Transcript Highlights:

• > October<01:14:09.600> 15th<01:14:10.000> of<01:14:10.239> 2024.
• <01:14:10.880> So program started October 15th of 2024.
• > half<01:14:13.840> months<01:14:14.400> of<01:14:14.719> this<01:14:14.960
• And<01:14:16.000> here's<01:14:16.320> what<01:14:16.480> we're<01:14:16.640>
• :14:47.840> as<01:14:48.080> in<01:14:48.239> tune.

Keywords: 0:00:04 Call to Order 0:00:50 Dept for Public Advocacy 0:51:31 Life Learning Center 1:21:06 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary heard testimony from the Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) on attorney compensation and alternatives to incarceration. Because the committee lacked a quorum, the chair skipped formal roll call and minutes approval, then invited DPA Public Advocate Damon Preston, Deputy Public Advocate Melanie Lowe, and alternative sentencing worker Cena/Tina Mills to present. Preston said DPA is fully state-funded, has 698 funded positions, and was near full staffing with 673 filled positions and 42 new law graduates expected to join in August. He argued that DPA’s resources lag behind those of prosecutors, noting that local prosecutorial offices receive substantially more total funding and have additional revenue sources beyond the state budget. Preston focused on salary disparities and turnover. He said DPA trial-office attorneys total about $26 million in salaries, compared with about $41.9 million for prosecutors on publicly listed state funding, and estimated that more than 100 additional prosecutors are paid through other sources, bringing total prosecutor compensation to a little over $50 million versus DPA’s $26 million. He said starting DPA attorney pay is $58,200, experienced attorney pay averages about $73,000, and that these levels are too low given law school debt and the state’s constitutional obligation to provide defense counsel. He also said DPA attorney turnover is about 20%, median service time before separation was 15 months in 2024, and exit interviews often cite salary as the main reason for leaving. He gave examples of former DPA attorneys moving to prosecutor offices for raises ranging from 12% to 50%. Committee members asked about how often defendants are represented by private counsel versus DPA and how that affects workload. Preston said a 2017 study found about 50% of misdemeanor cases and about 75% of circuit court cases were handled by DPA, with DPA handling most of the most labor-intensive cases. He said DPA will step aside when a defendant hires private counsel or is found ineligible, and he acknowledged the system historically erred by denying counsel in some cases, though he said the current concern is whether DPA is now appointed too broadly. Members requested updated trend data on appointments over the past decade. Preston also described DPA’s pay scale and said the agency’s compensation structure makes retention difficult. Mills then described DPA’s alternative sentencing worker program, which she said has operated for about 20 years and has received national recognition. She shared a case example involving a client named Patrick, who faced a prison sentence on a possession charge and was referred to a horse-based treatment and certification program in Shelbyville. She said the client wanted treatment and a fresh start, a bed became available, and she and the client’s attorney presented an alternative sentencing plan to the court. The presentation was interrupted briefly by a technical issue, but the testimony continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:05.440> wife<00:14:05.760> Jane<00:14:06.280> are<00:14:06.440> no
• <00:14:20.160> been<00:14:20.400> here<00:14:20.600> for<00:14:20.760> a<
• <00:14:23.720> My<00:14:23.880> dad<00:14:24.320> was<00:14:24.480> the
• resident<00:14:40.640> and<00:14:40.800> is<00:14:40.920> the<00:14:41.040>
• :14:55.640> I<00:14:55.760> know,<00:14:56.560> Bowden,<00:14:57.320> Caleb,<

