Transcript Highlights:

• We're seeing more and more community collaboration. We're seeing trust between communities. ways.
• We're seeing more and more community collaboration.
• drop a bill tomorrow, but I think one of the things that we're really committed to is working collaboratively

Summary: Senate and House Democratic leaders used the meeting to discuss a broad package of bills they said were aimed at responding to federal ICE actions and protecting Washington residents. They highlighted an upcoming Senate vote on Senator Valdez’s bill banning law-enforcement masking, a Flock automated license plate reader restrictions bill moving through rules, and a bill to protect emergency response operations. They said the face-covering bill is intended to apply to law enforcement generally but is mainly aimed at federal agents, and argued it would improve accountability and set a clear state norm, while acknowledging legal questions and a similar California case. They also said they were working with the governor and attorney general on related protections and invited Republican support. The leaders also addressed several other policy items. They said a Senate bill to restore Washington College Grant and College Bound scholarship funding would be considered in the operating budget process, but it was too early to know whether reductions could be reversed. They expressed openness to a House bill limiting non-emergency charity care to Washington residents, citing border hospitals and the burden on local resources, and said they were open to oversight ideas for housing-related fraud concerns while defending the accountability systems already in place. They also discussed a House bill on camping enforcement tied to shelter availability, saying it was a complex issue and likely still under discussion. On budget and tax issues, they said an income tax proposal was likely to be introduced later in the week or the following week, with offsets either included in the bill or outlined in a companion measure. They also said they were still evaluating a tort-liability proposal and its projected savings, and were open to Representative Keaton’s memorial urging Washington to opt into a federal education tax credit, though they emphasized their priority remains funding public schools. Finally, they said a recycling/deposit-return bill had improved and was likely to move out of committee, and they expected a floor vote on the BAC bill the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• As Senator Rubio mentioned, the cities of La Verne and Covina are actively collaborating to establish
• La Verne and Covina are actively collaborating to establish a joint powers authority to create a regional
• of this JPA is to expand it to include additional public agencies, thus strengthening regional collaboration

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several retirement and school employment measures. SB 301 by Sen. Grayson would prevent CERL-covered cities and districts from amending retirement contracts to exclude certain employee groups, closing a loophole similar to one previously addressed for CalPERS. The bill was supported by California Professional Firefighters and received no opposition. SB 443 by Sen. Rubio would clarify that employees transferring into a joint powers authority can retain CalPERS classic status even when the JPA expands later; the city of La Verne, a flood management agency, and AFSCME supported the bill, and it also drew no opposition. Both bills were moved out of committee on unanimous votes and sent to Appropriations, with the consent calendar items SB 521, SB 581, and SB 853 also approved. The committee then heard SB 494 by Sen. Cortese, which would give classified school employees the right to have disciplinary appeals heard by an administrative law judge rather than by the school board. Supporters, including CSEA, AFSCME, and CFT, argued the bill would create parity with teachers and community college faculty and provide a fairer appeal process. Opponents, including the California School Boards Association, county superintendents, school business officials, and community college groups, argued it would remove local control, impose a one-size-fits-all process, and shift costs to districts. The bill was passed out of committee and referred to the Committee on Higher Education. The committee also considered SJR 2 by Sen. Cortese, a resolution urging Congress and the President to enact federal protections for classified school employees, including better wages, benefits, safety, and workplace rights. Support came from CFT, CSEA, and other labor groups, with no opposition. The resolution was adopted and moved forward. At the end of the hearing, the committee reopened the roll to add votes, and all listed measures ultimately passed unanimously or near-unanimously before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And on the water side, we are in, in regular discussion and collaboration with the TCEQ and the Water
• We're, we're, as I said, we're collaborating with the other agencies that work on water, and we ourselves
• are studying the electricity side, uh, quite intently and collaborating with our cod, OK, um.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Transcript Highlights:

• And we, you know, always want to try to collaborate whenever there's someone who is interested in collaborating
• And we, you know, always want to try to collaborate whenever there's someone who is interested in collaborating
• And we, you know, always want to try to collaborate whenever there's someone who is interested in collaborating
• And we, you know, always want to try to collaborate whenever there's someone who is interested in collaborating
• And we, you know, always want to try to collaborate whenever there's someone who is interested in collaborating

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a policy change in information that would be provided in collaboration with the Department of
• This is a policy change in information that would be provided in collaboration with the Department of
• This is a policy change in information that would be provided in collaboration with the Department of
• The collaboration with the parents on the development of the policy, um, absolutely makes sense, um,
• with the parents on the collaboration with the parents on the development<01:16:28.440><c> of</c><01

