Video & Transcript Research : 'deep fakes'
Page 67 of 288
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Aug 20th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- the drilling program could potentially identify the groundwater quality. and the potential sites for deep-well
- So, related to brine management, right now, we generally perform deep well injection, like El Paso did
- I think NMED has all the regulations on what wells and what requirements are for deep wells.
- desalination technologies have been implemented for over 50 years, and there are other options, such as... deep
- ensure, and I'm really looking for the assurance that communities are not left with toxic brine ponds, deep
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This is funding. the deep state, plain and simple.
- Well, the deep state, like I talked about earlier. State, define please.
- to be labor of the... points that have been made, but you said something interesting, that we had a deep
- Is that the Deep State? I asked a question about the Deep State.
Keywords:
hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The data is clear that revoking aid only pushes families into deep poverty, which leads to toxic stress
- development, and destabilizes families to the point of interaction with the child welfare system and deep
- vital resources and restrict future updates to only inflation adjustments, which I have to take a deep
- I have to take a deep breath on that because this is just not a good time at all for us to do that.
- That's why I had to take a deep breath and pause, because this is unbelievable at this current time.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard a long agenda of bills focused largely on child welfare, foster care, child care, CalWORKs, mandated reporting, and public benefits. Early items included AB 890, which would ease county transfer rules for nonminor dependents in extended foster care; AB 461, which would replace punitive truancy-related penalties with supportive services for families; and AB 753, which would create an interim associate teacher pathway to help address the child care workforce shortage. Testimony on these bills emphasized barriers faced by foster youth, low-income families, and child care providers, and members expressed support for the general policy direction.
The committee also heard AB 926 on foster care visitation, AB 563 on early childhood planning and reporting, AB 601 on standardized mandated reporter training, AB 1074 on CalWORKs reunification aid, AB 822 extending the Commission on the State of Hate, AB 970 creating a Los Angeles County mandated reporter pilot, AB 1161 protecting public benefits during disasters, AB 1172 allowing trained staff to administer emergency seizure medication in community care settings, and AB 363 expanding CalWORKs student supports and work-study. Witnesses generally supported these measures as ways to reduce trauma, improve reunification, modernize reporting and training, and expand access to services. County welfare and child welfare groups, advocacy organizations, and providers largely testified in support, while some bills drew concerns from county representatives about implementation or needed amendments.
Several bills were voted out of committee, often unanimously and sometimes as amended, including AB 926, AB 563, AB 601, AB 1074, AB 822, AB 970, AB 1161, and AB 1172; AB 1172 was reported on call. The committee also took up consent items and later voted on subcommittee-held bills AB 461, AB 753, and AB 890, leaving them on call. At the end of the hearing, the committee heard AB 1211, which would protect CalFresh benefits from federal cuts and require a feasibility study on increasing benefits and eligibility; testimony stressed rising food insecurity and the economic importance of food assistance, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Blain's dedication to our keiki, educators, and our greater community is a reflection of the deep aloha
- Blain's dedication to our keiki, educators, and our greater community is a reflection of the deep aloha
- Blain's dedication to our keiki, educators, and our greater community is a reflection of the deep aloha
- Blain's dedication to our keiki, educators, and our greater community is a reflection of the deep aloha
- To our keiki educators and our greater community is a reflection of the deep aloha he has for Hawaiʻi
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We've had some brief discussions about the deep cuts being considered at Sonoma State, and we've heard
- To say you are correct, these cuts go very deep. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
- They will have a deep impact on the California economy and the social mobility of our state.
- How is cutting the CSU this deep while putting it on the backs of student tuition to cover that?
- So I hope you'll have a chance to dig in deep on these issues as we did.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Jan 23, 2025, 10:00AM HST - State of Judiciary
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I developed a deep respect for the Legislature, a respect that continues to this day.
- We undertake our work with humility, with deep respect, and are always mindful our decisions profoundly
- 00:39:44.079>
with <00:39:44.280>humility <00:39:45.040>with <00:39:45.200>deep - <00:39:45.520>
respect <00:39:46.440>and work with humility with deep respect and work - with humility with deep respect and are<00:39:46.760>
always <00:39:47.040>mindful <00:
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it's safe or I think it's unsafe, and I should raise a flag here, deep concern.
