Video & Transcript : 'governor powers' :
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- c><00:12:48.399><c> her</c> Georgia Power and contributed her Georgia Power and contributed her talents
- Speaker, I yield back. builds people power to shape our future builds people power to shape our future
- </c><00:40:08.800><c> under</c> twice as much new wind power under twice as much new wind power under
- </c><04:53:23.200><c> to</c> are doing everything in their power to are doing everything in their power
- ><c> labor,</c><05:19:27.760><c> casino</c> the power of organized labor, casino the power of organized
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDN Public Hearing - Thu Mar 19, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- The libraries have power and authority over libraries. It's in chapter 312.
- Um the the<00:26:35.919><c> libraries</c><00:26:36.559><c> have</c><00:26:37.360><c> power</c><00:26:
- have power and authority over<00:26:38.720><c> libraries.
- I am the state's chief negotiator in the Office of the Governor.
- I have given you written governor.
Summary:
The committee on Education met on March 19 and moved through several bills under time pressure, hearing mostly brief testimony. SB 2024 SD2 and SB 896 SD2, both concerning public-private partnerships for charter school facilities, drew support from the Department of Education, the Charter School Commission, White Kids Can, and Hawaii Technology Academy. DOE said any P3 model should apply only to charter schools on private land and not affect public schools on DOE land. Supporters argued the approach could speed construction, reduce costs, and keep public money in public assets, while UPW and HGA raised concerns about privatization. In response, SFA said the intent was to mirror the existing conversion charter school model, with public ownership of assets and unionized staff, and noted some regions have waited years for schools.
SB 2613 SD1 on TMK transfers was heard next. DOE said the bill had originally been supported as part of the governor’s package but was amended to require DOE to convey lands for 13 libraries on DOE property, which DOE said would create “donut holes” in campuses and was unnecessary because existing agreements already govern library use. The State Public Library System supported the bill, saying it has long coexisted with DOE but needs clearer separation and more reliable control over its sites. The Attorney General’s office said the library system currently lacks express statutory authority to own real property and flagged implementation issues because some of the affected parcels are not currently owned by DOE. Committee members questioned both sides about current agreements, communication, and how the bill would change operations.
SB 494 SD2, concerning charter school audits, received comments from the Charter School Commission, which said the bill was redundant because charter schools already undergo annual audits during the term of their contracts. The Office of the Auditor was also present. SB 2391 SD2, relating to automatic pay increases for teachers, drew strong opposition from the Office of Collective Bargaining, which said step movement and longevity increases are negotiated in each contract and do not automatically carry over when a contract expires; it warned the bill could affect upcoming negotiations with HSTA. HSTA and several other supporters argued the bill would standardize annual step movement, improve retention, and reflect existing contract language. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- The governor issued an order.
- So all right. the power to invest in a different kind the power to invest in a different kind of<01:14
- You're losing $1.225 billion a year in real purchasing power.
- You're losing $1.225 billion a year in real purchasing power.
- Powers try to destroy everything that's Powers try to destroy everything that's money<01:40:04.440><c
Summary:
The House Commerce Committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 310, sponsored by Representative Keith Ammon, which would create a study commission to develop a legal framework for stable tokens and tokenized real-world assets. Ammon described stable tokens as blockchain-based digital tokens backed by U.S. dollars or treasuries, and tokenized real-world assets as representations of ownership in items such as gold, real estate, or artwork. He said the bill is intended to help New Hampshire get ahead of emerging financial markets while waiting to see how federal legislation develops.
Committee members asked about the purpose of the bill, the difference between this proposal and Bitcoin, whether state regulation could be preempted by federal law, and whether the commission could be balanced and avoid becoming a vehicle for fraud or money laundering. Ammon said the proposal is blockchain-agnostic, could apply to multiple networks, and is meant to regulate asset-backed tokens rather than create a state-issued coin. He emphasized that the state would not be guaranteeing the underlying assets, but would set rules requiring audits, proof of reserves, and honest representation of backing, with the Secretary of State’s securities office involved in oversight.
