Transcript Highlights:

• certainly only speak anecdotally, having not been on the board, but having been in the education policy space
• my colleagues, Representative Tipton and Chair Lewis, we passed the Read to Succeed Act in 2022, launching
• Succeed<00:47:59.280><c> Act</c><00:47:59.640><c> in</c><00:47:59.760><c> 2022</c><00:48:00.720><c> launching
• </c><00:48:01.200><c> a</c> Succeed Act in 2022 launching a Succeed Act in 2022 launching a statewide

Committee: House Primary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I wouldn't endorse them at this point, but I know there is one in California that's launched that's focused
• I wouldn't endorse them at this point, but I know there is one in California that's launched that's focused
• But, you know, there is one in California that's launched that's focused on determining humanness detached

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met in subcommittee and heard three non-consent bills plus a consent calendar. SB 1159 by Senator Cabaldon would let public agencies disregard AI- or bot-generated public participation that is not from a human, in response to concerns about floods of automated comments and public records requests overwhelming local government processes. Supporters included Sierra Club California, the League of California Cities, counties, special districts, municipal clerks, and several local governments; there was no opposition. Committee members raised questions about how agencies would detect AI-generated submissions, possible liability or First Amendment concerns if human comments were mistakenly excluded, and whether the bill needed more specific amendments for each affected act. The author said the bill does not create enforcement against bots but instead clarifies that agencies need not treat non-human input as human participation, and the committee voted the bill out on a series of roll calls, ultimately 12-0, to the Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee, with the bill placed on call during the process. SB 932 by Senator Dato would require greater transparency in civil proceedings involving assignments of claims, aiming to prevent people from hiding behind shell companies or transferred rights to collect money while avoiding debts or other obligations. The Conference of California Bar Associations sponsored the bill, and its witness said the measure would help identify the real party in interest and curb misuse of assignments, including in bankruptcy and other recovery actions. The Utility Wildfire Survivor Coalition opposed the bill unless amended, arguing that in complex litigation—especially wildfire cases with multiple overlapping interests and litigation financing—the proposal could miss important disclosures and create inequities. The author said the bill was a narrow accountability measure and acknowledged broader issues would require more discussion. The committee passed SB 932 on a 12-0 vote, with the bill also placed on call during the vote sequence. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing several other measures, including SB 994, SB 1100, SB 1374, SB 1189, and SCR 124. Those items were adopted unanimously after roll calls, and the committee adjourned after completing the final votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1147 would deliver on a commitment that I made to House District 38 to strengthen our workforce by launching
• public junior colleges, technical institutes, state colleges, school districts, and charter schools launch
• public junior colleges, technical institutes, state colleges, school districts, and charter schools, launch

Bills: HB322 , HB331 , HB673 , HB 1147 , HB 1154 , HB2488

Committee: House S/C on Workforce

Keywords: JET Grant Program, career education, technical education, community colleges, technology solutions, high demand jobs, first responders, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, benefits, compensation, presumption of disability, emergency services, healthcare, Medicaid, mental health, substance abuse, treatment access, cost, insurance coverage

Transcript Highlights:

• For too long, this space has been clouded by legal uncertainty and regulation by enforcement, leaving
• For too long, this space<03:17:45.920><c> has</c><03:17:46.160><c> been</c><03:17:46.319><c> clouded<
• /c><03:17:46.720><c> by</c><03:17:46.960><c> legal</c> space has been clouded by legal space has been
• It blocks the federal government from launching a central bank digital currency that could be used to
• I’m the chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Bills: HB1717 , HR580

Keywords: communications security, reliability, interoperability, FCC, public interest, council, rules resolution, House Rules Committee, structured rule, appropriations, Department of Defense, DoD appropriations, fiscal year 2026, defense spending, digital commodities, cryptocurrency regulation, digital assets, SEC, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, CFTC

Transcript Highlights:

• We launched the Blueprint Project in this region 25 years ago, and the successful completion of that
• This committee itself has passed this year a couple of bills in this space.
• This committee itself has passed this year a couple of bills in this space.
• Gunda about what we can do in that space.
• I think regardless of what we do in that space, we still need a plan for these refineries because it

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on environmental quality, climate planning, transparency, water affordability, plastics, recycling, and refinery transition planning. SB 1087, by Senator Cabaldon, would modernize SB 375 regional climate and transportation planning by extending planning cycles, clarifying target-setting and review processes, and reducing time and cost burdens; metropolitan planning organizations strongly supported it, while environmental groups and industry raised concerns about VMT, GHG metrics, CEQA, and implementation details. Committee members generally agreed the process is too costly and complex, but urged the author to keep the bill focused on simpler, less expensive planning and better progress reporting. The bill was moved as amended to Senate Transportation and kept on call. SB 1239, by Senator Jones, would require CARB to update its standardized regulatory impact assessment when a major regulation is materially changed; supporters framed it as a transparency and affordability measure, while the chair argued it could slow rulemaking and discourage agencies from incorporating public feedback. The bill failed on the committee vote and was kept on call. SB 1125, by Senator Menjivar, would create a statewide low-income water rate assistance program, contingent on funding, to help households facing rising water bills; public water agencies, environmental justice groups, local governments, and community members from rural areas testified in support, emphasizing affordability and the lack of statewide assistance. The chair and members expressed support for the need for such a program, and the bill passed 3-1 and was kept on call. SB 1180, by Senator Allen, would establish implementation rules for the plastic pollution mitigation fund created by SB 54, including eligibility, reporting, transparency, and technical assistance for smaller organizations and tribes; environmental justice, conservation, and local government groups supported it, while producer and industry groups opposed unless amended, seeking tighter links to measurable mitigation outcomes and the covered products under SB 54. The bill passed 3-0 and was kept on call. SB 1161, by Senator Valadares, would require CARB to provide clearer, plain-language economic analysis of regulations and their impacts on households; supporters described it as a transparency and affordability measure, while some environmental groups offered respectful or qualified opposition. The chair said she could support it as amended, and the bill passed 4-0 and was kept on call. The committee also heard SB 955, by Senator Blakespear, to update California’s beverage container recycling program so major sellers participate and consumers have convenient return options; supporters said it would improve redemption access and program effectiveness, and the bill passed 5-0 and was kept on call. Finally, SB 1259, also by Senator Blakespear, would require refineries to provide earlier disclosure of cleanup liabilities and closure planning information so the state and communities can plan for refinery site remediation and reuse; the author framed it as a transparency and transition-planning measure, and testimony began in support as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• There was obviously a bed space for them because they were at ASH, right?
• We worked with questions about roommates and shared living spaces.
• We worked with questions about roommates and shared living spaces.
• Cameras in personal spaces like bathrooms and bedrooms erode that dignity.
• Equally important are those seniors that don't want cameras in their living space.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2307, as amended by a strike-everything amendment, which would require the Department of Health Services to contract with an out-of-state facility when a person found dangerous and incompetent under a court commitment order cannot be placed in an Arizona secure mental health facility. Supporters, including the sponsor and Senator Angus, said the measure was a temporary stopgap to prevent dangerous individuals from being released because Arizona lacks secure behavioral health beds. Opponents raised due process, disability rights, family access, cost, and interstate-legal concerns, and DHS said it had no fiscal estimate and little experience with such contracts. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill 6-5. The committee then took up House Bill 2083, which updates diabetes-related insurance coverage to include items such as continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, smart insulin pens, and certain injectable medications. Supporters said the bill reflects modern diabetes care and can prevent serious complications, while an insurer representative warned that putting the coverage in statute could create state-mandated costs and raised concern that the language might be read to include GLP-1 drugs. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 11-1. House Bill 2673, dealing with mental illness screening and treatment for incarcerated people, would require sheriffs to ensure prisoners showing symptoms of mental disorder are examined within 24 hours and, if appropriate, referred for evaluation and treatment. Representative Hernandez said she intended to revise it into a study committee-style measure after stakeholder feedback, and a family member testified about her son’s death after untreated psychosis in jail. Opposition focused on competency and civil-commitment concerns, costs, and the burden on jails, but the committee passed the bill 12-0. House Bill 2923, which revises timelines and notice procedures for judicial review of court-ordered mental health treatment, also passed 12-0 after supporters said it would clarify outdated language and improve communication with families and guardians; opponents argued it shifted burdens onto patients and could prolong confinement. The committee next passed House Bill 2251, as amended, which expands licensed midwives’ authority to dispense certain medications and devices, adds reporting and oversight requirements, and creates an advisory committee. The sponsor said the amendment narrowed the medication list, clarified transfer-of-care triggers, strengthened oversight, and added sentinel-event reporting after stakeholder discussions with medical groups. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2914 on electronic monitoring in resident rooms at nursing care and assisted living facilities, with the sponsor’s statement emphasizing the bill as a protection against abuse or neglect and noting similar laws in other states; the transcript cuts off before testimony or a final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we've worked with the Attorney General's office in ensuring online spaces are safe, they assure me
• I've also been involved with Midwest Psychedelics, whose first cohort just launched last month.
• There is quite a bit of movement in this in the veteran space.
• There is quite a bit of movement in this in the veteran space.
• I've worked in this space for a while.

Committees: House Emerging Issues , House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Transcript Highlights:

• can receive drug supplemental payments on our U.S. population for the expenditures in the pharmacy space
• These are common in the commercial coverage space.
• And then two more proposals in the healthcare financing space.
• Those are optional benefits, even in the federal Medicaid space.
• We do not have a proposal in that space.

Transcript Highlights:

• They also have launched what we call enhanced indexing of those funds.
• We still are on path to launch this.
• The goal is to launch it at the State Investment Board meeting in October, so it would be on the 28th
• But we'll certainly notify you of that as we get ready to launch.
• Again, that is the day after our board meeting where the goal is to launch the website.

Summary: The Legacy Fund Committee received updates from the North Dakota Retirement Investment Office (RIO) on fund performance, liquidity, in-state investments, and internal management. Scott Anderson reported strong returns for the Legacy Fund across multiple time periods, with performance exceeding the policy benchmark and expectations, driven largely by strong equity markets and effective implementation. He also reviewed private market pacing, noting commitments were on plan but that unfunded obligations and distributions were lower than expected, and presented a new liquidity analysis showing the fund had substantial capacity to meet obligations even under stressed market scenarios. The committee also discussed RIO’s internal investment program and cost savings. Anderson explained how internal management of fixed income, equity, and cash overlay strategies has reduced fees and transaction costs, while improving flexibility and portfolio construction. Members asked about staffing needs, and RIO leadership said asset growth has outpaced current staffing, with a request for additional FTEs likely coming to support investment, operations, risk, and legal functions. The committee also reviewed the Legacy Fund’s in-state investment program, including 50 South Capital and infrastructure lending, and heard that one manager’s buildout is progressing more slowly because many opportunities are still early-stage. Adam Odison presented a preliminary estimate of the 2026 Legacy Fund earnings distribution, projecting about $894.8 million under current law, with roughly $237 million to the Highway Fund and $554 million to the Property Tax Relief Fund after the sinking and interest fund allocation. Jody Smith then gave a project update on a new standalone Legacy Fund website required by statute, intended to consolidate performance, holdings, governance, fees, and use-of-funds information for the public, with a planned launch around the October State Investment Board meeting. She also raised a possible future proposal to place the Legacy Earnings Fund back under State Investment Board management so the cash could remain invested longer before being transferred out, though members noted liquidity, accounting, and bank-deposit implications would need further review. Finally, Kelvin Holden of the Bank of North Dakota reviewed the match loan program, explaining how it supports large economic development projects by pairing Bank of North Dakota loans with State Investment Board CDs. He said the program currently has about $272 million outstanding and has supported projects such as Coal Creek Station and the MDU gas line to Gwinner. Members discussed whether the program’s return is appropriate and noted a prior moratorium on new investments so the committee can revisit the policy next session. The committee then elected Senator Klein as chair and Representative Hogan as vice chair, and the meeting ended with members thanking staff and partners for the fund’s progress.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was going to be how many, if any, hospitals are on the launching pad for this designation.
• screening or service programs, or to expand existing programs to new locations, for example through the launch
• The program website and loan application portal have officially been launched.
• The Swimming Lesson Voucher Online Application Portal launched in September 2024.
• The Swimming Lesson Voucher Online Application Portal launched in September of 2024.

Summary: The committee met to receive implementation updates on recently enacted health care laws from AHCA and the Department of Health. AHCA reported on rural emergency hospitals, explaining the new Class 4 hospital designation, rule changes completed June 1, 2025, and that no Florida hospitals have yet converted, though one North Walton/DeFuniak Springs-area hospital has expressed interest. AHCA also reviewed the non-emergent care access plan requirement for hospitals with emergency departments, saying 83 plans had been received since July 1 and 63 approved, with plans emphasizing patient education, referrals to primary care or urgent care, and coordination for Medicaid managed care enrollees through the Florida HIE/ENS system. Members asked about HIE capacity, data collection, and whether the plans would identify shortages or trigger accountability measures; AHCA said it had moved to a new HIE vendor and would continue gathering data. AHCA also updated the committee on the TEACH workforce program, reporting $6.8 million in FY 2024-25 spending across 59 parent organizations and 229 facilities, with more than 1,800 students and nearly 380,000 clinical hours reimbursed, and said a federal 1115 workforce waiver was unlikely to move forward under CMS. On KidCare, AHCA said House Bill 121’s expansion to 300% of the federal poverty level remains blocked by federal litigation and CMS action tied to premium nonpayment rules, and members and public witnesses urged prompt implementation and asked for enrollment/disenrollment data and the rural health transformation funding outlook. Public testimony largely supported the NCAP and TEACH programs and pressed for action on KidCare. Representatives from health centers said NCAP has strengthened hospital-health center relationships and improved care coordination, including reduced recidivism in some hospitals. A Bond Community Health Center physician said TEACH is helping offset the burden of training students and could help address workforce shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas. Advocacy groups urged the committee to push for implementation of the KidCare expansion, citing children in the coverage gap and rising uninsured rates. The Department of Health then presented on several programs from the 2024-25 session. It reported on the Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) program, including 78 dentists and 15 dental hygienists funded under the dental track and nearly 1,300 medical professionals funded overall, with 123 dental applications and 71 funded dentists in the most recent cycle. DOH also updated the Screening and Services Grant Program, the Health Care Innovation Revolving Loan Program, the statewide telehealth maternity care program, and the swimming lesson voucher program, noting strong participation and outcomes such as reduced ER visits and improved postpartum follow-up in the maternity program. Finally, DOH said implementation of the HIV prevention drug/pharmacist dispensing law is underway, with three certification courses approved and five certifications issued. Members asked about barriers to wider use of HIV prevention drugs, more detailed maternal outcome data, and the dental workforce program report; DOH said more detailed reports would follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was going to be how many, if any, hospitals are on the launching pad for this designation.
• That was going to be how many, if any, hospitals are on the launching pad for this designation.
• screening or service programs, or to expand existing programs to new locations, for example through the launch
• The program website and loan application portal have officially been launched.
• The Swimming Lesson Voucher Online Application Portal launched in September 2024.

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The committee opened with roll call, welcomed members back for the first committee weeks, and heard brief personal updates from several senators before moving into agency implementation updates on recently enacted health care laws. The Agency for Health Care Administration reported on Senate Bill 64 creating rural emergency hospitals, explaining that AHCA adopted the required rules effective June 1, 2025, but that no hospitals have yet been designated. Members asked about possible hospital conversions, accreditation and survey responsibilities, and whether Florida would apply for federal rural health transformation funding; AHCA said it intends to apply and has already been working on the issue with federal officials. AHCA also reviewed the non-emergent care access plan requirement under Senate Bill 7016. The agency said hospitals with emergency departments must submit plans that help redirect non-emergent patients to appropriate care settings while complying with EMTALA, and that 83 plans had been received and 63 approved as of September 30. Members asked about data collection, managed care coordination, and the state’s health information exchange; AHCA said it has moved to a new HIE vendor and will continue monitoring implementation and possible care gaps. AHCA then updated the committee on the TEACH program, saying $6.8 million was spent in 2024-25 across 59 parent organizations and 229 facilities, with more than 1,800 students and nearly 380,000 clinical hours reimbursed. The agency said rulemaking is nearly complete, a new nursing student category and expanded facility eligibility were added, and a federal 1115 workforce waiver remains stalled after CMS signaled it will not approve new workforce demonstrations. AHCA also reviewed House Bill 121 on KidCare eligibility, explaining that implementation of the 300% poverty-level expansion remains blocked by federal litigation and waiver issues tied to premium nonpayment rules; members and public speakers urged action to close the coverage gap. Public testimony on AHCA’s presentation came from representatives of health centers and advocacy groups, who said the non-emergent care access plan has improved hospital-health center coordination and reduced repeat emergency use, and who urged implementation of KidCare expansion for children in the coverage gap. The Department of Health then presented updates on FRAM, the Sanadi screening grant program, the Health Care Innovation Revolving Loan Program, telehealth maternity care, swimming lesson vouchers, and House Bill 159 on pharmacist dispensing of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. DOH reported strong participation in FRAM and the telehealth maternity program, 24 Sanadi grant awards in 42 counties, 4,945 swimming lesson vouchers issued last year and 2,371 so far this year, and three approved certification courses with five pharmacist certifications issued under HB 159. Committee members asked about recruitment of dentists and other providers, telehealth maternity outcomes, and why participation in the maternity program remains below expected levels; DOH said outreach and regional referral networks are expanding and more detailed outcome data will be included in the upcoming legislative report.

Transcript Highlights:

• We launched this program in response to COVID-19, thinking about how we can better reach high-risk workers
• Thanks to QWOP, we launched a wage claim clinic last year that did not only help file wage complaints
• We have launched MyEDD, which is a secure portal used by all our unemployment and disability and paid
• We launched electronic questionnaire for unemployment.
• We launched direct deposit, implemented text messaging for all our claimants, simplified our unemployment

Transcript Highlights:

• As background, in August 2019, Governor DeSantis launched... ...and enhance their collaboration.
• As background, in August 2019, Governor DeSantis launched the Governor's Faith and Community Initiative
• But everything we've worked on together in this space, from the opioid problems to the fentanyl problems
• But everything we've worked on together in this space, from the opioid problems to the fentanyl problems
• And since then, we've grown together. ...the behavioral work that they do, the space that they occupy

Summary: The Senate convened with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and others. Senators also observed a moment of silence for Pope Francis. After routine announcements, the chamber moved to the special order calendar and took up a long series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills before final passage. Among the measures approved were bills creating an expedited DNA testing grant program for local law enforcement, adding aggravating factors in capital cases involving gatherings for religious, school, or government activities, requiring state health coverage for fertility preservation services for cancer patients, authorizing indemnification for commuter rail providers, prohibiting abandonment of migrant vessels in Florida waters, and creating new specialty license plates. The Senate also passed bills on Alzheimer’s awareness, relocating the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University, charter schools, sex offender registration, utility worker protections, juvenile justice, student mental health reporting, foster home licensure transfers, water access facilities, Florida Virtual School, school readiness, sexual images involving children, tampering with electronic monitoring devices, certified recovery residences, the FSU Election Law Center, the Office of Faith and Community, and bonuses for county property appraiser employees. Several other bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, officers injured in the line of duty, school social workers, and Brownfields. Debate was especially extensive on the Office of Faith and Community bill, where an amendment to bar political activity by office staff was offered but failed 13-23 after arguments over election-related communications and the scope of existing law. The certified recovery residences bill also drew notable debate, with supporters emphasizing housing as essential to recovery and opponents raising concerns about implementation and local control. Most other bills passed with little or no opposition, though a few drew dissenting votes, including the capital aggravating factors bill, charter schools, and the Office of Faith and Community measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• clear and that's why in our firm's case more than 5 billion in private investment has come into this space
• Harrison: Now Chair, I'm going to ask – I swear I'm getting to a point here, so give me a little bit of space
• sure the kids will have resources, the stability, and the freedom to build beyond survival if we have space
• that I noticed the El Paso County Commissioner did not mention is the $500,000 that they used to launch
• With the growing space infrastructure in Texas, we would like to—she would like to turn these bonds into

Bills: HB21 , HB211 , HB223 , HB323 , HB524 , HB530 , HB636 , HB762 , HB21 , HB211 , HB223

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: housing finance, multifamily residential, low income, tax exemption, audit requirements, affordable housing, local government, development bonds, housing assistance, financial assistance, low income housing, community support, affordability, veterans housing, community involvement, air conditioning, tenant support, healthcare, elderly, taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• Our case management system, Granite Families, will be launched by December of 2026.
• Our case management system, Granite Families, will be launched by December of 2026.
• There are four locations that have been identified and that will launch shortly.
• There are four locations that have been identified and that will launch shortly.
• There are four locations that have been identified and that will launch shortly.

Summary: The meeting began with committee process reminders from the chair, including rules for questioning witnesses, time limits for testimony, and how motions and committee reports are handled. The chair also discussed the committee’s history, emphasized a cooperative approach with agencies and the Judiciary, and noted that a special committee on the Family Division of Circuit Court had previously done useful work; he said a new subcommittee could be appointed later to continue looking at judicial-system issues. He also mentioned that the Speaker’s office was expected to name members to the DHHS oversight committee by Friday at 1. The substantive presentation was from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Child Support Services. Attorney John Williams introduced the bureau team, and Bureau Chief Lisa Dekowski described the program’s mission: encouraging responsible parenting, family self-sufficiency, and child well-being by locating parents, establishing paternity, setting or modifying support orders, and enforcing court-ordered child and medical support. She said the bureau operates statewide under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, works with courts, employers, and other partners, and serves both in-state and out-of-state cases, with some international and tribal coordination. She also cited program scale, saying the bureau dispersed about $76 million to families in New Hampshire in fiscal year 2023 and that most collections go directly to families. Members asked about enforcement tools, especially passport denial. In response to a question about a case involving a very small shortfall, the bureau said the federal passport-denial threshold is $2,500 in arrears, not a few cents, and that denial remains in place until the balance is resolved or an arrangement is made with the agency, with hardship factors potentially considered. The bureau also explained that either parent can apply for services when a child support order exists and that the bureau can help initiate income withholding orders. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• and builds on the work we are already doing through Complete Streets, Shared Streets, and Shared Spaces
• , and space has to be reserved for people with ADA concerns.
• such as... ...public spaces such as sidewalks, bike lanes, parks, and recreational paths.
• Thank you. ...options will ensure our roads and public spaces remain safe for everyone.
• , similarly to how you would have A mandatory space buffer around these vehicles, similarly to how you

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on the governor’s Ride Safe Act, S. 3077, and related micromobility bills. Chairs and administration officials described the bill as a statewide, speed-based framework for e-bikes, scooters, mopeds, and similar devices, intended to replace outdated device categories with clearer rules for age limits, helmets, equipment, operating locations, registration, insurance for higher-speed devices, and restrictions on tampering. They also emphasized improved crash-data collection, a working group for future updates, and battery safety standards such as UL certification to reduce fire risk. Committee members asked about enforcement, shared-use paths, commuter rail accommodations, battery storage, and how the bill would apply to other vehicles like quads; the administration said some issues would need further study or follow-up. Testimony from advocates, municipal officials, and commission members was mixed but generally supportive of clearer statewide rules. Transportation and safety advocates backed the speed-based tier system but urged additional measures, including a default speed limit on shared-use paths, automated enforcement, and more funding for Complete Streets and Shared Streets programs. Bike shop and police representatives said current laws are confusing for riders and law enforcement and that better definitions and data reporting are needed. Several speakers stressed that enforcement and education will be critical, and that local patchwork rules are difficult to apply consistently. Medical testimony strongly supported tighter protections for young riders. Pediatric emergency and trauma doctors described a sharp rise in serious injuries and deaths involving e-bikes and scooters, including severe pediatric cases, and urged amendments adding a minimum age for faster devices and a universal helmet requirement. They argued that the force and weight of these devices make crashes more dangerous than conventional bicycles and pointed to past Massachusetts safety laws as evidence that age and equipment restrictions can reduce injuries. Some public testimony opposed the bill as written, especially from moped commuters who argued that gas-powered mopeds are being treated differently from comparable electric devices and should be included in the framework. They called for clearer rules on bike-lane access, insurance, parking, and statewide standards for mopeds as vulnerable road users. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and questions only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many districts took advantage of grant funding through Literacy Launch, administered by DESE, using $35
• Many districts took advantage of grant funding through literacy launch, administered by DESE, using $35
• I'm grateful that from here we will be able to actually use funds in the Literacy Launch Fund that will
• Today, these amendments will allow our districts to be able to tap into this literacy launch fund.

Summary: The House took up several procedural orders early in the session, including extending the reporting deadline for the Housing Committee on H.4655 and suspending Joint Rule 12 for a petition seeking to rescind prior Article 5 constitutional convention applications. It then advanced three Ways and Means bills on education-related topics: personal financial literacy education (H.4670), expanded access to the state seal of biliteracy (H.4671), and teacher preparation and student literacy (H.4672), each moving through amendment adoption and third reading or engrossment procedures. A major portion of the meeting focused on H.4670, which would require personal financial literacy instruction in middle and high school and establish a financial literacy trust fund for curriculum and teacher training. Members spoke in support, emphasizing budgeting, credit, student loans, and long-term financial planning, and the bill passed to be engrossed by a 154-0 roll call. H.4671, which broadens access to the seal of biliteracy for students in public and private schools, also drew support and passed to be engrossed 155-0. The most extensive debate centered on H.4672, a literacy bill requiring evidence-based reading instruction, DESE-approved curricula or approved local alternatives, screening and progress monitoring, professional development, and related implementation measures. Members described concerns about declining reading scores and argued for a shift away from three-cueing toward phonics-based, science-of-reading approaches. Several amendments were considered: a proposal to change intervention language from “significantly” to “at risk of falling behind” failed, while amendments adding funding language, stakeholder collaboration, and other implementation details were adopted. One amendment clarifying that pictures may be used as a supplement in literacy curricula was also adopted, and the bill ultimately passed to be engrossed 155-0. The House also observed moments of silence for former Judge Leslie Harris, former Representative Mark Carron, and former Representative Dennis Rosa, and adjourned to meet the next day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our implementation was completed in a matter of months, and our launch costs were roughly $300,000.
• Since launching, we've seen major improvements in voter access and efficiency without any security issues
• Reimagined Metro Phase 1 launched in December 2023 and implemented new, higher-frequency routes from
• Reimagined Metro Phase 1 launched in December 2023 and implemented new, higher-frequency routes from

Summary: The committee heard several election and democracy-related bills. AB 1116 would expand California’s online voter registration system to allow eligible voters without a DMV-issued ID to register using the last four digits of their Social Security number and an uploaded signature image. Supporters said it would improve access, reduce paper processing, and save money; opponents, including the Secretary of State’s office and county officials, raised concerns about cybersecurity, implementation, and identity verification. The bill was moved on a 2-1 vote to the Committee on Appropriations. AB 1539 would require political party representatives to certify, under penalty of perjury, that presidential and vice presidential nominees meet constitutional term-limit requirements. Supporters framed it as a safeguard against attempts to place ineligible candidates on the ballot, while opponents called it unnecessary and politically motivated. The committee voted 2-1 to send the bill to the Committee on Public Safety. The committee also approved AB 1562, which would let counties randomly select registered voters to serve as poll workers if their board of supervisors approves, and AB 1664, which would require prompt notice to the Secretary of State and Attorney General when election records or voting systems are subject to warrants, subpoenas, or investigations. AB 1562 passed 2-0 to the Committee on Transportation, and AB 1664 passed 2-1 to the Committee on Public Safety despite opposition from sheriffs’ representatives who argued it raised separation-of-powers concerns. Later, AB 1853, which would restrict candidate statements in voter information guides to factual background and qualifications and bar hateful or misleading content, passed 2-1 to the Committee on Rules for further consideration in Judiciary. AB 1919, allowing voters in the Santa Cruz Metro district to decide on transit funding procedures, and AB 2484, allowing San Diego MTS voters to authorize a local transit tax through initiative, also advanced on 3-1 votes to the Committee on Transportation. The committee additionally approved a consent agenda containing AB 1789, AB 2592, AB 2655, and AB 2785.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2698 simply opens the door to local governments launching their own version using the same proven
• To local governments launching their own version using the same proven framework.
• which extends California's safe surrender window from 72 hours to 30 days, giving mothers the time and space
• Assembly Member eloquently put it, out-of-home storage options can create essential time... ...time and space
• Drug crimes are extremely serious, especially those that involve children or vulnerable spaces and protected

Summary: The committee heard a large public safety agenda and began by announcing several bills off calendar and limiting testimony to two witnesses per side. The first major item was AB 2698, which would authorize local governments to create youth court diversion programs for first-time juvenile offenders. The author and supporters, including Bakersfield Police Department representatives and a student participant, described the program as restorative, record-clearing, and successful in Bakersfield. Opponents argued it was not true diversion because it occurs after adjudication, could widen system involvement, and should instead be replaced by pre-arrest community-based diversion. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Appropriations, but remained on call with some members not voting. The committee also adopted a consent calendar of ten bills without opposition. The committee then heard AB 1959, which would create a narrow exception allowing resentencing in adult court for certain violent juvenile offenders in a case arising from the Santana High School shooting. The author, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, and a survivor/city councilmember argued the bill would close a loophole that could lead to resentencing and early release despite parole denials. Several organizations registered opposition or opposed unless amended, but many noted they were reviewing the amended version. The bill was moved due pass as amended to Appropriations and remained on call. AB 1628, extending California’s safe surrender window for newborns from 72 hours to 30 days, drew broad support from the author, firefighters, medical and child welfare groups, and no opposition; it was moved due pass to Human Services and remained on call. The committee also approved AB 1974, which authorizes law enforcement agencies to create voluntary temporary firearm storage programs. The author and supporters from San Francisco law enforcement, Giffords, and gun safety groups said the bill would expand safe storage options during crises and in custody disputes; there was no opposition, and it passed due pass as amended. AB 2297, requiring restitution in diversion cases, drew support from the author, district attorneys, and victims’ advocates, while opponents argued it was duplicative, could burden low-income participants, and might undermine diversion success. After discussion about restitution law and ability to pay, the bill passed due pass. Finally, AB 2438, which would require people sentenced to more than six years to serve in state prison rather than county jail, drew support from the author and Riverside County Sheriff Bianco, who said realignment had overcrowded county jails and strained resources. Opponents warned it could worsen state prison overcrowding and conflict with realignment’s purpose. The chair recommended no, and the bill was moved due pass and re-refer to Appropriations, remaining on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2698 simply opens the door to local governments launching their own version using the same proven
• framework. ...to local governments launching their own version using the same proven framework.
• which extends California's safe surrender window from 72 hours to 30 days, giving mothers the time and space
• options can create essential time... ...out-of-home storage options can create essential time and space
• Drug crimes are extremely serious, especially those that involve children or vulnerable spaces and protected

Committee: House Public Safety