Transcript Highlights:

• With the sweeping away of the timber industry and the mills that have, you know, so many mills that we've
• ><02:58:39.560><c> industry</c><02:58:40.160><c> and</c><02:58:40.279><c> the</c><02:58:40.399><c> Mills
• </c><02:58:40.760><c> that</c> the Timber industry and the Mills that the Timber industry and the Mills
• </c><02:58:43.000><c> that</c><02:58:43.120><c> have</c> have you know so many mills that have have you
• know so many mills that have that<02:58:43.600><c> we've</c><02:58:43.800><c> lost</c><02:58:44.080>

Transcript Highlights:

• I will say his name: Kevin Mills. He passed away while in custody in the San Diego County jail.
• It's not a run-of-the-mill, small city attorney office.
• It's not a run-in-the-mill, small city office, city attorney office.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, though no final votes were taken because a quorum had not yet been established. SB 493 by Senator Becker would add war or armed conflict to California’s price-gouging emergency triggers, with the author and supporters arguing it would protect consumers from gas-price spikes tied to international conflict. Opponents, including business and housing groups, warned the bill could over-trigger emergency powers and create broad, ongoing price controls. The chair indicated support for an aye-as-amended recommendation once quorum was reached. SB 1056 by Senator Grayson would require protective orders for disclosure of sexually explicit material involving adult victims in specified criminal cases. Denise Huskins-Quinn and Aaron Quinn testified in support, describing how sensitive evidence in their case was copied and handled without adequate safeguards; supporters said the bill would extend privacy protections similar to those already used for child sexual abuse material. Criminal defense attorneys supported the goal but raised concerns about notice procedures and how the bill would apply when material is in the public domain. The chair said the bill filled a gap in existing law and would receive an aye recommendation. SB 1208 by Senator Grayson would let law enforcement seize and return crypto assets used in scams and fraud to victims. The Attorney General’s office and law enforcement groups supported the bill as a tool to recover losses from transnational crypto fraud, while the ACLU and public defenders argued it lowered the burden of proof, raised constitutional concerns, and could be misused against unbanked or low-level defendants. The chair nevertheless said the bill aligned with existing law for stolen property and would be recommended aye. SB 874 by Senator Weber-Pearson would strengthen oversight of Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, including requiring background checks for employees of providers and convening a stakeholder workgroup; it drew support from the California Association for Behavior Analysis and no opposition was heard. Later, SB 1266 by Senator Stern would change how the value of stolen copper and related infrastructure damage is calculated, aiming to address copper theft and its costs to cities and utilities. Supporters said the bill would better capture the real harm from thefts that disrupt streetlights, telecom, and emergency services, while opponents argued it would inflate charges, turn many misdemeanors into felonies, and increase court and incarceration costs. The author said he would continue discussions and accept the amendments. Senator Cervantes presented SB 1379, which would separate the Riverside County sheriff and coroner offices and create an independent medical examiner; supporters cited in-custody death concerns and conflicts of interest, while opponents said the problem was not unique to Riverside and that the bill would override local control. Cervantes also presented SB 1418 to extend ballot-custody protections to other election records and equipment after a Riverside County ballot seizure, with support from the Attorney General’s office. Finally, Senator Blakespear began presenting SB 936 on nitrous oxide misuse, describing public health, impaired-driving, and disposal concerns, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:10:28.560><c> Uh,</c><01:10:29.040><c> wall</c><01:10:29.440><c> mill</c><01:10:29.679><c> work
• Uh, wall mill work painting is finished. Uh, wall mill work is<01:10:30.080><c> done.

Bills: HF4912 , HF4664

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• today are Mike Beltran, an MMA referee for the California State Athletic Commission, as well as Jason Mills
• today are Mike Beltran, an MMA referee for the California State Athletic Commission, as well as Jason Mills
• My name is Jason Mills.

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee heard a long agenda of bills, with several authors presenting measures focused on probation, prison conditions, public safety, diversion, and infrastructure theft. Early in the hearing, AB 1816 by Assembly Member Davies proposed allowing courts to extend probation for up to one additional year for people convicted of registrable sex offenses who have not completed required treatment. Supporters, including the Chief Probation Officers of California, argued the bill would improve rehabilitation and public safety by allowing treatment to be completed; opponents, including public defenders and civil liberties groups, said existing revocation tools already address noncompliance and warned the bill was vague and would prolong supervision. The bill was later moved on call with an aye recommendation. The committee also heard AB 2593, which would prohibit non-medical staff from interfering with prescribed care for incarcerated patients; it drew broad support from medical, disability, public defender, and justice reform groups and passed to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including AB 1927 and AB 2502, was adopted without controversy. The committee then considered AB 1538 by Assembly Member Krell, which would bar elected or appointed officials from using political power for retaliation. Support came from a student activist and the California News Publishers Association, with additional support from education, law enforcement, and civil liberties groups; no opposition testimony was offered, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2584 by Assembly Member Flora, as amended, would narrow civil liability for lawful defensive force; supporters framed it as protecting self-defense, while one opposition witness objected on behalf of labor and justice groups. The chair noted concerns about eliminating civil liability but still recommended aye, and the bill passed to Judiciary. AB 2217 by Assembly Member Zbur would rename and expand the LEAD diversion program as “Alternatives to Arrest,” broaden eligible offenses, and continue grant funding for local diversion efforts. Supporters emphasized reduced recidivism and service connections, and the bill was moved on call to Appropriations. Later, the committee took up AB 1941 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez, which would create an organized metal theft offense and a statewide data-sharing system to address copper theft and damage to public infrastructure. Supporters from utilities, cities, transit, telecom, and law enforcement described widespread outages, costly repairs, and public safety risks; opponents argued the bill would deepen criminalization and racial disparities and that non-carceral solutions were preferable. The author and supporters responded that the bill was needed to address repeated thefts that leave communities without lights, power, or 911 service, and the measure passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2499 by Assembly Member Gibson sought stronger protections for incarcerated people and workers from extreme heat and inadequate ventilation in state prisons. The bill was backed by incarcerated workers, family members of a woman who died from heat-related causes, and a wide coalition of public defender, civil rights, and prisoner advocacy groups. Members spoke emotionally about prison conditions and the need for humane treatment, and the bill passed to Labor and Employment with strong support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Mills here, Senator Rawlings here, Senator Tishner, Representative Balman, Representative Bray
• First, we have Senator Mills. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And welcome everybody back.
• I am Steve Henry, the Webster County Judge Executive, and good to see my senator, Senator Mills, as always

Summary: The committee first took up an update from the Kentucky County Clerks Association on the transition to electronic recording and land records modernization. Testimony explained that legislation from the 2021 task force created funding and deadlines for counties to provide online search portals and complete a 30-year property record search, with a later move to a 60-year standard. Speakers said the money has been awarded to counties, but much of the work is still in progress because records must be scanned, indexed, and manually verified. They said only a handful of counties are fully compliant with electronic recording so far, while many are still working through staffing and vendor issues. They also noted that the 60-year standard may ultimately be easier and more efficient to complete than the 30-year standard, and that compliance is expected to improve by next summer. The clerks’ representatives also raised related issues, including deed fraud, the county document storage fee, and KDLA digitization grants. They said online recording can make deed fraud easier to attempt, so they expect to seek legislation next session to address it. They described an existing notification service available in many counties that alerts property owners when a document is recorded, which can help detect suspicious activity quickly. They also said the storage fee and separate county account structure has generally worked well, but that two recent KDLA grant cycles have not released money for clerks, limiting support for digitization work. Another topic was whether, once records are fully digitized and verified, some permanent records should remain publicly accessible or be moved to a safer archive under KDLA control. Members asked about the balance in the KDLA fund, what the General Assembly could do to help lagging counties, and how much of the $25 million modernization funding had been spent. Witnesses said they did not have the current fund balance but would try to get it, that the main obstacle now appears to be staffing rather than additional money, and that the funds have been awarded but not fully expended because work is still ongoing. They emphasized that counties are helping one another and asked members to alert association leadership if any county is struggling. The committee then heard a presentation from Dan London, executive director of the Lincoln Trail Area Development District, who described area development districts as regional staff extensions and technical resources for cities and counties, and highlighted their role in coordinating regional services and partnerships across county lines.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:28:05.520><c> Um,</c><01:28:06.000><c> Senator</c><01:28:06.400><c> Mill,</c><01:28:06.639><c
• Um, Senator Mill, I think public trust.
• Um, Senator Mill, I think we're<01:28:07.040><c> getting</c><01:28:07.199><c> into</c><01:28:07.520><

