Transcript Highlights:

• Healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and construction are the three priority areas that students are meeting
• call power path, which is a K12 advanced call power path, which is a K12 advanced manufacturing<
• <00:14:34.320> manufacturing um healthcare, advanced manufacturing um healthcare, advanced
• No pay raises, but let me just say this: Thank you all in advance for jumping out there really quickly
• Thank you all in advance for jumping out there really quickly in the beginning of the session with just

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 14 January, 2026: 3:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: MDES presented its FY27 budget request, describing the agency as a special fund workforce agency focused on helping Mississippians get jobs through employment services, labor market information, and unemployment insurance. Executive Director Bill Ashley said the revised request seeks level spending authority similar to FY26, with line-item changes driven mainly by higher salaries and fringe benefits and lower contractual services. He said MDES currently has 406 employees, 28 active recruitments, and six additional planned positions, for a requested total of 440 positions, down from 453 authorized last year. The request also includes $1.4 million for the State Longitudinal Data System and $400,000 for Accelerate Mississippi fiscal support. Committee members asked about the SLDS pass-through funding, whether it is recurring, and the staffing/pin changes; MDES explained the SLDS is a recurring annual pass-through and that the staffing request reflects turnover and recruitment needs rather than a net expansion. Accelerate Mississippi then outlined its FY27 request and program updates. Officials said the office is requesting level funding overall, with some salary adjustments tied to benefits and two new positions, including one for Talent Solutions and one systems administrator. They described workforce initiatives such as Encore, a recruiter/instructor program; Facet, a partnership with Northwest Mississippi Community College to strengthen instructor preparation; Power Path, a K-12 advanced manufacturing credential model; and expanded career coach activity, reporting 204 coaches serving 209 schools and more than 22,000 unique student interactions. They also reviewed funding streams for workforce enhancement training, Mississippi Works, Equip Mississippi, and ARPA, saying ARPA funds are on track to be fully spent by the September 30 reimbursement deadline and that monthly check-ins are being used to ensure funds are drawn down. Members asked about the budget changes, the use of contractual services, and the career coach program; the office said it was shifting some audit and monitoring costs to the funds being monitored and was not requesting an increase for career coach funding. The Mississippi community college presidents and the Community College Board also presented their budget priorities. They reported that Mississippi community colleges served 88,600 students in academic year 2023 and said the system’s graduation rate is about 42 percent, with a goal of reaching 55 percent. Their FY27 request includes a 6 percent salary increase for employees, increased basic operations funding, and continued support for CTE Advantage programs, totaling $61.5 million in general support. On facilities, they requested $150 million after receiving no facilities funding last year, citing roughly $413 million in identified needs across capital improvements, repairs and renovations, and pre-planning. The Community College Board requested restoration of $310,000 in general fund cuts and a new $2 million appropriation for adult education, noting that an estimated 300,000 to 330,000 Mississippians lack a high school diploma. No votes were taken during the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1225 is a vital step toward advancing equity and inclusion in California State Parks.
• AB 697 would help deliver improvements that finally address this bottleneck and advance 1,200 acres of
• We are committed to working with the author and sponsor to advance truly climate-resilient solutions
• AB 1086 would rapidly advance ocean and field testing of promising technology, such as what I was able
• So by advancing AB 1086, California can continue to lead in developing a well-regulated CDR industry

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of water, parks, transportation, species protection, and fisheries bills. AB 430 would require the State Water Resources Control Board to publish an economic and environmental impact study when emergency water regulations are extended over multiple years; the author and supporters from agricultural and water groups said it would add transparency without limiting emergency authority. AB 1139 would expand a CEQA exemption to let county park agencies open existing roads and trails for non-motorized recreation, with supporters emphasizing access to nature and opponents warning about impacts to sensitive habitat, tribal resources, and fire risk. AB 929 would temporarily exempt small community water systems and managed wetlands from certain SGMA pumping reductions and fines; supporters said it would protect vulnerable communities and wetlands, while farm and water coalition opponents argued it would undermine basin-wide groundwater management and shift burdens to other users. AB 1225, creating an Accessibility Advisory Committee for State Parks, drew broad support and passed unanimously. The committee also heard AB 514, which would encourage local water suppliers to develop emergency water supplies for drought and service interruptions; it passed with broad support, though one member cautioned against using scientific research as a loophole. AB 550 would let developers seek incidental take permits for species under consideration for listing, aimed at reducing delays for clean energy projects; environmental groups supported the goal but asked for clearer standards, limits on using research as mitigation, and a fee provision, and the bill passed as amended. AB 697 would authorize an incidental take permit for the State Route 37 interim project in Solano and Marin counties, balancing congestion relief and habitat restoration; supporters stressed long commutes and urgent restoration deadlines, while opponents raised climate, sea-level-rise, and tribal concerns. The bill passed, with some members noting they would continue to work on the measure. Other measures discussed included AB 975, which would give Sutter County a narrow, temporary exemption from streambed alteration agreements for certain damaged small bridges and culverts; county officials described repeated flood damage and long permitting delays, and the bill passed as amended. AB 1056 would phase out transferability of set gillnet permits after 2027, allowing only a final family transfer; supporters framed it as a gradual response to bycatch concerns, while fishing industry opponents said it would unfairly target an existing fishery and set a bad precedent. The committee also took up AB 1146, described by the author as a response to politically motivated water releases; supporters from conservation and water organizations backed the bill. Several bills were voted out to Appropriations, some were left open for later action or add-ons, and the committee repeatedly noted it was working through the agenda without a quorum early in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Senator Hughes, I'm going to apologize in advance. I am not a corporate entity's attorney.
• I apologize in advance. I am not a corporate entity's attorney. I don't do derivative lawsuits.
• Vidalgo, relating to the authority of a podiatrist to delegate certain podiatric medical acts to advance
• Senate Bill 2695 by Kolkhorst, relating to education programs to enable certain students in advanced
• Senate Bill 2696 by Campbell, relating to the regulation of the performance of advanced cosmetic procedures

Bills: SJR12, SCR39, SB27, SB29, SB241, SB406, SB414, SB464, SB568, SB578, SB609, SB660, SB689, SB693, SB785, SB857, SB879, SB921, SB922, SB955, SB985, SB993, SB996, SB1008, SB1035, SB1036, SB1059, SB1098, SB1120, SB1122, SB1147, SB1188, SB1197, SB1209, SB1227, SB1245, SB1267, SB1307, SB1321, SB1332, SB1386, SB1396, SB1453, SB1484, SB1494, SB1536, SB1537, SB1596, SB1610, SB1664, SB1741, SB1814, SB1822, SB1841, SB1948, SB2065, SB2155, SB2188, SB2230, SB2406, SB2407

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, border security, southern border, federal immigration policy, illegal immigration, cartels, transnational cartels, fentanyl, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Operation Lone Star, Texas border, National Guard, state guard, border wall, border barriers

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation, and approved the previous day’s journal. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 358 honoring the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on its 10th anniversary, with senators highlighting the university’s growth, medical school, research expansion, and role in serving South Texas. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 368 honoring outgoing Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, with numerous senators praising his long public career, leadership in higher education, and statewide impact. Senate Resolution 361 recognizing Texas HBCU Day and Senate Resolution 362 recognizing Denton County Days at the Capitol were also adopted, along with other routine recognitions and gubernatorial appointments being read into the record. The Senate then took up several bills. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 27, relating to rights and support for public school educators, was debated and amended to shorten vacancy posting requirements, allow bilingual certification candidates to retake only failed test sections, give teachers more flexibility with paid leave, clarify classroom removal procedures, and ensure parents are informed of appeal rights. The bill passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed unanimously. Senate Joint Resolution 12, proposing a constitutional amendment to establish a parent’s right to direct a child’s education, was also brought up and passed to engrossment after a contested suspension vote. The Senate next passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1741, which would require reporting of foreign funding at public universities, bar gifts from adversarial governments, and require training and reporting systems to prevent foreign influence and intellectual property theft in higher education. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 29, the so-called “Dexit” bill, was debated at length for its corporate governance changes, including codifying the business judgment rule and altering internal corporate litigation and records rules; it passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed by a 30-1 vote. Senate Bill 857, allowing law enforcement discretion to tow vehicles driven by unlicensed or uninsured drivers, passed after discussion of towing abuses during flooding and disaster conditions. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1536, requiring dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain guardians, passed with broad support, and Senate Bill 922, addressing delayed electronic disclosure of sensitive medical test results so physicians can discuss them first, was taken up and passed to engrossment as the chamber continued through its calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, they can go on and advance their degrees in this case, so this bill affects about 500 interpreters
• facilities that are allowed to bring the students in for certification already have the other higher advanced
• facilities that are allowed to bring the students in for certification already have the other higher advanced
• facilities that are allowed to bring the students in for certification already have the other higher advanced
• facilities that are allowed to bring the students in for certification already have the other higher advanced

Keywords: Call to Order 00:00 Roll Call 00:05 HB 566 Discussion 01:34 HB 566 Vote 16:42 HB 39 Discussion 19:15 HB 39 Vote 23:10 HB 70 Discussion 24:48 HB 70 Vote 27:36 HB 72 Discussion 28:58 HB 72 Vote 39:45 HB 79 Discussion 41:45 HB 79 Vote 42:58 HB 223 Discussion 45:34 HB 223 Vote 46:24 Adjournment 47:38, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 566, which would implement the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation created last year. Chairman Cook described major provisions affecting charitable gaming, horse racing, sports wagering, and quarter horse racing, including locking charitable gaming fees in statute at a slightly lower rate, expanding charitable gaming board representation, preserving existing gaming technology, allowing school districts to hold charitable gaming licenses, and setting up self-funding for the new corporation through administrative set-asides from gaming-related funds. The bill also addresses uncashed vouchers, cross-training of investigators, ethics and employment provisions, and a three-year quarter horse breeding incentive intended to grow the industry. A committee substitute made two technical changes: clarifying voucher money stays with the track facility and making the school district itself the license holder. The substitute and then the bill both passed favorably, with several members noting concerns from last year but supporting the revised structure. The committee then heard House Bill 70, an interstate compact for dietitians. Sponsor Representative Vanessa Grossl and witnesses said the measure would allow reciprocity with other compact states, improve workforce mobility, help military families, expand patient access and telehealth, and reduce administrative burden on the licensing board. The committee substitute created a third license category for educational interpreters, but that language actually belonged to the next bill; for HB 70, the committee voted the bill favorably without reported amendments. The bill passed unanimously or near-unanimously and was sent to the House floor. Next, House Bill 72 was presented by Representative DJ Johnson to amend the law governing limited x-ray machine operators. The sponsor explained that current law effectively prevents limited x-ray operators from working in the same facility as other imaging equipment, which he said creates compliance problems, disrupts training, and can force practices to move equipment or lose employees. The bill would allow limited x-ray technicians to operate in the same facility as other imaging equipment. During discussion, some members noted opposition from students and others in the field, and the sponsor invited industry witnesses to explain their concerns. The transcript cuts off before final action on HB 72 is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I just wanted to say thank you in advance to Mr.
• So thank you in advance for another season. Representative Bean, did you want to add anything?
• I'm also going to try to make an effort to get documents from agencies in advance of our meetings, and
• in advance to Mr landrian<00:37:31.160> and<00:37:31.359> his<00:37:31.599> office<
• of our meetings from agencies in advance of our meetings and<00:38:41.079> I<00:38:41.200>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an introductory House Finance Division Two session focused on committee procedures, staffing, and the upcoming budget process. Mickey Landrian, the division analyst, introduced himself and explained that the subcommittee operates more informally than the full committee, does not hold executive sessions or public hearings itself, and makes recommendations back to House Finance. Members were told that public hearings on legislation occur in the full committee, while Division Two will hold work sessions and vote on recommendations such as ought to pass, retain, or ITL. The chair also welcomed new members and a new clerk, and noted that meetings will be recorded and streamed, with microphones required for audio capture. A substantial portion of the meeting covered the division’s workload and schedule. Landrian outlined the agencies assigned to Division Two, including Safety, Fish and Game, Transportation, Education, the Lottery Commission, Police Standards and Training, the University System, and the Community College System. He explained the different fund types the division will handle, especially Education Trust Fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund, and reviewed reference materials distributed to members, including agency budget requests, prior recommendation tracking sheets, and surplus statements. He emphasized that the agency budget requests and related handouts are available online and useful for members to review before budget work begins. Members discussed the compressed timeline for the session, with a target date of March 26 for completing Division Two recommendations. Landrian said only a few bills had been referred to Finance so far, none yet to Division Two, but that more bills and amendments were expected, including many amendments to House Bill 2. He noted that the committee would need to move efficiently and frontload meetings. Representative Papich added that Fish and Game may require closer scrutiny than in prior years because of its push for direct general fund appropriations, and members also discussed the importance of getting preliminary budget documents before the governor’s budget is finalized. No votes were taken and no formal actions were reported beyond the procedural overview and distribution of materials.

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, that could probably be part of an advanced directive.
• Texas has been a leader in advancing responsible psychedelic policy reform, beginning with House Bill
• By investing in technological advancements for behavioral health, we can guarantee an increase in the
• Focus exclusively on advanced practice registered nurses, APRNs, aligning with their advanced responsibilities
• However, because of continued medical advances, right to try needs to be updated.

Bills: HB216

Keywords: HB216, Texas abortion law, abortion-inducing drug, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, telemedicine, in-person exam, physician presence, out-of-state physician, reproductive healthcare, abortion regulation, Health and Safety Code, Occupations Code, consultation services, remote prescribing, pro-life, pro-choice

Summary: The Committee on Public Health met with a quorum and heard public testimony on a long agenda, with members repeatedly reminded of a two-minute limit for witnesses. Several bills were voted out favorably, including HB 2588 on cottage food, HB 1639 on cancer incidence and female firefighters, HB 2581 on a reporting form for contracted services for pregnant women, and SB 922 on electronic disclosure of certain sensitive medical information. Those measures generally passed on party-line or near-unanimous votes, while HB 216 on itemized medical statements was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn. The committee also left pending HB 5141, HB 4638, HB 2035, HB 4813, HB 2264, HB 4014, and HB 3829 after hearing testimony and questions. The final item introduced in the excerpt was HB 4408 on health care market transparency and corporate consolidation, but the discussion was cut off before testimony or action was completed. A major theme of the hearing was mental health diversion and access to treatment. HB 5141, by Rep. Howard, would allow Travis County to use vacated Austin State Hospital property for a local mental health jail diversion center; law enforcement, the Travis County sheriff, county judge, and urban counties group all testified in support, describing the lack of alternatives for people in crisis and the burden on jails and emergency rooms. Members asked about eligible offenses, bed capacity, and whether the facility would serve only Travis County, and the bill was left pending. HB 2264, by Rep. Schoolcraft, would create a friends-and-family form for loved ones to provide information to providers during emergency mental health treatment; NAMI and hospital groups supported it, while one neutral witness and several members raised concerns about patient control, credibility of information, and liability protections. The bill was also left pending. The committee also heard multiple psychedelic-therapy and drug-policy bills. HB 4813 would speed Texas rescheduling of Schedule I substances if the FDA reclassifies them, with testimony focused on psilocybin and MDMA and their potential use for PTSD and depression; members questioned whether the bill was too broad and how state rescheduling works, and it was left pending. HB 4014 would direct HHSC to study psychedelic therapies, building on prior state research, and witnesses said Texas should prepare regulatory and clinical infrastructure before FDA approval; it too was left pending. HB 2035 would require parents to be informed that they may seek substance-use treatment for a child even if one facility turns them away, prompted by a constituent’s account of a fatal fentanyl overdose after receiving incorrect advice; it was left pending. HB 4638 would extend and expand the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative board and timeline, with the author saying the program is still in early implementation and needs more time, and it was left pending as well. Other bills addressed public health administration and animal welfare. HB 3829 would require a study of the animal-friendly account and its grant process for spay/neuter funding, with the author arguing that the current application and reimbursement process is too burdensome for shelters and nonprofits; no opposition was heard and the bill was left pending. HB 2581 and HB 1639 were reported favorably, while HB 216 drew discussion about enforcement of itemized medical billing and was held after the committee substitute was withdrawn. Throughout the hearing, members also discussed broader concerns about homelessness, competency restoration waitlists, jail overcrowding, and the need for more treatment options outside the criminal justice system.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank our witnesses in advance for taking time out of their busy schedule to be with us today
• I want to thank our witnesses in advance for taking time out of their busy schedule to be with us today
• I want to thank our witnesses in advance for taking time out of their busy schedule to be with us today

Summary: The Assembly Governmental Organization Committee held an informational hearing on the Tribal-State Gaming Compact extension between the State of California and the Yurok Tribe. Chair Blanca Rubio explained that the hearing was for briefing only, with no formal vote, and that the Legislature cannot amend the compact; AB 1389 is the ratification bill that will later come before the Assembly floor. The extension preserves the existing compact’s terms and extends it through December 31, 2026, to maintain the tribe’s economic stability while a new compact is negotiated. Governor Newsom’s senior advisor for tribal negotiations, Matthew Lee, said the extension simply preserves the status quo while negotiations continue on a new compact expected to come before the Legislature later this year. Yurok Tribe Chairman Joseph James testified that the amendment does not change any substantive terms, but gives the tribe time to negotiate a new agreement and continue operating its existing gaming and hospitality operations under the current framework. Chris Lundstrom of the California Tribal Business Alliance spoke in support. There was no opposition, no member questions, and no vote taken. The chair then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• read, 'Whereas, as part of the Access' Oklahoma long-range plan, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is advancing
• With that, I move for advancement at the appropriate time and yield for questions.
• Senator Bergstrom, Ashingham is consenting that the The bill will be advanced without objection.

Bills: SB1246, SB1510, SB1979, SB1929, SB1930, SB1976, HCR1019, SB1459, SB1673, SB1500, SB1447, SB1646, SB2007, SB1275, SB2074

Keywords: environmental permitting, Oklahoma, Department of Environmental Quality, public participation, regulatory framework, administered applications, energy, wind energy, financial assurance, property restoration, environmental regulation, mining, blasting, residential protection, buffer zone, Department of Mines, public utilities, electric transmission lines, landowner rights, payment regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• Having received 8 aye's and zero nays, I declare Senate Bill 1265 has advanced.
• Having received 7 aye's and 1 nay, I declare Senate Bill 1198 has advanced.
• I declare Senate Bill 2046 to have advanced. Thank you, Senator Standridge.

Bills: SB1265, SB1198, SB2046

Keywords: healthcare authority, property lien, county treasury, local government, Oklahoma, municipalities, campsite regulation, Department of Environmental Quality, unauthorized camps, public safety, environmental standards, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In my career, these have systematically been done as technology advances.
• Um, Um, Um, a<02:48:40.560> AAPRNS,<02:48:41.600> advanced<02:48:42.080> practice
• This requirement was put into statute as a compromise in order to allow advanced practice registered
• <03:00:08.640> practice moved um the advanced practice moved um the advanced practice registered
• registered nurses who become advanced registered nurses who become advanced practice<03:00:43.439

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Mleier. and the advanced premium pool risk. and the advanced premium pool risk.
• The regulator attempted to change the law, SB 297, last year, but that did not advance.
• year, but that did not advance. year, but that did not advance.
• <05:10:47.440> in regulator and tried to be advanced in regulator and tried to be advanced
• page, um, line 15, page 10, advanced page, um, line 15, page 10, advanced premium<05:35:03.120><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We advanced that legislation.
• We advanced that tax reduction so that American farmers can pass down their I thank the Speaker.
• We advanced that legislation.
• We advanced that tax reduction so that American farmers can pass down their history.
• We advanced that legislation.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The technology of how we can aggregate supply and meet demand has really been advanced.
• The technology of how we can aggregate supply and meet demand has really been advanced.
• The technology of how we can aggregate supply and meet demand has really been advanced.
• The technology of how we can aggregate supply and meet demand has really been advanced.
• So, I'd like to really been advanced.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• online, and we also made sure that we talked to all testifiers to make sure that they were aware in advance
• We also made sure that we talked to all testifiers to make sure that they were aware in advance that
• We also made sure that we talked to all testifiers to make sure that they were aware in advance that
• A paid employee of PPL Leap Advancement Board, otherwise known as Lab, as well as a client of PPL's Access
• During my time at Merc, I worked with another member of the PPL Leap Advancement Board, Ena, who helped

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Schools and your unwavering commitment to advancing educational equity and its excellence.
• [clears throat] for advanced enrollment [clears throat] for advanced enrollment procedures. procedures
• um the [clears throat] uh advanced um the [clears throat] uh advanced enrollment<01:08:57.120>
• <01:30:58.120> Lithium-Ion Commission to Advance Lithium-Ion Commission to Advance Lithium-Ion
• <01:31:09.880> Lithium-Ion Commission to Advance Lithium-Ion Commission to Advance Lithium-Ion

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened on March 10, 2026, established a quorum, and began with an invocation by Reverend Damien Flowers, which was journalized without objection. The chamber then recognized several guests and honorees, including Dr. Courtney Glickman for being named 2025 Play Therapist of the Year, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Dr. Sonja B. Santelises for her leadership of Baltimore City Public Schools, students shadowing legislators, Navy Alliance representatives, the Maryland Alliance for Advocacy for Sickle Cell, and Ms. Kimberly Body for her lupus advocacy. The Senate also journalized prior remarks about the 6888 regiment. The Finance Committee report then moved several bills forward. Senate Bill 348 would allow hospitals and freestanding birthing centers to contact, rather than only call, patients after high-risk pregnancies; its amendments were adopted and the bill was ordered to third reading. Senate Bill 390 on Wicomico County liquor licenses was laid over under the rule. Senate Bill 492, addressing massage therapy advertising and prohibiting misleading sexual-service advertising, was amended and sent to third reading. Senate Bill 562, concerning pharmacist-prescriber agreements for opioid use disorder treatment, was amended and advanced. Senate Bill 773 would let pharmacists order certain vaccines, including intranasal flu vaccines, for self-administration and was advanced without amendment. Senate Bill 53, on Maryland Port Administration land acquisition notice in Anne Arundel County, was amended and advanced. Senate Bill 428 would bar cost-sharing for collaborative care model services under Medicaid and private coverage and was advanced without amendment. Senate Bill 473 would require human trafficking awareness training for for-hire and transportation network drivers; its amendments were adopted and it was sent to third reading. Senate Bill 585 would shift administration of the human relevant research fund from Health to Agriculture and was advanced. Senate Bill 606, the Easy Pass Commuter Fairness and Transparency Act, would require an MDTA report on commuter plans and unused trips; its amendment was moved as the transcript ended. During debate on Senate Bill 917, which would expand the definition of audiology practice to include certain screenings and non-radiographic imaging, a senator questioned whether the bill would make Maryland the only state restricting a health occupation from performing Medicare-required screenings. The floor leader said the committee had heard that claim in testimony but had not verified it, and the senator moved to special order the bill for amendment, which was granted without objection. Most other bills were reported favorably, with committee amendments adopted without objection and several bills ordered printed for third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• the senior senator from Addison's amendment to change statute and include a public hearing at the advanced
• statute and include a public hearing<00:09:23.880> at<00:09:24.000> the<00:09:24.160> advanced
• c><00:09:24.720> notice<00:09:25.120> phase<00:09:25.720> is hearing at the advanced
• notice phase is hearing at the advanced notice phase is appreciated,<00:09:27.200> but<00:09:

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House took up House Bill 527, which extends the sunset of 30 V.S.A. Chapter 248A governing telecommunications siting. The House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee explained that the House version would have extended the process through 2030 and required a Public Utility Commission stakeholder process, but the Senate instead shortened the extension to July 1, 2029 and added immediate statutory changes: written notice to municipalities and regional planning commissions, a required public meeting before filing applications, attendance by the applicant and the Department of Public Service, and other transparency measures. The committee recommended concurrence with the Senate amendment on a 6-3 straw poll. Representative Pritchard of Poultney then offered a further amendment to shorten the sunset further, from July 1, 2029 to July 1, 2027. He argued that the Section 248A process has long-standing problems, that rural towns lack resources to participate effectively, and that the legislature should address the issue sooner rather than continue extending the sunset. He cited concerns from Tinmouth and the Westmore tower case, and requested a roll-call vote. Supporters of the Senate position responded that the Senate changes would provide immediate improvements and that a shorter sunset could create risks by expediting more permits and worsening the situation. The committee reported its view that the Pritchard amendment was unfavorable by a 6-3 vote and asked the House to vote no on it. After that exchange, the House stood at ease and then went into recess for a caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not ban merchant cash advances. What it does is close a dangerous oversight gap.
• Today, a growing segment of the market, products like merchant cash advances, avoid regulatory oversight
• A growing segment of the market, products like merchant cash advances, avoid regulation by claiming they
• this as a vital tool for our communities and our residents, and we hope that the Golden State will advance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met and first approved the consent calendar, sending AB 2028, AB 2425, and AB 2795 to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The committee also announced that AB 2558 and AB 2746 had been pulled from the agenda. The chair reviewed committee rules on written testimony and decorum before proceeding through the file order. AB 2116, which would regulate merchant cash advance and related small-business financing products under the California Consumer Financial Protection Law, drew strong support from the author and advocates who said it would close oversight gaps, require registration, prohibit confessions of judgment and power-of-attorney provisions before default, and improve transparency for small businesses. Supporters included small business advocates, consumer groups, local officials, and community organizations. Opposition from the Revenue-Based Finance Coalition argued the bill mixed consumer and commercial regulation, used inconsistent definitions of small business, and could restrict access to capital; they said amendments were being discussed. The committee passed AB 2116 to Appropriations. AB 2243, by Assembly Member Haney, would create a state bank commission to study whether California should establish a state bank or other public financing tools. Supporters said the state pays billions in interest to private lenders and could better use public funds for housing, infrastructure, climate, and small business lending. Opponents from the banking and credit union sectors raised concerns about taxpayer exposure, deposit guarantees, use of public funds, and the bill’s implications for existing financing structures. After discussion, the committee passed AB 2243 to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with some members voting no. AB 2350, as amended, would set guardrails on rent-now-pay-later products tied to rental housing to prevent predatory fees, high interest, and eviction risk for renters. The author and supporters emphasized the bill’s consumer protection goals, while industry representatives opposed it unless amended, saying they had not seen final language and wanted the bill narrowed to avoid broader impacts on the financial services sector. The committee passed AB 2350 as amended to Appropriations. At the end of the meeting, the committee completed roll calls for absent members and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not ban merchant cash advances. What it does is close a dangerous oversight gap.
• Today, a growing segment of the market, products like merchant cash advances, avoid regulatory oversight
• Products like merchant cash advances avoid regulation by claiming they are not loans because they rely
• We hope that the Golden State will advance this program, and we can see some great opportunity for all

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met and first approved the consent calendar, which included AB 2028, AB 2425, and committee bill AB 2795, all sent to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee also noted that AB 2558 and AB 2746 had been pulled from the agenda. The chair reviewed hearing procedures, including acceptance of written testimony and rules against disruptive conduct. The committee then heard AB 2116, which would require registration and basic conduct standards for certain small-business financing providers, including merchant cash advance companies, and prohibit confessions of judgment and power-of-attorney provisions before default. Supporters argued the bill would close an oversight gap and improve transparency for small businesses; a small business owner testified that a purported 13% loan turned out to have a 235% APR. Opponents said the bill mixed consumer and commercial regulation and could restrict access to capital, though they supported banning confessions of judgment. The bill passed on a roll call vote and was sent to Appropriations. AB 2243, by Assembly Member Haney, proposed creating a state bank commission to study whether California should establish a state bank or other public financing tools. Supporters said a public banking model could reduce borrowing costs, keep more public money in-state, and better finance housing, infrastructure, and other public priorities; opponents from banking groups raised concerns about taxpayer exposure, deposit guarantees, and the use of public funds and existing lending structures. The bill passed and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 2350, which would set guardrails on rent-now-pay-later products for rental housing; supporters said these products can lead to high fees, debt, and eviction risk, while industry groups opposed the bill unless amended. AB 2350 passed as amended and was sent to Appropriations. At the end of the meeting, the committee completed roll calls for absent members and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• can't speak for them, but it failed in the House last session, and so far this session it hasn't advanced
• 00:05:02.240> session<00:05:02.639> it<00:05:02.880> hasn't<00:05:03.199> advanced
• <00:05:03.600> in this session it hasn't advanced in this session it hasn't advanced in committee

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• laserfocused on governing and advancing laserfocused on governing and advancing legislation<03:29
• development of advanced technologies to improve<03:32:56.479> the<03:32:56.720> efficiency
• coffee and donuts to advance that uh coffee and donuts to advance that uh agenda<05:24:49.600> I
• advance China's military modernization<05:26:27.840> efforts.
• inquiries that contribute to the advancement of our knowledge of many issues.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 1012, house, all