Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the A3 amendment reflects the House and Prairie Island agreement on this bill.
• It was always the intention of the chair that we had to have Prairie Island and Xcel on board.
• It was always the intention of the chair that we had to have Prairie Island and Xcel on board.
• </c> to say thanks to the Prairie Island to say thanks to the Prairie Island Indian<01:06:49.040><c>
• to have Prairie Island and Xcel on<01:06:56.440><c> board.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• Virgin Islands officially has flown seven flags over 500 years.
• Since 1917, the American Stars and Stripes have proudly flown over our islands.
• Virgin Islands officially has flown seven flags over 500 years.
• </c> Americans raised in the Virgin Islands Americans raised in the Virgin Islands to<00:12:42.519><c
• </c> other businesses in the Virgin Islands other businesses in the Virgin Islands we<00:13:52.720><c

Bills: HR189 , HJR42 , HJR61 , HR191

Keywords: censure, Congress, interruption, decorum, Representative Al Green, energy conservation, appliance standards, Department of Energy, consumer products, commercial equipment, regulation disapproval, HJR61, H.J.Res. 61, Public Law 119-14, Congressional Review Act, CRA, EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, air pollution, hazardous air pollutants

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam President, I first want to begin by thanking my good friend from the Cape and the Islands, Senator
• Commonwealth, if not the whole nation, I extend heartfelt thanks to the Senator from the Cape and Islands
• for the work that's been done thus far on this bill, from the gentleman from the other Cape and the Islands
• The Senator from the Cape and Islands rises to oppose Amendment 11, which will allow, you know, this
• The Senator from the Cape and Islands, Senator Searle.

Summary: The Senate resumed debate on Senate No. 2696, An Act Regarding Free Expression, a bill addressing challenges to books and other library materials in school and public libraries. Senators supporting the bill argued it protects free expression and gives students, parents, guardians, and others a court path to challenge removals, while opponents raised concerns about parental rights, school control, and the scope and timing of the review process. Several speakers also emphasized the broader context of book bans and the impact on authors, librarians, and students. A number of amendments were considered. Amendment 4, offered by Senator Creem, was adopted and extended standing to authors and creators to challenge removals of their works, including in municipal libraries. Amendment 5, by Senator DiDomenico, was adopted and limited who may initiate challenges to those connected to the school community. Amendment 6, by Senator Comerford, was adopted to require that challenged materials be considered in their entirety. Amendment 8, by Senator Tarr, proposing parental notification of challenges, was rejected after a roll call. Subsequent Tarr amendments on parental opt-out, reporting, public process, and written policy were also rejected, while Amendment 19, requiring written reasons when librarians remove outdated or successor materials, was rejected as well. Amendment 7, a Ways and Means amendment, was adopted. The Senate then ordered the bill to a third reading and passed it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35 in favor and 3 against. The chamber also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I actually went to college late in life, Rhode Island College.
• So we represent all the cities and towns on Cape Cod and, of course, the islands, but we have had visitors
• here, Cape Cod and, of course, the islands, but we have had visitors here, especially Cabo Verde, but
• be said about visiting existing cultural institutions that are either in Massachusetts or in Rhode Island
• to make them, you know, one in Boston, one in the South Shore, and then maybe one on the Cape and Islands

Summary: The Cape Verdean Cultural Center Commission met with quorum, opened with roll call, and welcomed several new commissioners from across Massachusetts, including community leaders, scholars, elected officials, and representatives from Cape Verdean organizations. Chair Miranda and the facilitators described the commission’s purpose: to study and recommend a path toward a Cape Verdean cultural center in Boston, including its organizational structure, location, programming, and feasibility study. Miranda emphasized the long effort behind the commission and said the goal is to produce a report that could support a future center with features such as an auditorium, library, recording studio, and restaurant. Commissioners discussed how to gather public input, with suggestions including visits to existing cultural institutions, traditional listening sessions in communities such as Boston, Brockton, New Bedford, Taunton, Fall River, the Cape, and the Islands, and collecting feedback at festivals and other Cape Verdean events. Members also raised the importance of involving youth, elders, artists, and local historical societies, and of correcting myths and gaps in the historical record about Cape Verdean communities in Massachusetts. Funding was discussed briefly: short-term support may come through earmarks, while larger support would likely need to be pursued through a bond bill. The group agreed to continue sharing ideas by email and through a future repository or shared platform, with meeting minutes to be circulated the following week. A motion was made and seconded to approve the February 2 meeting minutes, and the commission voted to adjourn. The next meeting was tentatively planned for early April, with a Doodle poll to be sent out to members.

Transcript Highlights:

• projects, because we see many more of these occurring across North Dakota, so we can say step aside to Hawaii
• projects, because we see many more of these occurring across North Dakota, so we can say step aside to Hawaii

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

Transcript Highlights:

• projects because we see many more of these occurring across North Dakota, so we can say step aside to Hawaii
• projects, because we see many more of these occurring across North Dakota, so we can say step aside to Hawaii

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a series of updates on major health-related projects and programs. CHI St. Alexius representatives reported progress on behavioral health buildouts in Bismarck, Williston, and Grand Forks, including demolition and construction milestones, staffing plans, and timelines. The Bismarck project remains on track for completion in June 2027 with about $346,500 spent to date. Williston reported construction underway, a $750,000 unbudgeted air handler replacement, active recruitment for psychiatrists and other staff, and a projected substantial completion in early 2027. Grand Forks reported about 30% completion, weather-tight status expected in August, and continued staffing ramp-up as the facility expands from its current 24-bed operation. The Department of Health and Human Services then reviewed a set of technical line-item transfers, emphasizing that they were administrative corrections with no net change in funding. The department also walked through the Salaries and Wages Block Grant and FTE counts, noting overall staffing remained within appropriated limits and that behavioral health staffing had increased. Members asked about vacancies, consultant use, and the mix of in-state versus out-of-state expertise for the Rural Health Transformation Program. HHS said it had posted 12 funding opportunities, received 422 applications, obligated $8.4 million so far, hired 26 people, and was preparing additional grant rounds and a CMS budget submission. The department said the program is structured around workforce, prevention/healthy living, care closer to home, and technology/data, with ongoing stakeholder engagement and community forums. The committee also heard on the certified community behavioral health clinic implementation plan, SNAP payment error rates, and the state laboratory project. HHS said CCBHC certification is being implemented in four regions—Williston, Minot/North Central, Fargo/Southeast, and Dickinson/Badlands—with care coordination expanding and baseline data still being collected. On SNAP, the department reported a 2025 payment error rate of 9.89%, acknowledged cost impacts under HR1, and said it is using training, system changes, and pre-authorization quality checks to reduce errors toward a 6% target over the next 6 to 12 months. Finally, Public Health reported the state laboratory reached substantial completion on June 12, with total costs at $69.95 million of the $70 million budget, though a service elevator issue will require a new lift to be added using contingency funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next closest is Hawaii, and they're 2,500 miles from the mainland.
• The next closest is Hawaii, and they're 2,500 miles from the mainland.

Summary: The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 20, 2026, with a quorum present and no minutes available for approval. The committee first heard HB 181, which would let the legislative auditor review income tax data to verify eligibility for Medicaid and, at LDH’s request, SNAP. The auditor said the work would be limited to internal data testing under sharing agreements and not disclosed to third parties. After questions about privacy and duplication, the bill was reported favorably to the floor without objection. The committee then took up HB 906 on presidential preference primaries and party nominating petitions. The Secretary of State and bill author said the measure would let major parties decide whether unaffiliated voters may participate in their primaries, with 180 days’ notice to the state, and would keep party rules consistent within presidential years so elections can be programmed properly. Several senators raised concerns that the bill would disenfranchise no-party voters and give parties too much control, but supporters said both major parties had approved the approach. The committee voted 4-3 to report the bill favorably. Members also advanced HB 398, which would require the judiciary to use the federal GSA meal per diem rate instead of the current higher state judicial rate; HB 1052, which strengthens confidentiality protections for child abuse investigations handled by child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams; HB 1245, which protects witness criminal history records from unintended public release in clerk of court records; HB 202, which requires state civil service or hiring agencies to notify applicants when a vacancy is filled or they are rejected; HB 540, which requires disclosure of paid digital election advertising; HB 9, designating stuffed shrimp as a Louisiana specialty; HB 1057, extending the validity of absentee-by-mail applications for military voters from one year to two; HB 225, proposing a constitutional amendment to limit governors to two lifetime terms; HB 177, allowing retired court reporters to contract with former public employers; and HB 459, requiring disclosure when campaign materials use AI, with amendments adopted after discussion of First Amendment and campaign finance concerns. The committee also rejected an amendment to HB 1057 that would have expanded Sunday early voting in certain parishes. After the bills, the committee held confirmation hearings for James Kelly and Charles Wilkinson to the Board of Supervisors of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, both of whom described education and workforce development backgrounds and were favorably received.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next closest is Hawaii, and they're 2,500 miles from the mainland.
• The next closest is Hawaii, and they're 2,500 miles from the mainland.

Bills: HB9 , HB177 , HB181 , HB202 , HB225 , HB398 , HB459 , HB540 , HB906 , HB1052 , HB1057 , HB1245

Committee: Senate Senate & Governmental Affairs

Keywords: HB 9, HB9, Act 527, Shreveport, Stuffed Shrimp Capital, state symbol, Louisiana symbols, municipal designation, honorary title, cultural designation, tourism, local pride, seafood, shrimp, stuffed shrimp, cuisine, city branding, Louisiana Revised Statutes 49:170.26, court reporter, official court reporter

Transcript Highlights:

• It says, with the exception of Hawaii, California electricity rates are the highest in the country.
• It says, with the exception of Hawaii, California electricity rates are the highest in the country.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, which would streamline approvals for portable plug-in solar devices while setting safety standards. The author and supporters argued the bill would help renters and homeowners with high electricity bills by allowing low-cost balcony solar systems to reduce monthly costs, and they emphasized that the devices would not feed power back to the grid. Supporters included environmental and consumer groups, solar advocates, and many members of the public. Opponents, including electrical workers, firefighters, utilities, and PG&E, raised concerns about shock, fire, overloading, and the need for California-specific building standards. After discussion, the author agreed to committee amendments and later to add compliance with the California Electrical Code in addition to the National Electrical Code; several opponents said that change would move them to neutral. The committee then voted to pass SB 868 out as amended to Senate Judiciary, with some members expressing support while reserving concerns about safety as the bill moves forward. The committee then took up SB 886, dealing with data center electricity use and ratepayer protections. The author said the bill is intended to prevent large data centers from shifting grid and infrastructure costs onto other customers, citing rapid growth in data center demand and examples from other states. Supporters, including TURN and climate groups, said the bill would require data centers to pay for their own grid impacts, pre-fund long-term clean energy resources, participate in demand response, and cover related costs. Opponents from the data center industry, tech and business groups, utilities, and some energy users argued the bill was unnecessary, could duplicate CPUC processes, and could create discriminatory rate treatment or operational problems, especially around mandatory demand response and limits on backup generation. Committee staff described amendments narrowing the bill to large data centers, clarifying tariff and cost-allocation provisions, replacing a storage requirement with a long-term zero-carbon procurement mechanism, and exempting certain public and utility facilities. Members discussed the balance between affordability, reliability, and clean energy, with the bill framed as a way to protect ratepayers while allowing data center growth.

Transcript Highlights:

• Closer to home, Hawaii... ...to ban microplastics in common consumer products starting in 2027.
• Closer to home, Hawaii banned microbeads in personal care products beginning in 2023 with bipartisan

Committee: House Natural Resources

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of natural resources and related bills, with several measures receiving broad support and due-pass recommendations. AB 80 on carpet recycling would require CalRecycle to implement prior reforms, expand collection sites, and improve reporting and backstamping; it drew support from the author, carpet industry representatives, labor, environmental groups, and no opposition. AB 452 would create a voluntary process for local governments to designate state surf reserves as part of 30 by 30 conservation goals; supporters included Save the Waves Coalition, tourism and environmental groups, and several members praised the bill, while the League of California Cities sought clarifying amendments. AB 823 would ban sale of certain personal care and cleaning products containing intentionally added plastic microbeads, but it generated significant debate over scope and ambiguity, with environmental groups supporting stronger restrictions and industry groups warning the bill could unintentionally affect sunscreens, cosmetics, fragrance encapsulation, and other products; the committee ultimately passed it 13-2 to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials as amended. The committee also advanced AB 1046, which creates a narrow exemption from SB 1383 organic waste requirements for crop preparers and tree nut processors that do not send organic waste to landfills; agricultural groups and rural county representatives supported it, and it passed with no opposition. AB 252, the “Stop Laying Off Firefighters Act,” would require Cal Fire to maintain year-round staffing; the author and Cal Fire labor representatives argued wildfire conditions are now year-round and staffing gaps are unsafe, and the bill passed unanimously to Appropriations. AB 571 would provide a targeted CEQA exemption and urgency clause for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon; veterans, county officials, and supporters emphasized the long delay and need for a dignified burial site, and it passed unanimously to Military and Veterans Affairs. Later, the committee approved AB 1455, which would authorize the Board of Forestry to adopt emergency regulations and streamline future rulemaking for ember-resistant standards after recent Los Angeles County fires; it passed without opposition. AB 687, which would allow public agencies to use forest practice rules and timber harvest plans for certain fuel reduction projects, drew concerns from environmental groups about CEQA confusion and agency review, and while the author said it was not a CEQA exemption, the bill moved forward with some opposition and ongoing discussion. AB 652 would allow alternate members on the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District board to avoid quorum problems and passed with support from the City of San Diego. AB 317, the California First-Time Home Owner Dream Act, would exempt certain small, lower-cost homes from CEQA and defer property taxes to encourage affordable housing; it passed with support but also prompted concerns about guardrails against misuse in larger subdivisions. The committee also heard AB 900, which would require the Natural Resources Agency to develop a stewardship plan for current and future 30 by 30 lands; supporters from land trusts and conservation groups said stewardship funding and management are essential to make conservation durable, and the bill passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 738 would let certain wildfire-disaster survivors rebuild under the solar standards in place when their homes were originally built, rather than newer requirements; the author and county representatives framed it as limited relief for underinsured homeowners, and the committee began discussion with questions about what other rebuilding requirements might be affected.

Transcript Highlights:

• Several islands. the County of Maui by population. Okay. the County of Maui by population. Okay.
• Several<00:13:07.960><c> islands.</c> Okay, back to the top of the agenda.
• It's HB 2104 HD2 SD1, relating to island burial councils.
• HD2<00:16:13.959><c> SD1</c><00:16:14.720><c> relating</c><00:16:15.200><c> to</c><00:16:15.440><c> island
• </c><00:16:15.800><c> burial</c> HD2 SD1 relating to island burial HD2 SD1 relating to island burial

Bills: SB2057 , SB2109 , SB2400 , HB1752 , SB2599 , SB2930

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise as Vice Chair of the Asian American and Pacific Islander AAPI Legislative Caucus to present Senate
• for me and reflects the significant contributions Korean Americans and Asian American and Pacific Islander
• In my district, I'm fortunate to represent a large Asian Pacific Islander community made up of Koreans
• and community for the New Year has remained an important part of our Asian American and Pacific Islander
• family and community for the New Year has remained an important part of our Asian American Pacific Islander

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, and heard opening prayer and pledge. Members also welcomed Hubert Humphrey Fellows from several countries and received introductions of guests, including California State University Chancellor Mildred Garcia and Congressman Jim Clyburn. The chamber then approved the Senate journals and announced a joint hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions to be held upon adjournment. The main floor item was Senate Resolution 72 by Senator Wahab, recognizing Lunar New Year. Senators from several caucuses and districts spoke in support, describing the holiday’s significance across Asian cultures, its themes of family, renewal, courage, and prosperity, and California’s large Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Senator Wiener also highlighted the history of Lunar New Year celebrations in San Francisco and the contributions of Chinese immigrants and workers to California. The resolution passed by a 37-0 roll call vote. At the end of the session, members offered adjournment memorials for Niles Telenius, former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, and Terence Allen, with tributes describing their public service, community leadership, and personal impact. The Senate then announced it would reconvene on Thursday, February 19, at 9 a.m., with the chamber in recess until later that day for adjournment proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a division of veteran services that was on a separate island.
• survivors Island um we brought<00:40:34.680><c> that</c><00:40:34.839><c> into</c><00:40:35.119><c>
• </c><01:20:00.880><c> in</c> middle of the we have a little island in middle of the we have a little
• They were buried in mass graves throughout Hawaii.
• They were buried in mass graves throughout Hawaii.

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• As Chair of the California Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, I rise to present
• As Chair of the California Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, I rise to present
• Over 7 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders reside in California.
• We are honored to join our Asian American and Pacific Islander colleagues in diverse communities across
• In that spirit, please join me in honoring our Asian Pacific Islander communities and the caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, with uh Hawaii doesn't have a lot of wolves, which means Alaska is the target there, and uh
• Obviously, with uh Hawaii doesn't have a lot of wolves, which means Alaska is the target there, and uh
• Obviously, with uh Hawaii doesn't have a lot of wolves, which means Alaska is the target there, and uh

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, Hawaii does it. I mean, we grow it over there in Hawaii, and we have no problem with it.
• I mean, Hawaii, we have guns, but people give them to the government, and they get, you know, gift cards

Bills: SB1012 , SB1099 , SB1234 , SB1392 , SB1489 , SB1535 , SB1570 , SB1609 , SB1627 , SB1634 , SB1661 , SB1709 , SB1723 , SB1725 , SB1743 , SB1829 , SCR1027 , SCR1040 , SCR1048

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Elections

Keywords: concealed carry, firearms, restaurants, liquor licensing, public safety, defamation, private figure, public concern, statute of limitations, internet defamation, juvenile court, legal representation, appointed attorney, guardian ad litem, child welfare, election canvass, canvassing board, governing body, election inspection, election access

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, on behalf of my wife, Mary, and my native friends from the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii
• States, including Alaska and Hawaii, as States, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well<01:51:57.760><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a busy roadway that provides the only access to Treasure Island Resort and Casino, Xcel Energy's
• Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant, and Lock and Dam Number Three on the Mississippi.
• uh Resort and Casino, Treasure Island uh Resort and Casino, Xcel<00:53:00.440><c> Energy's</c><00:53
• :00.800><c> Prairie</c><00:53:01.120><c> Island</c><00:53:01.400><c> Nuclear</c> Uh, thank you, Mr.
• I'm government relations specialist for the Prairie Island Indian Community and also a tribal member.

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• There are literally islands of plastic that ships have to go around.
• Islands of plastic that ships have to go around.
• My name is Marcia Cutting, and I'm a wheelchair user with me on Bainbridge Island.
• Well, you were just giving us some examples of Rhode Island, what's, you know, and the reasons why.
• Well, you were just giving us some examples of Rhode Island, what's, you know, and the reasons why.

Bills: HB1420 , HB2233 , HB2271 , HB2212 , HB2284

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: textile responsibility, recycling, sustainability, environmental impact, consumer protection, waste reduction, environment, retail, bags, pollution, consumer products, plastic, environmental policy, postconsumer waste, microplastics, environmental protection, washing machines, water quality, litter reduction, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• The commission became responsible for Rincon Island and the associated oil and gas development about
• The commission became responsible for Rincon Island and the associated oil and gas development about
• The island is connected to shore through a causeway that arcs over the ocean.
• cover soil remediation, groundwater remediation, removing soil, and disposing of it, both at the island
• So once you get this cleaned up, what's the commission's role in any future use of the island?

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.