Transcript Highlights:

• can find out what would happen if the utility company didn't follow through with the vegetation management
• What happens when they don't actually listen to your vegetation management recommendations and how to
• We manage 190 vacation rentals, and I stand in opposition to this bill.
• One example is the state food manager safety certification.
• I serve as the managing partner of Code Concepts Group, where my partner and I...

Bills: HB346 , HB1360 , HB1510 , HB1606 , HB1804 , HB1805 , HB2156 , HB2391 , HB2767 , HB3022 , HB3044 , HB3272 , HB3293 , HB3493 , HB3809 , HB3824 , HJR110 , HB2463

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, Texas Utilities Code, electric utility, retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, vegetation management, tree trimming, line clearance, transmission line

Bills: HB346 , HB1360 , HB1510 , HB1606 , HB1804 , HB1805 , HB2156 , HB2391 , HB2767 , HB3022 , HB3044 , HB3272 , HB3293 , HB3493 , HB3809 , HB3824 , HJR110 , HB2463

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, Texas Utilities Code, electric utility, retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, vegetation management, tree trimming, line clearance, transmission line

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Taylor Calvin, I'm Senior Manager of State and Local Government Relations.

Bills: HB246 , HB796 , HB 1056 , HB1544 , HB1846 , HB2001 , HB2618 , HB2625 , HB2869 , HB2898 , HB3069 , HB3114 , HB3157 , HB3228 , HJR98 , HB246

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• Philip Martin, Manager for the Zero Emission Truck Initiative for Environmental Defense.
• Drought in West Texas adds to wildfire risk, as seen in the recent Panhandle and Fredericksburg wildfires
• Are we prepared for the wildfires?
• We do need to hook up our customers, but we need some help managing this period of hyper growth.
• their cash flow, and how they manage the investment.

Bills: HB246 , HB796 , HB 1056 , HB1544 , HB1846 , HB2001 , HB2618 , HB2625 , HB2869 , HB2898 , HB3069 , HB3114 , HB3157 , HB3228 , HJR98 , HB246

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• This creates a background study disqualification from positions of management and billing based on violations
• This creates a background study disqualification from positions of management and billing based on violations
• This creates a background study disqualification from positions of management and billing based on violations
• Their roles are closely managed so they only see the information that they need.
• Their roles are closely managed so they only see the information that they need.

Bills: HF1379 , HF1596 , HF2260 , HF1429

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: nonopioid directive, opioid refusal, opioid-free care, pain management, health care directive, advance directive, patient autonomy, informed consent, substance use disorder, opioid epidemic, prescriber immunity, provider liability, emergency medical services, EMS, health record, Minnesota Department of Health, health care agent, medical power of attorney, Metropolitan Council, Minnesota government data practices

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 1672 is an Office of Cannabis Management policy bill.
• I'm the interim director of the Office of Cannabis Management.
• I'm the interim director for the Office of Cannabis Management.
• I'm the interim director for the Office of Cannabis Management.
• </c><00:52:03.920><c> event</c> another office of cannabis manag event another office of cannabis manag

Bills: HF1672 , HF1877 , HF1735 , HF1734 , HF1271 , HF1634 , HF1615

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis, cannabis flower, cannabis products, dispensary, cannabis retail endorsement, patient protections

