Transcript Highlights:

• as those who have private loans or who hold loans serviced by for-profit and non-profit organizations
• Student loan debt is an equity issue.
• act as loan servicers fall under the jurisdiction of California law.
• loans, are covered by California debt collection including those that have federal student loans, are
• Like any breach of contract case for an unpaid loan, whether for a car, a house, a personal loan, or

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion. AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes. The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• , given the amount of the loan.
• Given the given the amount of the loan.
• language in the A9, those sorts of loans language in the A9, those sorts of loans with<01:05:02.920
• we raised again would be loans we raised again would be loans because<01:11:12.600> that<
• employee loans employee loans still<01:14:12.640> need<01:14:12.840> some<01:14:13.040

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• repaying the loans. repaying the loans.
• Thank you. loan. All this amendment does loan.
• during the full course of the loan. during the full course of the loan.
• So, current language would say up to 100% of the loan—no, 60% of the loan can be forgivable.
• losing their homes, defaulting on loans. losing their homes, defaulting on loans.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate was called to order, a quorum was established, and remote voting was authorized for several members. The body adopted committee reports except those related to Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, gave Senate File 4067 a second reading, and referred newly introduced bills as listed on the agenda. It also adopted a motion to strike and re-refer House File 3379 to the Committee on Finance, and then moved into special orders and floor debate. The main floor action was on House File 2358, a public safety bill providing enhanced criminal penalties for certain coercion offenses. Senator Lang described it as creating a Minnesota crime targeting sexual extortion of children, including online extortion. Senator Maye Quade supported the bill and spoke about the tragic constituent story behind it. The Senate took a roll call and passed the bill 67-0, with its title agreed to. The Senate then began debate on Senate File 4511, which would clarify Minnesota gambling law to prohibit prediction-market style betting disguised as futures contracts. Senator Marty argued the bill was needed to stop companies such as Kalshi and Polymarket from using futures-contract language to evade state gambling restrictions and to protect existing regulated gambling businesses. Senator Johnson initially offered the A10 amendment to delay action until federal jurisdiction issues are resolved, but withdrew it after debate. He then offered the A8 amendment to preserve longer-term weather-related hedging contracts, which Senator Marty supported as a distinction from short-term, manipulable bets; the A8 amendment was adopted. Debate continued with questions about the bill’s scope, including whether it would reach election-related or financial contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• SBA's programs, especially in the COVID-19 economic injury disaster loan or EIDL programs, kept their
• These same problems plague many of SBA's loan programs as I highlighted during last month's hearing on
• the 7a loan program.
• Because I am worried that the 7A loan program could require an... appropriation if those defaults are
• And I remember when we first got our 7A loan, and it transformed our business in ways that I mean it

Keywords: SBA, small business, nominations, Bill Briggs, Casey Mulligan, regulations, capital access, public support

Summary: The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship convened to consider the nominations of Bill Briggs for Deputy Administrator of the SBA and Dr. Casey Mulligan for Chief Counsel for Advocacy. The discussions highlighted the critical role of the SBA in promoting small businesses, with emphasis on overcoming challenges posed by excessive regulations and the need for improved access to capital. Several committee members expressed their concerns over recent layoffs within the SBA and the closure of district offices, which they believe undermine support for small businesses across the nation. The committee meeting saw extensive dialogue about the implications of regulations on small business operations and how the nominees plan to address these issues if confirmed. Public support for the nominees was acknowledged through letters from various stakeholders who advocate for small business interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:34:19.840> It qualifying loan modification. It qualifying loan modification.
• So this bill adds a new category of loans that are allowed under the existing agricultural future loans
• It has a definition of an loans program.
• handles these loans handles these loans um<02:36:20.760> to<02:36:21.560> be<02:36
• So as these revolving loan program.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We appreciate the authors’ continuing engagement and the restructuring in the June 16 amendments, the
• significant operational legal questions about how employers manage internal postings, qualification, and restructuring

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think there it's done as a delete everything because it was restructured in the order of it, but basically
• I think there it's done as a delete everything because it was restructured in the order of it, but basically

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• peer route average, our plans would call for minor modifications, major changes, or to actually restructure
• So the tier three, restructure or eliminate—tier one is sort of a tuneup. Tier two is a overhaul.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Then there was a 2004 audit that said, look, you're just restructuring the exact same woodworking shop
• And that's all we're doing, saying just restructure your existing footprint so that you're using the

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The other one is the child care revolving loan fund.
• So when we set up that loan program...
• “Low-interest loans to catch up with universal child care?
• So when I was talking about the loan, I mentioned that it’s a low-interest loan, and then I said it’s
• It is a revolving loan fund, so they’ll pay it back.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• processing loans at $430,000; and our beginning farmer loan program, which has made such an impact in
• Tara mentioned we have over 900 loans for $126 million in loans on the books.
• A majority of those loans, 70% or so, are beginning farmer loans that require a mentor.
• <00:09:52.399> on 900 loans for $126 million in loans on 900 loans for $126 million in loans
• are beginning farmer loans 70% or so, are beginning farmer loans that<00:09:57.440> require<00

