Transcript Highlights:

• They the Department of Labor is here.
• Um, Department of Labor over the years.
• representing</c> labor department, I'm representing labor department, I'm representing either<03:24:27.439
• I'm here with John Department of Labor.
• </c><04:12:11.920><c> necessary</c> knowledge judgment and skills necessary knowledge judgment and skills

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing and then an executive session on Senate Bill 401, which DHHS described as a cleanup bill. Testimony from the department explained that the bill would repeal obsolete reporting requirements tied to a repealed municipal reimbursement program and to the now-repealed commission on demographic trends. No one testified in opposition, and the committee voted 12-0 ought to pass, placing the bill on the consent calendar. The committee then heard Senate Bill 402, which would eliminate certain non-compete agreements for physician associates going forward. Senator Gray introduced the bill, and a representative of the New Hampshire Society of Physician Associates said it would improve workforce recruitment and access to care without changing scope of practice or affecting existing agreements. Committee members asked about the length of current restrictions and whether the change would make New Hampshire more attractive to PAs. The committee voted 12-0 ought to pass and sent the bill to the consent calendar. Next, the committee took up Senate Bill 426, which would repeal the permissible fireworks committee. Senator Uler and the deputy state fire marshal said the committee’s original purpose had been overtaken by later changes adopting federal fireworks standards, and that the fire marshal now has the necessary authority. The committee voted 12-0 ought to pass and placed the bill on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 469, a DMV modernization bill allowing electronic signatures in place of wet signatures for certain motor vehicle title and registration processes. Senator Lang, Carvana, the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association, Copart, and DMV staff all supported the measure, saying it would reduce delays, errors, and paperwork burdens. Members asked about AI, consumer protections, costs, and how electronic signatures would work in practice, including in cases involving deceased owners. The transcript cuts off during that hearing before any committee action on SB 469.

Transcript Highlights:

• Shout-out to the Labor Community Strategy Center, who fought to end truancy tickets, where young people
• going on, like with myself, and not knowing how to properly manage my emotions, not having the right skills
• Father, for getting me here today to be able to talk to you all about the stories about how important labor
• And when it's labor standards and apprenticeship programs tied to it, it prioritizes the community first
• trades inside there while they're still in there so that when they get out, they already have some skills

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We increase the price to build through our labor laws.
• They're also building skills around money management, life skills, how to build community and be in healthy
• They're also building skills around money management, life skills, how to build community and be in healthy
• So as I was looking through this, it seems to me that we're talking about donations of land, labor, and
• But be... ...combinations of land, labor, and materials.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills, beginning with SB 222 by Senator Wiener, the Heat Pump Access Act. The bill would streamline permitting for heat pump water heaters and HVAC systems, allow contractors to participate remotely in inspections, cap certain permit fees, and limit HOA barriers to installations. Supporters said the measure would lower costs, reduce pollution, and speed replacements; the League of California Cities opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about the fee cap, virtual inspections, and local control. After discussion about HOA rules, panel upgrades, and statewide-concern language, the committee passed SB 222 on a do-pass motion to the Senate Local Government Committee. The committee then took up SB 677, also by Senator Wiener, which was narrowed to two cleanup changes related to SB 79: definitions for commuter rail and high-frequency commuter rail, plus a mobile home exemption issue. The author said a broader follow-up bill would be introduced later, and several local governments and counties raised implementation concerns about SB 79, transit definitions, and timing. Some groups moved from opposition to support after the amendments, while others remained concerned. The committee approved SB 677 as amended on a 10-1 vote and sent it to Local Government. Next, SB 417 by Senator Cabaldon proposed placing a $10 billion affordable housing bond on the 2026 ballot to fund affordable rental housing, supportive housing, homeownership, and preservation. Supporters emphasized that existing housing funds were exhausted, that many shovel-ready projects were waiting for financing, and that the bond would leverage federal tax credits and create jobs. Opposition was limited, with Habitat for Humanity asking for a dedicated CalHome set-aside for homeownership. Members debated state debt levels, bond financing, and the need for more affordable housing investment; the bill passed 8-1 to Appropriations. The committee also began hearing SB 492, Senator Durazo’s youth housing and youth center bond, which would fund transitional housing and services for youth up to age 25. Supporters from Covenant House California and the California Coalition for Youth described youth homelessness as a pathway that often leads to adult homelessness, and the hearing continued with testimony in favor of the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Arts programs motivate children and provide them with skills that help them succeed in school.
• Arts programs motivate children and provide them with skills that help them succeed in school.
• All of those construction costs have gone up exponentially because of labor and insurance and material
• All of those construction costs have gone up exponentially because of labor and insurance and material
• All of those construction costs have gone up exponentially because of labor and insurance and material