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not force MIFA or Fidelity, which is their fund manager, to do anything else or to offer any
• Chris manages to walk upright, but he’s burdened by an extraordinary weight of titles.
• This delays diagnosis, treatment, and makes managing disease much more difficult.
• NAIOP represents the interests of companies involved with the development, ownership, management, and
• And it turned out that was actually the fifth year in a row of wildfires.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from the co-chairs explaining committee procedures, testimony limits, submission instructions, and the new deadlines for acting on House and Senate bills. The committee then heard testimony on several bills related to agriculture, land use, environment, housing, transportation, and taxation, with legislators often taken out of turn. No votes were taken during the hearing. The first major topic was H. 3206, a bill to allow fossil fuel-free 529 college savings plans to qualify for the state tax deduction if MEFA does not offer a comparable option. Representative Steve Owens said the bill would not force MEFA or Fidelity to change existing plans, but would create a definition for fossil fuel-free funds and extend the deduction to qualifying out-of-state plans. The committee also heard strong local testimony on a Belmont home-rule petition, H. 3970, to change tax treatment for the Belmont Country Club under Chapter 61B. Belmont residents and officials argued the private golf course receives an unfair tax break that shifts costs to other taxpayers, while Senator Brownsberger and Representative Rogers supported the measure as a way to help the town recover revenue. Committee members asked about town meeting support, the club’s lack of payment in lieu of taxes, and the size of the tax savings. The committee next heard testimony on a vehicle miles traveled tax proposal, S. 1925, from Senator Barrett and economists Gilbert Metcalf and Christopher Knittel. They argued that declining gas-tax revenue and rising fuel efficiency, especially with electric vehicles, require a more stable transportation funding source; they also said a VMT tax could be designed to be revenue-neutral and mildly progressive, though members raised concerns about administration, fairness, EV disincentives, and the possibility of annual tax shocks. The largest block of testimony focused on the Ahead Act, H. 3194/S. 1973, which would double the deed excise fee and dedicate the new revenue to affordable housing and climate adaptation. Supporters from MACDC, MAPC, FICC, Boston Climate Action Network, CLF, 350 Mass, CHAPA, and a tenant advocate said the bill could generate about $300 million annually for housing production, vouchers, weatherization, resilience, and environmental justice communities, and that it links two urgent crises with a stable funding stream. The committee also heard testimony on the Conservation Land Tax Credit bills, H. 3147/S. 2083, which would raise the annual cap on the credit from $2 million to $5 million for three years and then sunset back down. Conservation groups and a landowner said the program has conserved thousands of acres and that the higher cap would reduce delays and help meet state conservation goals. Finally, the committee took testimony on the Fairness for Farm Workers bills, S. 2011/H. 3107 and S. 2012, which would extend overtime, minimum wage, breaks, and paid time off protections to farm workers and include a refundable tax credit to help farmers offset overtime costs. Senator Gomez and advocates described the bills as overdue civil rights and public health measures, citing low wages, long hours, dangerous conditions, and the racial history behind farm labor exclusions. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3240, a bill to give municipalities a local option vacancy tax on chronically vacant shopping malls, with the sponsor arguing it would help towns address blight, encourage redevelopment, and potentially create housing and tax revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I really appreciate your leadership and efforts on the wildfire efforts as well.
• So if we're talking about just a week, that's usually fairly manageable.
• I know that we have managed, the department has managed, the reporting requirements for all of our grants
• So this is just one of those things that we need to think about, those policies for fire management.
• So this is just one of those things that we need to think about: those policies for fire management,

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met for its annual Proposition 98 overview, with Chair Alvarez outlining the committee’s focus on K-12 funding, student outcomes, and use of one-time funds. Superintendent Tony Thurmond gave an update on education issues, including wildfire recovery support for affected school communities, ongoing concerns about federal threats to education funding and immigration enforcement, progress on literacy and math, dual-language immersion, educator housing, and support for dual enrollment. Members broadly expressed support for these priorities, while also raising concerns about implementation, funding stability, and the need for schools to remain safe places for students. The committee then reviewed the Governor’s Proposition 98 proposal. The Department of Finance said the 2025-26 Proposition 98 guarantee is projected at $118.9 billion, with higher revenues and TK-related rebenching driving the increase. The LAO said the budget adds about $7.5 billion over two years and discussed the volatility of the guarantee, especially in 2024-25, when changes in revenue could have an outsized effect on school funding. Members questioned the proposed $1.6 billion delayed settle-up payment, the legal basis for delaying it, and the impact of possible federal funding freezes. The LAO presented alternatives such as a reserve deposit or delayed disbursement, while Finance said the proposal is intended to manage uncertainty. Members also raised concerns that ethnic studies implementation was not funded in the January budget, and Finance said the administration was not proposing funding for it. The committee next heard on the Proposition 98 rainy day fund and education deferrals. Finance said the reserve would receive a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 2024-25 and a discretionary deposit of $376 million in 2025-26, leaving a balance of about $1.5 billion. The LAO supported rebuilding the reserve as a way to manage volatility. On deferrals, Finance described the Governor’s plan to eliminate remaining deferrals by 2025-26, and the LAO said paying them off improves cash flow and budget resilience. Members generally supported eliminating deferrals and rebuilding reserves, though some asked about acting earlier if revenues allow. The committee also reviewed the proposed $1.8 billion student support and professional development block grant; Finance said it would fund professional development, recruitment and retention, and dual enrollment, while the LAO recommended clearer language on local discretion and use for one-time costs. Members were divided, with some supporting flexibility and others warning that one-time block grants can create instability and confusion for districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I think that there's so many lessons to be learned from the players and how this team is managed
• And so I think that there's so many lessons to be learned from the players and how this team is managed
• I think that there's so many lessons to be learned from the players and how this team is managed that
• Drew Johnston, Managing Director of Government Affairs and Compliance.
• President, the Growth Management Act was signed into law in the 1990s, and it requires that each county

Summary: The Senate began by advancing to the Eighth Order of Business and adopted Senate Resolution 8683 honoring the Seattle Seahawks for their 2025 championship season. The resolution and floor remarks celebrated the team’s 14-3 regular season, NFC West title, playoff run, Super Bowl 60 victory, and community involvement. Senators from both parties offered supportive remarks about the team’s leadership, teamwork, and impact across Washington, and the resolution was adopted unanimously. The chamber then welcomed Seahawks representatives and former player/play-by-play announcer Steve Rable to the rostrum for recognition and photographs. The Senate then considered and passed several bills, including SB 6084 clarifying that a person may not vote more than once in the same election across states; SB 5977 requiring publication of child near-fatality reviews; SB 5985 on endometriosis awareness and research; SB 6046 placing the Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department; SB 6291 extending septic inspector training supervision from two to four years; SB 6707 directing a WSIPP study of DCYF screening tools; SB 6183 ensuring rapid coverage for HIV antiviral drugs; SB 5956 restricting harmful uses of AI, surveillance, and automated discipline in public schools; SB 5820 concerning freight rail-dependent use overlays in Clark County; SB 5936 strengthening remedies and protections for human trafficking survivors; SB 6269 modernizing the motor fuel definition to include gaseous fuels such as hydrogen; SB 6226 protecting audiologists’ clinical autonomy; SB 6025 updating fetal death gestational-age calculations to use more accurate methods; SB 6058 giving Labor and Industries discretion in wage enforcement and adopting a transparency amendment; and SB 6136 requiring publication of actuarial indicated workers’ compensation rates. Most bills passed with broad support, though SB 5956 on AI in schools drew the most debate and passed 35-13. SB 5820 also drew a split vote, with supporters arguing it would restore environmental protections in Clark County and opponents warning it would undermine rail-related economic development and existing investments. SB 6084 passed 47-1, and the remaining measures passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. The Senate then recessed for caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lorraine Robinson, Washington Airport Management Association and the Arlington-Marysville...
• Margie Leggett, Executive Director for the Washington Airport Management Association.
• Bradford City, airport duty manager, King County International Airport. Thank you, Bradley.
• Anyway, I managed to volunteer, and here he is. He does his homework.
• Anyway, I managed to volunteer, and here he is. He does his homework.

Summary: The meeting was an Aviation Caucus gathering hosted at Paine Field and Boeing, with legislators, aviation groups, airport representatives, WSDOT, AOPA, Boeing, and other stakeholders introducing themselves and discussing aviation’s role in Washington. Representative Tom Dent opened by emphasizing the caucus’s purpose of educating lawmakers about aviation and aerospace, building relationships with legislators, and protecting the industry from policies he said could harm it. He highlighted a priority to repeal sections of a recent transportation revenue bill that imposed a luxury/privilege tax on aircraft, arguing airplanes are tools rather than luxuries and warning the tax could drive aircraft and business out of the state. Several speakers focused on the economic value of aviation. WSDOT Aviation Director Ann Richard said the industry’s story needs to be framed around broad public benefits, including business activity, medical access, emergency response, and wildfire support, not just recreation. John Dobson presented data claiming aviation and aerospace account for about 12.5% of Washington’s GDP, support hundreds of thousands of jobs, and generate substantial tax revenue, while also arguing that aviation infrastructure is underfunded and that aviation-related fuel taxes and other revenues should be redirected to aviation uses. Boeing representatives described the company’s Washington footprint, recent safety and training reforms, supplier and workforce investments, the permanent site at Moses Lake, and the Core Plus Aerospace workforce pipeline. The meeting also included advocacy updates on mental health in aviation and industry coordination. Brian Baumoff of the Pilot Mental Health Campaign described federal legislation aimed at improving the process for pilots seeking mental health treatment and a Washington proposal to provide leave support for pilots navigating medical certification. Haley Coffey of the Aerospace Futures Alliance invited attendees to an upcoming Hill Day to advocate for aerospace. AOPA’s Brad Schuster warned that the aircraft tax proposal and possible offsets like higher jet fuel taxes could have severe consequences. The caucus also recognized Harry R. Anderson with House Resolution 4645 for becoming the first person to both fly and sail solo to all seven continents. The meeting ended with a short quiz, reminders about badges, and instructions for the Boeing factory tour.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we welcomed the manager, Jim Scia?
• Starting the year with such devastating pain and hurt with the wildfires and then being able to find
• His career has been in real estate and property management, and he is currently a real estate consultant
• After working for more than 20 years as the office manager at National Auto Parts in Vallejo, she devoted
• He is the president of the Resource Legacy Fund and previously served... ...as general manager for San

Summary: The Senate session opened with a roll call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long series of floor recognitions and votes. Members spent substantial time honoring the Los Angeles Dodgers, celebrating their back-to-back World Series championship and highlighting the team’s history, community role, and connections to Jackie Robinson, Fernando Valenzuela, Vin Scully, and Jaime Jarrín. Senators also recognized summer interns and welcomed members of Kappa Alpha Psi’s Kappa League and Guide Right program to the floor. The chamber then took up several measures, beginning with AB 182 on ballot order and proposition numbering for the 2026 statewide ballot, which passed 38-8 after debate over whether placing legislatively referred measures first was fair. SR 113, commemorating the International Day of Peace and honoring Dr. Yongshik Cho’s role in proposing it, passed unanimously after supportive remarks about peace, education, and California’s diversity. The Senate also adopted SJR 16 urging Congress to restore commercial driver’s licenses for affected California truck drivers, and SCR 185 designating Probation Services Week. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to budget trailer bills. The Senate concurred in Assembly amendments to AB 112, AB 150, AB 152, AB 181, and AB 179, covering Medi-Cal, child care, human services, education governance, and housing. It also passed or concurred in SB 168, SB 169, SB 170, SB 171, SB 172, SB 174, SB 177, and SB 180, addressing public resources and energy, transportation, executive branch reorganization, labor, state government, courts, Medi-Cal financing, and taxation. Several of these drew opposition centered on energy costs, transparency, business impacts, or the proposed “fair share” approach to Medi-Cal costs for large corporations, but most measures passed on party-line or near-party-line votes. The Senate also confirmed three California Horse Racing Board appointments and ended with adjournment motions, including a request to adjourn in memory of Francis Lydia Limos of American Canyon.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm speaking with the city manager of Benicia, the small city on the bay that is the host of Valero,
• And the leader in Benicia, the city manager, said to me, I will, but I just want to tell you one thing
• I told him as city manager that if there's ever an internship open up at the Energy Commission, I would
• In the Emergency Management Committee, I introduced author's amendments to narrow the scope of the bill
• In doing so, this bill will help ensure that no wildfire disaster communities get overlooked in future