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been an awesome opportunity for us to be able to collaborate on this, to have some other House education
• I really appreciate the opportunity to collaborate, to work together, and to do some awesome teamwork

Summary: The House Pre-K through 12 Education Budget Conference met to consider Senate Offer Number One on the education budget, provisos, and back-of-bill items. Senator Burgess thanked the House for its prior offers and said the Senate was making its first offers, noting continued progress on many issues and specifically mentioning the FEPP scholarship and declining enrollment supplement as an unresolved area where both chambers agreed action is needed. The House responded by accepting a number of Senate offers. On the budget offer, the House accepted several listed rows, with the accepted rows and shaded rows closed and all other rows left to bump. The House also accepted specified rows in the proviso offer and back-of-bill offer, again closing those items and bumping the rest. The House stated that the Pre-K through 12 implementing bill sections, conforming bills, and Senate Bill 2514E would all bump in their entirety. In closing remarks, both sides praised the collaborative process and said they had worked through many issues, though some items remained outstanding. Representative Valdés moved to rise, and the conference adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been an awesome opportunity for us to be able to collaborate on this, to have some other House education
• really appreciate the—I did that for you, Senator Pizzo—I really appreciate the opportunity to collaborate

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been an awesome opportunity for us to be able to collaborate on this, to have some other House education
• I really appreciate the opportunity to collaborate, to work together, and to do some awesome teamwork

Summary: The House Pre-K through 12 Education Budget Conference met to consider Senate Offer Number One on the budget, proviso, and back-of-bill items. Senator Burgess said the Senate was making its first offers and noted continued progress on outstanding issues, including the FEPP, where the Senate maintained a new categorical for the scholarship and declining enrollment supplement. He emphasized that both chambers agreed something still needed to be done on that issue. Chair Smilke responded that the House accepted a number of the Senate’s proposed rows in the budget, proviso, and back-of-bill offers, with the accepted rows and shaded rows closed and all other rows bumping. The House also said the Pre-K through 12 implementing bill sections, conforming bills, and Senate Bill 2514E would bump in their entirety. The chair described the meeting as the first and last conference meeting of the week and thanked Senator Burgess and staff for their work. In closing remarks, Senator Burgess and Chair Smilke both praised the collaborative process and said there were still a few outstanding issues, but that was expected in a large budget. Representative Valdés then moved to rise, and the conference adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• DRC is absolutely committed to rolling up our sleeves and working in collaboration with everyone here
• I'm the co-founder of the Integrated Community Collaborative. My name is Fernando Gomez.
• But we are wanting to ensure, right, as a department, as a system, that we're collaborative, that we
• I'm a self-advocate with the Integrated Community Collaborative.
• I'm affiliated with Community Collaborative.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing on several Department of Developmental Services proposals, with no votes taken. The first item focused on equitable access to intake and services for regional center clients, including standardizing eligibility assessments and modernizing the strengths-and-needs evaluation used to inform individual program plans. DDS said the changes would create a more consistent, equitable, and evidence-based process statewide, while the LAO explained the proposals as a response to disparities and inconsistent regional center practices. Advocates and regional center representatives were divided: Disability Rights California, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and some providers supported modernization but urged clearer safeguards, more community co-design, and stronger legislative review; others, including some regional center leaders and family advocates, warned against replacing the CEDER too quickly and stressed the need to preserve the person-centered IPP process. Committee members emphasized fair process, fidelity, and the need for a validated tool, while also noting that the proposals would not change eligibility definitions or replace IPPs. The second major item addressed state-operated transitional and rehabilitative services, including proposed time limits for stays at Porterville Developmental Center and Canyon Springs, plus the merger of the Community Placement Program and Community Resource Development Program. DDS argued that people should not remain in locked facilities for years and that the proposal would create urgency, clearer transition planning, a right of return, and a more efficient single program for community resource development. Supporters, including Disability Rights California, the State Council, the Public Defenders Association, and some service providers, said the proposals align with Olmstead and the Lanterman Act, reduce overreliance on institutions, and should be paired with stronger mental health supports, oversight, and notice to counsel. Opponents, including a district attorney representative, argued that a blanket 24-month limit could endanger public safety and that some individuals require longer, case-by-case commitments. Committee members said they wanted a more comprehensive plan showing that community placements and supports will be ready before people are moved, and they questioned whether an arbitrary timeline could work for such a complex population. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly stressed that any implementation must be fair, transparent, and backed by valid tools, adequate community capacity, and public input. DDS said both sets of proposals would require legislative approval and that the department is still open to changes in trailer bill language and further stakeholder consultation. The hearing ended with the committee indicating it would continue reviewing the proposals and hear public comment, but no formal action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also collaborate with Doulas of the Diaspora, and I stand among the first to register as a MassHealth
• The nurse, midwife, and I worked closely, sharing suggestions and collaborating on how best to support
• including limited access to clear guidance, inconsistent reimbursement, and a lack of meaningful collaboration
• And when agencies want to collaborate, they stay siloed.
• of mothers and fathers and DULAs only empower mothers, but also strengthen fathers by fostering collaboration

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a lengthy public hearing with testimony on a wide range of health insurance and access-to-care bills. Early testimony focused on prescription drug pricing and pharmacy reimbursement, with supporters of H. 1326 arguing that pharmacy benefit managers and MassHealth managed care arrangements reimburse independent pharmacies too little, contributing to pharmacy closures and “pharmacy deserts.” The committee also heard repeated support for H. 1151/S. 742 on cognitive rehabilitation for acquired brain injury, H. 1288/S. 716 on telehealth parity for nutrition counseling, H. 1309/S. 761 on full-spectrum pregnancy care without cost-sharing, H. 1312 on insurance coverage for doula services, H. 309 on prompt access to health care by removing deductibles for certain services, H. 809/H. 1227 on biomarker testing, H. 1162/S. 810 on reducing inequities in access to medical procedures by limiting insurer cuts tied to Modifier 25, and S. 726 on insurance coverage for mobile integrated health. Testifiers included legislators, physicians, pharmacists, dietitians, emergency and rehabilitation clinicians, and patients and family members. Supporters of the brain injury bill said cognitive rehabilitation is medically necessary, improves long-term outcomes, and can reduce institutional care and public costs; they noted the bill has been heard repeatedly and has support from the Brain Injury Commission and prior favorable committee action. Supporters of the pregnancy care and doula bills described out-of-pocket costs as a barrier to maternal health and shared personal stories of high bills and unmet support needs. Biomarker testing advocates and cancer patients said coverage gaps deny patients access to precision treatment, can lead to avoidable suffering, and should be standardized across insurers; several speakers said insurers often deny claims despite clinical benefit. Dermatology witnesses said insurers’ use of Modifier 25 cuts reimbursement for same-day evaluation and procedure visits, forcing separate appointments and increasing patient burden. Mobile integrated health supporters described home-based care as a way to reduce emergency department use and hospital readmissions, especially for patients with transportation or mobility barriers. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• Demands for an eviction moratorium, ending police collaboration with ICE, and protection of protesters
• Demands for an eviction moratorium, ending police collaboration with ICE, and protection of protesters
• Demands for an eviction moratorium, ending police collaboration with ICE, and protection of protesters
• It is developed in collaboration with educators, scholars, and community members.
• they learn to collaborate and work toward<00:58:06.560><c> common</c><00:58:06.880><c> goals.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee held a joint hearing recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and focusing on civic education, free speech, voting, and Minnesota’s America 250 commemorations. Opening remarks emphasized the importance of education, Indigenous land acknowledgement, and the idea that democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. The chair then invited student debaters from the Minnesota High School League to testify about how debate, free speech, and evidence-based reasoning have shaped their education and civic participation. The students argued that debate teaches critical thinking, helps young people engage with difficult issues, and should be protected as part of a healthy democracy; one also urged lawmakers to move beyond empty promises and take action on issues such as eviction moratoriums, ICE collaboration, and protest protections. Commissioner Willie Jett of the Minnesota Department of Education testified that public education is where citizenship first becomes real, and that schools, libraries, and educators help students learn to listen, question, debate respectfully, and understand both the ideals and failures of American history. He said democracy is something each generation must learn and strengthen, and thanked the committee for convening the hearing. Former students Sarah Griffin and Charlie Crocker then offered tributes to Senator Swedzinski, describing how his teaching encouraged civic engagement, disagreement, and action, and how his classroom shaped their lives and public service. Their remarks emphasized that democracy is not a spectator sport and that ordinary people build it through small, courageous acts. Secretary of State Steve Simon followed with testimony on Minnesota’s civic culture and voter participation. He said Minnesota has long ranked near the top nationally in voter turnout, including youth turnout, and attributed that to a combination of good election laws and a strong pro-voting culture. He highlighted school-based civic education efforts such as pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and the Students Vote mock election program, and noted that Minnesota’s congressional delegation was unanimous in supporting the Voting Rights Act in 1965 as an example of the state coming together on major moral questions. The Minnesota Historical Society then began its presentation on America 250, with Kent Whitworth describing the organization’s role, the new edition of the Northern Lights curriculum, and broader commemorative activities; Dr. Bill Convery introduced historical context about how Americans have celebrated independence and how the semiquincentennial can leave a legacy for future generations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're requiring schools who receive the grants to collaborate with organizations that can provide this
• The Administrative Office of the Courts must administer the grant program in collaboration with relevant
• The Administrative Office of the Courts must administer the grant program in collaboration with relevant
• What we did was through the collaboration between the sheriff, the school districts, and my office, we
• This includes collaboration with the weights measure service division within the Department of Agriculture

