Video & Transcript : 'marijuana alternatives' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health May 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- That said, we think the committee could explore alternatives to some of the budget solutions and find
- It does cover the first 90 days of long-term care, but trying to think about other alternatives.
- So, have you explored alternate approaches on the asset test?
- And have you looked at other alternatives?
- Therapy, and if that doesn't work, we will have a second alternative.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Mar 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So I wanted to go through just briefly what each of those alternatives would look like.
- A second alternative would be...
- That's actually similar conceptually to the first alternative, the reserve deposit.
- And I think I testified that we should maybe take time to look at an alternative COLA.
- And I think I was, I testified that we should be maybe time to look at an alternative COLA.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met for its annual Proposition 98 overview, with Chair Alvarez outlining the committee’s focus on K-12 funding, student outcomes, and use of one-time funds. Superintendent Tony Thurmond gave an update on education issues, including wildfire recovery support for affected school communities, ongoing concerns about federal threats to education funding and immigration enforcement, progress on literacy and math, dual-language immersion, educator housing, and support for dual enrollment. Members broadly expressed support for these priorities, while also raising concerns about implementation, funding stability, and the need for schools to remain safe places for students.
The committee then reviewed the Governor’s Proposition 98 proposal. The Department of Finance said the 2025-26 Proposition 98 guarantee is projected at $118.9 billion, with higher revenues and TK-related rebenching driving the increase. The LAO said the budget adds about $7.5 billion over two years and discussed the volatility of the guarantee, especially in 2024-25, when changes in revenue could have an outsized effect on school funding. Members questioned the proposed $1.6 billion delayed settle-up payment, the legal basis for delaying it, and the impact of possible federal funding freezes. The LAO presented alternatives such as a reserve deposit or delayed disbursement, while Finance said the proposal is intended to manage uncertainty. Members also raised concerns that ethnic studies implementation was not funded in the January budget, and Finance said the administration was not proposing funding for it.
The committee next heard on the Proposition 98 rainy day fund and education deferrals. Finance said the reserve would receive a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 2024-25 and a discretionary deposit of $376 million in 2025-26, leaving a balance of about $1.5 billion. The LAO supported rebuilding the reserve as a way to manage volatility. On deferrals, Finance described the Governor’s plan to eliminate remaining deferrals by 2025-26, and the LAO said paying them off improves cash flow and budget resilience. Members generally supported eliminating deferrals and rebuilding reserves, though some asked about acting earlier if revenues allow. The committee also reviewed the proposed $1.8 billion student support and professional development block grant; Finance said it would fund professional development, recruitment and retention, and dual enrollment, while the LAO recommended clearer language on local discretion and use for one-time costs. Members were divided, with some supporting flexibility and others warning that one-time block grants can create instability and confusion for districts.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House bill would halt spending funds on Rondo land bridge over I-94 3/3/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In December, we announced six alternatives that we are proposing to move forward to the next stage of
- any of those alternatives.
- Rydin, I was trying to search on your website: is this information, your six alternatives, and for not
- </c> information your your six Alternatives information your your six Alternatives and<00:08:29.840><
- </c><00:08:51.720><c> to</c> link with uh with those alternatives to link with uh with those alternatives
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- There was a vote to establish positive alternative grants in 2005.
- We should provide the positive alternatives. Thank you.
- Only true choice means offering women real alternatives, not funneling them into one path.
- What's not funded is the alternative options for women.
- What's not funded is the alternative options for women. That's the truth.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (5-12-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- The opinion said, "Because the regulatory process was not filed, the waivers or alternative tests were
- testing methods and waivers alternative testing methods and waivers used<00:03:37.640><c> during</c>
- tests were null, waivers or alternative tests were null, void,<00:04:04.400><c> and</c><00:04:04.560
- NBEO Part One, NBEO Part Two, NBEO TMOD, and NBEO Part Three, or alternatively, the American Board of
- When testing requirements are waived or alternatives are given, the safeguard is removed.
Summary:
The subcommittee considered an emergency regulation from the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 201 KAR 5021E, along with a staff amendment to conform the text to KRS Chapter 13A. The regulation was described as implementing an Attorney General opinion and a review of optometrists licensed during the 2020–2023 period when alternative testing and waivers were used during the COVID-19 era. The board explained that the rule requires affected licensees to complete specified examinations or an alternative certification before renewing in 2027, and that it now removes the OEBC Canadian exam as a future pathway while preserving recognition of OEBC results submitted during the period when that option was in effect. The staff amendment was approved without objection.
