Transcript Highlights:

• second area is that there will be additional funds from the federal side in the Rural Health Transformation
• I'll say the wrong world transformation, the world transformation money.
• Sorry, I just want to talk a little bit about the rural transformation and some caveats there.
• The Medicaid Rural Health Transformation Program, on the next slide, these are the broad benefits buckets
• But it's not new to the state, and how did we manage that maybe with some enhanced technology today?

Transcript Highlights:

• The Select Committee on Economic Development and Technological Innovation will come to order.
• The Select Committee on Economic Development and Technological Innovation will come to order.
• UC scientists have won Nobel Prizes for lithium-ion battery technology.
• UC scientists have won Nobel Prizes for lithium-ion battery technology.
• Because the technology still feels unfamiliar and risky.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on California’s industrial policy and manufacturing, with opening remarks emphasizing the state’s large manufacturing base, the need to retain and scale advanced manufacturing in California, and the tension between economic growth, climate goals, labor standards, permitting, and energy reliability. Senators and witnesses repeatedly noted that California has strong innovation assets, but companies often face uncertainty around regulation, power availability, and the cost of expanding here, leading some to locate manufacturing elsewhere. Senator Wahab highlighted Fremont as a major manufacturing hub and stressed apprenticeship pathways, community college partnerships, and good-paying jobs for both college-educated and non-college workers. California Forward’s Agon Turplin and Jake Higden argued for a durable statewide regional economic development system with ongoing funding, regional strategic plans, and sector-specific roadmaps. They said California Jobs First and related regional planning efforts created useful infrastructure, but the system remains fragmented and one-time funded. Higden focused on “green industrial policy,” especially batteries, bioeconomy, and other clean manufacturing sectors, arguing California often funds R&D but loses the manufacturing scale-up phase to other states. Priyanka Mohanti of the Center for Manufacturing a Green Economy said climate policy must be paired with industrial policy so Californians can actually benefit from the transition through affordable clean products, good jobs, and domestic supply chains. She pointed to international examples such as India, Brazil, and China, and urged tools like public investment, procurement, loan guarantees, and supply-chain planning. Industry witness Josh Richmond, drawing on experience at Bloom Energy and Cy Quantum, said energy and economic development are inseparable and that “time to power” is often decisive in site selection. He argued California needs better coordination among the state, utilities, universities, national labs, and economic development agencies, and that the state should be more proactive and creative in helping strategic industries scale. Committee members discussed the role of high energy costs, regulatory burdens, K-12 education, and cap-and-trade, with Senator Niello raising concerns about business climate, education outcomes, and the cost impacts of climate regulations. Witnesses responded that California should balance regulation with benefits, and that regional coordination and state partnership can help companies navigate red tape and stay in-state. The second panel, from labor, supported a worker-led industrial policy. Sarah Flox of the California Labor Federation said manufacturing jobs can be good jobs only when paired with labor standards, apprenticeship pipelines, and public support tied to worker protections. Tom Hincey of UAW Region 6 said California should use public financing, procurement, off-take agreements, and, where appropriate, public ownership or equity stakes to localize supply chains and create union jobs in batteries, offshore wind, and heat pumps. The final panel featured Fremont economic development director Donovan Lazaro, who said Fremont has become California’s top manufacturing city by preserving industrial land, allowing by-right zoning, reducing permitting delays, and building in-house technical expertise to support advanced manufacturers. He said the city’s approach has helped double its manufacturing workforce and strengthen its tax base. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with committee members indicating they would continue working on follow-up legislation and coordination efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not like a technology program. Is it where... It's an evaluator who's working on it.
• The transformation was powerful. One elder shared that she used to walk with her head down.
• Stop the Hate resulted in deep community transformation through innovation and partnerships.
• The Stop the Hate program has transformed organizations in our network by, one, scaling pre-existing
• The Stop the Pay program has transformed organizations in our network by one, scaling, pre-agent. has

Summary: The Assembly Human Services Committee held an informational hearing with members of the API Legislative Caucus on California’s Stop the Hate Program and broader efforts to address hate incidents. Opening remarks emphasized the rise in hate during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of culturally and linguistically competent services, and the program’s role in serving not only AAPI communities but also Latino, Black, Jewish, Muslim, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and other impacted communities. Legislators and presenters repeatedly highlighted the value of trusted community-based organizations (CBOs) in reaching people who may not report to law enforcement or seek traditional services. The first panel included the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, the Department of Social Services (CDSS), and the Commission on the State of Hate. They described the program’s origins in the state’s equity budget, its funding structure, and its service model: direct victim services, prevention, and intervention. CDSS said 180 organizations statewide have participated, with grantees selected based on experience, capacity, and service to priority populations. The Commission on the State of Hate reported that hate remains widespread and underreported, citing survey data showing about 3.1 million Californians experienced at least one hate act in a year and that many victims need mental health, legal, and other supports beyond police response. Members asked about best practices, youth impacts, administrative costs, and the role of regional leads; CDSS said it would provide more detail on funding distribution and that the final evaluation is still in progress. The second panel featured grantees from Jewish Family Service San Diego, Inland Chinese American Association, Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants, and Equality California. They gave examples of how Stop the Hate funding supported culturally specific response teams, counseling, language-access services, self-defense and safety workshops, youth and elder programming, legal navigation, and reporting tools. Several speakers said the program helped build trust, reduce isolation, and connect people to services they otherwise would not use. Legislators pressed the panel on lessons learned, whether the model should be reauthorized, and what would be lost if funding ends. Panelists emphasized that the program’s flexibility, regional convenings, and support for small, trusted organizations were key strengths, while also noting the need for more direct funding to frontline providers and more data on what interventions work best.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not like a technology program. It's an evaluator who's working on it.
• The transformation was powerful. One elder shared that she used to walk with her head down.
• Stop the Hate resulted in deep community transformation through innovation and partnerships.
• That is a testament to the community transformation efforts led by our Stop the Hate partners.
• The Stop the Hate program has transformed organizations in our network by: one, scaling pre-existing

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. STEAM Robotics Day.
• Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, or STEAM programs, help focus students on career
• , They are building it through the designing, coding, and engineering technologies that will shape our
• 1622, is a part of FIRST Robotics, which stands for inspiration and recognition of science and technology
• Her commitment to good governance, fiscal responsibility, and quality of life helped transform Carlsbad

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered a prayer recognizing World Water Day and the challenges of water scarcity, and then proceeded with several floor introductions. Members welcomed wildlife photographer Alice Cahill, outgoing California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Chuck Bonham, Avalon Fire Chief Michael Alegria, and a delegation of Cal Poly Pomona students participating in CSU advocacy activities. The chamber also received a message that the Assembly had passed AB 2156, and the Senate approved the March 16-19 journals as corrected. The main floor action was on Senate Concurrent Resolution 132, which designates March 22, 2026, as California STEAM Robotics Day. The author and supporting senators emphasized the value of robotics and hands-on STEAM education for career readiness, problem-solving, and workforce development. The resolution passed by a 34-0 vote. Afterward, the author introduced student and industry guests connected to robotics education, including a Poway High School student and representatives from Garner Holt Productions. The Senate then considered five gubernatorial appointments, all of which were confirmed unanimously: Paul Toopee as Director of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Peter Britery to the Southwestern Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission, Dr. Youngping Chen and Gregory Lung to the California Acupuncture Board, and Roy Mather to the Board of Pilot Commissioners. The body also suspended Joint Rule 62A to allow the Governmental Organization Committee to hear AB 2156 on March 24 without sufficient notice. At the end of the session, the Senate adjourned in memory of Anne Colchin, a longtime Carlsbad city councilmember and public servant, and announced it would reconvene on March 26, 2026, after the State of the Judiciary joint convention.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we need to be able to utilize more technology.
• Utilize more technology, and we are continually looking at ways that we can better serve industry and
• and Process Improvement to complete a physical inventory of all fixed assets and computer technology
• So the goal is when the rural health transformation program kicks in, these scales should start going
• That's the goal of the Rural Health Transformation.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That we're saving more lives than we're transforming.
• Initiate a change that will not only save lives but transform them while saving money in the long run
• Harm reduction is essential, but alone does not transform lives for the more severe and costly cases
• but alone Harm reduction is essential, but alone does<00:10:22.480><c> not</c><00:10:22.720><c> transform
• lives for the more does not transform lives for the more severe<00:10:25.200><c> and</c><00:10:25.440

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the November 12 minutes by voice vote, and then heard a presentation from former Governor Ernie Fletcher and Dave Johnson on Medicaid reimbursement for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Fletcher argued that addiction should be treated as a chronic disease requiring a longer continuum of care, not just short residential stays, and said recovery should combine clinical treatment with social supports such as housing, transportation, employment, peer coaching, and recovery housing. He cited data on overdose trends, low treatment rates, and high costs for people with SUD, and said current reimbursement models create poor incentives and do not adequately support long-term recovery or measure outcomes well. Fletcher proposed a “carve through” model administered at the MCO level with standardized metrics, data sharing, and an independent recovery coordinator that would assess patients, coordinate care, and connect them to clinical and social recovery services. He suggested using bundled payments, shared savings, and partial risk arrangements, with recovery housing reimbursed on a PMPM or weekly basis and funded in part through existing Medicaid spending and other sources such as opioid abatement funds. He also emphasized peer support, telemedicine, criminal justice coordination, workforce and education supports, and the use of technology, including text messaging and possibly AI, to maintain long-term follow-up and identify relapse risk. Members questioned how the model would work in practice, especially the education and staffing requirements for recovery coordinators, reimbursement levels, and how many patients each coordinator or peer would serve. Fletcher said peers could be certified and would need additional training in assessments such as ASAM and recovery residence standards, but he did not give a precise salary figure, saying the market and bundled rates would determine that. He also said follow-up should continue for years, noting relapse risk over the first 18 to 24 months and that meaningful employment and ongoing peer contact help sustain recovery. No formal vote or action was taken on the substance use presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, she chose a path of radical transformation.
• I do want to transform the system, though.
• Again, as that is switching to the chip technology with the EBT cards.
• We didn't have the infrastructure, the capacity, or the technology.
• WE AND HAVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE, THE CAPACITY OR THE TECHNOLOGY.

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:

• process. get that answer in terms of fast-tracking the technology part.
• I know the governor is a big fan of innovation, technology, so I'm wondering why is it that the same
• So if we could follow up about what those real, I don't know if it's like a real technological impasse
• You know, it seems to me that the good thing about technology is that it can be molded to what we need
• To achieve this, the CDSS, in collaboration with the Office of Technology and Solutions Integration,

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> some of that money for transformational some of that money for transformational purposes<00:42:18.880
• Uh the advancement in technology needed.
• </c> and technology fund for uses authorized. and technology fund for uses authorized.
• They have some going-forward technology, a lot of systems-type things.
• forward. technology, a lot of systems type<01:07:58.559><c> things.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We just didn't know what kind of technologies we were going to be installing at the time.
• So we think this is a practical fix to modernize sophistication, to meet, if you will, the technology
• But what happened out of that is that technology was the original technology that doesn't exist that
• So, as the senator mentioned, this is not a mandate, but a lot of our technologies are including...
• I'm not an expert on all the technologies, but I think for the most part, usually that technology is

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have $209.9 million to support the Rural Health Transformation Fund in its first year, $32.3 million
• The budget invests $17 million in critical information technology needs, including technology refresh
• The budget invests $17 million in critical information technology needs, including technology refresh
• So we've decided to move toward the AI technology results. Leader Berman. Thank you, Mr. President.
• So we've decided to move towards the AI technology resolves. Leader Berman. Thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Select Committee on Economic Development and Technological Innovation will meet in Swing Room 1200
• He transformed what he called a, quote, dumb little house with charm into an amalgamation of a pink bungalow
• He transformed what he called a, quote, dumb little house with charm into an amalgamation of a pink bungalow
• The museum's transformative success, known as the Bilbao effect in architecture textbooks, not only catapulted

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up several floor items focused largely on housing, public health, and tax-credit awareness. The chamber adopted SR 71, a resolution by Senator Arreguín recognizing the importance of affordable homeownership in California. Supporters from both parties emphasized homeownership as a path to wealth-building, stability, and community strength, highlighted racial disparities in ownership, and praised nonprofit builders such as Habitat for Humanity. After passage, Senator Arreguín introduced Habitat for Humanity advocates in the gallery and noted the role of the CalHome program in funding affordable homeownership projects. The Senate also confirmed Trista Gonzalez as Director of the Department of Tax and Fee Administration, Aaron McGuire as executive director of the Board of State and Community Corrections, and Lee Herrick for another term as California Poet Laureate, each by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The Senate then adopted SCR 115 by Senator Daly, recognizing February as Heart Health Month and focusing on women’s heart health. Senator Daly shared her own experience with a stroke during a heart procedure and urged women to listen to their bodies and seek care early. Several senators spoke in support, describing silent heart attacks, the need to recognize symptoms in women, and the importance of challenging medical assumptions. The resolution passed unanimously. The Senate also adopted SR 75 by Senator Rubio, designating California Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Week. Senators described CalEITC as a key anti-poverty tool and urged greater outreach so eligible families do not miss the credit; that resolution also passed unanimously. Later, the Senate heard a series of adjournment-in-memory tributes, including one for architect Frank Gehry, whose work in Los Angeles and Bilbao was praised for its global influence and civic impact, and one for June Roberti, remembered for her long partnership with former Pro Tem David Roberti and her advocacy and family life. Senator Arreguín also moved to place file item 67 on the inactive file. The session ended with announcements, including a committee meeting notice, and the Senate recessed with the next floor session scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Existing technologies like, like cable. Has been, that's been around a long time.
• We continue to find new ways and new technologies and exploit technologies for their capabilities, uh
• there a Technological.
• Prohibiting something technology prohibiting it from being capped out at a certain.
• , recognizing that all technology is going to be needed to, to close this divide.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:18:14.719><c> contracts</c><01:18:15.199><c> and</c> technology contracts and technology contracts
• Information Technology Infrastructure, Information Technology cost recovery. from the department of law
• </c> Information Technology Information Technology 1433,926,237448,0833,478,157 Information Technology
• <03:03:31.200><c> initiatives</c><03:03:31.600><c> B474.0</c> technology initiatives B474.0 technology
• </c> I shall be from the transformational I shall be from the transformational affordable<03:47:50.720

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• designed to improve outcomes for New Mexican youth in a world that is increasingly anchored in technology
• I'm privileged to serve as Dean of the College of Health, Education, and Social Transformation here at
• The state's recent science and technology roadmap highlights the need for a stronger talent pipeline
• in aerospace, advanced energy, quantum technologies, biosciences, water, and environmental tech.
• And that's what I hope we'll... ...to changing times, changing technology opportunities.

Bills: HB40, HB100, HJR1, SB64, SB19, SB44, SB83

Keywords: educational retirement, annuity adjustments, cost of living, non-compounding payments, retirement benefits, STEM funding, education, innovation, public education, New Mexico, nominating committees, boards of regents, student representation, political party registration, New Mexico constitution, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP

Transcript Highlights:

• the Cowlitz Indian Tribe has taken a deliberate strategic approach to the evolution of Ilani, transforming
• The Cowlitz Indian Tribe has taken a deliberate strategic approach to the evolution of Ilani, transforming
• the casino, we have a much better way to stop them at the door than we did early on before the technology

Summary: A joint hearing of the Senate Business, Trade and Economic Development Committee and the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee reviewed tentative tribal-state compact amendments involving the Tulalip Tribes and the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. Washington State Gambling Commission staff explained the compact approval process under IGRA and said the commission and ex officio legislators would take public comment and vote at an August 28 special meeting on whether to forward the agreements to the governor or send them back for further negotiation. The amendments would not take effect until published in the Federal Register. Tulalip Chairman Hazen Chappell testified in support of the Tulalip restated compact, describing tribal gaming as a governmental enterprise that funds health care, education, housing, elder services, public safety, natural resources, and other services. He said the tribe has employed more than 3,000 people, contributed over $113 million to charities and community programs since 1993, and continues to emphasize responsible gaming and regulatory cooperation. Commission staff said the Tulalip restatement consolidates 12 prior amendments, updates appendices and definitions, adds new appendices, removes some older provisions, and includes higher wager limits, jackpot sharing, and an option to increase player terminal allocations. Cowlitz Chairman William Ayala and Ilani Casino President Kara Fox LaRose presented the tribe’s sixth compact amendment. They highlighted the tribe’s history, community investments, education and elder programs, language revitalization, public safety support, and more than $35 million in foundation contributions since 2017. The proposed Cowlitz amendment would raise wager limits up to $1,000, create a special higher-limit player process with due diligence and responsible gaming safeguards, enhance signage and marketing requirements, allow temporary gaming areas, and adjust TLS ticket pricing when the state lottery raises ticket prices. Committee members asked about self-exclusion and credit practices; Cowlitz officials said hundreds of people have used the self-exclusion program and that higher-limit play is tied to front money or a $100,000 minimum credit line. No votes were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the North Dakota University System CIO and Core Technology CIO.
• transformation.
• The original implementation, like I said, did not transform as expected.
• The original implementation, like I said, it did not transform as expected.
• Accessibility is not a technology problem. So. I will joke about this.

Summary: The committee met on the Minot State campus for a presentation from President Shirley and several university leaders on enrollment, academics, workforce initiatives, and partnerships. Shirley reviewed the university’s financial audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings in recent years, and highlighted Minot State’s major programs, specialized accreditations, and ties to Minot Air Force Base and NCAA Division II athletics. Members asked about education workforce shortages, athletic tuition waivers, dual credit incentives, and the university’s in-state tuition policy for all students. Shirley also discussed the university’s recruitment efforts, including the Hometown Pride and Academic Excellence scholarships, campus visit growth, and the Emerging Scholars dual-credit reimbursement program. A major focus was workforce development and new academic offerings supported by legislative Workforce Education Innovation Funds. Shirley described the new Innovation Engineering program, which was developed with industry input to train broadly skilled engineers for western North Dakota, and said it had already drawn more applicants than expected. Dr. Crystal St. Peter presented a new master’s program in counseling that integrates mental health and addiction counseling to address statewide provider shortages, with a hybrid format to reach rural students. Members asked about licensure requirements, internship hours, and job placement for graduates. Shirley also outlined a new nursing simulation center and health sciences space in downtown Minot, made possible by state support and the purchase of the former Trinity Health Center West building. The committee also heard about Minot State’s efforts to build pipelines into education and special education, including the Aspire program for rural high school students and an online paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Shirley said these programs, along with new articulation agreements and a large Bush Foundation grant, are intended to address teacher shortages and keep students in North Dakota. No formal committee votes or actions were taken during the presentation; the session consisted of informational updates and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Natural Resources, Appropriation, Transportation and Technology.
• Appropriations, Transportation and Technology, and Education.
• SB 1316, Arizona Rural Health Transformation Fund.
• Transportation Technology and Health and Newman Services.
• Appropriation Transitation Technology and Public Safety.

Summary: The Arizona Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and approval of the journal. The chamber then recognized several guest groups and proclamations, including Alzheimer’s Association advocates, Arizona Society of CPAs members, the Arizona Airports Association, and students from Onyose Day Academy. A proclamation was read declaring January 26, 2006, as Arizona Aviation Day, highlighting the economic and public-safety importance of Arizona’s aviation sector and its airports. The bulk of the meeting consisted of points of personal privilege and floor statements, many focused on condemning recent deaths and injuries involving federal immigration enforcement actions in Arizona and other states. Senators called for investigations, transparency, due process, and an end to what they described as excessive force and warrantless enforcement. One senator also read a resolution supporting human rights and the people of Iran, condemning state violence and supporting secular protections and international accountability. The chamber also handled routine business, including gubernatorial nominations, which were referred to the appropriate committees, and the introduction and first reading of numerous bills and resolutions covering topics such as taxes, education, immigration, elections, health care, water, labor, housing, firearms, and appropriations. After committee announcements, the Senate adopted a motion to adjourn and recessed/adjourned until Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Natural Resources, Appropriations, Transportation and Technology.
• Appropriations, Transportation and Technology, and Education.
• SB 1316, Arizona Rural Health Transformation Fund.
• Appropriations, Transportation and Technology, and Education.
• Education and Appropriations, Transportation and Technology.

Keywords: 1182, all