Transcript Highlights:

• And what we're finding to is that a lot of maternal deaths and complications happened post Partum.
• I remember this day we were actually watching them sign this bill at a fairly quiet, qualified health
• So we'll have pre and post Natal.
• We do post a number of those quality metrics as well. >> Up so you're just like you.
• So we have over 91 hospital signed up for this initiative that covers about 90% of first in the state

Transcript Highlights:

• since 2006, when then Assemblymember Roger Niello carried legislation, and Governor Schwarzenegger signed
• Currently, delays in post-entitlement permits both slow down housing production and drive up costs, making
• Law by establishing clear timelines and real accountability for local agencies to process post-entitlement
• simply closes gaps and improves existing laws regarding the timeline for local agencies to act on post-entitlement
• permits, Timelines for local agencies when processing post-entitlement permits, serious barriers remain

Summary: The Local Government Committee met on March 25, 2026, hearing eight bills, with several measures focused on housing, water, and local government administration. AB 1621 by Assemblymember Wilson sought to speed post-entitlement housing permits by setting clearer timelines, limiting repeated plan checks, and restricting field changes that conflict with approved plans. Supporters from the building, apartment, business, and housing sectors said the bill would reduce delays and costs, while county and city representatives opposed it unless amended, warning it could limit local enforcement of building and environmental codes and create problems for incomplete applications. The bill passed after a roll call vote, with the committee noting it would continue working with local government groups on amendments. The committee also heard AB 1712, which would help Santa Fe Springs sell its small, financially strained water system to a larger regulated provider without requiring a municipal election, using a protest process instead. The author and city officials said the system faces contamination, major deferred maintenance, and rate increases that could otherwise triple; water industry representatives supported the bill and no opposition was heard. AB 2080, sponsored by county treasurers, would make county delegations of investment authority to treasurers ongoing until revoked rather than requiring annual renewal, with supporters saying it would reduce administrative burden and avoid technical lapses. AB 2640 would allow local governments to offset reductions in reimbursement for disallowed state mandate claims against other unpaid mandate reimbursements; Shasta County testified in support, describing a large audit disallowance and long-delayed state payments. Both bills passed. The committee also approved consent items AB 1622 and AB 1834. AB 2180, which would codify a framework for proportional water rates under Proposition 218 based on the Dreher decision, drew broad support from water agencies and local government groups, but opposition from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and the California Association of Realtors, who argued the bill was premature while the Supreme Court reviews related case law. Despite that opposition, the bill passed on a 6-2 vote, and the remaining bills were advanced with roll calls left open for additional votes before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the growing audience for post-secondary education will be adult learners who, over the course of
• But the growing audience for post-secondary education will be adult learners who, over the course of
• But the growing audience for post-secondary education will be adult learners who, over the course of
• </c><00:47:30.079><c> employment,</c> completion, post-graduation employment, completion, post-graduation
• What I would say is post going forward.

Summary: The committee heard updates from the chancellors of the state university system and the community college system on ongoing restructuring, collaboration, and enrollment trends. The university system said its office move to the NHTI campus is ahead of schedule and should save students about $250,000 a year while creating revenue for the community college system. Both systems described continued work on transfer pathways, direct-admit outreach, shared advising, and broader efforts to shrink footprints, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency in response to declining enrollment and demographic pressure. A major topic was a possible federal change to Pell Grant eligibility that would require students to enroll in at least 7.5 credits. The chancellors said most community college students are part-time because of work and family responsibilities, and that the change could affect roughly 2,000 current Pell recipients and make it harder for students to afford or sustain enrollment. Members also discussed how the state’s governor’s scholarship statute largely benefits full-time students, suggesting possible future statutory changes. The chancellors explained how credits typically work, noting most courses are three or four credits and that students would likely need to add an entire course to meet the proposed threshold. The committee also discussed the broader higher education landscape, including declining high school cohorts, competition among New England institutions, and the need to right-size capacity. One member raised concerns about the health of regional campuses such as Plymouth and Keene; the chancellors said incoming enrollment is down at UNH and Plymouth and holding at Keene, attributing the trend to demographics rather than one campus drawing students away from another. They emphasized the importance of community colleges, adult learners, and short-term workforce programs as part of the state’s future education mix. Finally, the committee touched on the value of the university system’s research enterprise. The chancellor said about $250 million a year flows into the university system in federal research grants, with about $9.5 million currently under stop-work orders from federal agencies. She said the immediate concern is not DEI-related but federal cuts and possible caps on indirect cost recovery. Members noted that the R1 research designation supports business partnerships, student opportunities, and economic development projects such as West Edge in Durham.

