Transcript Highlights:

• is just a continuation of people that are against guns, with no regard to the fact that people in rural
• Start prosecuting those committing crimes, illegally obtaining guns, and repeat criminals.
• I come from a, of course, rural New Mexico, hunting family, the whole thing, but I don't think it's cricket
• to—you can just say that they may get available to them in the course of a criminal investigation or prosecution
• So striking 'reasonable inquiry' and... ...to them in the course of a criminal investigation or prosecution

Bills: SB3 , HB70 , HB49 , HB60 , HB151 , HB164 , SB17 , SB35 , SB164

Committee: Senate House Judiciary

Keywords: mental health, commitment, involuntary commitment, civil commitment, assisted outpatient treatment, AOT, court-ordered treatment, behavioral health, psychiatric hold, danger to self, danger to others, suicide prevention, self-harm, homicide risk, capacity, decisional capacity, guardianship, treatment guardian, crisis stabilization, crisis triage center

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 35, which would create one additional judgeship in the First Judicial District. Senator Trujillo and Chief Judge Bichai explained that the position had been approved through the judiciary’s unified budget process based on caseload and weighted-caseload needs. Members asked about how the new judge would be appointed, election timing, and courthouse space; the judge said the district would make room temporarily and that technology had helped with courtroom efficiency. One member of the public testified in opposition, alleging questionable case-assignment practices in the district court. The committee then voted do pass on SB 35 to the Finance Committee without objection. The committee then heard Senate Bill 17, the Stop Illegal Gun Trade Act, with extensive testimony on both sides. Supporters, including the sponsors, gun-violence survivors, prosecutors, law enforcement, city representatives, educators, and advocacy groups, argued that the bill would address a retail-to-criminal pipeline by requiring gun dealers to secure inventory, train employees, track sales, report suspicious activity, and restrict future sales of certain military-style firearms and large-capacity magazines. They cited gun violence statistics, local homicides, and the impact on children and schools. Opponents, including NRA and industry representatives, sheriffs, ranchers, dealers, and other citizens, argued the bill would violate the Second, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments, create a de facto registry, impose costly burdens on lawful businesses, and fail to stop criminals. Several opponents also raised concerns about litigation costs and the effect on rural gun owners. Committee members then questioned the sponsors and debated the bill’s definitions, recordkeeping, confidentiality, and dealer requirements. Senator Duhigg offered and the committee adopted several amendments, including removing narrow loss-language tied to fire/theft/flood, changing backup timing language back to the federal standard, and revising the confidentiality/IPRA language to protect names and personal identifying information of transferees. The sponsors said the bill was intended to align with or build on federal standards in some areas while adding state-level dealer oversight. The chair allowed extended amendment discussion and indicated the committee would continue working through the substitute bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Texas, and align with national safety ... guidelines already in use by both major utilities and rural
• All of our system was built to exceed the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) or Rural Utilities Service
• Now, Fred earlier testified that there's a defense to criminal prosecution, as long as you say you used
• First off, we're not familiar with anybody who's actually ever been prosecuted for this crime.
• Additionally, I don't know how much of a hammer it becomes if nobody's ever been prosecuted for it and

Bills: SB1468 , SB1612 , SB1789 , SB2530 , SB2571 , SB2717 , SB2967

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: utility systems, Texas A&M, regents authority, construction, improvement, construction contracts, trust funds, property rights, mechanics lien, contractors, trustee liability, mechanic's lien, liability, attorney's fees, windstorm insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, insurance regulation, administrative penalties, coastal counties, catastrophe year

Transcript Highlights:

• Rural communities are overwhelmed by high volumes of conflicts with large predators.
• Also on behalf of my colleagues of the California State Association of Counties and the rural county
• You can’t be prosecuted under this law. Now, that doesn’t solve necessarily for all of it.
• And five Black journalists were arrested and prosecuted, including Don Lemon, because of it.
• , should be arrested for it and prosecuted if someone does any of the conduct, including some of the

