Transcript Highlights:

• And so we're grateful for this next step forward.
• I think Chairman Hull's bill is a step in that direction.
• And I think it is an incremental step, but it's a very significant incremental step.
• So this is a step in the right direction. I urge you to support this bill.
• House Bill 4116 is a much-needed step forward. for these kinship caregivers.

Bills: HB741, HB 1199, HB2070, HB2402, HB2542, HB2665, HB2789, HB3096, HB3396, HB3595, HB3747, HB4116, HB4127

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• So thank you all for when you did step in.
• Steps in this process, and I'd like to walk you through those steps because they're all very important
• Not taking a deep dive, but rather stepping back and modeling.
• And in fact, Chairwoman Step... and Director Tanya Miller.
• Our current project was going to take great steps in that direction.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But this is a necessary step. We know the U.S. Congress has not done its job.
• If we can cut off the ill effects, then I think we're getting one step ahead of it.
• I'd make every single step feel like rebellion, compassion, or scientific truth.
• Every step of the way, the author, the lead author of this measure, has worked with me and Every step
• AB 2676 goes a giant step further.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before moving through the daily file. Several measures were taken up and passed, including bills on county jail accountability (AB 2257), claims against public agencies (AB 2529), affordable housing management metrics (AB 2689), digital wellness instruction in schools (AB 2071), pedestrian and bicycle safety project streamlining (AB 1976), manufactured home transport permits (AB 2012), a Surplus Land Act amendment tied to an Inland Empire soccer project (AB 2139), a Monterey Bay stewardship authority (AB 1548), online electrician licensing (AB 1707), a Caltrans study of navigation apps’ traffic impacts (AB 2105), coastal resiliency permitting reforms (AB 2051), downtown housing streamlining and financing (AB 2074), Cal Fire compensation (AB 2129), emergency care authority for Del Puerto Health Care District (AB 2282), charter school facilities hardship relief (AB 2316), theft by a peace officer under color of authority as serious misconduct (AB 2337), an Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander-serving institution designation (AB 2374), energy and cannabis support bills (AB 2464, AB 2537), and a suicide prevention plan requirement for treatment facilities (AB 2562). Most of these measures passed with broad bipartisan margins, and several were described as support bills with no opposition. The floor also debated a major criminal justice measure, AB 2727, which would raise the threshold for elderly parole eligibility for people serving sentences for violent sex offenses and add screening safeguards. Supporters from both parties emphasized child protection, survivor trauma, and specific local cases involving offenders who had become eligible for release; the bill passed 66-0. Another significant debate centered on AB 1958, which would clarify procedures under the California Racial Justice Act by refining how disparity claims are established and rebutted; the author said he would take Senate amendments to address concerns from district attorneys. The Assembly also considered AB 2313, a gas-to-electric transition bill allowing customers with planned service line replacements to opt out of gas service and use funds to electrify their homes. Members raised concerns about cost shifts and equity, and the author responded that the bill includes no-cost-shift language, larger credits for disadvantaged communities, and would not proceed if the math does not work; it passed 41-21. The final major item was AB 1709, a high-profile social media safety bill creating a minimum age of 16 for accounts on platforms using addictive features and establishing an e-safety commission. The author and many supporters from both parties framed the bill as a response to youth mental health harms, addictive design, and the need for age-based safeguards, while some members raised concerns about impacts on LGBTQ youth and other isolated young people who rely on online spaces. Supporters said the bill targets addictive design rather than speech and is intended to preserve safe online connection while limiting harmful features. The measure drew extensive bipartisan support and was still under debate at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's, each step of that is a competitive process.
• Each of these steps, there could be a different timeline.
• But it doesn't yet include some extra steps.
• And so that is another way in which we're stepping in to try to fill this void or step into this breach
• But I think this is a great step forward, and I urge you to support it. Thank you.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview of the Governor’s housing reorganization proposal and trailer bill language that would consolidate several affordable housing finance programs under the new Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC). Administration officials said the plan is intended to create a one-stop application and award process, reduce duplication, and pair state subsidy with private activity bonds and federal tax credits so projects can move from award to construction more quickly. The proposal would also shift some positions and reallocate portions of the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program and other housing funds. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the concept has merit but raised concerns about the proposed bond set-aside floor and recommended more flexibility and earlier reallocation of unused bonds. Several senators questioned the structure and, especially, the proposed changes to the climate-related ASIC program, arguing that it could weaken the program’s original transportation-and-housing integration and that the budget lacks enough direct funding for core housing production programs. The item was held open. The committee then received an update from the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee on federal tax credit changes and state housing finance tools. Staff explained that federal H.R. 1 increased the 9% low-income housing tax credit allocation and reduced the bond-financing threshold for the 4% credit from 50% to 25%, allowing California to finance many more projects. They reported that emergency regulations were adopted quickly to implement the new federal rules, resulting in awards for 195 projects and more than 25,000 units in the 4% program, while the 9% program funded 58 projects and nearly 3,000 units. Members discussed the importance of state enhanced low-income housing tax credits, with committee questions focused on how much additional leverage state credits provide and how they help fill remaining financing gaps. The final portion of the hearing focused on the Civil Rights Department’s response to federal civil rights policy changes and on three programs facing the end of limited-term funding: California vs. Hate, the Community Conflict Resolution Unit, and Investigations and Conciliation Enhancement. Director Kevin Kish said federal civil rights enforcement has been weakened by closed offices, shuttered programs, and reduced support for fair housing organizations, while CRD’s open caseload has grown from about 8,700 to more than 12,000 matters. He said the department is using overtime, triage, and process reengineering to manage the surge and to direct people to the right services. Senators expressed strong support for continuing the programs and concern that California is being asked to do more with less as federal protections erode. No votes were taken on the informational items, and the committee discussed the vote-only budget requests for CRD separately.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe she stepped out for just a second, Mr.
