Transcript Highlights:

• The only comment that I'll make, and I agree that the DMB expressed concerns.
• If I recall DMB expressed concerns.
• Um, so it basically frees up $30 million of general funds.
• <02:05:49.920> And free up 6 million in general funds.
• And free up 6 million in general funds.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first revisited HB 781, the cell phone bill, after previously retaining it. On reconsideration, members moved to OTP the bill, and it passed unanimously. The committee then moved into the budget tracking packet and adopted an amendment to HB 2 to add the same cell phone policy language, also unanimously, and separately reduced HB 1 by $1 million to match the policy change. Members noted the cell phone language had already been stripped of grant funding language in the House version and that the policy and funding pieces were being aligned across the budget bills. The committee then took up a Department of Education technical amendment to HB 2 on charter school grants, which made timing and administrative changes without altering grant amounts, and adopted it unanimously. Members also discussed but held other education-related items, including adequacy grants, pending broader decisions on overall education funding. Another HB 2 item concerning E-911/state police radio communications prompted a longer discussion about whether E-911 surcharge funds were being used for purposes that should instead be general-funded. After debate over whether to leave the current practice in place or split the funding 50/50 between E-911 and general funds, the committee adopted a joint HB 1/HB 2 change to shift the funding source to a 50/50 split and delete the HB 2 language authorizing the prior use; the motion passed 7-0. The committee also discussed but did not act on several lottery-related provisions, including the video lottery terminal amendment, the increase in maximum ticket price from $30 to $50, and related tax split changes, with members planning to hear from the Lottery Commission on Monday. The meeting ended with the committee beginning review of new amendments in the tracking packet, including a Department of Education request related to Public School Infrastructure Commission grant administration, but no action was taken on that item in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• House resolutions to express the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the tragic loss of
• House Resolution 258, by Representative Phelps, to express condolences of the House of Representatives
• House Resolution 259, by Representative Phelps, to express condolences of the House of Representatives
• Representative Walters, urging and requesting the Department of Transportation to create an interest-free
• I bring this resolution today to recognize and express appreciation for all of our Guard soldiers, but

Bills: HR257, HR258, HR259, HR260, HR261, HR262, HR263, HCR105, HCR106, HR252, HR253, HR254, HR255, HR256, HCR103, HCR104, SB83, SB143, SB155, SB228, SB283, SB295, SB338, SB388, SB408, SB431, HR84, HR188, HR205, HB302, HB597, HB819, HB1257, HB1258, SCR24, SB45, SB58, SB71, SB81, SB92, SB100, SB109, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB204, SB205, SB207, SB213, SB214, SB216, SB229, SB257, SB274, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB429, SB479, SB522, SB357, SB406, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, HR37, HCR64, HR170, HR191, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR217, HCR11, HCR53, HCR60, HCR66, HCR68, HR9, HCR27, HCR28, HCR50, HCR62, HCR67, HCR71, HCR78, HCR81, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, SCR20, HCR6, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB258, HB633, HB801, HB61, HB98, HB102, HB139, HB142, HB170, HB185, HB194, HB199, HB231, HB247, HB294, HB336, HB474, HB661, HB842, HB852, HB301, HB359, HB657, HB675, HB680, HB727, HB79, HB251, HB625, HB769, HB775, HB783, HB895, HB1011, HB1057, HB1155, HB1186, HB1224, HB1245, HB1247, HB1253, HB1254, HB1255, HB1256, SB41, SB44, SB64, SB84, SB87, SB93, SB98, SB107, SB118, SB142, SB192, SB195, SB199, SB219, SB222, SB234, SB241, SB255, SB275, SB277, SB292, SB294, SB306, SB314, SB482, SB8, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB40, SB48, SB55, SB69, SB75, SB77, SB78, SB85, SB102, SB115, SB133, SB140, SB148, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB185, SB197, SB200, SB217, SB235, SB278, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB315, SB324, SB330, SB411, SB416, SB420, SB436, SB438, SB449, SB455, SB456, SB477, SB489, SB521, HB646, HB824, HB341, HB682, HB766, HB926, HB998, HB1051, HB1080, HB1201, HB1223, HB603, HB940, HB1191, SB47, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, SB149, SB382

Keywords: condolences, memorial resolution, House Resolution, Shreveport, children, tragedy, sympathy, bereavement, tribute, mourning, schoolchildren, public charter school, elementary school, Head Start, family loss, Louisiana House of Representatives, condolence resolution, House resolution, victims, family support

Summary: The House convened with 93 members present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the morning recognizing guests and former members, including student groups, arts educators, rodeo queens, and Congressman Troy Carter, who urged members not to let partisan divisions harm Louisiana. Representative Newell also delivered a lengthy floor statement tying current voting-rights debates to civil rights concerns and warning against weakening protections for Black communities. The chamber then received Senate messages and committee reports, and several resolutions and bills were advanced or referred in routine order. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to House resolutions, many of them memorials or study requests. The House adopted resolutions supporting a physical therapy degree designation for federal loan purposes, honoring veterans who served in Honduras, extending a behavioral health courts study, seeking bridge-removal funding for U.S. 90 in St. Tammany Parish, urging DOTD studies on local traffic projects, requesting a study of rural economic development, supporting Camp Beauregard and the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, creating a permit-study committee, and asking for studies on autism services, school nurse orientation, opioid treatment in correctional settings, floodplain map updates, and care gaps for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One resolution on rent stabilization failed, and another on pregnancy-related emergency medication was returned to the calendar after questions about its implications. The chamber also concurred in or rejected several Senate amendments to House bills. Concurrences included bills on arrest warrant recall procedures, disturbing the peace near places of worship, rape and sex offense provisions, bridge naming, holiday rules, victim confidentiality, and the classic black license plate. The House rejected Senate amendments to HB 258 on dual office holding and dual employment. The most contentious item was HB 102, which would create second-degree cruelty to the elderly and persons with infirmities but was amended in the Senate to add broader first-degree murder provisions tied to firearms and public shootings; members raised concerns about self-defense, overcharging, capital punishment exposure, and fiscal impact on the public defender system. Despite those objections, supporters argued the changes would deter violent crime and protect the public, and the bill was ultimately supported in floor debate as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas language is a fundamental expression of human identity, culture, and heritage, serving as a vital
• Whereas language is a fundamental expression of human identity, culture, and heritage, serving as a vital
• Redeterminations are not free.
• HCR 259, County Sheriff's expressing support. Public Safety, Law Enforcement.
• H.C.R. 259 County Sheriff's expressing support. Public safety law enforcement.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and several proclamations and recognitions, including International Mother Language Day, Nurses Day at the Capitol, Environmental Day, Arizona Aerospace Day, Childhelp, Teamsters Local 104, and African American Legislative Day. Attendance was recorded at 57 present, zero absent, and three excused. The chamber also handled routine business such as committee reports, bill referrals, first and second readings, and announcements of upcoming committee meetings. The main floor action centered on House Bill 2785, a tax conformity measure. Members debated it at length, with supporters arguing it would make tax forms legal, align Arizona with federal tax changes, and provide tax relief to taxpayers and small businesses, while opponents said it was an unpaid tax cut for wealthy individuals and corporations that would force cuts to health care, education, SNAP, and other services. The House passed HB 2785 on a 32-26 vote with two not voting and sent it to the Senate. The House then resolved into Committee of the Whole and considered several Health and Human Services and Commerce bills. HB 2190, HB 2206, HB 2396, HB 2442, HB 2448, HB 2688, HB 2689, HB 2690, HB 2796, and HB 2797 were debated, with most receiving do-pass recommendations after amendments. Testimony focused heavily on SNAP policy, including payment error rates, work and training requirements, food restrictions, and waiver authority, with Democrats warning of added burdens and reduced access for eligible families and Republicans arguing the bills would improve accountability, nutrition, and compliance with federal law. HB 2689, which would collect hospital patients’ immigration status on a voluntary basis, drew strong opposition over concerns it would deter people from seeking care; it was still reported out of committee, though a later motion to amend the committee report to show HB 2689 failed was rejected 24-32. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report, and several bills were referred to engrossing before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• audit that some UC and CSU schools were not prioritizing transfer students, and campus officials expressed
• audit that some UC and CSU schools were not prioritizing transfer students, and campus officials expressed
• But first, if you have an opening statement, please feel free to do that.
• But first, if you have an opening statement, please feel free to do that.
• bachelor's degree, with an average total cost of around $10,560 and 72% of students graduating debt-free

Summary: The committee held an oversight hearing on a state audit examining California’s community college transfer process and whether streamlining it could improve access to bachelor’s degrees. Opening remarks from legislators emphasized that California’s transfer system is central to equity and workforce development, but that only about one in five transfer-intending community college students complete a transfer within four years. Members highlighted disparities by race, region, campus, and major, and pointed to confusion created by differing requirements across the UC, CSU, and community college systems, including limits and inconsistencies in the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), TAG, and major-specific prerequisites. State Auditor’s staff said the audit found that while UC and CSU systemwide enroll more transfer students than the Master Plan target, individual campuses and high-demand STEM programs often do not. The audit identified barriers including unclear and varying course requirements, limited counseling and education plans, insufficient counselor staffing at some campuses, and weak equity plans. It also found that many students never even apply because they do not accumulate enough units or cannot navigate the process. The auditor described examples where transfer students with strong preparation were denied at selective campuses and noted that articulation alignment across systems remains limited. Representatives from UC, CSU, and the Community Colleges responded that transfer remains a top priority and described ongoing reforms. UC cited a new public dashboard, data-sharing agreements, new transfer pathways, and an ADT pilot at UCLA, while saying campus-level capacity and program differences limit how much can be standardized from the system office. CSU said it admits more than 90% of eligible transfer applicants, is expanding transfer planning tools and direct outreach, and is implementing SB 640’s Transfer Success Pathway Program. Community Colleges said transfer reform must focus on clearer credit mobility, more consistent articulation, and broader ADT adoption. Members pressed the systems on inconsistent major requirements, the need for better coordination, and whether campuses are fully prioritizing transfer students; no votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Managed lanes are also known as express toll lanes, choice lanes, et cetera, and California is one of
• , I believe... ...express toll lanes, choice lanes, etc.
• They manage, can just... express toll lanes, choice lanes, etc.
• managed lanes are where one or a certain amount of lanes are told, whereas the other lanes are still free
• that we are able to have to create, as Madam Chair had mentioned, a sustainable, reliable, pothole-free

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee first took up three highway naming resolutions on its consent calendar: ACR 109, SCR 78, and SCR 90. The committee approved the consent calendar with 11 aye votes and no no votes, then adjourned the bill-hearing portion. Members also recognized committee science fellow AJ Mendeola for his service, noting his contributions to bill analysis and staff support. The committee then held an informational hearing on alternatives to the gas tax, focused on the projected decline in fuel-tax revenue and the need for a more sustainable transportation funding model. The chair and invited experts described how inflation, improved fuel efficiency, and growth in electric and other alternative-fuel vehicles are eroding gas-tax revenues. Presenters from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the University of California discussed state options such as higher or indexed gas taxes, EV registration fees, road usage charges, delivery fees, public EV charging fees, transportation network company fees, and managed lanes, emphasizing tradeoffs among revenue adequacy, fairness, administrative cost, and public acceptance. Committee members raised concerns that mileage-based fees or EV fees could function as new taxes on commuters and lower-income drivers, especially if the gas tax is not repealed. Presenters responded that road usage charges are generally intended as replacements for the gas tax, not additions, and argued that mileage-based systems better preserve the user-pays principle while being less tied to vehicle fuel efficiency. They also noted that flat EV registration fees are easy to administer but can be less equitable because they are not linked to actual road use. Officials from Hawaii, Utah, and Oregon described their state programs and policy choices. Hawaii said its new road usage charge began July 1, 2025, for EVs, offers a choice between a per-mile charge and a flat annual fee through 2028, and will transition to mandatory EV participation before expanding to all light-duty vehicles by 2033. Utah described its voluntary EV road usage charge program, quarterly reporting, privacy protections, and legislative scenarios for removing the cap or making participation mandatory. Oregon outlined its constitutional cost-responsibility framework and broader transportation funding challenges, including reliance on user fees and limited use of general-fund support.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the harsh reality of a free market.
• He said this is where the free market comes in.
• get rid of this whole chapter or do something similar to what you're expressing?
• get rid of this whole chapter or do something similar to what you're expressing?
• get rid of this whole chapter or do something similar to what you're expressing?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But I really wanted to start off by expressing our condolences for the torrential rain that occurred
• But I really wanted to start off<00:02:55.599> by<00:02:56.160> expressing<00:02:57.200
• It's free of silos is really important.
• <00:56:11.200> It free of silos is really important.
• It free of silos is really important.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The interim task force on disaster prevention and resiliency met for its fourth meeting and focused heavily on insurance markets, affordability, and mitigation. Cochairs noted they are working toward recommendations for a later fall meeting. The main presentation came from David Snyder of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, who said the insurance industry sees itself as part of the problem and part of the solution because it ultimately pays for losses created by natural conditions, development choices, and construction practices. Snyder described rising losses from natural catastrophes, inflation-driven increases in rebuilding and repair costs, more development in disaster-prone areas, wildfire exposure, severe convective storms, hail, and roof damage. He argued that Kentucky should avoid the mistakes he attributed to California, where regulatory responses contributed to a strained insurance market and greater reliance on the FAIR Plan. He said Kentucky’s private market appears to be functioning better, with relatively few FAIR Plan policies, and urged lawmakers to preserve that market through risk-based rates and policies that do not worsen availability. He recommended a broad mitigation strategy involving stronger building codes, land-use decisions, stormwater infrastructure, public access to risk data, and incentives for resilient construction. He highlighted programs such as the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, fortified-home standards, wildfire-prepared community practices, and examples from Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida showing that mitigation can produce quick returns and insurance discounts. He also suggested catastrophe savings accounts, flexible coverage options, and a whole-of-government approach that includes the insurance department, building-code agencies, first responders, FEMA, NFIP, and NOAA. In questions, a legislator asked about the prognosis if carriers continue exiting markets and if nothing is done to address affordability and accessibility. Snyder said he could not predict market exits but stressed that regulators should monitor the market closely, use available data, and focus on loss prevention and mitigation. He said insurers want to do business in Kentucky and that the long-term solution is coordinated action among public and private stakeholders to reduce risk and keep coverage available.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if they're free to say they're already telling them that, why not make sure that it's in writing and

Bills: HB145, HB164, HR1, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB306, SB29, SB37, HB99, HB206, HB213, HB270, SB104, SB193, HB38, HB254, HB256, SB58, SB64, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM29, HM43, HM59, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB253

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, lobbying, transparency, public records, government oversight, accountability, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation, subpoena power, public corruption, criminal activity, Zorro ranch, Santa Fe County

Transcript Highlights:

• Firstly, I want to express my gratitude toward Ms.
• You have to rob Peter to pay Paul, whatever expression you want to use.
• You have to rob Peter to pay Paul, whatever expression you want to use.
• I'd like to begin by expressing our deepest gratitude to our legislators.
• It's free, but is it really appropriate?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you know, you walk in, they say, 'Oh, here's your free card.
• So, you know, you walk in, they say, 'Oh, here's your free card.
• So, you know, you walk in, they say, 'Oh, here's your free card.
• Tonight, we're going to your free card.
• the state getting involved with the free the state getting involved with the free market.<00:36:

Bills: SF0044, SF0046

Keywords: gambling, lotteries, raffles, social relationships, charitable gaming, gaming, liquor establishments, skill based amusement games, regulations, age restrictions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Take a few seconds to read it because it's much easier to express a concern before we vote on it than
• a concern before we easier to express a concern before we the<00:29:27.600> vote<00:29:27.760
• You could take the class for free and never even apply for the exam.
• you could take the class and for free you could take the class and never<00:35:44.440> even<00
• the idea is not to get people a free the idea is not to get people a free ride<00:41:10.760>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division II work session focused on organizing the committee’s remaining budget work and reviewing a set of recommended changes to House Bills 1 and 2. Mr. Landrian explained the committee’s tracking sheets and draft amendment package, noted that the division was being asked to find roughly $200 million in reductions, and said the governor’s lottery proposal in House Bill 2 could help offset part of that target. Members also discussed how revenue estimates tied to fee changes would be handled, with the chair saying the committee could seek Ways and Means input but would ultimately decide the estimates itself. The committee then considered four mostly technical amendments to House Bill 2. It voted unanimously to delete Section 81, which duplicated CCSNH dual and concurrent enrollment language already moving in House Bill 192; to delete Sections 143 and 144, which duplicated police standards and training extra-duty language already in House Bill 778; to adopt a correction to Section 151 that removed an inadvertently repeated sentence; and to delete Section 178 because the same Lottery Commission language already appears in House Bill 1. The committee also agreed to approve Section 4 of House Bill 1, the Lottery Commission boilerplate language, while deferring action on Section 2 of House Bill 1 until the university and community college budget is settled. A substantial portion of the meeting was spent planning upcoming work sessions and discussing possible revenue measures. The committee planned to invite Fish and Game on Monday to review a large set of follow-up materials and to discuss a possible amendment requiring hunters and trappers to pay the license fee before taking free training classes, with a second chance to retake the class if needed. Members also discussed possible fee adjustments for Safety and Fish and Game, including using dedicated-fund fees to reduce reliance on general funds and help stabilize the Highway Fund and Fish and Game Fund. The chair emphasized that all actions were recommendations until the committee’s final deadline and encouraged members to review draft language carefully before voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we also have a program that reaches underserved families called Free to Explore.
• Um, we also have a program that reaches underserved families called Free to Explore.
• Um, we also have a program that reaches underserved families called Free to Explore.
• <01:43:35.760> my I I just wanted to, um, express my I I just wanted to, um, express my interest
• <01:48:03.760> our we uh would love to express our we uh would love to express our appreciation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, again, the driving force here is to try to free up the American people and free up free enterprise
• 11.119> free<01:55:11.360> up<01:55:11.599> free the American people and free up
• free the American people and free up free enterprise<01:55:12.400> to<01:55:12.560> be
• dump for free. dump for free.
• They refused to limit the free.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, December 18, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Freeman, you're part of the solution, but I'm just expressing my frustration.
• Freeman, you're part of the solution, but I'm just expressing my frustration.
• Freeman, you're part of the solution, but I'm just expressing my frustration.
• Freeman, you're part of the solution, but I'm just expressing my frustration.
• <01:26:35.520> to record and uh feel free to record and uh feel free to proceed<01:26:37.600

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our eternal Father, as we unite on this day to do good work, we join in expressing sincere gratitude
• We express gratitude for this hallowed place where its purposes has been and will continue to be fulfilled
• We express gratitude for the beauty of this land.
• Forgive me if I’m not answering this, and feel free to reiterate.
• If not, feel free during lunch or after we adjourn today.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions before taking up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, on mental health. Senator Bradley explained that the bill is intended to divert clinically appropriate defendants with mental illness from jail to treatment, create pretrial mental health diversion programs, expand grant uses for mental health and substance abuse reinvestment, require evaluations and treatment follow-up in certain probation and prison settings, add Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, and establish a Florida Behavioral Health Data Repository. Senators from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing treatment over incarceration, public safety, and the Murphy family’s role in the bill. The Senate passed the bill 37-0 and then recorded 37 co-sponsors. The chamber then moved into presentations on SB 2500, the 2025-26 General Appropriations Act. Chair Hooper said the Senate budget totals $117.4 billion, reduces overall spending from the prior year, maintains reserves, keeps employee health contributions level, and includes major investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and nearly $1 billion in education capital outlay. Committee chairs outlined their portions of the budget, including increased funding for K-12 schools and scholarships, higher education workforce programs, Medicaid and health services, corrections and courts, transportation and housing, and environmental restoration such as Everglades and water quality projects. Members then asked extensive questions, especially about education funding, school choice, AP/IB and accelerated programs, the Family Empowerment Scholarship, and the FEFP calculations. Senator Burgess repeatedly explained that scholarship funding is being moved “below the line” to improve tracking and that the Senate position is to preserve funding while giving districts more flexibility. Senators also questioned the APD wait list for disability services, opioid settlement spending, arts funding, the My Safe Florida Home condo pilot, and proposed IT and agency restructuring. Several chairs said some issues would be resolved in conference, and no final vote on the budget was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• urges passage of 2105, its balanced necessary reform that clarifies lobbying violations, protects free
• necessary reform that clarifies lobbying violations<00:08:30.440> protects<00:08:30.840> free
• <00:08:31.120> speech<00:08:31.440> and violations protects free speech and violations
• protects free speech and ensures<00:08:32.039> transparency<00:08:33.000> without ensures
• conflation of lobbying with folks Free conflation of lobbying with folks Free Speech<00:26:57.480

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to express my own, the federation's, and the federation membership's unqualified support for
• Feel free to do so. All right, six or so. We don't have anyone signed up in opposition.
• Feel free to do so. All right. Six or so. We don't have anyone signed up in opposition.
• Our memorial asks for a free workshop.
• Our memorial asks for a free workshop to teach state agency members about insects.

Bills: SB104, SJR3, SM3

Keywords: wildlife commission, removal procedures, malfeasance, appointed officials, governance, education reform, public education, state board of education, superintendent, chartering authority, constitutional amendment, policy setting, insects, insect workshop, insect identification, ecology, monitoring, management, pollinators, pollination

Transcript Highlights:

• On AB 109, which is our 2026 budget act, I want to speak for a moment to express some gratitude and then
• This budget cuts elder care programs and student financial aid, but it does give free health care to
• Repeat theft offenders should face meaningful consequences, and the cycle of endless consequence-free
• , who may not afford it to do it any other way if it weren't for the community colleges, which are free
• So if you want to support more taxes on business, feel free to vote aye on this.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum after a roll call, observed a moment of silence for the fatal B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base, and proceeded with routine procedural business, including re-referrals of numerous Senate bills to different committees and several rule suspensions to allow bills to be heard or moved. Assembly Member DeMaio attempted to amend and then return AB 109 to the Senate to add health care premium reductions, but the motions were ruled out of order and his request to suspend the rules failed on a 13-45 vote. The main floor action was on AB 109, the 2026-27 state budget. Assembly Member Gabriel presented the budget as balancing fiscal responsibility with protections for health care, schools, housing, wildfire prevention, and the safety net, while opponents argued it raised costs, underfunded education and public safety, and relied on gimmicks. Supporters emphasized investments in hospitals, Medi-Cal, IHSS, child care, food banks, housing, and reserves, and repeatedly defended the budget’s approach to Proposition 36 funding and prison closures. After extensive debate, the Assembly voted to concur in the Senate amendments to AB 109, and the bill was immediately transmitted to the Governor. Later, the Assembly took up SCR 89 on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Members from several caucuses spoke in support, arguing DEI is central to equal opportunity, civil rights, and California’s identity, and warning against federal efforts to roll back such programs. Assembly Member DeMaio spoke in opposition, saying DEI treats people differently based on immutable characteristics. The transcript ends during that debate, with the resolution still under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• On AB 109, which is our 2026 budget act, I want to speak for a moment to express some gratitude and then
• I also want to express my gratitude that this agreement, in many ways, deeply reflects our Assembly budget
• This budget cuts elder care programs and student financial aid, but it does give free health care to
• Repeat theft offenders should face meaningful consequences, and the cycle of endless consequence-free
• So if you want to support more taxes on business, feel free to vote aye on this.

Summary: The Assembly convened, initially lacked a quorum, and then completed the roll call, prayer, and pledge. Members observed a moment of silence for the fatal B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base in Assemblymember Lackey’s district. The body then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of numerous Senate bills to different committees, suspending rules for committee notices, and taking up the budget bill, AB 109, without reference to file for concurrence in Senate amendments. Debate on AB 109, the 2026 budget act, centered on competing views of the state’s fiscal condition and policy priorities. Supporters said the budget balances the current and next year’s budget, reduces the structural deficit, builds reserves, protects health care, schools, housing, food assistance, and other safety-net programs, and responds to federal cuts under H.R. 1. Opponents argued the budget increases taxes and costs, shortchanges schools, underfunds Proposition 36, relies on gimmicks, and does not adequately address public safety, cost of living, or long-term sustainability. Several members also highlighted specific provisions such as hospital support, Medi-Cal and IHSS protections, child care, immigrant legal services, prison closure, and funding for courts and victim services. A motion by Assemblymember DeMaio to return AB 109 to the Senate failed on a roll call vote, 13 ayes to 45 noes. The Assembly then voted on concurrence in the Senate amendments to AB 109; the measure passed, and the Senate amendments were concurred in without objection, with immediate transmittal to the Governor. Afterward, the Assembly moved to the daily file and took up SCR 89, a resolution affirming diversity, equity, and inclusion. Supporters from several caucuses framed DEI as a core California value and a response to federal attacks, while opponents criticized DEI as divisive. The transcript ends during debate on SCR 89, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, for instance, comprehensive local smoke-free ordinances are something that we've been in support
• I'm not sure if that would be interpreted to cover local smoke-free...
• I do know that... ...interpreted to cover local smoke-free.
• And the bill sponsor is very easy to work with, so you probably could express some concerns and find
• But we give them all that information for free.

Keywords: 959, house, all