Transcript Highlights:

• We did participate, and still participate today, in the LA fire emergency.
• We still have about 432 soldiers and airmen currently deployed across the fire-affected areas, both in
• I just want to thank you for your service and for the help out with the LA fires.
• And critical, as you talked about, in the response to the fires for our community safety as well.
• We're firing them all.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs held an informational hearing focused on the effects of federal budget cuts and policy changes on veterans, military readiness, and California’s veteran support systems. The chair and members emphasized that federal reductions to the VA, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, SNAP, and the federal workforce are disproportionately harming veterans by threatening health care, employment, housing, crisis lines, and suicide prevention services. The chair also highlighted California’s progress on veteran homelessness and the importance of preserving state programs that leverage federal dollars. Major General Matthew Beavers of the California Military Department described the department’s structure, its response to the Los Angeles fire emergency, and concerns that federal cuts could reduce readiness through less training, older equipment, and fewer resources. He also discussed state programs such as Work for Warriors, STARBASE, youth and community schools, and the counterdrug task force, saying they are valuable but vulnerable if funding is redirected away from readiness. Members asked about the impact of federal changes on the Guard and how the Legislature could help, and Beavers said the state should advocate for recapitalized equipment and continued support for key programs. A second panel focused on veterans’ benefits and claims support. CalVet, Los Angeles County, and Swords to Plowshares testified that county veteran service officers, legal aid, and community-based partnerships are essential to helping veterans access VA benefits, especially after the PACT Act expanded eligibility and increased claims volume. Witnesses said these services bring substantial federal dollars back to California, but county offices and legal providers are underfunded and overburdened. Members discussed data sharing, staffing shortages, and the need for more resources to reach veterans who are not connected to VA care. In the final panel on mental health and suicide prevention, CalVet and nonprofit providers described state-funded programs such as the Veterans Support Self-Reliance program and the California Veterans Health Initiative, which place services in permanent supportive housing and provide no-cost counseling statewide. Witnesses said these programs are showing measurable improvements in health, medication adherence, and emergency room use, but they depend on sustained funding and are vulnerable to step-down grants and federal instability. Committee members expressed support for the programs and raised questions about access, staffing, and the role of non-veteran family members in Vet Center services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Engrossed House Bill 4404, increasing the allowance for volunteer and part-volunteer fire companies and
• allowing fire departments to make expenditures for educational and training supplies and fire prevention
• fire departments receive.
• But I'm telling you right now, if we don't save these coal-fired power plants and even the playing field
• It applies to trades licensed by the Division of Labor and the State Fire Marshal.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the fire chief of the Village of Corrales.
• We have about 18,000 feet of pipe, infrastructure, fire suppression system.
• marshal's office, and the Fire Protection Grant Council.
• They allow me to apply for grants for a non-potable fire suppression system.
• to capitalize on their water source and make extensions for fire suppression.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• brush and vegetation managing uh fire brush and vegetation and<01:32:07.159> so<01:32:07.440>
• We didn't have the L.A. fires yet, so that kind of uncertainty as far as tourism, right?
• yet we we right so the um that fires yet we we right so the um that kind<05:48:48.798> of<05:
• Okay, so, um, basically what happened, right, with the fires on August 8th, 2023, uh, the Department
• on August 8th right with the fires on August 8th 2023<05:52:24.520> uh<05:52:24.760> the

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have fire, police, recreation, DPW.
• We have fire, police, recreation, DPW.
• They're adding all the Division of Fire Safety, which the Fire Marshal is in, that a Fire Standards and
• <05:21:07.638> mushro<05:21:08.000> in fire safety which the fire mushro in fire safety
• which the fire mushro in that<05:21:08.200> a<05:21:08.280> fire<05:21:08.600> standards

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 713, which would require mile markers on Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway. The sponsor and DOT testimony described the road as a heavily traveled but isolated corridor with little or no cell or radio service, frequent accidents and breakdowns, and serious public-safety problems when emergency responders cannot quickly locate incidents. Members discussed where markers should be placed, how frequently they should appear, whether both sides of the road should be marked, and the potential cost; DOT said the project could be done with federal funds and might be combined with other work to reduce mobilization costs. The committee agreed the bill was straightforward and voted OTP 18-0, with discussion that a friendly amendment might be offered later to refine the language. The committee then heard HB 563, concerning calculation of adequate education grants. Testimony explained that the bill would add fiscal capacity disparity aid in FY 27 and increase the special education differentiated aid factor, while also reducing extraordinary needs grants so the overall fiscal impact would be net neutral. Members noted the changes were limited to the second year because of the budget process and school district ballot timing. Supporters argued the fiscal capacity aid would help property-poor towns and should be expanded, while others emphasized the bill’s budget-neutral structure. The committee voted to retain HB 563 for further consideration in the budget process. Finally, the committee opened HB 675, which would limit the authority of school districts to make certain appropriations. A Derry resident and former local official testified in favor, arguing that property taxes are too high, that school spending has outpaced town-side tax caps, and that local voters should have more control over school budgets. Committee members questioned whether the issue should instead be handled locally through existing processes or broader governance changes, and one member noted the state’s constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education. The discussion continued, but no final action on HB 675 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• demolish his property if he's received an insurance payment for damage to his property that was caused by fire
• that's why it's required to make sure that you're consulting with the various departments like the fire
• There have been a series of blazing fires that have caused significant disruption in traffic flow as
• make sure that we’re not inadvertently removing the jail time for, like, arson if you set a bridge on fire
• HB 1153 came about after the huge interstate fire on I-12.

Summary: The Local and Municipal Affairs Committee met with five senators present and first adopted the May 7 minutes. The committee then took up a series of local bills, beginning with HB 481, which revises the statutory cap on charges per character for public notices; after brief discussion, it was reported favorable. HB 1051, dealing with Shreveport commercial properties that have received insurance payments after fire damage and are dilapidated, was also reported favorable after questions about insurance, spoliation, and consultation with local departments. HB 1080, a related Shreveport measure clarifying the city’s authority to sue after filing a lien on dangerous property, likewise passed favorably after discussion of insurance-related issues. The committee next considered HB 864, which addresses combustible materials left under bridges and was amended to remove imprisonment as a penalty; it was reported favorable as amended. HB 893, concerning procurement rules for the New Orleans Sewage and Water Board as the city assumes more responsibility, was reported favorable. HB 107, creating a local improvement district, and HB 1153, establishing a statewide framework for parish and municipal burn bans after the I-12 fire, both received favorable reports. HB 213, restructuring the downtown development district and adding homeowners and lease owners to the board, and HB 433, renaming the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce in law to the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, were also reported favorable. HB 326, requiring the police chief of Tickfaw to reside in the village, passed without objection. HB 66, which adds administrative adjudication procedures for Alexandria and defines housing violations, was amended and reported favorable. Senator Barrow then presented SB 343 regarding the Baton Rouge Recreation and Park Commission, but said she would turn it into a study resolution; the committee deferred the bill without objection. HB 867, allowing the mayor to appoint the police chief in certain municipalities instead of election, was reported favorable. HB 1254, changing the New Orleans Regional Business Park board from 12 to 11 members and adjusting mayoral appointments accordingly, was briefly deferred at the author’s request and then reported favorable after discussion of avoiding tie votes. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that cancer is running rampant in the fire service from the exposure that we have on the calls
• But the other big piece that it does is it Address the mental health piece in the fire service.
• I appreciate everybody for bringing it forward and all your support for the fire service.
• I know the joys and the difficulties that come with the EMS and the fire service.
• I think current City Mayor Ben Klinger said it best, as he worked with him as the former Deputy Fire

Transcript Highlights:

• ... ...relating to local water, sewer, and fire protection authorities.
• boards in... ...sewer, utility, or fire boards in their communities.
• I got a fire department that has two members. I would... ...would.
• I think if somebody else serves on the fire board and then... ...serves on the fire board and then they
• Because when we have our men and women fighting a fire or responding to a call... fighting a fire or

Bills: HB 14, HJR 31, HB 43, HB 18, HB 106, HB 36, HB 26, HB 149, HB 121, HB 206, HB 136, HB 3114, HB 2733, HB 1732, HB 3700, HB 467, HB 1130, HB 1846, HB 1442, HB 1147, HB 2176, HB 2701, HB 805, HB 2890, HB 1154, HB 1644, HB 2118, HB 1718, HB 2488, HB 2596, HB 1971, HB 2468, HB 484, HB 2578, HB 3204, HB 1041, HB 307, HB 685, HB 1710, HB 538, HB 2525, HB 3125, HB 2027, HB 2894, HB 3077, HB 3684, HJR 99, HB 1399, HJR 5, HB 1330, HB 2110, HJR 2, HJR 6, HB 1587, HB 14, HJR 31, HB 43, HB 18, HB 106, HB 36, HB 26, HB 149, HB 121, HB 206, HB 136, HB 3114, HB 2733, HB 1732, HB 3700, HB 467, HB 1130, HB 1846, HB 1442, HB 1147, HB 2176, HB 2701, HB 805, HB 2890, HB 1154, HB 1644, HB 2118, HB 1718, HB 2488, HB 2596, HB 1971, HB 2468, HB 484, HB 2578, HB 3204, HB 1041, HB 307, HB 685, HB 1710, HB 538, HB 2525, HB 3125, HB 2027, HB 2894, HB 3077, HB 3684

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, farm products, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, agriculture, Texas Constitution, livestock, producer, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services

Transcript Highlights:

• Emergency Management Coordinator Michael Padilla, Projects and Operations Manager Dale Patterson, our Fire
• First of all, it expands the definition. of peace officers to include private school peace officers, fire
• needed if we've been seeing massive amounts of news coverage of teachers who have been arrested and fired
• and emergency communications increase in the assessment of certain insurancers, funded the volunteer fire
• audit a third party administrator for the committee on insurance SB 11 77 by Alvarado relating to the fire

Bills: HB14, HJR31, HB43, HB18, HB 106, HB36, HB26, HB149, HB 121, HB206, HB136, HB3114, HB2733, HB1732, HB3700, HB467, HB 1130, HB1846, HB1442, HB 1147, HB2176, HB2701, HB805, HB2890, HB 1154, HB1644, HB2118, HB1718, HB2488, HB2596, HB1971, HB2468, HB484, HB2578, HB3204, HB 1041, HB307, HB685, HB1710, HB538, HB2525, HB3125, HB2027, HB2894, HB3077, HB3684, HJR99, HB1399, HJR5, HB1330, HB2110, HJR2, HJR6, HB1587, HB14, HJR31, HB43, HB18, HB 106, HB36, HB26, HB149, HB 121, HB206, HB136, HB3114, HB2733, HB1732, HB3700, HB467, HB 1130, HB1846, HB1442, HB 1147, HB2176, HB2701, HB805, HB2890, HB 1154, HB1644, HB2118, HB1718, HB2488, HB2596, HB1971, HB2468, HB484, HB2578, HB3204, HB 1041, HB307, HB685, HB1710, HB538, HB2525, HB3125, HB2027, HB2894, HB3077, HB3684

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, farm products, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, agriculture, Texas Constitution, livestock, producer, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise today to ask for support of my amendment, which would add additional options to donate to fire
• Every day, Pennsylvanians rely on fire and EMS providers for essential services.
• This simply clarifies who qualifies as an applicant in line with F.B.I. for the fire and EMS companies
• Those matters include personnel actions as they pertain to firing, placing on leave, investigations,
• Those matters include personnel actions as they pertain to firing, placing on leave, investigations,

Keywords: Scheduler, 973, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He described how he spent those 15 years being hired for a one-year contract, fired for one day, and
• In 2024, they were fired as usual for their one-day break in service.
• But others that we've talked to seem to be permanent employees that are just getting fired for one day
• In 2024, they were fired as usual for their one-day break in service, and when they came in the next
• DCA and SPO justify this by keeping them on a temporary status, firing them for one day every year.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee met and first heard House Memorial 7, which asks Legislative Council Service, the State Personnel Office, DFA, and GSD to study the use of temporary, term, seasonal, casual, on-call, and other non-regular classifications in state government. The memorial was presented as a response to concerns that some workers are repeatedly terminated and rehired, sometimes after a one-day break, to avoid regular status and associated benefits. Testimony from CWA and AFSCME described long-term temporary workers at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and other agencies who allegedly do full-time work without health insurance, retirement, leave, or consistent pay progression, and who in some cases were denied union coverage. Committee members questioned the scope, definitions of temporary employment, and whether the issue should instead be referred to the state auditor; the sponsor said the study would gather data and recommendations first. The committee voted due pass, and House Memorial 7 passed unanimously. The committee then heard House Bill 177, which appropriates funds to the Veterans Services Department to contract for shelter and care of service and companion animals so veterans can access housing, medical care, and other services without fearing separation from their pets. Support came from the Veterans Services Department, Animal Protection New Mexico, and the Veterans and Military Families Caucus/Veterans Integration Center, all of whom said pets are often a barrier to veterans seeking care and that existing community-based animal boarding models could be used. The bill received no opposition, and the committee voted due pass with no opposition. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 43, a PERA cleanup bill intended to update and clarify the Public Employees Retirement Act and align it with administrative practice. Testimony focused on a provision allowing PERA to use licensed physicians, including out-of-state physicians who can be licensed in New Mexico, to serve on the disability review process when needed so disability cases are not delayed. Committee members raised concerns about ensuring medical expertise and avoiding abuse of the licensing flexibility, but PERA explained the change was meant to address recruitment difficulties and maintain timely review. The committee voted due pass on House Bill 43.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the reason I stand is I just want everyone to know about the fires in northern Minnesota.
• We had fires of 300 acres, 1,200 acres, and 1,500 acres.
• <00:20:41.039> in want everyone to know about the fires in want everyone to know about the
• fires in northern<00:20:41.559> Minnesota.
• We had fires of yesterday on the floor.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• AND CATCHES THE ENTIRE TRUCK ON FIRE.
• ONE MEMBER ALONE OF OURS HAD 150 FIRES LAST YEAR. 150 FIRES. 80 PERCENT OF THOSE COULD BE CONTRIBUTED
• IS TO SHUT DOWN FIND A SAFE PLACE PULL OVER DUMP THE LOAD CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN AND GET THE FIRE
• BECAUSE THE EMPLOYER CAN SAY IF YOU DO NOT STAY LATE YOU CAN BE FIRED AT FINDS ABOUT YOU CAN.
• EMPLOYEES CAN THREATEN TO FIRE THE MINOR IF THEY DON'T WORK LONG HOURS OR OVERNIGHT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > members<01:05:51.599> has however, police and fire members has however, police and fire
• The state fire marshall, following.
• The state fire marshall, deputy<01:22:23.280> state<01:22:23.600> fire<01:22:23.840>
• marshals,<01:22:24.320> and deputy state fire marshals, and deputy state fire marshals, and
• > in<01:22:26.480> the assistant state fire marshals in the assistant state fire marshals

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several personnel and employment bills. SB 2119 would require the state or counties to reimburse public officers and employees for approved work-related travel costs within 30 days; testifiers from the State Procurement Office, UPW, HGA, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, and others supported the measure, citing delayed reimbursements. SB 3131 would update state position titles by changing “private secretary” to “executive assistant” and “secretary” to “administrative assistant” where applicable, and it drew support from DEED and comments from the State Librarian. SB 3069 would permanently exempt a limited number of specialized positions in DAGS Public Works and the Comptroller’s office from civil service; DAGS, HCDA, and DEED supported it, while UPW opposed it. Committee members questioned whether the exemption should be narrower and whether the positions should be consultants or actual employees, and DAGS said the roles were narrowly tailored, highly specialized, and intended to help manage complex projects such as Aloha Stadium, the convention center, and other major redevelopment work. The committee then heard SB 3180, which would repeal the limit on temporary employment in a single position for two 89-day terms. Testimony included support from the Procurement Office, DOE, DHRD, the State Librarian in opposition, UPW written comments, HGA, the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, and others. Discussion focused on whether the bill was needed to address abuse of repeated 89-day hires and whether it would affect recruitment and career pathways. Finally, SB 2137 would allow departments, divisions, and agencies to assume hiring and recruitment functions from DHRD under certain conditions. DHRD opposed the bill, saying existing law already allows delegation and that agency-level recruitment often lacks the expertise and staffing to do the work; UHPA supported it, and UPW submitted written support. In questioning, DHRD said it had reduced backlog and was now current on screening, while also offering programs like Operation Hire Hawaii for faster agency-led recruitment.

Transcript Highlights:

• systems that use pasas containing fire systems that use pasas containing fire fighting<01:03:20.640
• protection process to ensure the fire protection process to ensure things<01:04:07.680> such<
• requirements that need to be done moving to new types of systems to provide fire protection.
• <01:26:42.119> Protection now there's a National Fire Protection now there's a National Fire
• to new types of systems to provide fire to new types of systems to provide fire protection<01:26

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , it was used as a lay yard for a lot of cal fire and help and support.
• And sharing their salaries are more competitive with local fire departments.
• annual statewide fire season.
• We wouldn't accept schools without teachers or fire stations without water.
• My district is plagued by fires, as you all know, and I I think that fire takes heat, oxygen, and fuel

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He began describing the 2012 Chevron refinery fire in Richmond and the need for the bill.
• SB 1299, the State Fire Marshal Suppression Education and Training Safety Act.
• SB 1299 ensures that California... ...the definition of fire suppression systems in this bill.
• regulations and standards to ensure fire-safe occupancies regarding these types of systems.
• Fire sprinkler systems are one of the most critical tools for saving lives in a fire.

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several bills focused on labor standards, worker safety, and public transparency. SB 954 by Senator Blakespear would revise last year’s CEQA exemption for advanced manufacturing by adding worker protections such as prevailing wage, a skilled and trained workforce, high-road employment standards, and environmental guardrails. Supporters from labor, environmental justice, and conservation groups said the bill restores promised safeguards after SB 131, while business groups argued the added requirements would undermine the exemption and discourage investment. The committee voted 5-0 to do pass and re-refer SB 954 to Appropriations, leaving the roll open for absent members. The committee then considered SB 966 by Senator Gonzalez, which would codify refinery worker participation and safety protections adopted in 2017 after the 2012 Chevron Richmond fire. Supporters, including United Steelworkers and a former refinery worker, said the bill would preserve workers’ ability to report hazards, select representatives, and stop unsafe work, preventing future disasters. The Western States Petroleum Association opposed the bill, arguing it could be preempted by federal labor law and would add regulatory uncertainty. The committee passed SB 966 3-0 and re-referred it to Appropriations, with the roll left open. Next, SB 1203 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas sought to modernize private security guard training, expand de-escalation instruction, strengthen accountability, and create a clearer professional pathway for the industry. The author and many security workers testified that guards are often first responders in volatile situations and need more practical training and better standards; opponents from industry and business groups warned the bill would raise costs, worsen staffing shortages, and create implementation problems, especially around third-party training and a new wage order. The committee voted 4-1 to do pass and re-refer SB 1203 to Public Safety, with one no vote and the roll left open. The committee also heard SB 1284 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, a transparency bill requiring DHCS to publish the names of large employers with workers enrolled in Medi-Cal and the estimated taxpayer cost. Supporters said the measure would show how low wages and unaffordable coverage shift health costs to the public, while opponents argued Medi-Cal enrollment depends on many factors and that naming employers would be misleading and amount to public shaming. After discussion, the committee voted 4-2 to do pass and re-refer SB 1284 to Appropriations, leaving the roll open. The transcript then began discussion of SB 1054 by Senator Cabaldon, which would improve workforce data collection and sharing to better evaluate job-training pathways, but the excerpt cuts off before testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Retired firefighter, fire chief, and fire marshal Senator Jeff Howe was the driving force behind the
• the issues that the people in our fire service face, especially regarding their health.
• It's got a whole host of training that they go out free of charge to provide to fire departments.
• charge to provide to fire departments. charge to provide to fire departments.
• military and 27 years in the fire military and 27 years in the fire service,<00:21:42.720> uh

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The segment focused first on Senator John Marty’s bill, SF 3612, which would remove private insurers and HMOs from Minnesota’s state health care programs and replace them with a statewide administrative services model. Marty argued that managed care has created churn, coverage disruptions, and administrative waste in Medicaid and MinnesotaCare, and said the state should instead pay providers directly while investing more in care coordination, case management, and wraparound services through primary care clinics and county-based purchasers. He said the goal is better care, not just savings, though he also cited potential taxpayer savings and pointed to Connecticut as a model. He acknowledged the bill is not expected to become law this year and said a fiscal note and more details are still pending. Marty said the proposal has support from the governor and groups such as the American Cancer Society, but that his current co-authors are all DFL members. He expressed hope for bipartisan support and said the simpler system would also improve fraud detection and transparency. He addressed concerns about insurance-industry jobs by saying workers should be treated fairly and that retraining and dislocated-worker assistance would be part of the transition. He also said the broader goal is universal coverage for all medical needs, including mental health and dental care, without co-pays or deductibles. The second half highlighted Senator Jeff Howe and Minnesota’s Hometown Heroes Assistance Program for firefighters. Howe described the program as a statewide effort for roughly 20,000 career, paid-on-call, and volunteer firefighters that provides up to $20,000 in assistance for occupational illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, along with training, counseling, and family support. He said the program helps firefighters process trauma and has been recognized as the nation’s most comprehensive firefighter well-being initiative. Howe said the most recent version of the bill received unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers, and he suggested future expansions could include retired firefighters and possibly peace officers. The segment also noted a separate therapy approach using retired racehorses to help first responders work through trauma, with participants saying it has helped them stay on the job and manage anxiety and PTSD.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we also have the State Fire Marshal as a non-voting member, but they participate in the task
• Carrie Diarwio is not here, but she's our fire services coordinator, and she provides instrumentation
• So the fire departments will be receiving that training towards counties, um, fire services.
• Fire departments or EMS out in that area, how do you know how that would be handled?
• Um, we have a lot of concerns in terms of forest health and, uh, you know, prescribed fires and, you

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise today as chairman of the Fire Service Caucus.
• I rise today as chairman of the Fire Service Caucus.
• I rise today as chairman of the Fire Service Caucus.
• Anyone who is in the fire service knows the tools change.
• Anyone who is in the fire service knows the tools change.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 20, 2026, 1012, house, all