Transcript Highlights:

• David Kuta, past commander of the VFW, supporting 85,000 veterans, combat veterans.
• Veterans, like all Californians, are struggling with the high cost of living.
• And this state tax, the local revenues, can really help our veterans.
• And this state tax, the local revenues, can really help our veterans.
• If we can one day say that we do not tax our veterans' pensions, imagine the number of veterans who would

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills focused largely on veterans’ tax relief, disaster-related property tax rules, contractor tax compliance, and nonprofit property tax exemptions. The chair reviewed committee procedures, including the suspense file process for bills with significant revenue impacts, and noted that only one bill would be voted on immediately. Most measures were presented with supportive testimony and then referred to suspense. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. The author argued the bill would prevent disabled veterans from being unfairly penalized and help them remain in their homes; a VFW representative testified in support, and there was no opposition. SB 1053 would allow county boards of supervisors, for disasters declared on or after January 1, 2026, to extend the five-year period for transferring a damaged property’s base-year value by up to three years. Support came from the California Assessor Association, and the bill was also sent to suspense. SB 1407 would exempt the first $40,000 of military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefit payments from state income tax for qualifying filers, with the author and witnesses arguing it would improve veteran retention in California and support the state economy. Multiple organizations and veterans spoke in support, and the committee members expressed strong sympathy for the measure, but it too was referred to suspense. SB 420 would deny charitable property tax exemption to organizations tied to private immigration detention facilities; the author and supporters said the bill would close a loophole that had allowed a detention facility in Imperial County to avoid millions in property taxes. Members voiced strong support and concern about the reported conditions at the facility, and the bill was also sent to suspense. The only bill taken up for a vote was SB 1165, which would improve coordination between the CDTFA and the Contractors State License Board so unpaid tax liabilities by contractors could be used in licensing enforcement, while preserving due process and installment agreement flexibility. After supportive testimony from the author and the California Tax Reform Association, the committee approved a due pass motion to Appropriations on a 7-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, as a veteran of—this time I am a veteran of our law enforcement family—I spent 20-plus years in
• And it happens to say we want to solicit veterans, first responders, well, veterans specifically, to
• I am not a U.S. veteran. You do not have to be a U.S... veteran. I am not a U.S. veteran.
• So now, first, I'm a Navy veteran.
• , for veterans.

Committees: House Emerging Issues , House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Transcript Highlights:

• So, what were you listening veterans.
• So, if we're having a Veterans Day, we're having a Veterans Day. We're having an A Day.
• having a having a Veterans Day, we're having a Veterans<00:02:43.040><c> Day.
• </c><00:02:44.000><c> who</c> Veterans Day. We're having an A Day. who Veterans Day.
• :04:02.400><c> uh,</c><00:04:02.480><c> for</c> that that veteran deserves, uh, for that that veteran

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Veteran Affairs.
• And what the Veterans Bonus Program is: Massachusetts awards a wartime bonus to veterans that are originally
• veterans deal with.
• And I kind of think that might be because some of the veteran, you know, I'm the director of Veterans
• But every city and town has a veteran agent, and that veteran agent is supposed to be able to provide

Summary: The Disability Employment Subcommittee of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met and began with roll call, but did not have a quorum, so approval of prior minutes and an inspirational quote were tabled. A planned presentation from a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs employee was canceled shortly before the meeting, and the agenda shifted to an informal discussion with two Treasury employees, Steve Kroder and Bill Collievis, about veterans with disabilities in the workplace. Kroder and Collievis described barriers veterans face, including stigma, employer misunderstanding, the need for frequent medical appointments, invisible disabilities such as PTSD and other service-connected conditions, and challenges for Guard and Reserve members balancing service with civilian work. They also discussed supportive practices in public employment, the need for better outreach to employers, the role of local veterans service officers, Military OneSource, TAP, and the importance of helping veterans navigate benefits and transition services. Commission members responded by emphasizing education, employer outreach, and possible resource-sharing through the commission’s website and toolkit. The committee then heard a presentation from Commonwealth Corporation on its Young Adults with Disabilities employment grant program. Staff explained the program’s funding, eligibility, training and placement model, and data from the prior cycle, including participant demographics, completion rates, credential attainment, employment outcomes, and wages. Members discussed benefits counseling, underemployment definitions, stigma around addiction as a disability category, and the need to connect grantees and participants with work incentives and benefits information. Commonwealth Corporation said grantees now receive training on benefits impacts and that the agency is open to further partnership. The meeting ended with a brief update on a planned commission event focused on youth and young adults with disabilities, inclusive workplaces, PCAs, and job coaches. Organizers said they were still securing a venue and were considering a hybrid or virtual format, with participation from youth organizations, the PCA Council, and the Arc of Massachusetts. The subcommittee then voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• War Veterans, the Marine Corps League, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Paralyzed Veterans
• ,</c> AMVETS, the Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, the Disabled American Veterans, the<00:02:41.080
• :42.120><c> Marine</c> the Jewish War Veterans, the Marine the Jewish War Veterans, the Marine Corps<
• </c> the disabled veterans. the disabled veterans.
• </c> veterans, but we are ignoring them. veterans, but we are ignoring them.

Transcript Highlights:

• are not considered veterans.
• are not considered veterans.
• c> veterans</c><00:53:08.559><c> in</c> homelessness um with veterans in homelessness um with veterans
• Homeless veterans, as Dr.
• Jano works for the Veterans Department working on veteran homelessness issues.

Summary: The committee took up House File 169, which would change the tax structure for charitable gambling. Representative Robbins offered and the committee adopted the A1 author’s amendment, described as a technical correction to ensure sports-themed tip boards are not inadvertently taxed under the bill. Robbins then presented the bill as a way to replace the current tiered combined net receipts tax on charitable gambling with a flat 5% rate, arguing charities were being overtaxed and that prior promises of relief had not been fully delivered. Chair Stevenson pushed back on several of Robbins’ factual claims, correcting the record on the status of E-pull tabs, the share of charitable gambling revenue they represent, and the amount of tax relief already enacted in 2023 and 2024. He said E-tabs were not eliminated, that the revenue split between paper pull tabs and E-tabs is closer to 45/55, and that charities had already received a $15 million tax cut plus savings from reduced developer fees. Robbins responded that the changes still significantly reduced revenue and that the bill was intended as a middle-ground approach. Testimony largely came from charitable gambling and veterans groups in support of the bill. Rachel Jenner of Allied Charities of Minnesota said nearly 1,000 charities depend on charitable gambling, cited high taxes and fees, and said many organizations were seeing revenue declines after the new E-pull tab rules took effect. Dr. Christy Jano of the American Legion Department of Minnesota said charitable gambling funds support veterans, youth, and community programs, and that a flat 5% tax would help posts continue those efforts. Members asked about the size of the revenue drops and how much gambling proceeds go to overhead and operating costs; Jenner said the losses varied by organization and that it was too early to know the long-term effect, while Jano said some expenses are used for property taxes and building upkeep. The committee then moved on to additional testimony, including Tim Angstrom, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in reference to the veterans, as a combat veteran myself, with the 82nd Airborne for the veterans
• And in reference to the veterans, as a combat veteran myself, with the 82nd Airborne, for the veterans
• And in reference to the veterans, as a combat veteran myself, with the 82nd Airborne, for the veterans
• And in reference to the veterans, as a combat veteran myself, with the 82nd Airborne, for the veterans
• Statewide veteran resource centers serve over 65,000 student veterans across 115 colleges.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard updates on several higher education budget items, beginning with a pulled follow-up item on the State Library’s administration of the Imagination Library. The chair said the committee had received new documentation from the State Library and the Department of Finance late the prior evening, and staff would review it before deciding whether additional oversight or accountability measures are needed. The committee then turned to the California Community Colleges budget request, with Chancellor Christian outlining strong post-pandemic enrollment recovery, asking for 3% enrollment growth funding, changes to the three-year average formula, removal of the 10% growth cap, and support for several one-time and ongoing initiatives including the Common Cloud Data Platform, credit for prior learning, AI literacy, Rebuild L.A., veterans services, Calbright College, and the Chancellor’s Office. Senators raised concerns about district reserves, part-time faculty conditions, veterans’ credit pathways, and fraud prevention in enrollment systems; the chancellor said the system is using DMV and other identity verification tools, AI screening, and audits, and that reported final enrollment numbers are clean. The committee then reviewed the student-centered funding formula. The Department of Finance described the governor’s proposal to fully repay $408.4 million in deferrals, provide a 2.41% COLA, and add one-time funding to cover current-year apportionment costs, while the Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended prioritizing the proposals within available Proposition 98 funding. Community college finance staff said most districts are growing, many would benefit from current-year funding rules, and that without the proposed apportionment funding districts could face a deficit factor and reduced course access. Members asked about infrastructure prioritization, deferred maintenance, safety, accessibility, and campus police; staff explained that life safety projects are prioritized first, followed by modernization and growth-related facilities, and that colleges are built to high safety standards under the Field Act. Enrollment growth was discussed separately, with Finance and LAO supporting the governor’s 1.5% growth proposal split across two fiscal years, while noting that growth is being driven in part by dual enrollment, regional demographic shifts, and unemployment. The Chancellor’s Office said 54 of 72 districts grew year over year and that funding more growth could help districts move off hold harmless status, though some districts face long-term demographic challenges. The committee also heard from Calbright College President Agita Menon, who described Calbright’s role serving adult learners statewide, its completion and wage gains, and the governor’s proposed $38 million ongoing funding. The LAO recommended transitioning Calbright to the student-centered funding formula beginning in 2027-28, arguing that the current proposal lacks a clear funding rationale and performance linkage; Calbright responded that its competency-based, non-credit model is structurally different and should be funded separately, while agreeing to continued accountability reporting. Finally, the committee received an update on the Community College Higher Education Student Housing Program. Finance said the governor proposes about $11 million ongoing General Fund for debt service on approved student housing projects, and that 11 projects are in the financing pipeline, with two completed, three under construction, four in working drawings, and two in preliminary plans. Finance also noted that some projects have withdrawn and that about $81 million in bond authority remains unallocated, which the Legislature may need to address going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> I need to try and and do for veterans. I need to try and and do for veterans.
• Um, how many different veterans plates do we have now for veterans that can get?
• </c> because it is uh supporting veterans. because it is uh supporting veterans.
• </c> state veterans advisory committee. state veterans advisory committee.
• </c> qualified veteran veterans tax credit. qualified veteran veterans tax credit.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• have disabled veteran license plates?
• They may be a veteran.
• of veterans, I'd say a large proportion of veterans<00:25:48.240><c> do</c><00:25:48.640><c> leave</
• They may be a veteran. disabled placard. They may be a veteran.
• </c> um changes to reflect veteran services. um changes to reflect veteran services.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs.
• ' homes and veterans' service organizations.
• It also allows the flexibility to appoint tribal veteran representatives, National Guardsmen, or veterans
• , and formerly justice-involved veterans.
• Guardsmen or veterans and formerly justice-involved veterans.

