Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for on behalf of Equality California in support. Thank you.
• On behalf of Equality California, in support. Thank you. Good afternoon.
• Yvonne Fernandez on behalf of the California Labor Federation in support. Thank you.
• Alliance Network, Courage California, Secure Justice, Tech Oversight California, Asian Solidarity Collective
• California has always had the strongest privacy laws in the nation.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Item number three pertains to an Exposition Park item related to the California Science Center.
• Jeff Rudolph, President and Director of the California Science Center.
• Maybe that is with California Department of Public Health.
• Melissa Cortez, on behalf of the California Association of Collectors.
• Thank you, Melissa Cortez, on behalf of the California Association of Collectors.

Summary: The subcommittee heard a series of budget proposals, beginning with Exposition Park. Park leadership described the 160-acre state property’s historic role, growing visitation, and major upcoming events, including the FIFA World Cup fan fest and the 2028 Olympics. The governor’s proposal sought $96.5 million for utility replacement, site improvements, code compliance, accessibility, and public safety/traffic systems, plus $1.698 million for operational sustainability. The LAO said the proposals had merit but suggested the Legislature could consider downscaling some work given the budget condition. Members generally supported the requests, emphasizing deferred maintenance, public access, and the park’s statewide importance; both Exposition Park items were held open. The California Science Center requested funding to open and operate the new Air and Space Center, a major expansion featuring the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The LAO supported the proposal but suggested the Legislature consider alternative funding sources such as admission fees, higher parking fees, or private funds. Members debated whether the state should continue to fund operations without charging admission, with the Science Center explaining its public-private funding model and warning that fees could sharply reduce attendance, especially for underserved communities. The item was held open. The committee also reviewed continuation funding for the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation’s consumer protection and debt collection programs. DFPI and Finance said the requests would extend existing expenditure authority and were not General Fund asks. The LAO supported limited-term funding but urged cumulative reporting or a sunset-style review before permanent funding. Members pressed DFPI on outcomes, workload, and the high cost of the debt collection licensing program, noting that the number of licensees was far below early estimates and that assessments on the industry were substantial. Public commenters from the debt collection industry echoed those concerns, while others supported DFPI’s consumer protection work. The committee then heard a Board of Registered Nursing request for $1.4 million to fund eight special investigators. The board said complaint volume has risen with licensee growth and more complex cases, and members asked about complaint outcomes, regional caseloads, med spa oversight, viral complaints, and bias-related complaints. The board explained its investigation, probation, and intervention processes and said most cases reaching the Attorney General result in discipline. That item was also held open. After public comment on additional agenda items, the committee voted on several vote-only items. Items 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, and 17 were approved 4-0. Items 7, 9, and 14 were also approved, with the chair correcting the tally to 4-0. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think, um, yes, when it talked about the consumption part, they're already doing it in California.
• I think that's where he comes from, California, but their energy cost is much lower than ours as well
• I think, um, yes, when it talked about the consumption part, they're already doing it in California.
• I think that's where he comes from, California, but their energy cost is much lower than ours as well
• I think, um, yes, when it talked about the consumption part, they're already doing it in California.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water and Land met on March 21, 2025, and considered several resolutions related to water resources, coastal management, and energy planning. On SCR 42/SR 27, which urged DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife to prioritize restoration and protection of additional wetlands and anchialine ponds, DLNR supported the measure and suggested a technical correction changing a reference from the Division of Agriculture to the Division of Aquatic Resources. Testimony from Hā‘ena Reef and Ocean Coalition, Maui Ocean Center, and individuals was in support. The committee recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments. The committee also heard SCR 54/SR 36, which would create a desalination planning task force to study whether large-scale desalination for potable water is feasible. DLNR and CWRM said the proposal was a large undertaking and raised capacity concerns, noting the Board of Water Supply was already moving forward with its own desalination planning. BWS testified in support, saying its project was still in planning and design, with construction not expected until late 2027 or 2028, and that the project would produce about 1.7 million gallons per day to supplement Ewa’s water supply. Members discussed whether the task force might duplicate existing work and noted the measure focused on consumption rather than other desalination uses. The committee ultimately recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments. For SCR 59/SR 43, which asked DLNR, the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, and the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission to work together on maintaining the Kihei ramp, DLNR reported ongoing collaboration and listed prior improvements including paving, washdown work, dredging, and a retaining wall. The committee recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments. On SCR 106/SR 87, which requested a study of which energy sector could be most quickly and cost-effectively decarbonized through public investment in combustion-free alternatives, OPSD said the State Energy Office had already completed a decarbonization study under Act 238 (2022) and a follow-up alternative fuels analysis, and suggested the resolution duplicated existing work. Energy Justice Network testified in support, arguing the proposal would build on prior studies by focusing on non-combustion options such as wind, solar, and storage. Despite support from several organizations and individuals, the committee deferred the measure indefinitely. The committee also passed SR 18 as is, passed SC 51/SR 33 as is, deferred SC 47, and passed SC 76/SR 59 with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Ian Chaudhry, CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority.
• We looked at options in the state of California.
• We looked at options in the state of California.
• Hello, Pam O'Dell from Climate Action California.
• Hello, Pam O'Dell from Climate Action California.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 5 heard an update from the California High-Speed Rail Authority on its draft 2026 business plan and related budget proposals. The Authority reported continued Central Valley construction progress, including completion of 59 of 92 major structures, 80 of 119 miles of guideway under construction, 93% utility relocation completion, and plans to begin track laying and electrification soon. It said the revised goal remains completing the Merced-to-Bakersfield early operating segment by 2032-33, while also pursuing ancillary revenue opportunities, a private partner through a co-development procurement, and two budget change proposals to reappropriate $423 million for Link Union Station and $246 million in federal trust funds before they expire. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said it had no specific concerns with the budget change proposals but raised major concerns about the draft business plan and the project’s broader fiscal outlook. LAO said the plan appears incomplete in several respects, that funding is likely insufficient to complete the revised initial operating segment and would leave a larger gap for expansion beyond the Central Valley, and that borrowing costs, optimistic assumptions, and uncertainty around future greenhouse gas reduction fund revenues could worsen the outlook. LAO suggested the Legislature could wait for a finalized business plan and highlighted unresolved questions about the scope of the project, borrowing, public-private partnerships, and proposed statutory changes. Members focused on whether the project can be delivered on time and what financial obligations the state could face. Senators questioned the need for tax increment financing, value capture, and other legislative changes, with concerns about impacts on local governments and school districts. The Authority said utility relocation authority is its top legislative priority and that value capture is a longer-term tool that would not affect civil construction of Merced-to-Bakersfield, but could affect payback timing. It also said the state’s $1 billion annual cap-and-invest funding through 2045 is currently assumed to cover the Central Valley segment, while private partners could either finance against that state commitment or invest additional capital in other segments. Public testimony was mixed: building trades and labor groups supported the project and the Authority’s request, while local government and special district representatives opposed tax increment proposals and urged consent from affected agencies; environmental and rail advocates supported the project and urged action on utility relocation. No votes were taken, and the hearing adjourned after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• ACR 147 recognizes March 9, 2026, as California Special Olympics Day.
• of Special Olympics Southern California.
• California. So we've got both the North and the South here.
• And I love it when California part of a blood panel that you can take.
• Spencer Dayton with the California Colorectal Cancer Coalition, or C4.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the end of the day, it's California. We know how things work.
• And the reason is we effectively have, Gift cards is here in California.
• Chris Anderson on behalf of the California Chamber of Commerce...
• What I can tell you is that California gift cards never expire.
• And here in California... ...in California, a mosque in Escondido was set on fire by an arsonist inspired

