Transcript Highlights:

• Shared pilot and scale-up infrastructure allow multiple firms to develop, test, and validate processes
• Multiple firms to develop, test, and validate processes without full capital expenditures.
• So our products now, if you look at them, they do pass that test in a compelling way.
• And so we tested this animal framing, this naturalness framing that really pushes how cultured cells
• And so in a representative survey of over 1,200 adults, we tested a bunch of different terms.

Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its second informational hearing at UCLA, focusing on California’s alternative protein sector and the role of public institutions in expanding plant-based, fermentation, and cultivated protein options. Chair Ash Kalra opened by highlighting prior state investments in UC research centers, the importance of student engagement, and the hearing’s three panels: reducing the carbon footprint of institutional meals, addressing market challenges to scaling alternative proteins, and advancing future food research and workforce development. Assemblymember Isaac Bryan also briefly praised the committee’s work and its relevance to climate and health goals. The first panel featured Friends of the Earth, UCLA Dining, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Megan Jones described California school food efforts, including technical assistance and microgrants that helped districts expand plant-based meals, reduce water and carbon footprints, and improve student satisfaction. Pete Angelese explained how UCLA Dining uses concept-driven venues, sustainable purchasing, and marketing nudges to increase plant-forward choices, while Dr. Michelle Wood outlined Los Angeles County’s 2024–2025 board motions to expand plant-based options in county food venues and programs, including joining the World Resources Institute’s Cool Food Pledge. Committee members asked about costs, procurement, and how student and consumer behavior can be influenced. The second panel addressed market barriers to scaling alternative proteins. Zach Weston and Daniel Gertner emphasized that the sector faces a cost-and-scale trap, high capital needs, and financing gaps, and they recommended grants, tax credits, loan guarantees, procurement commitments, and workforce development. T.K. Pillen of Beyond Meat argued that the category has faced a recent downturn due to consumer skepticism, industry attacks on “fake meat,” and pricing pressures, and said the key to renewed growth is increasing demand through better taste, health, pricing, and messaging around “plant protein.” Panelists also discussed hidden subsidies and structural advantages for conventional animal agriculture, and committee members raised questions about iBank loan guarantees and supply chain challenges. The final panel highlighted UCLA’s research and training efforts. Dr. Amy Roet described the Future Food Fellows program, which trains students across disciplines in science, communication, leadership, and community-building, and supports research on scalable, safe, and nutritious alternative proteins. Corinne Smith shared her cultivated meat research and student leadership in the Alternative Proteins Project at UCLA. Dr. Janet Tomiyama presented consumer psychology findings showing that disgust, gender norms, and terminology strongly affect acceptance, with “plant protein” and “complementary proteins” testing better than “fake meat.” The hearing concluded with support for continued public investment, clearer messaging, and expanded education and workforce pipelines to help California remain a leader in alternative protein innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Christian Griffith, Assembly Budget: Medi-Cal is a means-tested program for low-income individuals.
• impacts of the cuts proposed around IHS workers, dental care, and the overall freeze on medical asset test
• We want to especially mention the Medi-Cal asset test and the HomeSafe.
• While we appreciate maintaining funding for IHSS and the increase in the asset test limit, we are deeply
• rejection of the Governor's proposal for upward time cuts and the reinstatement of Medi-Cal asset test

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now the testing is there as well as the treatments are available when MLD begins to rob a child of the
• 26:48.399> were<00:26:48.600> Out<00:26:48.760> Of<00:26:48.880> Reach testing
• uh things that were Out Of Reach testing uh things that were Out Of Reach of<00:26:49.240> medicine
• 22.799> the for treatment and time together now the for treatment and time together now the testing
• is there as well as the testing is there as well as the treatments<00:27:25.840> are<00:27:26.120

