Transcript Highlights:

• representatives from regions banks and representatives from regions banks and Jason<00:18:45.760><c>
• </c><00:21:53.360><c> in</c> region's bank is the largest uh bank in region's bank is the largest uh
• /c><00:26:20.960><c> letting</c> financial service committee for letting financial service committee
• But I'm also a services committee?
• </c> which is purely for healthcare service which is purely for healthcare service corporations corporations

Bills: HB55 , SB15 , SB247 , HB55 , SB15 , SB247

Committee: House Financial Services

Keywords: fishing, licensing, jubilee, Marine life, Alabama, regulations, sex offenders, employment restrictions, first responders, public safety, juvenile offenders, local laws, registration requirements, picketing, protesting, residential protest, noise amplification, amplified sound, residential picketing, harassment

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Human Services Committee will come to order. Good afternoon.
• In an emergency, preventive services should be accessible to all.
• In an emergency, preventive services should be accessible to all.
• Legal Services Los Angeles to provide testimony.
• They are automatically denied any reunification services.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, cloud services—what are cloud services?
• And so cloud services, what services.
• He said they want to be able to service their barbers who service us.
• our barbers who service able to service our barbers who service us.<01:36:04.400><c> Thank</c><01:36
• </c> Banks no to I. Oh, banks no to conflict. Banks no to I. Oh, banks no to conflict.

Transcript Highlights:

• You took just like the bank, and that is incorrect.
• </c> operations of crypto kiosk services. operations of crypto kiosk services.
• </c><00:14:29.839><c> and</c> You took took just like the bank and You took took just like the bank and
• </c><00:21:50.480><c> Uh,</c> family taking us to a local bank.
• Uh, family taking us to a local bank.

Committee: Senate Banking & Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• staff in front of you, a substitute House Bill 2452, an act relating to modifying requirements for service
• House Bill 2664 is an act relating to modifying requirements for service of unlawful detainer notices
• Under this bill, when a copy of an unlawful detainer notice is sent through the mail, service is deemed
• The property tax exemption to make the land bank tool usable. All right.
• This can be in the form of land opportunities, grants, services, loans.

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills. Representative Connors testified on two notice-service bills: HB 2452, which would change manufactured/mobile home rent increase notices so they are served like other MHLTA notices rather than by certified mail, and HB 2664, which would remove certified-mail requirements for unlawful detainer and related notices. Connors said the current certified-mail rules are causing notices to go unclaimed and creating unnecessary costs for housing providers, while staff explained the bills would allow service by regular mail in the same manner as other notices. Public testimony on both bills was generally supportive, emphasizing reduced cost and better delivery, though one witness on HB 2452 urged allowing electronic notice options as well. The committee also heard SHB 2269, which clarifies that middle housing in limited areas of more intensive rural development may be served by either a public sewer system or a large on-site sewage system in rural counties, while non-rural counties would still require public sewer service. The sponsor and supporters said the bill resolves ambiguity created by prior legislation and gives county planners more flexibility; questions focused on what kinds of systems and uses would qualify. EHB 1687 was heard next and would expand the housing cooperation law to allow cities and counties to assist social housing public development authorities. Representative Reed and supporters said the bill would give Seattle and potentially other jurisdictions a tool to support permanently public, mixed-income housing with land, infrastructure, and other assistance. In executive session, the committee adopted a due-pass recommendation for EHB 1345 after Senator Gaynor withdrew an amendment that would have removed water-withdrawal and metering requirements for detached ADUs outside urban growth areas. The committee also adopted a striking amendment and moved ESHB 1500 and EHB 1501 forward, both with updated timelines and clarifications related to common-interest-community resale certificates and owner inquiries. Amendments to ESHB 1974 on land bank authorities were rejected, including proposals to remove private negotiation and tax preferences, and the bill was sent to Ways and Means. Finally, SHB 2288 on scissors stairs was advanced without amendment. Later, the committee heard HB 2304, which would expand the 2-10 warranty option to certain four-story stacked-flat condominium projects; testimony from builders, housing advocates, and the Office of Insurance Commissioner supported it as a way to reduce liability costs and increase condo supply. The committee also took testimony on EHB 1687 and HB 2664, and then closed the hearing on SHB 2452 after hearing support from housing providers for easing manufactured-home rent notice service requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House bill establishing a sick leave bank for Alexander Schwartz. Paper from the House.
• The House bill establishing a sick leave bank for Alexander Schwartz, an employee of the Massachusetts
• An act establishing a sick leave bank for Robert Tiro, an employee of the Trial Court of the Commonwealth
• Following his military service, he proudly wore the uniform of the Boston Police Department for 35 years
• Following his military service, he proudly wore the uniform of the Boston Police Department for 35 years