- Looking through the data there, 87% of the wells were less than 100 feet deep.
- You know, we're not reaching down deep.
- Our wells are from about 489 feet to 710 feet deep.
- They're not deep wells like commercial wells.
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on high-capacity groundwater wells proposed in Anderson, Henderson, and Houston counties, with members framing the issue as one of local water supply, fairness, and the need to modernize groundwater law while protecting private property rights. Opening remarks focused on the scale of the proposed Redtown Ranch and Pine Bliss projects, the potential export of tens of thousands of acre-feet of groundwater annually, and concerns that the applications lacked sufficient technical detail and could harm nearby landowners, cities, agriculture, and manufacturing. Members also noted the broader context of the recent flooding tragedy in central Texas and the Legislature’s intent to address water-related loss of life in the upcoming special session.
Witnesses from the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts and the Texas Water Development Board explained the current groundwater management framework. They described groundwater conservation districts as the state’s preferred management method, the role of groundwater management areas and desired future conditions, and how the Water Development Board uses those conditions to calculate modeled available groundwater. They emphasized that districts rely on local data, monitoring wells, and planning processes, but that information is often more limited in areas without a district, where the rule of capture applies. Members pressed witnesses on recharge rates, export permits, subsidence, the effect of pumping on nearby wells, the age and real-time availability of model data, and whether the proposed project would exceed modeled available groundwater in some counties.
TCEQ explained its limited oversight role over groundwater conservation districts, including inquiries, compliance actions, and, in extreme cases, dissolution authority. Water Development Board staff also outlined funding programs, saying the New Water Supply for Texas Fund is limited to projects such as brackish desalination, reuse, ASR, and other new-supply projects, and does not fund fresh groundwater exports alone. They said the project at issue had not applied for board funding. A water lawyer then testified on the rule of capture, ownership in place, and district regulation, arguing that districts must use permitting and other tools to manage production within modeled available groundwater and that the Legislature could consider additional authority over groundwater exports under current law.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- So, uh I have our Jefferson deep. Okay. So, uh I have our Jefferson deep. Okay.
- sadness and this resolution is deep sadness and this resolution is deep sadness and this resolution
- and delve so bill, I you went so deep and delve so bill, I you went so deep and delve so deep into it
- Um, you lost me on certain deep into it. Um, you lost me on certain deep into it.
- I don't know that this goes deep enough. I don't know that this goes deep enough.
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I might ask the senator if he wanted to since he's from the deep, deep south.
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and approved Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 913 on a do pass motion by a vote of 16 ayes and 3 noes. The transcript then moved to a public hearing on Senate Bill 1033, presented by Senator Jason Bean. The bill would exempt certain older covered farm vehicles used in local farming operations from emissions inspection requirements, and it also included language to ease permitting for cotton gins by removing the need for air dispersion modeling in certain construction permit applications. Bean also referenced related air pollution control funding language from Senate Bill 953.
Testimony on SB 1033 was uniformly supportive. Cotton producers, Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Pork Producers, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, the Missouri Mining Association/Infra, the American Council of Engineering Companies, and Associated Industries of Missouri all spoke in favor. Supporters said the bill would reduce regulatory and retrofit costs for farm vehicles, help cotton gins remain competitive with neighboring states, and provide a more stable funding stream for the state air pollution control program, which witnesses said is projected to become insolvent in fiscal year 2028.
Committee members asked several questions about the cotton gin permitting changes, the number of farmers affected, and the air program funding mechanism. Witnesses explained that the funding provision would redirect a small portion of sales and use tax revenue from electric power distribution into the air pollution control program and would prevent sweeping of unused funds to general revenue. No one testified in opposition, and the chair closed the hearing on SB 1033.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Democrats rise in protest to place in the journal their deep frustration with the events that
- Senate Democrats rise in protest to place in the journal are deep frustration with the events that unfolded
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem, then recorded attendance and approved the journal. Members recognized Radiology Advocacy Day and welcomed radiologists in the gallery. The chamber also approved a motion to request House consent for the Senate to adjourn on Thursday, April 2, 2026, after completing its work, until Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
The main substantive action was consideration of Senate Resolution 1002, honoring Lieutenant Colonel Salvatore Capitano, an Italian Air Force officer who served at Luke Air Force Base as an F-35 instructor and evaluator pilot. The resolution praised his leadership, service to allied training efforts, and support for Arizona’s driver’s license reciprocity legislation for allied service members. Senators and guests spoke in tribute, a moment of silence was observed, and the resolution was unanimously adopted and transmitted to the Secretary of State.
