Transcript Highlights:

• Oregon and Hawaii allow 90... not in a compact and there are 41 States not in a compact and there are
• allow</c><00:16:09.720><c> uh</c><00:16:09.839><c> 90</c> Representative Zard said that Oregon and Hawaii
• There's no one in state government or county government or local government whose job is solely to focus
• I should excuse me, let me rephrase that: there may only be one or two options available in counties
• I should excuse me, let me rephrase that: there may only be one or two options available in counties

Bills: HF837 , HF1903 , HF499 , HF794

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Think about it: if you try to do this for a county in Massachusetts or New York, for example, for a county
• Hampshire County and Franklin County in Western Mass.
• Yeah, you have 13 counties, 14 counties.
• It's considered a college county.
• , in those seasonal counties.

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on the Census

Summary: The Senate Committee on the Census met on December 8 at 9:32 a.m. to examine the dynamics that drive census undercounts and overcounts, with testimony first from Joseph Salvo and then from Susan Strait of the UMass Donahue Institute. Salvo explained the Census Bureau’s two main evaluation tools: demographic analysis, which uses vital records, migration estimates, and Medicare data to produce a national benchmark, and the post-enumeration survey (PES), which compares a separate sample-based count to the census. He said the 2020 census showed a small national net undercount, but larger age- and race-based disparities, including the highest undercount among children ages 0 to 4, higher undercounts for men, substantial undercounts for Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native populations, and overcounts among some older and college-age groups. He also described how self-response, non-response follow-up, administrative records, proxy responses, and imputation affected data quality, arguing that proxies and imputation were especially weak and that outreach remains critical for 2030. Committee members asked Salvo to clarify the methods and error bands, the role of international migration estimates, and how the PES differs from the census address list and LUCA. He explained that PES is based on a separate sample of blocks and can add units within sampled blocks, but it does not measure units missed entirely from the original address list; LUCA matters because it improves that list before enumeration. He also discussed age heaping, duplicate responses among older adults, and why group quarters and COVID-related disruptions complicated the 2020 count. Senator Driscoll briefly interrupted to describe Randolph’s successful appeal of its 2020 count after an undercount in disability care homes, and Salvo noted that the post-census group quarters review helped correct some missed facilities. Susan Strait then focused on Massachusetts-specific results. She said Massachusetts’ 2020 count was strong overall, with population growth above the national average and a PES-based finding that the state was overcounted by 2.24 percent, though she emphasized that this did not mean all areas were accurately counted. Using demographic analysis, she said Massachusetts had an estimated 4.15 percent undercount of children ages 0 to 4, with the largest county-level undercounts in Hampden, Suffolk, and Essex, and she linked higher child undercounts to lower educational attainment and female-headed households. Strait also reviewed operational metrics showing that Massachusetts had relatively strong internet self-response, but that non-response follow-up relied heavily on household interviews, administrative records, proxies, and imputation in different counties. She highlighted higher proxy use in college-heavy counties such as Hampshire and Suffolk, and said counties with more minority residents were more likely to have population-count-only cases and other indicators of harder-to-count populations. The hearing ended with discussion of how these findings could inform outreach and census planning for 2030.

Transcript Highlights:

• I recognize the research being done in Alaska and Hawaii revitalization models and the very important
• Take a look at Hawaii. That's a really good example. Thank you. Thank you, Representative.

Bills: SB234 , SB210 , SB243 , SB244 , SM16 , HB8

Committee: House House Education

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 37, the High-Quality Literacy Instruction Act, which would strengthen reading instruction and educator preparation around the science of reading. The sponsor and supporters said the bill requires evidence-based, culturally and linguistically responsive literacy instruction, including support for English learners and students in bilingual and dual-language programs, use of approved high-quality instructional materials for K-3 reading and interventions, a K-3 reading assessment, literacy coaches, and parent progress reports. An amendment package was adopted to clarify biliteracy language, broaden references to bilingual/dual-language and Indigenous language settings, remove awkward phrasing, and adjust reporting requirements from monthly to four times per school year. The committee then moved forward with the amended bill. Public testimony was largely supportive. Students, educators, school leaders, advocacy groups, and tribal representatives said structured literacy has improved reading outcomes and can help struggling readers, including students with dyslexia and multilingual learners. Several speakers emphasized that the amended bill better protects bilingual, dual-language, and Native language programs, and some noted the importance of parent communication and early intervention. Supporters also cited recent literacy gains in New Mexico and said the bill aligns teacher preparation, materials, assessment, and coaching. Opposition focused mainly on concerns that the bill could still privilege English over Indigenous languages, that high-quality materials requirements may be too restrictive or costly for districts, and that testing and reporting could add workload. Tribal speakers from Acoma and Taos said they could not support the bill without further changes to explicitly protect Native language revitalization. Other opponents raised concerns about funding for materials and coaches, the burden on teachers, and whether the assessment and HQIM requirements would be flexible enough for local needs. In committee discussion, the sponsor and PED said existing funds and staff could support implementation, that the assessment would be formative and teacher-focused, and that the bill was intended to complement, not replace, Native and bilingual education programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m Representative Chris Bruce, District 23, which is South Canyon, South Ada, and all of Hawaii.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Arizona and Hawaii allow 60 days just for withholding. So we are pushing this bill in other states.

Bills: HF2048 , HF2360 , HF2006 , HF950 , HF912 , HF3140 , HF2931

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• County sheriffs, probation departments, and district attorneys.
• We do not currently see a major issue in Placer County.
• We do not currently see a major issue in Placer County.
• Hello, Roberta Giordano, Sonoma County resident in strong support.
• Danny Barrett, UA Local 343, Napa Solano County, strongly opposed.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 882, by the Ways and Means Committee, is an act relating to counties and county law, amending
• Houseville 882 by Ways and Means Committee and act relating to counties and county law, amending Section
• , so that the county fair boards would remain governing boards of their respective counties.
• , so that the county fair boards would remain governing boards of their respective counties.
• And they can, for example, when I was serving on the Hawaii County and what the county does.

Transcript Highlights:

• in 1994 became the first African-American elected to the General Assembly from Howard County, where
• that stays with me in so many County that stays with me in so many marylanders<02:19:17.399><c> he</
• , Coatesville in Montgomery County, and Philadelphia.
• , Coatesville in Montgomery County, and Philadelphia.
• </c> will be dearly missed in hockin county will be dearly missed in hockin county and<02:34:58.640><

Transcript Highlights:

• Keep in mind, I'm from Pierce County and I'm not concerned... So I hope that we understand.
• Keep in mind, I'm from Pierce County and I'm not concerned about this bill.

Bills: SB5223 , SB6071 , SB5966 , SB6061 , SB6016 , SB5973 , SB5053 , SB5249 , SB6190 , SB5574 , SB6263 , SB6282 , SB5950 , SB6074 , SB6096 , SB5609 , SB5943 , SJM8016 , SB5907 , SB6155 , SB6158 , SB6227 , SB6085 , SB6234 , SB6274 , SB5909 , SB6045 , SB6089 , SB6170 , SB5954 , SB5762 , SB6032 , SB6082 , SB6164 , SB6176 , SB6319 , SB6308 , SB6177 , SB6052 , SB6182 , SB6335 , SB6017 , SB5470 , SB5990 , SB5046 , SB5387 , SB5637 , SB5647 , SB5839 , SB5888 , SB5962 , SB6018 , SB6037 , SB6047 , SB6078 , SB6130 , SB6147 , SB6256 , HB2155 , HB2304 , HB2367 , HB2606 , SB5998 , SB6005

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• Great LaSalle County Day.
• , County Commissioner...
• Gutierrez, county tax assessor, collector Norma Hinojosa, assistant county attorney.
• Jim Hogg County King, Arnold Trevino, Little Miss Jim Hogg County Queen.
• Delegation from Austin County is led by our county judge, Judge Tim Lappin.

Bills: HB29 , HB 125 , HB145 , HB171 , HB255 , HB50 , HB796 , HB363 , HB 116 , HB491 , HB589 , HB1495 , HB368 , HB 1285 , HB1905 , HB1360 , HB2002 , HB917 , HB2723 , HB2067 , HB 1238 , HB2337 , HB745 , HB 1188 , HB1606 , HB2003 , HB2147 , HB2391 , HB2355 , HB2546 , HB2495 , HB2818 , HB2249 , HB1749 , HB3109 , HB3228 , HB3240 , HB1507 , HB658 , HB1748 , HB1851 , HB1922 , HB2001 , HB2798 , HB 107 , HCR29 , SB5 , SB262 , HB 11 , HJR72 , HB 106 , HB18 , HB48 , HB27 , HB37 , HB1481 , HB581 , HB1696 , HB2216 , HB 1035 , HB1633 , HB742 , HB754 , HB1689 , HB1690 , HB2669 , HB391 , HB517 , HB 1024 , HB1607 , HB252 , HB1716 , HB1562 , HB4116 , HB1866 , HB1741 , HB2103 , HB2637 , HB2884 , HB503 , HB 1089 , HB2986 , HB972 , HB502 , HB29 , HB 125 , HB145 , HB171 , HB255 , HB50 , HB796 , HB363 , HB 116 , HB491 , HB589 , HB1495 , HB368 , HB 1285 , HB1905 , HB1360 , HB2002 , HB917 , HB2723 , HB2067 , HB 1238 , HB2337 , HB745 , HB 1188 , HB1606 , HB2003 , HB2147 , HB2391 , HB2355 , HB2546 , HB2495 , HB2818 , HB2249 , HB1749 , HB3109 , HB3228 , HB3240 , HB1507 , HB658 , HB1748 , HB1851 , HB1922 , HB2001 , HB2798 , HB 107 , HCR29

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:

• County even coming about.
• County.
• County.
• County. And when I say largest in history, I'm talking about— It was settled here in L.A. County.
• We're in 24 counties.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color held its first meeting of the session at the Youth Justice Coalition’s former courthouse space in Los Angeles, after members spent the morning visiting Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. Chair Isaac Bryan framed the hearing around hope and healing, youth justice reimagined, youth perspectives, and multisector supports for boys and men of color. Several members, including Assembly Members Mike Fong, Mia Bonta, and Jasmeet Bains, emphasized the need to repair harms from mass incarceration, reverse underinvestment, and expand education, apprenticeship, and community-based opportunities. The first panel featured advocates from the Young Women’s Freedom Center, Students Deserve, the Social Justice Learning Institute, the California Youth Justice Project, and the Youth Justice Coalition. They argued that probation and incarceration are harmful, costly, and ineffective, and pointed to alternatives such as the Liberation Fund, Beloved Village, the Department of Youth Development, Measure J-funded community programs, and the Black Student Achievement Plan. Speakers described successful efforts to divert money from policing to restorative justice, counseling, mentorship, ethnic studies, and other supports, while warning that these gains are under attack or slow-walked by county systems. Committee members asked for concrete examples of cost-effective alternatives and implementation models that could be replicated statewide. The second panel was made up entirely of youth and young adults with lived experience. They described how Hoops for Justice, the Young Women’s Freedom Center, and the Youth Justice Coalition provided safety, mentorship, sponsorship, counseling, internships, education, and leadership opportunities that probation did not. Testimony focused on the need for youth-centered spaces, long-term jobs, mental health care, family support, and staff who understand lived experience. Speakers also criticized probation’s training and conditions in juvenile facilities, and several said the state should invest more in community-based organizations and put youth in leadership roles. Committee members responded that the testimony underscored the need to divest from probation and elevate youth voices in policymaking. The hearing then moved toward a third panel on supporting boys and men of color across sectors.

Transcript Highlights:

• well</c><01:01:30.799><c> as</c><01:01:30.920><c> in</c><01:01:31.039><c> the</c><01:01:31.200><c> county
• </c> in my town as well as in the county in my town as well as in the county level<01:01:32.440><c> um
• the 10 most expensive states in all ratepayer categories and share prices similar to California and Hawaii
• 01:04:34.200><c> to</c><01:04:34.480><c> California</c><01:04:35.240><c> and</c><01:04:35.680><c> Hawaii
• </c> prices similar to California and Hawaii prices similar to California and Hawaii this<01:04:36.760

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Angeles County Chief Public Defender Ricardo Garcia, Sacramento County Chief Public Defender Amanda Benson
• Santa Cruz County Chief Public Defender Heather Rogers, and a former colleague of mine and my home county
• El Dorado County Chief Public Defender Terry Montaroso, El Dorado County Chief Alternate Public Defender
• Elvira Lua, Humboldt County Chief Public Defender Luke Brownfield, Marin County Chief Public Defender
• , a county that I represent.

Transcript Highlights:

• county itself.
• county to increase the budget.
• I mean, we saw it within the counties.
• Counties, this body dealt with a bill that actually addressed a population sitting within counties too
• There are many, many lands, and not in Hawaii County, where private property is here, like this, and

Transcript Highlights:

• mine and my home county, Santa Clara County Chief Public Defender Damon Silver.
• Defender Luke Brownfield, Marin County Chief Public Defender David Joseph Sutton, Napa County Chief
• Also recognized are San Mateo County Chief of Private Defender Program Lisa McGuire, Shasta County Chief
• Public Defender Ashley Jones, Siskiyou County Chief Public Defender Lael Kayfetz, Stanislaus County
• , a county that I represent.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then approved a procedural motion by a 41-17 roll call to re-refer AB 2690 and AB 1863 to Appropriations and to allow guests for the Latino Spirit Awards ceremony. House Resolution 92, recognizing Cinco de Mayo Week, was adopted after supportive remarks from members of several caucuses, and the chamber then held the 2026 Latino Spirit Awards ceremony honoring 11 individuals and organizations in higher education, human rights, philanthropy, health and science, advocacy, business, environmental justice, journalism and media, culinary arts, and a legacy award for Los Tigres del Norte. After the ceremony, the Assembly resumed business with guest introductions and moved through the daily file, passing or retaining a number of bills and resolutions. Among the measures taken up, the Assembly passed AB 1657 on domestic violence restraining order procedures (64-0), AB 2042 on civil procedure and service of process (66-0), AB 1660 on probate and public guardians (45-10), AB 1917 on criminal procedure and reinstatement of dismissed charges (43-15), AB 2148 clarifying that public school employees are human beings in the context of AI (69-0), AB 1647 protecting juvenile statements at transfer hearings (63-0), AB 1555 expanding community college access in Siskiyou County (66-0), AB 1608 on High-Speed Rail Inspector General oversight and reporting (45-18), AB 1803 requiring anti-hate speech training in workplace harassment prevention (50-9), AB 2128 protecting tenants in subsidized housing from certain federal work requirements and time limits (44-16), AB 2576 as a land-use cleanup bill protecting historic resources (61-0), AB 2601 allowing concurrent review for certain housing projects, and AB 2764 on extended foster care eligibility (60-0). Several items were passed and retained on file, and AB 2601 was interrupted by a call of the house before later business continued. The chamber also adopted ACR 159 on indigent defense after adding 59 coauthors, then heard guest introductions from chief public defenders from multiple counties. ACR 179, designating Wildland Urban Interface Preparedness and Resilience Day, was adopted with 65 coauthors after remarks on wildfire risk and forest management. Later, ACR 183 establishing Black Health Equity Advocacy Week was presented with extensive testimony from members of multiple caucuses emphasizing racial health disparities, maternal mortality, life expectancy gaps, and the need for systemic change; the debate continued beyond the excerpt provided. Throughout the session, members repeatedly used guest introductions to recognize visiting groups and individuals, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority members, UAW President Shawn Fain, California Women in Agriculture, and others.