Bills: HB2

Keywords: disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license, volunteer management system, volunteer registration, criminal history check, background check, Texas Division of Emergency Management

Summary: The committee continued public testimony on House Bill 2, which would make major changes to public school funding, teacher pay, special education, early learning, school safety, and related programs. Many superintendents and education advocates supported the bill’s overall direction but urged changes, especially a larger basic allotment and more flexible funding for rural and small districts. Witnesses from Paint Creek, West Hardin, Cushing, Blooming Grove, Mildred, Buffalo, Plano, and rural school groups said the bill’s targeted raises and new requirements would not fully cover inflation, TRS/Medicare costs, transportation, insurance, or support staff salaries, and several asked the committee to restore the House version’s higher basic allotment and small-school allotment. Charter school representatives supported the facilities funding changes and said charter schools need state help because they cannot levy taxes, while also noting the funding gap with ISDs. Fine arts advocates asked the committee to restore the fine arts allotment, arguing arts improve engagement, attendance, and academic outcomes, especially in rural and at-risk communities. Early learning and special education witnesses supported parts of the bill but raised concerns about pre-K restrictions, disability-related pre-K access, and the need to preserve or clarify special education provisions and mental health oversight language. Several witnesses praised the teacher pay raise, teacher incentive allotment expansion, and teacher preparation investments, saying they would help recruit and retain educators and improve student outcomes. Others, including counselors and support staff advocates, argued the bill should also include raises for counselors, nurses, librarians, bus drivers, custodians, aides, and other non-teaching employees who keep schools running. One witness from the Texas Counseling Association opposed the substitute because it removed a counselor pay provision, warning of counselor shortages and inequities. A parent and special education advocate said the bill’s structure creates too many strings attached and asked for a larger basic allotment instead of more targeted funding. Another witness from Mental Health America urged keeping the collaborative task force on public school mental health services through 2031, and a disability rights advocate said the committee substitute appears to omit some special education items that were in the House version. The committee also briefly took up House Bill 6, a school discipline bill. After questions about automatic mandatory expulsion for vape possession and concerns about younger students, the committee adopted the substitute and voted to report HB 6 favorably to the full Senate by a 9-1 vote, with Senator Menendez voting no and Senators West and Menendez expressing reservations but supporting further discussion. After that vote, testimony on HB 2 resumed. Senators used the hearing to ask about the bill’s cost, the difference between the basic allotment and the bill’s targeted funding buckets, and whether the permanent teacher pay increase shifts pressure off districts. The bill’s supporters emphasized that it represents an historic, roughly $8 billion investment and that many of the new funding streams are intended to be permanent or to address specific district needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• As long as it's a game of skill, there's no house cut, and it takes place in a private place.
• To mean only direct winnings from a game of skill or luck.
• The emphasis is on skill and camaraderie, not on rapid compulsive consumption.
• They're both highly skilled and deeply respected in our industry.
• All those extra labor costs, they don't come out of thin air.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas for nearly 120 years, Oklahoma has helped thousands of club members develop life skills such
• -H has opened the door to countless opportunities I have gained, the second family, and developed skills
• Across Oklahoma, more than 13,000 4-H members are actively developing critical life skills.
• But beyond skills, 4-H builds character.
• It strengthens communities, it prefers a skilled and engaged workforce, it fosters civic engagement and

Bills: HB3834, HB3940, HB4346, HB2947, HB3257, HB3264, HB4326, HB4421, HB3944, HB3979, HB4118, SCR22, SB169, HB1047, HB2123, HB2650, HB3260, HB3403, SR41, HB3649, HB3742, HB3831, HB3996, HB4321, HB4339

Keywords: HB3834, Oklahoma Breakthrough Therapy Act, ibogaine, ibogaine-based therapeutics, ibogaine analogs, clinical trials, FDA approval, breakthrough therapy designation, opioid use disorder, substance use disorder, traumatic brain injury, mental health, neurological disorders, drug development, public-private partnership, State Department of Health, intellectual property, revolving fund, research funding, medical licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• Since virtual Education commission's work, the urgency for solutions has only grown as AI reshapes labor
• 2689 establishes a pilot program under the Texas Education Agency to help adult learners gain the skills
• industries across the state report workforce shortages in high demand fields that require specialized skills
• Low-income adults often face barriers in the workforce due to education levels and lack of skills matching
• Only 52% of Texas students currently enter kindergarten with the necessary skills to succeed.