During personal privilege, members introduced guests including a student visitor and several Italian military and diplomatic representatives. Senate Democrats also entered a statement into the journal protesting the March 26 floor handling of HB 2072, the repeal of Cesar Chavez Day, arguing that amendments were not fully heard and that the process lacked meaningful dialogue. The Senate then recessed for caucus and later adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Feb 11th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- not be missed on anybody in this process that your commitment to serving those who served us is so deep
- ... ...missed on anybody in this process that your commitment to serving those who served us is so deep
Keywords:
veterans, military spouses, business incentives, tax exemptions, economic development, veteran benefits, minor clients, financial assistance, education services, Department of Children and Families, Department of Health
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and took up two bills. SB 1594, by Senator Gates, would change how veterans’ benefits received on behalf of foster youth are handled so the funds are not used to offset foster care costs, but instead are preserved for post-secondary education or aftercare services when the youth leaves foster care. The bill drew one supportive appearance from Victoria Zep of Family Support Services, had no debate, and was reported favorably by a unanimous roll call vote. Senator Sharief later asked to be recorded as a yes vote on the bill.
The committee then considered SB 1182, by Senator Jones, which creates the Florida Veterans and Military Spouses Business Development Act to provide fee relief and tax incentives for veteran-owned and military spouse-owned businesses. The committee adopted Jones’s strike-all amendment, which added information-sharing and verification provisions, refined the tax exemptions, and broadened eligibility for fee waivers and sales tax relief. After no questions or debate, the amended bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote.
The committee also held a confirmation hearing for three appointees—Matthew Bacchano, Tim Thomas, and Belinda Kaiser—and recommended confirmation on all three in one vote. The meeting concluded with several members offering remarks praising Chair Wright’s long service and leadership on veterans’ issues, followed by adjournment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm very grateful for your deep engagement. It is truly an honor to have you on this committee.
- I'm very grateful for your deep engagement and thoughtful work on this budget. So thank you.
- health care coverage for all Californians, regardless of their immigration status, and echo their deep
- health care coverage for all Californians, regardless of their immigration status, and echo their deep
- health care coverage for all Californians, regardless of their immigration status, and echo their deep
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the final three-party agreement for the 2026-27 state budget and 19 implementing bills, including two budget bill juniors and 17 trailer bills. Committee leadership and administration officials described the budget as a balanced plan that reduces out-year structural deficits, maintains large reserves, and makes major investments in health care, education, housing, child care, public safety, and other core services while also responding to expected federal cuts and fiscal uncertainty. The Department of Finance outlined the package’s major components, including Medi-Cal adjustments, education funding increases, higher education changes, child care and human services updates, housing and homelessness funding, energy and transportation provisions, and tax and general government changes.
Members asked questions about several provisions, including CSU enrollment targets and turnaround plans, the Prop. 98 settle-up mechanism, the plastics market development payment program, housing accountability measures, NextGen 9-1-1 implementation, and veteran services. Staff and administration witnesses explained that the higher education language is intended to improve campus-by-campus reporting and oversight, that Prop. 98 settle-up would be finalized later through the statutory certification process, and that NextGen 9-1-1 now includes one-time funding, quarterly reporting, an independent technical review, and a state audit. Members also discussed the HAP homelessness funding increase to $900 million and the balance between accountability and timely distribution of funds.
The most extended exchange centered on comparisons between funding for veterans and Medi-Cal/immigrant health coverage. Republican members argued the budget spends far more on undocumented immigrant services than on veterans, while Democratic members and Finance staff responded that the comparison was misleading because many veterans’ services are federally funded and the state budget also includes dedicated veteran support. The chair and other members emphasized that the budget reflects difficult tradeoffs and that the package protects vulnerable populations, preserves health care access, and advances affordability. No final vote was described in the excerpt, but members indicated support for the overall package and said they would support it on the floor.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- And for many reasons, because many of the founders were innovative and deep thinkers, it was not legal
- And it is— Deep thinkers. It was not legal at the time when I was born to practice acupuncture.
