Transcript Highlights:

• Vanessa Chavez with the California Building Industry Association, in support. Thank you.
• Vanessa Chavez, with the California Building Industry Association, in opposition. Thank you.
• California.
• California farms.
• I live in Pacifica, California. I urge you to please pass AB 2389. California.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• To build on the initial site and ensure California can meet this national moment, I want to appreciate
• In California. Thank you.
• Association of California, as well as the California Conference of Local Health Officers, and used the
• Beth Malinowski at SEIU California.
• lease, and increased building security.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> build the homes that they want. build the homes that they want.
• We're trying to build<00:38:20.680><c> more,</c> build more, build more, but<00:38:21.760><c> this</c
• We do building codes that address building across the state. Cities can't do that.
• We<00:59:51.520><c> do</c><00:59:51.680><c> building</c><00:59:52.040><c> codes</c><00:59:52.560><c>
• that</c><00:59:52.720><c> address</c> We do building codes that address We do building codes that address

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that in the Education Code?
• That's all in the Education Code? That's right.
• Something like the California CPI, for example, you could say, oh, that's California-based.
• In California, we are one of only five.
• We need to build them in.

Transcript Highlights:

• The building and code review board and other regulatory agencies deal with this, and we shouldn't be
• The building and code<02:15:12.560><c> review</c><02:15:12.880><c> board</c><02:15:13.119><c> and</c>
• He said there is absolutely no RSA or building code that says this can't be done.
• </c><02:27:30.240><c> with</c><02:27:30.720><c> the</c> uh building codes that go along with the uh building
• ><c> code</c><02:27:39.840><c> review</c><02:27:40.160><c> board</c> can't tell uh building code review

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• statement standards.
• So when I talked about we follow North Dakota Century Code, the Yellow Book does guide our standards
• Office section of code.
• I think the Century Code already builds in a couple of options that have always been on law, and that
• that were constructed or rehabbed for business purposes, 15 commercial buildings or space in buildings

Summary: The committee met to review its interim schedule and then focused on a referral regarding political subdivision compliance with state law, especially levy limitations and reserve levels. State Auditor Josh Gallion explained the audit process, the Yellow Book standards, and key statutes governing political subdivisions, including the 75% cash reserve cap and mill levy limits. He said the auditor’s office has limited authority to force compliance, has only stepped in a couple of times to resume audits for fiscal irregularities, and is constrained by staffing shortages and a backlog of local government audits. Gallion used Stark County and Mountrail County as examples to show how reserve calculations affect levy decisions. He said Stark County’s 2023 general fund levy calculation should have been zero under the statute, but the county still levied mills, while Mountrail County had recently reduced or eliminated some county levies after building large reserves. Stark County Commission Chair Neil Messer responded that the county chose not to move excess funds into a capital projects fund because it wanted flexibility for future projects and emergencies, and said the county has since reduced its levy and committed reserves to major projects such as road work, a regional airport, and public safety facilities. Committee members questioned whether penalties should apply to auditors or elected officials and whether the statutes should be updated to reflect current revenue conditions. Association of Counties director Linda Svihovec and League of Cities director Matt Gardner both said they have been heavily training local officials on the new 3% property tax cap and reserve rules. Svihovec said the association has held dozens of training sessions and that the standard worksheets used statewide are designed to help counties comply; she suggested that a possible enforcement tool could be requiring an affidavit from taxing districts certifying compliance with the cap. Gardner said city auditors receive required training through the League of Cities and that he was unaware of any cities currently out of compliance. The committee took no formal action and indicated it would continue the discussion at its September 29 meeting, with members asked to review the legislative council memo on possible enforcement mechanisms and statutory changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It only codifies existing standards the state is already enforcing in full effect.
• Here with me today is Miguel Bastidas with the California Department of Insurance. Thank you.
• I'm with the California Department of Insurance here in the leadership of insurance.
• California often codifies federal standards to protect consumers, and this is no different.
• Those hours represent learning to communicate, to stay safe, and to build crucial life skills.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 8, 2026, with a quorum established and 59 bills listed for consideration. The committee first approved two consent calendars: several bills were sent to the Assembly floor on a due-pass basis, and a smaller set was approved due-pass but not eligible for the floor consent calendar. The proposed suspense calendar was then deemed approved without individual debate on those measures. The committee heard several bills in regular order. AB 1977, sponsored by the Secretary of State, would clean up and clarify the Online Notarization Act to support implementation by 2030; it drew no opposition and was approved. AB 2011 would codify existing federal mental health parity standards into state law; supporters said it would preserve enforcement authority, while health plans opposed it as premature given federal uncertainty and possible premium impacts; the bill was placed on the B roll call. AB 1673 would give county fish and game commissions more flexibility to use certain revenues for wildlife conflict prevention, and it advanced on an A roll call. AB 2233 would allow unused authorized ABA therapy hours for children with autism to be made up within the authorization period; supporters emphasized access and continuity of care, while insurers warned of higher costs and reduced utilization safeguards; it advanced on an A roll call. AB 1660, as amended, would give courts more flexibility in cases involving financial institutions and public guardians/conservators, with supporters saying it could save counties time and money; it was approved due-pass as amended. During general public comment, speakers voiced support for AB 2081 and AB 1667, and opposition to AB 1777. After public comment and final vote recording for absent members, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• When you go somewhere and... ...and there's a gross deviation from standards.
• They have to meet certain building code standards. They have to meet all of these kinds of things.
• To carry instructor for four states, and as of last week, six counties of California.
• qualification for six counties in California.
• It took some effort, and there are some counties in California that want me to go and become a California

Bills: SB82 , SB1807 , SB2254 , HB 119 , HB 130 , HB581 , HJR98 , SB1988 , SB 18 , SB 34

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Penal Code Section 220 is assault intent to commit rape.
• recovered in California.
• California is in a unique situation.
• I am a legal advocate with ACLU California Action.
• To quote former California Governor and U.S.

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety met with several bills on the agenda, beginning with AB 1741 by Assembly Member Pacheco, which would allow felony prosecution of sexual battery committed during a residential break-in. Supporters, including Riverside County prosecutors and victim services staff, said current law leaves some home-invasion sexual assaults as misdemeanors when intent to commit another felony cannot be proven; opponents from public defender and civil liberties groups argued the bill was unnecessary, vague, and overbroad. After discussion, the committee passed AB 1741 to Appropriations as amended. The committee then heard AB 1701 by Assembly Member DeMaio, which would bar recall and resentencing for juveniles convicted of school shootings. Supporters framed it as a narrow public-safety measure in response to the Santana High School shooting and the potential resentencing of the shooter; opponents argued it was overly broad, ineffective as deterrence, and inconsistent with juvenile rehabilitation principles. The committee ultimately voted the bill out to Appropriations, but it later failed on the final roll call when members added on their positions. AB 1743 by Assembly Member Wix proposed allowing local governments, state agencies, and higher education institutions to request firearm trace data from DOJ for research and policy purposes. Supporters said the data could help identify trafficking patterns and inform evidence-based gun violence prevention, while opponents said trace data only shows the first lawful retail sale and could mislead policymakers or burden DOJ. The bill was passed to Appropriations. AB 1716 by Assembly Member Stefani, supported by UC and victim advocates, would let CalVCB reimburse tuition costs for college students whose education is disrupted by sexual violence; it passed to Appropriations after a strong debate over victim compensation. AB 1667 by Assembly Member Burner, adding fentanyl to the serious felony list for furnishing to a minor, also passed after emotional testimony from a bereaved parent and law enforcement support, despite opposition from drug policy and civil liberties groups. The committee adopted a consent calendar including AB 1549, AB 1681, AB 1723, and AB 1737, while AB 1538 and AB 1727 were pulled by their authors. In the final tally, AB 1701 and AB 1723 failed on the floor add-on roll call, while AB 1716, AB 1741, AB 1743, and AB 1667 advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• One question: Can you—there's a lot of SAF that's used in California.
• And it is also opt-in under their clean fuel standard.
• I just want to build on Senator Lovelett's question.
• and other standards on the coal facility.
• and other standards on the coal facility.