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reflection on Nowruz, the Persian New Year, emphasizing renewal, spring, and the challenges facing Iranian families amid conflict. The speaker connected the holiday’s themes of hope and responsibility to Vermont and democracy, then the chamber moved to routine business, including first readings and referrals of five House bills: H.945 on hemp products, H.946 on utility advertising and costs in rental agreements, H.947 on a residential universal design building code, H.948 on membership of the Retired Employees Committee on Insurance, and H.949 on homestead and non-homestead property tax yields and technical education finance changes. Three Senate bills were also read and referred: S.189 on hospital service reductions, S.203 on penalties for repeat DUI offenses, and S.313 on transforming Vermont’s career technical education system. The House also recognized several guests and announcements, including family members of members, airport employees, a UVM student intern, and visitors from Brazil. A House concurrent resolution, HCR 168, was read and congratulated Girl Scout Troop 60336 of Milton on earning the Bronze Award for a community garden project that improved accessibility through rain barrels and raised beds. The resolution highlighted the troop’s leadership and the role of its co-leaders, and the chamber applauded the guests in attendance. The main floor action centered on House Bill 642, relating to youthful offender proceedings, where Representative Booton of Barre City offered an amendment to stop the scheduled expansion of Raise the Age to 20-year-olds. Supporters argued the change would preserve current treatment of 18-year-olds while preventing an automatic expansion they said could strain the system and raise public safety concerns; opponents, including the Judiciary Committee, urged waiting for required Department for Children and Families reports due in 2026 before making changes. After debate, a roll call vote was taken on the amendment, with members calling the roll as the vote proceeded.

Transcript Highlights:

• The remaining three Republican districts, which are 6, 14, and 36, remain strong.
• It takes a portion of Zoria from CD 14.
• The CD 14 Republican political performance remains very strong at 61%.
• I can give you 14 other reasons why. Maybe the other side was wrong.
• Nine, 14, 17, 18, 22, 29, 36, 38. Okay, last question, I promise.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• because the assessors<00:14:10.519> want<00:14:10.800> to<00:14:10.959> be<00:14
• > than<00:14:21.120> might<00:14:21.440> otherwise<00:14:21.920> be<00:14
• <00:14:57.000> Dr<00:14:58.000> assesses<00:14:58.399> the<00:14:58.560>
• of that<00:14:59.079> that<00:14:59.199> plant<00:14:59.480> at<00:14:59.639>
• :14:58.280> me<05:14:58.878> I<05:14:59.000> went<05:14:59.160> and<05:14

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:03.519> And<00:14:04.800> it's<00:14:05.120> it's<00:14:05.519> my
• > the<00:14:11.440> growing<00:14:11.839> of<00:14:12.000> of<00:14:12.480><
• > side<00:14:17.519> or<00:14:17.920> other<00:14:18.240> folks<00:14:18.720
• So again,<00:14:21.120> that's<00:14:21.360> an<00:14:21.600> area<00:14:21.760>
• :14:26.959> but<00:14:27.279> that<00:14:27.920> that's<00:14:28.320> one

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Turning to slide six, in October, the LFC subcommittee had an off-cycle meeting to dive a little bit
• We had a status conference in October. and in December.
• In October and November of this year, we reached 100% of required wild child checks for all children
• look at them in juvenile justice or something some of your versions in juvenile justice in 2024 were 14
• We have 14 projects that have been selected across nine counties. totaling 1,300 new slots, of which

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<01:14:42.200> and<01:14:42.360> I<01:14:42.440> hope<01:14:42.720> that
• > will<01:14:43.080> join<01:14:43.320> me<01:14:43.440> in<01:14:43.560>
• >> The<01:14:46.320> question<01:14:46.840> is,<01:14:47.240> shall<01:14:
• Are<01:14:53.760> you<01:14:53.920> ready<01:14:54.160> for<01:14:54.280> the
• <02:14:05.360> or<02:14:06.160> to<02:14:06.320> provide<02:14:07.040> to

