Transcript Highlights:

• So this chart shows the built resources and the contracted resources.
• Also want to briefly mention demand resources, demand-side resources.
• For resources outside of the state of California, wind resources in Wyoming, other states, other resources
• I think making sure these resources, as much as possible, are deliverable, meaning that this resource
• versus utility-scale resources.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• the purposes of ruling involving rail fall estimates, and is referred to the Committee on Energy Resources
• to raise with the Public Utility Commission of Texas and is referred to the Committee on Natural Resources
• is referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
• is referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
• This bill is referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• that's as dispatchable as a fossil fuel resource.
• So what that means is that by making this resource available, you are making a cheaper resource available
• It brings these resources together as a resource.
• Distributed energy resources. A great resource that is going down in price, but it is more costly.
• That's a distributed energy resource management system.

Summary: The committee first handled House Memorial 20, which was revised by committee substitute to broaden a proposed study group from renewable energy infrastructure to energy infrastructure more generally. The substitute added the Department of Indian Affairs and allowed the secretary of EMNRD to invite relevant federal agencies. Members generally supported the change, and the memorial received a do pass on a roll call vote. The main policy debate centered on House Bill 311, the Virtual Power Plant Act. The bill would require utilities and public utilities to develop virtual power plant programs that aggregate distributed energy resources such as batteries, smart thermostats, EV charging, and other devices to provide grid services. Supporters argued it would improve reliability, lower peak demand, and reduce long-term costs, while opponents, especially PNM, warned about feasibility, cybersecurity, third-party aggregator risks, cost recovery limits, and possible rate impacts. Committee members pressed the sponsor and expert on customer participation, third-party regulation, opt-in/opt-out protections, equity for low-income customers, and whether solar-only customers could participate. After extensive discussion, the bill passed 6-5. The committee then heard House Bill 329, which would create the Energy, Affordability, and Grid Reliability Council, a Blue Ribbon-style commission administratively attached to the PRC and funded with a $2 million appropriation. Supporters said it would bring together experts to study affordability, grid reliability, and modernization and produce recommendations for future action. Critics questioned the cost, overlap with the earlier memorial, the governor-appointed structure, and whether another task force was needed. The bill passed 7-4. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 309, which clarifies that energy storage property is valued under the special property tax method used for other electric generation, transmission, and distribution assets. Supporters from the storage and clean power industries said the change would reduce uncertainty and encourage investment. The transcript cuts off before the committee’s final action on HB 309.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Board of Natural Resources sets policies that guide the Department of Natural Resources as it manages
• The Yakama Nation can bring an important resource voice to the management of these resources at the board
• The Yakama Nation can bring an important resource voice to the management of these resources at the board
• It spends no resources, and it takes resources to fight fire.
• It spends no resources and it takes resources to fight fire.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard several Senate bills and a joint memorial, with the chair moving items around to accommodate prime sponsors and public testimony. SB 5838 would add two tribal representatives to the Board of Natural Resources, one from each side of the Cascades, and broaden the nomination pool to include tribes with treaty-ceded lands in Washington. The sponsor and tribal and agency witnesses said the bill would add tribal knowledge and stewardship expertise without changing government-to-government consultation. County and industry witnesses raised concerns about fiduciary duties to trust beneficiaries, the lack of stakeholder consultation, and the effect of expanding the board from one to two tribal seats. Public testimony was mixed, and the committee recorded strong support and opposition on the bill. SB 5816 would add juice grapes to the state Agricultural Marketing and Fair Practices Act, allowing juice grape producers to use the same marketing and negotiation framework already available to pears, sweet corn, and potatoes. The sponsor said the bill would help juice grape growers facing unfair pricing pressure from processors. The committee took limited public testimony and recorded support and opposition before closing the hearing. SJM 8015 urged Congress to ensure federal wildfire response entities remain capable of protecting communities, infrastructure, watersheds, and firefighter health and safety during federal consolidation of wildfire programs. Testimony from environmental groups, forest industry, and union representatives broadly supported the memorial and emphasized rising wildfire risk, smoke impacts, and the need for strong interagency response capacity. The committee also heard HB 2737, which would cap certain shellfish regulatory fees, exempt the shellfish program from full fee recovery, and apply the caps retroactively. The sponsor and shellfish growers said the Department of Health’s fee increases would be unsustainable for small family farms and processors, while DOH explained it was following a full cost-recovery model unless the Legislature provides general fund support. Witnesses described large projected fee increases and potential business closures, and DOH said it had reopened rulemaking to consider smaller operators. Because the bill was heard after cutoff, the chair noted it could not advance, but the committee still took testimony and discussed possible amendments and follow-up information before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The PRC would access and control utility-grade resources.
• resources that are not of significant cost.
• So what that means is that you are, by making this resource available, making a cheaper resource available
• It brings these resources together as a resource.
• Relatively EV charging, a number of resources.

