Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate amendment simply allows that fee to be increased by inflation rates, with the fee not to exceed
• by Senator Pressly, provides relative to professions and occupations, limiting recovery of attorney fees
• It provides relative to professions and occupations, limiting recovery of attorney fees and costs, and
• , penalties, exemption, suspension, revocation, license.
• a Louisiana-specific medical claims database, uses data to monitor and adjust workers’ compensation fee

Bills: HR320, HR321, SCR55, SCR69, SCR75, SCR77, SCR78, SCR79, SB259, SB295, SB312, SB348, SB444, SB485, HR73, HR118, HR144, HR196, HR237, HR249, HR260, HR267, HR272, HR278, HCR85, HCR100, HCR105, HCR107, HCR114, HR245, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR37, SCR63, SCR30, SCR40, HB62, HB193, HB210, HB220, HB246, HB364, HB420, HB475, HB584, HB622, HB772, HB784, HB949, HB953, HB1043, HB1070, HB1092, HB1134, HB1162, HB1176, HB1196, HB1214, HB119, HB129, HB233, HB283, HB538, HB789, HB850, HB870, HB1236, HB1241, HB54, HB137, HB321, HB368, HB386, HB414, HB431, HB552, HB555, HB578, HB590, HB593, HB618, HB638, HB670, HB692, HB707, HB708, HB715, HB718, HB732, HB741, HB748, HB776, HB796, HB807, HB822, HB848, HB856, HB887, HB888, HB917, HB921, HB1082, HB1243, HB1246, HB378, HB509, HB1090, HB1259, SB80, SB131, SB143, SB251, SB254, SB279, SB367, SB384, SB388, SB389, SB398, SB408, SB431, SB468, SB469, SB496, SB4, SB52, SB57, SB83, SB145, SB152, SB194, SB276, SB319, SB333, SB448, SB450, SB465, SB484, SB501, SB509, SB149, HR168, HB463, HB998, SB123, SB353, SB479, SB495, SB82, SB97, SB283, SB326, SB518, SB197, SB268, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB646, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB89, HB74, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB956, HB1117, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB401, SB441, SB449, SB487

Keywords: Arsenal, Arsenal F.C., Premier League, English football, soccer, football club, Mikel Arteta, Emirates Stadium, North London, Tottenham Hotspur, Gunners, sports resolution, commendation, celebration, championship, silverware, Louisiana House Resolution, ceremonial resolution, domestic violence, forensic medical examinations

Summary: The House was called to order, a quorum was established, and the meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members also observed several personal privileges and recognitions, including International Preeclampsia Awareness Month, the Hudson Cup award presentation to Rep. John Illg Jr., recognition of the Delcambre Shrimp Festival Queen, and a visit from U.S. Sen. John Kennedy. The chamber also received Senate messages, conference committee appointments, enrolled reports, and a conference report on SB 483 dealing with psychedelic-assisted therapy, which was laid over. The House then moved through a long series of concurrence and rejection votes on Senate amendments to House bills. Among the measures concurred in were bills affecting the Louisiana Women’s Policy Research Commission, the Louisiana Sickle Cell Commission, child exploitation reporting on covered platforms, the Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board, DCFS background checks, AI disclosure in health care, foster care placement and related terminology, criminal history record confidentiality, parish court jurisdiction, court costs, developmental disability office renaming, insurance claims and contractor licensing, Medicare Advantage coverage, colorectal cancer screening, health facilities, highway memorial designations, jury compensation, school employee protections, juvenile court fees, off-road vehicle seizure, residential property insurance cancellation, child support enforcement, and several others. The House rejected Senate amendments on bills including ethics retroactivity, sex offender registration notification, plumbers licensing, and health insurance formulary placement, sending some to conference. Several bills were finally passed, including measures on obstructing public passages with motorized vehicles, class six injection well hearings, arson of religious buildings, wearing masks while committing felonies, professional board attorney fees, bulletproof vests for peace officers, critical infrastructure protection from foreign adversaries, debit card surcharges, electronic stock certificates, watershed restoration funding, and innovation economic development pilot hubs. The innovation hub bill drew extensive debate over no-bid contracting, transparency, and the role of elected versus unelected bodies; an amendment to limit contracting authority to parish governing authorities was withdrawn, and the bill later proceeded to final passage after extended floor discussion. The House also took up and passed or concurred in multiple other bills and resolutions, with recorded votes ranging from unanimous to divided on a few measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sure you heard Senator Inhoosa's questions regarding the IOLTA fees and the reduction in those fees
• It's essentially $5 that's assessed in any civil case filed, a court where filing fees are paid.
• It's essentially $5 that's assessed in any civil case filed. A court where filing fees are paid.
• fees to meet these expenditures.
• We also get a little fee from lawyers in terms of their licensing, and then there is a fee on surety

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee held its first hearing of the 89th regular session, adopted nearly identical committee rules from the previous legislature by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the budget framework, emphasizing conservative spending, a $332.9 billion all-funds budget, and major priorities including property tax relief, public education, border security, health and human services, transportation, energy, and water infrastructure. She also introduced committee and leadership staff and described the hearing schedule and public testimony procedures. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending, including a $23.8 billion ending balance, but warned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid using temporary spikes for ongoing commitments. Senators questioned him extensively about the Economic Stabilization Fund cap, sales tax trends, inflation, and whether the state should consider raising the cap or using severance-tax revenues differently. Hager said the Rainy Day Fund is expected to hit its cap, which would leave more severance-tax revenue in general revenue, and he stressed that infrastructure needs remain significant. The Legislative Budget Board then gave a detailed overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major components. LBB staff explained that the bill includes continued funding for the Foundation School Program, $850 million for the Texas State Technical College endowment, $1.3 billion for the Texas University Fund, $6.5 billion for border security, salary increases for correctional officers and state troopers, $3 billion for dementia research, higher community attendant wages, expanded community-based care, $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund, and funding to clear volunteer fire department grant backlogs. They also outlined supplemental priorities such as water infrastructure, retirement legacy payments, rail grade separations, wildfire aircraft, and emergency facilities, and said the current controlling budget limit is the tax spending limit. A major portion of the hearing focused on property tax relief. LBB explained that prior-session relief grew from an expected $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher-than-anticipated property values and interactions among hold-harmless provisions, and that SB 1 continues and expands relief with $51 billion in total property tax relief, including $3 billion more for compression, $3 billion to raise the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, and a $500 million placeholder for business tax relief. Senators discussed the automatic nature of some of these costs, the effect of the non-homestead circuit breaker, the role of federal COVID funds, and the need to maintain school finance commitments if the state continues to compress school tax rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are File Item 8, SB 1205; File Item 9, SB 1274; File Item 11, SB 1055; File Item 15, SB 1170; and
• , file item 9, SB 1274, file item 11, SB 1055, file item 15, SB 1170.
• I'm sorry, not file item 2. File item 15, SB 1170, file item 17, SB 1438.
• The consent calendar consists of file item 8, SB 1205; file item 9, SB 1274; file item 11, SB 1055; file
• File item 9, SB 1274; file item 11, SB 1055; file item 15, SB 1170; file item 17, SB 1438.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on wildfire resilience, land use, and local government transparency. SB 911 by Senator Becker would require notification to fire enforcement agencies when a home in a high fire severity zone is sold with an agreement for the buyer to bring the property into defensible-space compliance; the California Association of Realtors said it would drop opposition if the bill is amended to use the preliminary change of ownership report, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 994 by Senator Cabaldon would bar local officials from signing nondisclosure agreements that prevent them from sharing information with the elected decision-makers of their jurisdiction; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, and it also passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1041 by Senator Riggins would expand PACE financing for wildfire home-hardening improvements and add consumer protections, but it drew strong opposition from homeowner advocates, county treasurers, bankers, and others over predatory lending and lien concerns; it passed 3-2 and remained on call. The committee also considered SB 1075 by Senator Reyes, which would require local governments in AB 617 communities to consider air-quality reduction measures in land-use approvals for industrial and commercial projects. Environmental justice groups supported the bill as a way to implement community air plans, while counties, cities, business groups, builders, trucking interests, and others opposed it as duplicative of CEQA and a barrier to investment and jobs. After debate over local control and environmental justice, the bill passed 3-2 and remained on call. SB 958 by Senator Cabaldon would advance the Midway Rising redevelopment project in San Diego, replacing a former arena and parking lots with housing, affordable units, parks, and a new entertainment venue; with no opposition voiced, it passed 3-0 to Appropriations. Another wildfire-related measure, SB 1182 by Senator Allen, would require local governments to consider insurance availability in safety planning for development in high fire hazard areas and direct state technical guidance on the issue. Supporters said insurance access is now a key indicator of risk, while some members questioned whether the bill would add useful information or burden local governments; the bill received a 1-1 vote and remained on call. The committee then began hearing SB 1116 by Senator Caballero, a starter-home/infill housing bill creating a streamlined ministerial path for small projects up to 10 units, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or a vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m sure you heard Senator Hinojosa’s questions regarding the IOLTA fees and the reduction in those fees
• It's essentially $5 that's assessed in any civil case filed, a court where filing fees are paid.
• It's essentially $5 that's assessed in any civil case filed. A court where filing fees are paid.
• fees to meet these expenditures.
• We also get a little fee from lawyers in terms of their licensing, and then there is a fee on surety

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee convened for its first hearing of the 89th regular session, confirmed a quorum, adopted committee rules by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the committee’s organization, introduced staff, and described the budget as conservative and focused on one-time investments. She highlighted major SB 1 priorities including property tax relief, full funding for public education formulas, teacher pay, school safety, border security, Medicaid growth, dementia research, energy and water infrastructure, transportation, wildfire suppression, and other capital and public safety needs. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending in 2026-27, with a projected $23.8 billion ending balance from the current biennium. He cautioned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid committing short-term surpluses to ongoing expenses. He also explained that the Economic Stabilization Fund is projected to hit its constitutional cap, meaning an estimated $5.6 billion in severance tax and related revenue would remain in general revenue in the upcoming biennium rather than flow into the fund. Senators discussed whether to raise or rename the fund and the implications of keeping more severance-tax revenue in general revenue. The Legislative Budget Board then gave an overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major funding changes. LBB staff explained that the bill is essentially flat at $332.9 billion in all funds, but includes large method-of-finance shifts and major property tax relief. They detailed how prior property tax relief enacted in the 88th Legislature grew from an estimated $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher property values and hold-harmless provisions, and said SB 1 continues that relief with a total of $51 billion in ongoing and new property tax support. Members asked extensive questions about the automatic growth in school tax compression, the constitutional homestead exemption, COVID-era federal funding, Medicaid assumptions, and the sunset of the non-homestead circuit breaker. No additional votes or final budget actions were taken beyond adoption of the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• Beginning on July 1, 2027, the bill additionally exempts from the fee employees not yet eligible for
• Under the bill, if an employer is charged a fee for these delayed exemptions between July 1, 2026...
• Under the bill, if an employer is charged a fee for these delayed exemptions between July 1, 2026 and
• can file an appeal.
• banks are exempt.

Keywords: 1146, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met on June 28, 2026 and considered a long list of budget and policy bills, reporting many of them out of committee, often with amendments. Early measures included AB 2550 on continued dependent health coverage for certain adults with disabilities, AB 4794 allowing tax data sharing with the New Jersey Innovation Authority and Secure Choice Savings Board, and AB 3381/SB 1493 updating occupational therapy licensure requirements. The committee also advanced AB 4014, creating a social media research center at a public four-year institution, though one member opposed it as unnecessary spending given existing research on social media harms. Another bill, AB 5048/SB 1281, would ban certain apparel and diaper products with intentionally added PFAS; some members opposed it over safety and cost concerns, especially for firefighter gear, but it was reported. The committee also moved AB 383, which promotes volunteerism to help FamilyCare and SNAP recipients meet eligibility requirements, and AB 4357, extending telehealth pay parity, though one member objected to parity between telehealth and in-person care. The committee then took up several energy, environmental, and housing-related bills. AB 5188, the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, was released despite opposition from some members and labor interests. AB 2524 would let dual-use solar projects participate in community solar, and AB 5236 would strengthen pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health services; both were reported. AB 5348, allowing temporary use of open-space and related funds for certain municipalities, drew sharp criticism as a diversion of preservation money to fill budget holes, but passed. AB 5280 returned unexpended county appropriations to Hudson County and authorized supplemental operating aid; it also passed despite objections about prior bidding violations. AB 5347 provided certain motor vehicle-related funding to municipalities and was reported, as was AB 5334/SB 4423, appropriating Green Acres and CBT revenues for local open space and park projects. A major portion of the meeting focused on tax and business-related bills. AB 5329 increased the child tax credit for 2026-2028, with testimony urging that the expansion be made permanent; it was reported. AB 3899, the General Contractor Licensing Act, also passed. AB 5310/SB 4406 clarified sentencing under certain circumstances and was reported. AB 5330, allowing temporary transfers in the pension system, drew testimony from NJEA warning that the State Health Benefits Program was in crisis and asking for a longer repayment period to avoid rate spikes; the bill was still reported. AB 1326 created a higher education governance and funding task force and was amended to add a Talmudic institution or theological seminary representative. Later, AB 5333/SB 4424 appropriated additional Green Acres and CBT funds for recreation and conservation projects and was reported. The committee also advanced several business and alcohol-related measures, including AB 5235 establishing the School-Based Partnership for Access and Resilience for Kids program, AB 5325 reducing business formation fees, AB 4836/SB 2368 on portable solar devices, AB 4881 establishing an advanced nuclear energy procurement program, AB 3974/SB 3183 revising renewable energy incentive and solar interconnection rules, AB 4013 creating a social media research center focused on addictive behavior, AB 5225 making temporary alcohol beverage provisions permanent, and AB 5295 revising alcoholic beverage licensing laws. The most contentious debate came on AB 4085, the Fair Price Protection Act, which would restrict “surveillance pricing” and regulate grocery pricing practices. Consumer advocates supported the bill as a protection against individualized pricing, while retailers and chambers of commerce argued the language was too broad and could undermine loyalty programs, discounts, and electronic shelf labels. Despite those objections, the committee voted to report the bill after amendments. Finally, AB 4530/SB 3739 on EV supply equipment standards was reported, and AB 5322 imposing a temporary cap on net operating loss deductions under the corporate business tax sparked strong opposition from business groups and a policy debate over whether legitimate losses and investment-related deductions should be limited; the bill was still moved out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Witt, members, House Bill 2271 prohibits workers' compensation insurers covering firefighters from filing
• Madam Whipan, members, as amended by the Committee on Commerce, House Bill 2128 exempts a condominium
• academic years or semesters for which an academy scholarship provides for the cost of tuition and fees
• Madam Wipin, members, as amended by the Commerce Committee, House Bill 2128 exempts a condominium unit
• Madam Wippen, members, as amended by the Commerce Committee, House Bill 2834 sets the petition filing

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The meeting was a caucus-style run-through of many bills and resolutions across Appropriations, Commerce, Education, Federalism/Military Affairs/Elections, Government, Health and Human Services, Judiciary, ENRU, Public Safety, and Rural Economic Development. Measures discussed included housing and HOA rules, school policy and funding, health care licensing and records timelines, public safety and corrections funding, election and campaign rules, water and environmental policy, and several criminal justice and juvenile justice changes. Many items were described as being on third-read consent or consent calendars, with staff often noting that no questions were raised and no sponsor was present. Several bills drew sponsor explanation or member discussion. In education, members reviewed bills on teacher strikes, school safety, math placement, student outcomes, free school meals, parent permission for clubs, and school bond ballot disclosures. In health, bills covered prior authorization data reporting, nursing board rules and complaint procedures, pharmacist testing/treatment authority, opioid antagonist expiration dates, board continuations, and a constitutional amendment on refusing medical mandates. In government and public safety, members discussed DCS legal representation, inmate medical records, public safety parity funding, sheriff authority, border support funding, and a resolution supporting county sheriffs. In commerce and housing, bills addressed condominium and HOA authority, shade structures, pet restrictions, insurance certificates, apprenticeship definitions, automatic renewal contracts, and a state housing affordability district. There was notable discussion on House Bill 4044, which would create a Public Safety Parity Fund for DPS and DOC salaries using interest from the state rainy day fund and other revenue sources. The sponsor argued it would provide a reliable way to fund public safety pay, while others objected that it would consume interest needed to preserve the fund’s value and that a general fund appropriation would be more appropriate. The bill prompted extended back-and-forth, with some members supporting the concept and others saying it was fiscally irresponsible. Another point of discussion came on House Bill 2775, where staff noted a possible misprint in the bill history, and on House Bill 467, where staff clarified that the inactive voter list changes related to e-poll book status categories. No formal votes were recorded in the transcript, and the meeting appears to have been a review of measures before floor action.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there are 637 of them on the suspense file today.
• AB 2704 Addis, CHBHI fee schedule. Sorry, 2704, AB 2704 Addis.
• AB 1765, Alonese, vehicle fees, holding committee.