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><03:40:57.680><c> underfunded</c> policing for small, rural, underfunded policing for small, rural
• </c><03:43:52.479><c> In</c> traffic stop on a rural highway. In traffic stop on a rural highway.
• </c> fought to elevate the voices of rural fought to elevate the voices of rural communities<05:01:02.638
• I support this bill and reserve the balance of my time. sense bill that will help rural a rural sense
• bill that will help rural a rural Arizona<05:01:36.560><c> community</c><05:01:37.040><c> meet</c><05

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Law enforcement officers to promote equitable practices in preventing and prosecuting hate crimes.
• So I think both of those things, maybe a rural differential, but then also if we could stand up that
• The face of prosecution and police investigations has changed entirely.
• The cost of prosecuting, the cost of doing a case, the cost of investigating a case.
• The hope was at that time non-prosecution agreements, deferred prosecution agreements, fines, and fees

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was held in Clinton Town Hall as part of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means’ budget review, with local officials welcoming legislators and noting the long agenda of many panels. The main presentation was from Secretary Terrence Reedy of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, who outlined the Healey-Driscoll administration’s FY26 proposal for the secretariat, including a $1.7 billion budget and a 7% increase over FY25. He described investments in emergency preparedness, hate-crime prevention, reentry programming, technology modernization, internships, and public safety training, while also noting some reductions driven by resource constraints, including cuts to certain grant programs and administrative costs. Committee members also raised concerns about federal uncertainty and how it could affect state budgets and public safety planning. A major portion of the questioning focused on the Department of Correction. Secretary Reedy and Commissioner Sean Jenkins said the biggest challenges are staffing, officer wellness, facility safety, and contraband—especially K2. They described steps taken at MCI Souza and other facilities, including reducing population at the maximum-security unit, changing management, removing metal products and free weights, improving screening and roll calls, adding a rapid response team, and increasing investigative and technological efforts to combat K2. They also discussed the closure of MCI Concord, saying it was driven by high maintenance costs and staffing needs, and explained that savings are being used to improve staffing patterns and address deferred maintenance over time rather than producing immediate large budget reductions. Members also questioned the budget’s impact on police training and community policing. The administration defended the increase in police academy tuition from $3,200 to $6,000 as reflecting true training costs and said it would still be subsidized by the state, while acknowledging the burden on small municipalities. They said the MPTC is expanding regional training and considering proposals such as Greenfield Community College’s. On community policing, officials emphasized uniform statewide training, de-escalation, and communication skills. The State Police also announced an outside review of the academy by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and said the next class will be split into two smaller groups to improve oversight and allow quicker implementation of recommendations. Other topics included ICE and federal immigration enforcement, with Reedy saying state law prohibits Massachusetts law enforcement from acting in a civil immigration capacity and that no state dollars were used in the Tufts-related ICE operation mentioned by a member. Senators and representatives also raised the upcoming FIFA World Cup, warning that it will require significant public safety resources and likely federal funding. Additional discussion covered restorative justice and juvenile diversion, health care costs in DOC, electronic health records, and the need for more diverse and culturally competent public safety staffing. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's a big fear in rural Colorado.
• </c><02:07:04.360><c> legislator's</c> look at it from a rural legislator's look at it from a rural legislator's
• </c> And that's a big fear in rural Colorado. And that's a big fear in rural Colorado.
• </c><02:44:49.040><c> the</c> understanding of how to prosecute the understanding of how to prosecute
• </c> the threat of criminal prosecution the threat of criminal prosecution against<04:24:10.400><c> a

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• committee had an attorney, the accused had an attorney, and there were attorneys that were actually prosecuting
• The problem we're trying to get at is that a lot of these smaller rural areas, everyone kind of knows
• The problem we're trying to get at is that a lot of these smaller rural areas, everyone kind of knows
• The problem we're trying to get at is that a lot of these smaller rural areas, everyone kind of knows

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• —like that in writing, and then they signed it, then we're not going to prosecute you, but we'll prosecute
• This fund, commonly referred to as the Rural Fund, is responsible for...
• This is really for rural Arizona to put some really good recharge projects together, and the loan amount