- So if we all take a deep breath together, would that be breathwork?
- However, for the deep, chronic, autoimmune, and other confusing health challenges that are so rampant
- We help people integrate into the field of gravity, and we do that through deep tissue work.
Summary:
The committee opened a hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure and reviewed a broad agenda including credit card fees, event ticketing, music therapy licensure, senior psychologist licensure, CPA pathways, school mental health licensure, and a bill regulating alternative healing therapies. The chairs explained hearing logistics, including three-minute testimony limits and submission of written testimony, and noted that more than 70 people had signed up to testify. Legislators and advocates were heard out of order throughout the day.
A major portion of the hearing focused on credit card surcharge and interchange legislation. Restaurant owners, the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, NFIB, and other small-business witnesses supported bills allowing merchants to add convenience fees and, in one proposal, preventing card companies from charging fees on tax and tip portions of transactions. They argued that swipe fees are a major and growing cost, especially for restaurants, and that Massachusetts is one of only two states that bars surcharges. Opponents from the Cooperative Credit Union Association, the Electronic Payment Coalition, and the Electronic Transactions Association warned that the proposals would create compliance burdens, fragment the payment system, raise legal preemption issues, and disrupt a system they described as efficient and secure.
The committee also heard competing testimony on ticket transferability and ticket resale. Supporters, including the National Consumers League and Sports Fans Coalition, said bills on ticket transferability would protect consumers who cannot attend events and would increase competition and savings in the secondary market. Opponents, including United Musicians and Allied Workers and theater owners, argued that mandatory transferability would weaken artists’ and venues’ ability to prevent scalping and predatory resale, and that some ticket sellers should be exempt from the broader ticketing regulations. Separate testimony supported music therapy licensure, senior psychologist licensure, and new CPA education pathways, with witnesses saying these measures would expand access to care and strengthen the workforce while maintaining professional standards. The hearing also drew extensive opposition to S.261 on alternative healing therapies, with practitioners and clients arguing it would overregulate spiritual and holistic practices and was not an effective response to human trafficking concerns.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Energy Development and Transmission Committee Jun 2nd, 2026 at 09:00 am
Energy Development and Transmission Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Now it's over a thousand feet deep and cost him over a million dollars to drill a water well.
- I'm not going to spend any time there because the next presentation will do a deep dive on the State
- I'm not going to spend any time there because the next presentation will do a deep dive on the State
- And at that, I know I covered a lot during the tour, but really deep dive on oil and gas.
- So the potential impact is broad and deep.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee May 12th, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- of conversation throughout this session, I think, was essentially a six-month interlude into very deep
- testament to the Senate and the Senate President's seriousness about these issues that we're going to dig deep
- So the short answer is we did not go off on a deep examination of the opportunities to hold fossil fuel
- They led a transparent and very inclusive process that took a deep look at the wide range of wildfire-related
- two to three committees and you're running back and forth and we don't have that time to really go deep
Summary:
The committee held the first of several informational hearings on the SB 254 Natural Catastrophe Resiliency Study, focused on wildfire risk, utility liability, and how to finance catastrophic losses. Chair Allen opened by describing California’s recent utility-ignited wildfires, the creation of the wildfire fund under AB 1054, and SB 254’s extension of that fund and requirement for a study. The California Earthquake Authority, as wildfire fund administrator, presented the report’s process and findings, emphasizing that the study was intended to be neutral and broad, based on extensive stakeholder outreach, and that the status quo is not working well for survivors, communities, ratepayers, insurers, or utilities.
CEA’s report organized recommendations into three policy pathways: continued mitigation investment, more equitable allocation of catastrophe burdens, and expanded state roles in catastrophe financing. For utilities, the report discussed options such as setting a binding risk-tolerance standard, preserving safety certificate accountability, tying executive compensation more directly to safety, creating confidential reporting with safe-harbor protections, reforming utility liability including possible changes to inverse condemnation, limiting damages, reducing insurance subrogation, and creating a fast-pay facility for survivors. The financing analysis compared a more durable wildfire fund, risk transfer/reinsurance, liability reforms, and state-backed mechanisms such as a state insurer, a state backstop, and broader funding for community wildfire mitigation.