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several local and private bills. It passed to be enacted House No. 4004, validating the results of a special election in the town of Hygwick, requiring and receiving the necessary two-thirds vote. The chamber also advanced House No. 4245, increasing the membership of the select board in the town of Mattapoisett, and ordered House No. 4263, establishing a charter for the City of Medford, to a third reading after suspending the rules. The Senate likewise moved several sick leave bank bills forward, including measures for Alexander Schwartz of the Department of State Police and Stephanie Bramante Miller of the Appellate Tax Board, both ordered to a third reading. Joint Rule 12 was suspended for several House petitions, which were then referred to the appropriate committees. The Senate also adopted the emergency preamble for Senate Bill 2580, establishing a sick leave bank for Robert Tiro of the Trial Court, with a standing vote showing unanimous support. The chamber then adopted a resolution in memory of Joseph William Conelli, honoring his military service, long career with the Boston Police Department, and family. After a moment of silence, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2580 to enactment and ordered it sent to the Governor. The Senate adopted an order to adjourn until Thursday at 11:00 a.m., and adjourned in memory of Joseph William Conelli.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would have asked about her service on the board.
• That they cannot provide these services.
• , we do not license the scope of services.
• I staffed the Banking and Insurance Committee.
• services to activities that they don't like?

Committee: Senate Director Nominations

Transcript Highlights:

• So I am contractors, food banks.
• </c> service agency located in Golden Valley. service agency located in Golden Valley.
• So for example, we've services.
• </c> to food banks to the people who need it. to food banks to the people who need it.
• </c> banks and they are stretched too thin. banks and they are stretched too thin.

Transcript Highlights:

• like child care, behavioral health services, early childhood education, and various learning services
• , and various learning services.
• , and agricultural support and services.
• You don't get it until your last day in service.
• We represent over two dozen veterans service organizations.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on a series of housing, education, workforce, and court-related bills. On Substitute Senate Bill 5884, staff described changes to a sales and use tax deferral for redeveloping vacant or underused land into affordable housing, including broader eligible property definitions and lower affordability thresholds in designated areas. Testimony was mixed: builders opposed language they feared could encourage project labor agreements, while Spokane and Kent representatives supported the bill but asked for flexibility on affordability mix requirements. On Senate Bill 6256, which expands a property tax exemption for nonprofit low-income rental housing to include certain co-located community uses during construction and extends the pre-construction exemption period, testimony was strongly supportive from housing nonprofits and local housing partners, with questions focused on clawback provisions. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 6027, which expands allowable uses of local housing and supportive housing sales tax revenue, adjusts a REET exemption timeline, broadens emergency housing definitions, and changes use of the Affordable Housing for All account. County, housing, and nonprofit witnesses said the bill would help preserve housing and services amid federal funding uncertainty, though Snohomish County asked for an amendment to allow rental assistance. Substitute Senate Bill 6018 would revise the Housing Finance Commission’s authority, including direct lending and bond counsel terms; commission staff said it would modernize outdated restrictions and improve financing flexibility. Substitute Senate Bill 6028 would create a revolving loan fund for mixed-income homeownership projects; supporters said it would help smaller infill projects pencil, while staff noted the loans would be subordinate and carry some risk. Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 6275 on the community reinvestment program, which would require periodic plan updates, reporting, and a WSIPP study, while also expressing legislative intent to continue at least $100 million annually in the account. Advocates, workforce groups, legal aid providers, and small business owners testified that the program supports communities harmed by past disinvestment and should be made permanent and more accountable. Substitute Senate Bill 5961 would move the Imagination Library program from DCYF to OSPI; early literacy advocates and local partners supported the transfer as better aligned with school readiness. Substitute Senate Bill 5969 would integrate IEP transition plans with high school and beyond plans, and a prior critic said amendments addressed her concerns. Second Substitute Senate Bill 5292 would shift PFML premium rate-setting to the annual actuarial report and raise the reserve target; labor and industry witnesses supported the change, while a policy group opposed the program’s costs. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5868 to add one superior court judge each in Skagit and Yakima counties. Judges and county officials testified that caseloads, population growth, and backlogs justify the additions, and county leaders said they had already budgeted for their share. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5827 would allow service members to use pre-discharge certification to claim veterans’ civil service preference; the sponsor said it would solve a timing problem for transitioning service members. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the transcript, as the meeting consisted of bill briefings and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment allows teachers with at least 20 years of service to purchase up to five years of credit
• housing, and have the social services they need to succeed and go forward are also part of the plan.
• And only after the victim's bank account has been completely wiped out.
• Only after the victim's bank account has been completely wiped out.
• First, they go to the bank, usually with the scam artist on the other end of the phone, taking...

