Transcript Highlights:

• In 2023, the first round of funding for this program received $68 million in applications for $12 million
• We additionally typically utilize technical assistance providers at CDFA to assist in the application
• or do a new grant application cycle?
• Funding was provided in the climate packages: $70 million, and we received 57 applications, and 34 of
• So once we have it cleaned up, then we would receive and analyze any applications for future use.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee heard the administration’s spending plan for Proposition 4’s climate smart agriculture and biodiversity chapters, along with related trailer bill language. CDFA outlined proposed funding for existing programs such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, Urban Agriculture, and invasive species work, plus new or phased-in programs including year-round and mobile farmers’ markets, tribal food sovereignty, and regional farm equipment sharing. The Department of Conservation described funding for the California Farmland Conservancy Program and Working Lands and Riparian Corridors Program, while the Department of Finance and LAO discussed pending allocations and generally found the overall approach reasonable, though LAO suggested the Legislature may want more statutory guidance and reporting, especially for new programs. Members focused on implementation details, equity, and accountability. Questions covered how programs would serve vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, whether new solicitations would be reopened for previously oversubscribed grants, how outcomes are tracked, and how to structure guidance for new programs such as farm equipment sharing. The chair emphasized that the Legislature wants clearer direction on program design and noted that AB 2313 should guide implementation of the regional farm equipment sharing allocation. The committee also discussed the administration’s request to directly appropriate bond funds to departments and to exempt bond program guidelines from the Administrative Procedures Act; LAO supported the APA exemption with possible legislative guardrails for public notice and comment. The committee then heard on the farm-to-school proposal, with CDFA requesting $24.9 million General Fund for incubator grants, technical assistance, and network support. CDFA said the program has reached nearly half of California schoolchildren and has shown strong demand and positive evaluation results. LAO supported the core program but recommended rejecting the $3 million technical assistance component as too broad and suggested the Legislature consider using Proposition 98 for some of the funding. Members debated that point, with some expressing concern about using General Fund dollars for a new discretionary request during a tight budget year. The biodiversity and nature-based solutions chapter included funding for the Wildlife Conservation Board, state conservancies, and tribal nature-based solutions. WCB described major recent investments and proposed projects tied to 30 by 30, habitat restoration, tribal partnerships, and public access. Members raised concerns about long-term stewardship, the size of the WCB allocation, and whether the Legislature should receive more detail on how funds will be distributed. The committee also heard requests for Bolsa Chica wetlands maintenance and Rincon Island decommissioning funding from the State Lands Commission, with members questioning long-term liability, remediation costs, and the role of private oil operators. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with public comment from stakeholders largely supporting the APA exemption, farm-to-school funding, biodiversity investments, and related conservation programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• support staff to develop guidelines and provide technical assistance to our grantees through the application
• So, Round 1 applications closed in May of last year, and award letters were sent in November and December
• That was through improved recruitment and review methods for accepting new applicants, so the trend is
• **SB 707** requires PRO applications due to CalRecycle by January 1, 2026.
• Secondly, the criteria for the grant applications.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a statewide system, and the parents go in and fill out the application online.
• So the typical application is not easy for a lot of parents. It's a typical application.
• We try to help them with the application process, but it is online, so anyone has access to it.
• It's a typical application. It's not easy for a lot of parents.
• We try to help them with the application process, but it is online. So anyone has access to it.

