Transcript Highlights:

• Everyone in this room wants and deserves public safety, but no matter what your vision of public safety
• Next, lack of accountability, SB 926 fails to include robust guidance on how Next, lack of accountability
• It's an ongoing public safety issue.
• It's public safety.
• Molly Mal, on behalf of the California State Association of Public Administrators, Public Guardians,

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• So, moving to the Public School System Stabilization Account, the state’s rainy-day fund for schools,
• The three public higher education segments are participating that. one of those, the three public higher
• For public comment, we will take public comment for all of the part one agendas, which is issues 1 through
• We will now take public comment.
• We will now open it up for public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the responsibility of our elected judiciary so that they can be accountable to the public, not
• Be accountable to the public, but thank you for your testimony. Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Mr.
• Hearing none, public testimony is closed. The chair now opens public testimony on Senate Bill 1047.
• Hearing none, public testimony is closed.
• are public nuisance issues.

Bills: SB9 , SB1047 , SB1048 , SJR17 , SJR49 , SB40 , SJR1 , SJR5 , SB 9 , SB 40 , SJR 1

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1605 supports both accountability and intervention.
• This is about public safety being put first.
• Local governments and maintaining accountability.
• The tribe plans to reopen a public park on the site.
• Do we have a public comment? Any public in opposition? If so, please come forth.

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Transcript Highlights:

• locals accountable to produce their fair share of housing.
• jurisdictions accountable to permit faster.
• jurisdictions accountable to permit faster.
• All right, I'm now going to open it up for public comment.
• I'll close public comment.

Summary: The joint hearing focused on the Governor’s 2025 reorganization plan to split the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into two new agencies: a Business and Consumer Services Agency and a California Housing and Homelessness Agency. Administration officials said the change would give each side more focused leadership, improve consumer protection and regulatory oversight, and better align housing and homelessness policy with the state’s broader housing goals. Leaders from the Department of Consumer Affairs, Cannabis Control, Alcoholic Beverage Control, and Financial Protection and Innovation all voiced support for the business-side reorganization, while housing officials emphasized that the new housing agency would help streamline funding, compliance, and coordination across programs. Members raised concerns about timing, budget impacts, office space, and whether the split would actually reduce bureaucracy. The administration said the plan would be included in the May Revision, was intended to be cost-neutral, and would not require fee increases for licensees or additional office space. On the housing side, officials said the new Housing Development and Finance Committee would work toward a single application and more coordinated award process for affordable housing funding, while preserving CalHFA’s statutory and financial independence. They also said the reorganization would improve compliance monitoring, data collection, and coordination with local governments, including Los Angeles homelessness programs. Public testimony was largely supportive. Industry groups representing beverage distributors, craft brewers, wine, mortgage lenders, and housing organizations backed the business-side split, and housing advocates such as Housing California, the California Housing Partnership, and the California Housing Consortium supported the housing agency concept and the proposed one-stop-shop approach. Several witnesses urged that tax credits, bonds, and other funding sources be better coordinated, and some said the plan should be paired with additional state investment and implementation resources. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill promotes accountability, transparency, and fair representation for public sector employees.
• Public dollars should come with public accountability.
• Heading to a public school.
• I'm a product of public education and have several kids in public schools.
• We all want accountability.

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• providing public safety expertise and leadership.
• providing public safety expertise and leadership.
• The public as well is understandably concerned about safety in stores.
• account holders being eligible, Individuals with disabilities, with 71% of account holders being eligible
• With me is Charles Beckham, an account holder with CalABLE.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met and announced that, under its suspense-file rules, every bill on the agenda would be referred to suspense because each had a fiscal impact. The chair also reminded attendees to submit position letters in advance for inclusion in the bill analysis. A quorum was established and the committee then heard six bills, all of which drew support testimony and no opposition testimony in the room. AB 814 would exempt law enforcement pensions from state income tax to encourage retired peace officers to remain in California and support recruitment and retention. AB 918 would create a targeted income tax exemption for pay earned by local first responders deployed under mutual aid during declared emergencies, with supporters saying it would help sustain disaster response and reward extraordinary service. Both bills were backed by police and public safety organizations and were referred to suspense. AB 976 would create a nonrefundable tax credit for small retailers in disadvantaged communities to help pay for security equipment in response to retail theft and violence; members discussed whether the bill should be broader and how it related to Proposition 36 and crime policy. AB 984 would allow state tax deductions for contributions to CalABLE accounts, with testimony from CalABLE representatives and families describing the program as an essential savings tool for people with disabilities. AB 1282 would create a deduction for out-of-pocket medical expenses up to $5,000 through 2030, and AB 838 would raise California’s renter’s tax credit from $60/$120 to $2,000 for eligible filers. Each of these bills was also referred to the suspense file, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not like it's going into a bank account like an insurance company, and they have this account, and
• So you're setting up your own personal bank account?
• savings account.
• It's not structured like a health savings account.
• You have access to my bank account? As the facilitator, we do.