Bills: HB117

Keywords: county regulation, impervious cover, land use, unincorporated areas, environmental management

Transcript Highlights:

• As AI reshapes labor markets, entry-level jobs will be the first ones to be... automated.
• 2689 establishes a pilot program under the Texas Education Agency to help adult learners gain the skills
• industries across the state report workforce shortages in high-demand fields that require specialized skills
• Low-income adults often face barriers in the workforce due to education levels and lack of skills matching
• Only 52% of Texas students currently enter kindergarten with the necessary skills to succeed.

Bills: HB 117, HB2196, HB2689, HCR64, HB117

Keywords: early childhood education, task force, governance, Texas Education Agency, child care, education policy, virtual education, hybrid learning, school funding, average daily attendance, education technology, remote learning, education legislation, workforce development, adult education, high school diploma, industry certification, pilot program, gifted education, education support

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee hearing.
• We are not asking for a change to the underlying labor format.
• AB 1883 is part of a package of bills the Labor Federation is sponsoring this year to update labor standards
• Glenn LaValle, Napa Solano Central Labor Council, in full support. Thank you.
• Glenn Lovell, Napa-Solano Central Labor Council, in support.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He was very skilled in that area, so he was brought in as artistic director, and Glenn was kept as director
• he was very skilled in that area<00:04:35.919><c> so</c><00:04:36.280><c> there</c><00:04:36.479><c>
• Chris Lee was not involved in that grant, and it was solely the work of these two very skilled professional
• </c> the work of these two um very skilled the work of these two um very skilled professional<00:07:40.879
• </c> hanging fruit working with the labor hanging fruit working with the labor unions<01:39:39.639><c

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Port has had a project labor agreement for the last two years.
• It has a project labor agreement with the local laborers union, Local 89, and the plans for the subdivision
• Chairman and members. ...like it when you and labor work together.
• The whole idea of building four large towers without wage and labor standards, or labor standards, is
• Labor and wage standards, yes, but there are safety standards.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of local government and housing-related bills, with testimony often centered on regional coordination, permitting reform, and local control. SB 802 by Senator Ashby would require Sacramento-area jurisdictions to form a joint powers authority to coordinate homelessness and housing response; supporters argued the region has long lacked accountability and coordination, while Sacramento County, Folsom, and others opposed the mandate as an unprecedented state-imposed JPA. The bill drew extensive support from local officials, business groups, service providers, and advocates, and opposition from county, city, and nonprofit representatives who said a local process was already underway. Committee members expressed support for the concept, but the bill was held pending a quorum and later discussed again with strong encouragement for regional collaboration. The committee also heard SB 222, SB 677, SB 908, SB 226, SB 828, and SB 1193. SB 222 would streamline permitting for residential heat pump and water heater installations; supporters said it would lower costs and speed clean-energy adoption, while local government groups argued the main barrier is upfront cost, not permits. SB 677 would curb what the author described as abusive appeals and delays in affordable housing approvals, with developers testifying about frivolous subdivision map appeals and TEFRA hearing delays; the California Native Plant Society sought an amendment to preserve appeals on habitat lands. SB 908 would simplify permits for energy-code-compliant window replacements, and SB 226 would clarify financing authority for a West Sacramento baseball stadium proposal; both passed unanimously. SB 828, prompted by the Esparto fireworks warehouse explosion, would tighten fireworks storage and licensing rules, expand inspection and seizure authority, and increase fines; it also passed unanimously after testimony from fire officials and a pyrotechnic operator who opposed it unless amended. SB 1193, a county-specific Alameda County transparency bill, generated the sharpest debate. The author argued it would prevent waste, favoritism, and conflicts of interest in discretionary spending by requiring board approval, a public spending log, and clearer whistleblower procedures. Alameda County and county associations opposed it as overly broad and burdensome, saying existing processes already provide transparency and that the bill would reduce flexibility during fiscal stress. After committee questions about the bill’s purpose and the county’s current practices, the measure passed 7-0, with the author indicating willingness to accept an amendment restoring a four-fifths vote threshold. The committee then moved out of order to SB 1090, which would impose a temporary moratorium on state housing density laws in Altadena through 2030 in response to post-fire displacement concerns. The author said the bill is intended to protect long-term residents from investor-driven redevelopment after the Eaton Fire, while acknowledging amendments to align the moratorium with affordable housing development timelines. The transcript cuts off during the presentation of this bill, so no final action is shown for SB 1090 in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a growing and reliable labor force.
• It really does start with energy availability, available land, and sites skilled Labor permitting.
• We have a great labor force.
• Going forward, we will be looking at and reviewing the cost of labor in the other states, the cost of
• be competitive with your, you know, with the other state that you're evaluating this against, our labor

