Transcript Highlights:

• Youth court has counseling programs. They have villages.
• referred back to to youth court? referred back to to youth court?
• You would be still in youth court. You would be still in youth court.
• aligned programs.
• for workforce aligned programs. for workforce aligned programs.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 31 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a guest vocalist, and the Pledge of Allegiance before moving into routine business. Members first recognized several special guests and school groups, including championship teams from Simpson County Academy, New Albany High School, Tougaloo College, Madison-Richland Academy, East Rankin Academy, Morton High School, and others, along with honorees such as Dr. Katrina Cox, Pamela Moody, Joe Helen Joey Walker, and Jimmy Carr. The chamber also noted a prior resolution honoring Reverend Dr. Victor Dixon and the Copiah County Ministerial Alliance, and Dr. Dixon led the opening prayer. On the calendar, the House adopted a conference report on House Bill 1752 dealing with judicial salaries. The report set new salary amounts for state court judges effective January 1, 2027, froze district attorney salary increases until January 1, 2028, and then tied DAs to 95% of circuit and chancery judges’ pay. It also removed mandatory raise language for judges and county court judges, and members briefly discussed the broader issue of legislative compensation. The report passed 115-2. The House then adopted a conference report on House Bill 377, the missing persons bill, which clarified definitions, added forensic genetic genealogy testing provisions, and set timelines for law enforcement to enter credible missing-person reports into NamUs and NCIC. That report passed 120-0. The chamber also adopted a conference report on House Bill 525, changing the penalty for sexual battery in a position of trust or authority from a 0-to-30-year range to a 5-to-30-year range; it passed 112-0. Later, the House adopted a conference report on House Bill 925 after removing veto-message language, and adopted another conference report on House Bill 939 combining a low-sat repealer change and a fire truck acquisition program that creates a Fire Equipment Fund supported by recurring black tag revenue. The House also approved unanimous-consent amendments to Senate Bill 3105 and recommitted Senate Bill 2747 for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• in addition to the successful program in addition to the successful program that<00:13:44.600>
• there<00:17:34.400> is launching their program now and there is launching their program now
• one in Kona um the social work program one in Kona um the social work program also<00:17:37.559>
• I'm the program manager for the Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawaii program of the Hawaii Public Health
• I'm the program manager for the Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawaii program of the Hawaii Public Health

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Health Committee held its first hearing of 2025, with Chair Greg Takayama and Vice Chair Representative Leoy opening the meeting and outlining housekeeping rules, including a two-minute limit for testifiers and Zoom etiquette. The committee first heard HB 303 on health care preceptors. The Department of Health, Department of Taxation, University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, and several health care organizations supported the bill, saying the existing preceptor tax credit program has been successful and that expanding eligibility to additional professions and students would help address workforce shortages. In response to questions, the Department of Health said the annual tax credit cap is $1.5 million, about 650 to 670 credits are currently used each year, and the bill applies only to unpaid preceptors. The committee then moved on to HB 441, which would raise cigarette taxes. The Attorney General, Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, Hawaii Public Health Institute, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and others supported the measure as a way to reduce smoking, especially among youth, and to support tobacco control and cancer-related programs. Opponents, including the Taxpayers Protection Alliance and the Cigar Association of Hawaii, argued the tax is regressive and unreliable as a revenue source. The Department of Health noted the last cigarette tax increase was in 2011, and one witness urged a larger increase than proposed. No vote was taken on either bill in the portion of the hearing provided. The committee also heard HB 557 on telehealth. The Department of Health supported the bill so long as it did not displace executive budget priorities, and the Hawaii State Health Planning and Development Agency and Hawaii Primary Care Association supported it. HPCA said the bill would conform state insurance law to recent Medicare changes expanding audio-only telehealth coverage beyond mental health services, and it emphasized access for rural residents, kupuna, and people with disabilities. HMSA opposed the bill as written, saying it strayed from the intent of Act 107 and that audio-only telehealth should remain limited because of quality-of-care concerns, though it supported continued access and asked for a different amendment approach. A telehealth provider also testified that payment disparities limit provider expansion and that audio-only access remains important for patients with serious illness. The hearing ended in the excerpt before any committee action or vote on HB 557.