Committee: House House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard several water and energy-related measures. SB 1200, as amended by a Griffin strike-everything amendment, addressed the Arizona Department of Water Resources’ treatment of certain “conduit lakes” in active management areas. ADWR testified neutral on the bill but opposed the amendment as written, saying it could grandfather in lakes that are currently in violation of the lakes statute and create water-management concerns. HOA and industry witnesses argued the bill would simply clarify and restore a prior interpretation for existing communities that rely on lakes to move groundwater and effluent for irrigation, while avoiding costly redesigns. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then passed SB 1200 with a due pass recommendation by a 6-3 vote. The committee then considered SB 1419, which would tighten consumer protections for residential rooftop solar sales and installations by adding disclosure, inspection, and contractor-responsibility requirements. County and solar-industry witnesses said the bill was the product of a lengthy stakeholder process and was intended to address misleading sales practices and roof-damage concerns, while noting additional floor amendments were still expected. The committee adopted the Griffin amendment and passed SB 1419 with a due pass recommendation by a 6-1 vote, with two members voting present. SB 1447, which extends certain groundwater withdrawal fee exemptions and fund deadlines in the Pinal Active Management Area, was supported by irrigation and municipal water users as a needed bridge for infrastructure and conservation efforts amid Colorado River uncertainty; it passed 7-1. SB 1560, increasing the maximum single loan from the water supply development revolving fund from $3 million to $20 million, was backed by WIFA as necessary to meet larger rural water project needs; it passed 8-1. Finally, the committee heard SCM 1004, a memorial asking Congress to clearly define the EPA’s powers and duties. One speaker opposed it as unnecessary, but the memorial was approved on a 6-2 vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• guardianship seems like that's probably a lot more likely in Oklahoma County than it might be in some of the rural
• With other parts, not just rural but also urban communities. Thank you for the question.
• So, Is there a fine associated with this, or what is a prosecution look like?
• Well, there would be a prosecution. You know, we could arrest them.

Bills: HB4104 , HB3722 , HB3787 , HB3700 , HB3701 , HB3310 , HB3404 , HB2964 , HB2398 , HB3024 , HB3499 , HB3278 , HB3279 , HB3645 , HB3649 , HB2293 , HB3260 , HB3176 , HB3177 , HB3114 , HB3172 , HB3322 , HB3323 , HB4248 , HB3720 , HB2210 , HB1322 , HB1937 , HB3301 , HB4107

Keywords: Oklahoma criminal law, felony classification, Class B5, Class D1, sentencing enhancement, repeat offender, domestic violence, stalking, voyeurism, peeping tom, clandestine recording, hidden camera, privacy offense, sex offender registry, Sex Offenders Registration Act, protective order violation, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• It is about building a government where equity is for all and works for every Washingtonian, rural and
• I grew up in rural America below the poverty line. I experienced homelessness at 16.
• advocate who worked extensively with the Uniform Code of Military Justice for over a decade, including prosecuting
• and defending military sexual assault cases and serving as a... ...including prosecuting and defending