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up several bills, beginning with SB 834 on health care sharing ministries and insurance agents. Senator Yarbrough presented the bill to repeal a recent restriction on licensed insurance agents marketing or selling faith-based health care sharing programs. Supporters argued the change restores free speech and consumer education while preserving existing consumer protections; opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could increase confusion or misuse of agents and brokers. The committee adopted a title amendment and then reported the bill favorably after debate, with Senator Pizzo raising concerns about consumer reliance and lack of guaranteed coverage. The committee then approved SB 642 on foreign and alien bail bond insurers, SB 394 on reinsurance intermediary managers, and SB 266 on public adjuster contracts. SB 266 would let vulnerable adults rescind public adjuster contracts at any time without penalty; it drew support from consumer and industry groups, with some discussion about estimates and claim work product. The committee also passed SB 832 on residential property insurance transparency, which requires rate transparency reports and a consumer resource center at OIR, and adds a provision excluding land value from homeowners coverage calculations in most cases. Testimony on SB 832 was generally supportive of the transparency goal, though insurers said some of the required cost breakdowns may be difficult to produce as written. The committee next considered SB 1028 on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, which would create a commercial lines clearinghouse to move eligible policyholders into the private market and reduce Citizens’ commercial exposure. Supporters said it would lower taxpayer risk and improve competition; a speaker suggested additional changes to deductibles, water-damage caps, and repair practices. The bill was reported favorably after a delete-all amendment and supportive debate from Senator Boyd. Finally, the committee passed SB 540 on the Office of Financial Regulation, which adds cybersecurity requirements for certain licensees, updates oversight of investment advisers and money service businesses, adjusts some charter and meeting rules for financial institutions and credit unions, and includes amendments clarifying repossession/deficiency claims, family office exemptions, and virtual credit union meetings. The meeting ended with all of the considered bills reported favorably and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota has a long history of supporting public education.
• defenders, or other necessary parts of our public safety teams.
• pension account.
• I'm glad you're talking about flexibility in the food accounts.
• I'm the Superintendent of Goodhue Public Schools.

Bills: HF51 , HF1161 , HF2201 , HF2786 , HF1053

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Public comments will be limited to one minute.
• are held accountable.
• So we have a robust public process. and anytime we We have a robust public process, and any time we propose
• process through the Office of Administrative Law, the 45-day public comment period, and other public
• It includes accountability.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill also establishes the Rural Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Account as a general revenue account
• officers and in the public.
• The state issues a public key that's available to a relying party to authenticate, and that public key
• Number one, accountability, and number two, practicality. being accountability, we see a negation of
• Public servant, that would certainly fit. How about aggravated assault by a public servant?

Bills: HB2034 , HB2436 , HB3010 , HB3033 , HB3138 , HB3177 , HB3426 , HB3686 , HB3858 , HB4176 , HB4257 , HB4264 , HB4804 , HCR98

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, and welcome to the public and members in the Assembly Committee on Public Employment and
• 1024, Menjivar; File Item 4, SB 1207, Laird; and File Item 5, SB 1444, Senate Committee on Labor, Public
• For committee members, because our hearings are public and some travel far to be heard, in respect of
• PERB oversees labor-management relations for the vast majority of California's public sector employees
• Our members deserve the same rights and protections as other transit public agencies across California

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several bills, beginning with SB 1166 by Senator Arreguín, which would allow AC Transit and its employees to use the Public Employment Relations Board to resolve unfair labor practice charges instead of the courts. The author and union supporters said PERB would provide a faster, fairer, and more specialized process, while no opposition testified. The committee members expressed support, and SB 1166 was approved on a due pass motion and re-referred to Appropriations. The committee also took up consent items SB 1024, SB 1207, and SB 1444, which were moved on consent and placed on hold for absent members. Later, SB 1083 by Senator Perez was heard; it would refine last year’s school misconduct database law by adding an administrative law judge review process for classified employees, requiring stronger employer notification and record-sharing procedures, and extending vetting requirements to certain contracted workers. Supporters, including classified employees and labor groups, argued the bill adds due process and fairness while preserving student safety. Opponents, including school administrators, school districts, and liability organizations, argued it could create gaps in misconduct records, increase liability, and weaken protections for students. After discussion, the author said he was continuing to work with opponents on amendments and emphasized the bill’s goal of balancing due process with child safety, referencing his own experience with grooming as a student. SB 1083 was passed on a due pass motion and re-referred to the Committee on Education. The chair then announced that all bills had passed and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and accountability and accountability and<00:04:57.240><c> line</c><00:04:57.480><c> of</c><00:04
• </c> so that we can ensure that public so that we can ensure that public resources<00:05:05.120><c> are
• <00:30:40.840><c> accountable</c><00:30:41.226><c> [clears throat]</c> accountably accountable [clears
• throat] accountably accountable [clears throat] accountability<00:30:42.160><c> excuse</c><00:30:42.520
• </c> all funding grants for Public all funding grants for Public Television.<00:52:57.680><c> When</c