• Maybe she stepped out for just a second, Mr. Chair, so I apologize for that.
• Push forward some initial steps that we've made in trying to advocate and market the organization to
• I want to make sure I communicate the right thing in regard to our next steps.
• I've held off on advertising that until after this steps.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know a lot of people that have been stepped off.
• I don't know a lot of people that have been stepped off.
• I don't know a lot of people that have been stepped off.
• <00:47:59.440> I >> And I hear about this step down stuff.
• I >> And I hear about this step down stuff.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on February 24, 2026, with a quorum present and took up one bill, House Bill 470. The bill sponsor and supporters described it as a cleanup measure to House Bill 505 that would extend the deadline for peer support specialists in the substance use field to become registered, because the earlier regulations were not promulgated in time and employers and workers were left in limbo. Supporters said the bill includes an emergency clause to stabilize the workforce and creates a working group to recommend a more effective oversight structure, possibly a new board, by November 1. They argued the extension would preserve access to services, allow providers to continue billing for peer support, and give the state time to address regulatory backlogs and workforce shortages. Several supporters emphasized that peer support is a critical part of recovery services and that the current system needs better infrastructure, accountability, and uniform standards. They said the bill would help prevent fraud and abuse by tightening guardrails while allowing qualified peers to keep working. One supporter said the bill would close the door on higher-level billing abuses and that other Medicaid-related efforts were also underway to address improper billing practices. Another witness said the bill would allow people who completed certification to continue serving and would help providers retain staff and get reimbursed. Senator McDaniel raised concerns that the bill might simply extend the period during which abuse of the peer recovery model could continue, rather than fixing the underlying problems. In response, the sponsors said House Bill 505 already imposed tighter training requirements and that this bill only extends the registration deadline while other efforts, including managed care organization limits and broader Medicaid reforms, are addressing abuse. Senator Howell asked about barriers to registration, and witnesses said the problem was a mix of supply-demand issues, workload, and some applicants’ reluctance to take the test. Senator Berg supported the bill as necessary to ensure proper billing and accountability, while Senator Meredith said the committee was missing key information from the cabinet and suggested it may be premature to act without hearing from the agency. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we stepped up to help the jurisdictions come into compliance.
• I think level two, it could be a stepping stone, right?
• I think level two could be a stepping stone, right?
• The Tesla Semi represents just a step-change advance in both cost as well as capabilities.
• As the federal government steps back, we need the state to step up in order to maintain momentum.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Select Committee on Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure focused on California’s EV market, charging infrastructure, and the effects of recent federal actions. The chair opened by emphasizing California’s progress on EV adoption and charging reliability, but also noted ongoing challenges with affordability, access, interoperability, heavy-duty electrification, and federal headwinds. She highlighted interest in technologies such as inductive charging and thanked host organizations and staff before moving to the first panel. State agency witnesses from Go-Biz, CARB, and the California Energy Commission described current programs and priorities. Go-Biz outlined its role in coordinating agencies, supporting permitting, and advancing the state’s ZEV market development strategy and equity action plan. CARB discussed federal attacks on its clean vehicle regulations, litigation to defend waiver authority, and the importance of incentives and regulatory programs such as Advanced Clean Trucks, Advanced Clean Fleets, Clean Truck Check, HVIP, and Clean Cars for All. The CEC detailed its funding and regulatory work on charging and fueling infrastructure, charger reliability, payment methods, roaming, and statewide planning, while stressing the need for more charging in multifamily housing and more public DC fast charging. All three agencies said federal rollbacks and permitting delays are major obstacles, but that California remains committed to expanding ZEV adoption. The second panel featured advocates, local government, utility, and research perspectives. CalETC urged continuous state funding through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and emphasized the low-carbon fuel standard, multifamily charging, and managed charging. An EV advocacy group proposed a conquest-style state incentive for new and used EV buyers and argued that multifamily housing is a major untapped market, while also favoring Level 2 charging over Level 1 for most home and apartment settings. Los Angeles County and LADWP described large-scale local deployment of chargers, fleet electrification, workforce training, and the need for sustained funding, agency coordination, and streamlined permitting and grid interconnection. UCS recommended prioritizing replacement of older high-emitting vehicles, using fuel policy revenues to support cleaner cars, and expanding bidirectional charging. The chair closed by asking for more discussion on Level 1 versus Level 2 charging and noted the importance of education, affordability, and practical deployment strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'd ask these things that you would grant our steps and wisdom that we need as we make decisions on
• floor is not to cast aspersions on the quality of the candidates, the nominees who are willing to step
• So we'd like to see if maybe a step could be taken in that direction. Thank you, Mr. President.
• I like everybody else appreciate those that have stepped forward, but the process... ...do and then these
• I like everybody else appreciate those that have stepped forward, but the process... ...itself has just

