Transcript Highlights:

• And so far it has the potential to add more housing units than any of the other measures under consideration
• It sets up the framework for collective bargaining for farm workers.
• passed egg overtime a couple of years ago, and that has proved to be a downfall of many of our family farms
• It bills sets up the framework for collective bargaining for farm workers.
• . has greatly impacted. to be a downfall of many of our family farms, has greatly impacted a lot of our

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• for the rich historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of AAPI descent to the United
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands
• Mira was appointed as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador to combat human trafficking in 2009.
• We saw this solidarity in the labor movement, where Filipino and Mexican farm workers stood shoulder
• Filipino and Mexican farm workers stood shoulder to shoulder to demand fair wages and humane working

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journals, and removed SB 830 from the inactive file for return to the Assembly. It then took up several gubernatorial appointments, including Clint Kellum as Director of the Cannabis Control, Jennifer Osborne as Director of Industrial Relations, and two Medical Board of California appointments, Dr. Trinidad Solis and Dr. Gerald Tolbrook. Each appointment was confirmed by roll call, with broad support and no recorded opposition. The chamber also adopted SR 97 recognizing Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting AAPI contributions to California, histories of exclusion and solidarity, and the importance of visibility and representation. The resolution passed 39-0. The Senate also recognized numerous AAPI community leaders and honorees on the floor, including Kay Buck and Mira Sorvino for anti-trafficking advocacy, and later several additional guests and community figures. Members then adopted several other resolutions by unanimous consent: SCR 168 designating Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, SCR 148 declaring GM1 gangliosidosis awareness day, SR 95 proclaiming ALS Awareness Month, SCR 156 for Stroke Awareness Month, and SR 110 recognizing Hospital Week in California. Floor remarks focused on public safety, rare disease awareness, stroke recovery and aphasia, and the role of hospitals and health care workers. The Senate also honored retiring California Professional Firefighters president Brian Rice with extensive tributes to his labor leadership, firefighter safety work, and disaster response advocacy. The meeting concluded with the remaining appointment confirmations and adjournment until May 14, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We own a small farm. I have a BS degree in animal science from Auburn University.
• We own<00:11:49.519><c> a</c><00:11:49.680><c> small</c><00:11:49.920><c> farm.
• ><c> a</c><00:11:50.959><c> BS</c><00:11:51.279><c> degree</c><00:11:51.519><c> in</c> own a small farm
• I have a BS degree in own a small farm.
• Because he explained that having scientific integrity will help ensure the United States continues to

Bills: SB71 , SB71

Committee: House Agriculture and Forestry

Keywords: environmental regulation, federal standards, scientific evidence, water quality, administrative law, income tax, tax exemption, Alabama tax code, Section 40-18-3, civilian employees, Department of Defense, DoD, Armed Forces, military pay, combat zone, deployment, National Guard, Reserve components, emergency response, federal employees

Transcript Highlights:

• , even schedules like twos or threes that you would use, you're getting out of some sort of locked unit
• And with xylazine, not in my world, but in the large-animal world, which is like farm animals and equids
• You're getting out of some sort of locked unit in a hospital and codes are put in.
• you have that small portion of what I called large-animal veterinarians, which are your equine and farm
• Your equine and farm animal vets, they use it.

Summary: The working group on best practices for oversight and enforcement met for its first session and focused on xylazine, including its legal veterinary uses, its appearance in the illicit drug supply, and whether it should be classified as a controlled substance. Members discussed the distinction between pharmaceutical-grade and non-pharmaceutical-grade xylazine, the role of international/illicit sourcing, and the limits of state-level regulation if the substance is already being added to fentanyl or other drugs outside the Commonwealth. The Department of Public Health representative summarized the agency’s view that scheduling xylazine could follow the “ironclad law of prohibition” and push the market toward other, potentially worse substances, and said DPH opposed straight scheduling in favor of education, support, and harm-reduction approaches. Veterinary members explained how xylazine is used in large-animal and research settings, why it is useful, and why federal-style scheduling could create practical burdens for veterinarians who work in the field. They also described reversal agents such as yohimbine and atipamezole (Antisedan), and noted that xylazine is not commonly used in small-animal practice. Several members raised questions about how much xylazine is actually used legally in Massachusetts, whether boards of pharmacy or distributors could provide useful data, and what other states have done. Arizona and Florida were mentioned as possible examples for further research, along with the need to examine stakeholder opposition and any effects on legitimate veterinary practice. The group agreed to divide into two subgroups: one focused on oversight and regulation of production/distribution, and another on whether xylazine should be classified as a controlled substance and what penalties, if any, should apply. Staff said they would circulate notes, a draft PowerPoint template, and a shared folder, with members asked to submit materials by December 2, draft materials due December 4, and final approval by December 9 ahead of the next public meeting on December 11. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, a second, and unanimous closure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Member Arambula, come on up to present your bill, AB 1600, dealing with disadvantaged communities and farm
• Farm workers feed California. They should not be left behind in California's climate future.
• Well, thank you so much and for your steadfast work on behalf of farm workers.
• In 2025 alone, there were 422 federal recalls covering 34.5 million units, estimating about 5 million
• of those units here in California.

Summary: The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard five bills, with testimony focused on farmworker climate equity, product recall responsibility, diaper ingredient disclosure, agricultural commissioner fee authority, and vape disposal and youth protection. Members also took up one consent item. The chair reviewed testimony rules, and the committee established a quorum before proceeding. AB 1600 by Assembly Member Arambula would treat farmworker housing as disadvantaged communities for purposes of climate and environmental funding. Supporters said farmworkers face severe climate, housing, water, and pollution burdens but are often excluded from existing DAC mapping tools. The bill passed 4-1 to the Committee on Appropriations. AB 2462 by Assembly Member Pellerin would require manufacturers to take back recalled products at no cost from consumers and additional collection points such as recycling centers, waste facilities, and thrift stores, while strengthening CalRecycle enforcement. It drew support from counties, cities, and waste stewardship groups, and opposition from manufacturers and juvenile product interests concerned about implementation, coordination, and penalties. The bill passed 5-1 to Appropriations. AB 1901 by Assembly Member Berman would require children’s diaper manufacturers to disclose ingredients online and on packaging. Supporters framed it as a parents’ right-to-know measure, while industry witnesses sought amendments to align it with other California disclosure laws and protect confidential business information. The bill passed 5-0 to Appropriations. AB 2380 by Assembly Member Papin would raise the maximum fee counties may charge to support agricultural commissioner operations and pesticide enforcement; it received support from county agricultural officials and passed unanimously to the Assembly Floor. AB 2667 by Assembly Member Hadwick would ban deceptively marketed disposable vapes, allow household hazardous waste facilities to disassemble them, and direct DTSC to address school-confiscated vapes. School and local government witnesses described widespread youth vaping and disposal challenges, and the bill passed unanimously to the Business and Professions Committee. AB 2086, the consent item, also passed unanimously. Later add-on votes confirmed the earlier actions, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our second request is for the future of advanced agricultural research in Minnesota, or a farm that would
• create a real-world teaching, research, and outreach farm in southern Minnesota to help farmers and
• So now I'll talk just briefly about the farm.
• This is a $20 million request from the state for This project for the design and farm aims to deliver
• You will remember the dangerous five-tier living units, four sight lines, and outdated manual locking

Bills: HF3220

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• But the other type of reservation, which is used by a lot of high-end restaurants across the United States
• Now, Florida's current restriction is unique in the United States and has prevented contractors from
• Not that I'm aware of, but solar farms have an average useful life of about 25 to 30 years.
• We've had some issues at neighboring farms.
• We have three solar farms in Clay County, and then we have a fourth one in the works as far as planning

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and heard several bills, with SB 1742 on condos temporarily postponed. SB 1298 on building construction was reported favorably after sponsor testimony about continuing education for building professionals, rural sharing of building officials, residential inspector limits, a planning examiner internship, permitting modernization, and contractor transition liability. SB 638 on home inspectors was also reported favorably after discussion of increasing required education from 120 to 200 hours, adding subject-specific exam and course requirements, and requiring $300,000 in errors and omissions insurance. SB 960 on elevator accessibility requirements was reported favorably, allowing additional shorter support rails in elevators while keeping the existing 42-inch rail requirement. The committee also unanimously recommended confirmation of a block of board and commission appointees. The committee adopted amendments and reported favorably CS/SB 940 on third-party restaurant reservation platforms, aimed at stopping bots and unauthorized resale of restaurant reservations; the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and Booking Holdings supported the bill, and members discussed how the measure would preserve direct restaurant-platform relationships like OpenTable and Resy while targeting third-party marketplaces that resell reservations. CS/SB 196 on foods containing vaccines or vaccine materials was reported favorably after amendments that defined mRNA vaccine use and added a cosmetics-related amendment addressing harmful chemicals such as PFAS, phthalates, formaldehyde-releasing agents, and mercury compounds; the Florida Retail Federation raised concerns but said it was working with the sponsor. CS/SB 1418 on heated tobacco products was reported favorably after an amendment clarifying the definition of heated tobacco products and excluding hookah, with support from the Florida Retail Federation and comments that the bill would distinguish these products from cigarettes for tax purposes. The committee also adopted a strike-all amendment and reported favorably CS/SB 1262 on construction contracting, which adds consumer protection and financial literacy topics to contractor continuing education, increases penalties for unlicensed contracting, creates a standardized disciplinary reporting system, and requires timely refunds and project completion standards; the Florida Home Builders Association supported the measure. Finally, CS/SB 1304 on solar facilities was reported favorably after extensive testimony from county commissioners and local officials supporting greater local oversight and decommissioning requirements for utility-scale solar on agricultural land; the bill would remove the current statewide by-right treatment for solar on agricultural land and authorize counties to adopt decommissioning ordinances. The meeting ended with members recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it
• </c> rates in the United States of America. rates in the United States of America.
• Uh entities like the Humane Society in the United States, whatever they're being called now, PETA and
• We're very dedicated to the farm community. We're very dedicated to the working animals.
• We're very dedicated to the farm community. We're very dedicated to the working animals.

Transcript Highlights:

• These stories are deeply rooted and interwoven in the very fabric of the United States' ...interwoven
• in the very fabric of the United States' 250th anniversary.
• These food and farm advocates are supporting building a thriving local food economy, and they want to
• Virginia has mixed marriages been illegal in the United States. Not since Loving v.
• States, you know, from any other state in the United States that has an agreement with our state.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:39:46.839><c> a</c> 60-day extensions local units a 60-day extensions local units a government
• </c><00:43:57.839><c> of</c> Clarifies that a local unit of government can begin to review a feedlot
• </c> of Minnesota farm of Minnesota farm organizations<01:03:34.119><c> AGR</c><01:03:34.559><c> business
• Farmers know what it takes to manage an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable farm,
• Farmers know what it takes to manage an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable farm,

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll give you the unit. Thank you very much for hearing testimony.
• Brian Mamoto is here on behalf of the Hawaii Farm Bureau.
• [questionable], Hawaii Farm Bureau, in support. Thank you, Chair.
• Hawaii Farm Bureau? [questionable], in support. Rene, in support. The Pamic?
• Hawaii Farm Bureau? [questionable], in support. Rene, in support. The Pamic?

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The joint Housing and Health and Human Services hearing began with Senate Bill 878, which would extend the sunset date for the state rent supplement program for kupuna to June 30, 2028. Testimony was uniformly supportive, including from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and others. Catholic Charities described a waitlist of seniors at imminent risk of homelessness and said the program helps seniors retain housing or secure units with landlord support. Members asked whether the bill would expand the number of households served; staff said the contract allows up to 127 households and that additional pending households could be funded, but applicants must still go through the program process. Both committees voted to pass SB 878 unamended. The committees then heard Senate Bill 1610 on Ohana Zones. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions supported the measure so long as it did not supplant existing funding, and described the funding as supporting homelessness services and wraparound supports. The Department of Human Services and Department of Land and Natural Resources offered comments, with DHS suggesting a definition of “kali” be added for clarity. The committee chair said the bill would receive technical amendments for clarity and consistency and accepted proposed amendments related to including “tales” in the program; the measure was advanced with amendments, with members voting in favor in both committees. In the joint Health and Human Services and Labor and Technology hearing, Senate Bill 1496 on civil rights and website accessibility drew support from disability advocates and organizations, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the National Federation of the Blind, the Deaf and Blind Task Force, and the Disability and Communication Access Board. Testimony emphasized the need for stronger state protections amid concerns about federal enforcement, while one testifier raised concerns about jurisdiction, minimum contacts, the use of WCAG 2.1 standards, and the bill’s immediate effective date. The committees decided to pass SB 1496 with technical amendments, including adding a defective date to allow further work before conference, and the recommendation was adopted in both committees. Later, the joint Health, Human Services, and Commerce and Consumer Protection hearing took up Senate Bill 404 on service animals. The Attorney General’s office raised a possible constitutional issue and the lack of an enforcement mechanism, while DHS deferred to other agencies. DCAB supported the bill but recommended amendments to identify an enforcement agency and require notices from professionals and sellers of service-animal or emotional-support-animal paraphernalia. Several advocacy and real estate-related groups testified in support. After discussion, the chair recommended deferring SB 404 for further work because of the Attorney General’s concerns, and the hearing adjourned without a vote on the measure. The final joint Transportation, Culture and the Arts, and Health and Human Services agenda heard SB 1526 on a drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory and SB 1492 on mobility management; both measures were advanced with amendments or as-is, with SB 1526 sent forward with technical amendments and SB 1492 moved ahead after members noted blank dollar amounts and requested the Department of Transportation provide figures.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're only one of 11 trails in the United States that has that designation.
• compatibility if they're being sited where there was another thermal unit.
• If my roof starts a leak and I have to replace my roof, I'll have to take the unit off.
• And remember that about 40 to 50% of all of Pinal County farming is now fallowed because we lost our
• , had the financial crisis of 2008, 2009 not occurred, they would not be farming today.

Bills: SB1041 , SB1363 , SB1418 , SB1419 , SB1445 , SB1447 , SB1488 , SB1519 , SB1523 , SB1560 , SB1580

Committees: Senate Natural Resources , Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Keywords: electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, marijuana, rural opportunity, dispensary, economic development, licensing, social equity, unserved communities, Arizona, solar energy, renewable energy, energy generation, consumer protection, installation standards

Transcript Highlights:

• In other words, it has to have a dosage unit on there, and the dosage unit has to identify the form that
• This is a letter from the United States Congress to the U.S.
• The United States of America. They're talking about U.S.
• The United States of America. the United States of America. They're talking about U.S.
• I've talked to the United States Attorney.

Committee: Joint Legislative Management

Transcript Highlights:

• That Heart Initiative has a farm initiative, which is looking at how we can help Arkansas.
• This sub-initiative includes mobile units using telehealth and technology to help bridge the gap for
• I've just been proud to support our farm-to-school program.
• So do the farm-to-school folks need to coordinate with the regional people to get funds for that?
• So I do represent rural Pulaski County as well, and so I have a lot of farms, small farms in Pulaski

Summary: The committee heard extensive public testimony from youth advocates and others urging stronger action on vaping in Arkansas. Speakers described high rates of youth vaping, the appeal of flavored products and social media marketing, health risks from nicotine and aerosol exposure, and school disruptions. They recommended prohibiting vaping in public indoor spaces, aligning vape rules with smoke-free laws, and expanding prevention and cessation efforts. Committee members praised the students for testifying and encouraged them to continue building support for future legislation. The main presentation was an overview of Arkansas’s Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. DFA officials said Arkansas received about $209 million for the first year and could receive roughly $1 billion over five years if performance remains strong. They emphasized that the program must be transparent, locally driven, and focused on transformation rather than operating support, debt relief, or new construction. They outlined four initiatives—Heart, PACT, Rise, and Thrive—covering prevention and community health, provider collaboration and access, workforce development, and technology/telehealth. Officials said applications would open in early May, with all four initiatives expected to launch by June, and that funds would be awarded through a reimbursement-based process with a quick turnaround. Committee members asked detailed questions about eligibility, allowable uses, timelines, and how the program would affect existing providers. Officials said rural eligibility could include providers in urban areas if they serve rural patients, and that existing programs could expand if they did not supplant current funding. They also said the program could support targeted renovations, mobile units, new residency slots, EMS equipment, and clinically integrated networks, but not working capital, permanent new buildings, or food purchases. Members raised concerns about protecting current rural providers, supporting school gardens and farmers markets, and ensuring nonprofits and faith-based groups could participate. Officials said the state would continue technical assistance and that the application review team would include DFA and health leadership. Later in the meeting, DHS presented a Medicaid and CHIP rule implementing federal requirements for incarcerated youth, including 30-day pre-release and post-release coverage, targeted case management, and screening services. The Department of Health also presented a rule updating audiology licensing to reflect recent acts and changing the renewal deadline from June 30 to October 31. Both rules were reviewed without objection, and the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• you know, with the sales being some of them kind of intermittent, or some of it, you talked about farm
• When it's kind of like the farm side with Amish and stuff like that, they have that religious exemption
• Most of it is produce and farms. They have a farmer's market, et cetera.
• Most of it is produce and farms. They have a farmer's market, et cetera.
• There are 26 states in the United States that do not.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• So specifically the weatherization and the work that's being done with farm workers to have improved
• For example, we've worked with community health workers to work with the farming community in Tulare
• County to help low-income and farming communities have housing.
• So specifically the weatherization and the work that's being done with farm workers to have improved
• County to help low-income and farming community have housing.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules convened with quorum and first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Courtney Welsh to the California Housing Partnership Corporation Board, Janessa Goldbeck to the California Veterans Board, and Tom Huntington to the State Parks and Recreation Commission, each by 3-0 vote. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees, the 2026 committee chair and membership appointments, the 2026 session schedule, the 2026 Senate holiday schedule, and floor acknowledgments, all by 4-0 votes. The committee then heard confirmation testimony from Hernando Garzon, M.D., nominated as Chief Medical Officer of the Emergency Medical Services Authority. Senators asked about EMSA’s strategic plan, data integration, local flexibility in statewide standards, ambulance patient offload regulations, stakeholder engagement, disaster response, rural access, and alternatives to transporting 9-1-1 callers to emergency departments. Garzon emphasized data-driven decision-making, technical assistance to local EMS agencies, collaboration with hospitals and providers, and the use of community paramedicine, telehealth, and pre-positioned resources in disasters. Public commenters and members supported his confirmation, and the committee approved the appointment 4-0 for referral to the full Senate. The committee also heard from Stephanie Weldon, nominated as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health. She described her tribal background, prior state, county, tribal, and nonprofit experience, and her focus on serving communities facing health disparities. Senators questioned her about how the office sets priorities, measures outcomes, balances equity work amid political opposition to DEI language, and tailors technical assistance to rural and tribal communities. Weldon pointed to work on tribal consultation, behavioral health, youth mental health, the California Reducing Disparities Project, gender-affirming care, reproductive health, housing and climate-related supports, and community advisory boards. Numerous public witnesses, including tribal and health equity advocates, spoke in strong support, and the committee approved her appointment 4-0 for the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• WHATEVER SEEN IN OTHER STATES IF ANYTHING AT ALL AROUND RIGHT TO REPAIR FOR FARM EQUIPMENT? >> Sen.
• BUREAU TO ADDRESS A LOT OF CONCERNS ABOUT MANUFACTURERS IN THE SPACE AND WITH AMERICAN FARM BUREAU TO
• TO DEVELOP TECHNIQUES AND GET FARM EQUIPMENT FIX.
• IT'S A MOUNTAIN OF COSTS THAT GO ALONG WITH FARMING IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.
• THERE IS AN ALICE REPORT I CAN GIVE YOU ALL OF THAT KIND OF INFORMATION DONE BY THE UNITED WAY.

Transcript Highlights:

• While she was there, she came out to our farm. I don't think I got her on a horse.
• And so we introduced her to a working farm.
• And then she took time to visit my seatmates Buffalo Farm.
• President, her selfless work to help farm workers.
• And I've been with her when she's been with the farm workers in the Yakima Valley.

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution

Summary: The Senate took up several bills on final passage, beginning with Substitute House Bill 2689 on the Working Connections Child Care program. The chamber adopted a Ways and Means striking amendment, then passed the bill 33-16. Supporters said it would change provider payment to attendance-based reimbursement, require subsidy rates to reach at least the 75th percentile of market rates, update use of market rate surveys, and remove previously scheduled income-eligibility expansions. Opponents argued it would not treat all child care providers equally and could create unfair workarounds. The bill was immediately transmitted to the House. The Senate then passed Engrossed House Bill 2487, which clarifies how insurance companies and their affiliates are taxed, and Substitute House Bill 2089, which narrows a tax preference for certain financial institutions and dedicates the revenue to the Wildfire Mitigation Fund. HB 2487 drew criticism for applying the tax retroactively to 2019 despite prior court rulings, while HB 2089 was opposed on affordability grounds because it affects mortgage-related taxation. The chamber also passed Engrossed House Bill 2681, raising annual license fees for cannabis producers, processors, and retailers; opponents said the increase reflected broader budget pressures. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to Senate Resolution 8704 honoring Senator Rebecca Saldaña. Numerous senators from both parties praised her work on labor, environmental justice, child welfare, immigrant and worker rights, and her habit of centering marginalized communities and checking on colleagues personally. Saldaña responded with remarks about organizing, democracy, and the importance of collective action, saying she was grateful for the chamber and looking forward to the next chapter. The Senate adopted the resolution unanimously, and members agreed to add all senators’ names as co-sponsors. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8702 honoring Senator Judy Warnick, with speakers from both parties highlighting her long service, agricultural background, calm leadership, bipartisan approach, and work on rural economic development, children and families, and capital projects. Warnick thanked colleagues and said she looked forward to spending more time with her family, farm, and horses. The meeting also included routine motions to move between orders of business and a message from the House concurring in Senate amendments to several bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands
• I first came about this information that this was happening in the United States by watching a show on
• The green represent the dormitory units.
• Oh, and then it's ironic that the Farm Bureau has sent out their letter because what about farm vehicles
• vehicle drivers with a valid license operating within 150 air miles of the farm.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, your brother, Brian, and his family, who I understand traveled to Washington, D.C. from their farm
• I mean, that's more than half of the defense budget of the United States.
• Kelly grew up on a family farm, became the first in her family to earn a college degree, and worked her
• I grew up as the fourth generation on our family's farm in Illinois.
• and medium-sized businesses do business outside of the United States.

Committee: Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee