Video & Transcript : 'driving' :

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CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies Feb 23rd, 2026

Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies

Transcript Highlights:
  • Like if we don't keep electricity affordable, we are never going to be able to effectively drive this
  • Again, we need to drive down electric prices. Absolutely. Thank you, Assembly Member.
  • ...drive them all out of the state. Because have you heard that? Do you believe that?
  • So really, it seems at least on its face that what must be driving this large...
  • So really, it seems at least on its face that what must be driving this largely is a smaller number of
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs Feb 2nd, 2026

Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • As you drive through Pettis County on ...the regulation of landfills.
  • As you drive through Pettis County on the west side of Sedalia behind the quarry, on the north side of
  • No, we only have one neighbor that we drive by, and we offered to buy his property.
  • And when he's saying this landfill, they won't be driving by... ...they won't be driving by any residents
  • Well, unfortunately, I think we've been holding off enough in the sense of if you drive into Sedalia,
Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2901, which would reauthorize the joint committee on child abuse and neglect by removing its expiration date. The sponsor described it as a cleanup bill because the committee’s prior sunset had passed, preventing it from formally reporting to the General Assembly. Members discussed whether the bill should include a new sunset date, with the sponsor saying he left that decision to the committee or floor amendment. Testimony and comments emphasized the scale of Missouri’s foster care and abuse-reporting system and the need for the committee’s work to continue; no opposition was offered, and the hearing closed without a vote. House Bill 2288 drew extensive testimony on landfill siting and county authority. The sponsor said the bill would give counties clearer statutory authority to adopt landfill setback rules, using Pettis County’s ordinance as a model, and argued rural counties should have more control over landfill placement. Supporters, including Pettis County officials, said local residents were strongly opposed to a proposed landfill and needed uniform standards and stronger local control. Opponents, including the project developer and a lobbyist, argued the bill’s setbacks were so large they would effectively block new landfills statewide, would be among the strictest in the country, and would hurt waste-disposal capacity, environmental management, and economic development. The hearing ended without a vote. The committee then moved into executive session and voted do pass on House Bills 1752, 2559, 2934, and 2928, and adopted an amendment and substitute before voting do pass House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2108. After returning to public hearing, the committee took up House Bill 351, which would create an independent Motor Vehicle Commission to handle dealer and consumer complaints and related licensing issues currently under the Department of Revenue. The sponsor and supporters said a specialized commission would provide faster, more expert handling of title problems, dealer complaints, and industry changes such as electric vehicles and direct sales models. Opponents questioned the need for a new commission, raised concerns about industry self-regulation, immunity, staffing, and added bureaucracy, and argued the Department of Revenue should instead be improved. Testimony continued with both support and opposition, including manufacturers’ concerns about not having a seat on the commission and arguments that the proposal could affect franchise and market-access issues.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Oct 8th, 2025

Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The first map shows current locations of OTPs, keys, and one-way patient drive times.
  • The map shows that most of the state is not within a 30-minute one-way drive to an OTP. to an OTP.
  • to access one of our providers or to have one of our providers drive to them.
  • If someone's sexually assaulted, they have to drive an hour or two hours.
  • to Grant County or... well, I'm not sure about Luna; I know they were driving to Grant.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Finance Aug 19th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Some of the key factors driving this price outlook include OPEC supply increases and rising North American
  • That may drive consumption higher, which drives GDP growth, etc.
  • It requires aligning policy, funding, partnerships, workforce, and the infrastructure to drive better
  • If we want to drive to the location, then we can hop on the bus with you at the jet port?
  • Okay, we could drive down there? It's about a 45-minute drive down to the jet port.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Mar 31st, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • He also would like to thank these students for their dedication and drive to supporting their community
  • Would you be in favor of citizen-led petition drives, a right to citizen-led petitions on the ballot?
  • I believe that is correct, but to get to what I think you're driving at is in the military; you learn
  • The average drive time in rural Texas to a SNAP vendor is about 4.5 minutes.
  • Would you support, again, to drive this market?
Bills: SJR37 , SJR57 , SB7 , SB8 , SB16 , SB108 , SB125 , SB207 , SB318 , SB371 , SB379 , SB396 , SB406 , SB503 , SB533 , SB565 , SB578 , SB599 , SB686 , SB689 , SB707 , SB763 , SB854 , SB857 , SB875 , SB878 , SB920 , SB924 , SB961 , SB965 , SB985 , SB988 , SB1021 , SB1024 , SB1026 , SB1038 , SB1059 , SB1185 , SB1202 , SB1207 , SB1252 , SB1330 , SB1396 , SB1484 , SB1527 , SB1535 , SB1596 , SB1619 , SB1697 , SB1737 , SB1741 , SB1841 , SJR36 , SJR12 , SJR57 , SJR37 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SB565 , SB765 , SB62 , SB666 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB847 , SB1248 , SB504 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB1497 , SB1498 , SB241 , SB304 , SB621 , SB1023 , SB1024 , SB686 , SB371 , SB204 , SB609 , SB670 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB447 , SB875 , SB406 , SB985 , SB965 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB1215 , SB1302 , SB856 , SB583 , SB673 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB1252 , SB608 , SB955 , SB957 , SB988 , SB1021 , SB1120 , SB251 , SB541 , SB379 , SB1737 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB1527 , SB125 , SB599 , SB1330 , SB53 , SB1352 , SB785 , SB472 , SB1450 , SB1502 , SB1566 , SB414 , SB1062 , SB961 , SB1038 , SB578 , SB711 , SB746 , SB942 , SB1404 , SB1448 , SB1738 , SB108 , SB8 , SB318 , SB507 , SB533 , SB689 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596 , SB1403 , SB763 , SB667 , SB1059 , SB617 , SB1567 , SB503 , SB16 , SB310 , SB311 , SB396 , SB505 , SB1209 , SB1210 , SB1470 , SB264 , SB924 , SB1029 , SB1185 , SB1202 , SB1358 , SB1364 , SB1569 , SB1697 , SB1376 , SB1228 , SB519 , SB878 , SB1350 , SB462 , SB1535 , SB827 , SB1585 , SB207 , SB1207 , SB1619 , SB1396 , SB920 , SB1484 , SB1273 , SB1741 , SB7 , SB927 , SB1227 , SB1229 , SB1353 , SB1366 , SB1464 , SB1709 , SB1729 , SB1733 , SB1744 , SB1772 , SB1816 , SB1841 , SB2188 , SB1147 , SB879 , SB1008 , SJR81 , SJR50 , SCR39 , SB1536 , SB2016 , SB1453 , SB1173 , SB1163 , SB996 , SB27 , SB568 , SB1370 , SB1321 , SB1101 , SB906 , SB860 , SB1563 , SB993 , SB693 , SB1610 , SB1537 , SB836 , SB1332 , SB1307 , SB963 , SB493 , SB922 , SB984 , SB1084 , SB619 , SB1098 , SB1122 , SB455 , SB522 , SB1057 , SB1239 , SB1254 , SB1255 , SB1259 , SB1341 , SB1664 , SB1877 , SB464 , SB1277 , SB32 , SB732 , SB660 , SB731 , SB921 , SB268 , SB1822 , SB1188 , SB1939 , SB1589 , SB397 , SB1388 , SB2230 , SB1058 , SB1036 , SB1267 , SB2112 , SB1930 , SB532 , SB1035 , SB2155 , SB508 , SB29 , SB292 , SB291 , SB901 , SB1333 , SB1436 , SB1494 , SB964 , SB779 , SB1378 , SB2312 , SB1719
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 27th, 2025

Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:
  • To strengthen the pipeline between education and high demand jobs driving economic growth in South Texas
  • What's driving the workforce shortage? As we are seeing today.
  • So public institutions like. can drive innovation while ensuring that AI systems are ethical, that they
  • We drive on safer roadways in Texas because of the work you're doing. Thank you so much.
  • On the other hand, when it happens, it's kind of like if you're four-wheel drive.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • in from Hana and the caller who talked about driving in from Nanakuli.
  • in from Hana and the caller who talked about driving in from Nanakuli.
  • in from Han like those that are driving in from Han and<00:07:06.599><c> and</c><00:07:07.039><c> um
  • in from nuli when we start driving in from nuli when we start talking<00:07:11.400><c> to</c><00:07:
  • </c><00:07:17.360><c> the</c> they're not just paying for driving the they're not just paying for driving
Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1480 on transportation and road usage charging. Supporters included the Department of Transportation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, county representatives, and the Tax Foundation, while an automotive industry witness opposed the bill, arguing it would be unfair to rural drivers and those with longer commutes. Committee discussion focused on equity, rural impacts, and whether the measure should be tied to future rail funding. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1480 pass with amendments, including broadening allowable uses of funds, clarifying language on infrastructure and safety, addressing motor scooters, and striking a proposed new subaccount; the recommendation was adopted by both committees, with one no vote in TCA. For SB 970 on taxation, the Tax Foundation said the employer transit tax credit would be more efficient as a direct subsidy program, and the Department of Taxation recommended several changes, including a sunset date of December 31, 2030, anti-double-benefit language, deletion of certain reporting requirements, and an effective date of December 31, 2025. The department estimated the bill would reduce revenues by about $11.6 million over the four-year period it would be in effect. The committees moved SB 970 forward with amendments to include bike share in the credit and add a defective date, leaving the department’s suggested changes for later consideration; the recommendation was adopted. The committees also advanced SB 1008 on parking and SB 1088 on electric vehicle charging infrastructure without amendments. DCAB strongly supported SB 1008, saying it would help counties enforce accessible parking design requirements, and noted a related bill without the EV portion. SB 1088 drew broad support from the Public Utilities Commission, State Energy Office, county and advocacy groups, and individuals; one question raised whether the bill should sunset, but the response was that Hawaii still lacks sufficient EV charging infrastructure and the measure expands eligibility for affordable housing. Both bills were recommended to pass unamended and the recommendations were adopted. The Transportation and Culture and Arts committee then heard SB 1011 on the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program, with testimony in strong support from individuals and the State Archivist, who suggested preserving award recipients’ archives, photos, oral histories, and clippings. The committee also heard SB 441 on the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, with support from the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaii Theatre Center, musicians, and others emphasizing cultural value, workforce stability, and statewide access to the arts. The transcript then moved to SB 1581 on the Hawaii Japan Pacific Peace Monument and SB 1577 relating to the State Foundation on the Arts; on SB 1577, the Attorney General warned that using the Works of Special Art Fund for operating purposes could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of related bonds and recommended deleting section five, while also pointing to the Performing Arts Special Fund as an alternative.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Vehicle miles traveled have increased by 25%. 4%, meaning those driving are driving more.
  • So you can imagine how often I drive IH35.
  • They are economic engines that drive our state's prosperity.
  • Driving substantial economic returns for our state.
  • Those regulations drive ratios. Ratios drive labor costs, and labor costs drive tuition.
Bills: SB1 , SB 1
Committee: Senate Finance
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Higher Education Institutions Committee Jun 18th, 2026 at 10:00 am

Higher Education Institutions Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You also see how we're aligning our academic programs with industry to drive the economy.
  • We also wanted to drive distinction in terms of NDSU in general.
  • Obviously, the public drives a lot of our decision-making. They have to.
  • So in some cases, it is eliminating a program because the drive isn't there.
  • Funding structure drives duplication.
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Higher Education Institutions Committee Jun 18th, 2026

Higher Education Institutions Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You also see how we're aligning our academic programs with industry to drive the economy.
  • We also wanted to drive distinction in terms of NDSU in general.
  • So in some cases, it is eliminating a program because the drive isn't there.
  • Funding structure drives duplication.
  • Funding structure drives duplication.
Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met at NDSU and heard an extensive presentation from President David Cook/President Stewart and NDSU leadership on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research growth, and use of New Horizons funding. Leaders emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission, its role in workforce development, and its goal of becoming more distinctive through strategic planning, recruitment and retention, commercialization, and partnerships. They highlighted that NDSU awarded 2,370 degrees in 2025, produces a large share of the state’s engineering, nursing, and agriculture graduates, and reported strong outcomes for graduates staying and working in North Dakota. They also noted enrollment headwinds, competition from other institutions, and the need to manage tuition waivers more carefully through a scholarship optimization effort. Provost Sherry Vale outlined academic stewardship efforts, including review or consolidation of low-producing programs, strategic hiring tied to institutional priorities, faculty workload policy changes, and expanded online and regional offerings. She said the university is using New Horizons dollars to strengthen advising, student support, and programs in engineering, agriculture, and health. NDSU leaders also described new or expanded academic offerings such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, material science and engineering, nuclear engineering certificates, accelerated nursing, nurse practitioner certificates, a Master of Health Administration, and a clinical research master’s program with Sanford Health. They stressed that these investments are intended to improve student completion, meet workforce needs, and increase return on public investment. The committee also heard testimony from students and recent graduates who described the value of NDSU’s education, mentorship, internships, research opportunities, and support services. Alyssa Hodges spoke about pharmacy education, public health work, and campus support as a parent and student; Ethan Blessy described engineering coursework, internships with Marvin, and career preparation; and Aiden Freolic discussed neuroscience research, federally funded projects, and plans for graduate study. Their testimony was followed by presentations on partnerships with Gateway to Science for K-12 STEM outreach and with Sanford Research on biomedical research, clinical trials, obesity research, and a joint biostatistics hire. NDSU also highlighted systemwide shared services, Governor’s School programming, and research growth, including a reported 8% increase in research expenditures from $199 million to $215 million. No bill votes were taken; the meeting was informational and featured presentations, testimony, and discussion of future planning and partnerships.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Natural Resources Committee Apr 20th, 2026

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Driving is not optional. It is a necessity.
  • Driving is not optional. It is a necessity.
  • People drive to work, school, to access health care, and other basic services.
  • When you drive through the Antelope Valley and the Victor Valley, you can clearly see that there's a
  • AB 2635 focuses on what actually drives adoption, making the transition achievable in practice.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Ways and Means Feb 11th, 2026

Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • And at the same time, the President's tariffs continued to drive costs and prices up.
  • We'll also continue to invest in the things that drive economic growth.
  • Costs and drives economic growth.
  • I think investments like the one we proposed in the DRIVE Act, that's a jobs bill.
  • I think investments like the one we proposed in the DRIVE Act, that's a jobs bill.
Summary: The hearing opened the FY27 budget process with remarks from the Senate and House Ways and Means chairs and testimony from Governor Healey and Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz. The chairs emphasized fiscal caution amid choppy revenue growth, rising health care and education costs, and federal uncertainty, while the governor framed House 2 as a $62.8 billion budget that grows spending by about 1% without new taxes or fees and aims to protect core services while advancing affordability. The administration said the budget uses efficiencies, program integrity, and Fair Share surtax revenue to support education, transportation, housing, child care, health care, and public safety, and it also filed a supplemental Fair Share bill using surplus FY25 funds. Much of the questioning focused on the federal “OB3” tax law and the administration’s separate proposal to delay or phase in certain corporate tax changes, especially research and experimental deductions, to avoid in-year budget shocks. Members also pressed the administration on Fair Share allocations, with the governor and secretary explaining that operating-budget surtax spending is weighted more toward education while supplemental spending is more transportation-focused, and that combined spending is roughly balanced overall. The administration highlighted Chapter 70 aid, special education circuit breaker funding, rural school aid, local aid, child care, the MBTA deficit, regional transit authorities, and a new HHS transportation line item as part of the broader transportation strategy. Several members raised concerns about Chapter 70 equity, rural districts, municipal overrides, out-migration, housing affordability, public housing repairs, and the MBTA Communities Act. The governor and secretary said they are open to further discussion on school funding formulas, PILOT, and municipal aid, and stressed housing production, energy affordability, and workforce development as key responses to out-migration. On energy, the governor defended an all-of-the-above approach, including renewables, gas, and exploration of nuclear, while saying she would continue pushing utilities and regulators to reduce ratepayer costs. The governor also said fire safety grants would not be withheld for noncompliance with the MBTA Communities Act, and members discussed public safety, housing, and local grant impacts in that context. Other topics included the Bright Act and higher education capital investments, with the administration saying it is preparing to support campus infrastructure across the public higher education system and that the bill is intended to strengthen Massachusetts’ competitiveness and retain graduates. Members also questioned cuts to the PCA program and EAEDC, and the governor responded that the state’s PCA program remains strong but is under pressure from large federal health care reductions. No votes were taken; the session was a hearing on the governor’s budget proposal and related policy bills, with the administration taking questions and offering explanations of its recommendations.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 04/10/26

Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • Not to say that that's not possible, but people aren't taking a bunch of mushrooms and driving.
  • Not to say that that's not possible, but people aren't taking a bunch of mushrooms and driving.
  • Yet the operator, only the person driving the vehicle, is covered by this provision.
  • Yet the operator, only the person driving the vehicle, is covered by this provision.
  • Yet the operator, only the person driving the vehicle, is covered by this provision.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, February 13, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:21:50.240><c> to</c> County who was killed while driving to County who was killed while driving
  • Let's say that you're a woman driving alone on a deserted road at night. You hear a siren.
  • So yes, this legislation goes beyond just the illegal immigrants that are driving it.
  • But first, let's talk about why this is happening, what's driving this problem.
  • </c> why this is happening what's driving why this is happening what's driving this this this problem
Bills: HR35
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

2026 Legislative Session - Day Seventy One - Friday, May 15 - Morning Session

Missouri House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • You both have to do it and it drives you crazy when you're on Highway 70 all the time.
  • And you could say, I was And it drives you crazy when you're on Highway 70 all the time.
  • And I don't remember much, except for them driving me back to the police station and me heading home
  • accidents and to help those victims who have already suffered from impaired-driving accidents.
  • accidents and to help those victims who have already suffered from impaired-driving accidents.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee Apr 15th, 2026

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm driving to bring that back. I have strong collaborations with community partners.
  • And that's where I speak to about driving change.
  • In order to do that, you have to drive change.
  • Full disclosure, but we need to drive it.
  • I want to drive that change. And I need my stakeholders.
Committee: Senate Rules
Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules first established quorum and took up several routine items, including two governor’s appointments to the Court Reporters Board, references of bills to committees, and floor acknowledgments. Heather Lynn Gonzalez’s appointment was approved 3-1, Allison Salton-Sall’s appointment was approved 4-0, and the other routine items were approved 4-0. The committee then heard testimony on two Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation appointments, Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, both associate directors in the Division of Adult Institutions. Senators focused heavily on the California model, staff safety, prison violence, sexual abuse prevention, retaliation concerns, and visitation. Ratliff and Tuggle said the California model is meant to balance rehabilitation with safety, that CDCR has improved communication and training, and that incidents such as the pepper-spray event at Central California Women’s Facility led to discipline, investigations, retraining, and policy review. They also described PREA reporting systems, anti-retaliation protections, statewide visiting meetings, and efforts to make visiting more family-centered and consistent. Public commenters largely supported both nominees, citing their work on rehabilitation, reentry, and sexual abuse response. The committee unanimously voted 4-0 to send both Ratliff and Tuggle to the Senate floor for confirmation. It then heard from Jason Johnson, nominated as CDCR Undersecretary of Operations. Senators questioned him about parole supervision, public safety, contraband, prison rape prevention, workplace culture, whistleblower retaliation, and repeated allegations in late-filed opposition letters. Johnson said parole risk is assessed through established scoring and supervision levels, that sex offenders are subject to GPS monitoring and treatment, and that operations use investigations, training, and collaboration with law enforcement to address contraband and misconduct. He emphasized rehabilitation, culture change, accountability, and his commitment to staff and public safety, while acknowledging criticism and the difficulty of leading a large institution. No vote on Johnson was taken in the portion provided.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee Apr 15th, 2026

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm driving to bring that back. I have strong collaborations with community partners.
  • So, and that's where I speak to about driving change.
  • In order to do that, you have to drive change.
  • Full disclosure, but we need to drive it.
  • I want to drive that change.
Committee: Senate Rules
Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules first handled several routine items, including governor’s appointments not required to appear, references to bills, and floor acknowledgments. The committee approved the appointments of Heather Lynn Gonzalez and Allison Salton-Sall to the Court Reporters Board, and then moved on to appointments required to appear from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, both proposed associate directors in CDCR’s Division of Adult Institutions, testified about their backgrounds and emphasized staff safety, rehabilitation, trauma-informed practices, and the California model. Senators focused heavily on the rollout of the California model, the August 2024 use-of-force incident at Central California Women’s Facility, sexual abuse prevention, retaliation concerns, and prison visitation. Both nominees said the department had improved communication and training, had disciplined or removed staff in response to misconduct, and was working to strengthen PREA reporting, investigations, and family visiting consistency. Public testimony was strongly supportive, and the committee voted 4-0 to send both nominations to the Senate floor. The committee then heard from Jason Johnson, nominated as CDCR Undersecretary of Operations. Johnson framed his work around rehabilitation, public safety, and culture change, and addressed concerns raised in late opposition letters and a lawsuit alleging retaliation, hostile work environment, discrimination, and whistleblower issues. He said he could not discuss pending litigation in detail, but described his leadership as focused on accountability, professional standards, and improving relationships with staff and community partners. Senators questioned him about parole supervision, risk assessment, contraband interdiction, and the Prison Rape Elimination Act response; Johnson said adult parole uses risk-based supervision and GPS for registered sex offenders, operations is working with correctional safety and law enforcement on contraband and drone interdiction, and CDCR continues to expand reporting channels and training. The committee also discussed the importance of rehabilitation and reentry programs, with Johnson saying most people return to the community and that CDCR must prepare them for successful reintegration.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee Apr 15th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm driving to bring that back. I have strong collaborations with community partners.
  • So, and that's where I speak to about driving change.
  • In order to do that, you have to drive change.
  • Full disclosure, but we need to drive it.
  • I want to drive that change.
Summary: The committee first handled routine actions, including quorum, governor’s appointments not required to appear, references to bills, and floor acknowledgments, with those items approved on 3-1 or 4-0 votes and left open for add-ons where noted. It then heard testimony on several CDCR appointments: Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle as associate directors for adult institutions, and later Jason Johnson as Undersecretary of Operations. All three nominees emphasized long careers in corrections, support from family and colleagues, and a commitment to public safety, rehabilitation, and improving staff and institutional culture. Much of the questioning focused on the California model, staff safety, sexual abuse prevention, use-of-force incidents, visitation, and rehabilitation. Ratliff and Tuggle said the California model was poorly communicated at rollout but is intended to improve both staff wellness and rehabilitation, not weaken security. They described training, root-cause reviews, statewide calls, and direct engagement with staff and incarcerated people. On a widely criticized pepper-spray incident at Central California Women’s Facility, Ratliff said staff were disciplined, some terminated, and the facility received additional training on de-escalation, communication, use of force, and report writing. On sexual abuse and retaliation concerns, both nominees pointed to PREA training, multiple reporting channels, anti-retaliation monitoring, and a zero-tolerance policy. Members also pressed the nominees on visitation consistency, family reunification, contraband, and the San Quentin transition program. CDCR leaders said visitation is essential to rehabilitation and that the department is working toward more consistent statewide rules and a more family-friendly visiting environment. They also said contraband interdiction is being strengthened through K-9 searches, drone interdiction, and information sharing. Johnson, whose confirmation drew late opposition letters and a lawsuit alleging retaliation and workplace culture problems, said he was driving culture change, had improved reentry and community partnerships, and viewed rehabilitation as central to CDCR’s mission. After public support from former incarcerated people, advocates, and nonprofit leaders, the committee voted 4-0 to advance the appointments to the Senate floor.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee Apr 15th, 2026

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm driving to bring that back. I have strong collaborations with community partners.
  • So, and that's where I speak to about driving change, you know, I really appreciate, and I just want
  • In order to do that, you have to drive change.
  • Full disclosure, but we need to drive it.
  • I want to drive that change. And I need my stakeholders.
Committee: Senate Rules
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Judiciary Committee Jan 13th, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • It drives litigation. At 3%, buyers generally will walk away.
  • And frankly, it is driving our affordability crisis.
  • So you're trying to solve a problem that maybe there are external factors that are driving it at the
  • You're not responsible for the problems that drive up the cost of doing business in California, so I
  • That should be the goal of this legislature, this body, and we have to drive towards it. ...should be
Committee: House Judiciary