Committee: House House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• , and district-level resources.
• Additionally, another resource comes from Audenipacus, another who's called, Additionally, another resource
• So this section will include spending on both matrix resources and non-matrix resources for the total
• 69%, followed by non-matrix resources at 31%.
• and 5% went to non-matrix resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• Matt Weaver, Director of the Department of Water Resources and Administrator for the Soil Water Conservation
• And then, as Director Weaver mentioned, the results of that were presented to the Idaho Water Resources
• We also met with federal agencies, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and then among all the
• When we presented the Idaho Water Resources Board, they sounded like they were perfectly comfortable
• but not limited to issues involving wildlife habitat, resources to include but not limited to issues

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Included in that checklist is a cultural resources review.
• Under the cultural resources component, agencies are required to consider impacts to cultural resources
• For tribes, cultural resources are not objects.
• and our cultural resource management procedures.
• We require the cultural resources.

Summary: The Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee held public hearings on two bills. On SB 5609, concerning cultural resource reviews under SEPA, staff explained that the proposed substitute would require cultural resource review for certain categorical exemptions, including infill housing and some GMA-related projects, unless a local government has an approved data-sharing agreement, ordinance, or cultural resources management plan with tribal consultation. Senator Kauffman said the bill is intended to protect tribal cultural sites without stopping development. Supporters, including tribal representatives and some local officials, said early review and consultation can prevent irreversible damage and provide clarity; opponents from business, builders, and county planning groups argued it would add costs, delay housing and permitting, and shift too much authority to state-level review without clear timelines or standards. The committee took public testimony only and then closed the hearing on SB 5609. The committee then heard SB 6284 on high-risk artificial intelligence. Staff described requirements for deployers of high-risk AI systems to maintain risk management policies, conduct impact assessments, notify consumers when AI is used in consequential decisions, and report algorithmic discrimination to the Attorney General, along with disclosures for government agencies and an extension of the AI task force with a workplace subgroup. Senator Elias said the bill is intended to focus regulation on high-risk uses while preserving innovation. Testimony was mixed: consumer and student advocates supported the bill’s transparency and accountability measures, while industry, banking, insurance, hospital, and technology groups raised concerns about definitions, implementation, overlap with existing regulation, and possible effects on innovation or regulated sectors. The committee heard public testimony and then adjourned after closing the hearing on SB 6284.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and district-level resources.
• Our second matrix category is school-level resources.
• This section will include spending on both matrix resources and non-matrix resources for the total amounts
• 69%, followed by non-matrix resources at 31%.
• and 5% went to non-matrix resources.

