Transcript Highlights:

• This bill creates unnecessary bureaucracy and taxpayer costs.
• This bill creates unnecessary bureaucracy and taxpayer costs.
• I know that one of the biggest concerns is the cost of the bill.
• And I know that this could potentially come with some costs.
• Researchers estimate processing each paper form costs $4.72 in labor.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of elections-related bills. It first approved three consent items: AB 808, AB 1029, and AB 1072. The committee then took up AB 1249, which would require non-Voter’s Choice Act counties to offer at least one Saturday early-voting location before statewide elections and allow in-person return of vote-by-mail ballots at designated county offices or satellite locations. Supporters said it would expand access for working voters and those with transportation barriers; some members raised concerns about ballot verification and added workload for rural counties. The bill passed the committee on a divided vote and was placed on call for absent members. The committee next considered AB 25, a voter ID and election integrity measure that would require citizenship verification, government ID for voting, tighter voter-roll audits, and a 72-hour ballot-counting deadline. The author and supporters argued it would restore public trust and improve election integrity, while opponents from the League of Women Voters, ACLU California Action, labor groups, disability advocates, and others said it would restrict access, burden vulnerable voters, and amount to voter suppression. After extensive debate, the committee voted the bill out on a narrow split and kept it on call. Members also approved AB 1164, which clarifies when voters are entitled to a replacement ballot and updates the Voter Bill of Rights language; AB 1441, which would create an independent citizens redistricting commission in Merced County despite opposition from the county board over cost and local control; and AB 16, which would clarify county election officials’ authority to begin processing vote-by-mail ballots earlier and clean up outdated code. The committee also heard AB 1411, which would require non-VCA counties to prepare voter education and outreach plans and use a Secretary of State template, with the sponsor saying it would improve voter information statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe we have addressed the cost concerns in this year's bill.
• We will be accepting the amendments that are detailed in the analysis.
• This will simplify that process and make it much more efficient from a cost standpoint and practical
• This bill would, once again, make the process and the cost far more efficient.
• And frankly, it’s going to cause all the GSAs a huge cost and expense.

Summary: The committee heard several water, wildlife, conservation, and local government bills. AB 362, by Assembly Member Ramos, would add tribal water uses as a statewide beneficial use and strengthen tribal consultation in water planning; tribal representatives and conservation groups supported it as a long-overdue correction, while water agencies, business groups, and agricultural interests raised concerns about CEQA, regulatory uncertainty, and impacts on existing water planning. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, with some members noting ongoing stakeholder discussions and one abstention. AB 1089, by Assembly Member Carrillo, would expand local permitting authority under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act to include commercial and industrial projects. The author and the City of Adelanto argued it would speed housing and economic development in the high desert while preserving the overall conservation framework, but environmental groups opposed it as premature and potentially weakening protections for Joshua trees. The committee approved the bill on a due pass motion to Appropriations. AB 1024, by Assembly Member Harabedian, would require a regional black bear mitigation plan for the San Gabriel Valley and related areas; Sierra Madre officials described rising bear intrusions and the need for state help, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 846, by Assembly Member Connolly, would streamline permitting for local wildfire preparedness and vegetation management projects in local responsibility areas by creating a faster review process at Fish and Wildlife and improving mapping coordination with Cal Fire. Local government, fire service, and agricultural witnesses supported the bill as a common-sense wildfire prevention measure, and it passed to Natural Resources with no opposition. AB 263, by Assembly Member Rogers, would extend emergency minimum-flow regulations for the Scott and Shasta Rivers for five years or until permanent rules are adopted; supporters said it protects salmon recovery, tribal subsistence, and the fishing economy during a transition period, while opponents argued it bypasses normal regulatory process and harms farmers. The committee approved it on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, with one abstention and two no votes. AB 1044, by Assembly Member Bains, would create a new Tulare County groundwater sustainability agency for undistricted lands after other local agencies split off; the bill passed to Local Government. AB 1426, by Assembly Member Arambula, began testimony on creating a Diablo Range Conservation Program to fund habitat protection and restoration across the range.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, our timely filed opposition letter was not included in the analysis.
• So, Unfortunately, our timely filed opposition letter was not included in the analysis.
• Housing construction costs continue to rise.
• Over time, these financing costs can consume a significant share of project budgets.
• We saw the analysis.

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met and first approved the consent calendar, which included AB 2028, AB 2425, and committee bill AB 2795, all sent to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee also noted that AB 2558 and AB 2746 had been pulled from the agenda. The chair reviewed hearing procedures, including acceptance of written testimony and rules against disruptive conduct. The committee then heard AB 2116, which would require registration and basic conduct standards for certain small-business financing providers, including merchant cash advance companies, and prohibit confessions of judgment and power-of-attorney provisions before default. Supporters argued the bill would close an oversight gap and improve transparency for small businesses; a small business owner testified that a purported 13% loan turned out to have a 235% APR. Opponents said the bill mixed consumer and commercial regulation and could restrict access to capital, though they supported banning confessions of judgment. The bill passed on a roll call vote and was sent to Appropriations. AB 2243, by Assembly Member Haney, proposed creating a state bank commission to study whether California should establish a state bank or other public financing tools. Supporters said a public banking model could reduce borrowing costs, keep more public money in-state, and better finance housing, infrastructure, and other public priorities; opponents from banking groups raised concerns about taxpayer exposure, deposit guarantees, and the use of public funds and existing lending structures. The bill passed and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 2350, which would set guardrails on rent-now-pay-later products for rental housing; supporters said these products can lead to high fees, debt, and eviction risk, while industry groups opposed the bill unless amended. AB 2350 passed as amended and was sent to Appropriations. At the end of the meeting, the committee completed roll calls for absent members and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, the committee analysis completely missed all of our concerns, and I'm deeply concerned
• And raising costs that impacts both ships, shippings, companies, everyday consumers across the state
• As California has continued to face cost of living crisis, additional tariffs further risk increasing
• We would like to lower costs for California families and I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• It's also not reflected in the analysis, but the opposition has removed their opposition of the bill.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <04:07:24.800> and state costs and each location costs and state costs and each location costs
• It depends on an economic analysis that includes costs and not all the benefits.
• So, if you included the social cost of carbon in this analysis of what would happen if the RPS went away
• the social cost of carbon in<05:04:08.080> this<05:04:08.798> analysis<05:04:09.520>
• Do the other states account for that in their analysis of costs and benefits of RPS?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• pressure driven by inflation, aging infrastructure, deferred maintenance, and rising public safety costs
• Once again, local governments are being asked to do more with less, while costs continue to rise.
• It's crucial to keep these costs predictable, and we respectfully request your aye vote.
• My question to you would be: how much are you... ...cost that it would take.
• These costs routinely make otherwise feasible projects impossible to finance.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:57.120> would<00:08:57.280> be cost would be cost would be um<00:08:58.320> since
• The overall project costs are Correct. The overall project costs are 26<00:30:22.480> million.
• . costs. costs.
• question around how much will that cost question around how much will that cost and<01:03:29.080
• annually in repair and delay costs annually in repair and delay costs projected<01:04:05.720>

Bills: HF4470, HF2418, HF3417, HF3365, HF3463

Keywords: HF4470, Melissa Hortman, memorial, statue, memorial garden, State Office Building, Capitol Mall Design Framework, capital investment, appropriation, Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, Department of Administration, public art, commemorative monument, landscaping, artist selection, family consultation, Minnesota legislature, state building site, capital appropriation, political subdivisions

Transcript Highlights:

• No fines, fees, restitution, or probation costs may be charged during this period.
• No fines, fees, resitution or<00:30:25.039> probation<00:30:25.520> costs<00:30:25.840>
• may be charged during or probation costs may be charged during this<00:30:27.120> period.
• <00:55:20.480> and that are also part of this analysis and that are also part of this analysis
• part of that analysis also for those additional<00:55:23.040> charges<00:55:23.839> we

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Permit restoration avoids those costs and provides a permanent solution.
• STAFF FOR AN EXCELLENT STAFF  ANALYSIS, VERY COMPREHENSIVE AND  347 THOROUGH.
• Hospitals help mitigate cost by covering medications.
• In short, this model does not correct behavior and instead may raise costs for Floridians.
• It decreases costs through things like formulary restrictions.

Summary: The committee first took up CS/House Bill 981, which would restore the Ocklawaha River and related natural resources. Supporters, including environmental groups, Save the Manatee Club, business owners, and Reunite the Rivers advocates, argued the bill would improve manatee habitat, fish passage, flood protection, tourism, and long-term economic returns while reducing dam maintenance costs. Opponents and skeptics focused on concerns about water quality, nutrient loading in the St. Johns River, loss of the Rodman Reservoir’s habitat and water-supply value, and potential ecological and economic harms. Members in debate largely supported the restoration effort, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous vote. The committee then heard HB 697, the PRICE Act, which would use international reference pricing to set a drug cost benchmark, address pharmacy benefit manager practices, and require health plans to keep drug prices stable for the year. The sponsor said the bill would lower costs and improve access, especially for uninsured Floridians. Supporters, including independent pharmacists, argued PBMs are squeezing pharmacies and that the bill could help lower prices. Opponents from BioFlorida and PhRMA warned the proposal could disrupt the national drug supply chain, fail to pass savings to patients, and lead to shortages, reduced access, and less innovation. After debate, the bill passed favorably, with Rep. Chambliss voting no. The committee also considered CS/HB 1081, which was amended to include private colleges and universities with NCA designation in the program. After brief discussion and support from United Way Miami, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, CS/HB 177 was introduced as a framework for Florida’s regional councils to cross-assign bills among regions; it received supportive testimony and was also reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the cost is getting worse, and it's definitely more costly when human lives are involved.
• And the principal differences there are how much independence is going to be allowed in this analysis
• There are suggested amendments that are in the committee analysis that we've been discussing, and I'm
• Second, the cost to meet the goals in the provisions in this bill are high and will slow deployment.
• , as battery storage alone can double the cost of a fast-charging deployment.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But the cost to replace it was a $1 billion project.
• And that seemed to come up very quickly as an opportunity for analysis.
• It's just not cost-effective for them.
• It's just, it's not cost effective for them.
• So if you had, you know, you know, It's just not cost-effective for them.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology held an informational hearing on the role of biotechnology industries in wastewater treatment, hosted at Bakar Labs on the UC Berkeley campus. Opening remarks emphasized California’s water scarcity, the rising cost of wastewater infrastructure, and the need to reuse and clean contaminated water. Committee members framed the hearing as a look at both current treatment challenges and emerging technologies that could improve water quality, affordability, and resilience over time. The first panel focused on statewide wastewater challenges. BACWA Executive Director Laurie Fono described wastewater plants as part of a broader circular economy, noting their roles in recycled water, environmental enhancement, biosolids management, carbon sequestration, and renewable energy generation. She highlighted major challenges including aging 1970s-era infrastructure, nutrient reduction mandates, sea level rise, evolving regulations, and PFAS source control. She said Bay Area agencies face about $11 billion in nutrient reduction costs, with rate increases, state revolving funds, WIFIA loans, and bonds as the main financing tools. Members asked about regional differences, energy revenue opportunities, smaller decentralized plants, and agricultural collaboration. The second panel featured researchers and lab experts discussing biotechnology solutions. Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s Dr. Romine Chakarvati described using microbial communities and machine learning to help break down PFAS and treat produced water. CEL Analytical’s Dr. Yigi Dearborn explained pathogen testing for direct potable reuse, wastewater monitoring, and the need for larger sample volumes and more funding to validate methods for viruses and protozoa. Stanford’s Dr. Chunhung-Shin presented an anaerobic membrane system that turns domestic wastewater into clean water and energy with less biosolids and lower operating costs. Committee members asked about AI, assay development, scaling technologies, and funding priorities. Public comment from the California Association of Sanitation Agencies stressed the need to balance scalability, reliability, and affordability, and the hearing adjourned without any formal vote or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:22.880> Those<00:10:23.519> are the cost estimates on those.
• Those are the cost estimates on those.
• We all hear about increased costs there.
• And I and I um increased costs there.
• There is no cost. Maybe someday again. There is no cost.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, for any bills that are being amended today, we will be posting an addendum analysis, which
• The motion is do pass as amended per author to make CDCR costs contingent upon appropriation.
• The motion is do pass as amended per author to make CDCR costs contingent upon appropriation.
• The motion is do pass as amended per author to provide cost recovery for DMV administrative costs.
• SB 1199, Prescription Drug Cost Sharing. The motion is due pass. Roll call. Cervantes, aye.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is expected to save the Air Force over $550 million in sustainment costs.
• critical component to the F-22 aircraft, which should enable, will enable, another $200 million in cost
• savings, sustainment cost savings for the Air Force.
• So, you know, cost savings that we realize for the government.
• analysis of SBIR and SCTR projects as budget requests are being developed.

Keywords: SBIR, STTR, Innovate Act, small business, innovation, legislative reforms, economic growth, funding, technology transfer

Summary: The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.

Transcript Highlights:

• VNS provides substantial cost savings to Medicaid.
• The idea is you can reduce that cost to... There's a lot of indirect cost to that as well.
• The idea is you can reduce that cost to... There's a lot of indirect cost to that as well.
• It's to get the actual cost of the device reimbursed.
• , and we would take from that pot to pay the cost.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and Anita Lee Legislative Analysis Office.
• That comes at a cost, and it comes at a cost if we don't do it.
• But that solution comes at a cost.
• The state's financial cost for these delays is enormous, with each incarcerated person costing the state
• So, using FITSUM again as an example, we paid for the cost in 2013-14.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• costs to zero. costs to zero.
• actually going to drive up costs. actually going to drive up costs.
• That is a new mandate, and no, it was never a cost analysis.
• The only cost analysis we've had so far was for if we use the assessment system, bringing in the vast
• Cost assessment.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So when you look at just the cost of doing business, I'll use that term loosely today, you know, it's
• funding for it, we're going to have to decide: is that an increase in seats, an increase in daily cost
• harder for them to actually add on rooms when they know they're going to also have this other big cost
• up with amazing things and can prepare and maybe get into much further to see. have this other big cost
• This is, like I said, a very subjective analysis, and thus it's something that only you all can do.

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the previous minutes and then focused on an update from the Department of Education on early childhood programs, especially the state-funded Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) program. Secretary Jacob Oliva and Deputy Commissioner Stacey Smith said Arkansas had received a federal Preschool Development Grant and described ongoing work to review ABC slots, which have been flat for years at about 23,800 slots and roughly $114 million. They said about 1,000 slots statewide are currently unfilled despite a waiting list of more than 2,000 families, and the department is shifting toward paying based on enrollment rather than guaranteed slots. Members asked about school choice, income eligibility, year-round access, curriculum flexibility, transportation, and whether funding should be increased or rebalanced; the department said it is collecting data, may survey providers more formally, and is considering whether to modernize income thresholds, daily rates, and other program rules. The committee agreed to form an early childhood subcommittee and asked the Bureau of Legislative Research to help gather historical information on income limits and other program details. The second major portion of the meeting was a legal presentation on the framework for Arkansas school adequacy by BLR education attorney Taylor Lloyd. She reviewed the constitutional basis for a “general, suitable, and efficient” public school system, the Dupree and Lake View cases, and the principle that adequacy and equity are different but related: adequacy asks what resources are needed, while equity asks whether those resources are distributed fairly. She explained that the General Assembly must define adequacy, study it, and react to evidence over time, and that the current adequacy definition includes curriculum and career/technical frameworks, the 38 mandatory Carnegie units, state testing standards, and sufficient funding. She also described the matrix as a funding tool, not a spending mandate, and noted that categorical funds are separate from the matrix. BLR’s Elizabeth Bynum then gave the historical framework, tracing legislative responses from Dupree through Lake View and into the present. She highlighted major changes such as the creation of equalization funding, fiscal distress and academic distress laws, the adequacy study process, the Educational Adequacy Fund, facilities and transportation changes, declining enrollment and student growth funding, and later adjustments to teacher salaries, isolated funding, and categorical programs. She explained that the adequacy study has evolved through committee hearings, surveys, site visits, and outside consultants, and that recent changes include updates to accountability references and the addition or removal of certain funding categories. Members asked follow-up questions about how the matrix is used, whether homeschool or private-school funding raises comparable issues, whether stakeholders include private and homeschool participants, whether school board members should be surveyed, and whether the state should revisit average daily membership versus attendance-based funding. No votes were taken on the adequacy presentations, but the committee did agree to continue the early childhood discussion in a future subcommittee meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every year we conduct an analysis on return on investment, and our most recent analysis that we extract
• Every year we conduct an analysis on return on investment, and our most recent analysis that we extract
• Awards cover the full cost of tuition, registration fees, exam or assessment costs, books, and other
• Awards cover the full cost of tuition, registration fees, exam or assessment costs, books, and other
• In 2023-24, the student cost for that 30 hours of credit, In 2023-24, the student cost for that 30 hours

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the higher education programs under its jurisdiction. After roll call and member introductions, Chair Busatta outlined that the subcommittee oversees programs in the Department of Education and the State University System, including vocational rehabilitation, blind services, private postsecondary licensure, student financial aid, career and adult education, the Florida College System, and the Board of Governors. The chair and staff also noted that these areas represent roughly $9 billion in current-year funding. Officials from the Department of Education presented on several programs. Vocational Rehabilitation Director Kelly Rogers described services for adults and youth with disabilities, including pre-employment transition services, job coaching, assistive technology, and employer support; she said the program served more than 55,000 people last year, has no wait list, and reported a return of $7.61 to the economy for every $1 invested. Division of Blind Services Director Robert Doyle explained services from birth through older adulthood, including early intervention, school-age support, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, the Business Enterprise Program for blind vendors, and the Braille and Talking Book Library; he said the division serves about 12,000 people annually and also has no wait list, though some community rehab providers may have one. Tiffany Hurst of the Commission for Independent Education described licensure and consumer protection for independent postsecondary institutions, reporting oversight of about 1,100 institutions and 721 non-degree schools, along with enforcement actions against unlicensed operators. Sean Haskin of Student Financial Assistance reviewed 22 scholarship and grant programs totaling about $1 billion for more than 200,000 students, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, need-based grants, EASE, EASE Plus, veterans’ scholarships, dual enrollment reimbursement, first responder scholarships, and the Ocoee and Rosewood scholarships. Members asked about surplus funds, marketing, Bright Futures eligibility requirements, and whether EASE awards had changed; Haskin said any unused funds are reverted to the Legislature, that the department markets through schools and the Florida Lottery, and that EASE remained at $3,500 per FTE for the last two fiscal years. Several members raised concerns that students and parents may not learn about aid programs early enough, especially in economically disadvantaged communities. Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell then presented on Career and Adult Education, highlighting record participation in career and technical education, adult education, and apprenticeship. He said about 800,000 secondary students and 480,000 postsecondary students are in CTE, adult education serves about 183,000 learners, and apprenticeship/pre-apprenticeship programs include more than 22,000 participants. He also described the workforce development fund, Perkins, WIOA Title II, the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, workforce capitalization grants, CAPE performance funding, and the Pipeline nursing initiative, noting strong NCLEX outcomes and expanded outreach through the Get There, Your Way, Future of Work Florida, and Zello platforms. Kathy Hebda began the Florida College System presentation by emphasizing open access, workforce preparation, statewide reach, and strong enrollment and completion growth, including more than 672,000 students, over 131,000 degrees and certificates, and significant dual enrollment savings for students and families.

Transcript Highlights:

• The best part about this bill, it doesn't cost the state of Minnesota a nickel, and it doesn't cost taxpayers
• It doesn't cost the state of Minnesota a nickel, and it doesn't cost taxpayers a nickel.
• ,<00:16:05.080> which What we observed in that analysis, which What we observed in that analysis
• , worth of research and analysis, worth of research and analysis, unanimously<00:21:25.480> endorsed
• We have hospitals costs are spiking.

Bills: HF3900, HF1849

Keywords: permanent school fund, school endowment fund, Minnesota constitutional amendment, school aid, public school funding, State Board of Investment, investment income, distributable amount, school districts, property taxes, income taxes, voter approval, ballot question, constitutional amendment 2026, education finance, fund perpetuity, purchasing power, trust lands, swamp lands, internal improvement land fund