Summary: The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee heard three bills. SB 6246 would direct Ecology to develop recommendations for how no-cost allowances for emissions-intensive trade-exposed facilities (EITEs) should work from 2035 to 2050, and would require EITEs to submit facility-specific emissions data and periodic decarbonization plans as a condition of receiving allowances. Supporters said the bill preserves the Climate Commitment Act’s goals while giving the Legislature and Ecology better information to prevent emissions and job leakage and to plan for industrial decarbonization. Opponents argued the bill adds costly reporting and planning burdens, could threaten competitiveness, and in some cases could lead to allowance withholding; Ecology said it generally supports the approach but wants some streamlining and noted implementation costs are not in the governor’s budget. SB 5932 would provide certainty for sustainable aviation fuel development by changing how Ecology applies electricity carbon intensity in the Clean Fuels Program and by setting an earlier trigger for aviation fuel tax incentives. The sponsor and 12, a Moses Lake SAF developer, said the bill would give investors and producers needed certainty for expansion and help Washington remain competitive. Ecology and Climate Solutions opposed parts of the bill, saying it would weaken incentives for new renewable electricity generation, limit Ecology’s technical discretion, and reduce the Clean Fuels Program’s effectiveness, though Ecology said it supports decarbonizing aviation and is willing to work on the issue through rulemaking. Some testimony also supported the tax certainty portion while objecting to the Clean Fuels Program changes, and one witness asked for clarification on local participation in the incentive. SB 6172 would end remaining state tax and regulatory exemptions for the coal-fired TransAlta plant after its scheduled closure date. The sponsor said Washington should remove special treatment now that the state has phased out coal, while supporters said the bill reinforces the state’s clean energy transition and protects public health and climate goals. A few witnesses raised concerns about possible costs to utilities and ratepayers if the plant were ever required to run in an emergency, and asked for language to protect against that. The hearing concluded with the committee closing public testimony on all three bills; no votes were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Proposed federal standards.
• and future federal standards.
• The state's sanitary code and fire code are supposed to be uniform, yet they are subject to local interpretation
• The state's sanitary code and fire code is supposed to be uniform, yet it is subject to local interpretation
• And the kicker: these inspections and applications aren't standardized.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a lengthy hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills related to environmental health, PFAS, medical device chemicals, food access, lead poisoning, air quality, oral health, and school food additives. Chair Driscoll and Chair Decker emphasized that the hearing was for testimony only, no decisions would be made that day, and that written testimony could still be submitted. They also noted the high volume of speakers and asked witnesses to keep remarks brief. A major portion of the hearing focused on PFAS-related legislation, including bills to restrict PFAS in products and food packaging and to create a PFAS remediation trust fund. Municipal officials and advocates described the high costs of PFAS cleanup, especially for drinking water systems, citing Easton’s multimillion-dollar treatment investments and rate increases. Testimony from legislators and advocates argued that Massachusetts should act despite federal uncertainty, and that the state should stop PFAS at the source rather than leaving municipalities and residents to pay for remediation. The committee also heard strong support for a bill banning DEHP in medical devices, with physicians, nurses, and a bill sponsor saying the chemical can leach from IV bags and tubing and that safer alternatives already exist. The committee also heard testimony on bills to establish statewide food truck permitting, with food truck owners and a senator describing the current system as costly, duplicative, and inconsistent across municipalities. Another set of witnesses supported the “Bean New Deal,” which would expand plant-based food options in public institutions, senior nutrition programs, and WIC, citing health, equity, and cost savings. On lead poisoning, housing advocates and a representative backed bills to expand lead-safe housing requirements to all rental units, arguing the current law contributes to discrimination against families with children and leaves too much pre-1978 housing uncertified. The committee also heard support for an outdoor air pollution bill that would create an advisory committee, identify pollution hotspots, expand monitoring, and set reduction targets, with testimony from environmental justice groups, pediatricians, and legislators describing disproportionate asthma and other health harms in overburdened communities. Later testimony addressed oral health bills to create dental therapists and allow dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide, with supporters saying the measures would expand access, reduce costs, and help underserved patients. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to prohibit harmful food dyes in competitive school foods, with parents describing behavioral and health concerns tied to synthetic dyes. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• 13, Leslie Peterson; Building 6, Lauren Lacader; Building 28, Adalia Reyes; Building 27, Aaron Carnegie
• ; Building 26, Tanya Cruz Cook; Building 2, Al Quattelbomb; Building 8, Tmaine Ogaro; Building 9, Linda
• </c> buildings. Building 13, Leslie Peterson. buildings. Building 13, Leslie Peterson.
• Building Building six, Lauren Lacader.
• Building Building two, Al Quattelbomb.