Testimony was sharply divided. Board representatives and the Attorney General’s office said the regulation is needed to protect public health and to bring the licensure review into the formal administrative process. They said the NBEO Part 3 exam is the nationally recognized hands-on clinical licensure test, while the American Board of Optometry certification is a post-licensure credential for already licensed practitioners and is not a substitute for initial licensure testing. They also said no other state uses the ABOC certification for licensure, and that the board’s approach balances fairness, due process, and public protection.
Opponents argued the regulation would allow individuals who were improperly licensed to continue practicing without meeting the same standards as other Kentucky optometrists. A representative from the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation described cases of alleged inadequate care and urged the committee to require full national board passage before independent practice. Representatives from ARBO and NBEO said the emergency regulation is not justified as an emergency, does not adequately address public safety or fiscal impacts, and exceeds the board’s authority by creating a renewal path for licensees whose initial licensure was challenged. They emphasized that NBEO Part 3 is a practical, hands-on exam and that the ABOC certification is not designed or validated for initial licensure. The committee asked several questions about the differences between the exams, and no final vote on the regulation itself was described in the transcript beyond approval of the staff amendment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Are y'all against these alternatives?
- Are y'all against these alternatives?
- I guess the point we're making: alternatives is a relative term.
- Alternatives might mean, to the existing market structure, potentially it might mean an alternative to
- It ain't the insurance company, it ain't these alternatives.
Committee:
House Insurance
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board (12-10-25) - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:51:40.079><c> benefit</c> the creation of an alternative benefit the creation of an alternative
- </c> alternative benefit plan in the middle. alternative benefit plan in the middle.
- </c> consider developing an alternative consider developing an alternative dental<01:30:50.560><c> delivery
- I appreciate the recommendation to evaluate an alternative dental delivery model.
- I appreciate the recommendation to evaluate an alternative dental delivery model.
Summary:
The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board reconvened and heard a presentation from the Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control unit. AG staff described the unit’s structure and work: it investigates and prosecutes Medicaid provider fraud, and also handles abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases involving vulnerable adults in facility settings when asked to assist. They said the office has prosecutors, detectives, auditors, and support staff, works with federal partners, Commonwealth’s attorneys, CHFS, DMS, OIG, and MCOs, and uses a hotline and referral line for complaints. They also explained the MCO referral process, including monthly meetings, stand-down lists, and review of referrals for a “credible allegation of fraud” before the AG office decides whether to open a criminal or civil investigation.
The presentation focused heavily on current fraud trends. Staff said behavioral health is a major concern, along with participant-directed waiver services, medically assisted treatment, cash billing for services, controlled-substance billing, and vision and dental fraud. They gave examples such as duplicate time sheets for family caregivers, questionable Suboxone counseling and urine drug screening practices, and a prior optometry case involving false claims for children’s glasses. They also discussed CMS’s estimate that about 5% of Medicaid payments are improper, noted that most improper payments are at the fee-for-service level, and said there is no reliable overall fraud-rate estimate. They highlighted a sharp shift in behavioral health billing after the cabinet’s November 1, 2024 policy changes, saying individual psychotherapy spending dropped while group billing increased, suggesting providers may have moved billing to different codes.
Members asked about the scale and timing of cases, how MCO referrals are screened, and whether the data reflected more people being served or just higher spending. The AG office said investigations can take years, with some federal cases still awaiting sentencing from 2018 and 2019 matters, and that they currently had nine individuals awaiting sentencing in federal court. They also reported 58 hotline reports during the referenced period, six cases opened from MCO referrals, and four additional MCO referrals not accepted for active cases. Several members raised concerns about home-based services and the risk of abuse or fraud when family members are reimbursed, and asked whether the process could be streamlined; the AG office said it had no immediate recommendations but would be willing to return with suggestions after further review.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP/WAL Joint Public Hearing - Tue Mar 18, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- However, there is no alternative to biofuels right now for aviation.
- However, there is no alternative to biofuels right now for aviation. Transportation.
- However, there is no alternative to biofuels right now for aviation. Services, um, Mr.
- </c><02:16:34.399><c> Once</c><02:16:34.559><c> you</c> cleaner alternative to oil.
- Once you cleaner alternative to oil.
Summary:
The joint hearing covered three measures. SB 1602 would appropriate funds to DLNR for monitoring wells for the Koho aquifer system; DLNR and HHFDC supported it, and written testimony from several organizations and individuals was also in support. Members asked whether monitoring wells are a statewide function rather than a county function, and staff confirmed they are done statewide. The second bill was an administration measure clarifying that criminal water pollution enforcement remains with the Department of Health rather than DLNR. The Attorney General’s office said it was a cleanup clarification and that DOH has stronger enforcement powers and better testing capability; DOH and DLNR supported it, and there was no opposition noted.
The final and most heavily debated measure was SB 1074 on environmental impact statements. The bill would let previously authorized or permitted commercial activities continue for up to one year while an agency determines whether environmental review applies after a challenge, and would allow permit renewals during that review. DLNR said it stood on written comments and suggested aligning the bill with similar House language. Supporters, including several ocean tourism and Maui business representatives, argued the bill would provide certainty and keep families and small operators working while environmental review is completed, especially in the wake of the Lahaina fires and ongoing business losses. Some supporters said the measure should be narrowed with a sunset or limited to recently renewed permits.
Opponents, including the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Earthjustice, the Sierra Club, and other environmental advocates, argued the bill was overly broad and could weaken HEPA/NEPA-style environmental review, especially for fisheries and other commercial activities. They said the bill could be used as a “Trojan horse” to avoid review and that DLNR could resolve the underlying disputes more quickly through settlement or existing exemption processes. No votes were taken during the hearing.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (01/13/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the alternatives that are present today. the alternatives that are present today.
- </c><01:39:47.440><c> and</c> safer targeted alternatives and safer targeted alternatives and integrated
- So, there are alternatives.
- </c><04:16:11.920><c> to</c> commercially available alternatives to commercially available alternatives
- </c> successful in in generating alternatives successful in in generating alternatives for<04:16:21.600
Committee:
House Environment and Agriculture
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Under 5937, RLTA landlords would be required, upon tenant request, to offer tenants alternative keys
- that do not use biometric identifiers... ...on tenant request to offer tenants alternative keys that
- Examples of alternative keys include things like key fobs, key cards, physical keys, or other forms of
- Back in October, my landlord installed smart lock systems in my building and refused to give an alternative
- Not all of these smart lock technologies actually allow for that key fob type of alternative, so this
Committee:
House Housing
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Under 5937, RLTA landlords would be required, upon tenant request, to offer tenants alternative keys
- Upon tenant request, landlords would be required to offer tenants alternative keys that do not use biometric
- Examples of alternative keys include things like key fobs, key cards, physical keys, or other forms of
- Back in October, my landlord installed smart lock systems in my building and refused to give an alternative
- Not all of these smart lock technologies actually allow for that key fob type of alternative, so this
Summary:
The committee heard three housing-related bills. SB 5937 would regulate smart access systems in rental housing by requiring landlords, on tenant request, to provide non-biometric and non-app-based alternatives such as physical keys, key fobs, or key cards, and by adding privacy-policy and data-minimization requirements for smart access systems. The bill’s sponsor and a tenant testified in support, describing concerns about app-based entry systems tracking movement and collecting personal data. The Washington Multifamily Housing Association testified neutral, saying the bill had been improved through stakeholder work and amendments that allowed privacy-policy links and delayed implementation until January 1, 2027. The hearing on the bill was closed with no vote taken.
The committee then heard ESSB 5156, which directs the State Building Code Council to allow smaller elevators in apartment buildings up to six stories and 24 units and creates a technical advisory group to review certain elevator safety requirements. The sponsor and several supporters argued the bill would reduce elevator costs, improve feasibility for small multifamily and middle-housing projects, and increase accessibility and age-friendly housing. The National Elevator Industry opposed the bill’s harmonization language in Section 2, paragraph 2, warning it could create ambiguity, multiple standards, and litigation, but said it would be neutral if that language were removed. Other industry and housing advocates supported the measure as a way to lower costs and expand housing supply. No action was taken during the hearing.
Finally, the committee heard SB 6237, which would require landlords to disclose flood risk information to tenants for leases entered into after December 31, 2026. The disclosure would note whether a property may be in a flood hazard area, where tenants can find county flood information, and that the landlord’s insurance does not cover tenants’ belongings. The Washington Multifamily Housing Association testified neutral, saying the bill had been narrowed to a more manageable disclosure and that removing a requirement to recommend flood insurance addressed concerns about landlords acting as insurance advisers. The hearing concluded without a vote, and the chair announced the committee would meet again the next day.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Human Services Committee May 27th, 2026
Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We, 20 years ago, set up the alternatives to incarceration and did a lot of work.
- We are on to the 150 alternatives to placement at the Life Skills and Transition Center.