Summary: The Senate considered a large number of amendments to an economic development bill and adopted them one by one, with repeated brief recesses as members finalized language. Early amendments made permanent the option for hybrid public meetings and added procedures for alleged open meeting law violations, authorized speed camera enforcement in school and construction safety zones, and created a retirement credit option for part-time teachers who reduced hours to care for children. Other adopted amendments updated gateway municipality designations every three years, capped ticket resale prices and banned speculative “ghost tickets,” and addressed vulnerable road users, crumbling concrete, and a fund for seasonal communities housing. Members also approved amendments to create a new framework for responding to crimes against women, including better investigation of staged suicides and adding sex and gender to the hate crimes statute; to establish a trigger law protecting private-sector labor organizing rights if federal labor law is weakened; to create a bottom-up “Enough Act” fund to fight poverty; to allow airport restaurants and bars at Logan to operate during flight hours; and to protect seniors and adults with disabilities from financial scams by allowing temporary delays of suspicious transactions and reporting to protective agencies. Additional housing-related amendments were adopted for rural communities, residential PACE financing, and a five-community tenant opportunity to purchase pilot program. A Senate Ways and Means amendment was then adopted, the substitute draft was applied to the underlying bill, and the bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed. The chamber also adopted an order to reconvene the following Monday at 11 a.m. and to dispense with printing a calendar. The Senate then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> available for essential Public Services available for essential Public Services like<01:08:05.079
• ecosystems, where we lend and we land bank.
• ecosystems, where we lend and we land bank.
• ecosystems, where we lend and we land bank.
• </c> Bank services and put underutilized Bank services and put underutilized properties<01:35:57.040>

Bills: HF1277 , HF1006

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, the Department of Career Services also promotes career services resources online at mass.gov
• Kiami Mahania, Secretary of Health and Human Services.
• And I don't know if we—I guess the Federal Reserve Bank will be coming out with a study.
• , the Eastern Bank Foundation, and the Chamber of Commerce.
• and human services?

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held a hearing on the impact of federal policy on the racial wealth gap in Massachusetts, with no bills heard. Chairs Bud Williams and Miranda opened by framing the issue as a structural, long-standing disparity affecting Black and brown communities, citing major gaps in wealth, income, housing, and opportunity. Members noted this was the fourth hearing in a series on federal impacts on racial equity, and public written testimony was invited by the posted deadline. Administration witnesses Secretary Lauren Jones, Secretary Kiami Mahania, and Assistant Secretary Juan Vega described how labor, health, and economic development policy intersect with wealth-building. Jones pointed to higher unemployment, wage gaps, and underemployment among Black and Latino workers, and highlighted ESOL, workforce training, MassHire, and skills-based hiring efforts. Mahania argued poverty drives poor health, linking medical debt, Medicaid instability, maternal health, and chronic disease to wealth loss, and said federal changes could worsen both health and wealth gaps. Vega focused on entrepreneurship and procurement, citing disparities in business ownership and revenue, and described state efforts such as small business technical assistance, founder pipelines, place-based grants, and the Business Front Door; members also pressed him on microbusiness definitions, supplier diversity, and whether state programs were reaching firms that had received prior grants. Nicole O’Bean of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts testified that Black-owned businesses face a hostile environment due to tariffs, DEI rollbacks, immigration enforcement, capital barriers, and federal funding cuts that reduce contracts from education, health care, and nonprofit sectors. She emphasized that certification alone is not enough and called for stronger inclusive procurement outcomes, better data, and more support for microbusinesses. Dr. Melissa Colon and Dr. Fabian Torres-Dal of the Mauricio Gaston Institute testified on Latino wealth gaps, especially low homeownership, high rent burden, limited access to credit, and occupational segregation; they said structural racism, wage gaps, and education inequities are central drivers and urged housing, labor, and education reforms. Committee members repeatedly linked the hearing’s themes to redlining, medical debt, single-parent households, financial literacy, and the need for legislation and state programs to close the gap, but no votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• House, my colleagues in the legislature, and my dedicated staff for their shared commitment to public service
• relative to extending until Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the time within which the Committee on Public Service
• employee of the Department of Children and Families; and House Bill 4908, establishing a sick leave bank
• An act establishing a sick leave bank for Marnie Jean Goldstein, an employee of the Department of Children
• An act establishing a sick leave bank for Marnie Jean Goldstein, an employee of the Department of Children