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:30:59.120><c> didn't</c><00:30:59.360><c> sign</c><00:30:59.600><c> up</c><00:30:59.720><c> for<
• 00.720><c> but</c><00:31:00.840><c> I</c><00:31:00.880><c> do</c><00:31:01.080><c> move</c> I didn't sign
• up for this, but I do move I didn't sign up for this, but I do move the<00:31:01.480><c> journal</c>
• He spent more than half a century on Colorado's political scene, nearly 40 years with the Denver Post
• </c> the Post. the Post.

Transcript Highlights:

• The sergeants have asked me to read this into the record so we don't allow signs, outbursts, or clapping
• The sergeants have asked me to read this into the record so we don't allow signs, outbursts, or clapping
• This into the record so we don't allow signs, outbursts, or clapping in the committee.
• </c> data on students and post-secondary data on students and post-secondary institutions<00:09:23.120
• </c> effectiveness of post-secondary effectiveness of post-secondary Institutions<00:09:39.399><c> and

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• It also a structure for Florida post-secondary comprehensive transition programs, which very closely
• aligns with the federal definition for a comprehensive transition post-secondary program.
• But it is like post post-secondary. So thinking about like post post-secondary.
• There's not been that expectation since early on with them to go to post-secondary education.
• But, you know, so that students know what their options are or post-secondary education.

Transcript Highlights:

• Signed, Representative Joe Lover, Signed, Representative Joe Lover, Signed, Representative Joe Lover,
• House Bill 30 is the post-election audit bill that passed post-election audit bill that passed post-election
• And post-election audits properly. And post-election audits properly.
• It's just for an audit post again. It's just for an audit post again.
• Well, that's what this post-election audit will show then in post-election audit will show then in post-election

Transcript Highlights:

• Opposed, same sign. Report is accepted and adopted.
• Position is open and available through our website, another job posting site.
• We posted on the Legislative Council social media accounts.
• We posted on the Legislative Council social media accounts.
• We'd love for Spirit Lake to sign on.

Committees: Joint Human Services , Joint Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• to sign those papers.
• You'd still have to satisfy the POST..." "...have the power to arrest.
• You'd still have to satisfy the POST training.
• They would be POST-certified." "Okay. Thank you, gentlemen. I appreciate it.
• Louis and the Attorney General went through an MOU process and signed it.

Transcript Highlights:

• basically, until that job is complete and MoDOT has awarded that contractor somebody, then they need to post
• every time I drive by and I see a semi-trailer truck off the side of the road on I-70, I see dollar signs
• every time I drive by and I see a semi-trailer truck off the side of the road on I-70, I see dollar signs
• Past where you post this on the side of a towing truck is how much it's going to cost.
• , and they put their life out there because people, even though we've got these, MoDOT has put the signs

Committee: House Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2759 in executive session. The sponsor explained a committee substitute that would shift the bill’s disclosure requirement so project completion dates would be posted when work is awarded, rather than during the bidding process. Members discussed the fiscal note and whether the change could affect contractor pricing and MoDOT costs. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2759 “do pass” by a roll call of 13 ayes and one present. The committee then moved to public hearing on House Bill 1741, which would create procedures for non-consensual towing of commercial vehicles, including a towing and recovery review board, limits on storage charges while disputes are pending, restrictions on liens, access requirements, and penalties for violations. Representative Griffith said the bill is aimed at protecting independent truckers from excessive towing charges while still allowing emergency road clearance. Members raised concerns about the scope of the bill, the lack of a dispute timeline, the proposed $25,000 penalty, the ban on per-pound billing, and whether the bill could interfere with emergency towing or create litigation involving the state. Supporters, including representatives from trucking groups, described large and sometimes excessive tow bills, argued that small owner-operators can be bankrupted by these costs, and said Missouri lacks a meaningful complaint process. Opponents from towing associations said the bill, as written, could prevent non-consensual commercial tows because towers need a lien or other leverage to get paid, especially when vehicles or cargo are abandoned or out of state. They also argued that emergency recoveries are dangerous, expensive, and highly variable, and that the bill should be narrowed and clarified. The sponsor and witnesses on both sides indicated a willingness to keep working on amendments, and no final action was taken on House Bill 1741 during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll see postings at 20 tons or 10 tons or things like that before we get to a point of closure or
• </c><00:29:35.039><c> and</c> uh uh constantly improving signing and uh uh constantly improving signing
• So DEES has signed off on this.
• So, this was signed off by DEES. Agreed.
• </c> So, this was signed off by dees. Agreed. So, this was signed off by dees. Agreed.

Committee: House Public Works and Highways

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so here's what we have: we have six people in person that have signed in.
• Here's what we have: we have six people in person that have signed in.
• We signed in other, and I don't want to belabor everything that was just said.
• We signed in other, and I don't want to belabor everything that was just said.
• For the record, 99 pro and 5 con in signing in but not testifying.

Bills: HB2201 , HB2154

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: urban growth, city planning, county regulations, development standards, land use, land ownership, conservation districts, property rights, regulatory authority, environmental policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Opposed by the same sign. Mr. Representative Bierman, your bill is amended to the bill.
• Opposed<00:01:27.480><c> by</c><00:01:27.600><c> the</c><00:01:27.680><c> same</c><00:01:28.000><c> sign
• </c> Opposed by the same sign. Mr. Opposed by the same sign. Mr.
• </c><00:04:38.880><c> Um</c> the the that's publicly posted. Um the the that's publicly posted.
• that you sign with these folks? Is there that you sign with these folks?

Summary: The committee took up House File 4466, the Health Finance and Policy bill, and first adopted the A8 amendment, described as a set of technical fixes. Members then considered a large A9 amendment that bundled a wide range of Children and Families provisions, including child care licensing modernization, crisis nursery licensing, SNAP/MFIT-related language, child care provider self-reporting, a physical abuse recognition poster, child protection and welfare provisions, funding for parent support outreach, and forensic interview training scholarships. Supporters described it as bipartisan work with relatively small fiscal impact, while opponents said it greatly expanded the bill and should be handled separately; after a roll call, the A9 amendment failed 7-14. Representative Scott then offered the A11 amendment, raising concerns about new all-payer claims database language and whether it should have been heard in the Judiciary and Civil Law Committee. Department of Health staff explained the data-sharing safeguards, de-identification process, fee structure, and enforcement provisions, but Scott remained concerned about privacy and the scope of the program and withdrew the amendment. The committee then moved to final bill discussion. Members and authors described HF 4466 as a lean health finance bill largely conforming Minnesota law to federal HR1 Medicaid-related changes, including work requirements, retroactive eligibility limits, cost-sharing, and home equity provisions. Supporters argued conformity was necessary to avoid major federal funding losses and noted a few additional member bills in the package; opponents criticized the federal changes as harmful, especially for vulnerable populations such as victims of trafficking and domestic violence. Fiscal staff said the bill would save just over $2 million in FY 2026-27 and almost $98 million in FY 2028-29. No final vote on the bill itself was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is fundamentally about ensuring content is posted consensually and protecting minors.
• The uploader be signed under penalty of perjury.
• up for the program, in addition to posting all available discounts online.
• I agree about the 9 p.m.; no one's signing a text after 9 p.m. But as it relates to... 9 p.m.
• No one's signing a text after 9 p.m. But as it relates to the morning, if I may, Mr. ...

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with the main discussion focused on AB 1705, AB 1898, AB 2076, and AB 2564. AB 1705 would require pornographic websites and uploaders to certify consent and age before sexually explicit content is posted, including AI-generated nude images, and would allow civil actions by nonconsenting individuals or minors depicted in the material. Supporters, including child advocacy, women’s groups, district attorneys, and university women’s organizations, said it would help combat nonconsensual sexual imagery and revenge pornography; there was no opposition testimony, and the bill drew favorable comments from members. AB 1898 would require employers to give workers advance notice before using AI-powered tools to surveil or manage employees, including disclosure of the purpose, data collected, decisions affected, and general locations of use. Labor groups and privacy advocates supported the measure as a transparency and worker-protection bill, while business and industry groups opposed it, arguing the definitions were too broad, the notice requirements could expose proprietary or security-sensitive information, and the private right of action could lead to litigation and overbroad compliance burdens. Members raised cybersecurity and scope concerns, and the author said the bill had already been narrowed and would continue to be refined, but the committee ultimately took a roll call and advanced the bill on a vote, leaving it on call for absent members. AB 2076 would add nitrous oxide to the list of products subject to online age verification under the Parents’ Accountability and Child Protection Act and increase penalties for large sellers that fail to comply. The author and supporters, including a parent, a deputy district attorney, narcotics officers, Children Now, labor, and the Children’s Advocacy Institute, described rising youth access, health harms, and online sales loopholes. Some opposition groups said they appreciated the amendments but remained concerned about other provisions. Members questioned the bill’s gift-card restrictions and whether they would unnecessarily limit adult purchasing choices; the author and committee staff explained the restriction was aimed at anonymous purchases of the most dangerous items. The bill passed on a 7-0 vote and was left on call for absent members. AB 2564 would prohibit “surveillance pricing,” or using personal data to set individualized prices, while preserving certain transparent discounts and loyalty programs. The author and supporters from Consumer Reports, TechEquity, labor, and privacy groups argued the bill would prevent discriminatory pricing and protect consumers from opaque data-driven price manipulation. Retail, chamber, and industry opponents said the bill was too broad, could chill legitimate discounts and promotions, created compliance and litigation risks, and contained vague definitions. Members discussed the balance between consumer protection and business concerns, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote on AB 2564.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of folks are offering significant sign-on bonuses.
• Uh they're significant sign-on bonuses.
• </c> salaries and signing bonuses. salaries and signing bonuses.
• Our local post district had less than 20.
• Our<00:27:46.240><c> local</c><00:27:46.640><c> post</c> Our local post Our local post district district

Bills: HB339

Committee: Joint Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• She said the hearing would be archived and posted online after the hearing, but that the Teams link for
• She repeated that there were technical issues and said the live stream would be archived and posted online
• We are going to be calling folks based on the bills as you sign up.
• We are going to be calling folks based on the bills as you sign up and taking, as is customary, elected
• These signs will educate visitors of all abilities as they enjoy passing through the forest along the

Bills: H5113 , H5076 , H4972 , H4917 , H4700 , S2896 , S2961 , S2933 , H5141 , H5140 , H5139 , S2877 , H3920

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Keywords: Marion Stoddart, riverwalk, J. Harry Rich State Forest, Groton, Nashua River, Nashua River Watershed Association, Massachusetts Clean Waters Act, Department of Conservation and Recreation, DCR, trail designation, state forest, conservation, environmental recognition, commemorative naming, signage, public lands, toxic pesticides, Eastham, environmental regulation, local control

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> sides of the aisle have already signed sides of the aisle have already signed on<00:05:02.759><c
• You'll see that we had 278 veterans sign up for the program.
• I know it was posted online. I happen to have it in mine.
• I've also been promoted to commander of American Legion Post 2001.
• I've also been promoted to commander of American Legion Post 2001.

Bills: HF1439 , HF1004 , HF498 , HF1326

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And that includes with signals, with signs, or obviously standing up or speaking.
• Ambassador to Israel, you would represent us at one of the most important post-...
• And given some of your past online postings, for example, last year you posted alleging that the Biden
• Mr Mancini, in March of 2024, you posted on linked in that quote K 12 teachers are almost all product
• The post that you're referring to, again, is advocacy, not legal advice.

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Keywords: Israel, Hamas, Panama Canal, U.S. foreign policy, terrorism, diplomacy, Chinese influence

Summary: The committee meeting was focused on various key issues, including the implications of recent violence in the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy in relation to Israel and Panama. Members discussed the need for diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Israeli officials following the recent attack by Hamas. Governor Huckabee emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and reiterated the need for accountability for terrorist organizations involved in violent acts against civilians. Senators shared their concerns regarding the ramifications of U.S. actions in Panama and the presence of Chinese influence, highlighting the significance of the Panama Canal in terms of trade and security.

Transcript Highlights:

• And also the contractors are required to provide all that information, and we'll be posting it every
• Also, the contractors are required to provide all that information, and we'll be posting it every month
• So that's what was getting to my next question: who has the actual authority to sign this note and to
• We post these things on our website. Okay.
• And again, before you would sign a note to confirm, let's say they want to put in money and do L.A. to

Transcript Highlights:

• And also the contractors are required to provide all that information, and we'll be posting it every
• Also, the contractors are required to provide all that information, and we'll be posting it every month
• So that's what was getting to my next question: who has the actual authority to sign this note and to
• We post these things on our website. Okay.
• And again, before you would sign a note to confirm, let's say they want to put in money and do L.A. to

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 5 heard an update from the California High-Speed Rail Authority on its draft 2026 business plan and related budget proposals. The Authority reported continued Central Valley construction progress, including completion of 59 of 92 major structures, 80 of 119 miles of guideway under construction, 93% utility relocation completion, and plans to begin track laying and electrification soon. It said the revised goal remains completing the Merced-to-Bakersfield early operating segment by 2032-33, while also pursuing ancillary revenue opportunities, a private partner through a co-development procurement, and two budget change proposals to reappropriate $423 million for Link Union Station and $246 million in federal trust funds before they expire. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said it had no specific concerns with the budget change proposals but raised major concerns about the draft business plan and the project’s broader fiscal outlook. LAO said the plan appears incomplete in several respects, that funding is likely insufficient to complete the revised initial operating segment and would leave a larger gap for expansion beyond the Central Valley, and that borrowing costs, optimistic assumptions, and uncertainty around future greenhouse gas reduction fund revenues could worsen the outlook. LAO suggested the Legislature could wait for a finalized business plan and highlighted unresolved questions about the scope of the project, borrowing, public-private partnerships, and proposed statutory changes. Members focused on whether the project can be delivered on time and what financial obligations the state could face. Senators questioned the need for tax increment financing, value capture, and other legislative changes, with concerns about impacts on local governments and school districts. The Authority said utility relocation authority is its top legislative priority and that value capture is a longer-term tool that would not affect civil construction of Merced-to-Bakersfield, but could affect payback timing. It also said the state’s $1 billion annual cap-and-invest funding through 2045 is currently assumed to cover the Central Valley segment, while private partners could either finance against that state commitment or invest additional capital in other segments. Public testimony was mixed: building trades and labor groups supported the project and the Authority’s request, while local government and special district representatives opposed tax increment proposals and urged consent from affected agencies; environmental and rail advocates supported the project and urged action on utility relocation. No votes were taken, and the hearing adjourned after public comment.