Committee: Senate Rules and Administration - Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct

Transcript Highlights:

• A recent example that just opened in 2024 was the former Manchester Mills property, owned by Ben Gamos
• 250-unit multifamily residential structure with mixed-use commercial. 2024 was the former Manchester Mills
• 2024 was the former Manchester Mills property<01:06:32.079><c> owned</c><01:06:32.480><c> by</c><01:

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<01:00:59.119><c> Mill,</c><01:00:59.440><c> they're</c><01:00:59.599><c> required</c><01:00:59.920
• ><c> to</c><01:01:00.160><c> do</c> Senator Mill, they're required to do Senator Mill, they're required

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• conversation but I did start my career on<00:56:58.880><c> the</c><00:56:59.000><c> got</c><00:56:59.240><c> Mill
• ><c> back</c><00:57:00.160><c> in</c><00:57:00.280><c> the</c><00:57:00.359><c> 90s</c> on the got Mill
• campaign back in the 90s on the got Mill campaign back in the 90s and<00:57:01.440><c> so</c><00:57:

Bills: HF827 , HF1258 , HF2387 , HF2388 , HF2534 , HF2016

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• 24.159><c> the</c> to 50% would be you know would be in the to 50% would be you know would be in the mill
• </c><01:10:26.239><c> Um</c><01:10:27.040><c> if</c> mill tens of millions of dollars.
• Um if mill tens of millions of dollars.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• asphalt payments </font> <font color="aaaaaa">known as reclaimed asphalt, </font> <font color="aaaaaa">milling
• we put that </font> <font color="aaaaaa">known as reclaimed asphalt, </font> <font color="aaaaaa">milling
• put that </font> <font color="aaaaaa">makes that that material back </font> <font color="aaaaaa">milling

Transcript Highlights:

• was a big piece of it so that's<00:15:58.279><c> about</c><00:15:58.600><c> 100</c><00:15:58.720><c> Mill
• </c> that's about 100 Mill that's about 100 Mill a<00:15:59.639><c> year</c><00:16:00.319><c> over</c

Bills: HF1167 , HF1242

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:28.760><c> the</c><00:13:28.880><c> Wind</c><00:13:29.120><c> Wind</c><00:13:29.199><c> Mill
• </c> farther than uh with the Wind Wind Mill farther than uh with the Wind Wind Mill windmills<00:13:

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• George, who just prior to joining DCYF served as the legal and policy counsel for the Mille Lacs Band
• George, who just prior to joining DCYF served as the legal and policy counsel for the Mille Lacs Band
• George, who just prior to joining DCYF served as the legal and policy counsel for the Mille Lacs Band

