Video & Transcript : 'nonprofit' :
Page 74 of 406
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Mar 18th, 2025
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- Florida for 25 years, 13 of which were in nonprofit community mental health.
- This legislation weaponizes state funding for agencies, including nonprofits with minority client bases
- is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the largest grassroots mental health nonprofit
- Businesses, including nonprofits, and those with a minority client base, should be free in Free Florida
- They're primarily being driven by nonprofits and foreign academic institutions.
Summary:
The committee first confirmed Heather L. Turnbull to the Florida Commission on Community Service, with the motion adopted and the confirmation recommended favorably. Members then took up SPB 7022, which sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2025, updates rates to address unfunded actuarial liability, and allows certain elected officers to elect a DROP accumulation; a technical title amendment was adopted, the bill was submitted as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably as a committee bill.
The committee then heard extensive debate and public testimony on SB 1710, which would restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion-related policies, trainings, and activities in state agencies, state-funded contractors and grantees, and medical institutions of higher education. Sponsor Senator DiCeglie said the bill is intended to prevent state agencies and contractors from using state funds for DEI programs and to limit state agencies from adopting DEI-related official positions; he also said the medical-school portion would likely be amended out later. Senator Polsky and others questioned the bill’s breadth and how it would affect health-related grants, public universities, historically Black institutions, recruitment, and contractor training. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill would harm health care, education, access, and inclusion; a few supporters said DEI is ideological, can undermine merit, and should not be used by state agencies or publicly funded institutions.
After debate, Senator Polsky argued the bill was confusing, overbroad, and harmful to serving diverse communities, while Senator Arrington said it was an overreach into private business and could have significant fiscal impacts. Chair Fine closed by saying DEI is political ideology and that the bill is meant to ensure government focuses on talent rather than identity. SB 1710 was then reported favorably on a roll call vote, with Senator Arrington voting no and the remaining members voting yes. The committee then began SB 1678, relating to entities that boycott Israel, and heard the sponsor’s explanation of a delete-all amendment that would expand and clarify state restrictions on dealings with entities engaged in boycotts of Israel, including certain nonprofits, foreign educational institutions, and grants; the amendment was adopted, and the sponsor and a witness began answering questions when the transcript cuts off.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It can be local, regional units of government, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, educational
- It can be local, regional units of government, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, educational
- It can be local, regional units of government, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, educational
- It can be local, regional units of government, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, educational
- It can be local, regional units of government, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, educational
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Jan 28th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Postsecondary Education & Workforce
Transcript Highlights:
- And just in my investigation yesterday, about eight hours looking into some of the nonprofits that are
- protections by the states and reincorporated as non-profits, although whether or not they're really nonprofit
- That can happen in nonprofits. There are... Loan limits that may blunt enrollment.
- That can happen in nonprofits.
- There are closures at nonprofits, not saying they’re bad actors when they close, but closures do happen
Committee:
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce
Keywords:
ink of hope act, mental health, substance use, rehabilitation, community support, Washington college grant, postsecondary education, nondegree programs, student access, financial aid, consumer protections, school closures, educational programs, student rights, emergency medical services, EMT recertification, healthcare, first responders, public health, encampments
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Jan 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Larry Levine, and I am the director of Forever Green Trails, a nonprofit supporting trail
- My name is Larry Levine and I am the director of Forever Green Trails, a nonprofit supporting trail development
- My name is Daniel Holt, director of the nonprofit Outdoor Discovery Project, and I'm testifying in support
- My name is Daniel Holt, director of the nonprofit Outdoor Discovery Project, and I'm testifying in support
- Department of Licensing to accept and use resources from some public and private entities, some nonprofits
Summary:
The Transportation Committee held public hearings on House Bill 2550 and House Bill 2645, then moved to executive session on three other bills. HB 2550 would require certain community and technical college students enrolled in degree- or certificate-seeking programs to be allowed to ride transit for free as a condition of transit support grant eligibility. Staff said the current program already requires zero-fare access for riders 18 and under, and the bill would expand that requirement to CTC students. Testimony from the sponsor, students, and transit advocates supported the goal of reducing barriers to education, while the Washington State Transit Association raised implementation concerns, including how eligibility would be verified and the potential loss of fare revenue and added administrative costs. The fiscal note discussion estimated local impacts of roughly $10 million to $12 million per year for affected transit agencies.