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to privacy, consumer protection, and online harms. SB 259 by Senator Wahab would prohibit surveillance pricing based on device data such as geolocation or battery level; supporters argued it would curb discriminatory and predatory pricing, while opponents raised concerns about geolocation definitions, legitimate location-based pricing, and impacts on discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee and passed 8-1, with members noting amendments and ongoing discussions with stakeholders. SB 22 by Senator Laird would raise the amount of gift cards that can be redeemed for cash, with the author saying the goal is to update the long-standing $10 threshold for inflation and preserve consumer value. Consumer advocates supported the bill, while retailers, restaurants, grocers, and chambers of commerce opposed or opposed unless amended, citing fraud concerns, safety issues, and the need for clarification on donated or returned gift cards. The committee voted the bill out on a 6-1 vote and kept it on call. SB 576 by Senator Umberg would apply broadcast-style loudness rules to streaming advertisements. The author said the bill is intended to prevent ads from being much louder than programming, especially for children, while the opposition argued that streaming ad insertion is technically different and that existing industry standards and FCC oversight already address the issue. The bill passed 8-0. SB 683 by Senator Cortese would clarify that people can seek injunctive relief, including a TRO, for unauthorized use of name, image, or likeness; supporters said it strengthens privacy protections, while opponents warned about prior restraint and First Amendment concerns. The bill was moved out on a due pass motion and kept on call. The final bill discussed, SB 771 by Senator Stern, would clarify that existing civil rights and hate-related laws apply to social media platforms and their algorithms, with higher penalties for intentional or reckless violations. Supporters, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Islamic Networks Group, described online hate as fueling real-world violence and urged stronger accountability; opponents argued the bill could conflict with Section 230, chill lawful speech, and create vague standards. Members raised questions about constitutionality, definitions, and whether the bill would be workable, but several expressed support for the author’s goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• California, it's my understanding.
• to California.
• They're actually providing the jobs in California. Thank you.
• For the Medi-Cal program in California. Correct.
• This is all impacting California.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Transcript Highlights:

• California. It has been over 50 years since the student regent position was created.
• California will not wait for Washington to value our students and our democracy.
• California will not wait for Washington to value our students and our democracy.
• But I just wanted to reiterate again how the California State University system and the...
• But I just wanted to reiterate again how the California State University system and the California Community

Committee: House Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1572 aims to strengthen that trust by requiring the California Interscholastic Federation, or CIF,
• Michelle Underwood, on behalf of the California Interscholastic Federation, the State Office and its
• Leah Barrows, on behalf of the California Hospital Association, in support.
• Dylan Elliott, on behalf of the California State Association of Psychiatrists, also in support.
• California volunteer coaches already complete extensive required training from accredited sources.

Committee: House Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we will return to State Bar of California appointees required to appear.
• Is a legal attorney in other states besides California.
• Why does California have jurisdiction over this?
• We have jurisdiction over California-licensed lawyers. Okay.
• I'm a small business owner here in California. And I've known Ms.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules established a quorum and first approved several items without required appearances, including the appointments of Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D., and Gerald Talbert, M.D., to the Medical Board of California, along with references of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments. The committee then heard testimony on two State Bar of California appointments requiring appearance: George Cardona, J.D., for Chief Trial Counsel, and Laura Enderton Speed, J.D., for Executive Director. Cardona described his first four years as chief trial counsel, emphasizing reforms after the Girardi matter, including stronger conflict-of-interest and gift rules, tighter trust-account investigations, more data tracking, and efforts to reduce case backlogs and discipline disparities. Senators questioned him about the John Eastman disbarment case, the office’s role and jurisdiction, racial and Latino discipline disparities, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, staffing vacancies, and the use of AI in pleadings and internal work. Public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others supported his confirmation, and the committee voted 3-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate. Enderton Speed said she sought the executive director role to help restore public trust, strengthen discipline and admissions, and address the February 2025 bar exam problems. Senators asked about the State Bar’s budget deficit, hiring freeze, long-term fiscal stability, the bar exam audit and litigation, safeguards against conflicts and gifts, and the decision to move the February exam largely remote before returning to in-person administration for July. Public witnesses also supported her confirmation, citing leadership, accessibility, and a focus on core functions. The committee voted 5-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate. The meeting ended with remarks honoring Senator Jones on his final day on the committee and a cake presentation before adjournment to executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Here in California, that there are challenges with TikTok.
• I do believe that the legislature here in California is actually setting a good tone on this.
• Alcohol-related traffic deaths in California now exceed, I think, over 1,300 a year.
• Alcohol-related traffic deaths in California now exceed, I think, over 1,300 a year.
• What brought you to California? Okay to ask.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several governor’s appointments, bill referrals, rule-waiver requests, and floor acknowledgments. The committee approved a series of non-appearing appointments, including Peter Briar-T to the Southern Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission, multiple appointments to the Acupuncture Board, Roy Mathur to the Board of Pilot Commissioners, and Davina Hurt to the California Water Commission, with most votes unanimous and Hurt’s appointment approved 3-2. The committee also approved bill referrals, rule waivers for guests on the Senate floor, and floor acknowledgments. The committee then heard testimony from Lillian Corral, appointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Corral emphasized her background as a first-generation college graduate and immigrant, and said her priorities would include helping students connect to livable-wage jobs, supporting Vision 2030, improving data and digital infrastructure, expanding dual enrollment, and considering regional bachelor’s degree programs at community colleges where workforce needs justify them. Senators questioned her about achievement gaps, the role of data in improving student outcomes, the expansion of community college bachelor’s degrees, faculty staffing, and her employer New America’s positions on privacy, age verification, and TikTok. The committee voted 3-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate. The committee also heard from Paul Tupi, nominated to lead the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Tupi described a career in law enforcement and said he would focus on public trust, timely licensing, licensee education, and enforcement against irresponsible operators. Senators asked about ABC’s enforcement tools, including decoy operations, shoulder-tap checks, delivery compliance, and investigations tied to alcohol-related crashes; funding stability; delivery alcohol violations during COVID; and ABC’s approach to entertainment zones and other alcohol-policy changes. Support testimony came from industry and advocacy representatives, who praised his responsiveness and open-door approach. The committee approved his appointment 5-0 for consideration by the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• California is leading the way in...
• California has the opportunity to address the crisis today. Safety net.
• California has the opportunity to address the crisis today.
• I directed that program for Northern California.
• And so I typed in California Department of Aging, HIV into Google.

Summary: The Select Committee on Older LGBT Californians held an inaugural hearing focused on the health care and support needs of older LGBTQ Californians, including older adults living with HIV and transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex seniors. Committee members and state officials discussed the California Master Plan for Aging, the first statewide survey of LGBTQIA older adults, and the need to address discrimination, social isolation, housing insecurity, economic instability, and gaps in culturally competent care. Several speakers emphasized that older LGBTQ adults often lack traditional family caregiving supports and may face vulnerability in nursing homes or other institutional settings. Testimony from advocates and people with lived experience highlighted the impact of federal actions, including H.R. 1, on Medi-Cal, housing, and benefits, and called for stronger state action, outreach, and navigation services. Justice in Aging urged more investment in home- and community-based services and warned that Medicaid cuts could increase institutionalization. The Department of Aging described its survey findings and said it had convened a lived-experience advisory board, updated data tools, and incorporated HIV as a factor in local aging plans under SB 258, though members pressed for clearer implementation and accountability. CalHHS described coordination across departments, Medi-Cal coverage of gender-affirming care, PACE, and other services, while the Department of Public Health outlined Ryan White, ADAP, HOPWA, Medi-Cal waiver, and PrEP-AP programs serving older adults with HIV. The hearing also featured extensive testimony from people aging with HIV, who described fragmented systems, benefits cliffs, housing costs, and the need for legal and case-management support. One witness urged funding for HIV-specific housing and navigation services, while another described how case management and safety-net programs help clients manage medication, food, transportation, and housing needs. In the final panel, the Department of Social Services reviewed protections for TGI seniors in licensed care facilities, including SB 219, nondiscrimination notices, resident rights postings, required staff training, and complaint investigations. No formal votes were taken; the chair repeatedly asked departments to follow up on implementation gaps, data visibility, and possible budget or policy responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• California is leading the way in being the home of so much of that innovation.
• Boyd, the chair of the Academic Senate of the California State University; Dr.
• perspective of the staff of the California State University.
• of the staff of the California State University.
• My name is Katie Karum, and I'm a student at California State University, Northridge.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Higher Education and the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an oversight hearing on the California State University’s AI-empowered initiative, including the systemwide rollout of ChatGPT EDU and broader AI integration across CSU campuses. Opening remarks emphasized both the promise of AI for student success, workforce preparation, and access, and the need to address risks such as bias, privacy, misinformation, environmental impacts, and mental health harms. CSU representatives said the initiative grew out of Academic Senate recommendations and a systemwide generative AI committee, and that the goal was to provide equitable access, training, governance, and workforce alignment across the 23-campus system. CSU officials described systemwide contracts for AI tools, the AI Commons training hub, and faculty grant programs supporting AI-related curriculum innovation. They said more than 93,000 ChatGPT EDU accounts had been activated, over 4,300 faculty had taken voluntary training, and $3 million had been awarded to 63 faculty-led projects from more than 400 submissions. San Jose State University highlighted its own AI-focused programs, courses, orientation training, faculty fellows, student ambassadors, and interdisciplinary efforts to build AI literacy and responsible use into instruction and co-curricular programs. CSU also said it was tracking metrics on adoption, academic outcomes, workforce outcomes, and environmental impacts. Faculty, staff, and student representatives welcomed the educational potential of AI but raised concerns about the rollout, saying it had moved quickly and without enough consultation or consistent systemwide policy. They urged stronger protections for academic freedom, intellectual property, privacy, equity, and worker input, and warned about bias, surveillance, job displacement, and the environmental cost of AI. Legislators pressed CSU and OpenAI representatives on training requirements, data privacy, bias reporting, discipline for misuse, liability, sycophancy, and safeguards against harmful uses such as non-consensual imagery or self-harm-related interactions. CSU said interactions in the licensed tool are private, data are not used to train models, and campuses retain their own conduct processes; members also asked CSU to follow up on systemwide training, policy consistency, and additional safeguards.