Summary: The committee began by suspending the five-day notice rule for Senate Gubernatorial Appointment 9066 and then heard confirmation testimony from Megan Matthews, director of the Washington State Office of Equity. Matthews described the office’s growth, its work with agencies and communities, and efforts on data, contracting, and statewide outreach. Senator Hasegawa raised concerns about the Office of Equity’s relationship to ethnic commissions and whether it should remain internally focused, while other members praised Matthews’ statewide presence. The committee also heard confirmation testimony for Women’s Commission appointees Reedy Miu Kapade and Kiana Daniels, both of whom emphasized their experience serving women and girls and their commitment to the commission’s work; both appointments were noted as coming up for a vote the following week. The committee then heard House Bill 2309, which would prohibit the civil service classification plan from requiring a postgraduate degree as the only way to show qualifications unless required by law. Supporters, including the sponsor, OFM, and public witnesses, said the bill would remove barriers to state employment and broaden applicant pools. House Bill 2249 would add certain Washington Technology Solutions network and security systems employees to civil service coverage; the sponsor said it would resolve a narrow inequity affecting about 20 workers, while WOTEC said it needed flexibility to recruit and retain technical talent and asked to be involved in further changes. Substitute House Bill 2411 would expand shared leave to employees affected by hate crimes or immigration enforcement actions involving themselves or family members; supporters cited a state worker detained at the border and said the bill would help employees through extraordinary hardships, while opponents warned about abuse and objected to extending benefits in immigration-related cases. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916, dealing with voter registration challenges and list maintenance, drew strong support from voting-rights groups and county election officials who said it would curb mass, bad-faith challenges and protect eligible voters, especially naturalized citizens, students, military members, and voters of color. The Secretary of State’s office and county auditors also raised concerns about ambiguity in parts of the bill, including who may challenge registrations and how deceased voters are removed from the rolls. House Bill 2417 would add a victim’s bill of rights to the Washington Code of Military Justice, aligning state military justice with federal protections; the Military Department and veterans advocates supported it as a consistency and fairness measure. Finally, the committee took executive action on Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1541, which changes the membership and selection criteria for the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, and advanced it to the Rules Committee on a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Prosecution and the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at the Department of Homeland Security
• Will you work to ensure that small businesses in rural states, and a number of us are from rural states
• But there's also an element where the over... reach in the power of prosecution, the power of law enforcement

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Keywords: Customs and Border Protection, Rodney Scott, border security, asylum, transparency, Hernandez Rojas, migrant treatment, public testimony

Summary: The meeting centered on the nomination of Rodney Scott to serve as the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Throughout the session, various senators expressed concerns regarding CBP's recent practices, including issues related to border security and the treatment of migrants. Questions were raised about Scott's involvement in previous incidents, particularly surrounding the controversial death of Mr. Hernandez Rojas while in custody, which sparked a heated discussion about accountability and transparency in current border policies. Senators emphasized the importance of balancing efficient border security with humane treatment of individuals seeking asylum.

Transcript Highlights:

• rural rural oncologists<00:21:42.080><c> to</c><00:21:42.240><c> address</c><00:21:42.600><c> the</c
• </c> rural hospitals. rural hospitals.
• support to rural hospitals, uh rural<00:32:21.920><c> communi-</c> rural communi- rural communi- communities
• </c> doing a great job in both prosecuting doing a great job in both prosecuting and<04:09:54.960><c>
• </c><04:47:43.200><c> Scott</c> Like a lot of places in rural Scott Like a lot of places in rural Scott

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we're big, correct, and correct, so sometimes this type of care needs to be stretched out in very rural
• we're big, correct, and correct, so sometimes this type of care needs to be stretched out in very rural
• we're big, correct, and correct, so sometimes this type of care needs to be stretched out in very rural
• All right, so we had in opposition the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.
• attorney's office ability to prosecuting attorney's office ability to pay<01:15:16.920><c> processes