The CPUC said wildfire mitigation oversight has improved, but wildfire-related costs are driving electricity bills higher and creating an affordability crisis. The Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety highlighted its wildfire mitigation plan review and field inspections, and recommended stronger safety reporting and more safety-weighted executive compensation. In member discussion, senators and assemblymembers focused on the cost of the status quo, whether the burden should be shared by ratepayers, utilities, the state, or other parties, and whether California should consider broader disaster-financing approaches. Several members raised concerns about inverse condemnation, the pace of survivor compensation, local land-use responsibility, and the need for a more comprehensive statewide solution rather than piecemeal bills. No votes or formal actions were taken; the hearing was informational only.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:22:50.880>
that <00:22:51.039>they're <00:22:51.200>going <00:22:51.360>deep - beacon, meaning that they're going deep beacon, meaning that they're going deep enough<00:22:51.760
- again related depth monitoring device, again related to<00:22:58.000>
how <00:22:58.159>deep - get,<00:22:58.720>
because <00:22:58.880>the <00:22:59.039>deeper to how deep - you get, because the deeper to how deep you get, because the deeper you<00:22:59.440>
get, <00
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So he brings with him, besides his 30 years, a deep, intimate understanding of what the farmers go through
- So he brings with him, besides his 30 years, a deep, intimate understanding of what the farmers go through
- So he brings with him, besides his 30 years, a deep, intimate understanding of what the farmers go through
- So he brings with him, besides his 30 years, a deep, intimate understanding of what the farmers go through
- So he brings with him, besides his 30 years, a deep, intimate understanding of what the farmers go through
Summary:
The committee heard multiple gubernatorial confirmation nominations, beginning with GM509 for Jay Stone to the Environmental Advisory Council. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and other supporters praised Stone’s more than 30 years of engineering experience and said he would help balance environmental protection with economic development. Stone said he wanted to contribute to environmental health and sustainability, and identified sea level rise and PFAS in drinking water as key concerns. The committee then moved to GM531 and GM532, nominations of Judson Leair and Nicholas Ta to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported both nominees. Leair emphasized his farming background and said pesticide policy should be more comprehensive, selective, and threshold-based rather than relying on broad-spectrum use; Ta said he would focus on integrated pest management, label compliance, education, and using the least amount of pesticide necessary, including non-chemical alternatives such as exclusion and behavior changes.
The committee next considered GM533, Janet Ashman’s nomination to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau all supported her, citing her experience, responsiveness, and prior service. Ashman said she wanted to help make pesticide regulations more understandable and stressed targeted pest control, scouting, and more precise products. Members asked about the complexity of pesticide regulations and the shift away from broad-based pesticide use; Ashman explained that regulations are complicated for both farmers and homeowners and that newer, more targeted products are needed as pests develop resistance. The committee then heard GM57 for Don Hegger Nordl to the Environmental Advisory Council. Supporters said she has environmental planning experience and knowledge of Chapter 343 and related rules. Nordl said she could bring state, county, and federal experience to the council and identified the need for more volunteers and broader professional representation as the council’s biggest challenge.
Finally, the committee took up GM697, Dean Matsukawa’s nomination as deputy director of the Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and several other testifiers strongly supported him, highlighting his 30 years with the department, his family farming background, and his understanding of farmers’ needs, especially access to capital and biosecurity challenges. Testifiers said he is calm, logical, experienced, and already familiar with the department’s work. Matsukawa was described as a reluctant nominee who was sought out for the role. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on the nominations during the portion provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The third is what we'll talk about today is that we try to do deep dives, and I'll try to model this
- We did a deep dive into telehealth. health.
- I think it was helpful to try to move some telehealth policies forward in Texas, a deep dive related
- We figured out one of those was really related to food, and kind of a next deep study was working with
- So about a year and a half ago as we were looking for the next deep dive The issue that boiled up was
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- One of them was at least eight hours, going deep into the night.
- 2022 market declines, which were mild by historical standards, could quickly push the budget into deep
- Specifically, income tax revenues across 2020, 2023— ...deep deficits.
- Advocates really want to express our deep...
