Transcript Highlights:

• We're continuing that dialogue and look forward to their feedback as we work to further strengthen the
• We're gathering feedback, and given the technical complexities involved with these compliance issues,
• So as I listened to the author's presentation, the feedback, strange interaction. Okay.
• We've gotten a lot of feedback since the bill was passed and signed into law.
• And there was no mechanism for that to take place, as a matter of fact.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there is at least some mechanism available to take into account the party's locations.
• It sounds like there is a mechanism for the respondent to request a change in the hearing location.
• to take into consideration mechanism to take into consideration where<01:00:44.960><c> the</c><01:00
• Um, and so this has been feedback that we've been getting over the last couple days. Not a problem.
• </c> so we've been working to get feedback so we've been working to get feedback from<01:20:00.719><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By way of the mechanics of the appropriation, the best approach was granting this money out to communities
• Through the mechanics of the program—selling bonds and the leveraging effect—to date, we've committed
• And just for a little bit of horizon perspective, considering that this collection mechanism doesn't
• I'm not sure what that mechanism looks like.
• I will say that not all the feedback was negative.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I would appreciate any feedback for how the money actually got spent last year and how they plan
• >> Why yes. >> The sponsor yields. >> Couldn't those priorities be funded through other mechanisms if
• And if it was initially presented as a temporary financing mechanism decades ago, at what point is the
• But now, in our third round, we see an opportunity, and again, it is really the feedback that we have
• BUT NOW, IN OUR THIRD ROUND, WE SEE AN OPPORTUNITY AND AGAIN, IT IS REALLY THE FEEDBACK THAT WE "Have

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, then approved the prior day’s Journal and moved into motions, resolutions, and budget-related business. Senator Gianaris called up Senate Print 5898A for reconsideration; the Senate voted 59 ayes to restore the bill to the third reading calendar. Several amendments were also received on third-reading bills, and the Finance Committee was called into session while the chamber proceeded with resolutions. The Senate adopted Resolution J.2106 recognizing Second Chance Month and the mental health impacts of incarceration, with Senator Brisport speaking in support and a guest from the community recognized in the chamber. The body also adopted Resolution J.1492 designating May 27, 2026, as Taiwan Heritage Day, with remarks from Senators Sepúlveda, Stavisky, and Liu highlighting Taiwanese contributions to New York and expressing support for Taiwan amid current geopolitical tensions. The Finance Committee then reported several budget bills, including Senate Prints 9003D, 9004D, 9007C, and 9009C, which were moved to third reading. The remainder of the session focused on the supplemental and controversial budget calendars, especially tax and spending provisions. Senators debated the “Protecting Our Wallets” energy rebate, with supporters describing it as a one-time check for eligible taxpayers and critics arguing it was too small and not tied directly to utility bills; the chamber accepted the message of necessity and laid the bills aside. Members also debated extensions and changes to tax provisions affecting corporations, alternative fuel exemptions, Broadway and theatrical production tax credits, charitable deductions for certain 501(c)(3)s, nicotine pouch taxes, a new New York City pied-à-terre tax, and a standardbred horse-racing testing fee. Several senators criticized the budget as raising costs or favoring certain industries, while supporters defended the measures as revenue-raising, affordability, or public-health policies. No final votes on the controversial budget bills are shown in the excerpt beyond procedural rulings, adoption of the resolution calendar, and acceptance of committee reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we've added those two mechanisms. So that is one safeguard.
• , and a high-level summary of how HR-1 changes those mechanisms.
• , and a high-level summary of how HR-1 changes those mechanisms.
• And so that's become a key funding mechanism for hospitals and Medi-Cal.
• And so that's become a key funding mechanism for hospitals and MediCal.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health began with a hearing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on California health programs, focusing first on reproductive health state investments. HCAI outlined five state-funded reproductive health programs created after Dobbs, including uncompensated care, practical support, capital and clinical infrastructure, and workforce programs. Essential Access Health and Planned Parenthood testified that these funds have served hundreds of thousands of patients, but warned that the uncompensated care program is fully awarded and needs renewal, and that Title X and Medicaid-related federal uncertainty continues to threaten access. Members questioned who the uncompensated care program serves, why Medi-Cal covers a large share of abortions, and whether Planned Parenthood could expand prenatal services; public commenters urged continued support for reproductive health access. The committee then took up long-term care services and supports, starting with the HCBA and Assisted Living Waiver programs. DHCS reported large wait lists for both programs and said enrollment is limited by workforce and provider capacity, while LAO noted that increasing slots alone may not increase access without additional programmatic changes. Members pressed the department on whether more slots should be added given the lower cost of home- and community-based care compared with skilled nursing facilities, and public testimony argued that the wait lists should be reduced and that staffing concerns do not fully explain unused capacity. The committee also heard testimony on congregate living health facilities, where providers and a patient family described the homes as critical, lower-cost alternatives to nursing facilities for younger, medically complex people. Witnesses requested short-term bridge funding, while DHCS said it is proposing to transition CLFs into a managed care benefit by January 1, 2028, which would remove caps and expand access statewide. The final long-term care topic was PACE. DHCS explained that it has paused new PACE applications and service expansions for at least two years to reassess oversight capacity and develop a statewide strategic growth framework, while existing programs continue operating. CalPACE supported the pause as a planning measure but asked for four additional state nurse positions to reduce delays in level-of-care determinations and speed enrollment for frail older adults. Members shared personal stories about how PACE has helped family members and asked how the state will meet growing demand; DHCS said stakeholder engagement will begin later in the year and that some existing applications already in process will continue. Public commenters broadly supported PACE, HCBA, and CLF funding requests. The hearing then moved to the Department of Health Care Services’ 2026-27 Medi-Cal budget and related trailer bills. DHCS said Medi-Cal spending has grown due to coverage expansions, higher acuity, rising utilization, and especially pharmacy costs, and it described proposals to extend the current skilled nursing facility financing framework for one year while the state develops a new value-based payment strategy. LAO said most recent Medi-Cal spending growth has been driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload growth, with pharmacy spending growing especially quickly, and recommended better and more timely data to analyze the drivers. Members expressed concern about the rapid rise in Medi-Cal spending and asked for more detail on the largest cost increases.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you have any feedback on how this would affect a Catholic hospital that purchased a less profitable
• Do you have any feedback on how this would affect a Catholic hospital that purchased a less than profitable
• over to you, was very much informed, and we made multiple changes to it last year in response to feedback
• hearing on this bill in the House, we've engaged in extensive dialogue with stakeholders who shared feedback
• to bear the expense of protecting themselves, if that's even possible with insurance and other mechanisms

Summary: The committee first waived the five-day notice rule for five House bills, then held public hearings on several measures. On Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548, the committee heard staff and sponsor testimony on expanding health care merger notice requirements to the Attorney General, adding transactions involving majority ownership/control and asset sales, requiring public posting of notices, pausing closings until information requests are substantially complied with, and adding filing fees. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Attorney General’s Office, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, nurses, and patient advocates, said the bill would improve transparency and oversight of consolidation and private equity in health care; the Washington State Medical Association and Washington State Hospital Association were neutral after compromise language, though the hospital association raised concern about the added fees. The hearing closed with many people signed in pro and con but not testifying. The committee then heard Second Substitute House Bill 2333, which would allow candidates and elected officials to use campaign or surplus funds to reimburse personal security expenses related to threats tied to their public roles. The sponsor and several prosecutors described personal threats and argued the bill is needed to protect public servants, while public disclosure officials said current PDC processes and the state Address Confidentiality Program already provide some protections and cautioned against over-codifying agency discretion. Some testimony urged restoring earlier address-protection provisions, while county auditors said the revised bill removed operationally unworkable redaction language and was acceptable as amended. The bill had broad signed-in support and opposition, but no vote was taken. For Engrossed House Bill 1574, staff explained the bill would expand Good Samaritan-style protections for people seeking overdose help, bar arrest or conviction for possession in those circumstances, limit related penalties and forfeiture, and allow hospitals and other health facilities to distribute public health supplies without committing paraphernalia infractions. Supporters said it would save lives and improve access to drug checking and harm reduction services, while prosecutors and law enforcement groups said the bill was too broad, especially regarding arrest limits, protection-order violations, probation/parole, warrants, and civil forfeiture. The sponsor said the bill was intended to keep people alive and encourage calls for help. The committee also heard Engrossed House Bill 2156, which would let Attorney General investigators be designated limited authority peace officers to electronically serve search warrants in economic and financial crime cases; the AGO and retailers supported it as a tool against organized retail theft and wage theft, while sheriffs and police chiefs opposed it and urged added guardrails and deconfliction with local law enforcement. Finally, on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2320, the committee heard a bill to regulate 3D-printed and digitally manufactured firearms and digital firearm manufacturing code. The sponsor and supporters, including students, pediatricians, and a gun-violence survivor’s family member, said it was needed to address untraceable ghost guns and keep pace with technology, while opponents argued the bill was overbroad, raised constitutional concerns, and targeted files and speech rather than criminal conduct. No votes were taken in the hearing excerpts provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• country, because I believe this will allow us to provide good veterinary health care through this mechanism
• We just saw the language at the end of last week, so we're still trying to get feedback from our members
• We wanted to make sure that we shared those, and we'll keep getting feedback from our members and are
• Please. get feedback from our members and understand the intent and the impact of everything, all the
• Wanted to make sure that we shared those, and we'll keep getting feedback from our members and happy

Summary: The committee heard public hearings on several health-related bills. House Bill 1904 would prohibit cat declawing except for therapeutic purposes, with staff explaining definitions, fines, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements. The prime sponsor and animal welfare advocates described declawing as cruel and linked it to pain and behavior problems, while the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association supported the substance of the bill but asked to remove the added reporting and disciplinary provisions as redundant and burdensome. House Bill 2211 would provide guidance for medically tailored meals under existing Medicaid-related nutrition supports, including standards for Washington-based nonprofit providers where possible, menu review, and nutrition requirements. The sponsor said it would clarify implementation without expanding the program, and supporters from meal providers, food distributors, and local farms said it would improve health outcomes, keep dollars local, and support Washington jobs and agriculture. House Bill 2329 would allow licensed midwives to delegate certain tasks to medical assistants and to supervise medical assistants, with the sponsor and birth center operators saying it would fix an omission in current law and help rural and under-resourced birth centers operate more efficiently. Supporters said it would improve staffing and financial stability, while the sponsor indicated the lactation consultant language would likely be removed because those consultants are not regulated by the Department of Health. The committee then returned to House Bill 1904 for additional testimony from humane organizations, veterinarians, shelter leaders, and local officials, all supporting a ban on declawing and emphasizing animal pain, shelter impacts, and available alternatives. House Bill 2247 would expand and clarify veterinary telehealth and veterinarian-client-patient relationship rules, allowing a VCPR to be established in certain telehealth circumstances and setting guardrails for consent, practice standards, and when in-person exams are still required. Supporters from shelters, animal welfare groups, mobile clinics, and veterinarians said telehealth would improve access in rural and underserved areas, reduce shelter intake, and help animals receive care sooner; the veterinary association supported the bill with amendments to clarify recordkeeping and access-to-care findings. House Bill 2339 would update nursing license terminology and processes for advanced registered nurse practitioners, including title changes, controlled substance rules for CRNAs, transcript submission, and interim permits. Nursing board and ARNP representatives supported the technical updates, while the hospital association and medical association raised concerns about title language for clinical nurse specialists and the deletion of a reference to the medical profession. Finally, House Bill 2106 would require health carriers to give 90 days’ notice of significant mid-contract payer modifications and provide the actual modification language, with the sponsor and hospital and provider representatives saying insurers are increasingly making unilateral changes that affect payment, services, and patient access. UW Medicine and a rural hospital district described examples where insurers changed imaging or preventive service coverage mid-contract, causing financial losses and forcing difficult choices about network participation. Carriers were noted as opposing the bill, while providers and facilities argued it would improve transparency and prevent one-sided contract changes that disrupt care.

Transcript Highlights:

• legislature isn't meeting, then transfers would have to take place under legislatively authorized mechanisms
• I think what you're talking about is generally considered a feedback Bill?
• And again, our feedback, Madam Chair, Representative Dow, is that these are ongoing sites.
• Everyone, they're very low on funding, and the feedback we've...
• And, uh, Representative, uh, we'll look to get any additional feedback for that, but it's a high-demand

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I feel confident we are working with districts in the feedback we received... ...is positive as
• I really appreciate the feedback.
• So I really appreciate the feedback and Senators, I ask for your favorable support on this bill today
• So could you explain the mechanism and the time and how that will work under your bill where all the
• That was part of the feedback and clarifies the budget as a basis for developing the budget may not be

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With the funding mechanism adopted in 2025, this creates long-term market stability while preserving
• Removing a key stabilizing mechanism would only intensify those pressures.
• </c> Removing a key stabilizing mechanism Removing a key stabilizing mechanism would<00:15:51.160><c>
• Based on some feedback in the Judiciary and Civil Law Committee, we made the following changes.
• Based on some feedback in the Judiciary and Civil Law Committee, we made the following changes.

Bills: HF4502, HF3388, HF4106, HF400, HF4138, HF4118, HF4203

Keywords: trusted contact, financial exploitation, elder abuse, elder financial abuse, fraud prevention, financial institution, banking, credit union, broker-dealer, account security, dormant account, consumer protection, scam, suspicious activity, protective services, law enforcement reporting, Minnesota Statutes chapter 45A, HF3388, Minnesota premium security plan, reinsurance

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no deterrent mechanism in this bill.
• This bill revises the definitions of Class A air conditioning contractor and mechanical contractor to
• I have not heard negative feedback from any sheriffs in the state of Florida who are concerned about
• And there was a lot of feedback regarding the independent automated vote validation process that was
• I want to just reassert some of the concerns that you're hearing and also just amplify feedback we're

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Once we receive feedback from request.
• </c> protections and cost recovery mechanisms protections and cost recovery mechanisms related<00:49:
• I thought that was the trigger mechanism anyways through the governor. Any other questions?
• </c><01:43:48.960><c> Inmates</c><01:43:49.440><c> quickly</c> feedback to our inmates.
• Inmates quickly feedback to our inmates.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know she's committed to getting it right, but I will say she has taken a lot of their feedback.
• AB 2885 also went through the full legislative process in order to incorporate stakeholder feedback,
• It can change what it does based on the feedback that it gets in the world.
• And the feedback was that we're not close enough to be able to come up with that coherent response.
• I'm still gathering some feedback from additional retailers.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They need wise advice from advisors who understand grants and other financing mechanisms.
• They need wise advice from advisors who understand grants and other financing mechanisms, along with
• was reminded by one of our advocates, with your questions, Assembly Member Soria, about a funding mechanism
• bill of the Chair Solace with Jessica Colosa, the Assembly Member AB-265, that would have created a mechanism
• When you need trusted implementation by folks who are used to doing this work, rapid feedback from the

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact held an informational hearing focused on the California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and its role in helping small businesses access capital, recover from disasters, and scale innovative companies. Chair Salas and Vice Chair Castillo opened by emphasizing the importance of small businesses to California’s economy and noting recent passage of AB 685, described as a small business resiliency and innovation measure. Witnesses from multiple SBDC regions and business owners testified about the network’s statewide reach, confidentiality, multilingual advising, and partnerships with universities and state agencies. Panelists described SBDC’s work in three main areas: disaster recovery, startup and innovation support, and capital access. Testimony highlighted SBDC assistance after major disasters such as the Camp Fire, Dixie Fire, San Diego floods, and the Los Angeles fires, including help with insurance claims, grant applications, debt restructuring, and reopening businesses. Business owners from Altadena and Sacramento shared personal stories of how SBDC guidance, grants, and connections helped restore operations, preserve jobs, and navigate crises. Another panel focused on technology startups and the “valley of death,” explaining how SBDC helps founders with customer discovery, grant strategy, intellectual property, and financing; examples included a mobility-tech company and a biodegradable plastics startup that secured major grants, investment, and jobs with SBDC support. A third panel focused on access to capital, with SBDC staff explaining lending options, state loan programs, and finance centers that package loans and match businesses with lenders. They said many small businesses need less than $100,000 and often turn to high-cost alternatives without guidance; SBDC helps them refinance and secure better terms. A beverage company founder described using SBDC to move from a failed public affairs firm to launching a tequila brand, raising capital, and building distribution. Members asked about barriers facing immigrant-owned businesses, disaster aid gaps, and regulatory burdens; SBDC representatives said their services are confidential, available to eligible businesses regardless of immigration status, and designed to connect clients to whatever public or private resources exist. No formal vote was taken at the hearing, and the meeting ended after public comment with the chair urging continued funding for SBDC and related small business support programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• They need wise advice from advisors who understand grants and other financing mechanisms.
• Grants and other financing mechanisms, along with support organizations that help translate technology
• was reminded by one of our advocates, with your questions, Assembly Member Soria, about a funding mechanism
• co-authored bill of the Chair Solache with Jessica Caloza, Assembly Bill 265, that would have created a mechanism
• When you need trusted implementation by folks who are used to doing this work, rapid feedback from the

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, mechanical treatments such as harvesting or shredding are advantageous for gathering large amounts
• Mechanical treatments such as harvesting or shredding are advantageous for gathering large amounts or
• Mechanical treatments are not selective, and they are limited to areas where the entire plant stand is
• So it has a regulatory enforcement mechanism to it.
• We're learning organizations, so we're going to take all the feedback from stakeholders, incorporate

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to hear presentations on Lake Okeechobee from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the South Florida Water Management District, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. FWC described the lake as a major recreation, water supply, and habitat resource, and outlined its habitat management plan, including control of invasive plants, prescribed fire, and restoration of native vegetation. The agency said low water levels have helped submerged aquatic vegetation recover, with gains in 2025 exceeding 24,000 acres and meeting its target, while torpedo grass and floating invasive plants remain active management priorities. Senators asked about bass fishing trends and blue-green algae; FWC said water levels are the main driver of fishery health and that it was not seeing current water-quality impacts on bass, though algal blooms can affect habitat and wildlife. The South Florida Water Management District focused on nutrient pollution, lake ecology, and restoration projects across the watershed. Director Drew Bartlett said the district’s work is aimed at reducing harmful discharges, improving water quality, and moving more water south to the Everglades through storage and treatment projects, including the EAA Reservoir, C-43 and C-44 reservoirs, aquifer storage and recovery, and wetland treatment areas. He said the state and federal governments have invested about $9 billion in restoration, roughly split 50-50, and that the EAA Reservoir is now targeted for completion in 2029. He also said Lake Okeechobee BMAP participation is around 92% and that recent data show phosphorus and nitrogen loading declines, though the lake remains impaired and eutrophic. An industry witness from Associated Industries of Florida said the BMAP and agricultural best management practices are producing measurable improvements and urged continued funding for water storage and treatment. The Army Corps of Engineers then explained LOSOM and Lake Recovery operations, saying the new operating approach balances flood control, water supply, navigation, ecology, and estuary protection. Colonel Brandon Bowman said Lake Recovery was implemented in late 2024 to bring the lake below 12 feet long enough to help submerged vegetation rebound, and reported that the lake met both recovery metrics, with water levels low enough to support a major increase in SAV from about 4,000 acres to 28,000 acres in 2025. He also noted benefits such as improved water clarity and more Okeechobee gourd plants, but acknowledged drawbacks including reduced navigation and some impacts to wading birds and snail kites. Senators pressed the Corps on the C-44 reservoir’s sloughing issue; Bowman said repairs are underway, the problem is geological rather than a safety failure, and the Corps expects to award a contract by 2027 and complete work by 2030. The committee did not take any substantive vote on the presentations and adjourned after Senator Smith moved to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• unnecessary administrative work while preserving incident reporting requirements and oversight mechanisms
• received some concerns that I lack the expertise on, but I want to at least convey it, hoping to get feedback
• He said that in the original draft, that was what they did, but DPH came back with feedback that they
• need the testing because there's a lot of mislabeling and so date did not date came back to me with feedback

Bills: HB305, HB395, HB341

Keywords: hemp, marijuana, THC regulations, cannabis products, adult-use industry, public health, youth protection, child support, reunification, Department of Services for Children, family court, liability

Summary: The committee met in late June with Senators Hansen, Buckson, Siegfried, Townsend, and Huxable present, and first approved the meeting minutes by voice vote. The opening bill, HB 341, would limit DFS from filing child support in foster care cases unless doing so would not hinder reunification; Children’s Department staff said the department has already decided to stop filing in all such cases, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $140,000 annually. Public testimony from the League of Women Voters supported the bill as a compassionate measure to help families reunite. The committee then heard HB 446/related anaphylaxis legislation for colleges and universities, which would allow institutions to stock and use intranasal epinephrine alongside auto-injectors and update training and reporting requirements. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America supported the measure, emphasizing the need for needle-free options and faster treatment of anaphylaxis. The committee also took up HS1 for HB 356 on PFAS, which would ban firefighting foam containing PFAS beginning in 2028, require disclosure if PPE contains PFAS, and address recalls; DNREC and the fire service supported it, saying most departments have already transitioned away from PFAS foam. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 305, a diabetes wellness pilot program that would use continuous glucose monitoring, app-based care coordination, lab testing, and DHIN data analysis to shift care toward prevention and remission. Sponsor Senator Siegfried described the bill as a response to Delaware’s high diabetes costs and prevalence, and the Medical Society of Delaware supported it as a proactive model. The committee also discussed HB 395, which would regulate intoxicating hemp-derived products and synthetic cannabinoids by classifying products over a THC threshold as marijuana and creating penalties for unlicensed sales; the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner supported the bill, while hemp industry representatives and Senator Hoffner warned it could harm legitimate hemp retailers and access to hemp products. The final item, HS1 for HB 332, would ban sales and marketing of kratom products to those under 21 and direct the state to study testing and regulation of kratom and synthetic variants. Supporters, including the Delaware Healthcare Association and several recovery advocates, said age-gating is a reasonable first step and that synthetic products are the main concern; opponents and some senators argued the bill should go further and fully ban kratom or better distinguish synthetic products from natural leaf kratom. No formal roll-call votes were taken on the substantive bills during the transcript, and the meeting adjourned after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee, which is made up of operators, public health people, local operators, and be able to get feedback
• We do work together with CDFW, but I don't know the specific mechanisms for notification, and so in the
• I want to thank all the individuals that were here participating and provided comments and feedback,
• I want to thank all the individuals that were here participating and provided comments and feedback and

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee approved several non-appearing gubernatorial appointments and routine agenda items by 4-0 votes, including Frank Damrow Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Eddger to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission. The committee also approved bill referrals, a rule waiver to allow SB 1447 to be heard after the policy deadline, and floor acknowledgments. The committee then heard the appointment of Clint Kellam as Director of the Department of Cannabis Control. Members focused heavily on cannabis regulation, especially illicit market activity, consumer education, labeling, and youth protection. Kellam said the department’s goal is to shift consumption from illicit to legal sources, not increase use, and described efforts such as the Real California Cannabis website, the required educational pamphlet for new users, inspections, and package review. Senators raised concerns about attractive-to-children packaging, high-dose beverages, and the need for tighter labeling rules; Kellam said the department is open to legislative changes, is working on an AI tool to help licensees review packaging, and uses recalls, citations, and administrative actions when products violate rules. He also described enforcement efforts against illegal cultivation and retail, including the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force and cooperation with local, state, and federal agencies. The committee voted 4-0 to advance the appointment. The committee next heard Jennifer Osborne’s appointment as Director of the Department of Industrial Relations. Osborne described her background in state administration and said she aims to remove barriers, improve systems, and support workplace safety, wage enforcement, workers’ compensation, and apprenticeship programs. Senators asked about PAGA enforcement, Cal/OSHA audit findings, backlogs, staffing shortages, and complaint handling. Osborne said DIR’s role in PAGA is limited, but the department is working on Cal/OSHA policy revisions, training, additional investigation staff, centralized intake, IT modernization, and possible use of outside administrative law judges to reduce delays. She also said the department is addressing vacancy and backlog issues through classification changes and new hiring strategies. Public commenters from employer groups and labor organizations spoke in support, and the committee approved the appointment 4-0 for full Senate confirmation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee, which is made up of operators, public health people, local operators, and be able to get feedback
• Let's see... health people, local operators, and be able to get feedback in about what they're seeing
• We do work together with CDFW, but I don't know the specific mechanisms for notification, and so in the
• I want to thank all the individuals that were here participating and provided comments and feedback,

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• really is about making sure, as people are utilizing our programs, that there is a clear statewide mechanism
• activities to prepare for implementation through extensive stakeholder engagement, including one-on-one feedback
• released initial draft policy outlines earlier this year and is currently incorporating stakeholder feedback
• County and from Porterville about this facility and their concerns, and we both appreciate their feedback

Keywords: 987, senate, all