• Do pass as amended to require the applicant to pay a higher filing fee to cover court costs.
• fee.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held its May 14, 2026 suspense-file hearing and considered 637 Assembly bills, plus several committee bills and one Senate bill. The chair opened by explaining the committee’s budget constraints and the factors guiding decisions: fiscal impact, return on investment, avoiding added costs to constituents, and protecting the state’s social safety net. The agenda was organized alphabetically by author, and the committee noted that results would be posted later that day online. The committee then took action on a very large number of measures, with many bills receiving do pass or do pass as amended recommendations and many others held in committee. Topics covered a wide range of policy areas, including housing, health care, education, public safety, labor, environmental regulation, wildfire mitigation, water, transportation, cannabis, AI, and state governance. Several bills were amended to reduce costs, narrow scope, remove provisions, or make them contingent on appropriations or existing resources; some were advanced on A or B roll calls, while others were held. Among the notable actions, the committee advanced bills on Medi-Cal, CalFresh, child care, school and higher education programs, wildfire and fire safety, housing financing, and various criminal justice and public safety measures. It also moved forward a number of bills related to tribal issues, consumer protections, energy and utility policy, and environmental programs. At the end of the hearing, the chair stated that the committee had moved a large number of bills to the Assembly floor and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• from the three bid can be exempt from the three bid exemption exemption exemption if<01:07:15.359>
• An activities reminder fee. fee. fee. an<04:07:34.479> opening<04:07:34.880> and<04:07:
• emails fee, using Blue Cross Blue Shield plan fee, a paying-by-check fee.
• <04:22:14.479> exemption<04:22:14.960> from uh contains the exemption exemption from
• Senate File Number 2373, a bill for an act relating to labor and industry, exempting minor league baseball

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are file item 8, SB 1205; file item 9, SB 1274; file item 11, SB 1055; file item 15, SB 1170; and
• , file item 9, SB 1274, file item 11, SB 1055, file item 15, SB 1170.
• The consent calendar consists of file item 8, SB 1205; file item 9, SB 1274; file item 11, SB 1055; file
• File item 9, SB 1274; file item 11, SB 1055; file item 15, SB 1170; file item 17, SB 1438.
• 1274; file item 11, SB 1055; file item 15, SB 1170; and file item 17, SB 1438.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on wildfire resilience, local land use, and transparency. SB 911 by Senator Becker would require notification to fire agencies when a home in a high fire severity zone is sold with an agreement to bring it into defensible-space compliance; the California Association of Realtors said it would drop opposition if the bill is amended to use the preliminary change of ownership report, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 994 by Senator Cabaldon would bar local officials from entering nondisclosure agreements that prevent them from sharing information with the actual elected decision-makers of a city or county; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, local-government concerns were raised about personnel/separation agreements, and it passed 4-0 to Appropriations as amended. SB 1041 by Senator Arreguín would expand access to PACE financing for wildfire home-hardening improvements and add consumer protections, hardship relief, and reporting requirements. Supporters, including Renew Financial and Cal Fire Local 2881, argued it would help homeowners finance roofs, vents, and other fire-safety upgrades, while opponents from homeowner advocates, county treasurers, bankers, mortgage lenders, and consumer groups warned about abusive sales practices, high costs, liens surviving fire or bankruptcy, and risks to vulnerable homeowners. After extensive debate, the bill passed 3-2 to Appropriations as amended and remained on call. SB 1075 by Senator Reyes would require local governments in AB 617 communities to consider air-quality impacts and related emissions-reduction plans when approving certain commercial and industrial land uses. Environmental justice groups supported the bill as a way to make AB 617 implementation more meaningful, while the Chamber of Commerce, counties, cities, planners, builders, and several industry groups opposed it as duplicative of CEQA, a litigation risk, and a barrier to investment and jobs. The committee approved it 3-2 to Appropriations as amended, also on call. SB 958 by Senator Atkins would facilitate the Midway Rising redevelopment project in San Diego, shifting from a CEQA exemption to prospective guidance on height-related impacts; supporters said it would deliver thousands of homes, including affordable units, and the bill passed 3-0 to Appropriations, remaining on call. The committee also discussed SB 1182 by Senator Allen, which would require local governments to consider insurance availability in safety planning for development in fire-prone areas; the discussion centered on whether insurance access should be part of land-use decisions, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• to authorize parishes to grant an avallarm tax exemptions for certain property.