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House resumed consideration of H.606 on firearm procedures and first took up Section 3 and its effective dates. A member from Northfield spoke at length in support, arguing the provision is narrowly tailored, based on actual dangerousness rather than mental illness alone, and is more limited than federal law because it applies only to specific court findings and is temporary, with rights restorable upon recovery. The House then approved Section 3 and its effective dates, approved the remainder of the Judiciary Committee report, and ordered third reading. The chamber then moved through third readings and passed H.385 on remedies and protections for victims of coerced debt, H.556 on exceptions to the state minimum wage, H.559 on the parole board, H.723 on posting of land, and H.757 on manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives. On H.814, relating to neurological rights and AI in health and human services, the House adopted an amendment offered by the member from Burlington that required the advisory council to include proposed definitions for neurotechnology, artificial intelligence, and related terms in its report; the House Health Care Committee reported the amendment favorable 11-0-0, and the bill then passed. H.816, regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of mental health services, also passed, as did H.927, technical corrections for the 2026 session. The House then took up H.930 on chronic absenteeism. The committee member from Manchester described the bill as an AOE proposal responding to high post-pandemic absenteeism rates and their impact on learning, and outlined provisions adding definitions, updating compulsory attendance language, requiring a state model policy, strengthening notification and truancy procedures, and preserving existing penalties. The member said the Education Committee heard from a wide range of education and child welfare witnesses and passed the bill 11-0. After a brief clarification on the absences section, the House proceeded toward third reading of H.930.

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:39.000> the<00:14:39.120> chair yes 133<00:14:50.880> 11<00:14:51.519> to
• <00:14:52.519> I 133 11 to I 133 11 to I got<00:14:54.720> I<00:14:54.839> got
• c><00:14:55.480> I<00:14:55.560> heard<00:14:55.800> 13<00:14:56.199> to3
• <00:14:56.720> I<00:14:56.800> heard<00:14:56.959> 13<00:14:57.240> to got
• /c><00:14:57.759> you<00:14:57.880> want<00:14:58.000> to<00:14:59.360> I

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with housekeeping about report deadlines and bill scheduling, noting that reports should be submitted as soon as possible, ideally by Friday night, so they can be reviewed and filed on time. The chair explained the process for Democratic and Republican reports, reviewed the timing sheet for early bills, and said the committee was trying to stay on schedule to avoid hearings during vacation week. He also shared his contact information for questions. The committee then moved into executive session on 10 bills. On HB 13, relative to OHRV operation on certain highways in Windsor, the committee voted unanimously to retain the bill after the prime sponsor asked that it be held for possible local action. On HB 127, extending the closing date of OHRV trails on the Connecticut River headquarters property from September 30 to Columbus Day, members debated economic benefits for Pittsburgh versus concerns about local control, conservation easements, and hunting impacts. The committee voted 11-5 ought to pass; the chair noted it would not go on consent and would have a fiscal note. On HB 174, increasing the maximum weight of a utility terrain vehicle to 3,500 pounds unladen dry weight, supporters argued the change could help accommodate electric vehicles and heavier equipment, while opponents raised concerns about undefined terms, enforcement, private landowner rights, and unintended consequences. The committee voted 8-7 ought to pass. On HB 203, requiring C-COT approved personal flotation devices while on New Hampshire state waters, the committee heard a split between members who emphasized personal responsibility and those who said the bill would improve safety and education and could reduce drowning deaths. The motion to ITL failed 11-5, meaning the committee rejected the motion to kill the bill and advanced it instead. The transcript then moved on to HB 332, allowing for the establishment of a village district, but the discussion of that bill was not included in the provided excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Chairman<00:14:49.760> Andrew.<00:14:50.480> I. >> Chairman Andrew. I.
• >> Mr.<00:14:52.399> Chairman,<00:14:52.959> you<00:14:53.279> have<00:14:
• 53.920> seven<00:14:54.399> eyes<00:14:54.720> and >> Mr.
• >> Thank<00:14:57.680> you.
• <00:14:57.839> The<00:14:58.079> bill<00:14:58.240> passes<00:14:58.639>

Bills: HB0076, HB0102, HB0115

Keywords: annexation, landowner rights, municipal law, city planning, property, local government, artificial intelligence, synthetic sexual material, child protection, self-harm, criminal liability, cardiac emergency, defibrillator, school safety, training, public health, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The special master held a hearing on this matter back in October and reported the case favorably.
• At this time, we will go back to Tab 1, and we will take up Senate Bill 14 related to relief of Jose
• Senate Bill 14 is a settled claims bill for the relief of Jose Correa for injuries sustained due to the
• Senator Rodriguez having waived close, Lisa, please call the roll on Senate Bill 14.
• By your vote, Senate Bill 14 will be reported favorably.

Bills: S0014, S0016, S0024, S0208, S0762

Keywords: negligence, settlement, police conduct, municipal liability, personal injury, compensation, injuries, Miami-Dade County, land use, development regulations, local government, application fees, affordable housing, zoning, residential construction, criminal defense, legal representation, death penalty, indigent defense, regional counsel

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 762, which was amended by a strike-all to remove a one-year sunset and delete a reporting requirement to the Legislature. The bill would allow offices of criminal conflict and civil regional counsel to take on certain capital cases from outside their region on an optional basis, with supporters saying it could save money and use existing in-house death penalty expertise. After testimony from Senator Martin and the Second Region’s regional counsel, the committee reported CS/SB 762 favorably. The committee also considered three local claims bills. SB 16, relating to relief for Heriberto A. Sanchez Mayan by the City of St. Petersburg, described severe injuries allegedly caused during an arrest and transport; the claimant’s counsel supported the bill, while President Gaetz spoke against the claims-bill process generally and voted no. The bill passed 9-1 and was reported favorably. SB 14, for Jose Correa against Miami-Dade County, involved injuries from a bus-pedestrian collision and was supported by the claimant and county; it passed 9-1 and was reported favorably. SB 24, for Lourdes and Edward Latour against Miami-Dade County, was an uncontested $500,000 settlement bill and passed unanimously. Finally, the committee took up SB 208 on land use and development regulations. A late-filed strike-all amendment, described as a negotiated compromise, would make development application fees transparent and cost-based, tie them to direct and reasonable indirect review costs, and set subjective compatibility standards for residential projects, with carve-outs for PUDs, master planned communities, and historic districts. Multiple local government, planning, environmental, and business groups appeared in support. The amendment was adopted, and the committee then reported CS/SB 208 favorably on a 10-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• 14:05.399> K<00:14:05.920> Ohana<00:14:06.920> and<00:14:07.279> the<00:14
• :08.040> do<00:14:08.639> dhhl<00:14:09.480> dlnr<00:14:10.079> and<00:14
• c><00:14:13.160> uh<00:14:13.360> K<00:14:13.639> wano<00:14:14.199> has<
• :33.360> um<00:14:34.360> anyway<00:14:34.759> I<00:14:34.920> just<00:14
• <00:14:38.279> support<00:14:38.800> if<00:14:38.959> it<00:14:39.120> moves<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on SB 1221 and SB 1222, both relating to storm water management and detention/retention ponds. Testifiers, including the Department of Health, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, and a family member affected by a drowning death in a poorly maintained detention pond, strongly supported stronger statewide safety standards, inspections, and maintenance requirements. Several speakers urged that the bills be combined or aligned so they would cover both existing and future ponds, and there was discussion about whether responsibility should remain with DOH or be shifted to DLNR, which members said has more relevant expertise. The committee ultimately amended SB 1221 to move responsibilities from DOH to DLNR, add two positions, and include existing ponds, then passed SB 1221 with amendments. SB 1222 was deferred. The committees also heard SB 1432, concerning changes to the Department of Health’s responsibilities related to Kalaupapa as the patient population declines. DOH testified in support, saying the bill begins the conversation about future responsibilities after there are no longer patients at Kalaupapa. Testimony from K
4dhana O Kalaupapa, descendants, and community members emphasized that the affected community and other stakeholders should be included in planning, and several speakers asked for more detail on the state’s transition plan, financial responsibilities, and preservation of the site’s cultural and historical significance. Members discussed the need for a coordinated plan among DOH, DLNR, and DHHL, and asked for more detailed cost information and a clearer roadmap. The committee passed SB 1432 with amendments, including stakeholder consultation language and a requirement for a state plan and financial details to be reported back. Later, the committees heard SB 1339, which would create a program to characterize statewide carbon sequestration potential and underground water resources. DBEDT and the Chief Energy Officer testified in support, describing it as part of a broader coordinated effort involving DHHL, DBEDT, the University of Hawaii, and the Energy Office to advance geothermal and related research. No vote or final action on SB 1339 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• -5 on both sides of the river, as well as connected down to Hayden Island and connected into the SR-14
• does again include a new bridge over the Columbia River, the connections to I-5, Hayden Island, and SR-14
• That would be followed by a request for proposals this fall in October.
• the multiple times we said replacement bridge, connection to I-5, connections to Hayden Island, SR-14
• the multiple times we said replacement bridge, connection to I-5, connections to Hayden Island, SR-14

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well,<00:14:15.960> if<00:14:16.080> you<00:14:16.160> have<00:14:16.320> behaviors
• And<00:14:26.040> I<00:14:26.120> can<00:14:26.280> see<00:14:26.400> you're<
• <00:14:28.120> just<00:14:28.280> go<00:14:28.400> to<00:14:28.480> the
• So,<01:14:06.040> when<01:14:06.200> we<01:14:06.400> listened<01:14:07.080>
• Our<01:14:52.400> decisions,<01:14:53.160> they<01:14:53.360> have<01:14:54.040>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 3732, the Department of Employment and Economic Development appropriations bill, was presented as a package of budget and policy changes from the Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee. The author described it as a set of practical fixes, including changes to reporting requirements, repealing unused programs, recommendations from a Governor’s Workforce Development Board subcommittee on direct appropriations, and creation of an Office of Community Investment within DEED. Members also noted the bill had been revised after earlier floor debate and included a modified version of a previously contentious proposal. The first major floor debate centered on Amendment A12, offered by Representative Zeleznikar, which would create an exemption from meal and break requirements for certain 24-hour care settings such as disability group homes and home care. Supporters argued the current break law does not fit the realities of one-on-one or overnight care and could force providers into unsafe or impractical staffing models. Opponents, including Representatives Johnson and Pinto, said the amendment would weaken or repeal worker break protections and remove clear standards and remedies. After debate, the House took a roll call and the amendment failed on a 67-67 tie. A second amendment, A13 by Representative Tabke, proposed a $150,000 state aviation fund-backed loan fund to help TSA and other airport workers who had gone without pay during a federal shutdown, by backstopping bank loans for affected families. Tabke framed it as worker relief tied to the aviation system, while Representative Niska argued it was not a serious proposal, had not been vetted, and unfairly used state money to address a federal dispute. Debate on the amendment became highly partisan and included a point of order over personalities in debate before the Speaker ruled the point well taken and returned discussion to the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• remind you that we are up against the deadline to authorize a brand new Alzheimer's State Plan by October
• And so authorize a brand new Alzheimer's State Plan by October.
• Alzheimer's disease, and if we do not get ahead of the disease curve by 2050, that number will look closer to 14

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, welcome to the March 14 meeting of the Senate Labor Committee. Ms.
• So as recently as October of 2025, we now have a four-page form for the disputed claim for compensation
• In reference to the new 1008 form that came out in October of 2025, there was a committee that was tasked

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, welcome to the March 14 meeting of the Senate Labor Committee. Ms.
• So as recently as October of 2025, we now have a four-page form for the disputed claim for compensation
• In reference to the new 1008 form that came out in October of 2025, there was a committee that was tasked