Summary: The joint education committee continued its adequacy study with a detailed Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on resource allocation, covering how Arkansas school districts and charters spend foundation and other funds on matrix and non-matrix items. Staff explained the methodology for mapping expenditures, the district and school categories used in the analysis, and key findings showing that districts spend more per student from all fund sources than the foundation amount alone. The presentation highlighted that classroom teachers account for the largest share of matrix spending, while operations and maintenance, student support staff, nurses, and other lines also drew significant attention. Members asked for additional breakdowns by district type, size, rural/urban status, and trend data, and several questions focused on how waivers affect funding and spending, especially for library media specialists and other positions. The committee then discussed non-matrix spending, including instructional aids, non-technology-related facilities, school safety, mental health services, dyslexia support, food service, gifted and talented, career and technical education, and other items not explicitly defined in the matrix. Staff reported that non-matrix spending exceeded $2 billion in 2025, with most of it coming from other fund sources, and that the top superintendent-identified unmet needs over recent surveys were mental health services, school safety, and dyslexia support. Members raised concerns about dyslexia identification and funding, possible over-identification, and whether some support costs are being coded in ways that obscure the true spending picture. There was also discussion of facilities funding, the building fund, and the Department of Education’s partnership program for school construction and maintenance, with staff agreeing to provide more information and potentially bring department officials back for a future meeting. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly requested more granular data and clarifications, including waiver counts and funding impacts, trend lines for superintendent-reported needs, district-by-district spending spreadsheets, and definitions for certain matrix and accounting terms such as salary enhancement, LEA indebtedness, and other employee health insurance. The chair noted that the committee would continue the adequacy process over the coming months and use the worksheet in the binder to develop recommendations for the next biennium. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting; instead, the committee received the report, asked for follow-up data, and agreed to continue the discussion at future meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's, again, having the right types of resources.
• And I was an extreme advocate for school resource officers.
• School resource officers do more than just that.
• So we do have those resources at the state level, but there is a resource issue at the local level with
• So much of it comes down to mental health resources.

Committee: House Emergency Management

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:03.759><c> to</c> protection of our shared resources to protection of our shared resources
• Subdivision four is Water Resources.
• Subdivision four is Water Resources.
• Subdivision four is Water Resources.
• Subdivision four is Water Resources.

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> trained so that they could be a resource trained so that they could be a resource not<00:05:20.360
• <00:33:18.919><c> or</c> resource or resource or assist<00:33:21.639><c> um</c><00:33:21.840><c> local
• it's all about the there to be resources it's all about the the<00:50:56.799><c> resources</c><00:50
• </c> and and make them aware of resources and and make them aware of resources available<01:22:51.320
• You'll call them in as resources.

Summary: The subcommittee work session focused on HB 153, a bill intended to improve law enforcement response to animal cruelty cases. The bill’s sponsor explained that the proposal would require one sheriff or deputy and one state trooper in each county to receive specific training in animal cruelty laws so they could serve as knowledgeable resources. The sponsor described real-world examples where agencies were unclear about jurisdiction, veterinary involvement, and response protocols, arguing that better training was needed because animal cruelty cases can require quick action and many towns do not have animal control officers. Jerry Sorenson, a retired UNH professor and longtime animal cruelty instructor, described the existing training structure at Police Standards and Training. He said recruits receive a required two-hour introductory block at the academy, while additional animal cruelty materials and a more comprehensive online resource library are available through the Benchmark system for certified officers. He noted that the older two-day in-service course he taught was more detailed and guided, but the current online materials are more of a self-study resource and are not mandated for in-service officers. He also said the committee could track usage through Benchmark analytics. Kurt Arenberg of the Humane Society of the United States and Rob Johnson of the Farm Bureau both supported the goal of ensuring a trained law enforcement contact is available statewide, but they questioned whether assigning one trained officer per county would be the best way to achieve it. They emphasized the need for a real-time response and for officers to know where to find help and guidance, rather than expecting one person per county to handle all cases. Vincent Greco of State Police said the agency is willing to help and has handled animal cruelty matters, but he said one trooper per county would not realistically meet the goal given coverage demands and vacancy rates; he suggested broader access to resources and training may be more effective. Representative Freeman asked how cases are handled now and was told State Police responses generally follow standard criminal investigation steps, with assistance from animal control, veterinarians, and other resources when available. No vote or final action was taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have resources and technical assistance.
• Then we have federal and state grant resources.
• School resource officers do more than just that.
• Well, school resource officers are currently... Resource officers are currently not state mandated.
• So we do have those resources at the state level, but there is... ...a resource issue at the local level

Summary: The committee held a hearing on active and mass shootings in California, focusing on prevention, response, training, communications, and gaps in preparedness across law enforcement, schools, campuses, fire, EMS, and state agencies. Opening remarks emphasized the frequency and impact of gun violence, the need for faster coordinated response, and the importance of learning from recent tragedies such as the Stockton-area mass shooting described by Sheriff Patrick Withrow. The first panel included representatives from police, sheriff, and campus public safety agencies, who discussed incident command, interoperable communications, next-generation 911, threat assessment, emergency notification systems, and the value of joint drills and cross-agency planning. Witnesses also highlighted differences in training and authority across jurisdictions, especially for private university public safety departments versus public campus police. Campus representatives said they rely heavily on municipal law enforcement for armed response, while also using run-hide-fight protocols, text alerts, surveillance, and threat assessment teams. Members raised concerns about standardized training, after-action reviews, mental health resources, school resource officers, and whether campus safety plans and drills are sufficiently consistent or workable. Sheriff Withrow argued that early intervention and accountability are being weakened by well-intentioned laws, while other witnesses stressed prevention through relationships, diversion, and coordinated support services. The second panel from Cal OES, the Department of Education, POST, and EMSA described statewide systems and standards. Cal OES outlined its Reduce the Risk initiative, gun violence restraining orders, mutual aid, unified command, after-action reporting, and nonprofit security grants. The Department of Education explained California’s statutory school safety framework, annual safety plans, regulated armed assailant drills, and local flexibility, while acknowledging compliance gaps and the need for more mental health support. POST described the new requirement for 16 hours of standardized active shooter training for recruits and ongoing local training options. EMSA explained its role in medical response and terrorism training standards. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We provided resources.
• So draining resources or redirecting or reallocating resources from the General Fund, because we have
• And so we don't have the additional, like, General Fund resources or the GGRF resources to continue making
• The CEC was resourced for that work, but they were not resourced for ABX 2-1, which established the minimum
• The CEC was resourced for that work, but they were not resourced for ABX 2-1, which established the minimum

Summary: The committee first heard Issue 1 on trailer bill language to redirect funding for emergency demand-response programs. The Department of Finance proposed using about $26.9 million in General Fund originally set aside for the Distributed Energy Backup Assets program to bolster the Demand-Side Grid Support Program for summer 2026, and using about $70 million in CalCHAP interest to support ratepayer-funded demand response in summers 2027 and 2028. The CEC and CPUC said they are working on a transition from DSGS to ELRP or a successor program, while the LAO noted the General Fund money would otherwise revert to savings. Members pressed the administration on whether demand response remains important, whether DSGS has been successful, and whether the state should keep funding it through the CEC rather than shifting to a ratepayer-funded CPUC program. The CEC and CPUC said the programs are not directly comparable, emphasized different cost structures and enrollment metrics, and said a CPUC rulemaking is underway with a proposed decision expected in Q3 2026. No vote was taken in the transcript. The committee then took up Issue 2, a budget proposal tied to SB 254 and the new transmission accelerator. GoBiz and the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank described a five-year, roughly $26 million request to staff and administer the accelerator and manage Proposition 4 and AB 1207 funds for transmission financing. Members asked about state liability, ownership of financed lines, FERC revenue requirements, and whether the program would help underserved regions and offshore wind development. Staff explained that the accelerator would only consider projects already identified through CAISO’s competitive transmission planning process, and that state financing would be a small portion of large projects intended to lower overall costs to ratepayers. The LAO said it had no specific concerns but urged the Legislature to ensure the final language matches its intent. The committee also heard Issue 3 on petroleum market oversight. The CEC and its Division of Petroleum Market Oversight requested additional positions and funding to implement ABX2-1 and continue work on supply stabilization, refinery monitoring, and transportation fuels analysis. Members questioned why the work was funded through the Energy Resources Programs Account, whether existing staff from the paused price-gouging work could be reassigned, and whether the program had produced evidence of price gouging or improved supply conditions. CEC and Finance said the new positions are needed because the workload has expanded, while some existing staff remain on related analysis and reporting duties. The discussion ended without a vote in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can develop resources for employers to better... resources for employers to better understand the
• Really, some of the resources are the same resources we've... resources are the same resources we've
• Like when we do the day reporting center, as well as the job resource fairs with the... the job resource
• I mean, and that pamphlet might include certain resources that we know are. certain resources that we
• I will say the other thing with the duplication of resources is having an understanding. resources is

