat restoration, develop public access trails and recreation areas, and manage
• Work to see if we can achieve that goal of co-management, like an educational kind of visitor-serving
• Lastly, CalCAN is asking for the legislature to increase funding for the Alternative Manure Management
• But this is such critical funding, and these populations are obviously impacted by extreme heat, wildfire

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the business manager of Boilermakers Local 549 in Pittsburgh, California, representing members that
• Second, healthy soils and the manure management program—I think healthy soils farming practices will
• And then just echo my comments from my colleague with the Wildfire Solutions Coalition. Thank you.
• And then just echo my comment, the comments from my colleague with the Wildfire Solutions Coalition.
• Thank you. ...colleague with the Wildfire Solutions Coalition. Thank you. Good afternoon.

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on the governor’s proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit, which would provide a $1 to $2 per gallon credit against the diesel excise tax for SAF sold for use in California from 2026 to 2036. The Department of Finance and CARB argued the credit would help decarbonize aviation, support refinery transitions, and keep fuel production and jobs in California. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended rejecting the proposal, saying it is a relatively expensive way to reduce greenhouse gases, could have uncertain or limited climate benefits, and would reduce diesel excise tax revenue that supports highways, local streets and roads, and other transportation programs. A major point of debate was whether the credit would simply shift limited feedstocks from renewable diesel to SAF rather than create new low-carbon fuel supply. Professor Aaron Smith and the LAO said that because feedstocks such as used cooking oil, tallow, and vegetable oils are limited and already used in other fuel markets, the policy could increase SAF at the expense of renewable diesel, with possible increases in fuel prices and little net emissions benefit. Administration and CARB staff disputed that outcome, saying additional waste-based feedstocks are available and that the policy would not meaningfully raise gasoline or diesel prices. Senators focused on feedstock availability, impacts on road funding, fairness to consumers, and whether the proposal was really aimed at preserving specific refineries such as Phillips 66. Public comment was sharply divided. Labor representatives, refinery workers, airlines, Boeing, airports, and some local residents supported the proposal, emphasizing jobs, refinery investment, and aviation’s need for a liquid-fuel decarbonization pathway. Environmental and transportation groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, World Resources Institute, Earthjustice, California Environmental Voters, counties, cities, and trucking and asphalt associations, opposed it, citing weak net climate benefits, possible fuel-price impacts, and losses to transportation funding. No vote was taken; the chair announced all items would be held open for a future hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Management in our other zones.
• I manage one of New York's premier fur companies.
• I manage one of New York's premier fur companies.
• We're doing decision-making on House Bill 982 relating to wildfires.
• </c><02:59:38.200><c> just</c> definition of catastrophic Wildfire just definition of catastrophic Wildfire

Summary: The joint House Agriculture and Food Systems and Tourism hearing focused on HB 189 and HB 966, both dealing with agricultural tourism. HB 189 would require counties to adopt ordinances governing review and permitting of agricultural tourism as secondary uses on working farms, require the principal agricultural use to pre-exist any tourism-related permit, and limit ag tourism to land where productive agriculture is occurring. HB 966 would create statewide uniform standards for agricultural tourism, require county registration of activities, require ag tourism to coexist with agricultural activity on a farming operation, and end the tourism use when agricultural activity ceases. Testimony on HB 189 was mixed. The Department of Agriculture and Kualoa Ranch opposed the bill, arguing that the proposed restrictions and income-based limits could burden bona fide farms and ranches, reduce flexibility for counties, and harm food production, jobs, and diversification efforts. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism supports its food sales and community market and warned the bill could cost more than 350 jobs. The Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council also opposed the measure for similar reasons. The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported the bill with suggested amendments, including clearer language around agricultural dedication. The Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau supported the intent of the bill but urged caution, saying ag tourism should remain tied to actual agricultural production and that counties need flexibility to address abuses without imposing overly rigid standards. Members discussed how to define a bona fide agricultural operation and whether property tax agricultural dedication could serve as a clearer qualifier. They also raised concerns about how counties would enforce revenue thresholds or separate accounting for tourism and farm income, and whether state law should better target clearly non-agricultural uses such as gondolas or other abusive developments. The Department of Agriculture and Farm Bureau said counties already have authority to regulate ag tourism through ordinances, but that any new standards should avoid unintended burdens on true farmers and ranchers. HB 966 was then introduced, and initial testimony again reflected support for the bill’s intent from some agricultural groups and opposition or caution from others. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism can help educate visitors and support agriculture, the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported county flexibility, and the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau reiterated concerns about the bill’s income comparison provisions and the need to distinguish legitimate agricultural tourism from misuse. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commissioner Simpson is a fifth-generation Floridian who has owned and managed a large-scale egg-laying
• That's how we respond to these wildfires.
• So as we ask for new equipment or to be able to manage our forests and the dollars that you're giving
• Sometimes with a hurricane, it's not like a wildfire where you have to grab things and go.
• Sometimes with a hurricane, it's not like a wildfire where you have to grab things and go it.