Transcript Highlights:

• next item on the governor's appointments not required to appear is item 2C, Richard Stein for the California
• item for governor's appointments not required to appear is item 2D, Nicholas Hardiman, for the California
• My name is Andy Nakahata, and I'm honored to be considered for the California Infrastructure and Economic
• about making sure this greatest jewel in California is presented to all counties.
• The speaker then asked about the California Transmission Accelerator evolving from the CTARF fund and

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several governor’s appointments and procedural items. The committee approved, largely on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, the appointments of Gina Castro Rodriguez to the Board of State and Community Corrections, Richard Stein to the California Arts Council, and Nicholas Hardiman to the California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors. It also approved references to bills, committee appointments, subcommittee ratifications, joint committee appointments, and floor acknowledgments. A motion to grant rule waivers for Senators Perez and Padilla to introduce additional measures under SR 22.5 drew opposition from Senator Grove and ultimately passed on a 3-2 vote in the final tally. The committee then heard testimony on the appointment of Andy Nakahata as executive director of the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank). Nakahata described his background in finance and infrastructure lending and said he would focus on expanding access to IBank programs statewide, especially in underserved and rural areas. Members questioned him about outreach equity, county-by-county loan activity, creditworthiness standards, the California Transmission Accelerator, and financing for public hospitals and other infrastructure projects. He said IBank works through financial development corporations, municipal advisors, and other partners, monitors geographic reach, and can work with applicants to adjust loan size or identify additional funding sources when projects are not fully creditworthy. Public witnesses spoke in support of Nakahata, including representatives from Siebert William Shank and O’Melveny/other public finance firms, who praised his expertise and leadership. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee voted 5-0 to move Nakahata’s appointment to the full Senate for confirmation. After completing a final roll call on the earlier agenda items, the committee adjourned its public session and announced it would move into executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was governor of California in the 1950s, between Earl Warren and Pat Brown.”
• Good morning, California Assembly members. My name is Carlos Saldivia.
• So our jurisdiction is rooted in California state law.
• the California Mortgage Bankers Association.
• Indira McDonald on behalf of the California Mortgage Bankers Association.