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And we've had a group that has taken the next step and toured the small mills out in the southwest and
• And we've had a group that has taken the next step and toured the small mills out in the southwest and
• toured<03:06:10.000><c> the</c><03:06:10.319><c> small</c><03:06:11.279><c> uh</c><03:06:11.600><c> mills
• </c><03:06:12.000><c> out</c><03:06:12.240><c> in</c><03:06:12.399><c> the</c> toured the small uh mills
• out in the toured the small uh mills out in the southwest<03:06:13.200><c> and</c><03:06:13.359><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• skill sets, and the problem of trying to do a transition for somebody—for instance, it was a paper mill
• Well, when you talk to the paper workers up in the mill when it closed, you ask them what you want to
• </c> and that was when the wassaw paper mills and that was when the wassaw paper mills all<01:37:03.520
• :37:29.440><c> paper</c> somebody for instance it was a paper somebody for instance it was a paper mill
• worker to a to a job in mill worker to a to a job in high-tech<01:37:34.560><c> uh</c><01:37:34.840>

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Casper and Natrona County could come to an agreement without any participation from Evansville or Mills

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• some of the growing pressure on our shelters and encourage residents to choose shelters over puppy mills

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing focused largely on tax-credit proposals tied to children, families, caregivers, child care, health care workforce development, and public health. A major portion of the hearing concerned bills to expand the state earned income tax credit and child and family tax credit, including H. 3073/S. 1957 and S. 1975. Testimony from advocacy groups, legal services, tax assistance organizations, and health providers supported increasing the EITC match from 40% to 50% of the federal credit, expanding eligibility to immigrant and mixed-status ITIN filers, larger families, younger and older workers, and SSI recipients, and raising the child and family tax credit to $600 per child with inflation adjustments and possible advance payments. Witnesses said these changes would reduce poverty, improve health and educational outcomes, and help families meet basic expenses; committee members asked questions about ITIN filers and expressed support for the policy goals. The committee also heard extensive testimony on S. 1938/H. 3159, An Act Supporting Family Caregivers. Speakers described the scale of unpaid caregiving in Massachusetts and supported a package that would create a refundable tax credit, respite vouchers, workplace and housing protections, unemployment insurance access for those who leave work to care for relatives, a permanent advisory council, and a provision allowing spouses to be paid caregivers under MassHealth. Several witnesses shared personal caregiving experiences, and committee members responded favorably, noting the emotional and financial strain on caregivers and the importance of supporting them as Medicaid and long-term care systems face pressure. Additional bills discussed included H. 3174 on a child and dependent care tax credit, which was presented as a way to offset the high cost of child care; H. 3197/S. 2019 to improve the financial security of family child care providers through a tax credit; H. 3218/S. 1960 to create tax credits for health care preceptors to address workforce shortages; S. 2064 to establish a living organ donor tax credit; S. 2034 to promote healthy alternatives to sugary drinks through a tiered tax; H. 3015 to create a tax-return checkoff for the YMCA Youth and Government Program; and several public testimony ideas including vaccination, literacy, and grade-improvement tax credits. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing, which ended after all testimony was heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kylie Mills. Chris Kulong. Vice Chairman Fontno has moved to report Senate Bill 449 favorably.

Summary: The House Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation, public safety, and local infrastructure measures. Several bills dealt with port and commission appointments or authority, including SB 420 adding Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation to the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission, SB 69 aligning appointments to the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission with redistricting, SB 438 increasing per diem for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, and SB 170 adding qualification and Senate confirmation requirements for Caddo-Bossier Port Commission members. The committee also approved SB 449 to give the New Orleans Public Belt more flexibility in procuring specialized materials, and SB 115 to allow DOTD to assume certain federal NEPA responsibilities to speed project delivery, with testimony emphasizing long permitting delays and the need for faster project completion. Members also advanced multiple safety and enforcement measures. SB 40 expanded move-over protections for emergency and disabled vehicles, SB 55 clarified proper seat belt use, SB 278 required ignition interlock devices for DUI-related license reinstatement, SB 489 authorized third-party verification of insurance coverage through license plate inquiries, and SB 133 updated commercial vehicle parking and autonomous vehicle oversight provisions. SB 151 would flag OMV records for people who owe DNA samples tied to CODIS matches or qualifying arrests/convictions, and SB 48 would create Louisiana-Ireland driver’s license reciprocity. Most of these bills were reported favorably after brief testimony, with support from law enforcement, AAA, OMV, and other stakeholders. The committee also considered several local resolutions and infrastructure studies. Rep. Dickerson’s resolutions on widening Highway 16, studying turn lanes on Highway 1024, and constructing a roundabout on Highway 1019 were all reported favorably. HCR 53 created a study committee on oversized vehicle permits with DOTD participation, HCR 60 asked DOTD to study I-12 and I-55 corridor improvements, and HR/HCR 170 and 68 sought federal funding to remove four closed bridges on US 90 in St. Tammany Parish. HR 191, as amended, requested a DOTD study of mountable median curbs on Range Avenue in Denham Springs. HB 762, amended to make certain OMV debt referrals permissive rather than mandatory, was reported favorably over some concern about debt collection impacts. HB 714, which would have addressed abandoned railroad lines, drew extensive debate over federal preemption, blight definitions, and whether a new commission was needed; the author ultimately moved to defer it, and the committee agreed. SB 330 on school-zone automated speed enforcement markings was amended to grandfather existing compliant pavement markings and rejected an amendment that would have exempted several cities from the law. The committee adjourned after reporting the remaining measures favorably and recognizing a departing staff member.

Transcript Highlights:

• Present in support, not wishing to speak: Carl Kauer, Kowler; Kylie Mills; Chris Kulong.

Bills: HR170 , HR191 , HR206 , HR207 , HR208 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR68 , HB714 , HB762 , SB40 , SB48 , SB55 , SB56 , SB69 , SB115 , SB133 , SB151 , SB170 , SB235 , SB278 , SB330 , SB420 , SB438 , SB449 , SB489

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, May 5, and considered a long agenda of mostly transportation, public safety, and local infrastructure measures. Among the bills reported favorably were Senate Bill 420, which adds Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation to the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission; Senate Bill 69, which updates appointments to the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission after redistricting; Senate Bill 40, which expands Louisiana’s move-over/safety protections for emergency and disabled vehicles; and House resolutions from Rep. Dickerson urging DOTD action on Highway 16 widening, turn lanes on Highway 1024, and a roundabout on Highway 1019. The committee also advanced HCR 53 creating a study committee on oversized vehicle permits, SB 438 increasing per diem for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, SB 449 giving the New Orleans Public Belt more procurement flexibility, SB 115 allowing DOTD to assume certain federal NEPA duties to speed project delivery, and SB 489 authorizing third-party verification of vehicle insurance coverage. Members heard testimony on several safety and enforcement measures. SB 151 would flag OMV records for people who owe DNA samples under CODIS-related criminal provisions; State Police explained it would help law enforcement collect required samples and aid cold cases. SB 48 would create driver’s license reciprocity between Louisiana and Ireland, and SB 235 would clarify payment and liquidated damages rules for public contracts, with contractors and industry representatives saying it would help ensure timely payment to contractors, subs, and suppliers. SB 55 clarified that seat belts must be worn across both the lap and shoulder, and SB 278 required ignition interlock devices for DUI-related license reinstatement; committee members raised questions about due process, vehicle use, and how the devices would work, but both bills were reported favorably. Several measures drew more extensive debate. HB 762, as amended, would give OMV discretion over referring certain debts to the Office of Debt Recovery or Attorney General, and the amendment passed 14-2 after discussion about relief for drivers who cannot pay. SB 330 on school-zone automated speed enforcement received an amendment preserving existing compliant pavement markings, but a separate amendment to exempt Shreveport, Gretna, Livonia, and Westwego from the law failed on a roll call vote. HB 714, as substituted, would have created a railroad commission and required railroads to address blighted or abandoned lines, but after concerns about federal preemption, definition of blight, and whether a new commission was needed, Rep. Phelps moved to defer the bill, and the committee agreed. The meeting ended with adjournment after a brief recognition of committee staff and visitors.