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:18:57.679><c> or</c><00:18:57.880><c> lccmr</c> Minnesota resources or lccmr Minnesota resources
• We do not leave direct... natural resources Finance dated January natural resources Finance dated January
• </c> fy4 going next is the natural resources fy4 going next is the natural resources fund<00:27:51.440
• </c> there's a bunch of Natural Resources there's a bunch of Natural Resources dedicated<00:29:02.200
• </c> Appropriations from the natural resource Appropriations from the natural resource fund<00:29:34.279

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I also serve as director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources.
• Also on the federal side, the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• So this isn't a new concept to the Department of Water Resources.
• There would be a new bureau created in the Department of Water Resources.
• Do not turn that control over to the Idaho Water Resources Board.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Our topic for today is resource allocation, and we'll dive right in.
• , and district-level resources.
• Our second matrix category is school-level resources.
• This section will include spending on both matrix resources and non-matrix resources for the total amounts
• and 5% went to non-matrix resources.

Summary: The House/Joint Education committee continued its adequacy study with a Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on resource allocation, focusing first on matrix spending and then non-matrix spending. Staff explained the methodology for mapping APSCN expenditure data to matrix lines, reviewed district and school categories used in the analysis, and highlighted key findings: foundation funding covered a large share of matrix costs but total spending on matrix items exceeded foundation funding, with classroom teachers making up the largest share. Members asked for additional breakdowns on waivers, superintendent survey responses, trend data, and spending by district type, size, and rural/urban status. Staff also noted limitations in tracking two matrix lines—salary enhancement for other employees and all personnel health insurance—because of coding and definition issues. The committee then reviewed non-matrix expenditures, including instructional aides, facilities, school safety, mental health, dyslexia services, gifted and talented, and career and technical education. Staff reported that non-matrix spending remained above $2 billion over the last three years, with most of it coming from other funds rather than foundation funding. Members raised concerns about dyslexia identification and funding, mental health needs, school safety, food service, athletic transportation, and whether some items should be added to the matrix. The Department of Education clarified that the building fund reflects district-held funds for construction and maintenance projects, while the facilities partnership program is a separate state process for approved projects. In the final discussion, staff summarized total spending as more than $15,800 per student in 2025, with about 69% going to matrix resources and 31% to non-matrix resources. The chair explained the adequacy process and the committee’s role in setting future funding recommendations, and members discussed the recommendations worksheet included in the binder. The chair then proposed postponing the remainder of Part Two of the presentation until a May meeting after the fiscal session, along with inviting the Department of Education back for more detailed questions; with no objections, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So apparently there's natural resources in Hawaii County.
• And there's natural resources everywhere.
• we take special use of as they are precious resources.
• Hopefully they can use and really rely on the resources of the Department of Water Resources, but we
• She said the packet could be used later as a resource.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm New Mexico's Natural Resources Trustee.
• Providing resources that otherwise might not be available.
• That's true for fish or um any other natural resource that communities use.
• Chairman, uh, Representative Block, so I'm the Natural Resources Trustee.
• and other, uh, natural resources, um.

Committee: House Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee