Transcript Highlights:

• The parking lot program is no longer in place.
• Without this program, or this program aiding in many other programs out there, we keep this way of life
• But we don't have a program yet.
• That those loans were paid off. You all used the word 'the loans were paid off.'
• But when you say the farmers paid off the loans, the loans were to build this entire system.

Transcript Highlights:

• I, I think the investment into our programs or into our universities are gonna pay dividends back.
• The Physician Loan Fund, Mr. Chair, Senator. How is that different from the health care provider?
• Loan fund. That was a non-recurring edition, I think.
• We did see that the feds are cutting that program.
• Uh I've got the senior citizen program across programs across the state that we're looking for this,

Transcript Highlights:

• But I will tell you that it's nothing out of their normal processes for a new program.
• We have financed them in other programs, but they have limited capital.
• It's a zero interest loan, essentially bridging the Loan electric cooperatives with political subdivisions
• What we do have, though, is a state disaster program that mirrors the FEMA disaster.
• And you’re sure that will be a no-interest loan too? Mr. Chair, **Representative**, yes ma'am.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs.
• When I was a nursing program...
• I did it an accelerated program.
• program...
• The cost and the price tag along with that and the potential student loan debt coming out of the program

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate Business and Professions sunset oversight hearing focused first on the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), with committee chairs emphasizing oversight, consumer protection, workforce access, and economic mobility. BRN leaders reported improvements since the last review, including faster licensing timelines, streamlined enforcement, higher consumer satisfaction, growth in pre-licensure enrollment, and expanded data collection. Members questioned the board about nurse practitioner scope and supervision, international and military pathways to licensure, online nursing education and clinical requirements, rural workforce shortages, and the 30-unit LVN-to-RN option. BRN staff explained California’s tiered advanced practice system, the NCLEX and certification requirements, English proficiency rules, clinical hour standards, and the board’s role in approving programs and supporting schools through nursing education consultants. Several members and the board president also discussed the need to retain new graduates, improve diversity in the workforce, and better support nontraditional students and rural placements. Public comment on the BRN sunset review was extensive and largely supportive of the board, while also urging policy changes. Nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and nursing education groups generally supported the BRN report and especially backed clarification of APRN-to-RN delegation authority under issue 13. Other commenters asked for clearer implementation of AB 890, more flexibility for clinical nurse specialists, streamlined renewals for nurse midwives, and changes to federal loan limits affecting graduate nursing education. Higher education representatives and private nursing schools raised concerns about duplicative BRN documentation, clinical placement bottlenecks, and barriers faced by out-of-state and online programs seeking to serve California students. The California Medical Association and some physician groups opposed easing transition-to-practice requirements for out-of-state nurse practitioners and cautioned against changes to specialty and delegation rules, while the California Nurses Association and others stressed the importance of community college pathways, new graduate support, and workforce retention. The hearing then moved to the Physical Therapy Board of California. Board leadership reported that the board oversees more than 41,000 active licensees, has seen about 15% growth since 2021, and continues to maintain high exam pass rates among California physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs. The board described its mission as consumer protection through licensing, enforcement, continuing competency oversight, and stakeholder engagement. The vice president’s remote testimony encountered technical problems, so the executive officer continued with a brief overview of the board’s work and its commitment to efficient service and public protection. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, what is SNAP and how does the program work?
• And why that cost is so high to manage that program? 111 million to manage a program? Mr.
• And administering the program in general.
• I'm a new program evaluator for the LFC.
• one, but the program lacks standardized program-level goals and metrics, which limits HCA's ability

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Programs.
• loan and grant<03:48:27.120> 8<03:48:27.359> program<03:48:27.520> fund<03:48:27.760
• <04:00:26.239> and<04:00:26.399> grant<04:00:26.640> program empowerment loan
• and grant program empowerment loan and grant program 7<04:00:29.199> fund<04:00:29.520> created
• And appropriations from the mobile home park resident empowerment loan and grant program fund are shown

