Transcript Highlights:

• So it's not a part of the university block grant or an addendum to the block grant.
• Um, for the minerals and lands division Um, for the minerals and lands division you<01:37:12.000><c>
• ,</c> Governmental units are census blocks, Governmental units are census blocks, city<01:39:22.360><
• </c> higher industry rate for the coal miner. higher industry rate for the coal miner.
• </c> um again, if like, let's use a a miner um again, if like, let's use a a miner for<02:56:17.280><

Committee: Joint Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I would permanent mineral trust fund.
• </c> mineral discussion that we had earlier. mineral discussion that we had earlier.
• </c> mineral in the world, and that's silver. mineral in the world, and that's silver.
• </c> of this critical mineral. of this critical mineral.
• </c> within the permanent mineral trust fund. within the permanent mineral trust fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes the occupational illnesses that others have spoken about concerning miners and oil and
• there, Public Schools Facility Authority already there, the Community Energy Efficiency Development Block
• So, the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department already has the Grid Modernization Fund.
• More funding goes to Environment and Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources; they're the two agencies
• state agencies over the last several years on the implementation of the Community Energy Efficiency Block

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• The UC Berkeley enrollment freeze in 2022 blocked over 3,000 students, not always because of the lack
• flexibility so as to allow for the highest and best use with regards to resale or reuse of those minerals
• And best use with regards to resale or reuse of those minerals and materials in the battery, but it also
• And we are able to recover about 95% of those critical minerals and return them to the supply chain.
• It ensures efficient recovery of critical minerals by defining and leveraging advanced battery recyclers

Summary: The committee first established a quorum, adopted the consent calendar for SB 423 and SB 581, and then heard a series of bills, most of which were presented as streamlining or safety measures tied to transportation, climate, public lands, health care, and higher education. SB 71 by Senator Wiener would extend and expand a CEQA exemption for sustainable transportation projects, adding modes such as microtransit, paratransit, shuttles, and ferries, while also accepting committee amendments that narrowed a Tier 4 diesel rail provision, restored existing right-of-way language with utility protections, and set a new sunset date. Support came from transit agencies, local governments, and advocacy groups; some members raised concerns about the diesel rail language and possible interactions with housing-related legislation, but the bill advanced on a due pass vote as amended. The committee then heard SB 614 by Senator Stern on carbon dioxide pipeline safety. The bill would direct the State Fire Marshal to adopt safety standards for intrastate CO2 pipelines, building from federal draft rules and adding state discretion and possible enhanced protections such as planning zones and more detailed exposure modeling. Supporters argued California needs to fill a federal regulatory gap to advance carbon capture and climate goals, while environmental justice and conservation groups opposed unless amended, citing risks from CO2 leaks and asking for stronger siting restrictions and more specificity. The bill passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations, with members noting the need for continued work on the safety provisions. Senator Arreguín also presented SB 304, which would temporarily lift public trust use restrictions on specific land at Jack London Square to allow the Port of Oakland more leasing flexibility under conditions and annual reporting. The measure was described as a limited, time-bound effort to address high vacancy and revitalize the waterfront, and it drew support from Oakland city and county representatives with no opposition in the room. The committee then approved SB 304 on a due pass vote. Arreguín’s SB 830 followed, creating CEQA streamlining for Sutter Health’s new Emeryville hospital campus and designating the City of Emeryville as lead agency; supporters said it would preserve East Bay hospital access before seismic deadlines, and the bill passed with broad support and no opposition. Finally, Senator Caballero presented SB 486, a higher education planning bill intended to align UC and CSU enrollment growth with regional sustainable communities plans and to remove the need to analyze a no-project alternative in certain long-range development plans. Supporters said the bill would better integrate university enrollment forecasting into regional planning, while opponents warned that eliminating the no-project analysis could weaken accountability for housing and infrastructure impacts around campuses. Committee members expressed mixed views and asked for further clarification, but the bill was moved out on a due pass as amended vote to Appropriations. The transcript then shifted to SB 629, a fire response and rebuilding bill, with the author describing amendments to apply fire safety requirements in wildfire-burned areas, update fire mapping, and require annual defensible space inspections, though the discussion was cut off before any final action was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• pass recommendation, committee, and let Idaho families know that their upbringing and choice will not block
• The mineral, energy, and coordination is focused on advancing Idaho's natural resources priorities and
• Minerals and Mining and Shippo.
• So, OSMEC, Office of Species, Minerals and Energy Coordination.
• Our agency will work closely with the governor’s office and the Office of Species, Minerals, Energy,

Committee: House Business

Bills: HB3767 , HB3934 , HB4199 , HB4336 , HB2947 , HB3834 , HB4302 , HB4095 , HB3287 , HB3649 , HB4430 , HB4431 , HB2059 , HB3647 , HB3986 , HB3548 , HB3661 , HB4346 , HB3075 , HB4273 , HB3391 , HB4128 , HB3557 , HB3239 , HB3982 , HB2123 , HB2979 , HB2997 , HB3148 , HB4108 , HB4143 , HB4266 , HB2053 , HB4058 , SR30

Keywords: controlled dangerous substances, controlled substances, drug scheduling, Schedule I, Schedule IV, anti-drug diversion, drug diversion, synthetic opioids, fentanyl analogs, designer drugs, synthetic cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine analogs, opioids, hallucinogens, depressants, pharmacy regulation, narcotics control, Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, DEA scheduling

Transcript Highlights:

• First, it will remove a layer of review that has blocked a significant number of projects and prevent
• At the same time, California has some of the most abundant critical minerals in the world, capable of
• We possess some of the most significant geothermal and critical mineral resources in the nation.
• Realizes the geothermal and critical mineral opportunities that exist within our own borders.
• We'll now go to item 7, AB 2163, Senator Gonzalez, the mineral development zones.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to the United States the mineral to the United States the mineral interest<00:02:32.840><c> in</
• We are not exchanging our mineral rights; mineral rights were never on the table.
• We are not exchanging our mineral rights; mineral rights were never on the table.
• 12:50.440><c> on</c><00:12:50.600><c> the</c> rights mineral rights were never on the rights mineral
• The minerals may take time. After that, there may have to be another bill to transfer the minerals.

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We have questions, Senator Cedillo-Lopez and then Representative Block. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Block. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you both for being here.
• Representative Block, I think the first thing we need to do is start having discussions around how do
• We might even, as Representative Block was talking about, assist as legislators to Also, we should be
• Miori Harms, and allowing EMNR to do the same in their Mining and Minerals Division to begin working

Committee: House Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Block. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you both.
• Representative Block, to explain your vote. Representative Block, to explain your vote.
• Representative Block moved do not pass, and a second was offered.
• Senator Mejia and then Representative Block for a second time.
• Quickly, Representative Block. Okay, thank you, Madam Chair.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• First, it will remove a layer of review that has blocked a significant number of projects and prevent
• At the same time, California has some of the most abundant critical minerals in the world, capable of
• We possess some of the most significant geothermal and critical mineral resources in the nation.
• What makes California uniquely competitive is not simply the existence of critical minerals, but the
• We'll now go to item 7, AB 2163, Assemblymember Gonzales, the mineral development zones.

Summary: The committee heard several energy-related bills. AB 710 would require investor-owned utilities to share critical circuit and grid information with local and tribal governments and community choice aggregators to help plan microgrids for resilience during PSPS events and wildfires. Supporters from counties and cities said better data sharing is needed to develop microgrids for critical facilities; PG&E and SDG&E opposed the bill as drafted, citing privacy and grid-security concerns, though SDG&E said amendments may address some issues. Members generally supported the bill’s goal, and the author accepted committee amendments. AB 2182 would restructure the CPUC’s industrial energy efficiency program so industrial customers’ funds are used for industrial projects, with less review and more focus on projects that reduce transmission and distribution needs. Support came from large energy users, with members praising the bill’s ratepayer protections and asking about caps, agriculture, and carbon capture; the author said agriculture could participate and carbon capture was removed from the bill. AB 2589 would require utility federal tax savings to be returned to ratepayers, building on prior legislation; it drew little debate and no opposition on the record. The committee also heard AB 2163, which would create strategic clean energy and critical mineral development zones, especially to support geothermal and lithium development in places like Imperial County and the Salton Sea. Supporters emphasized jobs, domestic supply chains, and state competitiveness, while some members raised questions about whether other zero-carbon resources should be included; the author said the bill could be receptive to those ideas. AB 2505 would allow hydrogen refueling stations to use dedicated utility meters and service lines, with supporters from the hydrogen industry and labor. AB 1577 would require data centers to report energy and water-use information to the Energy Commission and local planners; supporters said it would protect ratepayers and communities, while industry groups opposed the bill as too broad and duplicative, though they welcomed amendments narrowing the scope and adding trade-secret protections. AB 2065 would impose penalties on utilities that seek to recover prohibited or double-counted costs from ratepayers, and AB 2516 would create a California Grid Manufacturing Initiative to reduce equipment costs and expand in-state manufacturing; both drew strong support and some concerns about overreach and implementation. Finally, AB 2647 would direct the Energy Commission to study advanced nuclear’s role in meeting California’s electricity needs, with testimony in support from nuclear advocates and academics; the hearing ended before any final votes were taken, with several motions pending quorum.

Transcript Highlights:

• [snorts] Um Mineral Royalty State Share.
• </c> an amendment to the federal mineral an amendment to the federal mineral leasing<00:08:54.480><c>
• Even the blocked from use by the public.
• </c> estate and uh 69% of our mineral estate. estate and uh 69% of our mineral estate.
• </c> additional, you know, federal mineral additional, you know, federal mineral royalty<02:49:06.319

Committee: Joint Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• First, public sector research has been critical for specialty crops, specifically specialty crop block
• First, the specialty crop block grant is incredibly valuable and has helped our growers gain access to
• Nobody works harder, maybe the coal miners in West Virginia, but they're right up there, the farmers
• and the coal miners.
• D.A. has a specialty crop block grant program, and Vermont received $334,000.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

Keywords: agriculture, avian flu, bipartisan farm bill, economic challenges, poultry, dairy, specialty crops

Summary: The committee meeting focused on crucial discussions surrounding the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, particularly concerning avian flu and its impact on poultry and dairy producers. Members provided insights into the economic struggles within the industry, emphasizing the need for a new bipartisan farm bill that addresses the diverse needs of specialty crop and livestock producers. Witnesses from various agricultural sectors spoke about their experiences, illustrating the high costs, regulatory burdens, and emerging diseases that threaten their operations. The meeting underscored a commitment to exploring solutions that will help maintain market stability and ensure food security.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, Biden blocked those.
• I spent a lot of work on critical minerals.
• Obviously, they are a fundamental building block for aerospace and crude.
• And whether you're talking about the extraction of minerals or the processing of those minerals, we're
• We've got to reduce the regulatory burdens on your miners so that they can mine those critical materials

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• But that's what we have for the FTE block grant today.
• It is a block grant.
• , we had $18.5 million remaining in the block grant.
• in the block grant.
• Representative Nelson asked about the block grant.

Summary: The committee first approved the December 10 minutes and then received a DEQ base budget summary and agency overview. DEQ staff explained that the agency is largely federally and special funded, with major ongoing costs in salaries, operating expenses, grants, and continuing appropriations. Director Dave Glatt and accounting director Beth Jacobson highlighted core programs, the move to a new chemistry laboratory, the new state fuel inspection program, wastewater-related funding from HB 1577, and implementation of SB 2267 for on-site wastewater rules. They also noted the agency’s spending patterns, possible federal EPA cuts, and the likelihood of some fee adjustments or program changes if federal support declines. Members asked about DEQ’s travel, field offices, future staffing, and how the agency would respond to reduced federal regulation. DEQ said most staff are based in Bismarck, with field offices in Fargo, Sawyer, and Gwinner, and that travel is driven by inspections and spill response. Glatt said the agency would continue to rely on science and law, and that any future federal retrenchment could mean more state responsibility but likely not a wholesale increase in FTEs. The committee also discussed a feedlot enforcement case in the Minot area, with DEQ explaining its role in ensuring compliance, permitting, and animal-waste management standards. The Department of Health and Human Services then presented on FTE block grant reporting, TANF balances, child care transfers, and the Rural Health Transformation Program. Donna Ockland explained that no line-item transfers had occurred yet for the new rural health work, but about 33 positions were planned and some current staff time could be reimbursed through approved cost allocation. HHS also reviewed TANF’s frozen eligibility and block grant structure, the transfer of up to 30% of TANF funds to child care, and recent program changes that increased benefits and raised the income limit. Staff said the department is using TANF more strategically to support child care and other allowable uses, while still carrying over unused funds as many states do. Finally, Pat and HHS staff gave an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying the first funding opportunity was being posted and that the state is on track to obligate the federal funds within the required timeline. They described priorities such as workforce retention, preceptor development, technical assistance for critical access hospitals, community wellness projects, and ambulance upgrades. Members asked about rural versus urban eligibility, immigrant recruitment, evaluation of year-two funding, and how the program would address varied local workforce needs. The meeting then shifted to an Office of Management and Budget update on the new State Hospital project, where Lindsay Ashley reported continued construction progress, updated cost information, and selected alternates, with photos and details showing work underway in multiple building sections.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our Lands and Minerals Division is our smallest division, and the majority of funding for this division
• Our Lands and Minerals Division is our smallest division, and the majority of funding for this division
• The plugs survived a lot better, so the anticipated need was much less, so we put that on the block.
• </c> much less so we put that on the Block much less so we put that on the Block it's<00:29:12.360><c
• We all have had conversations about mining and critical minerals, and the need for those, and we see

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• counties must adopt development regulations to ensure the conservation of agricultural, forest, and mineral
• These regulations must ensure that the use of land adjacent to agricultural, forest, or mineral resource
• the continued use for production of food, agricultural products, or timber, or the extraction of minerals
• It provides flexibility, so housing isn't blocked by mandates that no longer reflect market realities
• Blocking agritourism starves farmland preservation. It doesn't protect it.

Bills: HB2459 , HB2480 , HB2530 , HB2129 , HB2223

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: school siting, urban growth, education policy, zoning regulations, community planning, residential development, commercial zones, mixed-use zoning, urban planning, state regulations, public facilities district, regional aquatics, sports facilities, local government, infrastructure, agritourism, agriculture, tourism, economic development, local businesses

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> this money is from our minerals this money is from our minerals industry.<00:08:15.360><c> those
• . ...the exploration of rare earth minerals.
• And so of uh the rare earth minerals.
• Originally, it was a worthless mineral in the ground.
• </c> Originally, it was a a worthless mineral Originally, it was a a worthless mineral in<00:43:48.000

Transcript Highlights:

• Those included industries that we know and love: mineral interests, the mineral industry, extraction
• Um Um Um mineral<01:10:14.680><c> interests</c><01:10:15.160><c> or</c><01:10:15.400><c> mineral</c><
• 01:10:16.160><c> parts</c><01:10:16.440><c> of</c> mineral interests or mineral parts of mineral interests
• Representative Block. Yeah, Mr.
• Represent<01:37:28.120><c> Block.</c> Represent Block. Represent Block. Yeah,<01:37:30.160><c> Mr.

Committee: Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Transcript Highlights:

• Today they blocked my amendments to health care costs and refusing that Donald Trump pollster is the
• However, my amendment was blocked along with five other commonsense amendments.
• Why did Republicans block my amendment?
• A PROVISION THAT BLOCKS STATES FROM REGULATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS. A.I.
• The Kentucky coal miner waiting on his second chance.

Bills: HB1969 , HB1701 , HR1 , HR435 , SJR31 , HR436

Keywords: veterans, VA, Department of Veterans Affairs, suicide prevention, mental health, emergent suicide care, Columbia Protocol, Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, No Wrong Door for Veterans Act, title 38, adaptive prostheses, prosthetic devices, recreational activities, sports prosthetics, pension payments, veterans benefits, Veterans Affairs Committee, suicide screening, crisis care