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:50 Approval of Minutes 00:01:21 KOAP Report 00:01:42 Community Farm Alliance and KY Double Dollars 00:20:25 Feeding Kentucky 00:40:55, 958, all

Summary: The Tobacco Settlement Oversight Committee received a monthly report from the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy and the A Development Board/Finance Corporation. Staff reviewed May activity, including county council visits, loan and grant approvals, farm safety funding, and support for beginning farmers, agricultural infrastructure, processing, and county/state projects. The committee also recognized an intern and thanked Tara Roberts for her service as she prepares to leave the agency. Members were reminded about a June 20 anniversary event marking 25 years of the office and related programs. A major topic was K-CARD, the Kentucky Center for Agricultural and Rural Development. Staff explained that the program is being expanded to provide more technical assistance for beginning farmers and farm families, including help with business plans and estate planning/farm transition discussions. Members asked how farmers would access the service and were told the extension office would be the front-line contact, with K-CARD providing the technical assistance and neutral-site consultations. The committee also discussed support for large food animal veterinarians. Staff said the incentive program has helped more than 33 veterinarians and is intended to support existing providers rather than quickly increase numbers; members raised concerns about the pipeline and selection process at Auburn University, and staff said discussions with the university were ongoing. The committee then heard from Community Farm Alliance on Kentucky Double Dollars, Fresh Rx for Moms, and farmers market support programs. CFA reported expansion to roadside stands, more retail onboarding, seven new counties, and estimated economic and farmgate impacts, emphasizing that state funding helps leverage federal and private dollars and stabilize local food access programs. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the May minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• , credit cards, auto loans, and student loans.
• ,<00:10:45.839> and loans, credit cards, auto loans, and loans, credit cards, auto loans,
• <00:38:20.320> Is cards, auto loans, and student loans.
• Is cards, auto loans, and student loans.
• Auto loans and student loans. Pretty easy to explain.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And you can't loan money. You're not a bank. Well, no. And you can't loan money. You're not a bank.
• At December 31st, 24 and 23, unpaid loans to the employees totaled $2,4001,000 respectively.
• And you can't loan money. You're not a bank. That's right. me. So. And Well, no.
• And you can't loan money. You're not a bank. That's right.
• time prior to them making loans, they require an audit report.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You talked about are these loans being, are they participating loans where you've got multiple lenders
• When it's loans that we make, they are in most cases loans, not grants.
• , but it's a cash flow loan only.
• That would be the most generous or soft loan that we make, if you will.
• Are you having any defaults on any of the loans?

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's for the Energy Efficiency revive and Loan Fund.
• And then you use your utility savings to pay for your principal and interest of the loan.
• So we've been able to do that through a combination of our grant program and our loan program.
• We're probably, we're at 2.5% right now for our interest rate for our loans.
• And they're post retrofit and that Delta pays for the principal and interest of the loans.

Transcript Highlights:

• They were good for a loan, which is how the program started. They actually used to only give loans.
• loan, which is how the program started. loan, which is how the program started.
• They actually used to only give loans. They actually used to only give loans.
• loans. So this won't ever happen again. loans. So this won't ever happen again.
• The grant program was loan program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program's funding terms, for instance, the budget or the proviso, actually permit consolidation or restructuring

Summary: The committee began with member introductions, then heard a presentation on a draft final report studying alternative funding mechanisms for sidewalks and related pedestrian infrastructure. Consultants said current local funding sources are insufficient, with most jurisdictions unable to complete planned sidewalk networks within 50 years. They evaluated four options: a sidewalk utility fee, a modified transportation benefit district sales tax, a new real estate excise tax option, and expanded stormwater fee use for ADA sidewalk ramps. The consultants recommended authorizing the modified TBD sales tax and new REET option, considering a sidewalk utility despite legal uncertainty, broadening any authorization to all pedestrian improvements, and not pursuing the stormwater fee option. Members asked about legal authority, fairness, revenue adequacy, and whether jurisdictions had been consulted; the presenters said state enabling legislation would likely be needed for a sidewalk utility and that fairness could be defined either by direct benefit or by need. The committee then received an update on the 2025 assessment of city transportation funding needs. The consultants reported that city transportation revenues have grown in some local and federal categories since 2019, but state revenues have remained relatively flat and smaller cities are especially affected by declining fuel tax revenues and limited tax bases. They estimated annual city transportation needs at $4.25 billion, average annual spending at $1.89 billion, and a funding gap of $2.37 billion, larger than in the prior study because of updated data, inclusion of system improvements, and higher preservation costs. Draft recommendations focused on reducing costs and improving efficiency, preserving and increasing state support, and expanding local funding options, including preservation-first spending, a permanent federal fund exchange program, streamlined review processes, better coordination with WSDOT, possible property tax flexibility, and exploration of new local tools. Members raised questions about design standards, the role of density and transit, federal compliance, and whether the report would identify specific consolidation or process changes. The committee also heard a project update on evaluating zero-emission vehicle and electrification programs funded by the Climate Commitment Act. Consultants said they had reviewed roughly 23 programs and projects across seven agencies and were now evaluating options to improve delivery, including process improvements, reorganizing programs, or consolidating governance and administrative functions. Early findings highlighted staffing shortages, duplication and variation across agencies, differing levels of risk, and the challenge of coordinating climate priorities across agencies with other core missions. Members asked about program outcomes, administrative costs, whether some programs should have exit strategies, and how to strengthen the EV Coordinating Council. Finally, WSDOT provided an implementation update on its new public-private partnership authority under SB 5801, saying work is underway to prepare governance, legal, policy, and organizational structures ahead of the January 1, 2027 effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes continuously improving, restructuring, and updating our substance use disorder care and