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• think we'll go for that explanation I think we'll go right<00:02:02.960> to<00:02:03.079> test
• > remembering<00:02:04.600> uh<00:02:05.000> as<00:02:05.240> we right to test
• fires remembering uh as we right to test fires remembering uh as we discussed<00:02:06.079> at
• > first<00:02:08.440> up<00:02:08.640> is<00:02:09.000> uh minutes per test
• fire so first up is uh minutes per test fire so first up is uh Chris<00:02:10.000> Conroy<00:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But the true test of an institution is how it steps up in times of crisis.
• program for Maui last session but the program for Maui last session but the true<00:19:36.400> test
• > institution<00:19:37.760> is<00:19:37.919> how<00:19:38.080> it true test
• of an institution is how it true test of an institution is how it steps<00:19:38.559> up<00:19
• <00:19:42.960> our and the Maui fire severely tested our and the Maui fire severely tested

Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Um, prior to the election, are the machines tested? >> Yes, the city clerk conducts those tests.
• machines tested? machines tested?
• Um, they try to get the tests.
• people, but yes, the machines are tested people, but yes, the machines are tested through<04:21:
• encountered during the preliminary test. encountered during the preliminary test.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And there’s some testing that’s involved as well. So the inventory is done.
• Then the test is done on each homeowner. And again, they suspect it’s between $30,000 and $50,000.
• “I’m assuming that you’re taking a sample and there’s some particle amount of lead that they’re testing
• Once you change out all this pipe to the cutoff valve and you go test those same homes again, are you
• , water testing program.”

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered H.C.R. 89 by Representative Charles Owen, which directs the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a museum and trail dedicated to the Louisiana Maneuvers. Owen described the historical significance of the maneuvers and said the proposal would mainly involve markers and a modest museum. The committee moved the resolution favorably to the floor without objection. Members then debated H.R. 179 by Representative Marcel, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review, while others supported gathering data on crime trends, cameras, and district performance. Marcel said the study was intended to collect information, not mandate changes, and the resolution was moved favorably to the floor. The committee next took up S.B. 228 and S.B. 268 by Senator Duplessis, both related to replacing lead and copper water service lines. S.B. 228 was a constitutional amendment allowing public funds to be used on private property for replacement of lead-based and copper pipes, and S.B. 268 set out the process for municipalities or parishes to implement the program, including notice to homeowners and an inventory/testing process. Members questioned homeowner rights, the seven-day notice period, emergency entry language, contracting, and whether the work would fully address hazards inside homes; Rainwater said the program was narrowly tailored, federally funded through the EPA and LDH, and intended to replace lines from the main to the shutoff valve. Both measures were moved favorably as amended. Finally, the committee approved S.B. 283 by Senator Barrow, creating the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development in a food desert near Southern University, and moved H.R. 225 by Representative Eccles, which urges study of parish-wide solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services in Ouachita Parish. H.R. 223 by Representative Walters, urging Shreveport to partner on the Southern Soul City Initiative, was also moved favorably. The chair noted it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session, and members and staff were thanked for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there’s some testing that’s involved as well. So the inventory is done.
• Then the test is done on each homeowner. And again, they suspect it’s between 30,000 and 50,000.
• I’m assuming that you’re taking a sample and there’s some particle amount of lead that they’re testing
• Once you change out all this pipe to the cutoff valve and you go test those same homes again, are you
• , water testing program.”

Summary: The committee met on May 13 and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 89, which asks the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a Louisiana Maneuvers museum and trail. Representative Owens described the historical significance of the Louisiana Maneuvers and said the proposal would help preserve and teach that history. The committee moved HCR 89 favorably to the floor without objection. The committee then heard House Resolution 179, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Representative Marcel said the resolution was prompted by questions about crime data and district performance, while several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review. Other members supported the idea as a way to gather data on what works, including cameras and other security measures. The resolution was moved favorably to the floor. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 228, a constitutional amendment to allow public funds to be used to replace lead and copper drinking water service lines on private property, and Senate Bill 268, the companion implementing bill that sets out the notice and replacement process. Paul Rainwater explained that the program would use EPA and state revolving-fund money, with work focused on the line from the meter to the shutoff valve, and that the city would inventory affected homes, give notice, and then proceed with replacement. Members asked about homeowner rights, emergency entry, contractor accountability, and whether the program could expand beyond New Orleans; Rainwater said he would return with more detail on the objection/emergency process. Both SB 228, as amended, and SB 268 were reported favorably. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 283, which creates the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development near Southern University, and two resolutions: House Resolution 225, urging agencies and local governments in Ouachita Parish to study solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services, and House Resolution 223, urging Shreveport and partners to advance the Southern Soul City Initiative. All were moved favorably to the floor, and the meeting ended with members and the chair thanking staff and noting it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• dissemination of voting information to increase voter participation and confidence, voting system testing
• So each program increment is designed, developed, and user acceptance tested by the stakeholders, and
• So recently we brought them in to do user testing.
• volunteered to come in, and we set them up, we trained them, we assigned them a mentor, and they tested
• I think it was nine per week that came in and tested the system.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration heard a series of budget change proposals and trailer bill items, beginning with Housing and Community Development (HCD) requests. HCD sought permanent authority for seven existing temporary positions to support the HCD Connect IT system, and a separate proposal to fund implementation of eight 2025 housing-related laws with $4.2 million General Fund and 16 positions, plus $470,000 one-time General Fund. Members asked about how HCD Connect would interact with programs moving to the new Housing Development Finance Committee, and HCD also explained that the estimated cost to implement AB 1053 had been revised downward from about $6 million to $1.9 million because of shared implementation with CalHFA and the new committee structure. The committee also heard a Cal ICH proposal for $339,000 one-time General Fund to implement AB 678 on LGBTQ+ inclusive and culturally competent homelessness services, with testimony emphasizing data gaps and the need for a contract-based approach because HMIS cannot be changed unilaterally. The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented three continuation proposals: $15.34 million and 53 positions for the California Consumer Financial Protection Law program, $13.5 million and 51 positions for the Debt Collector Licensing Act program, and $49,000 ongoing for two positions in the broker-dealer/investment adviser education program. Members and the public raised concerns about the size and fairness of debt collector assessments and licensing fees, while DFPI explained the pro rata fee structure, the current license count, and how larger assessments fall on larger firms. Public testimony also supported retaining funding for the Student Loan Empowerment Network and requested funding for a franchise broker registration program. The committee also considered a mandate item involving suspension of a disclosure requirement related to property taxation, and trailer bill language from the Government Operations Agency to amend AB 91 on MENA demographic data collection, with the administration emphasizing data nondisclosure, protection of federal funding, and delayed implementation. The Secretary of State’s office then presented Help America Vote Act funding requests: $10.3 million for VoteCal maintenance and operations and $4.492 million for HAVA spending plans supporting voter education, training, accessibility, auditing, and county assistance. The office also requested $660,000 General Fund to implement AB 1392, which would make voter registration information for elected officials and candidates confidential, and explained the need to modify VoteCal and county election systems. The committee also heard requests to continue the Cal-Access Replacement System with $11.8 million General Fund and to continue the Notary Automation Program Replacement Project with $9.75 million from the Business Fees Fund. Members asked about total project costs, testing, data migration, and the expected November 2026 go-live date for Cal-Access replacement. Votes were taken on the vote-only items once quorum was established, and the committee approved the items considered. The final informational item was an overview from the California Arts Council, which highlighted the agency’s 50th anniversary, its statewide grantmaking, and the economic impact of arts funding. Council staff described Creative Corps, cultural districts, and the role of arts funding in local economies, while members and public witnesses urged increased support, including a request to raise local assistance grant funding to $50 million and to provide additional funding for cultural districts. Testimony emphasized the arts as economic infrastructure, community infrastructure, and a source of civic and cultural vitality across California.

Transcript Highlights:

• MONDAY I HAVE A SECOND DEMONSTRATION OF THE PRODUCT AND WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO LAUNCH IT AND START TESTING
• AND YOU ALSO MENTION THAT THERE WERE CERTAIN SCHOOLS THAT WERE CHOSEN FOR THE TESTING.
• DID YOU TEST? ARE ALL THE SCHOOLS THE SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED BY SCHOOL SAFETY PROGRAMS.
• WHERE THEY INCLUDED IN THE TESTING? HOW DID YOU CHOOSE WHICH SCHOOLS WILL BE PART OF THE TESTING?
• SO TO CHOOSE WHICH DISTRICTS ARE GOING TO PARTICIPATE INITIALLY THAT IS MERELY FOR THE TESTING OF THE

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill doesn't take into account how hospital blood tests are always falsely elevated.
• Just because you took a Xanax, you're still testing positive the next day, even though it's not psychoactive
• Just because you took a hydrocodone this weekend for knee pain, you're still testing positive today,
• cooperate, at that point I now... ...have a greater penalty than if I refuse to give a breath or a blood test
• of what now we lawyers are going to advise people on, whether you should give a breath or a blood test

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Miller obscenity test. That bill tried to ban any performance that appealed to a prurient interest.
• found that to be broad and vague, so we'd have to really incorporate all of the elements of the Miller test
• But yeah, we would have to incorporate all three aspects of that Miller test. ...modified to minors.
• The 5th Circuit has said that you can tweak the test, but you have to evaluate art as a whole.
• Pass that test on this sixth time, and I thank Chair King for bringing this in a timely fashion.

Bills: SB34, SB75, SB330, SB1535, SB18, SB 18, SB 34

Keywords: wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department, Texas A&M Forest Service, West Texas A&M University, prescribed burning, fuel loading, fuel reduction, firefighting equipment database, emergency communications, disaster preparedness, rural fire protection, asset hardening, natural resource management, emergency management, large wildfire risk, fire grant funding, fire suppression, Texas Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• Applicants must pass the compelling factor test, where the agreement must be the compelling factor in
• facilities locate, it is difficult for dispatchable energy generators to pass the compelling factor test
• is that it amends section 403 to exclude electric generation facilities from the compelling factor test
• an important technical correction to the JEDI Act, exempting generation from the compelling factor test
• last session is that it was the intent to exempt dispatchable generation from the compelling factor test

Bills: SB913, SB1086, SB1087, SB1143, SB1534, SB1553, SB1718, SB1754, SB2004, SB2322, SB2448

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy

Transcript Highlights:

• One is that if it's uneconomical, and there are already tests on whether it's uneconomical or not, according
• Is that what you're testing? Defining baseline.
• It requires... ...20 hours, that's it, and passing a test. I have a D-level license.
• And so once that quality for the water system is determined to be poor, or had failed tests a certain
• they're going to get them up to standards. ...even though they may or may not have failed any TCEQ testing

Bills: HB29, HB685, HB1633, HB1689, HB1690, HB1918, HB2010, HB2500, HB2608, HB2626, HB29

Keywords: water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection, billing data accuracy, utility validation, water audit validation, water scarcity, water management, infrastructure, public utility, conservation plan, administrative penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill requires hospitals and campus emergency departments to test for fentanyl as part of any urine
• testing they conduct to treat individuals for possible drug overdose or poisoning.
• The bill will increase the frequency and efficiency of fentanyl testing, ensuring that patients receive
• This is a technical amendment to ensure that hospitals are performing the correct follow-up test that
• aligns with, in the event that they diagnosed fentanyl from the urine test, and that aligns with the