Summary: The House opened with the Wellesley High School girls’ swim team leading the Pledge of Allegiance and being formally recognized for winning its sixth Division Two State Swim and Diving Championship. The chamber also received a resignation letter from Representative Natalie M. Blais of the First Franklin District, effective January 19, 2026, which was placed on file. The House then acted on several procedural and local matters. It adopted committee reports extending reporting deadlines for the Education and Public Service committees to March 18, 2026, and advanced three bills to third reading: a Boston Police age-waiver bill for Louis Cabral and sick leave bank bills for Marnie Jean Goldstein and William Blaylock. The House also passed to enactment charter amendments for Provincetown and Greenfield, concurred in a Senate amendment to a Wellesley land-conveyance bill, and engrossed bills concerning the Dalton Fire District Board of Water Commissioners and Milton alcohol licensing. On House No. 4717, relating to the annual town meeting for Orange, the House adopted an amendment offered by Representative Walsh and then passed the bill as amended. Later, on House No. 1110 concerning subprime loans, the House adopted an amendment discharging the bill from the Bills in the Third Reading committee and referred it to the Committee on Ways and Means. The House also adopted a special adjournment in memory of former Representative Salvatore Semino and adjourned to meet Tuesday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your goods and services are going to go directly to a packing house.
• Economic Services Administration at the Department of Social and Health Services; Karen Mullen, who's
• Montgomery, who's the Director of the Community Services Division of the Economic Services Administration
• under the Economic Services Administration within the Department of Social and Health Services.
• We are a food bank distribution center. I do have a slide.

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session on food systems and food security, with no public testimony. The first panel covered household food security and data. Marie Spiker of UW explained how food insecurity is measured, its health impacts, and the importance of reliable data, warning that the federal Census food security data is being terminated and that Washington’s WAFOOD surveys are a useful but non-representative complement. Katie Raines of WSDA described the state’s food systems work, including efforts to build shared data and dashboard monitoring, coordinate across agencies and partners, and strengthen the hunger safety net and local food supply chain. The committee then heard from Tracy Roof of the University of Richmond, who gave a history of SNAP/food stamps as both an anti-hunger program and an agricultural support tied to the farm bill. She described how the program evolved from Depression-era commodity distribution to a permanent federal-state program, how it became countercyclical during recessions, and how state policy changes and outreach increased participation. She also noted SNAP’s economic multiplier effects and said Washington’s enrollment is in the middle of the pack nationally, while future federal changes could reduce eligibility and shift more costs to states. A later panel focused on food security challenges and opportunities across the food system. The Washington Food Policy Forum, through Danny Madrone and Chris Elder, outlined its consensus-based recommendations on food insecurity, climate and water, regional infrastructure, farmland protection, and support for small and mid-sized farms. A joint industry panel from the Farm Bureau, Retail Association, and Food Industry Association emphasized agriculture’s economic scale, rising costs, loss of farms, retail theft, and the importance of local grocery stores and SNAP/WIC partnerships. State agency representatives from DSHS and DOH described current program impacts and risks: DSHS said federal H.R. 1 could require Washington to pay up to 15% of SNAP benefits and tighten eligibility, while DOH highlighted WIC, farmers market nutrition, fruit-and-vegetable incentives, and a new Medicaid waiver project, but warned that unstable funding and the end of SNAP-Ed threaten program continuity. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 5085 seeks to build on existing knowledge surrounding seed banks Representative Gervin Hawkins
• : and seed preservation by creating a report on the impact of seed banks and seed preservation on access
• Seed banks preserve crop diversity and support Representative Gervin Hawkins: local farmers, gardeners
• Third, seed banks and seed preservation are educational.
• Texas A&M Agricultural Life Extension Center Service, an educational agency focused on life sciences

Bills: HB5085

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Keywords: seed banks, food access, environment, biodiversity, agriculture policy

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock met with a quorum present and heard testimony on House Bill 5085, which would create a report on the impacts of seed banks and seed preservation, especially as they relate to food access, biodiversity, disaster recovery, and education. Representative Gervin Hawkins presented the bill, citing examples such as the Bastrop wildfire and the role of seed banking in restoring ecosystems and supporting food security. No one testified against the bill, and the author closed after questions. The committee then voted to report HB 5085 favorably to the full House without amendment, with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion passed on a 6-3 vote. The committee also considered Senate Bill 1035, with a committee substitute adopted that made a minor wording change from "or" to "and." SB 1035, which creates a legal pathway for agricultural operators to challenge unlawful local regulations and recover court costs and attorneys' fees, was reported favorably on a 9-0 vote. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 2155, which implements TDLR recommendations to modernize the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners by improving licensing, complaint resolution, and enforcement processes. The bill was reported favorably to the full House without amendment on a 9-0 vote. After disposing of these items, the committee adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Food banks are a critical lifeline. California families experience food insecurity.
• HR1 cuts to CalFresh have placed additional demands on food banks.
• Specifically, SB 881 extends the farmer-to-food-bank tax credit through 2032.
• The California Association of Food Banks represents 43 food banks that partner with over 6,000 organizations
• 15% tax credit for donating California-grown food to food banks.

Summary: The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee met as a subcommittee, then later established a quorum and heard several tax-related bills. Chair Gibson reviewed committee procedures, including the suspense file for bills with revenue impacts over $150,000. SB 881 by Sen. McNerney would extend the farmer-to-food-bank tax credit through 2032 and the emergency food for families voluntary tax contribution through 2033; supporters from food banks, agricultural groups, local governments, and climate organizations said it would reduce food waste and help address food insecurity, with no opposition on the record. The bill was moved to suspense. SB 1406 by Sen. McNerney would target the so-called Montana tax loophole used to avoid California vehicle taxes and fees; supporters said it would recover up to $20 million annually and improve enforcement, while an opposition group warned the shell-company language could affect legitimate small businesses and passive owners. That bill was also sent to suspense. SB 1349 by Sen. Gonzalez would direct the Legislative Analyst’s Office to review major state tax expenditures and evaluate whether they are meeting their intended goals. Supporters, including the California Teachers Association, tax reform advocates, school employees, and local governments, argued that California’s roughly $94 billion in annual tax expenditures need more accountability, especially given the state’s budget pressures. The committee approved SB 1349 on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The committee also approved two consent items, SB 1436 and SB 1437, on a due-pass motion. Later, SB 1249 by Sen. Richardson proposed a $3,000 tax deduction for seniors ages 86 to 90 through 2032, with supporters from LeadingAge California saying it would help older adults cope with rising costs; the bill was referred to suspense. SB 1151 by Sen. Cervantes would codify infant formula as a food product for sales tax exemption purposes; the author and supporters said it would protect families from uncertainty and preserve tax relief for an essential product. Members discussed the high cost of formula, and the bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations. The committee then completed its business and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do this through a number of bank service areas within the state of Minnesota, so there's regional
• the</c><00:40:14.640><c> state</c><00:40:14.839><c> of</c> Bank service areas within the state of Bank
• the</c><00:40:28.599><c> state</c> of our Bank service areas in the state of our Bank service areas
• </c><00:40:41.040><c> service</c> credits from a different bank service credits from a different bank
• </c> across the state and within each Bank across the state and within each Bank service area<00:40:54.200

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• a bank or a.
• Which banks are open on Saturday, what bank has, you know, a good position where they can watch from
• They backed into a parking spot because they usually want to face the bank.
• So law enforcement, usually, as he said, they are staking out the bank.
• I have data showing just from one bank how often these crimes are occurring.

Bills: HB316 , HB353 , HB 1160 , HB1414 , HB1422 , HB1443 , HB1713 , HB1789 , HB1902 , HB2073 , HB2666 , HB2695 , HB316

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: motor fuel, criminal offense, metering device, organized crime, Texas Penal Code, trespassing, school safety, day-care centers, education, trespass, public safety, utility employees, criminal penalties, assault, harassment, public duties, safety, law enforcement, driving offenses, license regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• Ultrino of Malden and other members of the House filed a resolution congratulating Mystic Valley Elder Services
• Moran, legislation to establish a sick leave bank for James Caruso, an employee of the Massachusetts
• Department of Transportation, to the Committee on Public Service.
• Ritchie was known not only for his public service, but also for his kindness, patriotism, and festive
• Third reading of the bill: an act establishing a sick leave bank for Esther Adafwa, an employee of the

Summary: The House first adopted several noncontroversial resolutions, including congratulations to the Rotary Club of Watertown for its 100 years of service and to Mystic Valley Elder Services on its 50th anniversary. It also suspended Joint Rule 12 to advance a petition establishing a sick leave bank for a Massachusetts Department of Transportation employee, James Caruso, sending that matter to the Committee on Public Service. The chamber then recessed and later confirmed a quorum after a roll call was called and withdrawn. The main substantive item was House Bill 4227, the final conference committee report on supplemental FY2025 appropriations using FY2024 fair share surtax surplus funds. Members heard that the bill would spend about $1.38 billion, with roughly $716 million for transportation and $593 million for education. Transportation funding included support for the MBTA, regional transit authorities, Chapter 98, and municipal bridges and culverts; education funding included special education circuit breaker reimbursements, higher education deferred maintenance, vocational school capital, early education supports, endowment matches, and Green School Works. The House accepted the conference report by a roll call vote of 146-3, then passed the bill to be engrossed and later enacted it by a roll call vote of 148-4. The House also advanced House No. 422, establishing a sick leave bank for Esther Adafwa of the Department of Mental Health. The bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed. Throughout the session, the House observed moments of recognition and silence for guests and for the deaths of Richard Serino Sr. and Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, and it adopted an order to adjourn in Hortman’s memory, with the House set to meet again Monday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm 18 years into state service.
• The banks won't take their money, the big banks.
• The banks won't take their money, the big banks.
• You have to have Wells Fargo Bank or they don't get it, and that's a violation.
• I did a shortcut through the Department of General Services on the way.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee approved several non-appearing gubernatorial appointments and routine agenda items by 4-0 votes, including Frank Damrow Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Eddger to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission. The committee also approved bill referrals, a rule waiver to allow SB 1447 to be heard after the policy deadline, and floor acknowledgments. The committee then heard the appointment of Clint Kellam as Director of the Department of Cannabis Control. Members focused heavily on cannabis regulation, especially illicit market activity, consumer education, labeling, and youth protection. Kellam said the department’s goal is to shift consumption from illicit to legal sources, not increase use, and described efforts such as the Real California Cannabis website, the required educational pamphlet for new users, inspections, and package review. Senators raised concerns about attractive-to-children packaging, high-dose beverages, and the need for tighter labeling rules; Kellam said the department is open to legislative changes, is working on an AI tool to help licensees review packaging, and uses recalls, citations, and administrative actions when products violate rules. He also described enforcement efforts against illegal cultivation and retail, including the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force and cooperation with local, state, and federal agencies. The committee voted 4-0 to advance the appointment. The committee next heard Jennifer Osborne’s appointment as Director of the Department of Industrial Relations. Osborne described her background in state administration and said she aims to remove barriers, improve systems, and support workplace safety, wage enforcement, workers’ compensation, and apprenticeship programs. Senators asked about PAGA enforcement, Cal/OSHA audit findings, backlogs, staffing shortages, and complaint handling. Osborne said DIR’s role in PAGA is limited, but the department is working on Cal/OSHA policy revisions, training, additional investigation staff, centralized intake, IT modernization, and possible use of outside administrative law judges to reduce delays. She also said the department is addressing vacancy and backlog issues through classification changes and new hiring strategies. Public commenters from employer groups and labor organizations spoke in support, and the committee approved the appointment 4-0 for full Senate confirmation.