- Advocates really want to express our deep appreciation for all the hard work.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the 2026 Budget Act, which leaders described as the compromise budget expected to move to the floor later that evening. Opening remarks emphasized that the plan balances the budget over two years, reduces the structural deficit, and builds reserves, while also protecting core programs from federal cuts. Jason Sisney outlined the legislative budget plan, saying it uses higher-than-expected revenues and reserve balances to reject some proposed reductions and fund temporary restorations and new spending in areas such as education, child care, health care, housing, homelessness, and public safety. Department of Finance representatives said the administration appreciated the two-year balanced framework and the effort to address out-year deficits, while noting the plan includes additional spending and revenue changes. Sisney also previewed floor bills including AB 109, SB 110, SB 122, and SB 125, with SB 122 described as a modification to the tax credit proposal and SB 125 as the managed care organization tax proposal.
Subcommittee chairs then described the major policy choices in their areas. Health chair Addis said the budget responds to federal health care rollbacks by protecting Medi-Cal, clinics, hospitals, dental care, and other safety-net services, while also supporting reproductive care, gender-affirming care, and county health systems. Education chair Alvarez highlighted increased school funding, expanded learning, special education, teacher support, community colleges, and a change to Cal Grant eligibility for older community college students. Other chairs emphasized child care expansions, homelessness and housing funding, prison closure and criminal justice savings, wildfire mitigation, county support for Medi-Cal and CalFresh administration, and accountability measures tied to homelessness and corrections spending. Several members also raised concerns or priorities, including the impact of the MCO tax on providers, the need for more support for local journalism, transit and climate funding, biotech and R&D incentives, and continued work on Prop 98 and long-term revenue solutions.
No formal votes were taken in the portion provided, but members broadly expressed support for the budget framework and the need to continue negotiations with the administration before final passage. The committee discussion repeatedly framed the budget as a response to federal policy changes and a choice to protect vulnerable Californians while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The vice chair, citing LAO warnings about future volatility and limited reserves, pressed Finance on whether the budget represented a record-sized state budget and whether revenues were also at record levels, underscoring concerns about the state’s preparedness for a downturn.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations. (2-24-26)
Licensing & Occupations
Transcript Highlights:
- And I hope that the people who care about this issue so deeply will really dig deep and not say what's
- And I hope that the people who care about this issue so deeply will really dig deep and not say what's
- And I hope that the people who care about this issue so deeply will really dig deep and not say what's
- And I hope that the people who care about this issue so deeply will really dig deep and not say what's
- this issue so de deeply will<00:47:17.520>
really <00:47:17.839>dig <00:47:18.160>deep
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on February 24, 2026, with a quorum present and took up one bill, House Bill 470. The bill sponsor and supporters described it as a cleanup measure to House Bill 505 that would extend the deadline for peer support specialists in the substance use field to become registered, because the earlier regulations were not promulgated in time and employers and workers were left in limbo. Supporters said the bill includes an emergency clause to stabilize the workforce and creates a working group to recommend a more effective oversight structure, possibly a new board, by November 1. They argued the extension would preserve access to services, allow providers to continue billing for peer support, and give the state time to address regulatory backlogs and workforce shortages.
Several supporters emphasized that peer support is a critical part of recovery services and that the current system needs better infrastructure, accountability, and uniform standards. They said the bill would help prevent fraud and abuse by tightening guardrails while allowing qualified peers to keep working. One supporter said the bill would close the door on higher-level billing abuses and that other Medicaid-related efforts were also underway to address improper billing practices. Another witness said the bill would allow people who completed certification to continue serving and would help providers retain staff and get reimbursed.
Senator McDaniel raised concerns that the bill might simply extend the period during which abuse of the peer recovery model could continue, rather than fixing the underlying problems. In response, the sponsors said House Bill 505 already imposed tighter training requirements and that this bill only extends the registration deadline while other efforts, including managed care organization limits and broader Medicaid reforms, are addressing abuse. Senator Howell asked about barriers to registration, and witnesses said the problem was a mix of supply-demand issues, workload, and some applicants’ reluctance to take the test. Senator Berg supported the bill as necessary to ensure proper billing and accountability, while Senator Meredith said the committee was missing key information from the cabinet and suggested it may be premature to act without hearing from the agency. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.