Transcript Highlights:

• designated Brian Merrill of CUNA, Idaho as a qualified substitute for Legislative District 23, Ada County
• Right now, you could have a county sheriff, and he has a chief deputy, and that chief deputy retires.
• A county sheriff has a chief deputy, and that chief deputy retires.
• As the county sheriff, it doesn't really matter if you were elected or appointed to that.
• She will go to BYU-Hawaii in January of 2027, and she is also going to sing for us.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> lady from Hawaii is recognized. lady from Hawaii is recognized.
• </c><05:02:51.120><c> the</c> County should the county request the County should the county request the
• Perry County. This Pville, Arkansas. Perry County.
• Office, the Perry County Chamber of Commerce, and the Perry County Farm Bureau.
• Westchester County and surrounding Westchester County and surrounding counties.<07:12:56.718><c> Those

Transcript Highlights:

• Take Riverside County, for example.
• Absent additional funding, in a recent survey of all 58 counties, 100% of counties anticipated Absent
• In speaking with my county, Riverside County, as you mentioned, is one of the examples.
• We call counties on wait and guess, and counties are already stretched thin.
• We call counties on wait and guess, and counties are already stretched thin.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing focused on the impacts of federal HR1 on CalFresh and Medi-Cal, along with related state mitigation efforts. CDSS, DHCS, DDS, county representatives, LAO, and Finance discussed automatic exemptions, data-sharing between departments, county workload, and the timing of implementation. CDSS said about two-thirds of adults ages 18 to 64 are already known to be exempt in CalFresh, and that administrative data matches could newly exempt about 200,000 of the roughly 955,000 adults potentially at risk. DHCS said Medi-Cal work requirements would begin in 2027 and the department is working to automate exemptions, including for IHSS recipients and some caregivers, while DDS said its population is expected to be covered by auto-exemptions. County welfare directors emphasized that individualized worker contact is critical, that counties need more staffing and stable funding, and that without it they expect delays, higher error rates, and reduced exemption screening capacity. Members pressed for written timelines, county-by-county impact data, and clearer guidance; the administration said it would provide follow-up materials and technical assistance. No votes were taken. The committee then heard a separate discussion on a proposed CFAP expansion or “CFAP Plus” concept to provide state-funded benefits to additional populations affected by HR1, including lawfully present non-citizens and ABODs. CDSS said implementation could not occur before October 1, 2027 because of policy and system-design constraints, and that adding unique eligibility rules would increase complexity and cost. Finance cautioned that any expansion would have General Fund impacts likely in the hundreds of millions to multiple billions. Members asked for cost estimates and technical feedback on trailer bill language, and CDSS said it would review the proposal and respond. The hearing also covered CDSS’s CalFresh strategic plan and mandated reporter training updates. CDSS said it is hiring a strategic plan lead to develop a long-term, data-informed CalFresh plan, and that the revised mandated reporter training is on track for launch in fall/winter 2026, ahead of the July 1, 2027 statutory deadline. The training will include updated content on structural racism, ICWA protections, implicit bias, and the distinction between reporting and supporting families. Members praised the work and asked for continued updates. Later panels focused on Promise Neighborhoods, Stop the Hate, and housing programs. Promise Neighborhood advocates and CDSS described the state’s prior $12 million investment, a positive evaluation showing roughly a 4-to-1 return, and a new proposal to support place-based partnerships and community schools through AB 1969. Stop the Hate grantees and CDSS reported that the program has provided direct services, prevention, and statewide coordination to millions of Californians, and urged reauthorization before funding expires; members asked for best-practice language and discussed focusing future funding on solidarity work, harm reduction, legal services, and education. Finally, CDSS presented on the CalWORKs Housing Support Program and Housing and Disability Advocacy Program, saying proposed General Fund investments of $105 million and $55 million would prevent funding cliffs and allow the programs to continue through 2026-27, while the absence of new funding would force reductions in housing assistance, subsidies, and enrollments.

Transcript Highlights:

• The law is being implemented on a county-by-county basis, which allows for local flexibility but also
• The Orange County Board of Supervisors, all 34 cities in the county, a majority of the county, state,
• This allows the County of Orange, the Orange County Cemetery District, and the California Department
• By no means is my intent to burden San Bernardino County or Riverside County.
• Alameda County is home to 1.65 million people.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of natural resources and related bills, with several measures receiving broad support and due-pass recommendations. AB 80 on carpet recycling would require CalRecycle to implement prior reforms, expand collection sites, and improve reporting and backstamping; it drew support from the author, carpet industry representatives, labor, environmental groups, and no opposition. AB 452 would create a voluntary process for local governments to designate state surf reserves as part of 30 by 30 conservation goals; supporters included Save the Waves Coalition, tourism and environmental groups, and several members praised the bill, while the League of California Cities sought clarifying amendments. AB 823 would ban sale of certain personal care and cleaning products containing intentionally added plastic microbeads, but it generated significant debate over scope and ambiguity, with environmental groups supporting stronger restrictions and industry groups warning the bill could unintentionally affect sunscreens, cosmetics, fragrance encapsulation, and other products; the committee ultimately passed it 13-2 to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials as amended. The committee also advanced AB 1046, which creates a narrow exemption from SB 1383 organic waste requirements for crop preparers and tree nut processors that do not send organic waste to landfills; agricultural groups and rural county representatives supported it, and it passed with no opposition. AB 252, the “Stop Laying Off Firefighters Act,” would require Cal Fire to maintain year-round staffing; the author and Cal Fire labor representatives argued wildfire conditions are now year-round and staffing gaps are unsafe, and the bill passed unanimously to Appropriations. AB 571 would provide a targeted CEQA exemption and urgency clause for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon; veterans, county officials, and supporters emphasized the long delay and need for a dignified burial site, and it passed unanimously to Military and Veterans Affairs. Later, the committee approved AB 1455, which would authorize the Board of Forestry to adopt emergency regulations and streamline future rulemaking for ember-resistant standards after recent Los Angeles County fires; it passed without opposition. AB 687, which would allow public agencies to use forest practice rules and timber harvest plans for certain fuel reduction projects, drew concerns from environmental groups about CEQA confusion and agency review, and while the author said it was not a CEQA exemption, the bill moved forward with some opposition and ongoing discussion. AB 652 would allow alternate members on the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District board to avoid quorum problems and passed with support from the City of San Diego. AB 317, the California First-Time Home Owner Dream Act, would exempt certain small, lower-cost homes from CEQA and defer property taxes to encourage affordable housing; it passed with support but also prompted concerns about guardrails against misuse in larger subdivisions. The committee also heard AB 900, which would require the Natural Resources Agency to develop a stewardship plan for current and future 30 by 30 lands; supporters from land trusts and conservation groups said stewardship funding and management are essential to make conservation durable, and the bill passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 738 would let certain wildfire-disaster survivors rebuild under the solar standards in place when their homes were originally built, rather than newer requirements; the author and county representatives framed it as limited relief for underinsured homeowners, and the committee began discussion with questions about what other rebuilding requirements might be affected.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of the locals are, a lot of the counties, the cities.
• Utah and Hawaii, for example, have already implemented road user charge.
• Fresno County Transportation Authority, the Monterey-Salinas Transit District, and the County Connection
• Commission, the Tulare County Association of Governments, the Merced County Association of Governments
• , and the Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authorities, in support.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider several governor’s appointments, routine agenda items, and the confirmation hearing for Dina El-Tawansy to serve as Director of the California Department of Transportation. The committee first approved a series of appointments to the Board of Behavioral Sciences, Contractors State License Board, and Medical Board of California, along with bill referrals, a rule waiver for guests on the Senate floor for a memorial adjournment in honor of former President Pro Tempore John Burton, and floor acknowledgments. Most of these actions were approved on 5-0 votes, with the early appointment items passing 3-2. The committee then heard testimony from El-Tawansy, who emphasized her 28 years at Caltrans, a focus on safety, equity, climate resilience, workforce development, and multimodal transportation. Senators questioned her on a range of transportation issues, including the impact of federal and state disputes affecting immigrant truck drivers and highway funding, the Highway 58 truck climbing lane project, DBE reevaluation under new federal rules, asphalt recycling and disposal, climate-related damage to roads and coastal infrastructure, and the future of gas-tax revenue and road user charges. El-Tawansy said Caltrans is prioritizing safety and emergency projects, working on reevaluating DBEs, advancing climate adaptation planning, and studying road user charge pilots and related technology. Members also asked about small business participation, toll lane agreements, homelessness encampments on Caltrans property, and the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo rail corridor. El-Tawansy described Caltrans programs to support small and disadvantaged businesses, local hiring, heavy equipment and CDL training, standardized toll lane agreements, delegated maintenance MOUs with local governments, and expanded efforts on encampment response and rail/transit planning. Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with representatives from transportation agencies, contractors, local governments, labor, and technology firms urging confirmation. The committee voted 5-0 to advance El-Tawansy’s appointment to the full Senate for confirmation, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Megan Kittner, and I'm with the Arizona Association of Counties.
• I'm the Maricopa County Assessor. Thank you, Mr. Chair and committee members.
• I'm a resident of Pinal County.
• It wasn't going to somebody to take a vacation to Hawaii.
• Pinal County remains a vital link between Arizona's two most populated and economically important counties

Committee: Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee approved the February 16, 2026 minutes and then heard House Bill 2173, which would let tax officers and taxpayers communicate electronically about proposed property tax corrections or claims unless certified mail is required. County and assessor representatives supported the bill as a modernization measure, and the committee voted 6-0 to give it a do pass recommendation. The committee then considered several Arizona State Retirement System-related measures and nominations. It recommended confirmation of Thomas J. Connolly as a public member of the ASRS Board and Charles Essex as a retired member, both by 6-0 votes. The committee also passed House Bills 2089, 2090, and 2092, which clarified ASRS health subsidy eligibility, changed the disability determination timing for long-term disability benefits, and adjusted the waiver window for new eligible members age 65 or older. Each of those bills received unanimous or near-unanimous support. Members next approved House Bill 2693, as amended, which revises Arizona’s association health plan and multiple employer welfare arrangement rules to align with current federal law and adds a study by the Department of Administration on state and school employee health insurance options. Supporters said it could expand affordable coverage for small businesses, while Senator Epstein raised concerns about consumer protections, preexisting conditions, and prior fraud issues; the bill passed 5-1. The committee also passed House Bill 2120, allowing Social Security disability determination letters to help certify eligibility for the property tax exemption for disabled persons, and House Bill 2138, clarifying workers’ compensation coverage for firefighters traveling directly to or from duty, both with some discussion but no opposition. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2273, which creates a one-time $300 income tax rebate for certain Pinal County residents using remaining escrow funds from the county transportation tax litigation, though members debated whether the money should instead go to roads. The bill passed 3-2 after comments from the sponsor, a Pinal County mayor, and senators who said they wanted the funds directed to transportation projects. The committee then passed House Bill 2786, exempting income from renting required college textbooks from transaction privilege tax, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of the locals are, a lot of the counties, the cities.
• Utah and Hawaii, for example, have already implemented road user charge.
• Fresno County Transportation Authority, the Monterey-Salinas Transit District, and the County Connection
• Commission, the Tulare County Association of Governments, the Merced County Association of Governments
• , and the Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authorities in support.

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• Charlie Shepherd, District 7, Idaho, Adams, and Nez Perce counties.
• I represent South Ada County, South Canyon County, and all of Owyhee County.
• So apparently there's natural resources in Hawaii County.
• That's Camas County, Gooding County, and rural Twin Falls County.
• , Blaine County, and Lincoln County.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been at every election in the city of Claremont and also throughout Sullivan County for various
• I've been at every election in the city of Claremont and also throughout Sullivan County for various
• An, District Hillsboro County."
• I think it means counties.
• means counties count okay counties<06:14:39.920><c> and</c><06:14:40.638><c> as</c><06:14:40.760><c>

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Convening the Restrictive Housing Legislative Working Group Act 292 Legislative Working Group here at the Hawaii
• We do currently check the Hawaii Health Information Exchange, which has all their ER records, things
• :27:03.600><c> currently</c><00:27:03.919><c> check</c><00:27:04.159><c> the</c><00:27:04.320><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:27:04.640><c> Health</c> do currently check the Hawaii Health do currently check the Hawaii Health
• year, but they will be producing new grads with these licenses every year if there's jobs here in Hawaii

Transcript Highlights:

• They had spent it all, and they, quite frankly, one of them ended up in Hawaii.
• They had spent it all, and they, quite frankly, one of them ended up in Hawaii.
• 56.200><c> um</c><00:40:57.000><c> uh</c><00:40:57.400><c> to</c> con to um uh to con to um uh to Hawaii
• 41:00.560><c> people</c><00:41:01.240><c> we</c><00:41:01.560><c> are</c><00:41:02.560><c> uh</c> Hawaii
• these are the people we are uh Hawaii these are the people we are uh trying<00:41:04.119><c> to</c><

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• our Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, 10:00 a.m. decision-making agenda in Conference Room 229 at the Hawaii

Bills: SB2738

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The meeting reconvened on Senate Bill 2760 during the Tuesday, February 17, 2026 decision-making agenda in Conference Room 229 at the Hawaii State Capitol. The only action discussed was a recommendation to defer action on the measure for one additional day. Members were informed that the committee would reconvene in Room 229 on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 10:07 a.m. to consider action on the bill. No vote was taken on the measure at this session. The meeting was then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I'm Arizona State Representative, County of District 17, and maybe the only person today very
• And so I just talked to someone who works with Pima County on this issue, and they mentioned the city
• And actually, they just... they were having a conversation. ...this Pima County contact was having a
• Since 2005, Professor Reddy has been using the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility on Mauna Kea, Hawaii,

Committee: House House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference

Summary: The Committee on Rural Economic Development met to hear two presentations. Rep. Volk gave a lighthearted but substantive overview of invasive plant species in southern Arizona, focusing on buffalo grass and stinknet, their role in increasing wildfire risk, harming native habitat, and contributing to respiratory irritation. He described current removal efforts such as hand-pulling and volunteer work, and discussed emerging technology including drone-based mapping and targeted herbicide application. Members asked about grazing use, treatment costs, and whether the mapping covered areas farther north; Volk said the red dots represented identified but untreated stinknet locations and noted ongoing coordination with county, museum, and fire-management partners. The committee then heard from Dr. Vishnu Reddy of the University of Arizona on space defense as an economic enabler for Districts 7 and 17, with discussion of Biosphere 2, water research, food innovation, and the university’s space situational awareness work. He explained asteroid and planetary defense, including how near-Earth objects are tracked, why early detection matters, and how objects can be nudged off course with kinetic impact methods like NASA’s DART mission. He also described the Chelyabinsk meteor event, the far side of the Moon, and the value of university, small-business, and student partnerships in this research ecosystem. Reddy highlighted Biosphere 2’s visitor revenue, philanthropic support, and federal/state funding tied to these programs, and emphasized workforce development and small-business contracting. The presentation concluded with members handling meteorite, Moon, and Mars samples. No formal bills were considered and no votes were taken; the meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I'm Arizona State Representative, County of District 17, and maybe the only person today very
• And so I just talked to someone who works with Pima County on this issue, and they mentioned the City
• This Pima County contact was having a conversation about getting people trained, and people who are already
• Since 2005, Professor Reddy has been using the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility on Mauna Kea, Hawaii,

Committees: House Rural Economic Development , House House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• And as was stated earlier, my county of Pine County and also Carlton County, which would be in central
• And as was stated earlier, my county of Pine County and also Carlton County, which would be in central
• And as was stated earlier, my county of Pine County and also Carlton County, which would be in central
• </c> my pine my county of Pine County and my pine my county of Pine County and also<00:53:09.160><c>
• </c> Kanabec County. Kanabec County.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• It was Ted Bolin, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, submitted testimony in support.

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection met on April 17, 2025, and heard only one measure, SCR-194, SD1. The resolution received written testimony in support from Ted Bolin of the Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, and no one testified in person, so there were no questions or discussion from members. The committee moved directly to decision-making and recommended passage of the resolution as unamended. The vote was unanimous among members present: the Chair, Vice Chair, Representative Kahaloa, and Representative Kush all voted aye, with Representative Quinlan excused. The recommendation to pass SCR-194, SD1 was adopted, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's based on feedback from our county recorders and our county elections directors across the state
• And in counties who are not as large as Pinal County or Maricopa or Pima, they have actual judicial elections
• I'm an attorney here in Maricopa County.
• We are working with the county attorney's office.
• I mean, Hawaii does it. I mean, we grow it over there in Hawaii, and we have no problem with it.

Bills: SB1012 , SB1099 , SB1234 , SB1392 , SB1489 , SB1535 , SB1570 , SB1609 , SB1627 , SB1634 , SB1661 , SB1709 , SB1723 , SB1725 , SB1743 , SB1829 , SCR1027 , SCR1040 , SCR1048

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Elections

Keywords: concealed carry, firearms, restaurants, liquor licensing, public safety, defamation, private figure, public concern, statute of limitations, internet defamation, juvenile court, legal representation, appointed attorney, guardian ad litem, child welfare, election canvass, canvassing board, governing body, election inspection, election access

Transcript Highlights:

• For instance, Hawaii: food and fuel that go to and from Hawaii go on Jones Act vessels.
• Hawaii Hawaii uh<01:35:47.800><c> food</c><01:35:48.440><c> fuel</c><01:35:49.440><c> uh</c><01:35:49.560
• , then the people of Hawaii would be reliant on that service.
• Additionally, we have United States designated services that service islands like Hawaii, and so with
• I'm from Coos County, so one of the entities purchased 146,000 acres of forest up in Coos County, up

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• We serve about 5,000 people without homes across Bernalillo County with integrated primary care every
• to the federal recognition of tribes, I had the pleasure of getting to know some tribal members in Hawaii
• Perhaps in the future, we could look at state-recognized or other designations like our relatives in Hawaii

Committee: House House Consumer & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• McGregor, on DOJA's list of federal lease terminations, on that list is the Ironworks Building in Hilo, Hawaii
• I'll absolutely work with you on your. needs and for those of the people of Hawaii.
• Governor, the state legislature, the county commissioners, the local communities all strongly oppose

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Keywords: nuclear energy, permitting process, energy production, public lands, national parks, uranium imports, legislative bills, infrastructure development

Summary: The committee meeting was dominated by discussions on a variety of legislative bills including major topics such as nuclear energy advancement, the effects of regulatory hurdles on energy production, and proposals to improve national park staffing and maintenance. Members expressed concerns over the federal government's handling of uranium imports and the necessity for maintaining a robust domestic nuclear supply chain. Efforts to streamline permitting processes to facilitate more efficient energy project development were also a focal point, alongside public testimony from stakeholders in the energy and environmental sectors. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure development to meet rising energy demands while addressing climate change impacts.