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on xylazine held its first meeting, with House Chair Mindy Domb and Senate Co-Chair John Keenan outlining the commission’s charge and a proposed work plan. The commission is tasked with studying the public health and safety impacts of xylazine in the illicit drug supply, including whether it should be scheduled as a controlled substance, how to regulate its production and distribution, and how to improve outreach and treatment for people exposed to it. Members were told the report deadline had been extended to March 30, 2026, and staff proposed a series of public hearings and working groups leading to a final report. The meeting also included attendance, packet materials, and procedural planning. The first major testimony came from BSAS Director Deirdre Calvert, who described xylazine’s appearance in Massachusetts drug supply data, the state’s public health alerts, and DPH’s partnership with Brandeis, CDC, and harm reduction organizations. She emphasized four priorities: reducing stigma and discrimination in health care, expanding self-directed wound care support and coverage for supplies, expanding access to drug checking and test strips, and supporting low-barrier services such as mobile vans and drop-in centers. Commission members asked about first responder awareness, medical education, and whether harm reduction services might face federal restrictions; Calvert said misinformation remains a problem and noted ongoing training efforts, including collaboration with public safety agencies. Several other speakers reinforced the need for low-barrier care and drug checking. Dr. Raghini Jala, an infectious disease and addiction medicine physician, said xylazine has become a common component of the unregulated opioid supply and urged support for rapid-response education teams, community-based drug checking, and better hospital and detox protocols for xylazine withdrawal and wounds. Recovery coach Alan Young testified from lived experience, describing severe wounds, fear of inadequate withdrawal treatment in emergency settings, and the value of mobile care vans that can provide methadone, buprenorphine, and wound care in the community. Dr. Sarah Wakeman echoed the need for naloxone, rescue breathing, low-threshold treatment, and non-stigmatizing health care settings, while Sarah Macon of the Boston Public Health Commission described Boston’s harm reduction and drug checking work, including on-site testing, wound care, and a decline in opioid mortality. Tracy Green of the Massachusetts Drug Supply Data Stream explained that xylazine has declined in recent samples while metatomidine is rising, said drug checking is increasingly used but still not enough, and argued for more funding, staffing, and statewide access to real-time drug checking and harm reduction services.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise to present AB 2117, which is a restructuring of California's K-12 education governance by creating

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know what you're trying to do, but I think this is broad, and I hope that we can restructure the judiciary

Summary: The House and Governmental Affairs Committee met on Senate Bill 123, a proposed constitutional amendment to create a legislative process for removing judges for cause. Senator Morris said the bill was needed because of uncertainty in the current Constitution about whether impeachment applies to judges, given the Judiciary Commission’s role in judicial discipline. He argued the measure would provide a clearer, higher-threshold accountability mechanism, and the committee adopted a technical amendment renumbering provisions and later clarified that the bill uses a majority vote in the House and two-thirds in the Senate, consistent with impeachment-style thresholds. Much of the hearing centered on testimony from Anna Carter and her family, who supported the bill after the murder of Jacob Carter in New Orleans. They described his death and other cases they said showed judges releasing dangerous offenders despite repeated violations, missed electronic-monitoring check-ins, and other warning signs. They argued the bill would create a last-resort accountability tool when judicial decisions or supervision failures lead to preventable harm. Several committee members expressed sympathy and said the testimony highlighted serious problems in the justice system, though some also suggested the bill should address district attorneys, electronic-monitoring oversight, or broader systemic issues. Opposition came from members who warned the proposal was overly broad, could become a political tool, and might conflict with existing constitutional provisions governing impeachment and judicial discipline. They argued the Judiciary Commission and Supreme Court already provide a disciplinary framework and that the bill could chill judicial independence or create due-process concerns. The ACLU’s Sarah Whittington also opposed the bill, noting technical inconsistencies in the draft, questioning why impeachment had not been tried first, and arguing the measure singled out judicial discretion while leaving other elected officials’ discretion untouched. The committee took no final vote on the bill during the hearing, but did adopt the technical amendment.