Bills: HB9238 , HB8340 , HB8467 , HB8464 , HB8312 , HB7892

Keywords: financial management, accountability, government oversight, taxpayer funds, federal agencies, budget, performance metrics, improper payments, fraud prevention, payment integrity, government waste, waste, fraud, and abuse, financial loss, federal spending, federal programs, OMB Circular A-123, Do Not Pay Initiative, Treasury Department, Office of Management and Budget, Inspector General

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> insulting double standard. insulting double standard.
• </c> California seek recognition. California seek recognition.
• :36.080><c> codes.
• </c> upgrades within existing codes. upgrades within existing codes.
• But it's not just California. In things. But it's not just California.

Bills: HB8823 , HB4541 , HB8790 , HB3029 , HB5578 , HB1722 , HB6330 , HB4123 , HB2069 , HB7283 , HR1118 , HB8205 , HB6238 , HB3491 , HB1493 , HB2001 , HB3747 , HB5160 , HB4348 , HB2821 , HB2715 , HB1703

Keywords: FECA, Federal Employees' Compensation Act, workers' compensation, Department of Labor, medical provider fraud, provider accountability, payment suspension, fraud conviction, health care fraud, federal health care benefit program, state health program, workers compensation medical benefits, program integrity, provider sanctions, injured federal employees, geothermal, next-generation geothermal, enhanced geothermal systems, closed-loop geothermal, supercritical geothermal

Transcript Highlights:

• codes.
• This bill amends the Revenue and Taxation Code to broaden the definition of California qualified wildfire
• This bill amends the Revenue and Taxation Code to broaden the definition of California qualified wildfire
• Ryan Suze on behalf of California Food Banks and in Child Poverty, California, California. Welcome.
• Good morning, Ryan Suza on behalf of California Food Banks and End Child Poverty, California.

Transcript Highlights:

• to the business and professions code.
• to the business and professions code.
• provisions from the Health and Safety Code and the Insurance Code to the Business and Professions Code
• Chair, Justin Fanzel on behalf of the California Cannabis Association.
• The California State Association of Counties in support. Thank you.

Committee: House Business and Professions

Transcript Highlights:

• I yield to the gentleman from California, Ms.
• This is not just A building.
• Post Office building, but I immediately recognized the building, the core of this building.
• BUILDING, THE CORE, THE CORE OF THIS BUILDING Had been blown out, and it had been designed in the 1960s
• Post Office building.

Bills: SCR29 , HB7380 , HB5200 , HB1681 , SB98 , HB5201 , HR1343 , HB7022 , HB7386

Keywords: internet freedom, Iran, cybersecurity, VPN, DTC technology, information access, human rights, digital tools, Emergency Reporting Act, FCC, Federal Communications Commission, Disaster Information Reporting System, DIRS, network outage reporting, outage notifications, 9-1-1, public safety answering point, PSAP, emergency communications center, broadband

Transcript Highlights:

• Plus, just for up to the Florida building code.
• So the code, the code, the Florida building code is is widely recognized at to be the strongest in the
• We require this from this building code in the country and that's great.
• What's going on with forestry management in California, for example, what the building codes look like
• codes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice President for Government Affairs for the California Restaurant Association.
• Every time we try to enforce our building code on these structures, the billboard companies threaten
• Eid al-Adha in California and ensures students...
• Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders across California.
• California thrives when all communities thrive.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on alcohol licensing, billboard maintenance, equity planning, and recognition of Eid as a state holiday. AB 2663 by Assembly Member Rogers would extend the sunset on the “Cocktails to Go” program for restaurants; supporters from the California Restaurant Association and the Distilled Spirits Council said it has been successful and should continue, while one member raised concerns about beach communities and open-container enforcement. The bill was amended to add an urgency clause so the sunset would not lapse on New Year’s Eve, and it passed the committee. AB 2099 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez would define “customary maintenance” for outdoor advertising displays, including replacement or reinforcement of structural components. Supporters said the bill would provide clarity and consistency for the industry and state agencies, while opponents from Humboldt County and environmental groups argued it could weaken local enforcement, make nonconforming billboards effectively permanent, and increase public-safety and environmental concerns. The measure passed to Appropriations. AB 2731 by Assembly Member Addis would authorize 12 additional alcohol licenses in Santa Cruz County, split between Watsonville and southern county communities; local officials said the current cap is inequitable and forces businesses onto an expensive secondary market. The bill was amended to limit issuance to no more than five licenses per year and passed to Appropriations. AB 2017 by Assembly Member Haney would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays and provide excused absences for students observing them. Support came from Muslim community organizations, public employees, and advocates who said the bill would improve inclusion and help students and workers observe their faith without penalty. Several committee members spoke in favor and asked to be added as coauthors, and the bill passed to the Committee on Public Employment and Retirement. AB 1823 by Assembly Member Jackson would require state agencies to incorporate racial equity into strategic plans and conduct racial equity analyses before budgets or regulations are implemented. Supporters said it would make equity efforts more durable and accountable, while some members opposed it; the bill passed to Appropriations. The committee also approved a consent calendar of multiple bills, and the meeting adjourned at 3:28 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice President for Government Affairs for the California Restaurant Association.
• Every time we try to enforce our building code on these structures, the billboard companies threaten
• Eid al-Adha in California and ensures students...
• Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders across California.
• California thrives when all communities thrive.

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm part of the California that I am, and the part of California that I'm from.
• I'm part of the California that I am, and the part of California that I'm from.
• Had plans through Covered California.
• Last year alone, UC physicians provided care to patients from 99% of California zip codes.
• urban counties of California.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Senate and Assembly Health Committees focused on the cost of federal instability for California health coverage, access, and affordability. Opening remarks from members of both houses emphasized that California’s coverage gains under the Affordable Care Act are now threatened by federal policy changes, including the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, H.R. 1, and new federal regulatory actions. Members repeatedly cited rising premiums, skipped care, medical debt, and the risk that low-income, immigrant, and working Californians could lose coverage or be pushed into less comprehensive plans. The first panel reviewed the federal landscape and state response. Don Joyce described the ACA’s coverage expansions and warned that H.R. 1, regulatory changes, and broader federal retrenchment could reduce coverage and weaken meaningful benefits. Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman said the loss of enhanced premium tax credits is driving major affordability problems, with average monthly premiums projected to rise sharply and enrollment already down, especially among middle-income consumers. HCAI’s Elizabeth Lansberg explained the Office of Health Care Affordability’s role in slowing spending growth, monitoring consolidation, and setting spending targets, including lower targets for high-cost hospitals and new primary care investment goals. Members asked about bronze plans, high-cost hospitals, administrative burdens, provider taxes, and whether federal advisory changes could affect required benefits such as immunizations. The second panel examined population impacts and cost drivers. UC Berkeley Labor Center’s Miranda Dietz said most Californians get coverage through employers, Medi-Cal, or Covered California, and that affordability problems are widespread across all groups. She projected that California could have up to 2 million more uninsured residents by 2030, largely from Medi-Cal losses, and said higher premiums reduce wages and increase medical debt. Christoph Stremakis of the California Health Care Foundation highlighted survey data showing widespread concern about medical bills, skipped care, and medical debt, and argued that a large share of spending is wasted through administrative complexity, inflated prices, and underinvestment in prevention. Committee members pressed the panel on whether California can sustain coverage without new revenue, how cost-growth targets affect workers and families, how medical debt relief programs like Los Angeles County’s could be expanded, and how OCA can address uncompensated care, consolidation, and prior authorization burdens.