Transcript Highlights:

• And so you all operate, CHP operates inspection facilities and way stations across our state.
• If those commercial vehicles bypass the facility, whether it's human operator or a traffic.
• and ready for autonomous vehicles to come through those facilities with those test drivers.
• We are not currently prepared for full autonomy mode to go through those facilities.
• I would say safety is a huge priority for us, right? We're a labor union.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard an informational hearing on California’s newly finalized autonomous vehicle regulations, with DMV and CHP officials describing the updated framework and committee members pressing them on safety, enforcement, and first-responder impacts. DMV said the rules, effective April 28, 2026, expand reporting, create a phased permitting system from testing to deployment, add requirements for safety cases, remote operations, and first-responder coordination, and open a path for heavy-duty AV testing and deployment while still prohibiting oversized loads and hazardous materials. CHP said it worked with DMV on enforcement tools, first-responder interaction plans, and training local agencies on the new notice of noncompliance process. Members asked about crash data, immobilizations, freeway and construction-zone safety, weigh-station enforcement, and whether foreign licenses can qualify for remote assistants or drivers; DMV and CHP said the rules are intended to keep AVs accountable and that heavy-duty AVs will be held to the same roadway standards as human-driven commercial vehicles. A second panel focused on data collection and enforcement. Consumer attorneys argued the prior rules were too limited because DMV stopped collecting meaningful data once AVs moved from testing to deployment, making it difficult for the public and litigants to understand incidents; they supported the new regulations but urged that the collected information be made public. The industry association said California now has the nation’s most robust AV oversight, with monthly or quarterly reporting of collisions, system failures, immobilizations, harsh braking, vehicle miles traveled, and notices of noncompliance, plus broad DMV authority to restrict or suspend operations. In response to questions, the industry said it generally supports the new framework, believes the regulations are clear, and does not favor full federal preemption of state AV rules, though it wants federal standards for design, construction, and performance. A third panel addressed first-responder interaction and remote operations. The San Francisco Fire Department described repeated AV interference with emergency scenes and said AVs have generated hundreds of “sleeper calls,” where passengers fall asleep and trigger 911 responses; the department said these incidents consume significant staff time and it wants better protocols to reduce unnecessary dispatches. Waymo said it has trained thousands of public-safety personnel, maintains a 24/7 emergency line, uses geofencing/avoid-the-area messages, and can allow first responders to manually override or move vehicles when needed. Committee members asked about sleeper-call prevention, remote assistant licensing and drug testing, communication redundancies during outages, and how manual overrides work for vehicles without traditional controls; Waymo said it is collaborating with responders and that its vehicles are designed to reach a safe stop if connectivity is lost. The final panel began with testimony on heavy-duty autonomous vehicles. A transportation researcher said freight is essential to California’s economy and that heavy-duty AVs pose distinct safety risks because of their weight, stopping distance, and the potentially severe consequences of crashes or immobilizations on highways. He said the new regulations are important because they create a regulated pathway for heavy-duty AV deployment, require a safety case, set mileage thresholds, and add reporting categories that can serve as leading safety indicators. The hearing was still in progress when the transcript ended, with additional testimony expected from labor and industry witnesses on heavy-duty AV deployment.

Transcript Highlights:

• concept residential development, provide water, wastewater drainage, road, park, and recreational facilities
• Uh, for our members, it is critically important that any relocation of the respective facilities be done
• Uh, obviously, there could be delays on relocating the facilities due to no fault of the relocating utility
• under the bill, the district on its own and of its own accord will be able to relocate to those facilities
• Currently, housing projects designed for elderly residents do not receive additional priority points

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, facility improvements to the, uh, highest possible level, and that includes trying to move projects
• for some of these other projects with inadequacy doesn't necessarily mean that they're getting the facility
• It means they're getting the facility that we are willing to pay for.
• Other things are priorities for locals, like to have additional, um, locker room space, you know, as
• And if they can figure out how to pay for that because that's a priority for them locally, then that's

Transcript Highlights:

• happening at our universities to cut costs and weather the bad state budgets while maintaining our priorities
• the administration's proposals have drawbacks, you could replace them with spending on your own priorities
• Priorities.
• Both dual enrollment and apprenticeships are two priorities for our office.
• So, I ask the Department of Finance to reconsider their priorities.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• El Paso's Pure Water Facility, a direct distribution potable reuse project, had an estimated price tag
• This facility will provide 10 million gallons per day of additional water for El Pasoans, which is about
• We'd also like to see the inclusion of water loss mitigation under priority strategies for the new water
• Funding for water infrastructure is the number one legislative priority for our partners.
• As you know, mentioned, Funding for water infrastructure is the number one legislative priority for our

Bills: HB16, HB16, HB1618, HB2692, HB2712, HB2970, HB3609, HB3628

Keywords: judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, water infrastructure, Texas Water Development Board, financial assistance, water supply projects, rural municipalities, water access assessment, aquifer storage, Edwards Aquifer, water injection, environmental regulations, groundwater management, San Antonio River, pollution control

Transcript Highlights:

• And authorizes the development of solar energy facilities on ag lands with productivity ratings of B,
• on ag lands with energy facilities on ag lands with productivity<00:01:46.880> ratings<00:01:
• <00:06:51.360> where side is the solar energy facility where side is the solar energy facility
• We like to see that they get priority. We like to see all<00:09:42.240> farmers.
• <00:50:21.080> to uh grant priority to uh grant priority to hemp<00:50:22.800> farmers<

Bills: SB2706, SB2320

Keywords: workforce development, agriculture, biosecurity, pilot program, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, University of Hawaii, Leeward Community College, DHRD, training, apprenticeship, career pathways, credentialing, job training, internship, hands-on experience, state employment, workforce pipeline, agricultural jobs, biosecurity jobs, general fund appropriation

Summary: The committees first heard SB 2371, which would prioritize lease offers on agrivoltaics parcels for beginning farmers, require annual compliance reports to DAB, authorize penalties for noncompliance, and allow solar facilities on certain agricultural lands. DAB, the State Energy Office, PUC, and Hawaii Farm Bureau generally supported the intent, while OPPSD recommended amendments to preserve agricultural lease affordability and strengthen food-production language. Members questioned whether the bill would meaningfully encourage solar on ag lands, whether beginning farmers would have enough information to use such parcels, and how the bill would interact with Land Use Commission review. The Farm Bureau said agrivoltaics remains challenging and largely in pilot form, and noted the Mililani project as a promising example of dual use. The committees voted to pass SB 2371 with amendments, with one member expressing a preference that it be opened to all farmers rather than only beginning farmers. The next measure, SB 2800, appropriates funds to DAB, DLNR, and ADC for acquisition, repair, and maintenance of irrigation systems. All testifying agencies and the Farm Bureau supported the bill, and members pressed them for estimates of needed funding and the condition of existing systems. DAB cited major repair needs, including Waimea, Molokai, Kahuku, and Kawailoa, and said its backlog could total roughly $65 million; ADC estimated about $35 million for several systems; and DLNR said its current needs for three systems were about $35 million, with the largest cost tied to piping in Kekaha. The committees amended the bill to defer its effective date to July 1, 2050 and to blank out the appropriation amounts in the bill text, with the agencies’ requested amounts to be included in the committee report for consideration. SB 2800 then passed in AEN, Water and Land, and EIG. The final measure discussed was SB 2718, a food hub pilot program beginning in 2028 that would require state departments and UH to source 30% of certain food purchases from local agricultural products, create a nutrition- and ʻāina-based school program, and have DAT partner with a regional aggregator for Native Hawaiian staple crops. DAT, DOH, the Farm Bureau, Food Plus Policy Group, HAPA, and others supported the bill’s intent, while the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation opposed it, saying it is already struggling to meet the current local procurement percentage and faces procurement and quantity barriers, especially for staple items used daily. The testimony focused on whether agencies could realistically meet the higher local purchasing target and whether smaller farms could supply the needed volumes.

Transcript Highlights:

• BECOME CERTIFIED IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING TO RECEIVE TRAINING AND HELP PARTNER WITH US TO RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES
• PRIORITIES, I THINK I TOUCHED ON ALL OF THESE TODAY.
• JUST TO HIGHLIGHT AND ESCALATE THESE WE ARE WORKING ON THE ADULT SAFE IMPLEMENTATION IS A PRIORITY TO
• ONE OF THEIR PRIORITIES WAS TO GET INVOLVED IN HELPING TO MAKE IT BETTER FOR OTHER KIDS THAT ARE IN THIS
• KEY PRIORITIES IS ENSURING THAT YOUTH VOICE AND FEEDBACK PLAYED AN ESSENTIAL ROLE IN SHAPING THE PROGRAMS

