Transcript Highlights:

• We launched this program with our state universities this past year.
• Literacy Launch is key to the expectations we have for students and teachers.
• We offered additional Literacy Launches to this school year, and we'll offer more this summer.
• In addition to that, we encourage your continued support for Literacy Launch at $25 million.
• They do incredible work in that space, and we certainly support their recommendations on that.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a public hearing in Lawrence focused on the governor’s proposed FY27 budget for education and local aid. Opening remarks from Senator Pavel Payano, Representative Pat Duffy, and local leaders emphasized the importance of education funding for Lawrence and other Gateway Cities, with Acting Mayor Giovanni Rodriguez and Superintendent Ralph Carrero highlighting the city’s high-need student population, Chapter 70 and Student Opportunity Act funding, early college and career pathways, and the need for sustained support to close achievement gaps. The Education Secretariat testified in support of the budget, with Acting Secretary Amy Kershaw outlining investments in early literacy, universal pre-K, student mental health, school meals, high school redesign, higher education affordability, and early childhood systems. Commissioner Noi Ortega described higher education proposals including expanded free community college, continued free tuition at public four-year institutions, student success funding, early college and dual enrollment investments, and the Bright Act and Drive Act. Commissioner Pedro Martinez detailed K-12 proposals such as full Student Opportunity Act funding, increased Chapter 70 aid, special education circuit breaker funding, transportation aid, literacy initiatives, and a new Accelerating Achievement Initiative aimed at schools with the greatest needs. Commissioner Kershaw also described early education proposals including funding for C3, child care financial assistance, CPPI, workforce supports, and administrative funding restoration. Committee members questioned the administration about the pending local contribution formula study, the final year of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and the need to address health care and other cost drivers in school funding. Officials said the local contribution report is expected by the end of June and that a draft will be shared for public comment after data analysis is complete. Members also raised concerns about Chapter 70 disparities between districts and urged a broader review of the formula. In response, the commissioners said the Student Opportunity Act narrowed funding gaps but further work is needed, and they pointed to the new achievement initiative, literacy efforts, and early college expansion as ways to improve outcomes. No votes were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2019, we launched our Love 120 initiative with the goal of reaching all 120 Kentucky counties.
• Clearing space so those shelters can take in animals displaced by the disaster and keep them close to
• One year ago, we launched our campaign to raise $37 million for our new Kentucky Animal and Community
• /c><00:08:57.440><c> raise</c><00:08:57.839><c> $37</c> launched our campaign to raise $37 launched our
• And possibly even more, just depending on the space and what we can do on the weekends.

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Alyssa Gray, president and CEO of the Kentucky Humane Society, on the organization’s statewide animal welfare work and its request for a $5 million matching contribution from the General Assembly for a new Kentucky Animal and Community Campus in Louisville. Gray said KHS, an independent nonprofit founded in 1884, serves cats, dogs, and horses, reaches 96 counties, provides shelter relief, spay-neuter services, low-cost veterinary care, and disaster response, and has supported communities during recent tornadoes and floods. She described the new campus as a hub for disaster housing, shelter transfers, veterinary training, and expanded services to reduce overpopulation and relieve pressure on county shelters and local governments. Members asked about the campus’s location, staffing, veterinary student involvement, and the scope of KHS’s services. Gray said the new site would be next to KHS’s current spay-neuter clinic on Preston Highway, that the facility would include shelter medicine, high-volume spay-neuter, and a low-cost clinic, and that it could host veterinary students and interns for hands-on training. She also explained that KHS works with county officials and shelters to move animals during crises or cruelty cases, can connect counties with partner organizations when KHS is full, and provides mobile clinic services and occasional grant support for rural shelters. Committee members praised the presentation and discussed how KHS could fit into disaster recovery planning. One member suggested the organization could be folded into long-term recovery efforts because of its role in post-disaster animal care. The presenter said KHS wants to be a formal disaster response resource and already works with the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association and other partners. No vote on the funding request was taken during the meeting. At the end of the meeting, the committee noted it still lacked a quorum, so approval of the minutes was postponed to the next meeting, tentatively scheduled for October 15. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But our staff have launched. We have one more. It's also scheduled.
• And we're doing a lot of efforts in that space.
• We're also on the third year launching our heavy equipment operators academy.
• On the third year, launching our heavy equipment operators academy, 180 people.
• We're launching it this year as well.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider several governor’s appointments, routine agenda items, and the confirmation hearing for Dina El-Tawansy to serve as Director of the California Department of Transportation. The committee first approved a series of appointments to the Board of Behavioral Sciences, Contractors State License Board, and Medical Board of California, along with bill referrals, a rule waiver for guests on the Senate floor for a memorial adjournment in honor of former President Pro Tempore John Burton, and floor acknowledgments. Most of these actions were approved on 5-0 votes, with the early appointment items passing 3-2. The committee then heard testimony from El-Tawansy, who emphasized her 28 years at Caltrans, a focus on safety, equity, climate resilience, workforce development, and multimodal transportation. Senators questioned her on a range of transportation issues, including the impact of federal and state disputes affecting immigrant truck drivers and highway funding, the Highway 58 truck climbing lane project, DBE reevaluation under new federal rules, asphalt recycling and disposal, climate-related damage to roads and coastal infrastructure, and the future of gas-tax revenue and road user charges. El-Tawansy said Caltrans is prioritizing safety and emergency projects, working on reevaluating DBEs, advancing climate adaptation planning, and studying road user charge pilots and related technology. Members also asked about small business participation, toll lane agreements, homelessness encampments on Caltrans property, and the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo rail corridor. El-Tawansy described Caltrans programs to support small and disadvantaged businesses, local hiring, heavy equipment and CDL training, standardized toll lane agreements, delegated maintenance MOUs with local governments, and expanded efforts on encampment response and rail/transit planning. Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with representatives from transportation agencies, contractors, local governments, labor, and technology firms urging confirmation. The committee voted 5-0 to advance El-Tawansy’s appointment to the full Senate for confirmation, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our agency heads will be presenting on their silos and taking questions, and we have in our space the
• And then finally, the transportation and economic development space is the third largest funded in the
• Space Florida's funding here represents two different buckets of funds.
• We cost substantially less to the state taxpayer than any other agency that works in this space.
• launch capacity at the spaceport and also the other space territories in the state.

Bills: S0048

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard the Governor’s proposed FY 2026-27 budget for the TED silo and presentations from Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Military Affairs, the State Guard, State, Transportation, and Emergency Management. The Governor’s office outlined a $117.4 billion overall budget, including $18.3 billion for TED agencies, with major allocations for FDOT, Commerce, emergency management, tourism, military affairs, and state operations. Agency heads emphasized priorities such as housing and disaster recovery, workforce and rural infrastructure, law enforcement recruitment, defense support, tourism marketing, aerospace and spaceport investment, election audits, historic preservation, road and bridge maintenance, aviation safety, and emergency preparedness systems. Members asked several questions about the use and effectiveness of funding. Visit Florida officials said the public-private match is essential and that they exceeded the required match last year. Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles discussed trooper pay, vehicle replacement, aviation support, and transparency tools such as vehicle camera systems, with senators praising the department’s recruitment efforts. Military Affairs and the State Guard described readiness, recruiting, facility construction, and support for domestic missions, including hurricane response and perimeter security at the Everglades detention site; questions focused on deployment tempo, staffing, and costs. The Department of State explained funding for automated election audits, a conservation lab, and historic preservation, and said its arts grant changes were intended to standardize scoring rather than cut programs. Transportation highlighted a $15.4 billion total budget, major work program funding, safety initiatives, seaport and aviation investments, and the elimination of Florida Rail Enterprise funding due to reduced documentary stamp revenues. The committee also heard and passed CS/SB 48 by Senator Gates, which requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units on a voluntary basis, while preserving local authority over setbacks, construction, and permitting. An amendment removed reusable tenant screening reports and clarified that conforming ADUs are allowed by right without separate hearings. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and several industry and business groups supported the bill, citing the need for long-term rental housing for workers. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably by roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is for horizontal launch.
• Two, um, no population for launches, as you're launching over the ocean.
• <01:19:48.400><c> you're</c> population for launches as you're population for launches as you're launching
• </c> &gt;&gt; horizontal launch airplane toll. &gt;&gt; horizontal launch airplane toll.
• </c> then designating like a field day space then designating like a field day space not<01:46:27.520

Transcript Highlights:

• So CareerSource, Space Florida, Visit Florida, the Florida Opportunity Fund, the Florida Development
• Space Florida would be a great example.
• Space Florida would be a great example.
• I launched, in 2023, the vision of our institute.
• manufacturing and launch or semiconductors or advanced composites.

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee met for its first meeting of the year, took roll, and heard member introductions centered on the importance of workforce pathways beyond the traditional four-year college route. Members repeatedly emphasized manufacturing, trades, rural workforce needs, apprenticeships, and helping students and adults find multiple paths to good jobs. The chair outlined the subcommittee’s focus on policies that build a skilled workforce and announced the day’s theme would be manufacturing, with presentations from the Florida Department of Commerce, the Florida Semiconductor Institute, and Fleet Force CDL training. Secretary Alex Kelly presented Florida’s manufacturing report, saying manufacturing is a major economic driver and that Florida has become the 10th largest state in manufacturing employment. He highlighted strong job multipliers, rapid growth in manufacturing GDP and establishments, the importance of logistics and ports, and the state’s small-business-heavy manufacturing base. He also stressed the aging manufacturing workforce, the need for modern skills such as robotics, cybersecurity, and data analytics, and the role of public-private partnerships, apprenticeships, and workforce education investments in supporting reshoring and industry growth. Dr. David Arnold described Florida’s semiconductor sector and the Florida Semiconductor Institute’s mission to grow research, workforce, and ecosystem development. He said semiconductors are strategically important, Florida ranks fifth nationally in semiconductor workforce, and the main bottleneck is mid-level technician talent rather than engineers or entry-level workers. He pointed to NeoCity, Valencia College, and other regional partnerships as models, and said the state needs more proactive planning, better instructor capacity, and stronger pathways from K-12 through postsecondary. Evan Agiloff of Fleet Force discussed Florida’s CDL shortage, saying trucking is essential to the supply chain, Florida has about 18,000 open CDL positions, and Fleet Force’s college-based model can quickly move students into middle-class jobs. Members asked about apprenticeships, CTE pathways, semiconductor training, infrastructure needs, and how to expand and better fund workforce programs; no votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The last question in this space, not in the space, and your department overview is the diaper initiative
• Availability has grown significantly since launch.
• We have requirements about your office space.
• Feasible to really do anything in this space.
• Yeah, no, we are reassuring in that space. Okay.

Summary: The hearing began with testimony from Let California Kids Hear and supporters urging action on pediatric hearing aid coverage. Advocates said California has repeatedly failed to enact a workable solution over the past eight years and argued that children need early access to sound to support development. The proposal discussed would limit the coverage mandate to the large-group market, which advocates said would cover roughly 70% to 80% of affected children and avoid the exchange-related cost issue that contributed to prior vetoes. Supporters, including parents, audiologists, and children’s health groups, backed the proposal, and the chair expressed sympathy and support while noting hope for a federal solution for exchange plans. The Department of Finance then gave opening remarks about the state’s structural deficit and the need to balance new investments against projected out-year shortfalls. HCAI followed with a broad overview of its programs, including CalRx insulin and naloxone initiatives, reproductive health grants, the Office of Health Care Affordability, hospital seismic compliance, workforce programs, and the diaper access initiative. Members asked about geographic targeting of workforce funds, the behavioral health workforce pipeline, and the status of the 21st Century Nursing Initiative, which HCAI said had reverted funds. The committee also discussed a proposed transfer of the Data Exchange Framework and Office of the Patient Advocate to HCAI, new reporting on long-term care staffing and health coverage waiting periods, and a Behavioral Health Services Act workforce proposal that would use BHSA funds to support training, stipends, and technical assistance while offsetting $100 million in General Fund spending; members and LAO questioned the offset and asked for more detail, and the item was held open. HCAI also presented the Rural Health Transformation Program, explaining that California received $233.6 million in federal funds for the first year and had to revise its proposal so that $35 million in provider payments would be tied to specific transformative activities rather than general financial relief. The program will fund rural care model redesign, workforce development, and technology/infrastructure improvements, with grants to be rolled out on a tight timeline and subject to CMS approval. Members asked about the size of California’s award, the use of funds for maternity care, labor and delivery access, dialysis, tribal set-asides, and the role of a technical assistance contractor. The department said the program will use supply-and-demand workforce modeling to target funding and that all funds must be obligated by October 30. Finally, the Department of Managed Health Care outlined its budget and two major bill-related proposals: SB 41 on PBM reform and SB 306 on prior authorization transparency. DMHC said SB 41 would require PBM licensure, ban spread pricing, require rebate pass-through, and regulate pharmacy network practices, while SB 306 would require reporting on prior authorization and create a list of services exempt from prior authorization. DMHC requested additional positions and funding to implement both measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've launched new tools that reduce delays. ...share of the market.
• Defensible space includes having a non-combustible first five feet around the structure.
• . to provide discounts for home hardening and maintain defensible space.
• Thanks for making space.
• And we're in that space together.

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• Colorado launched the Seal of Climate Literacy model in 2024. Maine launched their seal last month.
• Mark Landgraf, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, in strong support.
• And so action in this space really is critical.
• You cannot pay for ongoing investments in that space.
• Thank you to your witnesses for their expertise and their work in this space as well.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills. SB 1154 would allow community college districts to use best-value procurement for public works projects over $1 million. The author and community college supporters argued it would give colleges flexibility similar to K-12, UC, and CSU and help avoid delays and costly change orders. Contractors and electrical subcontractors opposed the bill, saying its skilled-and-trained workforce requirement and safety provisions would narrow competition and disadvantage small and nonunion firms. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass vote and was placed on call. SB 1347 would clarify that stock albuterol may be stocked in all public schools, including preschool programs. The author and a physician testified that the bill would remove confusion in existing law and improve access to emergency asthma medication for students. School nurses, respiratory care advocates, and small school districts supported the measure, and there was no opposition. The bill passed unanimously on a due-pass to the floor vote and was placed on call. SB 1222 would create a pilot program to designate a lead county office to help regions struggling with career technical education implementation. Supporters said many students remain disconnected from school and work and that the bill would spread proven regional CTE practices. Some committee members questioned whether another pilot was needed, arguing existing CTE programs need more funding and fewer new structures, while the author and sponsor said the bill would build regional capacity and share successful models. The bill passed to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. SB 1378 would create a California Excellence in Service Learning Designation Program to recognize schools and districts with strong service-learning programs. Supporters said it would validate existing work and encourage civic engagement, while one member raised concerns about adding more designations and workload for schools. The bill passed as amended to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. SB 1048 would create a Seal of Climate Literacy for high school students demonstrating climate science knowledge through coursework and hands-on learning. Supporters, including the Department of Education and climate education groups, said it would align students with growing clean-energy careers; some members cautioned against adding more curriculum-related seals and noted equity and implementation concerns. The bill passed to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. Later, SB 1101, the Higher Education Data Sharing Transparency Act, was presented. It would require CSU, community colleges, independent colleges, and request UC to notify students, faculty, and staff when their personal information is shared with federal agencies such as the Office for Civil Rights, and to limit disclosure to what is legally required. Supporters said recent federal investigations and subpoenas have created fear and a lack of transparency on campuses. Committee discussion focused on subpoena authority, constitutional limits, and whether notice should be required; one member said she would abstain because of legal concerns, while another said the bill would continue to be examined in the next committee. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 1101 before a final vote is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Colorado launched the Seal of Climate Literacy model in 2024. Maine launched their seal last month.
• Mark Landgraf, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, in strong support.
• Action in this space really is critical.
• You cannot pay for ongoing investments in that space.
• Thank you to your witnesses for their expertise and their work in this space as well.

Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills. SB 1154 would let community college districts use best-value procurement for public works over $1 million. The author and community college supporters argued it would improve project quality and reduce delays and change orders, while contractor groups opposed it, saying the bill’s skilled-and-trained workforce and safety provisions would narrow competition and add subjectivity. The bill passed the committee on a 4-2 vote and was placed on call. SB 1347, a cleanup bill clarifying that stock albuterol may be kept in all public schools, including preschool programs, drew support from school nurses, respiratory care advocates, and a physician who said it would help schools respond to asthma emergencies. With no opposition, it passed unanimously and was placed on call. SB 1222 would create a pilot program designating a lead county office to help regions improve career technical education implementation; supporters said it would expand access and build regional capacity, while Senator Cabaldon questioned the need for another pilot and urged more direct funding instead. The bill passed and was placed on call. The committee also considered SB 1378, which would create a California Excellence in Service Learning designation for schools and districts. Supporters said it would recognize and encourage service-learning programs without mandating curriculum changes, while some members raised concerns about adding more state designations and administrative work. It passed and was placed on call. SB 1048 would create a Seal of Climate Literacy for high school students; supporters said it would recognize climate-related learning and connect students to green careers, while members cautioned against using seals to influence curriculum and noted equity and implementation concerns. It also passed and was placed on call. Finally, SB 1101 would require higher education institutions to notify students, faculty, and staff when their personal information is shared with federal agencies in OCR-related investigations or subpoenas. Supporters framed it as a privacy and free-speech protection in response to recent federal requests for campus information, while the author said the bill would not block lawful subpoenas but would require notice and limit voluntary disclosures. The committee discussed legal and constitutional issues, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• In that time, we've also launched into Kentucky, into the CVG airport, a direct non-stop flight from
• Has there been conversation in that particular space? Absolutely.
• We're really just getting<00:28:23.679><c> it</c><00:28:23.919><c> launched.
• So I I would love getting it launched.
• Once we get that information, space.

Summary: The committee first approved contracts 98, 99, and 100 on a roll call vote, with Chairman Douglas voting no but the items still passing. It then took up a Kentucky Department of Tourism contract involving the United Kingdom, France, and Germany/Austria/Switzerland markets. Tourism officials said the state has had similar contracts since 2013, that international visitors spend about six times more per day than domestic travelers, and that the effort supports marketing, public relations, and familiarization trips. The committee approved that contract as well, with Chairman Douglas voting yes after expressing support for tourism promotion. Next, the committee reviewed two Finance Cabinet facilities and support services items involving engineering and architectural services for a specialized lab expansion project. Members discussed why the design work was expensive, and the cabinet explained that the project’s pathogen-related complexity required specialized firms. Chairman Douglas said he believed some architectural and engineering reimbursement rates were too high and should be reexamined, but the committee still approved the items by roll call. The committee then heard from the Attorney General’s office and the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission on an MOA related to substance use disorder funding. Senator Meredith asked how the commission’s work coordinated with behavioral health programs, and staff explained that the commission allocates funds based on applications and includes relevant state officials. The contract was approved. After that, the committee considered behavioral health items: one new 988 chat-and-text contract to expand Kentucky-based crisis response coverage, and a Voices of Hope amendment that doubled funding to continue services into the next fiscal year. Officials said the 988 contract would move more chats and texts in-state, and that the Voices of Hope increase reflected continuation of SAMHSA-funded services; both were approved. Finally, the committee reviewed DCBS contracts, including a food insecurity survey contract with a Kentucky nonprofit and a Building Bridges Initiative training contract. Members questioned whether the food survey group’s advocacy role created a conflict, but DCBS said the organization was chosen for its statewide network and that the cabinet would receive the raw data. For Building Bridges, DCBS said the program began in the fall and provides training and peer mentorship for residential child care providers, with results still too early to assess. Both items were approved. The last set of contracts, under the State Treasurer for the Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities, prompted questions about why the funding flowed through the treasurer’s office and about a sexuality-related capacity-building initiative. Staff explained the treasurer serves as the designated state agency for federal DD Act funds, and that the sexuality initiative is part of a broader five-year plan focused on self-advocacy, system change, and capacity building; the committee then moved to approve those contracts as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> he's really well verssed in this space. he's really well verssed in this space.
• </c><00:47:08.319><c> fee,</c> they're getting the rental space fee, they're getting the rental space
• </c> >> But just launch. >> So if I launch, the tax exemption is only... you would get the tax?
• if you launch within the launch<01:34:33.840><c> window,</c><01:34:34.639><c> you</c><01:34:34.880><
• c> get</c><01:34:35.040><c> a</c><01:34:35.440><c> fiveyear</c> launch window, you get a fiveyear launch

Bills: HB0075 , HB0128

Committee: Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Since then, we've completed the Hurricane Michael housing program, fastest in the nation, launched the
• Since then, we've completed the Hurricane Michael housing program, fastest in the nation, launched the
• Since then, we've completed the Hurricane Michael housing program, fastest in the nation, launched the
• Chair, real quick: moving forward with vendors that you use for this space, do you have a more severe
• It has to remain green or blue space in perpetuity. So we've now taken something off the tax rolls.

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum and heard two bills, a confirmation, and two agency presentations. SB 48 by Senator Gates would require local governments to allow voluntary accessory dwelling units, preserve homestead exemption for the owner-occupied portion, limit parking restrictions, require 30-day minimum leases, extend density bonuses for military-family housing, and allow reusable tenant screening reports. The bill drew strong support from the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals and several others, and it was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call. SB 34 by Senator Sharief would expand the Historic Cemetery Program, particularly to help historic African-American cemeteries preserve and maintain themselves by allowing sale of excess vacant land only if proceeds are used for long-term upkeep; it also passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of Fox Henderson to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors by unanimous vote. In addition, the Department of Commerce presented on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and Rebuild Florida, describing more than $4.3 billion in HUD disaster recovery funds since 2017, housing repair and replacement efforts that have completed more than 5,200 homes, and infrastructure and mitigation projects across the state. Members asked about average project costs, contractor oversight, corrective actions for deficient work, and clawbacks from a prior vendor; Commerce said it had ended the earlier vendor relationship, imposed about $3.6 million in financial consequences, and now uses stronger oversight and competitive procurement for contractors. The Division of Emergency Management then presented on Elevate Florida, a federal mitigation program that allows homeowners to apply directly for elevation, reconstruction, acquisition, or wind-mitigation projects, with a 75/25 federal-homeowner cost share and no state funds used. Director Kevin Guthrie said the program is intended to reduce repetitive flood losses, keep homeowners in their communities, and serve as a national model; he reported more than 12,000 applications, about 1,500 prioritized for review, 500 on a wait list, and 305 submitted to FEMA for final approval. Members asked about assistance for seniors who cannot meet the 25% match, the wait-list process, contractor selection, and the mix of project types, and Guthrie said contractors were selected through competitive procurement and that most projects are elevations, though some may become reconstructions or acquisitions depending on inspection results. The committee adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe we have a couple of spaces to go to, Jeff. We'll break for a caucus.
• I believe we have a couple of spaces to go to, Jeff.
• We then first launched the application for local food system infrastructure grants in 2022 and have had
• We then first launched the application for local food system infrastructure grants in 2022 and have had
• So the six-month time frame that we had to scope the project and then launch the application to make

Bills: HB2104 , HB2223 , HB2348 , HB2554 , HB2619

Committee: Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response, irrigation, district director, contracts, beneficial interests, agriculture, timber sales, land sales, process efficiency, legislation, department language, tribal rights, fishing rights, salmon management, state-tribal agreements, natural resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Page 6 shows the types of state-supportable spaces at UC and CSU and the types of spaces at the colleges
• More than half of space is designated as offices or other types of spaces for all of the segments.
• Okay, I heard—I think CSU talk about utilization of space.
• Other campuses are underutilizing their space.
• Instructional space, including classrooms and labs.

Summary: The committee’s first major discussion focused on higher education facilities across UC, CSU, and the community colleges, with Chair Alvarez framing the issue as a final budget hearing before the May Revise. The LAO presented findings that campuses have grown substantially in buildings and square footage, while classroom and lab utilization remains below legislative standards and deferred maintenance backlogs continue to rise. The LAO also emphasized that the state and segments lack comprehensive data on capital renewal spending and recommended better reporting, clearer funding targets, and long-term planning for renewal and maintenance. UC, CSU, and community college representatives each described large five-year capital plans, aging facilities, seismic and deferred maintenance needs, and the role of student housing, while noting that construction costs are rising faster than inflation. Members questioned the segments about debt service, utilization rates, and how projects are prioritized. UC said its debt service tied to state support is about $665 million annually and described a $30 billion five-year capital financial plan, including housing, medical centers, and building renewal. CSU said it has about $31 billion in five-year needs and more than $8 billion in deferred maintenance, with funding coming from a mix of state-related and one-time sources since the state shifted capital responsibility to CSU. Community colleges said their unmet facilities needs total about $33.5 billion and explained their use of a scoring matrix and FUSION system to rank projects. The chair and members pressed all three systems to better distinguish between projects that are truly shovel-ready and those that are long-term needs, and discussed whether facilities condition data, total cost of ownership, and more standardized metrics should guide future bond proposals. The committee then turned to Proposition 2 and the Governor’s proposed community college capital outlay projects. The Department of Finance said Prop. 2 provides $1.5 billion for community colleges and that the Governor’s budget proposes 29 projects, with two continuing Prop. 51 projects also included. The LAO supported the overall use of the funds but raised concerns about the current 65/35 split between modernization and growth, the unusually large share of gymnasium projects, and some scoring metrics that favor larger campuses and certain regions. Community college officials said the scoring system was developed through participatory governance and would take one to two years to revise, but they supported the funding and agreed to follow up on questions about project categories and the rationale for the weighting. Members also suggested giving more weight to modernization, regional access, and intersegmental or collaborative projects. A final item addressed the CalKids program. The Department of Finance proposed $56,000 ongoing General Fund for three positions, while the LAO recommended approving two positions but rejecting a manager position until the current $7.5 million marketing campaign is evaluated. ScholarShare’s executive director said CalKids has enrolled more than 5 million children, with nearly 600,000 claims and over $45 million distributed, and argued that additional staff and outreach are needed to reach a goal of 1 million claimed scholarships by the end of 2025 and to implement AB 2808. Members asked about marketing effectiveness, data sharing, and eligibility rules, and the program said it is expanding partnerships with Cradle to Career and CSAC. No final vote was taken in the hearing, and the chair indicated the facilities item would be held open.

Transcript Highlights:

• the development of the commercial space industry in the state.
• This is Bryce Kennedy from the Space Valley Foundation, and this is Dan Crouch for New Space New Mexico
• This is Bryce Kennedy from the Space Valley Foundation, and this is Dan Crouch for New Space, New Mexico
• We have Redwire Space here as well.
• We have a bunch of space companies, especially at Kirtland Air Force Base.

Summary: The committee first heard the nomination of Anna Silva to lead the General Services Department. Supporters, including the sponsor, former GSD officials, family members, the lieutenant governor, and other senators, praised her long career in GSD, her procurement and facilities management experience, and her work on e-procurement, veteran home construction, and other projects. Silva said her priorities would include stabilizing risk management positions for the transition to the next administration, ensuring continuity on construction projects, and protecting the department’s budget and operations. After questions and comments, the committee voted 7-0 to advance her nomination to full Senate confirmation. The committee then took up House Bill 96, which would create a working group to study establishing a New Mexico Space Commission to support the commercial space industry. The sponsor and witnesses argued the state already has strong space infrastructure and should remain competitive with other states. Senators expressed support, and a friendly amendment was adopted to add a Senate pro tem appointee to the working group. The amended bill received a due-pass recommendation. Next, the committee considered House Joint Resolution 5A, which would ask voters whether legislators should be paid based on median household income. The resolution received a due-pass recommendation. The committee also heard House Joint Memorial 3, which asks the Environment Department and Environmental Improvement Board to review the PFAS law passed the previous year in light of changing federal rules. The American Chemistry Council opposed the memorial, arguing it misstated aspects of the law and could complicate rulemaking, while the sponsor and Environment Department said the memorial was intended to help assess whether changes are needed. The memorial received a subcommittee due-pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> voice</c> we expect to be launching outbound voice we expect to be launching outbound voice and<
• and the contact center space.
• set of launch criteria.
• Um I'm sure many of uh incubator spaces.
• c><01:58:06.880><c> can</c><01:58:07.199><c> grow</c> spaces where where youth can grow spaces where

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• a service and workforce development program to create an experience for a student that helps them launch
• While the initiative has just recently launched, it has already...
• While the initiative has just recently launched, it has already hosted two community engagement events
• And unfortunately, we don't see a lot of Black youth in those spaces or even access to those spaces,
• or even access to those spaces, particularly those from places like South Central Los Angeles where

Transcript Highlights:

• Caltrans and the CTC and CalSTA actually to do some research in that space on road user charge.
• And we’re doing a lot of efforts in that space.
• We’re also on the third year launching our heavy equipment operators academy.
• On the third year, launching our heavy equipment operators academy, 180 people.
• We’re launching it this year as well.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider several items, beginning with gubernatorial appointments not required to appear. The committee approved multiple appointments on 3-2 and 5-0 votes, including members to the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the Contractors State License Board, and the Medical Board of California. Members also approved a bill referral item, a rule waiver request to suspend SR 55 for guests on the Senate floor during an adjourn-in-memory for former President Pro Tempore John Burton, and floor acknowledgment items, all by 5-0 vote. The committee then heard the required appearance of Dina El-Tawansy for Director of the California Department of Transportation. In her opening remarks, she emphasized Caltrans’ priorities of safety, equity, climate resilience, economic prosperity, workforce development, and multimodal transportation. Senators questioned her on a range of issues, including impacts from federal and state rules affecting immigrant truck drivers, the Highway 58 truck climbing lane project, DBE reevaluation under new federal guidance, asphalt recycling and waste disposal, climate-related damage to infrastructure, and the future of transportation funding as gas tax revenue declines. El-Tawansy said Caltrans would prioritize emergency and safety projects, continue work on the Highway 58 corridor, and help DBEs through a reevaluation process and outreach efforts. She described ongoing climate adaptation work, including vulnerability assessments, vegetation management, and corridor studies such as Route 37 and LOSSAN, and said the department is researching road user charges through pilots and national collaboration. She also discussed small-business programs, local hiring, toll lane agreement consistency, and efforts to address litter and homelessness on Caltrans property through delegated maintenance agreements and new staff positions. After public testimony from numerous transportation, construction, local government, labor, and technology organizations in support of the nominee, the committee voted 5-0 to advance El-Tawansy’s appointment to the full Senate floor for confirmation. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The last question in this space, not in the space, and your department overview, is the diaper initiative
• I think there'll be dollars for workforce in that space.
• Availability has grown significantly since launch.
• We have requirements about your office space.
• Yeah, no, we are reassuring in that space. Okay.