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to housing, homelessness, caregiving, and tax relief. On HB 431, which appropriates funds for the CAL initiative and HHFDC, the Department of Human Services supported the bill and noted the Governor’s request for $50 million per year for HMS, the need for more permanent supportive housing, and a technical issue with establishing a special fund in session law. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions strongly supported the measure, describing it as unprecedented funding for CAL projects and linking it to goals of reducing homelessness and expanding housing inventory. Catholic Charities Hawaii, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition also supported the bill, emphasizing permanent supportive housing, diversion from jail, and public safety benefits. The chair redirected one testifier to stay on the measure when testimony drifted to another program. Written support was also noted from several organizations and agencies. The committee then heard HB 225 on squatting. DHS said it appreciated the intent and deferred to the Attorney General and task force members, while noting that outreach on public lands differs from private land, where owner consent is required. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill and wanted a voice in finding a solution. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions also said it supported the intent, while opposition from the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands and support from one individual were noted. For HB 280, which would make the community outreach court permanent and appropriate funds, the Judiciary strongly supported the bill, describing the court as a mobile, community-based program serving vulnerable populations and connecting participants to services. The Office of the Public Defender also supported the measure, saying the program has helped people move off the streets and into stable housing and that permanent funding would allow expansion. Written support from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition was noted. The committee then moved to HB 71, creating a refundable family caregiver tax credit, where the Department of Taxation provided comments, the Executive Office on Aging and AARP Hawaii supported the measure, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about duplication with an existing dependent care credit and the lack of incentives for cost control. The committee next heard HB 753, which would increase the applicable percentage for the household and dependent care services tax credit. Support came from the Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, and Hawaii Children’s Action Network, while the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and administration but noted the bill adds guardrails against abuse. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> and</c><00:10:34.880><c> farm</c> funded rural mental health and farm funded rural mental health
• </c> rural areas. rural areas. um<00:48:26.160><c> they're</c><00:48:26.480><c> going</c><00:48:26.559
• It's not going to get prosecuted.
• </c> attorney is not prosecuting attorney is not prosecuting crime.<01:05:44.559><c> Some</c><01:05:44.799
• With this closure of prosecuted.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rural Infrastructure Improvement Fund.
• Uh, this language cancels Rural Infrastructure Improvement Fund pool replacement contracts on June 30
• Page 74, Rural Health Transformation Fund. Page 74, Rural Health Transformation Fund.
• </c><01:25:23.960><c> attorneys</c><01:25:24.920><c> and</c> with the prosecuting attorneys and with
• the prosecuting attorneys and someone<01:25:25.880><c> took</c><01:25:26.040><c> that</c><01:25:26.240

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Free Conference Committee on the 2026 General Assembly budget met to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of House Bill 500. Leaders opened by thanking the other chamber’s work, asking members to turn microphones on and off to avoid feedback, and stressing the need to clearly note decision points so both chambers record the same actions. Staff then walked through the bill page by page, explaining that the committee was comparing only House and Senate differences, not the governor’s proposed budget. The discussion covered a wide range of appropriations and language items, including next generation non-911 services, school safety reporting tools, restored funding for brain injury, epilepsy, veteran service, homeless veterans, and rocket docket programs, debt service changes, rural infrastructure, disaster aid caps, Attorney General and Medicaid fraud funding, agriculture and county fair grants, auditor and pension-related appropriations, school facilities and SEEK funding, and numerous education programs. Members also discussed charter-related funding such as Star Academy, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, school resource officers, school-based mental health providers, AP/IB exams, Governor’s Scholars and Entrepreneurs, and several pilot or initiative programs in economic development, energy, and labor. Several items were described as technical corrections or restorations of language and funding, while others reflected differences in amounts or how funds would be distributed. There were several questions and comments from members about wording such as “implement and carry out,” the absence of the governor’s budget from the comparison document, and whether SEEK funding should be tied to teacher raises. The chair and other members emphasized that the committee’s role was to reconcile the two chambers’ budgets, not to adopt the governor’s proposal. Members also raised concerns about opioid settlement funds and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library match rate, with one senator urging restoration of the House language. No final vote or formal action was taken in the portion provided; the meeting primarily consisted of explanation, questions, and discussion of proposed budget differences.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm asking you today to join me in the fight for a rural renaissance in Florida.
• I'm asking you today to join me in the fight for a rural renaissance in Florida.
• Never forget about the rural communities. So thank you for your leadership.
• Never forget about the rural communities. So thank you for your leadership.
• It was one of those rural communities.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy girls basketball team and a Florida State University student intern. The chamber then turned to executive appointment confirmations reported by the Committee on Ethics and Elections and other reference committees under Rule 12.7, with Chair Don Gates explaining that the committee had reviewed the qualifications and suitability of the nominees and held public hearings where required. Members debated several confirmations at length. The report containing 186 appointments was adopted 31-0 after Senator Polsky explained her no votes on three nominees, citing concerns about past comments and ideological views. The Senate then confirmed Jeffrey Aaron to the Public Employee Relations Commission by a 26-10 vote after sharp debate over his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations tied to the diversion of Medicaid settlement funds; supporters argued he was a competent lawyer and no formal action had been taken against him. Chavon Harris was confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration by a 32-5 vote, with supporters praising her work on Medicaid funding and opponents criticizing her prior leadership at DCF and the Hope Florida-related issues. Taylor Hatch was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families by a 33-4 vote, despite concerns raised about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and DCF’s handling of Hope Florida; supporters emphasized her commitment to reform and the difficulty of the agency’s mission. After a brief recess, the Senate held a lengthy recognition of outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered personal tributes focused on her leadership, toughness, humor, mentorship, and support for colleagues, especially women in the chamber. Several speakers also referenced her handling of difficult bills, her post-presidency service as Rules Chair, and her resilience after personal loss. No further legislative action was taken during the recognition segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Uh, it could be our office, but it would not be the enforcement division that's prosecuting the
• </c> obligation on the disclosing prosecuting obligation on the disclosing prosecuting authority<01:20
• ><c> uh</c><01:20:56.680><c> provides</c> by prosecuting authority uh provides by prosecuting authority
• In our rural communities, a 20% reduction doesn't just mean fewer services.
• ><c> a</c><01:39:24.200><c> 20%</c> In our rural communities, a 20% In our rural communities, a 20% reduction

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program that brings services directly to veterans where they live, including our most vulnerable and rural
• I grew up on a little rural farm out in the middle of nowhere.
• Really get those veterans that are stuck in those more rural communities. One's hard to reach.
• And the fact that you counter that with the services that are needed for more rural veterans or veterans
• In Taft, a small rural community about 25 miles from Bakersfield, a veteran was targeted by a claim shark

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the role of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s support for them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, education benefits, survivor benefits, housing, health care, and other wraparound services. Testimony highlighted the return on investment from CVSO work, with witnesses citing hundreds of millions in new federal benefits secured for California veterans and arguing that current state funding is too low relative to the workload and need. County representatives from Nevada, Los Angeles, and San Luis Obispo described local models of service. Los Angeles County highlighted a “no wrong door” approach, peer navigators, suicide review work, justice-involved veteran services, and homelessness coordination, while San Luis Obispo described rural outreach, mental health partnerships, and high suicide rates in its county. Nevada County stressed that smaller counties can be disadvantaged by workload-based formulas and that additional funding would expand access, especially in rural areas. Several witnesses said veterans often need more than claims help and should be connected to mental health, employment, food, and family supports. Much of the discussion centered on predatory claims consultants, which witnesses said charge veterans for services that accredited CVSOs provide free. Members and witnesses described cases involving requests for VA and banking logins, misleading advertising, and contracts that can take a percentage of veterans’ benefits. Committee members expressed support for legislation to curb these practices and for increased funding for CVSOs, including the Legislature’s intent to fund 50% of county veterans’ services operations. A CalVet deputy secretary also testified that California’s accreditation and training system improves claim quality and appeal outcomes, and that CalVet works with CVSOs through training, district offices, and appeals representation.

Transcript Highlights:

• a state of emergency that activates price-gouging protections and allows the Attorney General to prosecute
• You know, I, as a criminal practitioner myself, prosecuted cases dealing with digital evidence.
• I think this does feel like I prosecuted cases dealing with digital evidence.
• say, 'We can't prosecute the car thief beyond a reasonable doubt, but we believe your car is stolen.
• As the only person on this dais, at least to my knowledge, who was actually prosecuted cases, my job

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are the ones that represent the rural areas. K-12 education?
• And rate enhancements, we cut it from rural districts in child care deserts. And so, Mr.
• We are the ones that represent the rural areas. K-12 education is... K-12 education?
• And rate enhancements, we cut it from rural districts in child care deserts. And so, Mr.
• And rate enhancements, we cut it from rural districts in child care deserts. And so, Mr.

Bills: HB2289

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care