Several members raised concerns about the risks of stablecoins, including money laundering, tax evasion, and possible harm to the dollar or confusion about whether the state was endorsing a new currency. Ammon responded that the bill would not undermine the dollar and argued that tokenization could actually expand demand for U.S. currency by making it easier to use globally. He also said the state would not be in the business of weighing assets or directly valuing them, only ensuring a valid audit trail and one-to-one backing. The discussion ended with general agreement that the subject is complex and that a commission could help develop future legislation, but no vote or final action was taken in the hearing.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair appoints the following committee to notify the governor that the House is organized and ready
- Wait, if data centers are crucial for growth, why give counties the power to outright ban them?
- If data centers are crucial for continued growth, why give counties the power to outright ban them?
- So that's why we're giving them the power to choose this, because in the end, we want the counties to
- So I would refer back to Governor Sanders on that. Representative Roberts has explained the bill.
Committee:
All BOYS STATE
Summary:
The Arkansas Boys State House convened with a quorum, heard opening remarks from legislative leaders and guests, and then considered a series of bills focused on rural services, education, taxes, and zoning. House Bill 1001 would have increased rural health care funding through a 10% tax on individuals earning at least $300,000; supporters argued it would improve access and quality in rural areas, while opponents raised concerns about fairness, long-term funding, and whether it would drive away doctors and taxpayers. The bill failed by a vote of 24 yeas, 51 nays, and 1 present. House Bill 1002 would have limited the number of subjects rural teachers could be assigned and offered sign-on bonuses to recruit more teachers; supporters said it would reduce burnout and improve specialization, while opponents questioned funding and whether it would worsen inequities. After immediate consideration, it passed narrowly, 38 yeas, 36 nays, and 2 present.
The House then debated House Bill 1003, which would regulate AI data centers through county zoning authority and a 10% tax on corporations to fund conservation efforts. Supporters said counties should be able to decide whether data centers fit local needs, while opponents warned about lost jobs, higher costs, and federal-state jurisdiction issues. The bill passed 62 yeas, 7 nays, and 3 present. House Bill 1004 would have reduced motor vehicle registration fees to offset high fuel costs, but critics argued it would reduce highway and road funding and strain the state budget; it failed 20 yeas, 46 nays, and 4 present.
The chamber then took up Senate bills. Senate Bill 1 proposed incentives tied to SNAP benefits to encourage healthier food purchases and address food insecurity and obesity; supporters framed it as a way to improve access to healthy food, while opponents objected to taxing junk food and burdening SNAP users. It passed 43 yeas and 27 nays. Senate Bill 2 would require reading tests in middle school and state tutoring for students who fail; supporters said it would address literacy problems early, while opponents wanted clearer provisions for older students and implementation. It passed 67 yeas, 6 nays, and 1 present. Senate Bill 3 would cut individual and corporate income taxes to promote economic growth and ease cost-of-living pressures; supporters cited prior tax cuts and business attraction, while opponents said the benefits would mostly go to wealthy corporations and CEOs. It passed 53 yeas, 15 nays, and 16 present. Senate Bill 4 created a mixed-use zoning grant program funded by a 1% hotel tourism tax to encourage affordable housing and downtown redevelopment; it passed 51 yeas, 7 nays, and 13 present. The session ended with a motion to adjourn, which carried.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And I know Governor Perry didn't like her because he ran, she ran for governor against him, but other
- The Klein family is also related to the first elected governor of this great state of Texas, Jay.
- 4004 by money relating to eligibility of property for certain advalarium tax incentives if a wind-powered
- HB 4008 by money relating to the study by the Office of the Governor regarding the implementation in
- HB 4091 by rulings the interconnection, the Ecot power grid, the grids outside the Ercot Power region
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There are 7 people and the Speaker, the lieutenant governor, and the governor each appoint people to
- Like I say, the governor appoints 3, the lieutenant governor appoints, uh, 2, and the, uh.
- The governor points to, excuse me, the governor appoints 3, the House Speaker points 2, and then the
- lieutenant governor appoints 2.
- Uh, so this, uh, puts the, uh, power to make this decision ultimately in the, in the people of Texas,
Committee:
House Appropriations
Keywords:
emergency preparedness, flood-prone communities, Texas Rural Emergency Preparedness Fund, disaster relief, funding, youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting, child neglect, mandatory reporting, background check, criminal history check, sex offender registry, CPR training, first aid
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- While governors always have the ability to exercise a veto, we also have the ability to exercise a veto
- The comment was made about The governor vetoing, having the power to veto unless overriding this bill
- Would the governor have a chance to veto this? Mr. Chair, Senator, no.
- Constitutional amendments are not signed by the governor, so there would be no veto power.
- The governor in the future, whether it's Republican or Democrat, doesn't get a chance to look at SJRs
Committee:
Senate Senate Rules
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The House now advanced to the fourth order of business: consideration of messages from the governor and
- 664, and 716 will be sent to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee for delivery to the Governor
- 664, and 716 will be sent to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee for delivery to the Governor
- Repealing Section 54-912, Idaho Code, relating to the powers and duties of the Board of Dentistry.
- Code, by the addition of a new section 54-912, Idaho Code, to establish provisions regarding the powers
Summary:
The House opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence for Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam. Members then approved the journal and received a series of messages from the Senate and governor, including enrolled bills and new Senate measures. Standing committee reports moved several bills and resolutions forward, including House Bill 911 and Senate Bill 1258 from State Affairs, and House Concurrent Resolution 36 supporting the Idaho National Guard.
The chamber introduced several new bills, including House Bills 933-935, and later took up a number of memorials and resolutions. House Joint Memorial 20, urging Congress to address the fiscal impact of Plyler v. Doe on Idaho schools, passed without objection. House Joint Memorial 19, supporting federal efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, passed 61-8-1 after debate over whether eliminating the department would shift enforcement costs to the state. House Concurrent Resolution 34, directing feasibility studies on Bear River Basin water development, also passed, 67-2.
The House then considered and passed several Senate bills, including SB 1301 on adding a retail location for small breweries, SB 1256 cleaning up outdated reporting requirements for the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, SB 1345 allowing voluntary secure electronic tax commission communications, and a series of water-related bills clarifying ditch easements, water district fees, withdrawal procedures, canal/lateral responsibilities, and irrigation district board eligibility. SB 1286, restricting predatory veteran disability-claims services, also passed after supportive testimony from veterans’ advocates. Later, the House approved a House Business Committee report on administrative rules, then suspended rules to move a large set of appropriation and policy bills, including HB 919 through HB 925 and HB 889 and HB 931, all of which passed with varying vote margins. The day ended with announcements, committee meeting notices, and adjournment until March 20, 2026.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And one of Governor Abbott's emergency priorities this session, one of Lieutenant Governor Patrick's
- I mean, part of Governor...
- I think the Lieutenant Governor put in place a teacher vacancy task force. during the interim.
- Knowledge gives you power, the power to succeed, and I was very fortunate in high school that I had teachers
- Yeah, and it very well might pass and I can't... ask you to go answer for the governor.
Keywords:
teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes SF1832, the workforce, labor, and economic development finance bill 5/9/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- People saying that corporations have too much power in my lives.
- Everybody has much power in my lives.
- I want too much power in their lives.
- :35:27.280><c> bosses</c><01:35:27.600><c> and</c> power imbalance between the bosses and power imbalance
- I want to ask in this and the governor.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/26/26
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- The governor blocked this last time.
- The governor blocked this last time.
- The governor blocked this last time.
- The governor blocked this last time.
- The governor blocked this last time.
Bills:
SF1750 , HF2700 , HF1606 , HF3356 , HF3946 , HF3970 , HF3658 , HF3875 , HF2627 , SF856 , HF1268 , HF1338
Committee:
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Keywords:
common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (03/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd be happy to answer any questions. and power applications and the map that and power applications
- </c> costs for these biomass power costs for these biomass power projects<01:18:09.120><c> recently</
- </c><01:23:39.199><c> and</c> legislators support the governor and legislators support the governor and
- </c> like the NHA have this bargaining power like the NHA have this bargaining power to<02:41:53.560>
- c><04:01:03.920><c> it's</c><04:01:04.080><c> not</c> governor to the governor so it's not governor to
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 224, which would redirect most money from New Hampshire’s renewable energy fund back to electric ratepayers. The bill sponsor argued the measure would lower energy costs, noting recent utility rate increases and estimating annual savings of roughly $2.5 million to $7.3 million for ratepayers. Supporters said the fund has accumulated money that should be returned to customers rather than used for subsidies, and they emphasized that the state has already rebated similar funds from RGGI for years.
Opponents, including Rep. Kat McGee, argued the renewable energy fund is a successful, nonlapsing dedicated fund that supports local clean-energy projects, energy resilience, emissions reductions, and private investment. McGee said the fiscal note overstated the benefit of rebates and understated the loss of investment, claiming the average annual rebate would amount to less than $10 per customer while the program has helped leverage significant private dollars and nearly 10,000 projects. She urged the committee to reject the bill as a poor deal for the state and ratepayers.
Committee members questioned the fiscal note, the size of the rebate, whether the bill would set a precedent for other dedicated funds, and whether the program’s incentives amount to picking winners and losers. The Department of Energy testified neutrally, explaining how the renewable energy fund works, including renewable energy credits, alternative compliance payments, and the fund’s use for renewable energy initiatives. No vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- So can we just wait for the powers that be to do what they're doing?
- Not the governor, not by a Senate appointment for whomever has to agree that doesn't even live in the
- You have all of the powers that be who are consistent in constant communication about what this could
- It's not money that's coming out of Governor Keog's pocket or my pocket.
- That's a very powerful name, Jeremiah Morgan. Thank you. I'll take it.
Committee:
House Crime and Public Safety
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Consumer and Public Affairs Feb 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Ben Baker, policy advisor to the governor on matters of public safety.
- Madam Chair, members of the committee, Ben Baker, Office of the Governor.
- Madam Chair, members of the committee, Ben Baker, public safety advisor to the governor.
- Sometimes when the power goes out, you know, it's just a very short time.
- I haven't seen any time that, at least when I've done cases, that the power, like... ...any time that
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 206, which would expand eligibility under the Crime Victims Reparation Act to cover additional offenses: simple assault, simple battery, criminal sexual contact, and robbery while armed with a deadly weapon. The sponsor, the Crime Victims Reparation Commission, and multiple supporters said the change would help victims access compensation for medical care, counseling, lost income, and related costs, with no added state administrative burden. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 6-0.
The committee then took up HB 20, which would allow Native American designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for people who provide proof of membership in a federally recognized tribe. Sponsors and tribal supporters said the designation could help with identification, Turquoise Alert notifications, and jurisdictional issues, while also serving as a voluntary option for tribal members. Some members raised concerns about possible profiling, lack of consultation with every tribe, and the absence of data from other states; supporters responded that the designation is optional and intended to assist, not harm. The bill passed 4-2.
HB 52, a technical cleanup bill correcting statutory cross-references after prior competency-law amendments, passed unanimously 6-0. HB 58, which updates the telephone harassment statute to include electronic communications such as texts and social media, also passed 6-0 after supporters said the current law is outdated and too limited for modern harassment cases; committee members discussed possible definitional refinements. HB 57, allowing certain lab analysts and toxicologists to testify by interactive video in misdemeanor and DWI cases, drew support for efficiency and reducing travel burdens, but also concerns about confrontation rights and technical drafting issues; it passed 6-0 with a no recommendation. Finally, HB 79, which would lower the burden of proof for juvenile probation violation hearings to a preponderance standard, drew strong opposition from defense advocates and a law student who argued it would reduce due process protections for youth; after debate, the committee tabled the bill on a 4-2 vote.
NV
Transcript Highlights:
- , if I remember, then if you have a, put it bluntly, a George Soros-type governor that doesn't believe
- in the criminal justice system in the first place, A George Soros-type governor that doesn't believe
- Additionally, we're also concerned about the power this second-look review gives the parole board.
- And giving an unelected body the unchecked power to... ...the power to undo the judgment of an elected
- We have a circumstance where there was a bill that was just presented by the governor that included not
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 26th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- investment for years to come. they say everything is bigger in Texas and that includes our computing power
- The learnings from models like D.P. seek are that you can do more with, at times, less computing power
- 445 top-tier physicians to Austin. educated and trained the next generation of physicians, built powerful
- But given the attention that the government Governor and others are placing on cybersecurity and the
- Following the work of Governor Abbott's Teacher Vacancy Task Force, we want to expand teacher training
Committee:
House Appropriations - S/C on Article III
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Mar 27th, 2026
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- Together, we are honored to present Governor Healey's fiscal 2017 budget for the Executive Office of
- And I'm concerned about some of the commentary that's come from the governor relative to cooperation
- It's also, it includes Republican governors, Democratic governors, there are red states, blue states,
- The governor has announced this new health care affordability working group.
- But our work is not only impactful and powerful as our state makes it.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Summary:
The hearing was a Joint Committee on Ways and Means budget session on health and human services, held in Clinton and opened with remarks from the House and Senate co-chairs, local officials, and committee members. The chairs emphasized the importance of hearing directly from agencies about the Commonwealth’s health care and human services budget needs, thanked Clinton for hosting, and introduced the day’s panels, beginning with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and then MassHealth.
Secretary Kiame Mahania presented Governor Healey’s FY27 EOHHS budget, describing a $33.7 billion request driven largely by non-discretionary cost growth, caseload increases, and federal uncertainty. He highlighted targeted investments in foster parent reimbursement, family resource centers, maternal health, food assistance, immigrant legal services, and workforce rates, while warning that federal cuts and the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act could strip billions from state health funding. Members questioned him about primary care shortages, federal program integrity audits, ConnectorCare, regional health disparities, and the proposed cap on adult dental coverage; he defended the cap as a difficult but necessary cost-control measure and said the administration would continue cooperating with federal partners.
Undersecretary Michael Levine then testified for MassHealth, saying the agency faces two major challenges: rapid cost growth and looming federal changes. He outlined a $22.7 billion gross MassHealth budget and proposed actions including a moratorium on new expansions, capping adult dental benefits at $1,000, ending GLP-1 coverage for weight loss only, reducing care management spending to peer-state levels, and convening work groups to slow growth in personal care attendant, adult foster care, and adult day health programs. He also warned that federal policy changes could cause about 300,000 residents to lose coverage by 2030 and reduce federal revenue by about $3.5 billion, and said MassHealth would use outreach and systems changes to help eligible members stay covered. Members raised concerns about the impact of these cuts on homeless care, preventive services, dental access, GLP-1s, and regional hospital and specialist shortages, while Levine argued the proposals were aimed at preserving core coverage and sustainability.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- He's got letters of recommendation from governors of New Mexico, Governor Bill Richardson, and I'm...
- He's got letters of recommendation from governors of New Mexico, Governor Bill Richardson, and I'm...
- ...from governors of New Mexico, Governor Bill Richardson.
- Thank you, Lieutenant Governor.
- And so, Lieutenant Governor, apart from the honorary lieutenant governors, I want to also introduce a
Summary:
The Senate convened for an Indian Day/Native American Day session featuring prayers, drum and color guard presentations, and extensive recognition of tribal leaders, students, royalty, and community advocates from across New Mexico and neighboring tribal nations. Senators used the morning to introduce guests and speak about Native sovereignty, language preservation, education, water access, economic development, and the importance of tribal-state relationships. Several speakers highlighted personal and family ties to Native communities, while others emphasized ongoing work on issues such as clean water for Navajo communities, Native youth leadership, and missing and murdered Indigenous women and relatives.
A major non-ceremonial item was the reading of Senate Executive Messages from the governor authorizing consideration of Senate Bills 306, 309, 312, and 313. Those bills would, respectively, change licensure rules for certain institutions, alter lottery tuition fund deposit requirements, and repeal or revise provisions related to safety helmets and child restraint devices in negligence and damages law. The Senate also received committee reports advancing House Bill 34, Senate Bills 204, 241, 77, 152, 190, and 143, along with confirmations for Elaine Luna and Grace Margaret Herrera to the New Mexico Highlands University Board of Regents. The Rules Committee also reported on the governor’s appointment of Don Walters as child advocate for the Office of the Child Advocate.
The chamber also adopted a Senate resolution recognizing February 6, 2026, as New Mexico Speech, Language, and Hearing Association Day, with Senator Pope speaking in support of audiologists and speech-language pathologists. Throughout the session, members repeatedly acknowledged the prior night’s Senate-House basketball game, which raised more than $26,000 for cancer, and used the occasion to thank participants and guests. No roll-call votes were recorded in the transcript beyond voice votes adopting the committee reports and the unanimous-consent actions on floor procedures and guest access.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 2/27/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:19:13.919><c> um</c><00:19:14.120><c> consideration</c> separation of powers um consideration
- separation of powers um consideration that's<00:19:15.039><c> been</c><00:19:15.360><c> being</c><00
- I know that this is still an ongoing conversation about this separation of powers question.
- Also, just quickly before I close, I want to highlight for the committee that the governor also has a
- And then I also just wanted to flag a separation of powers issue on the A15 amendment, line 2.22.
Committee:
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Keywords:
pregnancy support, women's health, maternity homes, nonprofit organizations, grant funding, abortion, family services, Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And that is the rapid evolution of some of the most powerful technology ever...
- That is powerful.
- Thank you for your advocacy and your powerful story. I'm so sorry for your loss.
- While I don't usually agree with the governor, I think that's a pretty valid point.
- And would you disagree with Governor Newsom to that point? I would never disagree with him.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills. SB 911, by Senator Becker, would require notification and verification of defensible-space compliance when homes in high wildfire severity zones are transferred, using the preliminary change of ownership report; supporters said it would improve wildfire resilience and insurance availability, while county assessors opposed the use of the PCOR and urged a different recorded document. Members generally supported the bill but raised concerns about the 12-month compliance window and the need to keep working with assessors; the bill was held pending a quorum and later placed on call.
SB 1016, by Senator Blakespear, would create a pathway for a higher-level mental health evaluation when a Care Court petition is dismissed because the person is too ill to participate or otherwise needs more intensive care. Supporters, including psychiatrists, family members, and local officials, said Care Court is leaving many severely ill people untreated and that the bill would connect them to existing LPS processes. Opponents, including Disability Rights California, county behavioral health directors, counties, and other advocacy groups, argued it would expand involuntary detention, bypass existing pre-petition screening safeguards, and undermine Care Court’s voluntary nature. The bill passed the committee on a roll call vote and was placed on call.
SB 1112, by Senator Archuleta, would create a faster court process for victims of illegal or excessive “bandit towing” to recover their vehicles by posting a bond and obtaining a release certificate. Support came from Enterprise Mobility and the author, who said the bill targets bad actors and helps equalize leverage for vehicle owners; the California Auto Body Association sought an amendment to exclude auto repair shops. The committee passed the bill as amended to Appropriations and placed it on call. SB 1119, by Senator Padilla, would impose child-safety requirements on AI chatbots, including risk assessments, crisis-response protocols, parental controls, limits on time and data use, reporting, audits, and a private right of action. The bill was driven by testimony from the mother of a teenager who died by suicide after prolonged chatbot interactions; industry and business groups opposed or sought amendments, citing overlap with recent law, vague standards, and prescriptive design mandates. Members expressed strong support for the bill’s goals while urging tighter definitions, and the bill was moved on a roll call vote and placed on call.