HB 2645 concerned the emergency replacement of the closed Fairfax Bridge on State Route 165. The bill and proposed substitute would declare an emergency and give WSDOT expanded authority to expedite bridge replacement by waiving or suspending certain state requirements. The sponsor and many local residents, business owners, recreation advocates, and emergency responders testified that the bridge closure has cut off communities, limited access to Mount Rainier and public lands, and significantly increased emergency response times. WSDOT testified that it is already moving forward with planning and design for a replacement bridge, but said much of the timeline is driven by federal requirements such as NEPA, historic preservation, and endangered species review. No vote was taken on HB 2550 or HB 2645 in the transcript.
In executive session, the committee adopted a proposed substitute for HB 2109, which allows certain towed vehicles with debris on them to be covered instead of cleaned before transport, and passed it out of committee 27-0. The committee also adopted an amendment to HB 2134, which updates regional transportation planning requirements related to greenhouse gas and vehicle miles traveled reductions, and passed the bill out 16-12. Finally, the committee adopted two amendments to HB 2323 creating the Blue Envelope Program for traffic stops involving neurodiverse individuals, then passed the bill out of committee 28-0.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Jan 12th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The meals are to be provided by a Washington state-based nonprofit organization to the extent possible
- This bill also prioritizes Washington state or Washington-based nonprofits and providers whenever feasible
- implementing the waivers, nutrition benefits prioritize Washington taxpayer dollars to support local nonprofits
- Still, at 82, he runs a veterans nonprofit for Native American veterans.
- Emergency Food Network is a nonprofit that serves as a regional distributor of food to more than 75 food
Bills:
SB5966
Committee:
Senate Human Services
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 16, 2025 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- affordable housing space, the bill revises two provisions created by the Live Local Act in 2023, the nonprofit
- And the nonprofit land lease exemption, this exemption will now be eligible to apply to a nonprofit 501
- (c)(3) charity that leases land for Be eligible to apply to a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity that leases
- improvements are owned and operated by private parties, regardless of whether such private parties are nonprofit
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee met on April 16, 2025, with one agenda item: PCB WMC-2502, the committee’s tax package. Chair Duggan presented the bill as a broad tax measure covering sales tax, tourist development taxes, ad valorem/VAB procedures, affordable housing property tax changes, tangible personal property, special assessments, fuel taxes, communication services taxes, corporate income tax updates, pari-mutuel/card room taxes, local incentives, and a redistribution of horse industry trust fund money. He also noted emergency rulemaking authority for the Department of Revenue and estimated a recurring state impact of $34.6 million in FY 2025-26.
Members questioned several provisions, including the aviation fuel tax repeal, the delay of the natural gas fuel tax, the extension of the local communication services tax freeze, the charitable trust corporate income tax clarification, the reduction in card room taxes, and the affordable housing changes tied to the Live Local Act. Public testimony included support from airlines, UPS, child care management, and others, while the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association opposed the lifeguard/TDT change, the Florida Association of Counties and Florida League of Cities opposed the missing-middle exemption changes, and local government representatives raised concerns about revenue impacts and the loss of local opt-out authority. The committee also adopted Amendment 1 by Representative Rizzo, which limits certain special assessments on RV parks when based on square footage.
During debate, members split on some provisions but generally supported the package, with comments focused on aviation competitiveness, preschool assessment relief, lifeguard funding, affordable housing, and the horse industry funding shift. Representative Duggan closed by emphasizing that the bill was only the beginning of the process and would continue through conference and floor consideration. The committee then voted 16-1 to report PCB WMC-2502 favorably, with Representative Alvarez voting no.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Human services committee considers bill to create Department of Direct Care and Treatment 3/25/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, and just sort of having a background in nonprofit where things are always run by a board.
- Um, and just sort of having a background in nonprofit where things are always run by a board.
- <00:12:54.320><c> in</c> just sort of having a background in just sort of having a background in nonprofit
- :56.240><c> are</c><00:12:56.399><c> always</c><00:12:56.720><c> run</c><00:12:56.880><c> by</c> nonprofit
- where things are always run by nonprofit where things are always run by a<00:12:57.279><c> board.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 2037, which would replace the current executive board model for Direct Care and Treatment with a commissioner-led structure. Representative Frederick moved the DE1 amendment, which was adopted, to conform the bill with Senate language and place the CEO under the commissioner. Frederick said the change was intended to preserve some continuity while increasing accountability and insulating direct health care services from politics.
Frederick argued that the existing executive board, which meets only a few times a year and hires the CEO, would leave the legislature and governor with limited ability to respond quickly to serious problems in a billion-dollar agency. He said the bill is about accountability to Minnesota taxpayers and creating a structure more like other state agencies. Public testimony was closed without any outside witnesses.
Members discussed the tradeoffs between board governance and a commissioner model. Chair Schumacher noted Frederick would become chief author of the bill, and several members said they appreciated the effort to balance accountability, continuity of care, and operational expertise. Questions focused on the role of the advisory council; Frederick said it would remain in place so stakeholders could advise the commissioner and CEO, and that legislators are included among its members. The committee then laid over House File 2037, as amended, for possible inclusion in a later bill.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I AM A SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER FROM A NONPROFIT AGENCY ENDEAVORS AND I AM TESTIFYING ON BEHALF OF THE
- WE FOSTER COMMUNITY COLLABORATION BETWEEN PUBLIC, PRIVATE, FAITH BASED GROUPS, NONPROFITS.
- WE ARE A 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT.
- FIRST BOARD MEETING WE HELD IT IN OKALOOSA AND PRESIDENT GATES WAS THERE AND HE SAID WE CREATED THIS NONPROFIT
- BOTH AGENCY AND NONPROFIT WE CAN POINT YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/7/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul resident and an entrepreneur who works with nonprofits focused on public health as well as small
- We're a 36-year-old Minnesota-based national nonprofit that focuses on suicide prevention.
- Keep It Digitally Safe, which is now made up of over 35 nonprofits from four continents.
- </c><01:08:31.839><c> from</c> now made up of over 35 nonprofits from now made up of over 35 nonprofits
- Link is a youth and adultled nonprofit Link is a youth and adultled nonprofit based<01:21:16.800><c>
Committee:
House Health Finance and Policy
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Students attending private nonprofit institutions receive, on average, about $22,000 in institutional
- So students at the University of Minnesota and our private nonprofit colleges would receive a larger
- Instead, state financial aid should be directed towards public and nonprofit colleges, where students
- Um, nonprofits that are getting money and are we looking at are they actually providing the best services
- Um, nonprofits that are getting money and are we looking at are they actually providing the best services
Committee:
Senate Higher Education
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- employees in the event of an injury or illness, policies that build capacity of private-sector nonprofits
- and nonprofits to recruit, hire, train, and retain disabled workers, policies that encourage development
- employees in the event of an injury or illness, policies that build capacity of private sector nonprofits
- and nonprofits to recruit higher, train and retain disabled workers, policies that encourage development
Summary:
The Disability Employment Subcommittee met with roll call, approved prior meeting minutes, and shared an inspirational quote from Jane Goodall about the importance of every individual. Members then introduced themselves and their roles, including state disability advocates, providers, and commission members, before hearing a presentation from Katia Alpanis and Dina Klumkina of the State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED). SEED described its role as a technical assistance and policy resource for states, focused on sharing best practices and examples from other states to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
The presentation outlined SEED’s seven policy areas: career readiness and work-based learning, behavioral health and work, stay-at-work/return-to-work supports, employer recruitment and retention tools, entrepreneurship and disability-owned business development, interagency coordination, and state government as a model employer. Examples from other states included scholarship and transition supports in Kentucky and Virginia, stay-at-work programs in Alaska and Washington, accommodation funds in Minnesota, procurement and small business initiatives in New Jersey and Virginia, and model employer efforts in Colorado, New York, and Tennessee. Members also asked about digital accessibility and PEAT; SEED said PEAT has been refunded and that SEED can help with policy-level questions and peer examples, but not implementation of accessibility requirements.
Discussion then shifted to possible Massachusetts projects. Members raised concerns about upcoming Medicaid work or civic engagement requirements and how people with disabilities might fall through the cracks, and they asked whether SEED could help Massachusetts use existing documentation, such as IEPs, to reduce barriers. The group identified two main areas for follow-up: a Massachusetts “state as a model employer” roadmap and a youth/young adult employment and volunteer pipeline, potentially linked to transition services and apprenticeship opportunities. SEED agreed to provide Massachusetts-specific analysis and two briefs, one on career readiness policies and one on state-as-model-employer strategies, and the subcommittee planned an offline follow-up meeting to narrow priorities and develop a scope of work.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Heritagemac with the Nonprofit Housing Association of Northern California. Thank you.
- Heritagemac with the Nonprofit Housing Association of Northern California, in support of AB 2146.
- I represent nonprofit affordable housing developers from across the.
- I represent nonprofit affordable housing developers from across the nine counties that make up the San
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 13, 2026, and began by taking up a large consent calendar, moving a first group of bills to the floor consent calendar and a second group by due pass. The committee then heard and advanced a series of measures covering housing, public safety, health care, education, and local government issues. Among the bills discussed were AB 2641 on a sales tax exemption for pawnbroker redemptions, AB 2525 on a narrow Surplus Lands Act exemption for Mission Bay Park, AB 1732 and AB 2433 on student housing and the Affordable Homes Bonus Law, AB 2055 on boating safety and enforcement, AB 1579 on children’s crisis residential services, AB 2139 on a Surplus Lands Act amendment for an Inland Empire soccer project, AB 2041 on EMS reporting, AB 1973 on reproductive health scope for advanced practice clinicians, AB 1929 on health plan investment disclosures, AB 2700 on utility rates and wildfire victim compensation, AB 1809 on school job order contracting, SB 73 on election security, AB 2418 on commercial building permit timelines, AB 1970 on step therapy limits for serious mental illness and substance use treatment, AB 2361 on peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing liability, AB 1976 on bike and pedestrian project approvals, AB 2110 on tax increment financing for workforce housing, and AB 2146 on supportive housing documentation and vacancy rules.
Testimony was generally supportive for the measures heard. Authors and sponsors emphasized consumer fairness, housing production, public safety, access to care, and administrative streamlining. Supporters included local governments, housing advocates, school districts, law enforcement groups, health care organizations, and affected individuals. AB 2700 drew especially extensive public testimony from wildfire survivors and local officials who urged stronger compensation for victims of PG&E-caused fires and relief from high utility costs. AB 2034 and AB 1790 were raised during public comment on bills not heard in committee, with several industry groups opposing AB 2034 and both supporters and opponents speaking on AB 1790’s Waters Edge issue.
Most bills were reported out of committee on due pass motions, with several noted as amended or with members not voting on particular roll calls. The committee also read and approved a lengthy suspense calendar, then opened public comment on bills not presented that day before adjourning.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on H.F. 4188 - Omnibus Commerce and Consumer Protection - Part 1 - 05/13/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, this section requires health insurers and nonprofit health service plan corporations to notify
- Chair, this section requires health insurers<00:09:47.200><c> and</c><00:09:47.320><c> nonprofit</c><
- 00:09:47.800><c> health</c><00:09:48.000><c> service</c> insurers and nonprofit health service insurers
- and nonprofit health service plan<00:09:48.600><c> corporations</c><00:09:49.440><c> to</c><00:09:49.560
Summary:
The committee took up H.F. 4188, the Commerce and Consumer Protection Policy Omnibus, and moved through a series of agreed-upon motions to adopt various House and Senate language articles and sections. The adopted provisions covered a wide range of topics, including residential mortgage loan servicing standards, student loan borrower protections, rental home marketplace guarantees, group coverage cancellation, limited lines travel insurance, insurance lead generators, collection agency and credit services organization definitions, proof of identification requirements, scrap metal copper licensing, technical changes to ASTM references and report filings, securities-related provisions, unclaimed property issues involving virtual currency and funeral prepayment funds, repeal of the prescription drug affordability advisory council, reinsurance program changes, and health insurance reporting and oversight provisions. Most motions were adopted without opposition after brief staff explanations and member encouragements to vote yes.
In the health-related sections, the committee adopted language requiring insurers and nonprofit health service plan corporations to notify the Commissioner of Commerce about significant enrollment increases, expanding access to all-payer claims data for oversight, and requiring the sharing of PBM annual transparency reports with the Commissioner of Health. The committee also adopted language on artificial intelligence in utilization review, initially defining AI and prohibiting exclusive reliance on AI for adverse coverage determinations. Representative Elkins then offered an amendment to remove the specific AI definition and replace it with broader language referring to automated processing, arguing that technology-neutral drafting is more durable and that a human must remain in the loop for coverage denials; the amendment was adopted.
After the agreed-upon items were completed, members indicated the chairs would huddle to work on the remaining issues and return after recess. The meeting then recessed to the call of the chair.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 23rd, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- that was specifically about a charter school that was using school money to pay rent to an umbrella nonprofit
- So a nonprofit organization can't own the building that a school is renting.
- Now, a nonprofit organization can With additional questions on the bill, additional questions, see none
- Those are not owned necessarily by the school district or even by the nonprofit that might be affiliated
Bills:
HB3327 , HB3711 , HB4104 , HJR1077 , HB3329 , HB4322 , HB4202 , HB4203 , HB4457 , HB3983 , HB3660 , HB3802 , HB2933 , HB2955 , HB2956 , HB3781 , HB3521 , HB3794 , HB3796 , HB3800 , HB3183 , HB4316 , HB4484 , HB3469 , HB3464 , HB3173 , HB3989 , HB3016 , HB2979 , HB2988 , HB2288 , HB3062 , HB3315 , HB3372 , HB3530 , HB3622 , HB3755 , HB4266
Keywords:
State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development - 03/31/2026
Housing, Construction, and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- So just in concept here, you're talking about nonprofits that are contracting with the state specifically
- State-funded nonprofits? Yeah, I think yes. I think I'm not sure that it limits it to...
- Page two, line five: the eligible employer means a nonprofit agency that is funded, approved, certified
- We're going to match with tax dollars the nonprofits that are funded with tax dollars in order to pay
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Housing, Construction, and Community Development met on March 31, 2026, with a quorum present and noted that the Legislature was in budget negotiations and approaching a scheduled break. The committee took up several housing-related bills, with most being reported to Finance after discussion. The first bill, S.3742A, would require information to be provided in new and renewal leases for certain housing accommodations, and it was reported without opposition. S.4659B, the Rental Emergency Stabilization for Tenants Act, generated the longest debate; supporters said it would give local governments outside New York City a more flexible way to determine a housing emergency and opt into rent stabilization, while opponents argued it lacked a clear vacancy-rate standard, could discourage development, and would benefit higher-income tenants. The bill was ultimately reported, with some negative votes and one or more votes without recommendation.
The committee then discussed S.8168, which would create a deconstruction and salvage framework for building materials, including local options, technical assistance, grants, and related code updates. Supporters said it could reduce landfill use, lower disposal costs, and encourage reuse markets, while opponents questioned costs, market demand, and whether the program would raise housing and demolition expenses. The bill was reported, again with some negative or without-recommendation votes. S.8595, dealing with how certain valuations and amounts due are calculated in foreclosure actions, was also reported. S.8672, the Employer-Assisted Housing Matching Grant Act, would provide a state match for employer housing assistance for certain nonprofit human services employers; members raised concerns about scope, possible double-dipping, and whether the program should be expanded to other workers, but the bill was reported with some negative and without-recommendation votes.
The final bill, S.94A, made a minor amendment to the Housing Access Voucher Pilot Program regarding priority applicants and unit inspections, and it was reported as well. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly emphasized that several proposals were optional for local governments or employers rather than mandates, and many of the exchanges focused on affordability, housing supply, local control, and the fiscal effects of the bills. No floor votes were taken; the committee’s actions were limited to reporting the bills to Finance, with some reported favorably and others reported with negative or without-recommendation votes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
State SNAP program established 3/25/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- else at the state, or if they need, you know, other kind of help, then county and, you know, our nonprofit
- and,<00:01:25.160><c> you</c><00:01:25.280><c> know,</c><00:01:25.800><c> our</c><00:01:25.960><c> nonprofit
- </c><00:01:26.760><c> navigators</c> and, you know, our nonprofit navigators and, you know, our nonprofit
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Natural Resources and Water
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1021 also leverages partnerships with nonprofit organizations and experienced outdoor leaders to ensure
- I'm the founder and CEO of Field of Dreams, which is a nonprofit based here in Northern California.
- I'm Sarah Barth, Executive Director of Sempervirens Fund, a nonprofit conservation organization that
- My name is Ashley Blake O'Drager, and I'm the field campaign manager for Oceana, the largest nonprofit
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources and Water
Summary:
The Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee heard several measures focused on conservation, wildlife access, and coastal protection. SB 1108 would create the Grasslands Ecological Area Conservancy in Merced County to coordinate land, water, habitat, and wildlife corridor protection in the largest remaining wetland/grassland complex west of the Mississippi. Supporters, including the Grasslands Water District and Audubon California, emphasized the area’s importance to migratory birds, groundwater sustainability, and voluntary conservation easements; there was no opposition. The committee members generally praised the bill’s regional coordination and ecological significance.
The committee also heard SB 1021, which would direct the Fish and Game Commission to create a program allowing youth with physician-certified life-threatening illnesses to participate in hunting and fishing opportunities under structured supervision. The author and supporters described it as a compassionate, tightly limited program with conservation safeguards, hunter education requirements, reporting, and a sunset. There was no opposition, and members expressed support for the bill’s intent.
SB 949 would designate the Santa Cruz Mountains as a resource of statewide significance, with an emphasis on biodiversity, watershed protection, wildfire resilience, public access, working lands, and collaboration with tribes and private landowners. Support came from Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Sempervirens Fund, and several local and conservation organizations; no opposition was heard. The committee also considered SJR 12, which urges the federal government to remove California from proposed offshore oil and gas leasing plans and calls for stronger environmental review and public engagement. Supporters cited spill risks, coastal economic harm, and prior local and state opposition to offshore drilling. All measures were approved by the committee, with the bills and resolution moving forward on recorded votes, and the consent calendar items were also adopted.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1021 also leverages partnerships with nonprofit organizations and experienced outdoor leaders to ensure
- I'm the founder and CEO of Field of Dreams, which is a nonprofit based here in Northern California.
- I'm Sarah Barth, Executive Director of Sempervirens Fund, a nonprofit conservation organization that
- My name is Ashley Blake O'Drager, and I'm the field campaign manager for Oceana, the largest nonprofit
Summary:
The Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee heard several conservation and wildlife-related measures. SB 1108 by Senator Caballero would create the Grasslands Ecological Area Conservancy in the California Natural Resources Agency to coordinate protection and restoration of the Grasslands Ecological Area in Merced County. Supporters, including the Grasslands Water District, Audubon California, Defenders of Wildlife, California Waterfowl Association, The Nature Conservancy, and others, said the area is a major wetland and wildlife corridor facing groundwater-driven land retirement and needs a coordinated, voluntary, incentive-based framework. Senator Laird noted the bill followed prior conservancy models and moved it forward. The committee later approved SB 1108 on a 7-0 vote to Appropriations.
The committee also heard SB 1021 by Senator Choi, which would direct the Fish and Game Commission to create a narrowly tailored program expanding hunting and fishing opportunities for youth with life-threatening illnesses. The author and supporters from Field of Dreams and the Angling Hunting Conservation Coalition described it as a compassionate, supervised program that would create meaningful experiences for families while maintaining hunter education and conservation safeguards. No opposition was presented, and the bill was approved 7-0 to Appropriations.
SB 949 by Senator Becker would designate the Santa Cruz Mountains as a resource of statewide significance, with supporters from Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Sempervirens Fund, Green Foothills, and others citing biodiversity, watershed protection, wildfire resilience, public access, and coordination across public and private lands. Some committee members raised questions about working lands, property rights, and fire responsibility, but the bill was moved forward and passed 5-0 to Appropriations. The committee also adopted SJR 12 by Senator Laird, which opposes the federal offshore oil and gas leasing plan for California waters; supporters emphasized spill risks, coastal economic impacts, and public opposition, and the resolution passed 5-1. File item 3, SB 1085, was pulled, and the remaining consent calendar items were adopted 7-0.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Natural Resources and Water
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1021 also leverages partnerships with nonprofit organizations and experienced outdoor leaders to ensure
- I'm the founder and CEO of Field of Dreams, which is a nonprofit based here in Northern California.
- I'm Sarah Barth, Executive Director of Sempervirens Fund, a nonprofit conservation organization that
- My name is Ashley Blake O'Drager, and I'm the field campaign manager for Oceana, the largest nonprofit
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources and Water
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- He is also an education programs consultant with the Native Hawaiian nonprofit organization Malama Loko
- :38.720><c> Hawaiian</c> consultant with the Native Hawaiian consultant with the Native Hawaiian nonprofit
- <00:13:39.880><c> organization</c><00:13:41.280><c> Malama</c><00:13:41.800><c> Loka</c> nonprofit organization
- Malama Loka nonprofit organization Malama Loka Malama<00:13:43.280><c> Loko</c><00:13:43.920><c> Ea<
Bills:
HB1800 , HB2095 , HB1158 , HB1518 , HB1752 , SCR23 , SCR24 , SCR25 , SCR26 , SCR27 , SCR28 , SCR29 , SCR30 , SCR31 , SCR32 , SCR33 , SCR34 , SCR35 , SCR36 , SCR37 , SCR38 , SCR39 , SCR40 , SCR41 , SCR42 , SCR43 , SCR44 , SCR45 , SCR46 , SCR47 , SCR48 , SCR49 , SCR50 , SCR51 , SCR52 , SCR53 , SCR54 , SCR55 , SCR56 , SCR57 , SCR58 , SCR59 , SCR60 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR63 , SCR64 , SCR65 , SCR66 , SCR67 , SCR68 , SCR69 , SCR70 , SCR71 , SCR72 , SCR73 , SCR74 , SCR75 , SCR76 , SCR77 , SCR78 , SCR79 , SCR80 , SCR81 , SCR82 , SCR83 , SCR84 , SCR85 , SCR86 , SCR87 , SCR88 , SCR89 , SCR90 , SCR91 , SCR92 , SCR93 , SCR94 , SCR95 , SCR96 , SCR97 , SCR98 , SCR99 , SCR100 , SCR101 , SCR102 , SCR103 , SCR104 , SCR105 , SCR106 , SCR107 , SCR108 , SCR109 , SCR110 , SCR111 , SCR112 , SCR113 , SCR114 , SCR115 , SCR116 , SCR117 , SCR118 , SCR119 , SCR120 , SCR121 , SCR122