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Florida Senate Committee on Agriculture convened with a quorum present and heard two presentations. Commissioner Wilton Simpson, head of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, outlined department accomplishments and funding needs, including IT modernization, expansion of the Rural and Family Lands program, updated best management practice manuals, growth of the Fresh From Florida marketing campaign, hurricane recovery loans for farmers, clearing concealed-weapons permit backlogs, construction of the Conner Complex headquarters, forestry equipment upgrades, and youth agriculture programs such as FFA and 4-H. Senators asked about water policy, citrus greening, FAMU partnerships, staffing efficiencies, and interdiction stations used to stop invasive species, stolen goods, and diseased or banned agricultural products from entering the state. Dr. Krista Court of the University of Florida/IFAS presented a preliminary economic assessment of the 2024 hurricane season’s agricultural impacts from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. She explained that the estimates are based on wind, rainfall, flooding, crop location, and survey data from extension agents, industry groups, FDACS, and producers, and that the figures do not include many asset losses, supply-chain effects, forestry losses, or some insurance-covered damages. Her preliminary estimates placed total 2024 agricultural production losses between about $402.3 million and $975.8 million, with the hardest-hit commodity groups including field and row crops, vegetables, melons, potatoes, greenhouse/nursery products, and animals and animal products. Members discussed the importance of accurate survey participation and baseline data, including use of USDA Farm Service Agency information, to improve future disaster estimates and federal relief decisions. Several senators emphasized agriculture’s importance in their districts and statewide. No bills were considered and no formal votes were taken; the only action was adjournment by motion of Senator Burton.

Transcript Highlights:

• State law provides unemployment insurance benefits to military families to help them manage the real-life
• State law provides unemployment insurance benefits to military families to help them manage the real-life
• State law provides unemployment insurance benefits to military families to help them manage the real-life
• That means a service member responding to—watch this—wildfire, like we've had here in California, floods
• Again, when we talk about wildfires, natural disasters... ...supporting those family members.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• service and drives away mid-career leaders, weakening our state's ability to meet homeland defense, wildfires
• service and drives away mid-career leaders, weakening our state's ability to meet homeland defense, wildfires
• service and drives away mid-career leaders, weakening our state's ability to meet homeland defense, wildfires
• This legislation would not impact current mutual aid agreements such as the Emergency Management Assistance
• the Nevada and Wyoming National Guard provided in multiple air and ground firefighting efforts as wildfires

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Bob Maddox, state program manager with Alabama CASA Network Incorporated.

Bills: SB118 , SB203 , HB420 , HB414 , HB363 , HB405 , HB261 , HB263 , HB327 , HB348 , SB118 , SB203 , HB420 , HB414 , HB363 , HB405 , HB261 , HB263 , HB327 , HB348 , HB228 , HB282 , SB273 , HB7 , SB296 , SB199 , SB47 , SB204 , HB80 , HB11 , HB192 , HB228 , HB282 , SB273 , HB7 , SB296 , SB199 , SB47 , SB204 , HB80 , HB11 , HB192

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: bail, offenses, constitutional amendment, criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, dental insurance, medical loss ratio, premium regulation, insurance commissioner, rebate, consumer protection, Baldwin County, local bill, education funding, school tax, privilege license tax, county tax revenue, municipal school board, Baldwin County Board of Education

Transcript Highlights:

• How will you help them manage this risk?
• The vets are currently managing the H5N1 outbreak by testing meat and milk.
• The USDA Office of Personnel Management must address these veterinary personnel challenges.
• in blue states that would be deployed to fight wildfires in red states?
• We have got to manage our forest in a way that reduces the wildfire risk that exists out there.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And it will align asset management and compliance across agencies for a longer-term efficiency, which
• for low- or moderate-income homeowners across the state who have been impacted by disasters like wildfires
• Newsom proposed a new mortgage relief program, wildfires in Los Angeles, the Governor Newsom proposed
• I'm the public policy manager with the California Council for Affordable Housing.
• And we have Ben Medcalf, the managing director for the Turner Center with the Housing Innovation at UC

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability held its first hearing of 2025 to examine how California finances affordable housing and homeownership. Co-chairs opened by describing the state’s severe housing shortage, high costs, and the need for the committee to identify practical recommendations. Panelists from the California Housing Partnership, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the Treasurer’s housing finance committees, CalHFA, and Related discussed the layered financing structure used for affordable housing, including federal low-income housing tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, state subsidies, local funds, and rental assistance. Witnesses emphasized that affordable housing projects typically require multiple funding sources and that the system is often slowed by complex applications, overlapping rules, and too many layers of financing. Several speakers noted recent federal changes that expanded the 9% and 4% tax credit programs, including a lower bond-financing threshold for 4% credits, which should allow more projects to move forward. State officials also highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline the system, including the SuperNOFA, AB 519’s one-stop-shop working group, and the planned California Housing and Homeless Agency, which is intended to align housing, homelessness, and civil rights functions. CalHFA described its homeownership and multifamily programs, including My Home, Dream For All, Cal Assist Mortgage Fund, and the Mixed Income Program, and said its financing tools help first-time buyers and developers. Related and other housing providers said the state has made real progress through land-use reform, accountability enforcement, and faster tax credit allocation, but argued that funding remains far below need. They called for more state and permanent funding sources, more efficient administration, more support for ADU and modular financing, and better attention to deeper affordability, the “missing middle,” and equity impacts on renters, women, and communities of color. The hearing was informational only; no votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then the management changed hands and ran a new background check, and I was fired Then the management
• Then the management changed hands and ran a new background check, and I was fired then the management
• There are a lot of aspects of technology that need to be managed today.
• moments, then a wildfire happens.
• Yeah, if there's a wildfire, I actually want them to stop delivery during the wildfire, frankly, even

Summary: The committee heard several immigration-, health-, food access-, and tribal-rights-related bills. AB 1725 would require disclosure of oil wells near homes and sensitive sites and stronger methane monitoring; supporters described health and safety harms in communities near wells, while apartment, realtor, building, and chamber representatives opposed or sought amendments, arguing the bill should better target the responsible industry and fit existing disclosure processes. AB 1650 would require privately rented or leased vehicles used by government agencies for enforcement to be clearly identifiable and equipped with safety lighting; supporters, including immigrant-rights advocates and local officials, said unmarked vehicles create fear and confusion during ICE operations, while the chamber sought clarification and noted exemptions for ordinary undercover law enforcement. AB 1857 would prohibit grocery restrictive covenants that keep new supermarkets from opening after a store closes, with supporters framing it as a food-access and anti-hunger measure; grocers and retailers raised concerns but said amendments addressed many issues, and the committee moved the bill forward as amended to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with all members present voting aye except one absent member and the bill placed on call. The committee also heard AB 1876, which would codify federal health-care nondiscrimination protections in state law. Supporters from Equality California, Disability Rights California, Planned Parenthood, and other health groups said it would preserve coverage protections for LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and other protected classes amid federal rollbacks; opponents argued it would entrench gender-affirming-care standards and criticized the underlying medical framework. The bill passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with most members voting aye and one no vote, and was placed on call. AB 1908 would allow public entities to use judgment obligation bonds to finance self-funded victim compensation funds; Los Angeles County said the bill would fill a financing gap for faster compensation, and the committee advanced it on a recorded vote and placed it on call. AB 1881, the California Indian Freedom Act of 2026, would protect California tribes’ access to sacred sites and traditional practices on state public lands and require meaningful consultation; it drew extensive support from tribal leaders and Native organizations, while cities, counties, utilities, builders, and business groups were opposed unless amended, largely seeking clarification and narrowing. The bill was amended to focus on state public lands and passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, then placed on call. Later, AB 2465 would bar businesses that profit from private detention facilities or contract with immigration-enforcement agencies from receiving state grants, loans, or tax credits and create an immigrant resilience fund. Supporters said the state should not subsidize businesses tied to immigration raids and detention; opponents, including the chamber, bankers, and contractors, raised vagueness and scope concerns, especially over what contracts would be covered. Members said they supported the concept but wanted the bill tightened, and it passed to Revenue and Taxation on a recorded vote with one no vote and was placed on call. The committee then heard AB 2662, which would create a formal state process to monitor and report on federal immigration enforcement actions and their impacts; supporters from legal aid and health centers said raids have chilled access to work, schools, clinics, and naturalization, and the bill was presented as a modest accountability measure. The transcript cuts off before any vote on AB 2662. The committee also approved a consent calendar of several bills and resolutions, sending some to Appropriations and others to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have fundamental data or the ability to track that data in our system across case management
• So, the case management system of record is vitally important.
• And organizational change management of the people using the system.
• Wildfires last month.
• We can look at wildfire threat areas, not just active burn areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• albuterol prescriptions must be accompanied by a standing order authorizing its administration for the management
• Asthma can be caused by a number of things, including wildfires, other pollutants, extreme anxiety, allergens
• prevalence and severity of asthma, which, of course, the prime sponsor noted has been exacerbated by wildfires
• She added that respiratory conditions such as asthma are exacerbated by chronic wildfires in the state
• She said multiple studies have found that exposure to wildfire smoke can worsen asthma and can contribute