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest recognitions, and several ceremonial presentations. Members welcomed Jack and Jill of America’s Far West Region and a large education bus trip from Senate District 15. The body also adopted SCR 151 designating May 2026 as ACL Injury Awareness Month, SR 105 declaring May as National Tennis Month, SCR 175 recognizing Behavioral Health Awareness Month, SCR 176 designating May as Small Business Month, and SCR 178 recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month. These resolutions drew broad support, with many senators speaking to the health, civic, economic, and cultural themes in the measures, as well as concerns about anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and solidarity across communities. The Senate also confirmed three gubernatorial appointees unanimously: Siva Gunda to the California Energy Commission, Tony Sertich as Executive Director of the California Housing and Finance Agency, and Craig Snellings to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. In addition, the chamber approved a motion to suspend Joint Rule 62(a) so the Committee on Local Government could hear AB 1768, after debate over the procedure and a roll call vote. On legislation, the Senate passed a series of bills on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including SB 922 on local cost recovery for street damage from public service operations, SB 932 on litigation transparency, SB 1311 on updates to consumer affairs boards and licensing rules, SB 1143 on access to forensic interview recordings in child abuse cases, SB 1307 on clearing forged real estate documents, SB 1177 on high-speed rail reporting, SB 971 on community networks for older adults, SB 1400 on Alameda Health System governance, SB 1228 on existing outdoor advertising displays in former redevelopment areas, SB 997 on lien authority for a groundwater sustainability agency, SB 1115 on public cemetery district governance, SB 1088 on advance care planning forms, SB 1242 on family participation in CARE Court, SB 1364 on parental rights in rape-related custody cases, SB 993 on protecting mental health professionals’ identifying information, SB 1094 on prescription drug biosimilar use, SB 1117 on ADU fee calculations, SB 1244 on broker compensation disclosures for public agency health plans, SB 1315 on automated driving system software update reporting, and SB 1398 on recognizing Green Globes as an equivalent state building certification. Earlier, a motion by Senator Strickland to withdraw SB 1035 from committee failed on a 22-22 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Or, in another instance, a manager suggested to the workers that they should think about where they're
• demands for wastewater treatment, and accelerate permitting following the wildfires in Los Angeles,
• A new manager had recently transferred to the store, and we started talking.
• Second, the hiring and workload management structure can be problematic, with the primary AI company
• Make no mistake, AI products cannot be... ...that don't disclose the names of his managers.

Committee: House Labor and Employment

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just want to point out that $314 million of that is for wildfire and landscape resilience to really
• Addressing wildfire risk in California, especially in vulnerable areas, is something critical.
• Wildfire. I want to focus on this for just a minute.
• Prop. 4 wildfire funding is $2.1 billion, if I'm not mistaken. Is that correct?
• We have folks in those communities that are managing chronic illness, mental health, pregnancy, disability

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard opening remarks on the Governor’s 2026-27 budget and presentations from the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Chair Laird described the proposal as roughly balanced with $23 billion in reserves, while Vice Chair Niello argued the revenue estimates were overly optimistic and warned of a structural deficit, calling for a deeper review of programs and concern over the state’s $20 billion unemployment insurance debt. Finance said the budget is balanced in the budget year but still leaves a roughly $2.9 billion deficit, with out-year gaps above $20 billion, and characterized the plan as largely a workload budget with limited new spending or cuts. The LAO said its office sees substantial downside risk to the revenue forecast, emphasized the volatility of stock-market-driven revenues, and urged the Legislature to begin addressing the structural deficit now rather than waiting until May. Members focused on the implications of federal policy changes, Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and the MCO tax, as well as the state’s reserve strategy. Senators Menjivar and Richardson raised concerns about health coverage reductions, county costs, hospital finances, and the lack of a broader revenue solution, while Finance said the state cannot fully backfill federal cuts and is still assessing the impacts. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposal to suspend the rainy day fund deposit and setting aside the proposed Proposition 98 settle-up rather than using it for spending. Finance defended both proposals as necessary to balance the budget year and said it plans to begin discussions with legislative leaders before the May Revision. The committee also discussed climate and transportation funding, including cap-and-trade/GGRF allocations for Cal Fire, interest earnings from the fund, zero-emission vehicle incentives, and AB 617 air quality investments. Senator Reyes questioned the focus on light-duty ZEV incentives instead of heavy-duty vehicles, and Finance said the proposal is intended to partially replace the federal consumer tax credit and that some heavy-duty funding remains from prior years. Senator Richardson also raised concerns about Olympics-related infrastructure, courthouse repairs, and displaced workers, while other members stressed homelessness funding and the need for more immediate action on out-year budget problems. No formal votes or actions were taken during the portion provided; the hearing was informational and moved into member questions after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second one is the Wildfire Mitigation Grant Program at OES.
• I would say frankly, all areas that would be evaluated by OES to determine where the need is for wildfire
• OES to determine where the need is for wildfire mitigation for future funding.
• . ...fire, the Simi Valley fire, known as the Sandy fire, none of those would have qualified for wildfire