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the California Assembly, Detective. Thank you for your service. Thank you.
• However, the California Attorney General's Office does not have access to these filings, leading to a
• In 2002, he returned to California.
• Members, on behalf of the Assembly and the entire state of California, thank you for your service and
• She served as president of the California Bureau of Reclamation from 2001 to 2005 and was named.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum after a roll call, and opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Routine procedural motions followed, including unanimous-consent actions to suspend rules for adjournment-in-memory remarks, guest introductions, and expedited floor processing of certain bills and committee reports. The chamber also recognized several guests, including Sacramento Police Detective Jason Collins, student musician Ethan Shue, and Glendale Councilmember Artie Kasakian. On the floor file, AB 1184 by Assembly Member Patterson, the Homeowner Association Accountability and Transparency Act of 2026, was presented as a measure to add basic transparency requirements for HOAs; it passed 56-0. AB 871 by Assembly Member Stephanie, addressing financial elder abuse and scam reporting/training for financial institutions, also passed 56-0. On the Senate side, SB 25 by Senator Umberg, which would give the California Attorney General earlier access to federal merger-notification filings to streamline merger review, passed 43-14 after the Majority Leader presented it. The Assembly then held several adjournment-in-memory tributes, including Paul R. Ignatius, former U.S. Secretary of the Navy and Glendale native; Oxnard Police Commander Scott Aaron; Private First Class Tanner F. Rubio of the U.S. Marine Corps; and former Yolo County Supervisor Betsy Marchand. Members and family guests offered remarks honoring their service and legacies, followed by a moment of silence for PFC Rubio. The session concluded with announcements about upcoming floor and committee deadlines and adjourned until Monday, January 26 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mark Fenstermaker here on behalf of multiple clients: the California Council of Land Trusts, California
• Vanessa Chavez, with the California Building Industry Association, in support. Thank you. Great.
• The specialty market in California generates $40.44 billion.
• In California, the specialty market generates $40.44 billion, which is a huge economic impact.
• AB 1049, Celeste Rodriguez, California Food Assistance Program, do pass on a B roll call.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• The Real California Cannabis website is how they would just...
• Incentives beyond California are driving this.
• And also, we're a decade in from when our voters in California legalized it.
• California legalized it.
• We had over 16,000 PAGA cases documented, and the state of California did not have that.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Frank Damrow Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Eddger to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission, each by 4-0 vote. The committee also approved a rule waiver to allow SB 1447 (health) to be heard after the policy committee deadline, and took up floor acknowledgments before moving to appointments requiring testimony. The committee then heard from Clint Kellam, nominee to lead the Department of Cannabis Control. Members focused heavily on cannabis labeling, youth protection, attractive-to-children packaging, the SB 540 educational pamphlet, and the department’s efforts to steer consumers from illicit to legal products. Kellam said the department’s role is not to promote increased consumption but to move existing consumption into the regulated market, and he described enforcement against illicit cultivation and retail, consumer education efforts, and a possible AI tool to help licensees review packaging. He also said the department would consider tighter packaging rules, including one-serving packaging, but emphasized the need for research and legislative collaboration. The committee voted 4-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate. The committee next heard from Jennifer Osborne, nominee to direct the Department of Industrial Relations. Questions centered on DIR’s handling of Cal/OSHA audit findings, labor commissioner backlogs, PAGA enforcement, staffing shortages, IT modernization, and how her administrative background would help address those issues. Osborne said DIR is working on revised Cal/OSHA policies and procedures, additional staffing and intake changes, new IT systems, and possible use of outside administrative law judges to reduce delays. She also clarified that the Civil Rights Department is not under DIR, but said she would follow up on concerns raised. Public commenters from employer groups, labor, and industry largely supported her nomination, and the committee approved her appointment 4-0 to move to the full Senate for confirmation.

Transcript Highlights:

• California must comply.
• I'm going to talk a little bit about the numbers here in California.
• California will begin implementing the time limit on June 1, 2026.
• Tiffany White, with the California Labor Union? California?
• Kelly Brooks, on behalf of the urban counties of California and the California Association of Public

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, it did say Southern California, and as a representative of Northern California, like, what are you
• ><c> California</c><00:19:34.280><c> like</c> representative Northern California like representative
• </c> well as my part of Northern California well as my part of Northern California to<00:22:32.480><c
• </c><02:09:48.079><c> Miss</c> Colorado Mr Bara of California Miss Colorado Mr Bara of California Miss
• </c> reserves the gentleman from California reserves the gentleman from California is<02:44:29.720><c

Bills: HR187 , HR186 , HR375 , HR165 , HR204 , HR197 , HR207

Keywords: government oversight, accountability, federal employees, transparency, administrative leave, Elon Musk, conflict of interest, government efficiency, federal contracts, renewable fuels, ethanol, E15, ethanol-15, renewable fuel standard, RFS, RINs, renewable identification numbers, refinery capacity, farmers, refiners