Summary: The committee took up a large health policy agenda. SB 1568 on electronic prescribing was explained as a federal conformity measure, but members raised concerns about preserving patients’ ability to obtain paper prescriptions and about exemptions for emergency, hospice, and other situations. Emergency physicians testified in support of e-prescribing but asked for flexibility, and the bill was reported favorably despite Senator Harrell’s opposition. SB 1606 on patient access to records sought to standardize record-production timelines and require electronic delivery when available; after an amendment correcting a drafting error, the bill drew concerns about HIPAA, behavioral health confidentiality, and the distinction between personal and legal representatives, and it was reported unfavorably as a committee substitute. The committee then approved SB 1346 on fentanyl testing, with a technical amendment, to require hospitals and campus emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine testing for suspected overdose or poisoning. SB 1224 on administration of controlled substances by paramedics was amended to clarify language and reported favorably. SB 656 on health care billing and collection activities was substantially revised by strike-all amendment to allow sale of medical debt to third parties under new limits, including no interest or fees and return of debt if charity care applies; it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 68 expanded health facilities authority financing to include not-for-profit LLCs and parent companies, and SB 524 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the newborn screening panel; both were reported favorably. Later, the committee approved SB 1842 on out-of-network referrals after multiple amendments, requiring providers to verify network participation at the point of service and notify patients in writing, though several members and physicians warned it could burden providers and increase workload. The committee also advanced proposed committee bill SB 7028, which revises the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, adds oversight and reporting requirements, creates a pediatric cancer research incubator, and establishes the Bascom-Palmer VisionGen initiative; cancer center representatives testified in strong support, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill. SB 172 on specialty titles and designations was amended to clarify enforcement and was reported favorably after supporters said it would prevent misleading use of specialist titles, while opponents argued it could confuse practitioners’ titles. Finally, SB 1690 on surrendered infants was reported favorably after supporters said it would codify and expand safe-haven baby box procedures and opponents raised safety concerns about the devices. The committee also noted SB 1606 remained pending for reconsideration next week before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We must also strive to provide the testing that assists most in solving cases.
• In cold case testing identifying unidentified human remains, a missing persons such as familial searching
• offices that they do not cover to ensure the entire state has a friend of services needed alcohol testing
• program ensures the alcohol testing insurance used across the state by our law enforcement agencies
• , each case is unique and its complexity requires more attention to specific details and types of testing

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:45:53.199> fires get through the rest of the test fires get through the rest of the test
• Um, right now to utilize saliva tests.
• However, I believe that testing for psilocybin is a fairly common thing in just regular drug tests, like
• or portable screening tests.
• or portable screening tests.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• North Dakota continues to lead the nation in the development, testing, and deployment of advanced UAS
• North Dakota continues to lead the nation in the development, testing, and deployment of advanced UAS
• I am the executive director of the Northern Plains UAS test site. Yes, there are some slides.
• UAS test site. Yes, there are some slides. Perfect. Thank you.
• We call this a pathfinder, which is a testing period that will now extend through June 2027 with the

Summary: The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward. Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft. The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we sent him couple tests we had.
• , where before he would quit the job and go somewhere else so he wouldn't have to test.
• , where before he would quit the job and go somewhere else so he wouldn't have to test.
• , where before he would quit the job and go somewhere else so he wouldn't have to test.
• Before he would quit the job and go somewhere else so he wouldn't have to test.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This has to do with the objective test that is mentioned that's new.
• Patients avoid delay, repeated tests, or confusion during critical moments.
• He said, we're going to do the test again. He said, we're going to do the test again.
• They did the test again, and I was having a heart attack.
• , and use... ...the Canvas test, so I know that that's all in the works.

Bills: AB568, SB90, SB133, SB147, SB229, SB233, SB240, SB245, SB280, SB378, SB393, SB417, SB434, SB494, SB495

Keywords: higher education, Nevada System of Higher Education, operational expenses, instructional expenses, public funding, education funding, teacher grants, classroom supplies, instructional support, specialized personnel, civics education, Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, funding, youth programs, civic involvement, Southern Nevada, Clark County, Las Vegas Valley, regional planning, economic resiliency