Summary: The Education Administration Subcommittee held an introductory meeting focused largely on member introductions and “homework” reports about education issues in each district. Members raised a wide range of concerns and priorities, including early childhood care and VPK access, school choice and school closures, teacher recruitment and retention, conflict resolution and school safety, early literacy and preparedness, technology and AI/STEM instruction, attendance and mental health, ESE services, dual enrollment and career/technical education, caregiving youth, and real-time student enrollment/funding tracking. Several members also emphasized local challenges such as housing-driven teacher turnover, disaster-related attendance problems, and funding inequities across counties. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Florida’s early learning system from Chancellor Carrie Miller of the Department of Education’s Division of Early Learning. She outlined the structure and funding of School Readiness, VPK, and the Gold Seal Quality Care program, the role of early learning coalitions and DCF, and the state’s quality and accountability measures. She highlighted the importance of kindergarten readiness, teacher quality, and the new School Readiness Plus program, which helps families transition off subsidy more gradually. Additional panelists from the Children’s Forum, the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe, and a Tallahassee child care provider discussed workforce shortages, low wages, provider turnover, the TEACH scholarship program, Help Me Grow, local coalition operations, and the need for more providers and more consistent regulation. During questions, members asked about wait lists, special needs services, teacher retention, provider onboarding, and DCF regulation. The panel said Miami-Dade’s wait list was about 4,000 children and described priority categories for service; they also said children with disabilities are screened and referred for support, though not given a separate priority category. Panelists reported that TEACH has helped reduce turnover through education support and service commitments, but said wages and career pathways remain major issues. Members also pressed for clearer, more consistent licensing standards and more support for new providers entering the field. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• THAT IS SENATOR LEEK SB 1168 ON INSTALLATION OR USE OF TRACKING DEVICES OR APPLICATIONS.
• ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE BILL. >> SECTION 923 MAKES INSTALLING OR USING A TRACKING DEVICE APPLICATION
• THERE IS NOT AN INCREASE PENALTY FOR UNLAWFUL INSTALLATION OR USE OF A TRACKING DEVICE OR APPLICATION
• LEGISLATION WOULD CREATE A CRIME OF ACTIVATED INSTALLATION OR USE OF TRACKING DEVICES OR TRACKING APPLICATIONS

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• today, we we do on we only applications today, we we do on we only validate<00:46:24.320> the
• Currently today, we do not run any NCIC check on any of our applicants.
• <00:48:34.360> Um check on any of our applicants. Um check on any of our applicants.
• is outlined in Minnesota application is outlined in Minnesota statute<00:48:46.960> and<00:48
• So, this is the perfect type of application for speed cameras, but we're not going to do this just in

Bills: HF3919, HF1335, HF3864, HF3916, HF3728

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, electronic license, driver's license, digital credential, transportation, data privacy, authentication, license plates, vehicle registration, validation stickers, Minnesota statutes, transportation policy, aeronautics, transponder, aircraft safety

Transcript Highlights:

• would depend on separate applicability would depend on separate legislative<00:52:43.760> action<
• He said it ensures issuing authorities can see records that may already make an applicant ineligible
• <01:04:12.720> ineligible already make an applicant ineligible already make an applicant ineligible
• , then the applicant could apply to the district court in the district where they submitted their application
• application, then the applicant<01:12:50.080> could<01:12:50.320> apply<01:12:50.719><

Bills: HF962, HF3541, HF2936, HF3762, HF2879

Keywords: Capitol security, public safety, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, corrections, legislative approval, rule-making, financial impact, jail regulations, expungement, firearm eligibility, criminal records, organized retail crime, retail theft, supply chain theft, theft enterprise, organized theft, cargo theft, shoplifting

Transcript Highlights:

• establishment license to an applicant establishment license to an applicant who<01:14:03.840>
• So it would just be the processing of an application, right?
• <01:31:12.400> It processing of an application, right?
• It processing of an application, right?
• It would stay with the applicant file. It would stay with the applicant file.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The families the first year have to do a free and reduced application, then they're good for three years
• And so, you have to be 25% direct cert, so you do not collect free and reduced applications.
• And we were allowed by USDA to feed all of the kids free and no applications.
• , but it is a burdensome and invasive application process for people to fill that out.
• Parents are no longer willing to fill out free and reduced lunch applications at that point.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill expands the program to consider applicants looking to develop properties that are considered
• The bill expands the applicants to find.
• <00:26:49.400> looking program to consider applicants looking program to consider applicants
• VEGI was first established in 2007 and put into place a rigorous process for applicants to earn this
• And based on the recent history of applications to the program, we are recommending that the amount of

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional performance by four Vermont music therapists, followed by remarks recognizing music therapy as an evidence-based profession and welcoming the performers to the chamber. The body then handled several referral and procedural matters: Senate Bills 212 and 328, and Senate Bill 325 after an Environment Committee report, were referred to Ways and Means under House Rule 35A because of revenue impacts. The House also read HCR 263, congratulating the 2026 Mount Mansfield Union High School Division 1 championship girls basketball team, and members offered brief congratulations and announcements, including a birthday greeting for the Chief of Staff, notice of an art social, and a reminder about the House Adjournment Pool benefiting Good Samaritan Haven. The House voted to move Senate Bill 206, relating to licensure of early childhood educators, from Government Operations and Military Affairs to Human Services. It then took up House Bill 951, the state budget bill, suspended rules to consider it immediately, and voted not to concur with the Senate’s proposal of amendment. The House requested a committee of conference and appointed Representatives Shay, Feltes, and Lumley to serve on the House side, then suspended rules again to message its action to the Senate forthwith. In the orders of the day, the House passed House Bill 902 on amendments to the City of Barre charter, and passed Senate Bills 142, 179, 227, 230, and 298 in concurrence with proposals of amendment. Action on Senate Bill 223, relating to water quality, was postponed for two legislative days. The House then considered Senate Bill 327 on economic development, hearing detailed testimony from the Commerce and Economic Development, Ways and Means, and Appropriations committees. The bill would support small businesses, repeal the VEGI sunset, create hospitality and culinary workforce initiatives, revise the Rural Industrial Development Grant Program, authorize cash rounding when pennies are unavailable, and establish a C-PACE financing program. Ways and Means offered nine amendments, including changes to VEGI limits, grant language, rounding notice provisions, and C-PACE timing and tax clarifications; the House adopted the amendments and proposed the bill back to the Senate as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• It says vendor will provide psychological services for employees and applicants.
• What kind of psychological services are we providing for the applicants?
• It's 100% federal funds, and it is for the development of an application for an infant safety phone application
• a of an application for an infant<00:29:31.440> safety<00:29:32.000> phone<00:29:32.320
• > application<00:29:32.720> and<00:29:33.039> also infant safety phone application

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We no longer print, copy, or distribute applications via mail.
• Each of those has an application. The pardons are typically 25 to 30.
• And I believe 1 of them withdrew their application when they learned the salary.
• And applicable candidates would apply to this committee.
• That was an increase of 74 applications reviewed in 300 applications that were improved by LEAT staff

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You provided $50 million in funding, and we received $110 million in applications.
• We are in the final stages of reviewing those applications, but if there are resources available, Mr.
• At DFA, it does take us a little bit of time to review those applications, vet them, and make decisions
• We'll talk about this more in the next segment, but they have closed that application process.
• Legislative authorization adds about six months to just the application process and it really limits

Transcript Highlights:

• Around that time, we finally became timely in all of our application processing, which allowed us to
• Building out their free and reduced applications.
• Free and reduced applications. Do they not have to fill those out for the other title programs?
• because it's kind of difficult to determine income when the free and reduced applications are used.
• For non-public schools, those ones do need to do free and reduced applications still because they are

Transcript Highlights:

• They're going through the application process now, and I think that question can't be answered until
• discharge permit, and then the public has the opportunity to comment on that application.
• This is not a good way to process things when this can be a very simple application process.
• Some of the other ideas we had to enlist people to help with the applications.
• Those applications, first of all, they go to federal. Is that correct?

Transcript Highlights:

• Previously, this application was a separate property tax refund application that was due in August.
• Some of the expected outcomes from this shift from a standalone application to putting the renters' credit
• Which are meant to simplify the application process and expand the number of low- and moderate-income
• Previously, this application was a separate property tax refund application that was due in August.
• Some of the expected outcomes from this shift from a standalone application to putting the renters' credit

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 2499, authored by Representative Lee, which would expand Minnesota’s renters’ credit to more closely match the homestead credit for homeowners. Lee explained that the bill would raise the income cutoff from about $75,389 to $143,140 and increase the maximum credit to $3,500, with the goal of addressing what she described as an inequity between renters and homeowners who both pay property taxes. She cited revenue estimates showing the change could make about 80,000 additional renters eligible, while acknowledging the bill would be costly to enact this year. Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project testified in support, describing how the renters’ credit works, including the assumption that 17% of rent goes toward property taxes. She highlighted 2022 data showing most recipients had low incomes, many were seniors or people with disabilities, and participation was higher in greater Minnesota in some respects. Michael Dah of Homeline also supported the bill, saying renters face rising housing costs and use the credit for basic needs such as groceries, school supplies, medical care, and car repairs. Members discussed whether expanding the credit would simply benefit landlords or encourage rent increases. Representative Anderson opposed the bill on the grounds that policy should incentivize homeownership, while Representative Huitt argued the credit could help renters build savings and move toward homeownership if they choose. Representative Lee responded that the housing market is broken and that the credit is one tool to help renters in a broader housing continuum. The discussion also covered outreach and administration of the credit, including the recent move to file it with income taxes, electronic certificates of rent paid, and funding for tax-preparation assistance and outreach through VITA sites and community organizations. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:35.880> and<00:20:36.000> for<00:20:36.120> the the for these applicants
• and for the the for these applicants and for the Department<00:20:36.520> of<00:20:36.679>
• <00:20:39.080> they<00:20:39.200> have<00:20:39.320> to less uh applications
• they have to less uh applications they have to reapply<00:20:40.120> with<00:20:40.600> and
• for everybody I think this application for everybody I think this is<00:20:44.720> a<00:20:44.840

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services began by explaining strict one-minute testimony limits, reliance on written testimony, and that it had quorum and would move directly to decision making on deferred measures. It first adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass SB 8 with amendments, creating a five-year trial period for a jury-duty exemption for actively practicing APRNs, delaying implementation to January 1, 2027, and adding a defective date. It then adopted amendments to SB 189 on breast cancer screening, replacing references to “woman” with “patient,” clarifying that supplemental imaging and mammograms must be medically necessary and ordered by the patient’s provider, deleting one subsection, and adding a defective date. The committee then heard testimony on several bills. SB 46 on insurance/mental health coverage drew support from a member of the public and others, but later the chair said it would be deferred indefinitely pending a required sunrise analysis and a concurrent resolution. SB 642 on fertility preservation services received broad support from providers, advocacy groups, and an individual who described facing cancer treatment and high out-of-pocket costs; the chair later amended it to make coverage optional, limit it to those over 26, and add a defective date. SB 49 on terminal illness had limited testimony and was later passed with amendments incorporating agency and professional association changes plus a defective date. The committee also heard strong support for SNAP-related bills. SB 53, expanding SNAP eligibility to 300% of poverty, drew testimony about the “benefits cliff,” but the chair later deferred it indefinitely, citing uncertainty about costs and system issues. SB 58 on public assistance had no testimony. SB 960 and SB 961, both SNAP-related, drew extensive support from nonprofits, health groups, and others; DHS said its modernization work would not be ready until fall 2026 and that current systems could not automatically extend certification periods. SB 963 on SNAP also received support, including testimony from a volunteer reentry advocate and a public health advocate, but the chair later said it would be deferred indefinitely because the committee could not determine the fiscal impact and wanted to wait until next year. Finally, the committee heard SB 798 on child welfare and SB 974 on foster care. Testimony on SB 798 included support from child welfare and advocacy organizations, but also criticism from a witness who said the bill lacked voices of those harmed by the system and another who emphasized the need for independence, implementation, and accountability. The committee then recessed to regain quorum and later returned to decision making, where it deferred SB 46 indefinitely, passed SB 642 with amendments, passed SB 49 with amendments, and deferred SB 53 indefinitely. The transcript ends while the chair is continuing through the remaining measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:41:24.160> it<00:41:24.320> looks and submits a SNAP application, it looks and
• submits a SNAP application, it looks great.<00:41:25.080> It's<00:41:25.320> online.
• , override systems that redo applications, override systems that don't<00:52:14.560> calculate
• The application clearly laid out the benefits and challenges.
• The application clearly novel therapies.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• shall immediately notify all applicable shall immediately notify all applicable state<01:54:00.880
• <01:54:26.560> state immediately notify all applicable state immediately notify all applicable
• to all the others as not applicable to all the others as well.<01:54:52.000> And<01:54:52.320
• instantly updates all the applicable instantly updates all the applicable agent<01:55:54.480>
• for duplicate title and application for duplicate title and adominer<02:00:35.440> disclosure

Bills: HB1694, HB1695, HB1986, HB1797, HB1879, HB2034

Keywords: sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, Hawaii, economic development, carbon footprint, aviation sector, renewable fuels, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation, clean fuel standard, alternative fuels, carbon intensity, emission reduction, greenhouse gases, transportation, autonomous vehicles

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a two-minute oral testimony limit and that decision-making would follow after testimony. It then took up SB 20008, which would set 55 mph as the maximum speed limit on all parts of the DKI/Saddle Road highway. The bill’s introducer described it as a response to safety concerns and noted prior public opposition when the speed limit was lowered from 60 mph; the Hawaii Police Department was listed in opposition, while DOT and several individuals testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 20009, requiring new plates/tags or emblems for used motor vehicles transferred between private individuals, and SB 2026, which would require drivers approaching stationary vehicles on the shoulder or roadside to slow down and, if necessary, change lanes. The Attorney General supported SB 2026 but recommended narrowing and clarifying the language by removing references to shoulder/roadside, collision or mechanical problem, and other limiting definitions so the duty would apply more broadly and be easier to enforce; AAA and OMA also supported the measure. Members discussed the practical need for a mandatory move-over rule, especially for roadside workers and tow operators, and the committee heard concerns about enforceability on two-lane roads and in accident scenes. SB 2053 was then heard, authorizing electronic signatures on supporting documents used to transfer ownership of total-loss vehicles to insurers without notarization and requiring insurers to indemnify the finance director for claims arising from those electronic title issuances. The Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, the City and County of Honolulu, and others supported the bill, with Copart describing it as a modernization that would reduce delays for total-loss settlements; technical amendments were requested. The committee also heard SB 2172, which would allow all-terrain vehicles to operate at night if equipped with lights and a slow-moving vehicle emblem, adjust helmet requirements, define utility terrain vehicles, and include ATVs in motor vehicle insurance law. DOT said it could support the bill only if limited to low-speed areas, and the insurance industry warned it could create a new insurance scheme; the City and County of Honolulu opposed while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and an individual supported. Finally, SB 2253 was introduced to expand first-degree negligent injury to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, with DOT, county prosecutors, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office in support; Honolulu prosecutors said they would oppose a proposed amendment because they wanted the language to preserve the offense as a lesser included offense tied to negligent homicide.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um in 2024 to support the application<00:05:01.360> for<00:05:01.600> that<00:05:01.840
• > award<00:05:02.800> uh<00:05:02.880> we application for that award uh we application
• It goes up a $75,000 application fee. It goes up from<01:36:43.520> there."
• <01:37:08.800> went number of interested applicants went number of interested applicants went
• So once you file your application, we look at the transmission system.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:10 Approval of Minutes 00:01:19 Helping Power Kentucky's Growth (LG&E/KU) 00:01:39 Update from Kentucky's Electric Cooperatives 00:47:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the previous meeting, and then heard a presentation from LG&E and KU representatives Caroline Clark and John Bevington on economic development, energy demand, and the utility’s role in supporting Kentucky’s growth. Bevington described the company’s service territory, generation fleet, and recent economic development activity, including 76 projects supported in 2024, more than $2.8 billion in private investment, and over 3,000 new jobs. He emphasized that data centers are now the dominant driver in the pipeline, with 22 data center projects representing about 8.7 of the 9.7 gigawatts of potential demand, alongside other manufacturing and commercial projects. A major focus was how data centers choose sites and how utilities respond. Bevington explained that hyperscale data centers typically approach utilities first because they need transmission-level access, and that utilities then conduct internal analyses, estimate infrastructure needs, and require financial security before proceeding. He said the company is working through formal transmission studies and long-lead infrastructure planning, and noted that Kentucky’s sales tax exemption for data centers helped attract interest. He also outlined the economic benefits of data centers, citing an announced Louisville project of 525 megawatts and about $11 billion in investment, with an estimated $500 million in new tax revenue over 10 years, plus broader job and GDP impacts. Members asked about whether data centers could generate their own power, the reliability of the pipeline numbers given confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements, and cybersecurity concerns. Bevington said the company does not assume all pipeline projects will materialize in Kentucky and instead assigns probabilities to avoid overbuilding. He also said he was not the right person to address cybersecurity in detail but offered to return to a committee focused on IT or security. In response to questions about future supply, he said LG&E and KU are adding generation through a 120-megawatt solar facility in Mercer County, a 120-megawatt solar purchase in Marion County, and a 645-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle plant in Louisville, with PSC approval recently granted for additional generation and related system upgrades.

Transcript Highlights:

• to and so they want a One application to and so they want a One application rate<00:23:04.400>
• on that same type different applications on that same type of of of soil<00:23:14.760> so<00:
• is availability and Beyond application is availability and the<00:29:34.320> availability<00:
• whether an applicant with five race horses would receive five times the money.
• He gave the example of an applicant with five race horses receiving five times the money.

Bills: HF1621, HF1701, HF1796, HF1676, HF40, HF1428, HF1540

Keywords: HF1621, CelluComp, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, appropriation, grant, commercialization, fiber-based barrier packaging, packaging materials, PFAS, perfluoroalkyl substances, polyfluoroalkyl substances, plastic reduction, sustainable packaging, environmental health, materials innovation, bio-based packaging, food packaging, agriculture finance, one-time grant, state subsidy