• All the fees are generated within the constable's office. I see no questions.
• It's got exemptions for law enforcement and news agencies and stuff like that.
• Members, House Bill 858 exempts GPS data on wildlife and aquatic life...
• court electronic filing integration for the appellate courts of the state.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fees as low as possible.
• To modernize our agency systems without increasing licensure fees, we humbly request an exemption from
• You could probably raise that money from just fees, could you not?
• The fees come in and get spent on the COPA program.
• And yeah, I've also filed. I filed a complaint to the state auditor's office and got no response.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also consolidates several agency-specific cybersecurity exemptions into one agency-wide exemption
• The bill also consolidates several specific trade secret exemptions into one agency-wide exemption, and
• Attorneys who work on a contingency fee basis lose money and will go out of business if they file frivolous
• Don't file frivolous motions.
• It's just a clear exemption.

Summary: The Committee on Rules met and first approved several open-government sunset repeal bills and related measures. SB 7024 and SB 7026, both sponsored by Senator Mayfield, were explained as consolidating and extending public records/public meetings exemptions for cybersecurity information and trade secrets held by agencies; both were reported favorably. SB 7020, sponsored by Senator Trumbull, reenacted an aquaculture records exemption for records held by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and was also reported favorably. Later, the committee approved SB 14 and SB 24, claims bills for relief involving Miami-Dade County, and SB 16, a claims bill for Heriberto Sanchez Mayan against the City of St. Petersburg; all were reported favorably without opposition. The committee also approved CS for SB 806, a consumer right-to-repair bill creating portable wireless device and agricultural equipment repair acts, despite opposition from several industry groups, and reported it favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there are 637 of them on the suspense file today.
• AB 1765, Alanis, vehicle fees, held in committee.
• Do pass as amended to require the applicant to pay a higher filing fee to cover court costs.
• AB 2069, CREL, sale and use tax exemption, held in committee.
• fee.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held a suspense-file hearing on May 14, 2026, reviewing hundreds of Assembly bills and a few committee bills. The chair opened by explaining the committee’s budget constraints and the factors used in suspense decisions, including fiscal impact, return on investment, effects on constituents, and protection of the state’s social safety net. The agenda was organized alphabetically by author, and the committee noted that results would be posted later that day online. The committee then acted on a very large number of measures, sending many bills to the Assembly floor on do pass or do pass as amended motions, while holding many others in committee. Topics covered a broad range of policy areas, including housing, health care, education, labor, public safety, wildfire mitigation, water, energy, transportation, cannabis, immigration, and state governance. Many bills were amended to narrow scope, make implementation contingent on appropriations or existing resources, remove provisions, or clarify agency responsibilities; several bills were held without further action. Among the notable actions, the committee advanced bills on items such as Medi-Cal services, child care, wildfire-related programs, housing financing, school and college issues, public safety and criminal justice, environmental and energy policy, and various consumer and business regulations. Some measures were sent out on A or B roll calls, with Republicans often not voting on amended bills. The hearing concluded after the committee reported that a large number of bills had been moved to the Assembly floor, either as do pass or do pass with amendments, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Why should that be exempted in that tax? No reason whatsoever.
• S.D. 2872, filed by Representative Decker and Senator D. D.
• And they weren't racist exemptions; they were practical exemptions because they don't fit on that.
• And so there were exemptions to that.
