Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to thank Chairman Bonin for appointing me as chairman and I look forward to working with each
• for newer members getting acquainted with both. the subcommittee and the overall appropriations process
• First of all, thank you for this committee's work. session in passing the 5% classified staffing raises
• Thank you very much for your work and being with us. Members that...
• He's worked at our school for three years and he has gotten a raise of only $500. those years.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAR BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE.
• THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK IS WELL WITH INDELIBLE.
• THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY FIRST AND FOREMOST AND THANK YOU FOR THE GOOD WORK FLORIDA DOES DO.
• >> I HAVE WORKED WITH HIM FOR ABOUT A. >> Chair: WHO APPROACHED WHO?
• HAS INDELIBLE DONE ANY WORK OR RECEIVED ANY CONTRACTS FOR HOPE FLORIDA?

Transcript Highlights:

• The other thing that we're working on and this is I am incredibly excited about for those of you who
• And so we know that people will go to managed care and for some people that work.
• thing and everyone should be working for staff.
• Always enjoyed working with you. And I'm excited for this next chapter of a few questions.
• Thank you again for being here. Looking forward to working with you. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• can get to their respective sessions. ...so that everyone can get to their respective sessions.
• And I ask for an aye vote and respectfully ask for that aye vote.
• Working with Mr.
• Working with Mr.
• For these reasons, we urge you to stand up for legal industry, for fairness, and for our tribal partners

Summary: The Governmental Organization Committee met as a subcommittee before quorum was established, then heard three measures. AB 770 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez would authorize the City of Los Angeles to create a flexible signage framework at the Los Angeles Convention Center to generate revenue for renovation and modernization tied to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Support came from labor, business, and SEIU representatives, who cited jobs, tourism, and financing benefits; there was no opposition testimony. Members asked about the job estimates and the connection between signage revenue and convention center expansion. SB 451, presented by Senator Archuleta, would clarify that a 50-50 charitable raffle may be conducted at a championship game held at a designated venue where an affiliated sports team plays home games, addressing a Super Bowl-related ambiguity. Supporters from the NFL and the 49ers said the change would preserve charitable fundraising for Super Bowls 60 and 61 and would not alter other raffle rules. CalNonprofits raised concerns about fairness, gambling expansion, and the special treatment of pro sports raffles, while members discussed how charities receive funds and the program’s audit process. AB 831 by Assemblymember Valencia would prohibit online sweepstakes using dual-currency models that allow cash payouts, while leaving non-cash social sweepstakes untouched. Supporters, including several tribes, the Sports Betting Alliance, the California Chamber of Commerce, and other stakeholders, argued the bill closes a loophole, protects consumers, and preserves tribal gaming sovereignty; opponents, including the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance and numerous tribal members and representatives, argued it would eliminate a legal industry, harm smaller and less advantaged tribes, and was advanced without sufficient consultation. After extensive debate about consumer protection, tribal equity, and online gaming regulation, all three bills were approved, and the committee adjourned at 9:55 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We cannot stand for injustice that will lead to loss of human life, injustice that will lead to working
• What we're seeing are savings for working families who are already struggling.
• And so as chair of the budget subcommittee on health, I've come before you many times to work towards
• It is also a reminder and a call to action for all of us to continue to work on a comprehensive housing
• That shared understanding shaped our work and our commitment and our love for good tacos and banda music

Summary: The Assembly convened in Sacramento, established a quorum, and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. After routine procedural motions, members voted to withdraw SB 106 from committee for third reading and to suspend the rules so AJR 25 could be taken up immediately. AJR 25, authored by Assembly Member Bonta, urged Congress to restore and extend enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that expired on January 1, with supporters arguing the lapse would sharply raise premiums for millions of Californians, including veterans, working families, and other vulnerable residents. Opponents, led by Assembly Member DeMaio, argued the resolution blamed federal action for California’s high health care costs and said state mandates and spending choices were the real problem. The resolution was adopted 58-4, and Assembly Member Addis was added as a joint author. The chamber also took up H.R. 76 on affordable homeownership, presented by Assembly Member Schultz and supported by Assembly Member Wicks, who emphasized the importance of homeownership for wealth-building and noted ongoing efforts to expand programs such as CalHome. H.R. 79, by Assembly Member Valencia, recognized February 2026 as Unclaimed Property Month; supporters highlighted the large amount of unclaimed property held by the state and encouraged residents to search for funds owed to them. Both resolutions received broad support, with co-author rolls opened before final adoption. The second-day consent calendar, including ACR 127 on National School Counseling Week, was adopted 64-0. Members also heard a lengthy adjournment in memory from Assembly Member Soria honoring Pablo Rodriguez, a Central Valley organizer and civic leader remembered for his work with United Farm Workers, Communities for a New California, and AB 1441 on the Merced County Independent Redistricting Commission. The Assembly observed a moment of silence for Rodriguez, welcomed his family and colleagues, and then adjourned until Monday, February 9, at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we need a... no, you don't need for work session? Yeah, okay.
• for uh work no you don't need for for uh work session<00:07:47.520><c> yeah</c><00:07:47.800><c> okay
• work session and disc going to have a work session and disc just just just um<00:08:32.640><c> uh</c>
• work session.
• </c><02:41:19.680><c> didn't</c> out our work session I know we didn't out our work session I know we

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a work session on HB 505, which would allow the sale of freeze-dried foods produced in homestead food operations. Members raised concerns about the bill’s broad language, especially the provision stating freeze-dried food would not be considered potentially hazardous. Several suggested narrowing the bill to specific products such as processed foods, berries, fruit, dairy products, ice cream, or vegetables, and requiring use of commercial freeze-drying equipment rather than dehydrators. There was also discussion of oxygen absorbers, moisture control, sanitation, and whether the issue should be handled in statute or rules. By the end of the discussion, members generally agreed the topic should be treated in a separate section of law rather than folded into the existing homestead food license, and the chair said the matter would be sent to the food safety subcommittee, with the possibility of a study committee if more time was needed. The committee then moved to HB 277, a technical correction to the animal cruelty statutes. Representative Bixby explained that current law refers to a “colt,” which applies only to male baby horses, leaving fillies unaddressed; the bill would replace “colt” with “foal” and make related wording changes so the restriction applies to any horse under 90 days old not being nursed by its dam. The New Hampshire Farm Bureau testified in support, saying the change was requested to clarify and modernize the statute and that the issue had been identified during work on related animal cruelty legislation. No votes were taken in the portion provided. The chair recessed the work session until 11:00 a.m. and announced that Representative Ktoa would take over the hearing on HB 277.

Transcript Highlights:

• C.S. for HB 381 to you today.
• The bill revises the timeline for mailing of payments for salary and travel expenses of certain field
• So, thank you again for coming forward, and thank you for the agency for coming and talking to me today
• Members, thank you for your attention and for calling out some of these concerns.
• All right, members, good work here this morning. Good, efficient work, as we do.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been at UC Davis for 19 years, and in fact working with this grant through the Learning Lab is the
• It's important, I've been at UC Davis for 19 years and in fact working with this grant through the learning
• We turn to questions for the subcommittee.
• Like this is fully working, but I appreciate the innovation and the opportunity for folks coming together
• The LAO just wants to highlight a couple of things for the subcommittee.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard a presentation on ongoing funding for the California Education Learning Lab. The Learning Lab described its intersegmental grant-making work with UC, CSU, and community college faculty, including projects on AI, math alignment, and open educational resources. The administration proposed moving the program’s administrative home from the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to GovOps and restoring $4 million annually. The Department of Finance supported the proposal as a way to improve coordination, while the LAO recommended rejecting it, arguing the program is difficult to scale, overlaps with existing campus and segment-wide professional development, and could be wound down to save General Fund dollars. Senators split on the issue: some emphasized the program’s role in fostering innovation and cross-segment collaboration, while others questioned its measurable outcomes and whether it addresses problems rooted in K-12 preparation. The item was held open without a vote. The committee then considered funding for the new Office of Civil Rights within GovOps, created to implement AB 715 and SB 48. The proposal sought $3.5 million in 2026-27 and $2.8 million ongoing to staff the office, provide training and technical assistance to local educational agencies, and help track discrimination complaints through the Department of Education’s uniform complaint process. Finance said the office was being stood up administratively, but many positions were still unfilled; the LAO had no concerns and said the proposal simply implements recent legislation. Senators raised concerns about the office’s placement in GovOps, the lack of guidance while the office is not yet operational, the potential duplication with CDE processes, and whether staffing levels and coordinator roles match the volume and type of complaints. The department said it would adjust resources as workload becomes clearer and that first-year goals would include hiring staff, developing materials, and beginning outreach. The item was held open. After public comment and votes on several vote-only items, the committee heard from the Office of Data and Innovation on a request for five positions and $1.25 million in reimbursement authority. ODI said it uses data science, design, and engineering to improve state services, citing work on EBT theft detection and forecasting community water system outages. Finance had no comment, and the LAO supported the reimbursement model. Senators generally praised ODI’s small but high-impact role and asked about privacy safeguards for vendor AI tools; ODI said it uses state guardrails, enterprise contracts, and coordination with CDT to protect data. The item was held open. The Department of Technology then presented on the Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative, reporting progress on the 8,100-mile network, including 423 miles already complete and more than 70% permitted. CDT said it had selected Skyline Technology Solutions as operator and expected about 5,300 miles completed by December 2026, with some miles possibly slipping into 2027. The LAO noted most of the $3.8 billion appropriated has been encumbered, but raised concerns about the new three-party operating structure and long-term sustainability. Senators asked about accountability, the need for a two-year extension of liquidation authority, and whether revenues will cover operating costs. CDT said the extension is a precaution to allow for final reallocations if needed, that CDT retains ultimate responsibility, and that it expects the network to be self-sustaining over time through service revenues and lease arrangements. The department committed to continued reporting through annual reports, advisory committees, and briefings.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been at UC Davis for 19 years, and in fact working with this grant through the Learning Lab is the
• We turn to questions for the subcommittee.
• Like this is fully working, but I appreciate the innovation and the opportunity for folks coming together
• The LAO just wants to highlight a couple of things for the subcommittee.
• We're working closely with them and with their schedules for construction to make sure we build the right

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Medi-Cal is already caring for working people in our state with one in five California workers.
• I respectfully ask for your aye vote if you care about the working-class Californians and Americans.
• It's not good for them, it's not good for the communities in which they're working, it's not good for
• By improving eligibility and reducing paperwork, AB 904 will reduce disruptions for working families
• The budget subcommittee on health is now taking place on Wednesday for the motion that we just made.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that you're asking for?
• We were asking for full funding for the approved budget from last year.
• out with your staff for the 10%.
• And thank you for being here today. I appreciate you finding a time for us. Okay.
• And thank you for being here today. I appreciate you, you find a time for us. Okay.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee first reviewed a list of bills already ready for “do pass,” including several House bills (HB 1010, 1018, 1020, 1023, 1041, 1055, 1077) and Senate bills (SB 4, 16, 23, 24, 55, 59). It then took up the JBC Personnel Subcommittee report (B1), where a substitute motion to separate out the governor’s staff-related item for a separate vote was debated at length. Members raised concerns about transparency, a requested appearance by a governor’s staff member, and whether the administration should be compelled to testify. The substitute motion failed on a roll-call division vote, and the committee then adopted the subcommittee report as presented. The committee next questioned Treasurer John Thurston on House Bill 1034 and his office’s budget request, focusing on salary increases for his executive team, the size of raises under the new pay plan, office hours, and whether the increases were justified. Thurston said the request was to fully fund the approved pay plan, later reduced to a 10% increase after discussion with legislative leaders, and explained that salaries were set within the approved plan. Several members criticized the raises as too large or unfair, while others noted the compromise and thanked him for cooperating. The committee then adopted the HB 1034 letter. After that, the committee reviewed Schedule C and several special-language items, including amendments to SB 4, SB 58, HB 1052, and SB 77. It discussed a new item allowing DFA to establish a GAMP program for agricultural extension office improvements, with no funding attached, and adopted it. The committee then passed or adopted a series of measures, including SB 29, SB 51, HB 1034, and the remaining ready bills listed at the start of the meeting. SB 4 was set aside as not ready. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would reconvene in 15 minutes in another room to handle special language.

Transcript Highlights:

• that you're asking for?
• We were asking for full funding for the approved budget from last year.
• out with your staff for the 10%.
• And thank you for being here today. I appreciate you finding a time for us. Okay.
• And thank you for being here today. I appreciate you, you find a time for us. Okay.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Leanne, for the work you're doing for youth in Long Beach and really the region for the inspiration
• Thank you, Leanne, for the work you're doing for youth in Long Beach and really the region, for the inspiration
• Thank you for your hard work and thank you for being in Sacramento today.
• Thank you for your hard work and thank you for being in Sacramento today.
• Budget Subcommittee 4 will convene 15 minutes after session in Room 113.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present and began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The floor then moved through a series of recognitions, including the Natomas Nighthawks boys basketball team, 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awardees, and visiting California biotech leaders. Senators highlighted the honorees’ work on youth development, education, mental health, homelessness, community college success, and biotechnology. The body also welcomed Rosie Perez, the 43rd Treasurer of the United States and chair of America 250, to the chamber. On the legislative side, the Senate approved a procedural request to allow Senate Bill 1447 to be heard in policy committees after the deadline. The chamber then confirmed five gubernatorial appointments: Alan Guy, Henry Nutt III, Steven Pennelli, Jacob Arkatov, and Dr. V. V. Ling Sai, with each confirmation passing on unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 88, recognizing the 50th anniversary of modern biotechnology and the 20th anniversary of the California Biotechnology Foundation, and Senate Resolution 90, recognizing April 14-16 as Khmer New Year; both resolutions passed 37-0. The remainder of the session included committee announcements and an extended adjournment in memory of Rod Diridon Sr., with several senators speaking to his long career in local government, transportation planning, environmental advocacy, and public service. Members emphasized his role in shaping transit in Santa Clara County and California, his mentorship, and his lasting influence on the region. The Senate then announced it would recess and reconvene on Monday, April 13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've worked in that space for years.
• Chairman, and I look forward to working with you, and I'm grateful to the Speaker for affording me this
• We work for you all.
• They go to work and the sun comes up in Florida and usually warms up a bit, except for the last week
• And thank you, Secretary, for being here and the work that you all do.

Summary: The committee heard introductory remarks from Chair LaMarca and members, then received presentations on electric utility planning, transportation infrastructure, and broadband deployment. Public Service Commission staff explained how Florida’s utilities plan for reliability and cost through 10-year site plans, demand forecasting, and economic dispatch. The presentation emphasized Florida’s residential-heavy load, growing EV demand, expanding solar and battery storage, continued reliance on natural gas combined-cycle plants, and the role of nuclear power. Members asked about energy efficiency, rates, renewable options beyond solar, cybersecurity, grid resilience, data centers, and small modular nuclear reactors; the witness said efficiency programs are reviewed every five years, utilities must balance reliability and affordability, and large new loads like data centers generally must pay for their own infrastructure needs. Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue described FDOT’s five-year work program, decentralized district structure, and funding mix, noting that the agency is predominantly state-funded and prioritizes maintenance and preservation before expansion. He highlighted record investment levels, major congestion-relief projects, toll-road revenues, seaport and airport partnerships, spaceport investments, workforce and equipment needs, and emerging technology such as advanced air mobility. Members asked about project timing, MPO planning, rail and ferry funding, airport governance, winter storm preparedness, and flooding/sea-level rise; Perdue said faster delivery depends on resources, local governments lead transit operations with FDOT as a capital partner, and coastal and drainage projects are designed around storm surge and resiliency. The Office of Broadband reported on six grant programs supporting infrastructure, community facilities, digital connectivity, and future digital capacity and broadband expansion. Director Leo Garcia said the office has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars across most counties, leveraged significant private investment, and focused heavily on rural areas. He noted that broadband efforts are intended to support telehealth, education, workforce development, and economic growth, and said the state has reduced the number of unserved locations from more than 400,000 to a projected 170,000 after current awards are completed. He also said the office needs additional budget authority for the upcoming digital capacity program and that the larger federal/state broadband deployment program will be used to reach remaining unserved and underserved areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• biweekly planning meetings, for strategic planning sessions, and that sort of thing.
• I work for a Tuolumne tribal council and am a tribal member, and I just want to thank you all for allowing
• I work for a Tuolome tribal council and a tribal member, and I just want to thank you all for allowing
• But for us, when we work with the state... ...lot down.
• But for us, when we work with the state for state programs, the CHAP, we're very fortunate to be able

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I worked for 22 years at the Department of Mental Health.
• I work for UC Davis Center for Reducing Health Disparities.
• For the preliminary plans, it is $3,539,000 for preliminary plans and $744,000 for the working drawings
• through the contract for services through us and that structure isn't necessarily working out for some
• For the preliminary plans, it is 3,539,000 for preliminary plans and 744,000 for the working drawings

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held an informational hearing on the Governor’s May Revision, focusing first on the Commission on Behavioral Health, then EMSA, and then the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The Department of Finance said the state faces a third consecutive deficit and that the May Revision includes difficult trade-offs, including proposed eliminations or reversions of some behavioral health and public health funds. The LAO echoed concern about the structural deficit and said it was still awaiting some budget details before offering a full analysis. For the Commission on Behavioral Health, Finance proposed eliminating $20 million in Mental Health Wellness Act funds, arguing the money would help offset General Fund costs and noting future Proposition 1 innovation funding. The commission strongly opposed the cut, saying it would eliminate or delay launch-ready grants for early childhood supports, full-service partnerships, and peer respite, and would eventually end ongoing grant programming. Several advocates and commissioners testified that the funds support underserved communities and that Proposition 1 is not a substitute for the existing programs. The chair asked Finance to look for alternatives, but no vote was taken. EMSA presented mostly technical budget adjustments: increased authority for the California Poison Control System, a correction to EMSIS funding, and a reappropriation for enterprise services and data management. CDPH then reviewed a broader set of May Revision proposals, including reversions from the California Reducing Disparities Project, workforce development, STD prevention, hepatitis C prevention, hospice, and extreme heat funding, as well as a new generative AI pilot for health facility survey reporting. Members raised concerns about cuts to CRDP and gender health equity programs, especially because many grants are mid-contract and serve underserved communities; CDPH said the reversions were part of solving the deficit and that CRDP had been successful, while also clarifying that abortion.ca.gov would not be eliminated. Public comment was overwhelmingly opposed to the CRDP and related cuts, with many speakers describing the programs as life-saving and cost-effective. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just have to thank her and her staff for their hard work on this.
• We have worked very closely with the Senator, and thank you so much for working with us.
• For California, that means supporting our innovation economy, our world-class universities, work for
• For California, that means supporting our innovation economy or world-class universities, work for our
• SB 1025 is about making government work better for the people it serves.

Committee: House Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank you all, first of all, for being here for Budget Subcommittee 2 for our first hearing
• for the work ahead.
• So thank you for your work in advance.
• So I worked for Secretary Crowfoot.
• We've worked with others for grant funds.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, for example, if we have a call that calls for a convention for a balanced budget amendment or term
• Yes, for sure. But I just want to explain, I really want to continue to work.
• So those college entities work mainly for research and development of weapons, guidance systems, you
• That would work. That works for me. That will work. That works for me. Could, Mr. Chair, could we?
• So, members, HB 2775 will be held for further work, and we'll move forward from there.

Committee: House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2908, which would impose criminal penalties on faithless Arizona Article 5 constitutional convention delegates, require delegates to take an oath, and direct legislative and gubernatorial ratification of any approved amendment. The sponsor argued the bill adds guardrails to any future convention, while Common Cause Arizona opposed it, saying it would not meaningfully reduce the risk of a runaway convention and that any punishment scheme would be difficult to enforce. After discussion, the committee approved HB 2908 on a 5-2 vote for a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2608, a military transitional housing grant program with a $7 million General Fund appropriation in FY 2027 and changes to the military transitional housing fund. Testimony from Vets to Gov and the sponsor emphasized veteran-led management, new construction rather than motel/hotel use, and the need for housing support for transitioning service members. Several members raised concerns about similarities to prior versions and unresolved language changes, and the bill was ultimately laid on the table by vote. Next, the committee considered HB 2805, which creates a secure online portal for nomination petitions for local governing board candidates and sets related Secretary of State responsibilities. An amendment was adopted to require candidates to designate party alignment or lack thereof for portal purposes and to limit Secretary of State modification of the act. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would modernize petitioning and reflect the partisan reality of local races, while some members raised concerns about school board implications and nonpartisan races. HB 2805, as amended, passed the committee on a 5-2 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 2775, which would bar state entities from using state assets or money to implement or enforce international organization rules, taxes, or policies, with an amendment adding restrictions on Arizona public universities’ foreign-funded agreements and creating Board of Regents oversight. Members and the sponsor discussed concerns about foreign adversary funding, especially from Chinese entities, and debated whether the oversight mechanism should be created by rule or statute. The committee decided to hold HB 2775 for further work on the language, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let me see if I can work out something with my settings. Thank you for letting me know.
• And current planning work that we are doing for the planning commission and for GSD.
• Uh, they're also working on Taking over Capitol North for for legislative purposes over time.
• One for the Albuquerque area, uh, where we are working on Updating uh the area master plan for office
• Um, so we had to, uh, basically work with the subcommittee from the historic review board, so that way