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• passed by the Senate, refers a measure to the voters that prohibits a school district from using public
• employees from distributing written, printed, or digital communications in a manner that consumes public
• employees from distributing written, printed, or digital communications in a manner that consumes public
• Madam Chair, Micheline, let's say this military child that's receiving the ESA account moves to Florida
• I mean, like I've mentioned before, the accounts of both of us who have these older ESA accounts, it's

Summary: The committee heard presentations on two Senate-passed HCRs that would refer constitutional amendments to voters. HCR 2040 would bar school districts from using public money or resources to support labor organizations, including payroll deductions for dues, use of internal communication systems for recruiting or political materials, and distribution of labor-related communications using public resources; it also would prohibit the state and political subdivisions from entering exclusive representation or collective bargaining agreements with labor organizations. The sponsor indicated an intent to concur with the Senate amendment, and the measure was left open for questions. HCR 2048 would amend the Arizona Constitution to prevent the state from confiscating money from scholarship accounts belonging to children of military families, and would void any later law or voter-approved measure after November 1, 2026, that violates that protection. Members asked how the proposal would work if a student moved out of state or no longer met scholarship eligibility requirements, and staff explained that funds could still be reclaimed if the student no longer qualified under the program. Questions also focused on the measure’s language making any conflicting future bill or initiative null and void, with staff explaining that courts would still apply severability principles in litigation. The discussion became sharply political, with one member criticizing the measure as a pretext to protect ESA voucher funds and another questioning whether the military-family framing raised DEI concerns. Another member argued the majority was using military families to shield fraudulent ESA spending and said voters wanted action on the issue. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair ultimately closed the discussion after questions and comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• The five or six issues that are out there are significant issues and should involve public input, public
• The five or six issues that are out there are significant issues and should involve public input, public
• There is no accountability, no care or compassion.
• There is no accountability, no care or compassion.
• What kind of accountability do we expect to have, and should the public expect, and is this the time

Summary: The Senate opened with routine formalities, approved the journal, welcomed a SkillsUSA student delegation, and then moved into budget and policy business. The chamber accepted a Rules Committee report and took up a supplemental budget extender, Senate Print 9963, which would extend state operations through April 22 and authorize $12.7 billion, including about $5.1 billion in new funding for Medicaid, payroll, and school aid. Senator O’Mara questioned the delay in the budget, the lack of public detail, and unresolved issues such as CLCPA changes, auto insurance, and SEQR reforms; the sponsor said negotiations were ongoing and that school aid would likely build on the executive budget. The extender passed 57-1, with Senator Weik voting no. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 1887, sponsored by Senator Brisport, memorializing the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month. Senators Brisport, Fahy, Salazar, and Gounardes spoke in support, emphasizing Arab Americans’ cultural, civic, and economic contributions in New York and condemning anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias. The resolution was adopted by voice vote and opened for co-sponsorship. The chamber next considered several bills on the calendar, including a bill by Senator Cleare to prohibit state-chartered financial institutions from investing in private correctional facilities. Supporters framed it as a moral response to private prisons and rising federal use of detention facilities, while opponents argued it would overregulate state-chartered banks and affect private investment decisions. The bill passed 36-22. The Senate also passed a bill by Senator Krueger raising the nonprofit lobbying disclosure threshold from $5,000 to $10,000, after debate over transparency and whether the change would reduce oversight; it passed 35-23. Finally, the Senate passed Senator May’s bill on advanced transmission technologies and utility planning, after extensive debate over ratepayer costs, battery storage, and data center growth; supporters said it could lower energy costs through more efficient grid use, while opponents said it would raise rates and duplicate existing studies. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill expands the use of public funds for private school facilities at a time when Florida's public
• This bill accelerates privatization without accountability and weakens public education in the process
• Public School.
• Public School. Public Schools, those that know me, I think last year they were calling me Mr.
• Is there public testimony on the bill?

Summary: The Education Administration Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered several education-related bills. CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity was presented as a measure to codify an existing grant program that has helped secure more than 200 local governments, especially rural and fiscally constrained ones; Florida League of Cities supported it, and it passed 15-0. PCS/HB 371 on patriotic displays at public schools would require, subject to appropriation, display of portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in school common areas for America’s 250th anniversary; one opponent argued it would create complaint-driven enforcement and pressure educators, but the sponsor said the PCS narrowed the original classroom requirement, and the bill passed 16-0. PCS/HB 833 on private school facilities would deem small private schools of 150 students or fewer a permitted use in commercial and mixed-use zoning districts and allow use of certain existing buildings if fire and occupancy standards are met. Supporters said it would reduce local red tape and expand school choice, while opponents warned it would divert public resources and weaken public education; several members raised concerns about local traffic and safety authority. The sponsor said she was open to further amendments, and the bill passed 13-3. PCS/HB 1147 on school district unimproved real property would require districts to submit annual inventories of vacant, unimproved land to the Department of Education for transparency and planning; some members and a Monroe County school board member questioned the need for a state registry, while supporters said it would improve data and accountability. The bill passed 12-3. The committee then considered HB 615 on individualized education plans (IEPs), which would strengthen parent notification and access to service logs, require individualized orientation for newly eligible students, and standardize district service logs. An amendment removed notification requirements when a missed service was due to student absence, and it was adopted. The bill drew emotional testimony from a student and parent describing missed accommodations, along with support from Disability Rights Florida and several members who emphasized parent partnership and accountability; one ESE teacher said the bill was a good start but more staffing and support are needed. The bill passed unanimously 15-0, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 2354 be re-referred to the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee.
• You're on your way to Public Safety. So thank you so much.
• House File 2354 be referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy.
• You're on your way to Public Safety.
• </c> prevails you're on your way to Public prevails you're on your way to Public Safety<00:10:58.279>

Transcript Highlights:

• or public safety reasons.
• Because of these NDAs, those officers face no civil liability, no criminal charges, and no public accountability
• This is not about public safety.
• This is not about public safety.
• accountability tool.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, beginning with housekeeping items and the adoption of a four-bill consent calendar. Bills on the consent calendar included AB 476 on metal theft, AB 619 on California Conservation Corps training for formerly incarcerated people, AB 1192 on child abuse or neglect reporting, and AB 1239 on human trafficking data. Several bills were pulled by the authors before hearing, and the committee also announced that AB 379 would be heard with a file notice waiver and AB 63 would be for testimony only. The most extensive discussion was on AB 366, which would require ignition interlock devices for anyone convicted of DUI. The author, Senator Archuleta, and a MADD representative gave emotional testimony about family members killed by drunk drivers and argued the bill would save lives. Support came from law enforcement, fire, medical, auto club, and safety groups. Opposition from public defenders and criminal justice advocates focused on loss of judicial discretion, costs for low-income drivers, and concerns about vendor oversight and effectiveness. The committee voted to pass AB 366 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1380, which would create a permanent pathway into firefighting careers for formerly incarcerated people who served on Cal Fire hand crews. The author and supporters said the bill would recognize service, improve reentry, and reduce recidivism; a fire labor group withdrew its opposition after amendments were discussed. The measure passed to Appropriations, though it remained on call pending one additional vote. AB 461, which would remove criminal penalties for parents of truant K-8 students and replace them with supportive responses, drew broad support from education and justice advocates but no opposition testimony; it was also passed to Appropriations and left on call pending one more vote. ACR 60, recognizing the Downey Police Department’s special-needs communication program for interactions with people with disabilities or sensory challenges, was adopted unanimously. The committee then heard AB 746 on creating an inmate cooperative program and a green reentry reserve for incarcerated workers. Supporters said it would build job skills, dignity, and reentry success; there was no opposition testimony. The bill passed to Appropriations and was left on call pending votes. Finally, AB 379 on human trafficking drew strong support from survivor advocates, law enforcement, and local officials for creating a survivor services fund and targeting buyers, but also strong opposition from survivors and civil liberties groups who warned it would criminalize vulnerable people and revive harmful loitering enforcement. The committee discussion continued with members weighing survivor support, public safety tools, and concerns about the bill’s amendments and scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• The name of the new account is the Projected Surplus Temporary Holding Account—long name.
• Tell us about that account, please.
• It's a surplus holding account.
• It is true that the Budget Stabilization Account is a general fund reserve.
• The one person I thought might give public testimony is walking out of the room.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> enforcement and public safety. enforcement and public safety.
• They need accountability. And this brings accountability to the parents.
• They need accountability. And this brings accountability to the parents.
• They need accountability. And this brings accountability to the parents.
• They need accountability. And this brings accountability to the parents.

Committee: House Judiciary