Summary: The House Education Committee first heard House Bill 2246, which would update school discipline rules for firearm-related violations. Committee staff explained that the bill extends existing firearm expulsion and readmission provisions to charter schools, state tribal education compact schools, the School for the Blind, the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth, and educational service districts, and would allow governing boards to deny readmission or limit participation in activities after a firearm-related incident. Representative Lowe said the bill was prompted by a local incident and was intended to give districts more flexibility and clarity while still ensuring students continue receiving educational services. Committee members questioned how the bill interacts with constitutional rights to public education, whether it applies to imitation firearms or social media threats, and whether the school board or administration should make the initial discipline decision. OSPI testified “other,” noting concern about limiting appeals to one reconsideration and citing 48 firearm-related expulsions and 198 suspensions in 2023-24. Team Child testified in opposition, arguing the bill would make reentry harder and could unnecessarily exclude students from extracurriculars after they had served their discipline period. The public hearing on HB 2246 closed with 246 pro, 7 con, and 1 other signed in. The committee then heard House Bill 2360, which would allow public and private schools to maintain stock albuterol under a statewide standing order for use in asthma or other respiratory emergencies. Staff described the bill as authorizing trained school personnel or nurses to administer school-supplied albuterol in certain circumstances, including on school property, buses, and sanctioned excursions, with limited liability protections and a refusal option for employees not wishing to administer it. Representative Donaghy said the bill was meant to address life-threatening asthma attacks, especially when a student’s own inhaler is unavailable or when emergency response times are long. OSPI and the Washington State Nurses Association/School Nurse Organization of Washington testified in support, emphasizing the prevalence of asthma, the bill’s permissive nature, and the need for a standing order. The Department of Health had sent a letter asking to strike one section, and some witnesses raised concerns about administering albuterol to students without a prior prescription or diagnosis. Opponents, including a school nurse, argued the bill should wait until the state has clearer protocols, more training, and better staffing, and said nurses should not be asked to diagnose or medicate without physician orders. Supporters, including a pediatric pulmonologist and school nurses, said stock albuterol is safe, can prevent emergency room visits and deaths, and should be paired with parent notification and follow-up care. The public hearing on HB 2360 closed with 113 pro, 2 con, and 1 other signed in.

Transcript Highlights:

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• > the</c><00:24:05.120><c> good</c><00:24:05.360><c> representative</c><00:24:05.919><c> from</c> manager
• Coast Guard Station Maui for its courageous response to the Lahaina wildfire.
• In the first 72 hours of the wildfire, Petty Officer George Chihara coordinated with U.S.
• After the Maui wildfires, many of us here met with the Coast Guard in Lahaina Harbor, right next to a