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are seeking this fund... for uh judiciary facilities statewide. for uh judiciary facilities statewide
• our facilities and we appreciate deeply. our facilities and we appreciate deeply.
• <00:31:40.000> That<00:31:40.320> facility future of that facility.
• That facility future of that facility.
• Um, our conversations with him about priorities have been focused on what we need in our courts.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 2095, which would provide supplemental appropriations for the Judiciary for the 2025-2027 biennium. Judiciary Administrative Director Brandon Kimura testified in strong support and outlined a request for about $6.4 million in supplemental operating funds, plus four permanent full-time position conversions. He grouped the request into security, services to court users, and staffing needs, including $3.25 million for supplemental armed private security at judiciary facilities statewide, nearly $200,000 for cybersecurity staffing and support, restoration of funding for substance use treatment purchase-of-service contracts, restoration of funding for the Office of Public Guardian on Kauaʻi, salary commission funding, a Kona court operations position, and two Court-Appointed Special Advocates positions converted from temporary to permanent. He also described five capital improvement requests totaling $55.4 million, led by $30 million for construction of a new South Kohala courthouse, $1.2 million each for air conditioning upgrades in Hilo and Kauaʻi, $15 million for elevator upgrades at Kahumanu Hale, and $8 million in lump-sum bond funds for emerging projects. Several organizations testified in support, including Parents and Children Together and the True Cost Coalition. Supporters emphasized the importance of the purchase-of-service funding for domestic violence and substance use treatment services and said the restoration would return funding to pre-COVID levels and help providers maintain capacity. Kimura explained that the Judiciary often shifts funds among contracts during the year to avoid service interruptions, but that the reduced funding has caused delays and operational problems for providers and probationers. Members asked detailed questions about the capital projects and operating requests. Representative Shimizu asked for more information on the lump-sum bond funds and the elevator project, and Kimura explained that the Kahumanu Hale request covers four remaining elevator shafts after earlier funding addressed the first five elevators. Representative Cochran asked about the absence of Maui County projects, and Kimura said the Judiciary is still planning for its older Maui facilities with DAGS. Chair Tarnas questioned the need for armed private guards and discussed whether court security should be prioritized within the Department of Law Enforcement; Kimura said the Judiciary needs additional personnel now and has not asked DLE to deprioritize other missions, though the chair suggested further coordination between the agencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• That they make it a priority.
• It's a priority for us, obviously, and we need it to be a priority for them as well.
• They're different than any other fires, and as many as there are in solar facilities, wind facilities
• They are very concerned about these facilities going up.
• House Bill 3809 establishes requirements for BESS facilities for full financial assurance for facility

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the administrative facilities are.
• facilities are.
• So, using that fund balance for facilities just to keep up to date with, you know, 21st century facilities
• I hope that's your number one priority next session.
• Please hear that we support those priorities.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Farms and food processing facilities then struggle to find enough labor.
• facilities then struggle to find enough labor.<00:10:13.920> Shortages<00:10:14.399> in
• remain our priority and that does<00:10:38.800> not<00:10:39.040> change<00:10:39.600>
• ,<00:12:34.399> we're<00:12:34.560> talking<00:12:35.120> meat facilities, we're
• talking meat facilities, we're talking meat processors,<00:12:36.000> we're<00:12:36.160>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: State legislators and farm leaders held an impromptu discussion focused on the impact of federal immigration enforcement activity, especially ICE presence in Minnesota, on agriculture and rural communities. Speakers argued that agriculture is central to the state’s economy and said fear of raids is causing legal immigrant and guest workers, including H-2A workers, to stay home, disrupting farms, food processors, restaurants, grocery stores, and other parts of the food supply chain. They also linked the issue to broader federal uncertainty, including USDA funding freezes and cuts, and said the lack of transparency from federal agencies is making it difficult for state officials and producers to plan. Senator Rob Kupec and Minnesota Farmers Union president Gary Wertish said ICE activity in both the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota is creating fear, trauma, and labor shortages, with reports of workers avoiding work, lunch trips, medical appointments, and school. Wertish said the organization supports comprehensive immigration reform and called for an end to the ICE surge, while also emphasizing the need to respect local law enforcement and the rule of law. Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Andrea Vaubel said immigrants are a critical part of Minnesota’s food and agriculture workforce, warned that labor shortages could raise production costs and food prices, and said the state would not have its current food supply without immigrant workers. In response to questions, speakers said they had anecdotal reports from rural areas such as Pelican Rapids, Willmar, and Detroit Lakes, but that the situation is changing quickly and many incidents may not yet be public. They said the lack of coordination with local law enforcement and the use of masks contribute to fear and confusion. Legislators said they have no direct jurisdiction over ICE operations but see their role as documenting what is happening, communicating with constituents, and avoiding state actions that would worsen the problem. They also said the issue is not purely partisan and may be mobilizing concern across political lines, especially among farmers worried about labor availability for planting and other seasonal work.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is $45 million in the bond specifically for education research facilities, so that's where it's
• The consequences to our rural hospitals and how can the state avoid more health care facilities from
• All right, well, I hope it is the administration's priority to continue negotiating about the Bay Area
• We then worked with the legislature over the summer on other priorities.
• If that's a high priority, it's something that we can continue to look at.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And at the same time, we have to make some choices here about what our priorities are.
• For me, my first priority is funding Cal Grant.
• We have to make some choices here about what our priorities are.
• For me, my first priority is funding Cal Grant reform.
• It addresses a real gap in how California builds educational facilities.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . facilities. facilities.
• <00:10:41.040> charity eligible under the facilities charity eligible under the facilities
• facility providing a similar service? facility providing a similar service?
• <00:37:26.960> they they upgrade facilities they they upgrade facilities they uh<00:37:28.400
• Uh, transfers from other facilities.

Bills: HF4343

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, advertising tax, taxable services, digital advertising, online marketing, marketing services, search engine marketing, lead generation, internet advertising, ad agency, media buying, campaign planning, Minnesota tax law, service tax, broadening tax base, web advertising, promotional services, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• when she addressed the Legislature last year, Chief Justice Guerrero emphasized that one of our priorities
• , one of her priorities, was the need to enhance public confidence in the judiciary.
• In March of last year, I emphasized the judicial branch's priority with respect to advocating for a stable
• and construct functional, economical, and secure contemporary court facilities for all of these court
• And in light of recent attacks and threats on courthouses, we continue to evaluate existing facilities

Summary: The California Legislature met in joint convention for the annual State of the Judiciary address, with judges and justices from across the state in attendance along with Governor Newsom and other statewide officials. The opening included prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the formal introduction of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and the California Supreme Court justices. Speakers emphasized the importance of judicial independence, the courts’ role in protecting rights and democracy, and the value of collaboration between the legislative and judicial branches. Chief Justice Guerrero focused on the state of the judicial branch, beginning with budget pressures from prior cuts and noting partial restoration in the governor’s proposed budget, while urging continued stable funding for courts, court-appointed counsel, and judgeships in high-need counties. She highlighted the expansion and benefits of remote proceedings, ongoing judicial vacancies, workload growth, and efforts to improve data collection and case-weighting. She also discussed implementation of the CARE Act, the court interpreter workforce pilot, CASA and kin-first child welfare efforts, courthouse security and facilities projects, and the judiciary’s work on generative AI guardrails. A major portion of the address addressed the recent problems with the California bar exam and broader State Bar oversight. Guerrero said the court would pursue remedies for examinees harmed by the failures and would strengthen admissions oversight, including the role of the Committee of Bar Examiners. She also reiterated support for pro bono legal services and discussed immigration-related courthouse access, citing state laws limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement in courthouses. The convention concluded after remarks thanking the judiciary and Legislature, and the joint session adjourned without any recorded votes or formal legislative action.

Transcript Highlights:

• um is something that's a top priority um is something that's a top priority for<00:30:10.039>
• Protecting our children who are in these settings is always a highest priority.
• , and that posting has to be posted for two years at the facility.
• <00:43:39.040> and posted for two years at the facility and posted for two years at the facility
• number three it increases Priority number three it increases Priority Access<01:31:40.920> for

Bills: HF1367, HF2732, HF1897, HF1424, HF1383, HF2728, HF2863, HF1685, HF2929

Keywords: child maltreatment, child abuse, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, labor trafficking, human trafficking, child protection, local welfare agency, county social services, Minnesota Department of Human Services, judicial review, district court appeal, venue, out-of-state abuse, cross-border investigation, Minnesota child welfare, family assessment, maltreatment determination

Transcript Highlights:

• We have for a federal award for clean backup generation for water facility resiliency and are trying
• It is a clean energy program, but it would be for a state water facility.
• versus the facilities that have had problems.
• Difference between the new facilities versus the facilities that have had problems. Absolutely.
• So the chemistry used at the Moss Landing facility is different from some of the ones that have come

Summary: The hearing was an informational budget session on energy agency proposals, with no votes taken. Early discussion focused on Proposition 4 climate bond implementation, including funding for demand-side grid support, offshore wind development, and transmission financing. The Department of Finance said the budget includes allocations for demand-side grid support and offshore wind, but not yet for the $325 million transmission financing piece pending a required study. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to consider whether to wait on offshore wind funding, whether to keep shifting funds into demand-side grid support, and how to direct future transmission financing. Members also raised concerns about local technical assistance for offshore wind, Salton Sea priorities, and the need for more information before final decisions. The California Energy Commission and CPUC then reviewed the broader energy package. The CEC highlighted the demand-side grid support program’s growth, distributed energy backup assets, long-duration storage, hydrogen grants, and the SIRP clean energy reliability program. CPUC testimony emphasized affordability, wildfire mitigation costs, rooftop solar cost shifts, and efforts to reduce rates while maintaining reliability and clean energy goals. Members questioned CPUC staffing, delays in proceedings, coordination with the CEC and CAISO, and the impact of rate increases on customers. The agencies also discussed the AB 3264 transmission financing study, with CPUC saying work on the study had already begun and was on track for the July 1 deadline. Several trailer bill and implementation items were also discussed. The committee reviewed a proposal to extend the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program surcharge, with members split over whether it should be handled in budget trailer bill language or policy legislation; the administration said the surcharge supports a critical program serving about three-quarters of a million Californians. The committee also heard a CPUC data-sharing proposal to allow nondisclosure agreements for transmission and reliability data, which members generally supported as a technical fix. DWR explained a proposal to clarify language for the Electricity Supply Strategic Reliability Reserve so it can potentially sell three gas-fired units it owns, and the CEC presented a federal transmission grant proposal tied to grid-enhancing technologies and ratepayer cost recovery. Finally, the committee discussed California Lifeline and possible broadband pilot reforms in light of uncertainty around federal Universal Service Fund support, with CPUC saying it is exploring a statewide standalone broadband option for eligible customers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whole facility types on their projects.
• There's a lot of facility types that do not want to take Medi-Cal.
• Before, we were talking about facilities and treatment facilities; now we're moving into housing.
• Of facility type.
• not be able to sustain a full residential facility.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• agendas and outside influence, and that their objectives align squarely with our constituents' priorities
• Those priorities, namely protecting public health, safety, and welfare under the least restrictive method
• So if we can get better facilities— —I need a hangar that can fit the new KC-46. That's the issue.
• So if we can get better facility, and things of that nature so if we can get better facilities I need
• What are your key budget and legislative priorities?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Director Nominations held a confirmation hearing for John Connolly, the current Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). Connolly described his background in the Army, National Guard, and military law, and outlined DEMA’s dual mission of supporting the Arizona National Guard and emergency management. He emphasized readiness, modernization of aging aircraft and facilities, growth in capabilities such as drones and electronic warfare, partnerships to restore helicopter training at Silver Bell, and stewardship of resources. He also discussed DEMA’s border-related missions, including Task Force Safe at Nogales, counter-drug operations, and use of artificial intelligence to monitor drone activity and build a common operating picture for law enforcement. Committee members questioned Connolly about his interview and vetting process, his role in emergency management, disaster response in Gila County, support for rural counties and tribes, and services for Guard members and families through the Integrated Resilience Operations Center. Several members pressed him on military discipline, lawful orders, classified information, and the distinction between war and hostilities. Senator Rogers focused on chain of command, combat readiness, and whether Connolly’s JAG background prepared him to lead a combat-oriented force; Connolly responded that his role is to provide ready forces, follow civilian authority, and ensure troops have training, equipment, and family support. He also said he had experience advising commanders and teaching lawful versus unlawful orders. A major point of contention came when members questioned Connolly about the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination mandate for the Guard and whether he had treated it as unlawful or unconstitutional. Connolly said it was a lawful order at the time and that exemption processes existed under the regulations. The hearing also turned to immigration enforcement, emergency powers, and whether the Guard should support ICE; Connolly said the Guard is a support function and would respond to a direct request through the governor, but he could not identify a specific scenario in the abstract. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the committee appeared to continue its review after testimony and questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• in a district's long-term facilities in a district's long-term facilities maintenance<00:05:20.800
• provide additional long-term facilities provide additional long-term facilities maintenance<00:29
• And I'm I prohibition of facility fees.
• Do you prohibition on facilities fees.
• The bill that would prohibit facility fees.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all