Transcript Highlights:

• We heard from everybody from four different states: Utah, Hawaii, Oregon, and Virginia.
• states<00:45:48.880><c> in</c><00:45:49.200><c> Utah</c><00:45:50.400><c> um</c><00:45:50.800><c> Hawaii
• ,</c><00:45:51.920><c> Oregon,</c><00:45:53.119><c> um</c> states in Utah um Hawaii, Oregon, um states
• in Utah um Hawaii, Oregon, um Virginia.<00:45:54.160><c> We</c><00:45:54.400><c> took</c><00:45:54.720
• Section<01:29:37.199><c> 37</c> Section 37 has to do with the sale of the Caledonia County Airport.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um it's private access in Itasa County.
• </c><00:24:47.440><c> that</c> for the folks back in Roso County that for the folks back in Roso County
• You know, I live in Rice County. I can see them.
• I can see know, I I live in Rice County.
• </c><00:30:09.360><c> courthouse,</c> maintenance of the county courthouse, maintenance of the county

Summary: The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council met on May 27, 2026, approved the January 7 minutes and the day’s agenda, and reported no conflicts of interest. The executive director gave staff updates, including introductions of new staff member Cara Castanza and DNR liaison Jason Co., both of whom were welcomed by the council. Members were also informed about three minor easement/conveyance matters in the packet, including a small Bowser easement impact with about $1,600 returned to the Outdoor Heritage Fund, a Minnesota Land Trust easement request involving a DNR trout stream easement, and an access easement revision in Itasca County. The council also noted several upcoming dedication events and a June field tour in southeast Minnesota beginning in Winona on June 16, with visits to Whitewater WMA, bluff prairie and stream sites, and a river segment if a boat is secured. A major agenda item was a legislative session recap on the Outdoor Heritage Fund portion of Senate File 2077, the omnibus Outdoor Heritage Fund, Legacy, and Lands bill. Staff reported that all council recommendations were incorporated into the bill, which passed both chambers on May 17 and was expected to be signed by the governor. The fiscal year 2027 Outdoor Heritage Fund recommendations covered 53 programs totaling about $188.9 million, with the February forecast increasing the appropriation slightly so the final total was about $191.16 million; eligible programs were proportionately increased. Staff also highlighted a few changes made during the legislative process, including adjustments to the Roso Lake rehabilitation phase three project, the conservation partners legacy grant language, and statutory provisions affecting the council. The recap also covered policy changes in the bill: a public member term limit of eight years, with a short vacancy exception and transition rules for current members; a revised executive director hiring process allowing the Legislative Coordinating Commission to provide support while preserving the council’s final hiring authority and permitting closed meetings for candidate discussions; and an extension of the Upper Mississippi River invasive carp deterrent design deadline to June 30, 2027. Members discussed the Roso Lake amendment at length, with Senator Lang and Representative Burkel explaining that the added delay and injunction-related language were intended to address local concerns and preserve the council’s process while litigation proceeds. The meeting ended without any additional formal action beyond receiving the updates and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• agencies, boards and commissions, 19 some higher educational institutions, 180 school districts, counties
• It can be the county hospitals contracting.
• I was in Hawaii at a national conference, and they showed us their agrovoltaic.
• But you know, Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, APD, Farmington PD, San Juan County, they all now have
• in this county.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe we should send them to that small city on the other side of the county, that way they're in one
• <00:39:54.400><c> the</c> small City on the other side of the small City on the other side of the county
• that way they're in one place county that way they're in one place where<00:39:56.359><c> we</c><00:
• There’s no way I could have... authored by a Democrat woman from Hawaii authored by a Democrat woman
• from Hawaii by<02:10:25.280><c> the</c><02:10:25.360><c> name</c><02:10:25.520><c> of</c><02:10:25.719

Transcript Highlights:

• As an eighth-generation farmer in LaRue County, my connection to agriculture traces back to the time
• example with our operation peaches are one of the crops that we grow and peached in three of the 120 counties
• We're seeing it in Minnesota, USDA, county, and local offices.
• He also serves as president of his County Farm Bureau, serves on his County FSA committee, and is chairman
• percent of the cattle in our feedlot are customer cattle from Okeechobee, Florida to the Big Island of Hawaii

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

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

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