Summary: The Senate Labor Committee met on March 14 and adopted the prior minutes. It voluntarily deferred Senate Bill 358, which would have addressed workers’ compensation coverage for independent contractors and sole-proprietor subcontractors. Senator Abraham said the bill would instead be studied to determine whether such workers should be able to buy occupational accident coverage or be required to carry workers’ compensation coverage, particularly where no employees are involved. The committee then heard House Bill 456, which would expand and clarify workers’ compensation petition requirements and broaden employers’ and payers’ ability to file disputed claims beyond fraud and medical-director appeals to other disputes under the chapter. The bill drew strong support from business groups and strong opposition from injured-worker attorneys, who argued it would revive problems seen in 2012 when employers could sue injured workers without a ripe dispute, burden unrepresented claimants, and increase litigation and administrative costs. Supporters said it would improve access to the courts and help employers investigate questionable claims. After debate, the committee voted 5-1 to report HB 456 favorably, with Senator Barrow voting no. The committee also heard House Bill 549, which creates the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program, or Bayou Works, a proposed statewide workforce training grant program aimed at helping employers quickly train workers for specific skill needs. The sponsor and Louisiana Workforce Commission representatives said it would be privately funded, modeled on Michigan’s “Going Pro” program, and coordinated with technical colleges, apprenticeships, internships, and other workforce partners. Members asked about statewide reach, youth pipeline efforts, and timing; the department said implementation would likely begin later next year. The committee reported HB 549 favorably by unanimous consent and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• mentioned it, but we just opened applications for the newest housing program for the 2023-24 storms on October
• safeguarded during emergencies from water disruptions if their 127-mile transmission pipeline is damaged. [00:14
• On October 6th, we opened the application portal for the 2023-24 Storms Housing Program.

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum and heard two bills, a confirmation, and two agency presentations. SB 48 by Senator Gates would require local governments to allow voluntary accessory dwelling units, preserve homestead exemption for the owner-occupied portion, limit parking restrictions, require 30-day minimum leases, extend density bonuses for military-family housing, and allow reusable tenant screening reports. The bill drew strong support from the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals and several others, and it was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call. SB 34 by Senator Sharief would expand the Historic Cemetery Program, particularly to help historic African-American cemeteries preserve and maintain themselves by allowing sale of excess vacant land only if proceeds are used for long-term upkeep; it also passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of Fox Henderson to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors by unanimous vote. In addition, the Department of Commerce presented on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and Rebuild Florida, describing more than $4.3 billion in HUD disaster recovery funds since 2017, housing repair and replacement efforts that have completed more than 5,200 homes, and infrastructure and mitigation projects across the state. Members asked about average project costs, contractor oversight, corrective actions for deficient work, and clawbacks from a prior vendor; Commerce said it had ended the earlier vendor relationship, imposed about $3.6 million in financial consequences, and now uses stronger oversight and competitive procurement for contractors. The Division of Emergency Management then presented on Elevate Florida, a federal mitigation program that allows homeowners to apply directly for elevation, reconstruction, acquisition, or wind-mitigation projects, with a 75/25 federal-homeowner cost share and no state funds used. Director Kevin Guthrie said the program is intended to reduce repetitive flood losses, keep homeowners in their communities, and serve as a national model; he reported more than 12,000 applications, about 1,500 prioritized for review, 500 on a wait list, and 305 submitted to FEMA for final approval. Members asked about assistance for seniors who cannot meet the 25% match, the wait-list process, contractor selection, and the mix of project types, and Guthrie said contractors were selected through competitive procurement and that most projects are elevations, though some may become reconstructions or acquisitions depending on inspection results. The committee adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• following committees to notice bills pending re-referral: Governmental Organization Committee to notice SB 14
• which establishes... ...to present Assembly Concurrent Resolution 1, which establishes Ginseng Day on October
• As a proud joint author, I want to rise in support of ACR 1, which recognizes October 23rd, 2025, and

Summary: The Assembly convened without a quorum, completed the roll call, and then proceeded with the day’s business after a prayer, pledge, and a moment of silence for victims of the Texas flooding. Procedural motions suspended several rules to allow committee notices, guest seating, and the withdrawal of AB 898 back to the Senate. Members also made several guest introductions, including family members, interns, and scouting troop visitors. On the floor, AB 1416 by Assembly Member Ta, a taxation bill, was concurred in with Senate technical amendments by a 60-0 vote. ACR 1, designating October 23 as Korean Ginseng Day, was adopted by voice vote after supportive remarks highlighting Korean culture and the health benefits of ginseng; 62 coauthors were added without objection. The Assembly also heard SB 119, the budget-related human services trailer bill, with extensive debate over CalWORKs, CalFresh, child welfare reporting, and housing/homelessness programs. Supporters framed it as a needed anti-poverty and safety-net measure, while opponents criticized it as expanding dependency and failing to address fraud and work requirements. SB 119 passed on a 54-11 vote. The second-day consent calendar, including AJR 16 on the Tijuana River, was adopted 71-0, and the remaining consent items AJR 15 and SB 765 were also adopted 71-0. The session concluded with adjournments in memory of Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, followed by announcements of upcoming committee hearings and the next floor session before adjournment until July 10 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• good<01:14:27.280> morning<01:14:28.360> welcome<01:14:29.360> Madame<01:14:29.639
• :14:41.159> the<01:14:41.280> state<01:14:41.600> offered<01:14:42.040> more<
• 14:48.320> so<01:14:48.600> it's<01:14:48.719> an<01:14:48.840> old into
• <01:14:50.239> they<01:14:50.360> do<01:14:50.520> or<01:14:50.679> not
• you<01:14:53.000> um<01:14:53.320> a<01:14:53.480> review<01:14:53.800><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, the events that I'm talking about, Golden Sky, Aftershock, Iron Man, they all happen in October
• You know, the events that I'm talking about, Golden Sky, Aftershock, Iron Man, they all happen in October
• I don't know what those numbers are yet because the festival doesn't happen until October, but what we're
• I don't know what those numbers are yet because the festival doesn't happen until October, but what we're
• COVID forced us to close for 14 months.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism held an informational hearing on the state of California tourism amid declining international visitation and broader economic and political headwinds. Visit California CEO Caroline Betetta said the industry remains a major economic driver, with 2024 visitor spending of $157 billion, 1.2 million jobs supported, and $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue, but warned that 2025 forecasts show the first post-pandemic decline in visitation, driven largely by a projected 9.2% drop in international travel. She cited concerns about the strong dollar, visa wait times, border and immigration rhetoric, and a proposed federal visa integrity fee, while emphasizing Visit California’s marketing campaigns and the importance of upcoming mega-events like the World Cup and 2028 Olympics. A second panel of destination leaders described local impacts and strategies. Visit Sacramento’s Mike Testa said the city has diversified beyond conventions into music festivals, sports, and food events, but noted that international apprehension is affecting events like Terra Madre Americas and that California should do more to incentivize major festivals to stay in-state. Santa Monica Travel and Tourism’s Lauren Salisbury said the city is seeing lower international visitation, especially from Canada, Australia, and Europe, and that wildfire coverage and later federal troop presence in Los Angeles hurt local sentiment and caused cancellations. Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau’s Rhonda Salisbury reported steep drops in international visitation to the gateway region, ongoing concerns about wildfire, reservations, insurance costs, and park access, and praised a new federal requirement for quarterly meetings between national parks and gateway communities. San Diego Tourism Authority COO Carrie Verbeck-Cappich said tourism is the region’s second-largest sector, but 2025 is softer than 2024, with spending down despite modest visitation growth. She pointed to weaker Canadian and Asian travel, government-related meeting cancellations, and the need for more support to bid on and host major events; she also highlighted border-crossing delays, insufficient federal staffing at ports of entry, and the Tijuana River sewage crisis as major regional issues. Committee members discussed the effects of federal rhetoric, infrastructure, and cross-border conditions on tourism, and several witnesses urged continued support for Visit California, Brand USA, event incentives, and efforts to present California as welcoming and open. Public comment then opened, beginning with testimony from the California Attractions and Parks Association.