Keywords: 907, all

Transcript Highlights:

• think our director has some ideas there, so she's going to kind of work with staff on what the next steps
• I don't know if you have any ideas of next steps, as far as I mean, it wasn't your work, but do you have
• next steps in mind?
• requests to look at data related to those members, and then also a briefing on the study and next steps
• of oomph into the legislative process when a new bill drops and kind of kicks through those initial steps

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• think our director has some ideas there, so she's going to kind of work with staff on what the next steps
• I don't know if you have any ideas of next steps as far as—I mean, it wasn't your work, but do you have
• next steps in mind?
• I think some of the steps that Darren articulated was further comparison of plans two and three membership
• requests to look at data related to those members, and then also a briefing on the study and next steps

Summary: The executive committee approved the May minutes by roll call vote, then received an actuarial update from Sarah Baker of the State Actuary’s Office. Baker explained the office’s annual work, including the DRS pension actuarial evaluation, support for state financial reporting, cash flow analysis, a six-year pension contribution outlook, interim support for GIT and WAL CARES, and an upcoming actuarial evaluation of the volunteer firefighters pension plan. She also responded to questions about bills allowing members to transfer into PERS, noting that such transfers have historically increased PERS costs and that any added cost would be borne by PERS members and employers depending on bill structure and affected demographics. Kate Adams of the Attorney General’s office reported no new developments in the cases the committee is monitoring. She said the Dawson case is still in its early stages, with a judge assigned and a discovery plan due at the end of July. The committee asked for continued updates on that litigation. The committee then discussed interim work planning, focusing first on animal control officers’ eligibility for PERS and asking staff to continue researching definitions, comparable treatment in nearby states, and the cost and service-credit implications for affected employees. Members also discussed Plan 3 issues, including comparisons of Plan 2 and Plan 3 membership and data, and possible future briefing topics. The largest discussion centered on Plan 1 COLAs: members and retiree representatives debated whether to pursue a permanent COLA or an ad hoc COLA, and whether budget language should require future budget writers to consider a COLA. Retiree groups said they preferred a permanent COLA but were open to further discussion; staff was asked to continue work on possible language and policy options. The committee reviewed correspondence on four topics: Plan 1 COLA requests, a request to study LEOFF 2-style medical reimbursements for Washington State Patrol survivors, and a request to allow certain members to change survivor option elections after the federal Social Security Fairness Act. The committee agreed to bring the State Patrol medical reimbursement issue and the Social Security Fairness Act issue back for July, with staff to gather more information and provide an informational briefing. The July agenda was approved and includes the OSA annual update, the LEOFF 2 Board annual update, a PERS/TRS Plan 1 ad hoc COLA item, and the two survivor-related topics.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also, let's see, we also did a step-in. Very briefly.
• We also, let's see, we also did a step-in process.
• than going a full yank of 100% of their classroom site fund monies, what this actually would do is step
• What this actually would do is step into that.
• We think that this more moderate approach, where it steps in, I mean, look, if you can't comply within

