Transcript Highlights:

• We don't think it's necessary. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. I don't see any questions.
• Second Substitute Senate Bill 5292 concerning paid family and medical leave rates.
• replacement to qualifying employees on leave for a specified family or medical leave reason.
• employees on leave for a specified family or medical leave reason.
• The point is we still budgeted the money necessary for us to have a new judge.

Bills: SB6256 , SB6275 , SB5868 , SB5954

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: tax exemptions, affordable housing, nonprofit, unoccupied property, housing policy, community reinvestment, economic development, local investment, financial assistance, SB 5868, superior court, judge, judgeship, judicial vacancy, court administration, Skagit County, Yakima County, RCW 2.08.061, Washington courts, county judges

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is... ...medical care.
• Legislators are the closest to the constituents and the medical community in their districts.
• providers,' and another writes, 'Denying medical care to immigrants?
• Their immigration status unless it is strictly necessary related to benefits.
• Begging for treatment, and ICE is refusing to give a cancer patient medical treatment.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call showing 27 present, and approval of the prior journal. Members then introduced guests, including representatives of the Arizona Fair Association, Mohave County fair staff, a constituent guest, a physician candidate shadowing a senator, Father David Myers, and the Doctor of the Day. The chamber also received messages and read a long list of bills placed on second reading. The Committee of the Whole considered three measures. SB 1268, a veterans property tax exemption cleanup bill, was explained as clarifying that the exemption applies to a veteran’s primary residence and, if jointly owned, still counts as 100 percent; it received a do pass recommendation. SB 1051, requiring hospitals to collect and report patient immigration-status information for accounting purposes, drew extensive debate. Supporters said it would improve accountability for hospital spending and taxpayer costs, while opponents argued it would intimidate patients, discourage care, burden hospitals, and target immigrants unfairly. Despite repeated points of order and appeals over germaneness and remarks, the bill advanced on a 16-13 vote. SB 1316, creating a rural health transformation fund process with public hearings and JLBC involvement, was presented as a transparency measure for roughly $167 million in federal rural health funds; supporters favored legislative input, while opponents said it added bureaucracy and could delay care. It advanced 17-13. The Committee of the Whole reported all three bills do pass, and the Senate adopted the report. HB 2792 was substituted for SB 1268 as an identical measure and passed with the emergency clause by a 29-1 vote. SB 1123 and SB 1145 also passed, and SB 1125, dealing with child safety and communication with tribal nations regarding group homes, passed unanimously 30-0. SB 1316 passed 17-13, and SB 1051 passed 17-13 after a lengthy floor debate in which supporters framed it as a fiscal/accountability measure and opponents called it harmful, anti-immigrant, and likely to deter medical care. The Senate then announced committee meetings for the next day and adjourned until Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have and that we prohibit health benefit coverage for non-medical and non medically indicated early
• So basically we're not going to incentivize early elect to see sections if it was not necessary.
• In Florida, the medically needy program, 1920 year-olds lawfully reside in children during their first
• necessary, the coverage service, if it's medically necessary to correct or prevent or bill, you're a
• And then we also have physicians on call her available to talk to the OBGYN ends about medication medication

Transcript Highlights:

• state budget team, and the other staff at MMB and our partner agencies who provide the information necessary
• This reduction is largely driven by the implementation of new payment review processes in the medical
• </c><00:21:16.799><c> assistance</c> processes in the medical assistance processes in the medical assistance
• uh to um it it's that would be necessary uh to um it it's not<00:36:00.640><c> ultimately</c><00:36:
• </c> functioning like paid family medical functioning like paid family medical leave<01:04:01.520><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 4254 provides valuable guidance to trial courts by prohibiting mistrial orders that are necessary
• Members, let's ensure that mistrials are granted only when absolutely necessary. and that courts are
• I think it may be necessary to be said that criminal justice, criminal procedure, and criminal cases
• In many cases, sequestration may not be necessary.
• , noticing that they wanted to use, in rare instances, the court-ordered medication procedures.