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2615, as amended by a strike-everything amendment creating an Independent Oversight Committee on the Department of Child Safety with 15 members, authority to review DCS data and practices, request briefings and audits, conduct site visits, and receive confidential complaints, with a $2.2 million FY 2027 appropriation. The sponsor and several parents and foster/adoptive caregivers testified in support, describing child safety failures and arguing for independent accountability, while some members questioned whether the Ombudsman’s office was the right home for the committee and suggested other oversight structures. The amendment was adopted, but the bill itself failed on a 5-5 vote. House Bill 2620, which would appropriate $300,000 annually from FY 2027 through FY 2031 to the Arizona Department of Veterans Services for grants to emergency shelters serving veterans, received strong support from the sponsor and shelter advocates who said the funding would help move homeless veterans toward stable housing and connect them with VA services. Members emphasized veterans’ service and the need for trauma-informed case management, and the bill passed with a 10-0 do-pass recommendation. House Bill 2321, requiring DCS to place and later remove a credit freeze for children in care to prevent identity theft, also passed unanimously after the sponsor and members discussed the administrative process and protections for foster youth. The committee then considered House Bill 2601, directing ADOT to seek federal segmentation for the Interstate 11 project between Casa Grande and Wickenburg so environmental review could proceed separately from litigation affecting the southern portion. Supporters framed the bill as a bipartisan way to keep the project moving, while opponents from environmental groups and several members argued it would encourage sprawl, harm desert habitat, and add cost and delay; the bill passed 6-4. House Bill 2992, a pilot program for child sexual abuse and grooming awareness education in six public schools, drew testimony from a trafficking survivor and others who supported prevention efforts, but some members argued the topic should be handled through broader sex education or parent education; it passed 6-4. Later bills also advanced: HB 2156, appropriating $250,000 to the Livestock Compensation Fund, passed 7-3; HB 2165, exempting certain veterans and National Guard members from state park admission fees, passed 6-4 after amendment narrowing the exemption; HB 2960, creating a veterans specialty court grant program and related data-sharing requirements, passed 8-0; HB 2014, directing studies on gasoline blends and fuel feasibility amid EPA waiver concerns, passed 6-2; and HB 2957, preserving non-Real ID licenses and limiting biometric/data retention with a Kavanaugh amendment, passed 5-4-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also value the collaborative process this bill went through leading up to the session.
• We also value the collaborative process this bill went through leading up to the session.
• This was not part of that collaborative agreement that you just heard about.
• this was not part of that collaborative this was not part of that collaborative agreement<00:04:04.720
• </c> to learn a lot and and collaboratively to learn a lot and and collaboratively with<01:01:42.240>

Bills: HB0116 , HB0056

Committee: House Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Keywords: water rights, beneficial use, industrial production, hydrogen, applications, public welfare, carbon capture, energy standards, public utilities, environmental regulation, state law, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the GOP, thank you to Chair Schumacher and also to Representative Gander for the cooperation and collaboration
• the GOP, thank you to Chair Schumacher and also to Representative Gander for the cooperation and collaboration
• to say thank you for the effort to get this bill before us and for the bill before us and the collaboration
• to say thank you for the effort to get this bill before us and for the bill before us and the collaboration
• and collaboration that we've had.<00:02:30.319><c> And</c><00:02:30.480><c> from</c><00:02:30.720><c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Watership protection Community Watership protection Community collaboration<00:04:36.080><c> fire</c>
• <00:04:36.479><c> suppressions</c><00:04:37.120><c> through</c> collaboration fire suppressions through
• collaboration fire suppressions through invasive<00:04:38.560><c> M</c><00:04:39.160><c> vegetation<
• Making sure the coordination and collaboration is strong, that is an excellent goal, but I fear that
• Making sure the coordination and collaboration is strong, that is an excellent goal, but I fear that

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused on a bill reorganizing Hawaiʻi’s biosecurity and invasive species framework, including moving or renaming responsibilities within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and clarifying the role of the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC). Testimony from the Hawaiian Invasive Species Council, DLNR, Oʻahu and Big Island invasive species committees, the Sierra Club, farmers, and community members generally agreed that invasive species management is critical, but many opposed consolidating HISC or broader biosecurity functions into a single department. Supporters of the existing interagency model emphasized HISC’s statewide coordination role, its links to DLNR and other agencies, and its ability to fill gaps with federal funding and cross-agency collaboration. Several testifiers raised concerns that the bill could weaken existing authority or create unintended legal and operational problems. The Sierra Club and others warned about possible interstate commerce issues, loss of authority to regulate movement of infested material within an island, and the need to preserve HISC as an independent or elevated coordinating body rather than placing it inside one agency. Community testimony described real-world impacts from little fire ants, coqui frogs, and landscaping-related introductions, and argued that the current system has produced service gaps and duplication when funding or responsibilities shift. One testifier also urged removing hemp movement reporting provisions, saying they do not aid biosecurity and should be treated like other crops. DLNR and Department of Agriculture representatives said they support the overall goal of stronger biosecurity but stressed that invasive species work is broader than agriculture alone. They noted that DOA, DLNR, and other partners each have different missions and capabilities, and that staff safety, terrain, and training matter when responding in remote areas. The department said it was recruiting for new positions, with some of the 44 funded positions still being finalized, and that implementation would require phased rulemaking, standards, training, and outreach. Members asked about the bill’s practical impact, staffing needs, and whether inspectors are prohibited from hiking; the department said no blanket prohibition exists, but staff use judgment based on safety and terrain. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• On page one, at lines 9 through 11, it states that the Department of Education, in collaboration with
• with the Department of collaboration with the Department of Health<00:51:47.000><c> shall</c><00:51:
• </c><00:54:52.240><c> along</c> are um one of the collaborators along are um one of the collaborators
• The Department of Health will work collaboratively with the Department of Education for these protocols
• The Department of Health will work collaboratively with the Department of Education on these protocols

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to brief you today on the very exciting innovation and collaboration we've
• Thank you for the opportunity to brief you today on the very exciting innovation and collaboration we've
• I want to talk about a collaboration recently with the Community College Chancellor's Office and the
• A few weeks ago, I was presenting to the Board of Governors and shared this CalKIDS collaboration, and
• And we'll continue to deepen this collaboration and together support the millions of adults and youth

Summary: The committee heard an update on the administration’s Career Education Master Plan and the new California Education Interagency Council. Administration and agency staff described efforts to better connect K-12, higher education, workforce, and data systems, including the California Cradle to Career Data System, e-Transcript California, and a proposed career passport. They emphasized regional coordination with workforce boards and community colleges, and said the new council’s immediate tasks are to hold its first meeting by the end of June, enter into a data-sharing MOU, and complete a strategic plan by the end of November. Members asked about the council’s authority, reporting requirements, and how it would relate to the broader Master Plan for Higher Education; staff said the council will make recommendations but does not have implementation authority. The committee then took up the Governor’s proposed $100 million one-time expansion of dual enrollment grants and related changes to instructional minute requirements. Finance and the Department of Education said the proposal would support middle college, early college, and CCAP programs, add technical assistance, prioritize high-need LEAs, and reduce the minimum instructional day for certain dual enrollment students from 240 to 180 minutes to ease scheduling barriers. The Chancellor’s Office strongly supported the investment, citing access, acceleration, and equity benefits, while the LAO recommended rejecting the funding, arguing the state already provides ongoing support and that the proposal does not address major barriers. Members raised questions about adult learners, A-G alignment, reporting on outcomes and expenditures, rural access, transportation, staffing, and whether the funding would create lasting program capacity. The item was left open after discussion. The committee also considered trailer bill language to align the definition of long-term English learners across data systems. Finance and CDE said the change would simplify identification by defining LTELs as students who have not attained English proficiency within seven years and RTELs as students not proficient within six years, matching the dashboard and research-based timelines. CDE said the current mismatch between dashboard and assessment definitions creates confusion and delays, while some members and advocates worried the change could reduce earlier intervention or should be handled through policy committees rather than the budget process. The committee voted to reject the proposal and refer it to policy, though the administration said it still supports the budget language. Finally, the committee heard a proposal to extend the Supporting Inclusive Practices project by one year, through June 30, 2027. CDE said the project is promising but raised concerns about the contract structure and fiscal management, while Marysville Joint Unified School District testified that SIP had helped expand inclusive preschool and district-wide practices and reduce reliance on more restrictive placements. Members questioned why funds had not been fully encumbered and whether the remaining money should be redirected to areas with greater implementation need. The item was discussed but no final action was described in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• They proposed a variety of, the scheme has changed over the years, mostly because of changes in collaboration
• Planning and Research as neutral territory for the three segments to engage in, compete for, and collaborate
• And compete for and collaborate on grants.
• So, working closely with them, we collaborate routinely on projects within the state.
• We help convene and collaborate and coordinate activities across the state on this space.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• so studies showing what I just passed out in my handout, Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative
• studies showing what i just passed out in my handout um Nebraska perinatal quality improvement collaborative
• The speaker said it has been a real collaborative effort and that they are in a good spot regarding the
• So it's been a real collaborative effort.
• They collaborate and get all the information together.

Bills: LB878 , LB958 , LB958A , LB762 , LB1187 , LB966 , LB929 , LB962 , LB1209 , LB937A , LB962A , LB1050 , LB1050A , LB965 , LB1022 , LB753 , LB788 , LB913 , LB1055 , LB1195 , LB429 , LB721 , LB722 , LB727 , LB745 , LB749 , LB778 , LR293 , LR296 , LR422 , LR495 , LR496 , LR497 , LR498 , LR499 , LR500 , LR501 , LR502 , LR503 , LR504

Keywords: paid parental leave, state employees, workplace benefits, family support, economic impact, Medicaid, Medical Assistance Act, home and community-based services waiver, HCBS waiver, waiver participant, assessment tool, clinical interviewing, service tier, retroactive coverage, doula, doula reimbursement, maternal health, prenatal care, pregnancy, birth outcomes

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that you're working collaboratively.
• And I know that you're working collaboratively to try and make sure the bill does what it's intended,
• This bill represents the best way to advance the strategies of the RFFCP collaborators and to implement
• This bill represents the best way to advance the strategies of the RFFCP collaborators and to implement
• is the tools to actually implement these strategies that have been developed by the regional collaboratives

Summary: The committee heard several bills and one resolution focused on recycling, housing affordability, air quality, coastal protection, wildfire resilience, and nuclear policy. AB 2559, by Assembly Member Ward, would require local governments to return refundable construction and demolition permit deposits if compliance documentation is submitted within three years of final inspection; supporters said it would prevent homeowners and developers from losing deposits due to mismatched local deadlines, and it passed unanimously as amended to Appropriations. AB 1704, by Assembly Member Gonzalez, would require CARB to assess the cost of lower-embodied-carbon building materials and pause the embodied-carbon program if cost parity is not reached; supporters framed it as a housing affordability safeguard, while environmental groups argued it would delay implementation of a key climate law. The bill passed on a party-line vote to Appropriations. AB 2349, by Assembly Member Solache, would create regional air quality incident response centers for emergency monitoring and coordination; it drew strong support from air district and local government representatives and passed unanimously to Appropriations. ACR 149, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act and Coastal Conservancy, highlighted coastal access, habitat protection, and climate adaptation; it passed the committee, though some members voted no. AB 1960, by Assembly Member Bennett, would let Cal Fire fund community-level wildfire hardening projects through the Wildfire Prevention Grants Fund; members raised questions about funding and implementation, but it passed to Appropriations. AB 2254, the Coastal Monarchs Protection Act, would require coastal local governments to add monarch overwintering protections when updating local coastal plans; supporters cited steep monarch declines and economic benefits, while local government groups opposed the mandate as duplicative and burdensome, and it passed to Water, Parks and Wildlife. AB 2253 would restrict deceptive recycled-content claims and mass-balance accounting practices; supporters said it would protect consumers and real recyclers, while business groups argued it would conflict with recognized accounting systems and EPR programs. The transcript also included AB 1757, which would create a limited carve-out from California’s nuclear moratorium for microreactors; supporters said it could provide clean, local power and support data centers, while opponents warned of cost, waste, and safety risks. The committee ultimately rejected AB 1757 on a divided vote, then granted reconsideration, and the discussion continued without a final action shown in the excerpt.