Transcript Highlights:

• Program for the Committee on Public Health.
• HB 3799 by Orr relates to the establishment of the apprenticeship training program sponsorship fund,
• HB 3811 by Plesao relates to youth injury mitigation and information training for coaches and youth athletic
• HB 3821 by Gerties relates to the implementation of a veteran discount program for the use of certain
• HB 3849 by Kinala relates to program categories and the unified transportation program for the Subcommittee

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Va, their Hawaiian studies program, pre-K-5.
• :10.800> their<00:15:11.040> Hawaiian<00:15:11.600> studies<00:15:12.160> program
• <00:15:12.800> prek25 Va their Hawaiian studies program prek25 Va their Hawaiian studies program
• <00:18:16.000> Football<00:18:16.480> National the American Youth Football National
• um from the coaching staff at the youth um from the coaching staff at the youth levels<00:19:14.720

Bills: HB2391, HB2294, HB2374, HB1997, HB2147, HB2185, HB1641, HB2195, HB2023, HB2031, HB2033, HB1937, HB2586, HB2575, HB2030, HB2115, HB2233, HB1801, HB1546, HB2132, HB2102, HB2356, HB2457, HB2292, HB2554, HB676, HB1528, HB2061, HB2094, HB2095, HB2181, HB2369, HB2578, HB2493, HB1642, HB1991, HB1652, HB2104, HB2593, HB1553, HB1823, HB1918, HB1860, HB2604, HB2605, HB2001, HB2437, HB1947, HB2384, HB2473, HB2140, HB1458, HB2603, HB2411, HB1611, HB2138, HB2141, HB2284, HB1568, HB1924, HB1928, HB2570

Keywords: tax holiday, school supplies, general excise tax, Hawaii, consumer savings, education, land transfer, public schools, Department of Education, property conveyance, Act 307, Kauai, Maui, shade trees, fruit trees, educational program, climate change, tree canopy, environmental education, native plants

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an act relating to youth health. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• to youth sports programs.
• sports by ensuring youth athletic programs provide access.
• AB 310 will require youth sports organizations to have a written emergency response plan that includes
• Colleagues, today I have the honor of welcoming the Wise Choice for Girls, Marin City Youth Leadership

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our non-Medicaid programs, I think you were already talking about a bit.
• The other one we're doing is the community reintegration program.
• The last thing I'll talk about on children and youth is... Ms.
• On children and youth is... Ms. Stone, can I cut you off for one second? Sure.
• Youth and adolescent, we're also opening up a substance use disorder unit.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The House Health Services Subcommittee met to approve the October 7, 2024 minutes and then shifted to behavioral health as the main topic. Representatives Wooldridge and Vaught described the work of the behavioral health working group, saying Arkansas needs a more proactive system focused on access, workforce, reimbursement, and reducing red tape. Members raised concerns about provider shortages, licensure barriers, rural access, reimbursement rates, jail-based services, non-emergency transport, and the need for step-down options and crisis diversion before people end up in jail or the state hospital. DHS Director Paula Stone outlined the behavioral health system, emphasizing that Medicaid pays for most behavioral health services in Arkansas and that many services cannot be billed once a person is in jail or the state hospital. She described current efforts including family-centered treatment for children, community reintegration group homes, a new adolescent substance use disorder unit, forensic evaluation and restoration changes, and a planned IMD waiver to allow Medicaid payment for certain psychiatric and residential services. She also explained the backlog at the state hospital and in forensic restoration, the role of therapeutic communities, and the challenges of serving rural and difficult-to-serve populations. Members asked about crisis stabilization units, civil commitment, dashboards for bed availability, and whether Arkansas should expand step-down or long-term facilities. Stone said the state has supported crisis stabilization units in several cities, with mixed results, and noted that Fort Smith and Jonesboro have been more successful than Fayetteville and Little Rock. She said DHS does not yet have a statewide bed dashboard but sees it as a useful tool. The meeting ended with agreement that the discussion was a starting point and that the committee would continue the work, tentatively in August, to develop policy ideas for the 2027 session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jicarilla Department of Youth Powwow Princess Kenesha Lovato proudly represents the youth of the Jicarilla
• Apache Nation during the annual Department of Youth Christmas Powwow.
• Department of Youth Powau Princess Kenesha Lovato.
• She proudly represents the youth of the Hikaria Apache Nation during the annual Department of Youth Christmas
• It has been home to these rural youth for over 100 years with...

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• existing program as part of a program existing program as part of a program rather<00:47:37.200>
• about this um in talking with the youth about this um in talking with the youth court<01:19:40.000
• <01:19:59.440> court to I think there's many youth court to I think there's many youth court
• saw what that program did. saw what that program did.
• <02:09:36.800> is those comprehensive CTE programs is those comprehensive CTE programs is

Keywords: Education - Room 216, 22 January, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several education-related bills. Senate Bill 2071 would allow school boards to vote on providing health insurance to board members and their dependents using local, not state, funds; it was advanced after Senator Brian objected that it could create an incentive for people to seek school board seats for the insurance benefit. Senate Bill 2072 would move the deadline for teacher supply cards earlier, from August to July, using EF funds, and it was reported. Senate Bill 2103 would require school boards to adopt policies banning or restricting student cell phone use during school and class time, and it was also reported. Senate Bill 21103 would remove a requirement that school counselors follow the National Association of School Counselors’ code of ethics and instead align them with the Mississippi teacher code of ethics; it passed without opposition. Senate Bill 2236 would authorize the use of LifeVac choking devices in schools, with the sponsor saying the devices are inexpensive and could be provided free to districts; it passed as well. The committee then spent most of its time on Senate Bill 2242, the Mississippi Math Act, which would create a statewide math improvement initiative within the Department of Education. The bill would deploy math instructional coaches, require K-5 universal math screeners three times a year, create individual math plans for students below benchmark, support algebra readiness, protect data under FERPA, and establish a fund for grants and other deposits. Senator Boyd said the bill is modeled on efforts in other states, especially Alabama, and is intended to build on Mississippi’s literacy reforms by focusing on support, intervention, and professional development rather than retention or punishment. Members raised concerns about cost, the proposed anti-lapsing language for the fund, and whether the bill should require high-quality instructional materials statewide rather than leaving curriculum choices to local districts. Senator Hopson estimated the program could cost about $3.5 million and suggested the anti-lapsing language might be removed or handled through appropriations. Senators Blunt, Hill, and Wiggins argued that the success of literacy reforms came from requiring standardized, high-quality instructional materials and accountability, not home rule alone. Senator Wiggins offered an amendment to require high-quality instructional materials for math statewide, and Senator Boyd said he was supportive of that as a friendly amendment. The discussion ended with the amendment still being worked through and the bill not yet finally disposed of in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are creating a state disaster assistance program with state taxpayer money and in this program we
• But programs like school-based health, behavioral health, youth diversion, gang reduction strategies,
• California currently has no licensed midwife programs and only one nurse midwifery program accepting
• AB 996. addresses local coastal programs.
• Set by the medical program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sports programming and youth development programming throughout Southern California from the profits
• sports programs.
• We were able to secure that to fund youth programming, and much of it has already— we've already had
• Budget, we were able to secure that to fund youth programming, and much of it has already— we've already
• We will have composting programs.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The hearing focused on Los Angeles’ preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with an emphasis on infrastructure, transportation, sustainability, community benefits, and legacy planning. Members and witnesses discussed venue readiness, state and local coordination, public safety, accessibility, and how the Games can leave behind lasting improvements such as transit upgrades, streetscape work, energy and utility improvements, and potentially permanent community assets. LA28 also highlighted its broader planning goals, including a transit-first, no-new-permanent-build approach and the use of temporary venues that could later serve communities. LA28’s Joey Freeman reported on ticket sales, volunteer interest, sponsorships, and recent legislative wins, including laws to support the games route network, temporary infrastructure, medical staffing, and out-of-state EMS deployment. He said LA28 has reached $2.5 billion in corporate sponsorships, sold more than 4 million tickets in the first drop, and launched a local presale with roughly half a million $28 tickets and a community ticketing program. However, several senators sharply criticized the ticketing rollout, saying low-cost tickets were too limited and that the committee lacked basic data on how many tickets were available, sold, or priced affordably. Members also raised concerns about ensuring access for low-income residents, schools, nonprofits, and the broader Los Angeles community. Mayor Karen Bass said the city’s theme is “Games for All” and described efforts to prepare small businesses, improve infrastructure, and create a citywide Cultural Olympiad and fan-fest style viewing sites modeled partly on Paris. She asked for state help with permitting, mutual aid for law enforcement, and cleanup of state-owned corridors and highways, and said the city wants local businesses prioritized over a broader Southern California definition of “local.” Other witnesses from Exposition Park and the Rose Bowl described major venue-specific needs, including accessibility, traffic and safety upgrades, utility replacement, site improvements, and legacy investments. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided, but members requested follow-up meetings and additional information on ticketing, community access, procurement, cultural programming, and infrastructure plans.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:24.199> local report on the successful programs local report on the successful programs
• that's sort of a a bat school program that's sort of a a diversionary<00:09:48.959> program<00
• <00:09:56.600> it's criminal prosecution uh program it's criminal prosecution uh program it's
• <00:16:02.040> for the Minnesota alliance with youth for the Minnesota alliance with youth
• counties and those different programs counties and those different programs too<00:42:59.880>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and is devouring the inis of our youth and is devouring the inis of our youth sex<00:28:03.440><
• By embedding digital literacy education programs for both youth and parents or caregivers and creating
• the Trap is set the victim often a youth the Trap is set the victim often a youth is<00:29:23.919
• <00:32:27.919> for<00:32:28.159> both<00:32:29.039> youth education programs
• for both youth education programs for both youth parents<00:32:30.559> or<00:32:31.080> caregivers

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:05 Roll Call: 00:00:14 SB 26: 00:01:50 SB 64: 00:18:29 SB 73: 00:22:54, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. Senate Bill 26, sponsored by Chair Storm, would protect parents and prospective parents with disabilities by barring disability alone from being the sole basis for denying an adoption petition or terminating parental rights. Testimony from Judge Marcus Vanover and Crystal Adams described the bill as a product of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health and its work groups, cited Kentucky and national cases and federal ADA guidance, and said the bill would require consideration of supportive services, clearer documentation, retention of records, and conforming language changes. Senator Carroll asked how the bill would apply to a hypothetical adult child with special needs; witnesses said the bill is aimed at adoption and termination proceedings where the Cabinet is already involved, not proactive service requests. The committee approved SB 26 by a unanimous 7-0 vote and sent it to the floor with favorable expression. The committee next considered Senate Bill 64, also sponsored by Chair Storm, which would expand the definition of key infrastructure assets to include telecommunications services such as telephone lines and broadband and make damaging, tampering with, or rendering those services inoperable a Class D felony. Representatives from Charter/Spectrum and AT&T testified that copper theft and vandalism have increasingly damaged fiber and other facilities, citing more than 20 incidents in Kentucky in 2024 affecting over 30,000 customers and diverting resources from broadband expansion. The committee adopted a committee substitute and then passed SB 64 by a 7-0 vote with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 73, sponsored by Senator Julie Adams, which would create a felony offense for sexual extortion, allow victims or their representatives to bring civil actions, include the offense in Kentucky’s sex-crime definitions, and require school-based notification and education efforts along with resource information for students. Senator Adams and witness Lady T. Thompson described sextortion as a fast-growing online crime targeting minors, often through social media, gaming, and messaging apps, and argued that stronger penalties and prevention efforts are needed. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on SB 73.

Transcript Highlights:

• We Memorial is an active partner in District 40, sponsoring summer youth camps, food giveaways, and programming
• President, colleagues, it is my pleasure to welcome the students from the Elijah Cummings Youth Program
• It's a wonderful, wonderful program.
• Youth Program to the the Elijah Cummings Youth Program to the chamber<00:24:50.000> today.
• Uh really one of our great programs.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate opened with an invocation by Reverend Dorene Robinson of Weman Memorial AM Church in Baltimore, followed by a quorum call showing 41 members present. The chamber then spent much of the session recognizing guests and visitors, including members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Morgan State Choir, the Winston Churchill High School varsity golf team, the Elijah Cummings Youth Program, students from several schools, faith leaders, and other community guests. Several senators also introduced personal guests and offered birthday recognitions, including Mrs. Eliza May Robinson and the Secretary of the Senate. On the legislative side, Senate Bill 988 on judicial facilities, stops, detention, and arrest limitation rules was introduced and referred to the Rules Committee. Bond initiatives were also read and referred to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. The chamber took up Senate Bill 108 on wetlands enforcement, but the minority leader said members still had questions, and the bill was special ordered until Friday without objection. The Senate also adopted a congratulatory resolution honoring the Winston Churchill High School varsity golf team for winning the 2025 4A/3A Maryland State Golf Championship, including recognition of senior captain Zoe Kusak’s individual title. Another resolution congratulated Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, North Atlantic Region, for its advocacy and community service. The session ended after committee schedule announcements and a motion to adjourn until the next day, with the Senate agreeing to adjourn until Thursday, February 26 at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We work with youth across all enterprises.
• They have the flexibility because of the waiver program.
• There is already a program in place to help families that need it.
• As I mentioned earlier, I think the waiver program works as it is.
• You see, we have a program in Hillsborough County called it ought to be a bill.

Summary: The committee first took up a committee substitute for SB 752, which would require newspapers and television stations to remove online reports later found to be false or defamatory in certain circumstances, and would change when the statute of limitations begins to run. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address lasting harm from false accusations that remain searchable online. Several speakers opposed the measure, arguing it would chill reporting, punish accurate historical coverage, and create vague legal risks for the press. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then approved CS/SB 846, a bill aimed at preventing immigration service fraud by non-attorneys and misuse of the term "notario." Supporters, including an immigration attorney, said the bill would protect vulnerable immigrants from bad advice and fake legal services. The committee also approved CS/SB 800, which updates battery labeling and recycling requirements to reduce fires caused by discarded batteries; waste and recycling representatives supported it, while a battery industry group warned the bill could effectively ban battery-embedded products. CS/SB 578, dealing with wine container rules and allowing recyclable inserts and boxes up to 5.16 gallons, was also reported favorably. The committee next approved CS/SB 1734, the Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which sets product standards, labeling rules, age limits, testing, and enforcement provisions. Supporters said it reflects current science and consumer safety needs, while opponents warned it could burden small businesses and overregulate the market. SB 918, which would loosen state child labor restrictions for certain minors and align Florida law more closely with federal standards, drew extensive opposition from advocates, students, and labor groups who said it would increase exploitation and harm education; several senators also raised concerns, but the bill was still reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 854 on unlicensed contractors and deposit fraud, and confirmed several appointments to state boards and commissions. A separate bill on online encryption and child safety, SB 868, was taken up with an amendment and public testimony, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, good. >> So, this Youth Villages Intercept program is a Title IV prevention services program.
• <00:34:11.520> a um at uh maybe under under 200 youth a um at uh maybe under under 200 youth
• this program does? this program does?
• programs.
• , look at the breadth of the program, look at the breadth of the program, we're<00:58:04.559>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met with a quorum and approved the July 8 minutes. It then deferred several items from the July agenda, including a Kentucky Education Television contract because the vendor was not yet registered with the Secretary of State, and a University of Louisville contract at the university’s request. The committee also deferred a behavioral health memorandum of agreement and later a Department of Community Based Services contract after questions were raised about the scope of services and the need for additional information. The most extensive discussion involved the Seven Counties Services contract with the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities. Committee members questioned why the state continues to contract with Seven Counties despite its bankruptcy and pension-related liabilities, how the funding split was determined, whether the services are statutorily required, and whether the state or another provider could deliver the services more efficiently. Agency representatives said Seven Counties is the sole provider of core community mental health services in its region, serves about 24,500 people, and that service needs and acuity remain high even as the number served has declined. A cabinet attorney said the bankruptcy dispute is ongoing and involves roughly $20 million in contested retirement contributions, though members suggested the amount may be higher. Members also raised broader concerns about whether local governments, especially Metro Louisville, should contribute more toward services tied to social determinants of health, and whether the contract includes services beyond what statute requires. The committee requested additional information on the contract scope and possible offsets or recovery of unfunded liabilities, and then voted to defer the Seven Counties contract to the next meeting. The committee also heard a separate DCBS presentation on the Youth Villages Intercept program, where staff explained it was selected because it is an approved evidence-based Family First prevention service, provides intensive in-home and foster care stabilization services, and is headquartered in Tennessee but operates across Kentucky; members asked for clarification on Medicaid billing and additional funding needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Talk about the food shelf program, um, for that state grant program.
• , Youth, and Families.
• than 650 children on the program.
• The prepared meals program also works nicely with the senior nutrition program.
• So it's a really good program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Services such as housing programs, Services such as housing programs, Med-Quest,<00:47:28.320><
• critical ongoing proven programs. critical ongoing proven programs.
• Uh Hawaii State Youth Thank you.
• Uh Hawaii State Youth Thank you.
• so with the, uh, secondary programs. so with the, uh, secondary programs.

Bills: HB2459, HB1616, HB1799, HB1604, HB1732, HB1736, HB1931, HB772, HB2153, HB2122, HB2009, HB2012, HB1779, HB2296, HB2397, HB2398, HB1596, HB2233, HB1976, HB1563, HB815, HB1655, HB1851, HB1941, HB2037, HB1635, HB2201, HB1943, HB1163, HB2452, HB2429, HB2148, HB2306, HB2007, HB2049, HB2616

Keywords: food innovation, agribusiness, food safety, market access, branding, economic diversification, performance indicators, agriculture, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, housing development, commercial projects, county authority, public works, construction standards, exemption, zoning, housing

Transcript Highlights:

• to teach youth about budgeting.
• The Hatch Library during their summer reading program has a children's entrepreneurship program where
• to teach youth about budgeting.
• The Hatch Library during their summer reading program has a children's entrepreneurship program where
• . ...big programs like SNAP or WIC or the Farmers Market programs or New Mexico grown.