Bills: HB 115 , HB507 , HB1765 , HB1847 , HB2046 , HB2239 , HB2328 , HB2309 , HB2417 , HB2728 , HB2794 , HB3206 , HB3566 , HB3694 , HB3744 , HB4254 , HB4697 , HB4733 , HB4915 , HB5465 , HB2813 , HB115

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: habeas corpus, postconviction, criminal procedure, indigent defense, scientific evidence, legal representation, judicial power, capital felony, criminal law, death penalty, attorney qualification, training standards, law enforcement, no-knock warrant, search warrant, peace officer, attorney workload, criminal justice, caseload limits, fair representation

Transcript Highlights:

• This is Amendment 6 to an existing contract, and it is for nursing and medical staffing services for
• It's a medical consultant. Number 25, University of Arkansas with the Hanover Research Council.
• Is there any management of that medical care, or are we just paying bills that are submitted to us?
• Nobody's really looking to see if it's necessary or not, or if it's over-prescribed, whatever.
• It looks like, and this is the contract nursing and medical care, I believe, is that correct?

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Summary: The committee reviewed methods of finance for 17 capital projects, including multiple university and agency projects such as UAMS renovations, ASU Jonesboro repairs, UCA track resurfacing, and other campus improvements. One item, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Food Science Research Center project, was held until Friday so members could receive more detail on the large cost increase from the original estimate; the remaining methods of finance items were approved. Members then reviewed four discretionary grants: a suicide prevention training grant for the Arkansas Crisis Center, an amended youth services grant to Right of Passage, and two Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board grants for catfish marketing. All were approved. In the services contract section, the committee approved a ratification for an Economic Development Commission grant evaluation contract, several construction-related contracts, six intergovernmental contracts, 28 out-of-state contracts, and 16 in-state contracts. Several contracts drew questions. Members asked DHS about cloud hosting for the ARIES eligibility system and about staffing support for the Medicaid backlog, and DHS said the staffing contract is intended to maintain processing capacity and allow for future surges. The Department of Education explained a $12 million tutoring contract for rural districts funded by a federal grant. The Department of Corrections discussed a medical services contract and a separate transitional housing contract, clarifying that the housing item covers five beds only and that the medical contract includes oversight and staffing-ratio penalties. The committee also reviewed large marketing and communications contracts for the Department of Health, DPS, and UAMS, and then accepted the reports before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2022, AB 1636 removed the Medical Board's discretion to reinstate a physician or surgeon who lost
• More recently, articles about sexual misconduct within the medical industry brought forth this issue
• Revoked or the physician surrendered their license, but subsequently petitioned the Medical Board of
• More recently, articles about sexual misconduct within the medical industry brought forth this issue
• George Sorries with the California Medical Association in support. Thank you.

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Summary: The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee heard three bills. SB 849 by Senator Weber Pearson would address physician sexual misconduct by clarifying that physicians or surgeons who committed specified sexual offenses against patients cannot petition for license renewal, and by requiring automatic revocation in certain misconduct-related cases, including where a license was surrendered, revoked, or the person was convicted or required to register as a sex offender. Support came from the California Medical Association and the American College of OBGYN; there was no opposition in the room. The bill was moved do pass to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote, then later confirmed out on call. SB 96 by Senator Umberg would extend California’s advertising-volume rules to streaming services, podcasts, and similar content by requiring ads to be kept at the ambient level of the surrounding content. The author said the bill was inspired by a child awakened by loud streaming ads and argued it would update the earlier CALM Act for modern media. There was no support or opposition testimony in the room. The committee discussed how the rule might affect platforms operating statewide or nationally, and the bill passed do pass on a 9-0 vote, then was confirmed out on call. SB 342 by Senator Umberg, the Contractors Licensure Fairness Act, would allow contractors to recover payment for work performed while licensed even if they were unlicensed for part of a project, while still barring payment for unlicensed days and preserving existing prohibitions on starting work without a license. Supporters, including representatives of the California Conference of Carpenters, State Building and Construction Trades, and contractor associations, argued the current law can be overly punitive and can create windfalls for owners when a technical lapse is discovered later. Committee members raised concerns about consumer protection, burden of proof, and whether the bill could create loopholes, but the author and supporters said existing protections remain and the bill is intended to be proportional. The bill passed do pass to Judiciary on a 9-0 vote and was later confirmed out on call to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Matt’s survival is a testament to the heroic response of his fellow officers, the prison’s medical team
• We can never go backwards, but we can all go forward, and I think it’s necessary. Thank you.
• Senate Bill 1753 would provide the legal tools necessary to hold inmates accountable and give district
• Even if an individual is not an active user, they may be in a position to administer the medication until
• The sheriffs believe that we're at a point in time when it's necessary to revisit, as a society, why

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security heard testimony on several bills affecting correctional facilities, disability access, public health, youth education, parole, and vehicle noise. Early testimony focused on H. 2736/S. 1762, “Matt’s Law,” which would permanently ban free weights in medium- and maximum-security correctional facilities and require exercise equipment to be secured. The bill was supported by the Tidman family, Rep. Wells, and the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union, who described the assault on Corrections Officer Matthew Tidman and argued the measure would prevent similar attacks. Committee members expressed sympathy and asked whether the Department of Correction could make the change administratively; witnesses said free weights had already been removed but that codifying the policy in law was needed. The committee also heard S. 1753 on synthetic drugs in correctional facilities, which would make possession, distribution, and use of Class C synthetic substances in prisons and jails a felony with a mandatory minimum sentence. Senator O’Connor and MCOFU said synthetic drugs like K2 are being smuggled in through mail and are causing violence and medical emergencies among inmates and staff. H. 4123, filed by Rep. Donahue and Chair Vargas, would require correctional facilities to offer two doses of naloxone to people upon direct release; Donahue cited overdose risk after incarceration and her personal loss of a son to overdose. Sheriff Donna Buckley also testified in support of a commission to study sentencing jurisdiction and whether more people should be sentenced to county houses of correction rather than DOC facilities. A large portion of the hearing was devoted to S. 1733, “An Act Building a More Accessible Massachusetts,” which would expand the Architectural Access Board’s authority over older buildings, workplace areas, and adaptable housing units. Chris Ho, disability advocates, and people with disabilities testified that the bill would help close gaps in accessibility for employment and housing, reduce long waits for accessible units, and support aging in place and independent living. The committee also heard S. 1721 on educational rights for incarcerated youth, with Avery Farmer arguing that 18- to 21-year-olds in DOC and houses of correction should receive the same educational services and disability supports as youth in DYS custody. Additional testimony supported S. 1716 regulating illegal exhaust systems, with one witness citing public health harms from vehicle noise and another opposing the bill as overbroad and harmful to classic car owners. Finally, Claire Massington testified for H. 2694 on equitable access to parole, calling for a more transparent, best-practices-based parole system with a revised board composition and a presumption of parole unless the board shows otherwise. The hearing ended with the chair adjourning the meeting due to a roll call in the House and Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• And beginning with SB 328, I would consider a necessary bill that would help prevent.
• For example, when propanolol, a medication for heart problems, is administered, it is For more information
• We very much appreciate products as medical devices.
• The FDA currently regulates and approves menstrual products for the market as medical devices for safety
• Which licenses and inspects menstrual products as medical devices under the Sherman Act, ensuring that

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> caring for the sign it is not necessary caring for the sign it is not necessary for<01:12:53.360
• </c> preference um I think that if a medical preference um I think that if a medical professional<01:
• I read in line 8 physical medical records and yes, electronic medical records. Yes, it's both.
• I read in line 8 physical medical records and yes, electronic medical records. Yes, it's both.
• that also medications that are necessary<01:19:49.639><c> for</c><01:19:49.960><c> whatever</c><01:19

Summary: The House Children and Family Law Committee opened with a brief prayer for Representative Grossman’s son, Oscar, who was reported to be in critical condition after a traumatic fall. The committee then took up House Bill 430, which would reduce DHHS retention of unfounded abuse and neglect reports from 10 years to 3 years. Prime sponsor Chairman James Spain argued that 10 years is excessive and burdens families with a long-lasting stigma, while emphasizing that founded reports and reports with reasonable concern would still be retained indefinitely. Committee members questioned whether longer retention helps identify malicious reporting or patterns of abuse, and whether parents understand the distinction between unfounded and unfounded with reasonable concern. The Office of the Child Advocate and DCF opposed the bill. Child Advocate Cassandra Sanchez said historical reports are important for identifying patterns, reviewing critical incidents, and understanding family dynamics, and that screened-out and unfounded reports can be essential context when later reports arise. She also noted that the records are highly confidential and not publicly accessible. DCF General Counsel Susan Larabe added that the bill could create inconsistencies by retaining screened-out reports longer than unfounded reports, and explained that unfounded reports can be used in court and in administrative reviews when there are multiple prior reports. The committee discussed how other states handle retention, with testimony that some keep records indefinitely and others for long periods. The hearing on HB 430 concluded, and the chair said the bill would not be executed until early March, leaving time for amendments. The committee then opened House Bill 187, concerning restraining orders sought by a parent on behalf of a minor child. Prime sponsor Representative Mike Belcher said the bill is intended to correct a gap in the law so children can access the same restraining-order protections adults can, through a parent or guardian, and framed it as an equal-protection issue. Members questioned why the proposal was placed in the child abuse and neglect statute rather than the civil restraining-order statutes, and whether it should instead be handled as a broader civil-law fix. Alanda Peterson, who said she created Jade’s Law, testified that the original wording was meant to protect all children, not just those harmed by family members, and supported expanding the language. The hearing continued with additional discussion of the bill’s scope and purpose.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the trauma medical review committee does have emergency medical services.
• So the trauma medical review committee does have emergency medical services.
• That medication is necessary, but these were critical.
• That all medication is<03:52:12.319><c> necessary,</c><03:52:12.880><c> but</c><03:52:13.600><c> these
• </c> is necessary, but these were critical. is necessary, but these were critical.

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Needs, many needs, but the major needs are for infrastructure to help rebuild or repair these very necessary
• that I don't think we're talking about the matter of making sure this is relevant or important or necessary
• A key link in this process is medical residencies, and in turn, that preceptor process improves Training
• up with that had a really increased need for that preceptor Some of the more, if you look at any medical
• Now, speaking on behalf of medical and health professionals, I need to share that while every energy

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• These devices also serve unique medical and accessibility functions.
• For potentially beneficial medical advancements, some companies have begun to develop genetically modified
• When people can't afford to take care of their medically complex animals, one of the most heartbreaking
• We don't need any more animals coming in, and particularly medically complex ones that were literally
• ... ...continued education and making sure that they know all the responsibilities that are necessary

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard three bills ahead of the house-of-origin deadline. AB 762 by Assemblymember Irwin would ban the sale and distribution of disposable vapes in California, with committee amendments to align implementation dates and allow a sell-through period. The author and supporters, including waste agencies, firefighters, local governments, and public health groups, argued the devices create lithium-ion battery fire risks in waste facilities and burden ratepayers and first responders. Opponents, including cannabis industry and retail groups, argued the bill would not meaningfully reduce battery waste because most problematic products are already illicit, and warned it could worsen the illegal market and reduce consumer access to legal products. After extensive debate, the committee passed AB 762 as amended to Appropriations on a vote with some members not voting or on call. AB 1382 by Assemblymember Castillo would prohibit the sale of genetically modified animals created for cosmetic purposes. Supporters said the bill would prevent novelty pet breeding, reduce pressure on already overcrowded shelters, and avoid ethical concerns about modifying animals for appearance alone, while preserving medical and scientific research. Opponents, including the pet industry, argued the measure was unnecessary because regulated products such as glowfish already undergo scientific review and that the bill could create ambiguity and harm lawful commerce. The committee clarified that glowfish and scientific research were exempt, and AB 1382 passed to the Judiciary Committee. AB 739 by Assemblymember Jackson would require managing agents in common interest developments to provide homeowners and HOA boards a summary of fees charged for management services. Realtors supported the bill as a transparency measure, while community managers and the Community Associations Institute said they could accept it once promised amendments were adopted to narrow the disclosure and avoid blanket mailings that could raise costs. The author said amendments would be taken in the Housing and Community Development Committee and committed to further consultation. AB 739 passed to Housing and Community Development.

Transcript Highlights:

• I support this measure, which would pass PBM-negotiated rebates on prescription medications through to
• I support this measure, which would pass PBM-negotiated rebates on prescription medications through to
• Wang is on a medical mission and will not be able to attend the hearing.
• Wang is on a medical mission and will not be able to attend the hearing.
• </c> on GM 542 s Yuan Emergency Medical on GM 542 s Yuan Emergency Medical Services<00:27:40.799><c>

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The joint hearing began with SB 59 on prescription drugs, which drew extensive testimony from insurers, pharmacies, patient advocates, and health organizations. Supporters argued the bill would address PBM practices such as spread pricing, unclear reimbursement, and patient steering, and would help independent pharmacies and lower patient costs by passing rebates through to consumers. Opponents from health plans and PBM-related groups raised concerns, while Walgreens supported the measure and suggested amendments to establish a reimbursement floor. After questions, the committee accepted the Hawaii Pharmacist Association’s proposed amendments, added technical changes and a defective date of December 31, 2050, and voted to pass SB 59 with amendments. The remainder of the hearing focused on a series of nominations and reappointments to health, aging, disability, mental health, juvenile justice, and advisory boards. Nominees and agency representatives generally described their backgrounds and interest in serving, with support testimony emphasizing experience, continuity, and the value of volunteer service. Several nominees highlighted issues such as mental health access, substance abuse treatment, elder services, language access, disability access, and rehabilitation services. The Department of Health, SHPDA, DHS, and other organizations largely testified in support of the nominees. No votes were taken on the nominations during the transcript excerpt, and the chair repeatedly thanked the nominees for their service and testimony. The hearing also included brief procedural remarks about time limits, Zoom testimony, and a possible reconvening date in case of technical difficulties.

Transcript Highlights:

• Children have died from lack necessary.
• </c> necessary and needed to be done. necessary and needed to be done.
• </c> department uh providing the medical department uh providing the medical documentation<01:02:02.480
• We will review that medical member.
• </c><01:57:03.199><c> It</c> medical services incident report. It medical services incident report.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• An independent medical examiner strengthens public trust. It removes conflicts of interest.
• An independent medical examiner strengthens public trust.
• I'm an associate professor at UCLA with a doctorate in medical anthropology.
• The most important issue to forensic pathologists is their medical independence.
• And it also allows the county supervisors to expand that space to 200 feet if necessary.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• With the MH1 evaluations as necessary.
• </c> medical system. Yeah, I don't disagree. medical system. Yeah, I don't disagree.
• </c> you know, necessary. you know, necessary. Okay. Okay. Okay.
• Um, we think this measure is incredibly necessary.
• It is for Ohana and All Medical Respite.

Bills: SB709 , SB2089 , SB2090 , SB2108 , SB2211 , SB2250 , SB2325 , SB2803 , SB2866 , SB3245

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Summary: The committee heard SB 709 SD2, which would require the Department of Health to respond to reports involving persons with severe mental illness, assess eligibility for assisted community treatment, and coordinate treatment when appropriate. Testimony from the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health supported the measure, with DOH saying it generally supported the bill but had comments on one section it viewed as unnecessary. The Department of Law Enforcement later explained that the bill would shift certification and standards for crisis intervention officer training from DOH to DLE, while still involving DOH in the training process. Opposition came from the Hawaii Disability Rights Center and an individual testifier, both of whom argued the bill expands state authority over people with mental illness and could worsen forced treatment practices. The Disability Rights Center also raised procedural concerns, saying the bill was effectively moved from a prior administration measure that had not been heard this session, and questioned whether the bill’s changes to assisted community treatment, blood tests, urinalysis, and living arrangements went beyond current law. The individual testifier argued the bill would further entrench harmful psychiatric drugging and urged the committee to defer it. Committee members questioned the administration about the bill’s process, the role of the Attorney General in treatment-over-objection proceedings, and the practical effects of moving CIT certification to DLE. The Attorney General’s office said the bill was intended to fill a gap by allowing it to assist with treatment proceedings, while public defenders would continue to represent respondents and due process protections would remain in place. DLE and DOH said the change would better align certification with law enforcement training needs, improve speed in crisis response, and still keep DOH involved; members also discussed whether WAM counted as a hearing and whether the bill should more explicitly preserve DOH’s role. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This delay is intended to allow for the Commonwealth to build out the infrastructure necessary to support
• access and, therefore, access to the necessary services provided by the Commonwealth.
• Considering the vast amount of construction work necessary to maintain our transportation system and
• I am a pre-medical student at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and co-president of
• I personally navigated these barriers within my own family, I know just how urgent and necessary this

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Summary: The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight heard testimony on several bills. Senator Mike Moore supported S. 2185, which would delay implementation of the heavy-duty omnibus/advanced clean truck requirements while requiring the Commonwealth to purchase or lease electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles starting in 2025; he argued the delay is needed because infrastructure, grid capacity, vehicle availability, and costs are not yet ready. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2156/H. 3318, which would require free menstrual products in public buildings, with advocates and students describing period poverty and the need to treat menstrual products like other basic restroom supplies. Senator John Keenan testified for S. 2158, a bill to let municipal light plants protect proprietary and competitively sensitive information from public disclosure while keeping board meetings and minutes open, saying it would help level the playing field against larger competitors. A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 2125/H. 3384, the language access and inclusion bill. Testimony from the AAPI Commission, Mass Speaks coalition members, Mass Appleseed, MLRI, ATASK, MAPC, the Boston Bar Association, Mass Advocates for Children, and others described barriers faced by limited-English-proficient residents in accessing MassHealth, DCF, courts, domestic violence services, schools, and other state services. Witnesses cited untranslated documents, inadequate interpretation, delays, and the burden placed on bilingual staff and children; several also pointed to recent federal moves toward English-only policy as making state action more urgent. Committee members asked questions about implementation, interpreter availability, and the role of technology and remote participation, and the chair noted the bill had been reported favorably in a prior session and intended to be again. The committee also heard testimony on time-zone legislation. Dr. Karin Johnson, representing sleep medicine interests, supported H. 3405 for permanent standard time and opposed S. 2157 for permanent daylight saving time, arguing that standard time better aligns with circadian rhythms and health, while permanent daylight saving time would worsen morning darkness and sleep disruption. Members questioned the strength of the scientific evidence and discussed school start times, geography, and whether Massachusetts should align with neighboring states. No votes were taken during the hearing, and testimony continued on additional bills as the session progressed.

Transcript Highlights:

• available showing indeterminate receipts and expenses and approximately $2 million to the accident medical
• aid accounts for 2025 to 2025 to 2020. accident and medical aid accounts for 2025 to 2029 that concludes
• I noticed that there was an amendment for the medical profession on this bill that was not considered
• Vancouver Clinic is an independent, physician-owned medical practice in southwest Washington.
• We are in strong support of this bill as a necessary step toward increasing the mobility of employees

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. Second Substitute House Bill 2479 would create a wage recovery program within L&I to advance part of unpaid wages to low-wage workers facing immediate hardship, funded by civil penalties, while also increasing and restructuring wage theft penalties and complaint prioritization. Supporters, including the prime sponsor, labor advocates, and employer representatives from the work group, said it would help workers get paid faster and was a consensus proposal; questions focused on how the current complaint process works and whether general fund money would be needed. Engrossed House Bill 1941, as amended, would allow licensed cannabis producers to form agricultural cooperatives, with the striking amendment limiting any cooperative to three producer licenses; supporters said cannabis producers should have the same cooperative tools as other agricultural sectors, while some testimony urged future changes for interstate commerce and warned against consolidation. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2476 would expand the spirits, beer, and wine theater license from 120 to 200 seats per screen and add stronger alcohol-control measures when minors are present; theater operators and LCB supported the change, and committee questions focused on youth access and enforcement. House Bill 1526 would allow snack bar licensees to sell wine by the glass in addition to beer; the sponsor said it simply modernizes the license, and LCB noted a likely fee alignment issue and a small revenue impact. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1155 would void non-compete agreements and expand related notice and non-solicitation rules, with testimony split between labor and worker advocates supporting broader worker mobility and business and health care groups seeking narrower exemptions for executives, physicians, and financial institutions. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2303 would prohibit employers from requesting or coercing employees to accept microchip implants, with no testimony offered. Substitute House Bill 2405 would create a three-year pilot for earlier PTSD treatment coverage in workers’ compensation for eligible occupational disease claims, with L&I supporting it as a way to improve outcomes and reduce long-term costs. The committee also took public testimony on these bills, with strong pro and con positions noted on the wage recovery, cannabis cooperative, and non-compete measures. In executive action, the committee adopted a striking amendment and passed House Bill 1069, narrowing it to Department of Corrections employees and making supplemental retirement bargaining mandatory, despite concerns from one member about the change. The committee also adopted a striking amendment on House Bill 1347 concerning cannabis testing labs, then passed it to Rules; passed Second Substitute House Bill 1701 on liquor licensees sharing property; passed House Bill 291 on employee information for public employers to Ways and Means; passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2229 updating engineer registration provisions; passed House Bill 2264 on unemployment eligibility for workers in employer-initiated layoffs; passed Substitute House Bill 2472 adding enforcement for sprinkler contractors and fitters; and passed Second Substitute House Bill 2345 on paid family and medical leave premium allocation. A striking amendment to Second Substitute House Bill 1128 creating a child care workforce standards board was not adopted, and the bill then passed to Rules. The committee also announced it would hold House Bill 1066 for later action and planned to return the next day for its final executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we wanted to make sure that counties had the resources that were necessary to get to children
• And then we wanted to make sure that counties had the resources that were necessary to get to children
• Also, on behalf of Western Dental, the state's largest medical health dental provider.
• My name is Angela here, and I'm here on behalf of the California Medical Association.
• Thank you. behalf of the California Medical Association.

Committee: House Budget