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What skills?
• What skills do they have that they can go get a job that will support them and their family when they
• It benefits local businesses by reducing the skills gap that so many of them face.
• I want to see more kids with certifications in high-skilled areas, but it simply will not happen without
• What we're teaching, what they are learning while they're in this FFA program, is leadership skills as

Transcript Highlights:

• workplaces by enforcing state labor laws and setting workplace safety standards.
• First, we must invest in a resilient and empowered labor force.
• So what are we doing to attract that kind of labor force back into Virginia?
• and Labor Committee, where a lot of these bills are further discussed.
• I staff the House Labor and Commerce Committee, my colleague Sarah Kinzer, the House Labor and Commerce

Summary: The Commission on Unemployment Compensation met, established a quorum, and elected Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling as chair and Senator Mike Jones as vice chair. The commission also adopted its electronic meeting policy and heard introductions from new members, staff, and officials from the Secretary of Labor’s office and the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). Secretary Jessica Lumen outlined the administration’s workforce and labor priorities, including supporting workers, employers, and program transparency, while members raised concerns about business climate, job losses, labor participation, and the implementation of paid family and medical leave. Staff provided legislative updates on recent unemployment-related bills. These included increases to the weekly unemployment benefit amount enacted in 2025 and 2026, a bill on labor dispute disqualification that changed how lockouts are treated for benefit eligibility, and a budget item providing $75,000 for actuarial support to the commission. The commission also discussed the 2025 work group on annual adjustments to weekly benefit amounts; staff reported that the work group did not complete its charge, and members agreed to revisit whether to reconstitute it at a future meeting. Delegate Martinez expressed support for continuing the work, and the chair said the issue would be taken up at the next meeting. Deputy Commissioner Joanna Darkus gave a detailed presentation on Virginia’s unemployment insurance system, including current claims data, eligibility rules, employer tax structure, benefit levels, trust fund solvency, fraud prevention, and customer service operations. She reported that Virginia’s unemployment rate remains low, weekly claims are modest, the current weekly benefit range is $160 to $478, and the trust fund balance factor is projected at 50.9 percent, near the threshold for additional employer charges. Members asked about the taxable wage base, trust fund solvency, the effect of benefit increases, fraud controls, and the planned paid family and medical leave program. VEC said it is implementing that program through regulations, staffing, IT procurement, public listening sessions, and consultation with other states. A public commenter from the Virginia Poverty Law Center urged the commission to strengthen state investment in unemployment insurance and warned that federal support is uncertain. The commission then adjourned without taking further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:22:31.120><c> build</c> with others, learn new skills, build with others, learn new skills,
• I want to say of been a real real labor.
• </c><05:59:19.440><c> maybe</c> love but it's been a real labor. maybe love but it's been a real labor
• It was a labor of love.
• Waters and I put forward. labor of love. I think I think it was it labor of love.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• years, and it also creates a smoother path for employees who wish to own the benefits of their own labor
• Before businesses close, employees should have the right to... ...to own the benefits of their own labor
• I wanted to make today is that, in practicing collaborative and cooperative ownership, we build a skill
• We build a skill of having autonomy in our own lives.
• organizations whose members may have an interest in developing these kinds of businesses themselves, organized labor

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies held its first public hearing of the session, chaired by Rep. Carole Fiola with Sen. Barry Finegold. After housekeeping on livestreaming, virtual testimony, and written testimony deadlines, the committee heard testimony on several bills, with the main focus on S. 303/H. 503/S. 305 and H. 491, all related to worker ownership and business succession. Testimony generally supported expanding employee ownership, right of first refusal for workers, and incentives for owners to sell to employee groups. Speakers from worker co-ops, technical assistance organizations, lenders, and business owners said these measures could preserve local businesses, protect jobs, build worker wealth, and help communities retain valued services and storefronts. On S. 303, Vincent Lawrence Dixon described a proposal to create tools such as a special community trustee, right of first refusal, and community institution landmarks to help communities preserve important local properties and uses when owners cease operations. On H. 491 and the employee-ownership bills, witnesses including Matthew Page Lieberman, Caleb from Circus Cooperative Cafe, Sarah Acefa of Dorchester Food Co-op, Halsey Platt, Kevin O'Brien, John Abrams, Virginia Berman, Stacey Cordero, Adrian Roman, Alex Popali, Adam Trott, and Ethan Tupelo emphasized that worker-owned businesses can be more resilient, support democratic participation, and help with business transitions as owners retire or close. Committee members asked questions about the tax incentive threshold, the timing and mechanics of the right of first refusal, and whether the bills would affect sale prices or business succession. Rep. Kristen Kassner also testified on H. 490, which would create a special commission to inventory the Commonwealth’s built environment, infrastructure, permitting, and land-use barriers to help Massachusetts adapt vacant or underused spaces for the next economy. She said the commission would help identify opportunities for housing, climate and energy tech, advanced manufacturing, and other uses, and members discussed commission composition and data sources. At the end of the hearing, the chair read a series of additional bills into the record, noted an upcoming Economic Development Expo, and the committee adjourned after a motion and second.

Transcript Highlights:

• Environmental Justice Council, which is at full size about 16 members representing a broad array of community, labor
• Justice Council, which is at full size, about 16 members representing a broad array of community, labor
• , business, and tribal representatives. and the heels of community, labor, business, and tribal representatives
• of the background of students, they will have the opportunity to connect with state lands, develop skills
• of the background of students, they will have the opportunity to connect with state lands, develop skills

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session on HEAL Act implementation, beginning with an orientation from Environmental Justice Council member David Mendoza. He described the law’s purpose as integrating environmental justice into agency decision-making, community engagement, tribal consultation, strategic planning, and environmental justice assessments, with the goal of reducing environmental health disparities and improving accountability to communities and tribes. He also discussed the council’s role, the interagency work group, challenges with limited volunteer and agency capacity, and concerns about inconsistent assessment formats and future funding pressures. Committee members asked about council composition, including the balance of tribal, community, business, and other representation, whether the HEAL Act increases permitting time or costs, how “overburdened” and “vulnerable” populations are defined, and whether the council should be refreshed or audited. Mendoza said the statute is not limited to racial categories and can include rural and low-income communities, that the council has not quantified permitting delays, and that there is no formal audit requirement, though the council is discussing how to improve its work. Members also raised questions about the relationship between the Environmental Justice Council and the Office of Equity, with Mendoza saying the bodies are complementary but should coordinate more closely. The Department of Agriculture then reported on its HEAL Act work. Director of Equity and Environmental Justice Nicole Johnson said WSDA conducts environmental justice assessments for significant actions, applies an equity lens to licensing, funding, rulemaking, and strategic planning, and has completed 11 EJ assessments to date. She highlighted pesticide regulation, animal health, and weights-and-measures work as examples of environmental and economic justice, and said the department recently hired a full-time tribal consultant and has only 1.5 FTE supporting HEAL implementation. Members asked whether WSDA’s assessments apply to its role on boards such as the Forest Practices Board; Johnson said the department’s current understanding is that assessments are conducted on agency work. The Department of Natural Resources then presented on its HEAL Act implementation, focusing on strategic planning, community engagement, tribal consultation, environmental justice assessments, and equitable funding. DNR officials said environmental justice is being embedded in the agency’s 2025-2029 strategic plan, in its Community Access and Impact Plan, and in its advisory committee and board representation efforts. They reported conducting EJ assessments for sustainable harvest calculations, agency request legislation, and a prescribed burn manager certificate program, and said DNR has invested about $130 million in overburdened communities and vulnerable populations in fiscal year 2025 through wildfire resilience, youth education, and urban forestry programs. Committee members pressed DNR on how it identifies impacted communities, why landowners were not more visible in the process, how agency-request legislation is being assessed, and whether assessments are required for actions taken through other boards and commissions. DNR said its current interpretation is that assessments apply to internal agency actions, that some notices may appear on OFM’s notices page rather than the completed-assessments dashboard, and that it would follow up on specific questions about its posted assessments and process.

Transcript Highlights:

• proclamation honoring Teamsters Local 104, whereas Teamsters Local 104 is a proud and longstanding labor
• And whereas through their skilled labor, professionalism and dedication, Teamsters Local 104...
• Through their skilled labor, professionalism, and dedication, Teamsters Local 104 members ensure that

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Skills are another bottleneck to achieving quality as the school menu transitions toward more scratch
• As we see labor costs increasing, along with equipment costs, I want to caution that we have our federal
• looking at, especially when it comes to how much we're paying for just the food itself versus the labor
• And so there's no additional cost that the department is providing for meals or labor.
• impossible to replace Tim, but we're also looking for the right fit for all of the combination of skills

Transcript Highlights:

• they're not just managing their work orders; they're managing the costs of those work orders, collecting labor
• They have to be collecting transactions, including labor, material, and contract costs on all work orders
• how to close work orders to help support the maintenance program, and these students also learn a skill
• We have eight modules that anybody can attend free of charge to help shore up their skills. sets in the
• They made those improvements and collected labor, material, and contract costs.