- We're on to the 150 alternatives to placement at the Life Skills and Transition Center.
- And so when we're looking at alternatives, I always worry that we're eliminating an alternative, or we're
- talking about alternatives like we don't want this other situation to be the alternative, right?
Committee:
Joint Human Services Committee
Summary:
The committee first approved the February 11, 2026 minutes and then received an update from the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency on the interagency council on homelessness and continuum of care funding. Testimony described rising homelessness tied to tight housing markets, low incomes, aging homelessness, barriers to rental assistance and public benefits, and limited shelter and case-management capacity. Members discussed the need for more affordable housing, continued one-time funding for the North Dakota Homeless Grant and Housing Incentive Fund, better coordination with Health and Human Services on economic assistance and human service zones, landlord engagement, recovery housing, and reentry housing. The committee also heard that federal continuum of care funding remains uncertain, with possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing and housing-first models; members asked for a future update on the impact if federal rules reduce the share available for permanent housing.
The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described current screening and service delivery, including infant referrals, regional staff, short-term programs, and collaboration with vocational rehabilitation. He said the targeted screening system is working, recommended maintaining the current model, and noted ongoing challenges with staffing, public awareness, and accessible state websites and documents. Public testimony from a visually impaired resident and a deaf resident emphasized barriers such as CAPTCHAs, inaccessible PDFs, employment forms that screen out applicants based on driver’s license status, shortages of interpreters, and the need for video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training for users and agencies.
Finally, the committee heard a final report on the study of child care provider licensing from HHS Early Childhood Director Kay Larson. The report summarized provider input and committee discussion on simplifying North Dakota’s child care licensing structure, reducing administrative burden, and balancing that with health and safety standards. Key topics included licensing categories, child care assistance eligibility, food program sponsorship, staff qualifications, training requirements, ratios and group size, age bands, and preschool exemptions. The committee’s recommendations included streamlining to three provider types plus a preschool designation, revising ratio and age-band rules, and carrying forward certain preschool outdoor-space exemptions. Larson noted that any changes would require statutory changes, rulemaking, and a transition period before new licensing rules could take effect.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environmental Quality Committee Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- scenario, which is the baseline in yellow, but a more rapid transition depending on how much the alternate
- conventional fuels is beginning to decline, but it's still substantial in the economy, while the alternate
- Now over a quarter of our transportation fuels come from alternative fuel sources.
- We see things like the conversion of the state's refineries to produce alternative fuels.
- You're experiencing different levels of alternative technologies and all that.
Summary:
The Senate Environmental Quality Committee held an informational hearing on the environmental impacts and policy considerations surrounding refinery closures. Chair Blakespear framed the hearing as part of California’s broader transition away from fossil fuels, emphasizing the need for proactive planning so communities, workers, and local governments are not caught off guard. Vice Chair Gunda argued that the state has long signaled a future away from oil, while also warning that closures can create supply instability, higher prices, and infrastructure stress if not managed carefully. Senators also raised concerns about consumer costs, supply reliability, the role of imports, and whether California’s climate policies are contributing to refinery disinvestment.
The first panel included the California Energy Commission, CARB, and the State Water Resources Control Board. Gunda described California as being in a “mid-transition,” with gasoline demand gradually declining, zero-emission vehicle adoption rising, and refinery capacity shrinking through both conversions to renewable fuels and outright closures. He said the state needs a coordinated strategy that balances near-term supply stability with long-term decarbonization, and noted that refinery closures can shift liabilities onto pipelines, terminals, and potentially the state. CARB’s Matthew Boutill said the agency’s focus is reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases, and that state policies are already driving billions in annual investment in alternative fuels, EV infrastructure, and refinery conversions. Water Board representative Annalisa Kihara explained the cleanup authorities used at refinery sites, including investigation, remediation, and enforcement tools, and said decommissioning often reveals previously inaccessible contamination and may require new monitoring wells and additional site assessment.
Committee members pressed the panel on whether the state has enough information to plan for land reuse and cleanup costs, whether current tools are adequate, and whether more legislative direction is needed. Gunda said there are still gaps in information and transparency, especially around liability and long-term community planning. Kihara said the Water Boards can require more data, cleanup, and timelines, but that refinery remediation is highly site-specific and can take tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. Senators Menjivar, Stern, and Hurtado questioned demand trends, the pace of refinery closures versus demand decline, the role of imports and the Jones Act, and whether California should consider options such as state ownership or broader ecosystem planning. The panel generally agreed that closures are likely to continue and that the state should plan proactively rather than reactively.