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, approval of the journal, and a recess for a performance honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Members then introduced guests and proclamations, including Hispanic Leadership Institute Day at the Capitol and a Children’s Health Day advocacy group focused on immunizations. Additional personal privileges recognized the doctor of the day, a senator’s husband on an upcoming anniversary, and other visitors and community groups. The main legislative item was SCR 1032, a referral to the voters concerning school district budgets and classroom spending. After a Government Committee amendment and a floor amendment were adopted, the measure would require larger school districts to spend at least 60% of operational spending on direct instructional expenses, with penalties that phase in reductions to classroom site fund allocations for noncompliance. Supporters argued the measure would push more money into classrooms and teacher pay and give voters a say in how district funds are used; opponents said it would micromanage local school boards, cut funding for important services such as nurses, counselors, transportation, and maintenance, and unfairly target district schools while excluding charters. SCR 1032 passed the Senate 16-12, with two not voting, and was transmitted to the House. The Senate also passed SB 1071 by a vote of 17-11, with two not voting. Discussion centered on an amendment related to the Arizona Rangers; supporters said the bill was not a full repeal but would create external oversight, improve background checks, and require better training documentation and accountability. The chamber also announced upcoming caucus and committee meetings before adjourning until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• for all of his work on this, is it makes it really clear that functional zero unsheltered is only a step
• His work on this is that it makes it really clear that functional zero unsheltered is only a step toward
• It is a milestone; it is a stepping stone toward functional zero.
• have a functional zero and shelter definition in there that acknowledges that it is an important stepping
• And this is one step in the right direction. So I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard several homelessness, public benefits, and aging-related bills. SB 748 would expand Encampment Resolution Funding to support safe parking sites for people living in cars or RVs, require quarterly reporting from HCD on outcomes, and direct LAO evaluation; supporters said it would help local governments reduce RV encampments while connecting people to housing and services. SB 290 would repeal the CalWORKs immunization sanction that reduces aid when parents cannot provide acceptable proof of a child’s vaccination; supporters argued the penalty unfairly harms families already in poverty and can worsen instability, while no opposition testified. SB 606 would define “functional zero” for overall and unsheltered homelessness and require local jurisdictions to plan for and report on the housing and interim shelter needed to reach that goal; supporters said it would add accountability and focus on reducing unsheltered homelessness, and one group moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. SB 433 would create an income-based room-and-board cap and personal needs allowance for all Medi-Cal assisted living participants in residential care facilities for the elderly, not just SSI recipients; supporters said it would prevent eviction and homelessness among low-income seniors and people with disabilities, and facility groups withdrew opposition or moved to neutral after amendments. SB 761 would require students applying for Cal Grants to be notified that they may be eligible for CalFresh and given information on how to apply; supporters said it would address widespread student food insecurity and low enrollment among eligible students. The committee accepted amendments on the bills, and all of the measures discussed were reported out on 7-0 or similar unanimous votes to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, with the consent calendar also approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill takes three practical, urgently needed steps to help prevent destructive oil spills in California
• I'm proud to present SB 616, which is an important bill that will take a crucial step towards improving
• What we learned is that there's a lot of need, and we need to solve the crisis, and this is the first step
• SB 616 represents an important step forward in our fight to protect communities. from the kinds of devastating
• When homeowners know the risk, they can take meaningful steps to reduce it, protecting their communities

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a logical next step.
• SB 72 is the first step that we need to change this mindset, get out of a crisis mindset, and be planners
• This bill is a ...” “... step in the right direction, but unfortunately we have to continue to fight
• It's important to note, as the Senator also mentioned, that the state has already taken active steps
• It's important to note as the Senator also mentioned that the state has already taken active steps to

Summary: The committee heard several water- and environment-related bills. SB 72, by Senator Caballero, would modernize the California Water Plan and set long-term water supply targets, including an interim goal of 9 million acre-feet of additional water by 2040. Supporters from water districts, local governments, business groups, and agricultural interests argued the bill is needed to address climate-driven shortages, protect the economy, and improve planning for droughts, flooding, recharge, recycling, storage, and conveyance. Opponents, including environmental and conservation groups, argued the bill could overstate demand, increase costs, and make it harder to protect instream flows and ecosystems. The committee discussed the science behind the 9 million acre-feet target and the need to balance water supply planning with fish and ecological needs. SB 72 passed on a do-pass motion to Appropriations. SB 369, by Senator Padilla, would require a local skilled and trained workforce for all Salton Sea restoration work. The author and sponsors said the bill would protect workers exposed to hazardous conditions at the Salton Sea, create good local jobs in Imperial County, and ensure long-term workforce standards for publicly funded restoration projects. Support came from labor organizations, contractors, and other regional stakeholders; no opposition testified. Members emphasized the region’s high unemployment and the importance of workforce development. The bill passed on a do-pass motion to Labor and Employment. SB 697, by Senator Laird, would update the stream system adjudication process by allowing the State Water Board to use modern technology, such as stream gauges and digitized records, when investigating water rights claims, while still allowing field investigations when needed. The author said the process has not been updated since 1976 and should be streamlined. After amendments addressed stakeholder concerns, there was no opposition testimony. The committee asked whether the bill would affect pre-1914 water rights, and the author said it would not. SB 697 passed as amended to Judiciary. The committee also approved consent calendar items SB 599, SB 609, and SB 765 earlier in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• nitrates in the soil is that we'll need a full court press—a lot of different programs—and this is one step
• I think this is a step in the right direction.
• This bill is not the perfect bill in the House, but it's a step forward.
• And as someone who doesn't like when government steps in, just I'm like Solution to this.
• And that's why the bill in front of us today, yes, takes a very good step, but it doesn't take the step

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill represents a critical step in protecting the health, dignity, and lives of Texas workers who
• These standards would be made with the input of health experts, workers, and employers. a great first step
• That is why we implore you to pass HB446. ...which is a first step towards avoiding unnecessary death
• You have the power to take a significant step in addressing extreme heat for Texas workers. 2023 was
• And I do want to say that this is a first step.

Bills: HB446, HB1609, HB4443, HB4464, HB4735, HB5476

Keywords: heat illness prevention, workplace safety, Texas Workforce Commission, advisory board, employee rights, administrative penalties, training requirements, employee training, occupational health, employer penalties, worker rights, heat illness, volunteer firefighter, volunteer emergency responder, emergency medical services volunteer, EMS volunteer, firefighter, fire department, emergency services, declared disaster

Transcript Highlights:

• these incidents that have occurred and commit to you that we are taking comprehensive and proactive steps
• I want to speak about some of the specific steps the department has taken to resolve and respond to these
• the efforts of Warden De La Cruz has mentioned, I also want to highest Highlight some of the other steps
• By getting out there, walking and talking, that's the first step.
• But if I know the who, what, who, what, where, when, then we can take the necessary steps to ensure that

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now these bills are a first step toward putting California back on a path to build more affordable housing
• This bill is about stepping up in moments of crisis and providing real, immediate solutions, not excuses
• And so I would encourage all of us to amp it up, to step it up, to speed it up, because this is not going
• This bill is a simple step to build public trust, strengthen accountability and protect one of California's
• Steps per year instead of holding funds for six months.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• LITTLE CONFUSED ON HOW WE WENT FROM SOMETHING BEING FORECLOSED AND AUCTIONED OFF ON THE COURTHOUSE STEPS
• NEVER BE SOLD OUTSIDE THE CLERK, THEY SHOULD GO BACK TO WHAT WAS TRADITION IN FRONT OF THE COURTHOUSE STEPS
• ON THE PROBATE SIDE I WANT TO TAKE IT A STEP FURTHER AND REQUIRE A CERTIFIED APPRAISAL TO MAKE SURE THESE
• LET'S MOVE INTO DEBATE. >> Chair Garcia: SO I APPRECIATE YOUR INPUT BECAUSE ONCE AGAIN I'M STEPPING INTO
• I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE CAR LAW IS MISSING, WHY WE NEED TO GO TO THIS FURTHER STEP SO I HOPE THAT THESE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows them the ability to ultimately give the green light and step back. Is that correct?
• c><00:04:40.160> green<00:04:40.400> light<00:04:40.560> and<00:04:40.880> step
• ultimately give the green light and step ultimately give the green light and step back.<00:04:41.440

Keywords: Public Property - Room 210, 30 January, 2026; 10:30 A.M., 925, all

Summary: The Public Property Committee met for its second meeting and considered one bill presented by Senator Dupre on behalf of the University of Southern Mississippi. The bill would streamline the sale of a USM-owned parcel in North Mississippi by allowing the Department of Finance and Administration to continue reviewing the transaction and ultimately approve it without having to open the property up through the usual process, while still requiring the standard due diligence and two appraisals. Senator Dupre said the change would speed development of the property, which has a master plan involving local governments and the city of Hattiesburg, and could help attract complementary industry for the existing innovation park. Committee members noted that the proposal was double-referred to Public Property and Universities and Colleges and that it was similar to a prior Mississippi State University arrangement, suggesting it was not new precedent. The chair emphasized that DFA would not be removed from the process, only allowed to review and then step back once the transaction could proceed. After no further questions, the committee adopted a motion for title sufficient and do pass, with no opposition recorded. The bill was then referred out, and the committee subsequently approved a motion to rise and report.