• And they weren't racist exemptions, they were practical exemptions because they don't fit on that.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from the co-chairs explaining committee procedures, testimony limits, submission instructions, and the new deadlines for acting on House and Senate bills. The committee then heard testimony on several bills related to agriculture, land use, environment, housing, transportation, and taxation, with legislators often taken out of turn. No votes were taken during the hearing. The first major topic was H. 3206, a bill to allow fossil fuel-free 529 college savings plans to qualify for the state tax deduction if MEFA does not offer a comparable option. Representative Steve Owens said the bill would not force MEFA or Fidelity to change existing plans, but would create a definition for fossil fuel-free funds and extend the deduction to qualifying out-of-state plans. The committee also heard strong local testimony on a Belmont home-rule petition, H. 3970, to change tax treatment for the Belmont Country Club under Chapter 61B. Belmont residents and officials argued the private golf course receives an unfair tax break that shifts costs to other taxpayers, while Senator Brownsberger and Representative Rogers supported the measure as a way to help the town recover revenue. Committee members asked about town meeting support, the club’s lack of payment in lieu of taxes, and the size of the tax savings. The committee next heard testimony on a vehicle miles traveled tax proposal, S. 1925, from Senator Barrett and economists Gilbert Metcalf and Christopher Knittel. They argued that declining gas-tax revenue and rising fuel efficiency, especially with electric vehicles, require a more stable transportation funding source; they also said a VMT tax could be designed to be revenue-neutral and mildly progressive, though members raised concerns about administration, fairness, EV disincentives, and the possibility of annual tax shocks. The largest block of testimony focused on the Ahead Act, H. 3194/S. 1973, which would double the deed excise fee and dedicate the new revenue to affordable housing and climate adaptation. Supporters from MACDC, MAPC, FICC, Boston Climate Action Network, CLF, 350 Mass, CHAPA, and a tenant advocate said the bill could generate about $300 million annually for housing production, vouchers, weatherization, resilience, and environmental justice communities, and that it links two urgent crises with a stable funding stream. The committee also heard testimony on the Conservation Land Tax Credit bills, H. 3147/S. 2083, which would raise the annual cap on the credit from $2 million to $5 million for three years and then sunset back down. Conservation groups and a landowner said the program has conserved thousands of acres and that the higher cap would reduce delays and help meet state conservation goals. Finally, the committee took testimony on the Fairness for Farm Workers bills, S. 2011/H. 3107 and S. 2012, which would extend overtime, minimum wage, breaks, and paid time off protections to farm workers and include a refundable tax credit to help farmers offset overtime costs. Senator Gomez and advocates described the bills as overdue civil rights and public health measures, citing low wages, long hours, dangerous conditions, and the racial history behind farm labor exclusions. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3240, a bill to give municipalities a local option vacancy tax on chronically vacant shopping malls, with the sponsor arguing it would help towns address blight, encourage redevelopment, and potentially create housing and tax revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item 1, SB 881; File Item 2, SB 1406; File Item 4, SB 1249.
• The proposed consent items are File Item 6, SB 1436, and File Item 7, SB 1437.
• We also have file item number two, SB 1406. File item number two, SB 1406.
• Also, well, file item number six, ...also, file item number six, SB 1436, file item number seven, SB
• exempt.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met as a subcommittee and heard several tax-related bills, with initial items identified as suspense candidates because of their fiscal impact. SB 881 would extend the farmer-to-food-bank tax credit and the Emergency Food for Families voluntary tax contribution; the author and supporters from food banks, agricultural groups, local governments, and climate organizations said it would reduce food waste, help farmers donate surplus produce, and address rising food insecurity. No opposition was presented, but the bill was ultimately referred to suspense. SB 1406 would target the so-called Montana tax loophole used to avoid California taxes on luxury vehicles and similar purchases; supporters said it would recover revenue and improve fairness, while a business group opposed it unless amended, warning the shell-company language could affect legitimate small businesses and passive owners. That bill was also sent to suspense. SB 1349, which directs the Legislative Analyst’s Office to review major existing tax expenditures and evaluate whether they are meeting their goals, drew support from the California Teachers Association, tax reform advocates, school employees, local governments, and others who argued that California needs more accountability for billions in tax breaks. The committee later took a quorum and passed SB 1349 on a due pass as amended motion to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations. The committee also approved two consent items, SB 1436 and SB 1437, sending them forward on the agreed motions. SB 1249 would provide a $3,000 tax deduction for seniors ages 86 to 90 through 2032, with the author and LeadingAge California describing it as targeted relief for older adults facing rising costs. The bill received supportive comments from a committee member but was referred to suspense. SB 1151 would codify the sales tax exemption for infant formula by expressly defining it as a food product; the author said this would remove uncertainty for families, and members cited the high cost of formula and the need for clarity. The committee passed SB 1151 on a motion to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations. After completing the remaining business, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• File item number one, SB 845 Perez; file item number four, SB 1012 Smallwood-Quavis; file item number
• In 2019, there was a lawsuit filed.
• File item number one, SB 845 Perez; file item number four, SB 1012 Smallwood-Cuevas; and file item number
• File item number nine, SB 1032, Reyes. Please call the roll. File item number nine, SB 1032, Reyes.
• File item number seven, SB 1024, Menjabar. Okay. File item number seven, SB 1024, Menjabar.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , to permit filings on letter-sized paper.