Bills: SB6084 , SB6044 , SB5950 , SB6046 , SB5763 , SB6215 , SB6160 , SB6123 , SB6049 , SB6164 , SB6313 , SB5784 , SB5046 , SB5489

Committee: Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections

Keywords: elections, double voting, voting twice, multiple voting, same-day election, primary election, general election, special election, cross-state voting, ballot fraud, election fraud, voter misconduct, RCW 29A.84.660, State v. Padilla, civil infraction, class C felony, Secretary of State, Washington elections, election law, voter eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• The veteran would have to apply through their school veterans office for the grant money through the
• Department of Veterans Services.
• He came, he was chatting with a veteran in Yavapai County and was made known that there was a veteran
• It's about the veteran. Doesn't matter where he attends. Veteran programs are veteran programs.
• it would affect veterans in the Valley, veterans, and just the entire state.

Summary: The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee heard several bills. HB 2416 would appropriate $20 million for Department of Public Safety border support, including equipment, law enforcement positions, and grants to local governments for border-related enforcement and detention costs. Supporters, including the Arizona Sheriffs Association, said the funds are fully used each year and are largely spent on drug interdiction, especially against fentanyl and methamphetamine. Opponents argued the bill’s immigration-enforcement language was too broad and that the money should instead go to health care, education, food assistance, or prevention programs. The committee approved HB 2416 on a 4-3 vote. The committee also heard HB 2806, which would require county recorders, ADOT, and AHCCCS to use the federal SAVE system and report citizenship-verification results to JLBC and the Auditor General. The ACLU of Arizona opposed the bill, saying SAVE is not designed to determine voter eligibility, could wrongly flag eligible citizens, and would likely lead to litigation and confusion. Several members questioned the need for the bill, noting existing citizenship requirements and current use of SAVE in some agencies, while others supported it as a way to ensure only citizens access voting and benefits. HB 2806 passed 4-3. HB 2663, a technical cleanup bill updating military leave language for state and local employees serving in the National Guard or Reserves, drew little opposition and passed unanimously. HB 2759 would appropriate $500,000 to the Department of Veterans Services for a grant program with Yavapai County educational institutions to help veterans with emergency housing, equipment, professional development, and other shortfalls tied to delayed GI Bill payments. Testimony supported expanding help for veterans, but some members raised concerns that the bill was limited to Yavapai County and included private institutions; the sponsor and witnesses said it could serve as a pilot and potentially expand statewide. The committee approved HB 2759 on a 4-3 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We admitted two more veterans and we're up to 130.
• New Mexico State Veterans Home serves veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and
• All right, our Veterans Home Project.
• more services for veterans and their families.
• Department of Veterans Services, a Veterans Service Officer that is there once a week, as well as the

Transcript Highlights:

• THE MILITARY VETERANS CERTIFICATION PATHWAY ALLOWS QUALIFIED VETERANS TO OBTAIN A FIVE YEAR TEMPORARY
• WE DO TRY TO SERVE THE VETERANS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
• WE ALSO HAVE OUR VETERANS SUCCESS ON CAMPUS.
• TO FACILITATE EMPLOYMENT FOR THOSE VETERANS.
• THE VETERAN SERVICE SEEN AND MANY OF THE STUDENT SERVICE TEAMS SERVING MILITARY MEMBERS AND VETERANS

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Laura Koerner, and I am Chair of the Texas Veterans Commission and a U.S. Navy veteran.
• My name is Laura Koerner, and I am Chair of the Texas Veterans Commission and a U.S. Navy veteran.
• Commissioner Kerner: I am the chair of the Texas Veterans Commission and a U.S. Navy veteran.
• , military veteran peers counseling, and veteran homelessness, and also supporting...
• Army veteran.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not a veterans housing bond. It's a veterans bait bond.
• And it does include some veterans benefits, but it is not a veterans bond.
• We do like the veterans.
• We do like the veterans.
• to our veterans.

Transcript Highlights:

• Veterans, U.S.
• Veterans, U.S.
• Veterans, U.S.
• Veterans, U.S.
• Veterans, U.S.

Bills: HR736 , HR692 , HR965 , HR975 , HR386 , HR224

Keywords: diaper need, infant health, family well-being, basic needs, public health, childcare, September 11, terrorist attacks, education, curriculum, first responders, national security, temporary protected status, Haiti, immigration, refugees, quorum, House of Representatives, business proceeding, legislative procedure

Transcript Highlights:

• ' homes and veterans' service organizations.
• The second is adhering to the principle of every veteran a veteran, and that was importantly reinforced
• Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee.
• It also allows the flexibility to appoint tribal veteran representatives, National Guardsmen, or veterans
• , and formerly justice-involved veterans.

Summary: The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on February 3, 2026, for executive session on 13 bills and a public hearing on Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1541. One published bill, Senate Bill 6123, was not moved forward. The executive session covered election integrity, holiday recognition, agency reporting and disclosure, veterans and state government administration, and several memorial or symbolic designations. Staff briefed each bill and several proposed substitutes or amendments, including changes to Senate Bills 5763, 6215, 6160, 6049, and 5784. Members discussed policy and fiscal concerns on some measures, including the cost of the aviation support grant program in SB 5763 and the inclusiveness of holiday recognition in SB 5950. The committee adopted amendments or substitutes where offered and advanced all of the bills it took up, generally by due-pass recommendation to the Rules Committee or, for fiscal measures, to the Ways and Means Committee. Senate Bill 5950’s amendment was withdrawn before final action, and Senator Hasegawa stated he would be without recommendation on that bill because a Buddhist observance was missing from the list. Other bills passed with little or no opposition, including SB 6084 on voting more than once, SB 6044 on Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, SB 6046 creating a Civil Air Patrol division, SB 6160 on agency reports, SB 6049 on public disclosure exemptions, SB 6164 on WOTEC information, SB 6313 creating a Capitol Centennial Stewardship Account, SB 5046 designating Kim Chie Day, and SB 5489 naming the Wilkinson sandstone the state sandstone. In the public hearing on ESHB 1541, staff explained that the bill would reorganize the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee by increasing at-large seats, reducing the number of VSO-designated seats, and allowing appointments to reflect military experience and personal attributes. The prime sponsor and Representative Simmons described the bill as a compromise developed after prior concerns, including representation for formerly justice-involved veterans, and said it would broaden advice to the governor. The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs supported the bill, saying it would provide more flexibility in appointments and preserve a 17-member committee. The hearing closed with 57 pro and 1 con sign-ins, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE HAVE A PROGRAM REVIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS STATE VETERANS MAJOR DEFENDER HARTSELL
• WE KNOW WHERE WE NEED MORE STATE VETERAN SERVICE OFFICERS BECAUSE MORE VETERANS ARE MOVING INTO FLORIDA
• AND VETERAN SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES.
• ALL THE VETERAN SERVICE OFFICERS ARE VETERANS. THEY LIKE FIGHTING FOR OTHER VETERANS.
• I WENT OVER AND GOT TO TALK TO 101 YEAR OLD WAR VETERANS, COMBAT VETERANS, THEY WERE EXCITED AND SAID

Transcript Highlights:

• David Kuta, past commander of the VFW, supporting 85,000 veterans, combat veterans.
• Veterans, like all Californians, are struggling with the high cost of living.
• Keeping veterans in California must be a priority. This bill opens that door.
• And this state tax and the local revenues can really help our veterans.
• If we can one day say that we do not tax our veterans’ pensions, imagine the number of veterans that

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe that's your bill, and Chair Robbins is not a member of the Veterans and Military Affairs Division
• So many of our veterans organizations throughout the state have buildings that are in disrepair, need
• </c> community loses the the the veteran community loses the the the veteran support<00:02:46.800><c>
• </c><00:04:21.440><c> service</c> same building as Barry a veteran service same building as Barry a veteran
• </c><00:05:09.520><c> and</c> less of a safe space for veterans and less of a safe space for veterans