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the prior journal, and heard several brief recognitions before moving to business. Members welcomed foster care advocates for Child Abuse Prevention Month, Girl Scouts visiting the Capitol, and participants in Black Maternal Health Week, with remarks emphasizing foster youth voice, leadership development, and the need for culturally competent maternal health care and doula/midwife support. The chamber then took up House Joint Resolution 1026, honoring former Governor Roy Romer and designating a portion of I-25 as the Governor Roy Romer Memorial Highway. Supporters highlighted Romer’s long public service, his work on education and infrastructure, and his role in major state projects. A proposed amendment to strike the word “memorial” was withdrawn, the House suspended the rules to allow Romer to speak from the well, and Romer offered remarks about legislative collegiality and the importance of democracy and listening to opposing views. House Joint Resolution 1026 was adopted on a 60-0 vote, with four excused and one absent. After a brief recess, the House returned to special orders and resumed reading House Bill 1410 at length, continuing through extensive appropriations language for the Department of Human Services, including child welfare, youth services, Medicaid-related transfers, SNAP and benefits administration, and other funding line items. No final action on House Bill 1410 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• program [clears throat] Uh that program [clears throat] proved<00:08:46.440> to<00:08:46.560>
• And again, we're trying to extend a program that has bipartisan support, bipartisan recognition.
• <00:28:29.840> servicing residential mortgage loan servicing residential mortgage loan servicing
• <00:28:38.480> servicers<00:28:39.280> and loan servicers and loan servicers and they<00
• Uh if anybody needs a reminder, program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:14.680> We've that this program saves farms. We've that this program saves farms.
• <00:16:38.400> Excuse For students who rely on loans Excuse For students who rely on loans
• success and growth of the PSEO program. success and growth of the PSEO program.
• Programs like PSEO expand PSEO.
• need in order to access these programs. need in order to access these programs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm concerned that if we are going to go after money as a short-term loan, like a payday loan, then it
• I'm concerned that if we are going to go after money as a short-term loan, like a payday loan, then it
• I'm concerned that if we are going to go after money as a short-term loan, like a payday loan, then it
• I'm concerned that if we are going to go after money as a short-term loan, like a payday loan, then it
• pay another program.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also administer state programs, specifically Bridges, which is a rental assistance program, and HEAT
• housing we um provide grants and Loans housing we um provide grants and Loans to<00:04:29.479>
• adequately so the way fund this program adequately so the way the<00:07:43.879> program<00:07
• programs is huge.
• are<00:30:03.360> also program programs like these are also program programs like these are

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention heard presentations focused on public housing and related funding needs, with testimony from Minnesota NAHRO and several local housing authorities. Melissa Taphorn described the role of housing authorities statewide, including public housing, vouchers, CDBG/HOME funds, Bridges, and HEAT, and emphasized that public housing serves over 36,000 low-income Minnesotans, many of whom are seniors, people with disabilities, or children. She said federal operating and capital funds are insufficient, creating deferred maintenance backlogs, and noted that Minnesota’s public housing capital needs over a five-year period were about $500 million, with nearly $200 million unmet. She also discussed federal uncertainty, including a recent HUD funding freeze notice, possible changes to fair housing requirements, RAD repositioning options, and Build America, Buy America costs. Committee members asked about tenant rent calculations and the populations served. Testimony clarified that public housing residents generally pay 30% of monthly income, with utility allowances factored in, and that the average tenant rent in Minnesota is about $399. Members also heard that about 65% of public housing households are seniors or people with disabilities, while about 35% are families. The committee then heard examples of how state POP grants have been used to preserve public housing stock. Kurt Kina of the Red Wing HRA described multiple POP-funded projects that replaced windows, upgraded heating and cooling, and modernized electrical systems in a 100-resident high-rise, saying the work was essential to keep the building viable. Louise Siba of the St. Paul PHA testified that St. Paul’s authority serves nearly 22,000 people through more than 4,200 public housing units and over 5,200 vouchers, with most townhomes and high-rises serving elderly or disabled residents. She said St. Paul PHA has received nearly $16 million in POP funding since 2012, including about $8.5 million last year, and that those funds enabled major life-safety and modernization projects such as the Denan Terrace renovation and boiler, plumbing, and interior upgrades in high-rises. Jill Keers of the Duluth HRA described a broader set of housing programs, including vouchers, rehab loans, emergency repair funds, construction training, and development. She said Duluth HRA is adding 128 housing units between 2023 and 2025, including mixed-income rentals, senior housing, and family townhomes, and stressed that state investment through POP and other programs is necessary to keep housing affordable and safe.

Transcript Highlights:

• It modifies a competitive selection process for certain development programs to include community land
• Minnesota Housing Finance Agency would give greater consideration for their competitive development programs
• uh for community first mortgage loans uh for community land<00:04:29.680> trust<00:04:29.919>
• Um I personally love this program. Um I was had the opportunity over the summer.
• <00:10:25.120> that<00:10:25.440> can area, but it's it is a program that can area,

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Under current law, the Health and Human Services Commission oversees Texas mental health programs for
• Secondly, SB 2926 would transfer the administration of the state's veterans' mental health program from
• Second, it establishes a TVC grant program for community-based mental health services for veterans and
• Oftentimes, even the purchase of a manufactured home requires a bank loan.
• Do we see any issues around the grants interface with these home-only loans?

Bills: SB2007, SB2104, SB2543, SB2545, SB2926, SB2938

Keywords: military status, vehicle registration, veterans, Texas transportation, state records, discrimination, employment rights, spouses of service members, labor code, SB 2543, Texas veterans cemeteries, state veterans cemetery, Texas Veterans Commission, Veterans Land Board, Natural Resources Code, veterans land fund, veterans housing assistance fund, veterans burial, burial eligibility, cemetery location

Transcript Highlights:

• funding available to such programs.
• School District vocation programs programs with our college programs and other like programs, we do
• A portion of our omnibus bill will have that loan forgiveness program built in. into the bill and then
• And as I mentioned, a loan repayment program as well. Thank you.
• We have two basic programs, capital post-conviction representation in this program we represent.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It establishes within DeHerd the State Internship and Workforce Development Program.
• <00:15:07.959> that jobs through an internship program that jobs through an internship program
• an internship program this is um an internship program this is um assuming<00:15:56.360> that<
• And this five FTE, what will it cost this program?
• <00:20:01.760> from with a position that's on loan from with a position that's on loan from

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology heard several labor and personnel measures. Senate Bill 1567 would require the Department of Human Resources Development to conduct a comprehensive review of the executive branch classification and compensation system and allow it to contract with a third party outside normal procurement rules. Director Brana Hashimoto testified in support, saying the state has more than 1,400 classes of work and limited staff to keep the system current; she said outside vendor help and market data are needed to update class specifications, minimum qualifications, and pay structures. She noted the project scope and timeline would depend on funding, and said the governor had approved about $1 million for the effort. Members asked about vendor scope, comparisons to the private sector and other public employers, consolidation of obsolete classes, and whether the exemption from procurement rules would speed the work. The committee also heard Senate Bill 326 on defense of state employees, with testimony in support from HGEA, the Hawaii State AFL-CIO, and the Hawaii State Teachers Association. Senate Bill 337 would expand the pool of interest arbitrators used in collective bargaining disputes by allowing the Hawaii Labor Relations Board to request a list from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and to use arbitrators from both FMCS and the American Arbitration Association; HGEA supported the bill, saying the broader pool would improve selection and address communication issues. Senate Bill 1233 would create a State Internship and Workforce Development Program within DeHerd. The University of Hawaiʻi, HGEA, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, and the Chamber of Commerce supported it. DeHerd said the program could help place interns into vacancies and convert them to civil service jobs, but said it would need about five FTE and roughly $330,000 in salaries to administer a program serving about 50 to 75 interns at a time; members questioned whether the positions could be filled and whether the program could proceed without added resources. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1359, which would increase the employer-based composite monthly contribution to the Hawaii EUTF Benefits Trust Fund beginning in January 2026 and then tie future increases to Medicare Part B premium changes with a lag. The EUTF administrator testified, and a member noted the measure resembled a bill that had died in conference the prior year. Senate Bill 1454 would give the Labor and Industrial Relations director authority to issue wage payment violation orders, establish penalties and appeals, and broaden the definition of wage; the department supported it, explaining it would align procedures under chapter 387 with existing chapter 388 enforcement and make investigations easier. Finally, the committee moved through a series of collective bargaining cost-item bills for various bargaining units and related entities, with testimony generally in support from Budget and Finance, HGEA, UH, HHSC, UPW, and other unions and associations. One amendment request was to include bargaining units 1 and 10 in the temporary hazard pay funding bill, and the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association noted its airport firefighters unit was still in arbitration and would provide final numbers later.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:19.040> or repayment assistance uh um program or repayment assistance uh um program
• a a apprenticeship program or a a certification<00:24:37.760> program<00:24:38.000> that
• is based around apprenticeship programs is based around apprenticeship programs or<00:25:50.880>
• loans?
• and things that we buy and our loans and things that we buy and our student<00:29:13.679> loans?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• uphold the integrity of the program. uphold the integrity of the program.
• <00:08:13.840> So um of specific training programs. So um of specific training programs.
• <00:15:00.240> in harmless the dual training program in harmless the dual training program
• program based on a New York, uh, program program based on a New York, uh, program where<00:30:23.440
• staffing as they develop the program. staffing as they develop the program.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a series of “same and similar” provisions between the House and Senate higher education bills and adopted them one by one, with brief explanations from members and staff. The items included a cybersecurity addition for a doctoral degree program, Northstar Promise definitions and eligibility limits, self-loan provisions on institution eligibility and data disclosure, and dual training language requiring certificates, diplomas, or degrees to come from accredited postsecondary institutions. The committee also adopted an amendment to the private career school provisions that clarified exempt institutions remain within the act, and removed certain limited-license and renewal fees for institutions participating in dual training grants or the eligible training provider list. Each of these motions prevailed by voice vote. The committee then moved into policy differences between the House and Senate bills, beginning with emergency grants and hunger-free campus grants. Members discussed shifting funding from OHE-administered competitive grants to direct appropriations for the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State, while the Senate retained competitive grant access for private and tribal colleges and added reporting requirements. OHE Commissioner Dennis Olson said the added reporting would be an extra administrative task but raised no significant concerns. Testifiers from the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State, and the private college sector supported faster, more direct funding and described the grants as important for emergency housing, transportation, food insecurity, and other student basic needs. A LeadMN representative also supported the changes, saying campus staff and students wanted funds delivered more quickly. The committee also discussed direct admissions on R31. The Senate proposal would require public and charter high schools to participate in the direct admissions program by the 2029-2030 school year. Assistant Commissioner Wendy Robinson said OHE supports statewide expansion and that the program has improved FAFSA completion, college enrollment, and student retention in Minnesota. Members noted the bill had bipartisan support and heard from advocates such as Ed Allies and Students United. No votes were taken on the policy-difference items during this portion of the meeting, and the chair said further discussion of state grant and sexual misconduct policy differences would be held at a later hearing with additional OHE staff present.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's to a construction loan.
• require long ter longer loan require long ter longer loan amortization<00:15:23.800> periods<
• Is a Tier 2 loan term. What is the typical term of a Tier 2 loan?
• <00:19:09.799> from housing built that utilizes loans from housing built that utilizes loans
• <00:33:22.200> when subsidized Federal loans when subsidized Federal loans when affordability

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of housing measures focused on streamlining approvals, reshaping financing programs, and expanding affordability requirements. SB 27 would exempt state-financed housing developments from County Council approval; SB 38 would bar county legislative bodies from changing housing proposals in ways that increase project costs; SB 25 would let counties reduce housing capacity in one area only if they offset it elsewhere with no net loss; and SB 379 would require perpetual affordability covenants for HHFDC projects and prohibit affordable housing in special flood hazard areas. SB 378 would create an HHFDC working group to identify mixed-use Maui properties for possible acquisition, SB 414 would authorize condemnation proceedings for a new Lānaʻi access road tied to disaster recovery, and SB 13 would eliminate the state income tax mortgage interest deduction for second homes. Testimony was mixed across the bills, with state agencies and housing advocates generally supporting faster permitting and more production, while county planners, NAIOP, Catholic Charities, and others raised concerns about local control, marketability, financing feasibility, and long-term affordability enforcement. A major portion of the hearing centered on the rental housing revolving fund. SB 70 would limit eligible applicants to government agencies or organizations that reinvest all surplus into additional housing; HHFDC said most developers would not object in principle but questioned how the surplus requirement would be enforced, while NAIOP and Catholic Charities opposed it as too restrictive and difficult to monitor. SB 71 would amend the fund’s preference criteria and eligibility rules, and SB 163 would require HHFDC to prioritize projects with the shortest repayment terms and highest unit production per dollar per year. HHFDC and some advocates supported the goal of faster recycling of funds, but NAIOP and Catholic Charities warned that shorter loan terms and narrowed preferences could burden developers and disincentivize projects, especially for lower-income tenants. The chair indicated SB 163 would be deferred and its concerns folded into amendments to SB 71. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass SB 27, SB 38, SB 70, and SB 71 with amendments, and SB 25 unamended. The chair said SB 27 would be amended to include projects with a state financing commitment and a report note that such projects still undergo 21-38 review; SB 38 would receive technical changes and language preventing county bodies from imposing cost-increasing conditions; SB 70 would add language addressing enforcement of the surplus requirement and a preamble citing the need to recycle taxpayer-financed housing value; and SB 71 would be amended to incorporate concerns raised in SB 163, including a broader preamble and revised priority criteria. SB 163 was deferred, while the other measures on the agenda were heard but no final action was described in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the thing that's really key about that program is we start with the dual enrollment.
• Public training programs are not scaling fast enough to meet the demands of our economy.
• Businesses are aware of support programs but aren't engaging with them.
• But those programs are. committed in scale and funding.
• We work with the infrastructure bank, iBank, to manage the the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:19.320> that us to take a look at the programs that us to take a look at the programs
• <00:07:32.400> that address uh any other programs that address uh any other programs that
• access any of the state Grant programs access any of the state Grant programs scholarships<00:09
• I’m here to defend the North Star Promise program because of all my peers that benefit from it.
• it's the a slash and bird good programs it's the a slash and bird good programs often<00:27:00.559

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• These programs are provided by groups like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Federal Housing Administration
• These programs look at each homeowner's financial situation individually, understanding that everyone's
• These programs are provided by groups like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Federal Housing Administration
• These programs look at each homeowner's financial situation individually, understanding that everyone's
• for federally backed loans and treats non-federally backed loans the same way should be considered in

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on March 19, 2025, adopted its committee rules unanimously, and then heard a series of housing, insurance, and disaster-recovery bills. Early bills focused on wildfire relief and insurance issues, including AB 238 on mortgage forbearance for Los Angeles County wildfire survivors, AB 493 on insurance payout interest for homeowners, AB 597 on consumer protections after disasters, and AB 226 on strengthening the California FAIR Plan’s liquidity tools. Supporters generally framed these measures as necessary protections for disaster survivors and market stability, while opponents and concerned witnesses raised issues such as investor guidelines, compliance conflicts, and market disruption. Several members also noted equity concerns and the need to balance relief with consistency across the state. The committee also heard a cluster of housing-production bills. AB 306 proposed a six-year pause on new state building code updates affecting residential construction and limits on local code modifications, drawing strong support from housing and building industry groups who argued it would reduce costs and improve predictability. It also drew opposition from code, environmental, and clean-energy advocates, who warned about safety, local control, and the loss of important code updates. AB 253 would allow licensed third-party professionals to perform plan checks if local review takes 30 days or more, and AB 301 would impose state-agency permitting timelines similar to those already applied to local governments; both were presented as ways to reduce delays and speed housing development. AB 462 would exempt ADU construction from coastal development permit requirements in Los Angeles County, especially to aid fire recovery and expand housing supply. After hearing testimony and brief member discussion on each measure, the committee placed the bills on suspense or advanced them as appropriate. In the suspense hearing at the end of the meeting, the committee took up the suspense-file bills and reported AB 226, AB 238, AB 301, and AB 306 out with due pass recommendations on roll call votes. The meeting then adjourned.