A second panel presented recent research on refinery closures. Emily Grubert said closure costs and remediation obligations are often underestimated and that California should better define end-of-life obligations and financial assurance requirements. Tham Herschbach outlined five drivers of refinery closures: declining California crude production, falling in-state gasoline demand, the shift toward renewable diesel and other alternative fuels, global refinery consolidation, and the growing availability of imported gasoline. Anne Alexander focused on community impacts, using the Phillips 66 Los Angeles refinery closure as a case study, and said refinery sites are often heavily contaminated, cleanup can take a decade or more, and communities are often left without clear information because refineries have little end-of-life planning or financial assurance requirements. No votes or formal actions were taken at the informational hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- alternative would be natural grass?
- There are some other alternatives.
- So yes, there are all alternative infills, and I think that's a good step forward.
- The community offered safer and affordable alternative methods to discharge this wastewater.
- The licensee has other capable alternatives that they can deal with this water.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hybrid hearing with testimony on a range of environmental bills. Early testimony focused on H. 1018, which would update management of the Commonwealth’s water resources and limit new conditions on historic water registrations. Water officials from Wellesley and the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission supported the bill, arguing that drought-related restrictions on registered withdrawals are difficult to administer, create customer confusion, and can undermine utility revenue needed for infrastructure upgrades. A Massachusetts Waterworks Association representative also backed the bill, saying registered systems have long operated within their allocations and should not have those withdrawals conditioned by regulation.
A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 1040, which would ban tire-derived materials on playgrounds and playing fields. The bill’s petitioner, environmental advocates, and an environmental chemist testified that crumb rubber and other tire-derived infill can release chemicals into soil and water and may pose risks to aquatic life and public health. Committee members asked about alternatives and costs; witnesses said natural grass and some organic infills are available, though more research is needed on some substitutes. Rep. Schwartz also testified on CSO-related bills, describing combined sewer overflows as a public health and environmental problem and saying the bills set deadlines but leave implementation methods to local and regional officials. Rep. Chacolo supported H. 909, a grant program for low-noise, low-emission landscape equipment, citing worker health, noise, and emissions concerns, and Sen. Cyr testified for bills addressing coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollution.
The hearing also included extensive testimony on H. 4040, which would prevent discharge of radioactive materials from the Pilgrim decommissioning process. Speakers including a Sierra Club representative, a physician, and the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association opposed Holtec’s plan to dispose of radioactive wastewater through evaporation or discharge, citing public health, transparency, and economic risks to fisheries and coastal communities. Another large block of testimony addressed CSO legislation, especially H. 1046 and related bills for the MWRA service area. Environmental groups, residents, and river users described sewage overflows into the Charles, Mystic, and Alewife Brook, impacts on health and recreation, and the need for a timeline to eliminate or sharply reduce overflows. Industry representatives opposed the CSO and waste bills, arguing they would be costly, duplicative, and disruptive, while waste facility operators said they already use continuous emissions monitoring and comply with existing regulations. No votes were taken during the hearing.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- By prioritizing community-based alternatives such as counseling and supervision, we are investing in
- and the public safety needs. ...look at the various alternatives and the public safety needs.
- While alternatives are appropriate in many cases, their availability varies significantly among counties
- And finally, by requiring clear and convincing evidence that a less restrictive alternative disposition
- I do want to, however, just address the fact that we don't have enough good community-based alternatives
Committee:
Senate Public Safety
Summary:
The committee heard presentations on several bills and one resolution, with testimony largely focused on public safety, criminal justice, and victim/survivor protections. SB 936 by Senator Blakespear would restrict retail sale of larger nitrous oxide canisters to curb youth misuse and impaired driving; supporters included prosecutors, local officials, cities, counties, and environmental groups, while the ACLU opposed the bill unless amended to rely on regulation rather than criminal penalties. Members raised concerns about overbreadth and possible amendments, but the author said the bill would be narrowed and emphasized it would not create jail time, only escalating fines. SB 941 by Senator Padilla would cap commissary markups in private federal immigration detention facilities, mirroring a prior prison commissary law; it drew strong support from immigrant justice advocates and civil rights groups, with no opposition heard, and members expressed support for the measure.
SCR 118 by Senator Gonzalez urged release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files and greater transparency for survivors. The author and CAST testified in support, emphasizing survivor trauma and accountability; one committee member voiced concern that the resolution could imply facts not yet established and said he would likely abstain, while others supported the resolution as part of broader anti-trafficking efforts. SB 1009 by Senator Becker would require clear and convincing evidence before detaining youth in juvenile hall and would favor less restrictive alternatives; supporters included youth defenders, former system-involved youth, and many advocacy organizations, while probation and district attorneys opposed it, arguing it would limit judicial discretion, strain resources, and could jeopardize public safety. Members were split, with some emphasizing the harms of detention and others warning about home-environment risks and implementation challenges.
AB 46 by Assembly Member Nguyen would revise mental health diversion law to give judges clearer authority to deny diversion when public safety is at risk. Support came from prosecutors, probation, and crime survivors who described cases where diverted defendants later committed serious violence; opposition from public defenders and civil rights groups argued that judges already have discretion, diversion is rarely granted, and the bill would reduce access to treatment and worsen outcomes. The author said the bill was a balanced compromise developed with stakeholders. Finally, SB 948 by Senator Aegean would require more comprehensive firearm safety training for firearm safety certificates and require new California residents to register firearms and obtain a certificate within 60 days; supporters from Brady and youth gun-violence prevention groups cited accidental shootings and child deaths, and the author noted possible future amendments on timing for new residents. Throughout the hearing, the chair repeatedly noted the committee lacked a quorum, so no votes were taken during the transcript.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Local Government Jan 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Certain resources count as qualified alternative energy resources.
- For purchases from a joint operating agency, they are limited to the output of qualified alternative
- Renewable resources are, confusingly, somewhat different than qualified alternative energy resources.
- If a city forms a fire protection district through the alternative method and it's not in the library
- It's a strong and practical alternative.
Committee:
House Local Government
Keywords:
renewable energy, nonemitting generation, public entities, contracting, electric generation, distributed energy, agricultural land, energy generation, renewable resources, siting regulations, land use, urban development, vegetation management, shrubsteppe, environmental regulation, economic development, sales tax, rural counties, industrial land banks, growth management
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 16th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Even in alternate plans, you can usually find reasonable accommodation.
- and eliminated less economically impactful alternatives before the Forest Practices Board could fully
- What is our alternative to get back to those kinds of agreements that you all lauded at the beginning
- What is our alternative to get back to those kinds of agreements that you all lauded at the beginning
- And when you have a rule that goes through with no alternative, they typically have two alternatives
Committee:
House Agriculture & Natural Resources
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- right to own that material or the goods in that storage unit; it simply gives the ability for that alternate
- Last year, cost was brought up as one of the main reasons for giving storage facilities an alternative
- The notification to the alternative address, which is provided by the owner of the renter, is another
- So you're going to notify the owner, and you're going to notify the alternative. Thank you.
- So you're going to notify the owner and you're going to notify the alternate owner as well.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee took up two bills. SB 98, by Senator Harrell, would let self-storage facilities advertise lien sales either in a newspaper or on a qualifying website, while keeping other notice requirements in place and updating contact information provisions. Supporters, including the Florida Press Association and several newspaper/storage owners, argued print and digital newspaper notices already provide broad public notice and that the bill could reduce notice effectiveness; the sponsor said the bill is an optional modernization and does not affect government notices. After debate, the committee voted 8-1 to report SB 98 favorably.
The committee then heard SB 164, by Senator Grall, which expands Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover civil damages for the death of an unborn child at any stage of development, with carve-outs for the mother and lawful medical care. The sponsor said the bill aligns civil law with Florida’s criminal protections for unborn children and gives families a remedy where current law may not. Opponents, including the ACLU of Florida, health care workers, and others, warned it could invite lawsuits against doctors, hospitals, friends, family members, and people involved in abortion access, and could worsen OB-GYN shortages and deter care. Supporters said it recognizes unborn life and should be treated consistently with existing wrongful death law. The committee approved SB 164 on a 4-3 vote and then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Mar 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I wanted to go through just briefly what each of those alternatives would look like.
- That's actually similar conceptually to the first alternative, the reserve deposit.
- So turning to page 6 here, all of these alternatives, as well as the Governor's proposal, are assuming
- I'd ask if the Department of Education wants to provide some feedback on An alternative approach and
- And I think I testified that it may be time to look at an alternative.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Mar 10th, 2026
Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials
Transcript Highlights:
- buying groceries, and it's time that we have our businesses and manufacturers switch to safer alternatives
- The good news is that safer alternatives already exist.
- Safer alternatives already exist.
- AB 1604 represents the straightforward principle that when safer alternatives exist and science points
- AB 1604 represents the straightforward principle that when safer alternatives exist and science points