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy presentation from the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative in support of fully funding the rural library endowment with an additional $29.5 million. The presenters described rural libraries as essential community infrastructure that provide not only books and internet access, but also early childhood programs, adult education, workforce support, telehealth, disaster response, and civic meeting space. They argued that the endowment would provide stable annual support for staffing and operations, help sustain libraries in very small towns and tribal communities, and support new or developing libraries. Members asked about eligibility, county coverage, how funds are distributed, and whether the state tracks broader outcomes such as job placements or certifications; the presenters said the State Library administers the funds and that the initiative itself is a nonprofit capacity-building organization, not the fund manager. Some members raised concerns about whether an endowment is the best long-term model versus recurring annual appropriations, and about the need for better reporting and state-library involvement. The committee then heard from food bank leaders Jill Dixon and Katie Anderson about food security and its economic impact. They said New Mexico’s five food banks and more than 500 partner agencies serve all 33 counties, distribute over 45 million meals, and rely mostly on philanthropy, with some state and local support. They emphasized that SNAP is a major economic driver, supporting grocery access, jobs, and local spending, and that recent legislative growth funding helped food banks respond to a surge in demand during a SNAP disruption. They also highlighted food banks as community hubs that can connect people to health care, job training, and other services, including through clinic referrals and closed-loop systems. In response to questions, they said food access gaps remain in some rural areas, that clients can generally seek food at other distribution sites without barriers, and that longer-term solutions should include more grocery access, healthy corner stores, and stronger broadband and health care infrastructure. The final presentations came from the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce. Gallup-McKinley described a shrinking workforce, youth outmigration, crime, health care shortages, malpractice costs, and gross receipts tax burdens as major barriers to rural economic growth, and urged action on workforce pipelines, housing, public safety, malpractice reform, and tax/regulatory changes. Artesia highlighted its murals, library, sports tradition, oil and gas, agriculture, federal training center, and refinery, while also noting workforce shortages, health care recruitment challenges, housing constraints, and the need for quality-of-life investments and more flexible regulation. The committee also briefly heard a bill presentation proposing a New Mexico-Ireland Trade Commission to promote bilateral trade and investment, especially in technology, agriculture, and energy sectors. No votes were taken because quorum was not reached, and the endorsement item was not acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• This program is already being noticed nationally.
• This program works.
• This program is already being noticed nationally.
• This program works.
• And MESA is such a great program.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sure the program works successfully.
• First of all, I think this is a great program.
• Or you have ones that you actually work with on an annual basis: education programs, after-school programs
• , obesity programs, youth sports programs, building fields in underserved areas.
• Education programs, after-school programs, obesity programs, youth sports programs, building fields in

Summary: The Governmental Organization Committee met as a subcommittee before quorum was established, then heard three measures. AB 770 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez would authorize the City of Los Angeles to create a flexible signage framework at the Los Angeles Convention Center to generate revenue for renovation and modernization tied to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Support came from labor, business, and SEIU representatives, who cited jobs, tourism, and financing benefits; there was no opposition testimony. Members asked about the job estimates and the connection between signage revenue and convention center expansion. SB 451, presented by Senator Archuleta, would clarify that a 50-50 charitable raffle may be conducted at a championship game held at a designated venue where an affiliated sports team plays home games, addressing a Super Bowl-related ambiguity. Supporters from the NFL and the 49ers said the change would preserve charitable fundraising for Super Bowls 60 and 61 and would not alter other raffle rules. CalNonprofits raised concerns about fairness, gambling expansion, and the special treatment of pro sports raffles, while members discussed how charities receive funds and the program’s audit process. AB 831 by Assemblymember Valencia would prohibit online sweepstakes using dual-currency models that allow cash payouts, while leaving non-cash social sweepstakes untouched. Supporters, including several tribes, the Sports Betting Alliance, the California Chamber of Commerce, and other stakeholders, argued the bill closes a loophole, protects consumers, and preserves tribal gaming sovereignty; opponents, including the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance and numerous tribal members and representatives, argued it would eliminate a legal industry, harm smaller and less advantaged tribes, and was advanced without sufficient consultation. After extensive debate about consumer protection, tribal equity, and online gaming regulation, all three bills were approved, and the committee adjourned at 9:55 a.m.