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation met with a quorum present and took up a vote-only agenda on a large set of budget issues across corrections, public safety, judiciary, labor, and transportation. One public commenter, Edward Hasbrook of the Identity Project, opposed the DMV state-to-state Real ID proposal, arguing that uploading driver data to the AMVA/Spex database would expose Californians’ information to federal and out-of-state access and should be removed from the budget for fuller consideration. The committee then voted on multiple grouped items in Part A, Part B, and Part C, generally adopting staff recommendations. Most votes passed with either unanimous support or two-to-one margins, with Senator Seyarto occasionally voting no or not voting. The actions were described as reflecting the Senate’s budget plan and were intended to be folded into the broader budget agreement. In closing comments, the chair and members highlighted several issues they want to continue pursuing in negotiations, including privacy and security concerns with the Real ID state-to-state system, rehabilitation and reentry programming, workforce training, and expansion of the Wildfire Mitigation Grant Program. Senator DeRazzo also emphasized support for justice-system programs, public defenders, trauma recovery centers, and workforce initiatives, while Senator Seyarto stressed transportation funding, court capacity for Prop. 36 implementation, and broader workforce and business development. The chair thanked public participants, staff, consultants, sergeants, and the Department of Finance and LAO, and the subcommittee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:37:50.000><c> the</c> need to find workers who can manage the need to find workers who can manage
• </c> employees the workers that can um manage employees the workers that can um manage and<00:38:17.480
• That's been a success bringing on more providers, um, case management, so more providers, um, case management
• With the recent wildfire, it became apparent in talking with other disaster case managers that transportation
• With the recent wildfire, it became apparent in talking with other disaster case managers that transportation

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on Kupuna Care funding, distribution, utilization, and the status of program rules. The Office of Aging explained that state Kupuna Care funds are distributed using the same federally approved interstate funding formula used for Older Americans Act funds, with eight weighted factors tailored to Hawaii’s conditions: older adults, greatest economic need, low-income minority status, disability, language barriers, geographic isolation, inverse population density, and older adults living alone in poverty. The department said the formula is based on census and American Community Survey data, with current county shares listed as Kauai 7.45%, Honolulu 69.61%, Maui 11.7%, and Hawaii County 17.88%. Officials said the formula is being reviewed with current data and will need federal approval and then public hearing before final adoption. Members questioned how the program works in practice, noting that the statute and eligibility language can sound like direct individual benefits even though services are delivered through area agencies on aging, ADRCs, and contracted providers such as meal and adult day care programs. The Office of Aging said ADRCs determine eligibility and then refer clients to authorized providers, who must meet service standards in their contracts. The chair pressed repeatedly for long-delayed rules, saying the Legislature had expected them years earlier and that clear rules are needed to ensure funds are spent properly and to avoid conflicts of interest. The department acknowledged the delay, said draft rules were written in 2023 after earlier commitments to finish sooner, and said it paused while federal Older Americans Act rules were being updated; it now expects to send the rules to the Deputy Attorney General, then out for public hearing, with a goal of completion in 2025. The department also reported utilization data for the last two fiscal years. In 2023, it expended about 93% of its allocation and served 5,473 older adults at an average annual cost of $1,358; in 2024, it expended about 97% and served 5,520 older adults, with the average cost down by about $200, which officials said may indicate fewer services per person. Eligibility was described as age 60 or older, U.S. citizen or qualified alien, with cognitive impairment or disability and functional deficits, and the statewide profile showed many participants were homebound, living alone, or below poverty. The most-used services were transportation, case management, and home-delivered meals. The chair also asked about the former Kupuna caregiver program; officials said the programs are now combined under Kupuna Care, with most funding going to adult day care to provide respite for working caregivers. County representatives then described local conditions, especially on Hawaii Island. Hawaii County officials said the county covers about 5,000 square miles, has about 208,000 residents, and roughly 24% are age 65 or older. They identified three main challenges: staffing shortages and retention problems among providers, shortages within the county department itself, and the loss of adult day care capacity, with only one center remaining on the island and none on the west side. They said these constraints limit service delivery even as demand grows. At the same time, they highlighted successes such as serving people in the community before they need higher levels of care, providing caregiver counseling and training through adult day care, serving 467 individuals locally, and ensuring the Resource Center answers calls from caregivers seeking help.