• It's the same bill as last time, but there is a fee on this.
• fees and court costs to deposit in the Judicial Expense Fund.
• This bill just allows them to raise the fee by $3.50. I see no questions.
• I think the bill as it was originally filed uses the word waive.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you can make what are called exempt you can make what are called exempt gifts<00:22:18.320> so
• Paragraph A, tuition and fees at a private school, should be eligible for exemption under Section 117
• be uh eligible for exemption should be uh eligible for exemption under<00:34:21.560> Section<
• traditional paradigm uh tuition and fees traditional paradigm uh tuition and fees and<00:34:29.320
• 88% is hung up an administrative fee 88% is hung up an administrative fee that's<01:50:11.679>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on HB 402, a bill dealing with whether Education Freedom Account (EFA) payments should be described in state law as not constituting taxable income. The bill sponsor argued that the current statute is misleading because New Hampshire should not imply a federal tax result, and said the bill would remove that language and could also be amended to clarify that families should consult tax advisors. He emphasized that the measure was not intended to impose a state tax on EFAs, but to avoid giving inaccurate advice about possible federal tax liability. Testimony was divided. A retired representative and a tax preparer both opposed the bill, saying EFA payments are already treated consistently with IRS rules and that the bill would create confusion, administrative burden, and possible tax consequences for low- and moderate-income families. They argued the bill is a solution in search of a problem and warned that requiring 1099s could add costs for the scholarship organization and recipients. A tax attorney supported the bill’s repeal of the state language, saying New Hampshire should not put tax advice into statute and that the current wording is inaccurate because federal law, not state law, controls taxability. He cited IRS Section 117 and Publication 970, explaining that only some scholarship-like payments are tax-free and that many EFA-eligible expenses may not qualify for federal exemption. Members asked questions about what would be misleading, whether the bill was trying to tax EFAs, and the cost of issuing 1099s. The sponsor and witnesses repeatedly said the bill was not a state tax on voucher payments, but a clarification about federal tax treatment. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ... ...to transfer the exemption under certain circumstances.
• He had a homestead exemption on his house.
• get the benefit of the other people's homestead exemption.
• On a contingency fee basis that I'm aware of.
• not exempt, or, you know, you're not sure if exempt, you can, you can ask the sheriff to issue a writ

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 476, which would add clearer warning language for garnishees responding to interrogatories and create a limited procedure for a new trial when a garnishee can show it never held property or owed the debtor during the garnishment period. After brief questions about how garnishment works, the bill was reported favorably without objection. Senate Bill 260, a youth athletics coaches training bill, was then amended to remove language about the department using donated funds to purchase courses and was reported as amended. House Bill 79, by Chairman Carter, would remove the damages cap for carbon capture release claims. Carter argued carbon capture should be treated like other industries and not receive special liability protection, and the committee reported the bill favorably without objection. The committee also took up Senate Bill 424, which clarifies that electronic service applies only to counsel of record representing a party, and Senate Bill 180, a constitutional amendment allowing a surviving spouse of a deceased disabled veteran to make a one-time transfer of an expanded property tax exemption to another qualifying homestead. SB 180 received a ballot-language amendment and a 6.88 report before being reported as amended. The longest discussion centered on House Bill 1089, which creates “care accounts” for future medical damages in delictual actions. Supporters said the bill would ensure future medical awards are used for medical care, reduce abuse, and function like a restricted account with a card or similar payment mechanism; opponents raised concerns about the account being owned by the judgment debtor, possible reversion of unused funds to the wrong party, administrative confusion, and impacts on survivors of trafficking and sexual abuse who may need flexible, trauma-informed care outside standard billing codes. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee adopted an amendment set and reported the bill favorably by a 6-1 vote, with Representative Carter voting no. Finally, House Bill 437 was heard and amended. The bill would prohibit expert witnesses from having a pecuniary interest in the outcome of the case, while still allowing inquiry into an expert’s prior testimony history. An amendment excluded criminal traffic and juvenile proceedings, and the committee continued discussion with testimony from supporters and opponents as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a great Bill and I appreciate you filing it. Thank you.
• , section considering the late filed amendment.
• A late filed amendment bar code 3, 9, 6, 7, 8, 6, by Senator. Raul.
• Sb 1640, is a public records exemption bill that makes lethality assessment forms confidential and exempt
• Last year, the legislature enacted a public records exemption.

Keywords: 999, senate, all