Transcript Highlights:

• Now, uh, a story of hope that kind of got dashed as I was driving down here: an engineer two weeks ago
• down here an got dashed as I was driving down here an engineer<00:15:01.959> two<00:15:02.199
• If you ever look at old-growth wood, which is hard to come by, you’ll notice the rings are very close
• If you ever look at old-growth wood, which is hard to come by, you’ll notice the rings are very close
• <01:07:33.119> and know make sure that we're driving and know make sure that we're driving

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We're working hard to get one in Tarrant County.
• I have it on a drive, so I'd be happy to send that to you.
• Why is that hard?
• So why is it hard? I mean, doesn't the hospital know?
• It is there, but it's hard to find. and it's not matched up.

Bills: HB5141, HB4638, HB2264, HB2035, HB4813, HB4408, HB2684, HB1621, HB2300, HB216, HB3829, HB4466, HB1747, HB2284, HB3614, HB2587, HB3219, HB3318, HB5147, HB4014, HB216

Keywords: lease, state property, public purpose, Travis County, Health and Human Services, pharmaceutical initiative, drug distribution, healthcare services, generic drugs, advanced pharmaceuticals, cost savings, mental health, patient discharge, medical records, health care professionals, substance use, family involvement, chemical dependency, treatment facilities, minor admissions

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that's hard, and I appreciate you being here.
• You’ve been looking at this, and I respect all the hard work you’ve put into it.
• They are choosing to run platforms in a way that hard.
• So I understand that some people are paid through cryptocurrency, and that's hard to track.
• Some people are paid through cryptocurrency, and that's hard to track.

Summary: The committee heard several privacy and consumer protection bills, with most of the discussion focused on AI and social media. AB 1405 would create a state registry for AI auditors and set basic transparency, ethics, and qualification standards for those auditors; supporters said it would build trust and provide a foundation for future AI oversight, while some members questioned whether government should define auditor qualifications instead of industry groups. The bill was moved out on a 5-1 vote to Appropriations, with the roll left open. AB 2, by Assemblymember Lowenthal, would impose enhanced financial penalties on large social media companies when their negligence causes harm to children and teens. Supporters, including a grieving parent and Common Sense Media, argued the bill would create accountability for harmful algorithms and design choices, while opponents from TechNet, EFF, CCIA, and CalChamber warned it was vague, could chill speech, invite censorship, and raise Section 230 and First Amendment concerns. Committee members debated private right of action versus public enforcement, possible shakedown lawsuits, and whether the bill should be narrowed; the bill passed 6-0 to Judiciary with the roll left open. AB 410 would expand California’s bot disclosure law so bots must identify themselves up front and truthfully if asked, rather than only prohibiting deceptive bots in limited commercial or election contexts. Supporters said the measure would help users, especially youth and vulnerable people, know when they are interacting with AI and reduce deception online; one privacy group withdrew opposition after amendments, and other industry groups said they were no longer opposed or had no formal position. The bill passed 9-1 to Appropriations with the roll left open. The committee also approved AB 1327, which lets consumers cancel home improvement contracts by email instead of only by mail and requires phone assistance for cancellations; the Contractor State License Board withdrew opposition after amendments, and the bill passed 11-0 to Judiciary with the roll left open.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's hard to keep track.
• <00:16:09.160> to<00:16:09.279> keep hard to keep hard to keep track<00:16:11.360> so
• She said it is also one of the real issues with cuts to the program, because if people have to drive
• She said it is also one of the real issues with cuts to the program, because if people have to drive
• She said it is one of the real issues with cuts to the program, because if people have to drive far to

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't understand the drive to get rid of us.
• I I can >> Um, I mean, it's hard to say.
• It is likely that my loved one is going to drive at some point.
• It is likely that my loved one is going to drive at some point.
• hard cop electronic<01:16:16.800> or<01:16:17.120> hard<01:16:17.440> copy<01:16

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• copy We'll keep some hard copy in the mix.
• So I think we are, as a district, trying very hard to reduce that.
• So I think we are, as a district, trying very hard to reduce that.
• What I found was it was extremely hard to find that option.
• We have about 10 more minutes before we have a hard deadline.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are trying very, very hard to get face-to-face. Recruited to Williston.
• We are trying very, very hard to get face-to-face.
• So I can let Pat talk a little bit. which is extremely hard to find.
• Is there anything that stands out that's driving that?
• It's a little hard to see them up there. It's with them being so small.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee was called to order, the roll was taken, and the March 18 minutes were approved. Members then received several project and program updates, beginning with CHI St. Alexius’s behavioral health buildouts in Bismarck, Williston, and Grand Forks. St. Alexius reported that the Bismarck project remains on track for June 2027 completion, with demolition underway and final design work nearing completion. Williston reported construction is progressing, staffing recruitment is underway for psychiatrists and other staff, and an air handler replacement is creating a roughly $750,000 unbudgeted barrier that will slightly delay the timeline. Grand Forks reported its expansion is about 30% complete, with no major barriers beyond weather, and leaders said the project should be substantially complete in the first quarter of 2027. The Department of Health and Human Services then presented a series of budget and program updates. Donna Ockland explained several recent line-item transfers as technical corrections that net to zero and do not require new spending, then reviewed salaries, wages, and FTE counts, noting the department remains within its authorized staffing levels. Pat Rainer followed with an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying 12 opportunities have been posted, 422 applications received, and $8.4 million obligated so far, with a goal of obligating the full $199 million by September. He described grants for workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community gardens, school wellness, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, equipment, technology, EMS, and other initiatives, emphasizing that the program is intended to be transformational and tied to metrics. Members asked extensive questions about how rural eligibility is defined, how grants will support both rural facilities and hub hospitals, and how future years of funding will build on current awards. The committee also heard an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller, who said North Dakota has been accepted as a demonstration state, implementation is underway in Williston, North Central/Minot, Fargo, and Dickinson, and care coordination and service counts are increasing. Rebecca Askins then reviewed SNAP payment error rates, saying the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89%, with the state aiming to get below 6% through policy updates, training, data tools, and a quality assurance team. Members pressed her on the causes of the error rate, the role of the SPACES software system, and the need for accountability and improvements. Finally, Dirk Wilkie reported the state laboratory project reached substantial completion on June 12 and is on budget at about $69.95 million, though a service elevator had to be redesigned because it was too small for equipment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was actually wonderful just to chill, and I didn't have to drive this morning.
• As half of Torrance County, so I didn't have too far of a drive.
• These are the drugs that are driving up the cost of the pharmaceuticals.
• I mean, we don't know anything essentially, so it's really hard to plan.
• They think it's too hard. Whatever.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every time we get hit with wildfires, the growing wildfire risks are driving up the cost of insurance
• Every time we get hit with wildfires, the growing wildfire risks are driving up the cost of insurance
• Publicly accessible information is essential to driving positive changes on the ground.
• Our requests for meetings on legislative matters are hard to get.
• So I want to thank the witnesses and the police chiefs as well for their hard work on this bill.

Summary: The committee met to hear seven Senate bills, first approving two consent items, SB 352 and SB 804, on motions to do pass to Appropriations. SB 542 (Limón) would require public notice and comment before issuing a financial responsibility certificate for an oil pipeline and require hydrostatic testing before restarting pipelines idle for five years or more; it was supported by the Center for Biological Diversity and passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. SB 616 (Rubio) would create an independent community hardening commission within the Department of Insurance to coordinate wildfire mitigation and insurance-related recommendations; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and several local and industry groups, while water agencies, special districts, and the building industry raised concerns about water infrastructure standards, and it passed on a due-pass motion to Insurance. SB 429 (Cortese), which would establish a public wildfire catastrophe model and related university-based research and education program, received support from the Department of Insurance and outside groups and passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 256 (Perez) would strengthen wildfire mitigation and emergency response by expanding planning, improving PSPS communication, requiring utility coordination with emergency centers, and directing removal of permanently abandoned electrical facilities; utilities and business groups were generally neutral after amendments, while the author emphasized the bill’s connection to recent wildfire losses, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 509 (Caballero) would require specialized training for local law enforcement on transnational repression targeting diaspora communities; it received support from the California Police Chiefs Association and immigrant-rights advocates, but drew extensive opposition from Hindu and civil-rights organizations concerned about bias, implementation, and First Amendment issues. Committee members discussed amendments to clarify cultural competency, diversity, and constitutional protections, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. After the hearing, the committee took final roll-call votes on the bills, with the consent items and SB 429, SB 256, and SB 509 moving forward, while SB 542 and SB 616 were also reported out on earlier motions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hard to say across all programs, but there's at least some collaboration. All right. Okay, so, Mr.
• Our team has been working hard over the last several months to create efficiencies in the way we operate
• Our team has been working hard over the last several months to create efficiencies in the way we operate
• and adapt to face disruptions, both internal and external, to meet future challenges and continue driving
• First is driving alignment of programs, technology, communications, and process across the workforce

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Budget Section’s Commerce and Legal Services Division met to review the Department of Commerce base budget for the 2027-29 biennium and to receive an update on Commerce programs. Legislative Council staff first walked the committee through the “blue sheet” base budget summary, explaining the major line items, the large share of federal grant authority in Commerce’s budget, and the continuing appropriations that support several Commerce funds. Members asked how grant funding is coordinated across agencies, and staff said collaboration varies by program but is strong in areas like UAS and LIHEAP. Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken then presented on current activities, focusing heavily on grant administration, transparency, and economic development programs. Members questioned how grant applicants are selected, whether Commerce tracks applications and return on investment, and how long grant awards take to reach recipients. The commissioner said Commerce uses scoring criteria, outside reviewers, a minimum 30-day application window, and typically completes awards within two to three months. A lengthy exchange followed over whether Commerce should open some grants only to intended recipients versus running competitive application processes; Commerce said it follows best-practice grantmaking and that its attorney in the Attorney General’s office approved that approach. Commerce also highlighted the North Dakota Development Fund, citing long-term investment and job creation results, examples such as Red Trail Energy, Packet Digital, Valiance, Corvent Medical, child care loans, and the Automate ND program. Members asked about acceptable failures, lessons learned, regional economic development coordination, and the expansion of the fund into non-primary sectors. Workforce Director Katie Ralston Howell then outlined a statewide workforce ecosystem review, a new governor’s workforce sub-cabinet, and three task forces focused on simplifying entry, warm handoffs, and data integration. She discussed the in-demand occupations list, Workforce Pell, apprenticeships, and efforts to better connect students with employers and higher education. Commerce also briefly reviewed housing programs and a new housing sub-cabinet. No votes were taken; the committee simply received testimony, asked questions, and adjourned after setting up the next meeting to hear the Attorney General budget in June.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the big driving factors were... ...some of the big driving factors were we did recommend increasing
• I think the component that probably drives a lot of this is the competitive pay.
• I think the component that probably drives a lot of this is the competitive pay.
• Because we are trying really hard to get more information about why these cuts are happening and I had
• federal funding from the program, that's actually breaking news to me because we are trying really hard

Bills: S7010

Keywords: Roth contributions, deferred compensation, retirement savings, Florida Statutes, tax benefits

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations met to take up SB 7010 by Senator Mayfield, which would authorize Roth post-tax contribution options in state and local deferred compensation plans. The bill was briefly explained, received one appearance in support, had no debate, and was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget on the governor’s recommended $117.4 billion “Floridians’ First Budget.” The presentation highlighted major spending areas including education, health care, public safety, transportation, environmental restoration, and economic development. Key proposals included increased FEFP funding for K-12 schools, teacher salary funding, higher education support, Everglades and water quality funding, emergency preparedness reserves, corrections staffing and pay increases, law enforcement recruitment bonuses, cybersecurity, and affordable housing and infrastructure investments. Members asked extensive questions about property tax reserve planning, litigation funding, emergency response fund balances and expenditures, the use of federal reimbursement for the Everglades detention facilities, the animal abuse hotline, Hope Florida, corrections staffing, and the proposed reduction in ADAP eligibility for HIV/AIDS medication assistance. A member of the public also testified at length about concerns that the ADAP changes would harm access to life-saving medications and alleged improper shifting of program funds. Committee members and the presenter acknowledged follow-up questions on several items, but no additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond the favorable report on SB 7010 and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And ultimately, we want to be to a place where the data just drives that. >> Thank you.
• I would want to note that we were a little hard done by the media on that one.
• That typically drives a lot of the incentive conversation.
• We want to have folks that we're driving up the career path as quickly as they possibly can.
• Now, we're marketing hard to make sure.

Transcript Highlights:

• California's economy is not just one of the largest and most diverse in the world; it is the driving
• option, ...the accessible option, the economic option, and yet for our working students, it's been hard
• Small business drives a lot of that. That's where you get good jobs.
• They taught me to make sure that we work hard.
• I always tell people that when I would drive to the west side...

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact held an informational hearing in Paramount as part of its “Pocketbook Tour,” focused on affordability, cost pressures, and household impacts in Los Angeles County. The first panel centered on workers and learners, with testimony from the UCLA Labor Center and the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board. Speakers described how rising living costs, tuition, and low wages force many students to work long hours, often in unrelated, low-wage jobs, while struggling with food, rent, bills, anxiety, and limited financial aid. Recommendations included expanding state-funded work study, creating a statewide internship tax credit for small businesses, improving financial aid formulas to reflect regional cost of living, increasing flexibility for students, and strengthening worker-rights education and career pathways. The second panel focused on microbusinesses and small business affordability. Testimony from microenterprise advocates, the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center Network, and local business owners described rising commercial rents, labor costs, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, insurance, utilities, and disaster-related pressures as major threats to small businesses. Witnesses emphasized that small businesses are central to local economies and asked the state to expand technical assistance, low-interest financing, disaster support, supply-chain development, and community-based outreach. They also urged more intentional support for microbusinesses and home-based entrepreneurs, including networks that connect them to resources and help them build collective buying power. Committee members asked about possible state actions, including tax credits for hiring local workers or interns, support for trades and apprenticeships, and ways to partner more closely with SBDCs and chambers of commerce. Public comment echoed the hearing themes, with speakers highlighting student hardship, nonprofit mental health funding, renewable energy jobs and internships, and the need for state support for clean-energy incentives. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with closing remarks and adjournment at 11:05 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what really drives the movement of people and jobs. Mr.
• tax to grow quickly is driving a similar increase in our costs.
• So we work hard at doing that. Our general fund is equated to $109 million.
• I find it hard to be recognized first, and then I get to ask you questions.
• It's not a hard cap.

Bills: SB9, SB 9

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax rate calculation, Tax Code, local government finance, municipality, county, special taxing unit, sales and use tax, property tax cap, tax rollback, tax levy, maintenance and operations, debt rate, disaster relief rate, Texas Legislature, local taxing unit, school assessment

Transcript Highlights:

• Innovation is driving change, not overly burdensome regulations. regulations. Thank you.
• The bill creates uncertainty for businesses and threatens to drive away investment, pushing jobs and
• We need to think about the bills that we drive and how we live our lives.
• I think we should make those hard decisions ourselves as elected officials of the people.
• It's hard to turn on TV news these days because you see California just burning to a crisp.

Transcript Highlights:

• They won't have to drive, right?
• So, can you imagine an elderly person driving 250 miles one way?
• to wake up extremely early, drive a long way, see the physician, and then...
• And the issue of driving to medical care is a concern. That is an access issue.
• The majority of them didn't drive, which has been an issue for a long time. Right.

Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2

Keywords: Maverick County, recognition, economic development, Texas Senate, community celebration, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:07:18.480> up state level these policies drive up state level these policies drive up
• It'll drive up food costs.
• insurance than your actual driving insurance than your actual driving record<01:28:46.440> and
• affordable insurance to safe drive affordable insurance to safe drive drivers<01:29:24.679> who
• won't be penalized for non-driving won't be penalized for non-driving factors<01:30:07.760> like

Bills: HF2228, HF46, HF856, HF2149, HF2215

Keywords: homeowners insurance, property insurance, commercial property insurance, insurance affordability, insurance market stabilization, reinsurance, catastrophic reinsurance fund, self-insured pool, premium costs, coverage notice, liability reform, climate risk, climate change, housing affordability, multifamily housing, rental housing, common interest communities, cooperatives, small business insurance, Minnesota Commerce Department

Transcript Highlights:

• I hard to believe it's getting late, almost down to February.
• I appreciate your drive and push for the facts.
• I appreciate your drive and push for the facts.
• I appreciate your drive and push for the facts.
• manager of that unit and we're driving manager of that unit and we're driving towards<01:43:32.400

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And so... ...these things were still big and hard and difficult.
• Now, I don't have the specific hard numbers on that.
• And I think it's hard to do that. But, you know, also with... And I think it's hard to do that.
• You will have some accounts with millions of followers that are driving anti-LGBTQ misinformation.
• I really like having them in the room and in the space to drive the work that we do.

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational hearing on the impact of social media on LGBTQ+ youth, focusing on benefits, risks, and possible safeguards. Chair members framed the discussion around the tension between protecting young people from addictive design, harassment, hate speech, exploitation, and mental health harms while preserving access to affirming resources, community, and crisis support that many LGBTQ+ youth rely on online. Members emphasized that the hearing was meant to inform future policy rather than relitigate prior bills, and several members of the LGBTQ+ Caucus attended or participated. The first panel featured lived experience and advocacy testimony from Madi Roby of Alliance for Trans Youth Rights, Shea Gardner of LGBT Tech, and Casey Pick of the Trevor Project. Roby described social media as essential to exploring identity, finding trans language and safety information, and connecting to Trevor Project resources during a family crisis, while also acknowledging online hate and bullying. Gardner argued that lawmakers should regulate harms more precisely rather than impose broad age-based exclusions, warning that account bans and age-gating could cut off access to community, privacy-protective pseudonymity, and crisis resources. Pick testified that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than peers to attempt suicide, that social media can be both a lifeline and a risk, and that Trevor Space and other moderated online spaces can improve mental health and reduce isolation; she also cautioned against policies that would push youth into less visible, less moderated spaces. Committee members questioned the witnesses about algorithmic feeds, addictive design, age verification, and whether platforms should be required to do more to protect youth. Several lawmakers distinguished between personalized feeds and addictive features such as infinite scroll and autoplay, and asked for more targeted prescriptions. Witnesses generally supported stronger privacy protections, limits on data collection and use, better reporting and moderation tools, digital literacy, and design changes that reduce harmful engagement patterns without eliminating access to community. The discussion also touched on the loss of LGBTQ-specific 988 services at the national level and the importance of maintaining alternative support pathways. The second panel presented research from Common Sense Media, UC Irvine, Hope Lab, and LGBTQ+ Health Australia. Researchers reported that LGBTQ+ youth often arrive online with higher depressive symptoms and limited in-person support, encounter homophobic and transphobic content at high rates, and may self-censor because of fear of harassment. At the same time, many said social media helps them feel less alone and find affirmation. Dr. Sean Young emphasized a harm-reduction approach, noting that online environments can be designed to support health and that policymakers should measure whether restrictions actually reduce harm or simply displace it. Dr. Amy Green echoed that social media is both harmful and supportive for LGBTQ+ youth, underscoring that the policy goal should be to make youth safer rather than less visible online.

Transcript Highlights:

• , homeschool teachers, they work hard, homeschool teachers, they work hard, too.<00:32:20.000>
• I can't drive anymore.
• Would you be can't drive anymore.
• He was a drive. He could barely walk.
• and engineering disciplines that drive and engineering disciplines that drive innovation<01:21:07.040

Keywords: 1187, senate, all