Transcript Highlights:

• They clean up our parks after severe, drastic wildfires. They educate our youth and so much more.
• By establishing clear procedures, it allows managers to recognize and address problematic employee behavior
• more productive and perform at higher levels, fosters better communication between employees and managers
• So they do vary from bargaining unit... ...management, public safety, social workers, you name it.
• We are managed by algorithm.

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several labor-related measures. AB 465 would require city and county employers, when requested by a union, to negotiate minimum disciplinary and grievance standards in MOUs, including progressive discipline, just-cause protections, grievance appeal procedures, and paid release time for representatives. Supporters said it would create fairer, more consistent due process protections for local public employees; opponents argued it could be too rigid, create litigation, and interfere with existing bargaining and civil service systems. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to Appropriations. AB 792 would allow multi-region bargaining for court interpreters when more than one region is negotiating at the same time, with supporters saying it would streamline negotiations and help address interpreter recruitment and retention. There was no opposition, but some members questioned whether the proposal would meaningfully solve the underlying staffing and pay issues. The bill passed and was held for add-ons. AB 1309, which would improve Cal Fire firefighter compensation by making salaries more competitive with local fire departments, drew broad support and no opposition; members praised firefighters’ work and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also considered AJR 8, a resolution urging protection of Social Security and opposing cuts or closures that would make benefits harder to access. Supporters emphasized Social Security’s role in preventing poverty among seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, while one member objected to naming political figures in the resolution. The resolution passed and was held. AB 1247 would require contracted classified school employees to meet the same training and qualification standards as direct hires and address retirement contributions; supporters said it would protect students and improve parity, while opponents warned it would burden schools and limit flexibility. It passed 5-2. Finally, AB 288 would authorize the Public Employment Relations Board to act when the NLRB fails to remedy a labor claim by its deadline, with supporters framing it as a backstop for workers’ organizing rights amid federal inaction; it passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• impacts that apply for all three of the programmatic EISs—solar, wind, and green hydrogen—include wildfire
• So yes, we were very intentional in looking at the potential for wildfires from battery energy storage
• We manage a recycling center in Seattle, processing 200,000 tons a year.
• We manage a recycling center in Seattle. Process is 200,000 tons a year.
• I'm also here on behalf of. manage a recycling center in Seattle. Processes 200,000 tons a year.

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Summary: The committee held a work session on SEPA-related clean energy permitting and on Washington’s carryout bag law. Ecology presented on the clean energy programmatic environmental impact statements (PEISs) completed for utility-scale solar, onshore wind, and green hydrogen, with a fourth for sustainable aviation fuel in progress. Ecology and EFSEC described how these broad reviews identify likely impacts, mitigation measures, and planning tools to help developers and lead agencies move projects through SEPA more efficiently, while still requiring project-level review. Committee members and presenters discussed issues such as wildfire risk from battery storage, water use, agricultural land conversion, recycling of solar panels and wind turbines, and the need for early tribal consultation and better cultural resource studies. Grant County and Yakama Nation both emphasized the importance of early pre-application coordination, cumulative impact review, and adequate time for tribal and agency input; Puget Sound Energy said it needs more predictable permitting to meet clean energy mandates and maintain reliability, while still facing major transmission and generation needs. The second half of the meeting focused on the state’s carryout bag law. Committee staff reviewed the law’s history, current requirements, and upcoming changes: the 8-cent charge on paper and plastic bags rises to 12 cents in 2026, thicker 4-mil bags will be required in 2028, and a temporary 4-cent penalty on those thicker bags takes effect in the interim. Commerce summarized a Washington State University study finding that plastic bag distribution fell but total plastic weight increased because reusable bags are thicker, and Ecology described its education-first enforcement approach, litter study results, and the interaction with the new Recycling Reform Act. Ecology said it has received hundreds of complaints but has not yet imposed the $250 retailer penalty, using multiple rounds of technical assistance before site visits or fines. Members questioned whether the thicker-bag requirement makes environmental sense, whether the penalty structure is administratively burdensome, and how the law applies to tribal retailers.

Transcript Highlights:

• So yes, we were very intentional in looking at the potential for wildfires from battery energy storage
• EFSEC is... ...and/or best management practices produced by agencies or organizations.
• Decommissioning plans, restoration plans, and financial securities, and then the project management,
• We manage a recycling center in Seattle. Processes 200,000 tons a year.
• I'm also here on behalf of Manage a recycling center in Seattle. Processes 200,000 tons a year.

Summary: The committee held a work session on state environmental policy act (SEPA) implementation and carryout bags. Ecology staff Diane Buterak described the Clean Energy Programmatic Environmental Impact Statements (PEISs) completed for utility-scale solar, onshore wind, and green hydrogen, plus a new PEIS underway for sustainable aviation fuel. She explained that PEISs provide broad planning-level analysis to help developers and agencies avoid or mitigate impacts, but do not replace project-level review. Members asked about permitting timelines, greenhouse gas emissions from different hydrogen production methods, water use, agricultural land conversion, battery fire risk, and tribal consultation. Buterak said the PEISs identify potentially significant impacts and mitigation measures, including fire response planning, early tribal outreach, and agrovoltaics as an option for solar projects. EFSEC’s Amy Hofkimer then presented the transmission-facility programmatic EIS required by SB 5165 for 230 kV and higher transmission projects. She said the statewide review covers new lines and certain upgrades/modifications, analyzes impacts to water, cultural and tribal resources, habitat, and other areas, and uses general measures, design considerations, avoidance criteria, and sensitivity maps to guide siting and corridor planning. She said the final document would be issued in early October. Questions focused on reconductoring, tribal lands, scenic areas, and whether the review could affect existing lines crossing tribal lands. A Grant County planning director, Jim Anderson Cook, said Ecology’s PEIS would help with cumulative impacts for clustered solar projects, but noted tight local review timelines and the need for strong pre-application coordination, especially on cultural resource studies and decommissioning plans. Yakama Nation attorney Shona Leverett argued SEPA is only an assessment tool and said tribes face barriers from short comment periods, limited confidential tribal input, weak cumulative impact analysis, and challenges in the FSEC process; she urged better upfront developer diligence and more effective tribal coordination. Puget Sound Energy’s Sarah Leverett said the utility needs efficient and predictable permitting to meet clean energy mandates while maintaining reliable service and aging infrastructure. She described the scale of needed clean energy and transmission buildout, including a 10-year process for the Energize Eastside transmission rebuild, and said more consistent SEPA and PEIS processes could help. Members asked about future generation sources, reliability, and hydropower as a firming resource; she said PSE is pursuing an “all of the above” approach and would welcome more firm, dispatchable clean energy options. The committee then shifted to carryout bags. Staff Jacob Lipson and Tracy Taylor reviewed Washington’s bag law, its preemption of local ordinances, the current 8-cent charge, the scheduled increase to 12 cents, and the 2025 change delaying the 4-mil thickness requirement until 2028 while adding a temporary 4-cent penalty for thicker bags. Ecology’s Peter Lyon said the agency emphasizes education and complaint-based enforcement, has received 872 reports, and has not yet imposed any fines. Commerce’s Kirk Esmond summarized a WSU study finding fewer plastic bags distributed but more plastic by weight, and said Commerce and Ecology support keeping the 2.25-mil standard and not allowing thinner single-use bags again. Retail industry testimony from Brandon Housekeeper said grocers comply with the law but oppose the added 4-cent penalty and thicker-bag requirement, citing higher costs and confusion in the policy changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is important from a risk management standpoint, especially given that the weather in New Mexico
• This provides a little bit more of a safety net or a risk management opportunity in dealing with the
• I'm the manager of student success and wellness. Under the New Mexico Public Education Department.
• So, it increases their risk management portfolio, makes it a little more affordable, and provides more
• Because we know wildfires are not just a point in time; we are going to have them from now on, whether

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee