Transcript Highlights:

• </c> All right, the joke of the day. All right, the joke of the day.
• want to build relationships with the people who actually influence public policy.
• She said she supports the bill because she supports driving the narrative that Wyoming is ready to start
• And if you fail to collect the information that you're required to collect under the statute that we
• we</c><01:36:59.520><c> are</c> collect under the statute that we are collect under the statute that

Transcript Highlights:

• So the... The current framework under L.
• And if you look at the table under the TV, you'll notice that the front door will likely open into that
• penalties under the unfair competition law, reducing penalties, and ...penalties under the unfair competition
• refunds that would be required under the current language of the bill...
• After its main run, the refunds that would be required under the current language of the bill are not

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1159, which would update California student data privacy law for educational technology and college-level platforms. The author and supporters argued that students’ personal information is being collected and used far beyond educational purposes, including sensitive health and demographic data, and said the bill would limit misuse and add stronger privacy protections. Support came from privacy, labor, education, and civil rights groups, while opposition from college store and industry representatives focused on narrowing the definition of “operator,” preserving institution-related communications, and concerns about the bill’s private right of action. Members raised questions about how the bill would affect scholarships, financial aid, adult students, consent, and litigation; the author said the bill includes a right to cure and notice to the Attorney General. The committee voted 4-0 to pass the bill to Appropriations, with the measure placed on call. The committee then took up AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts on platforms with specified addictive design features and create a youth safety commission. The author, pediatric and safety advocates, and several public supporters argued that social media companies intentionally design compulsive features that harm youth mental health, sleep, and development, and that the bill is a necessary product-safety response. Opponents argued the bill is overbroad, may be ineffective, raises First Amendment concerns, and could cut off vulnerable youth from important online support networks. Members focused heavily on possible amendments, especially a non-addictive feed option for younger users and strengthening the commission; the author said he was open to those changes and to further work with the committees. The bill was moved to Judiciary on a 5-0 vote and placed on call. At the end of the excerpt, the author began presenting a third measure, AB 2076, which would strengthen California’s Parents’ Accountability and Child Protection Act by adding nitrous oxide to the list of age-verified dangerous products, banning purchase with gift cards or store credit, and increasing penalties for large sellers. The author described nitrous oxide as increasingly accessible to minors online and cited enforcement gaps in the current law, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• the confidence that no one is above the law, regardless of wealth, status, or political influence.
• At the same time, they would set the entire matter for a hearing before the court, for the defendant
• But the filer usually—pardon, again, I call them the filer—the person making the application would show
• And that way, the veracity of the claim, the identity of the claimant, or the person filing is all verified
• She then asked whether the legislation would remove the requirement for filings to be sworn under oath

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first took up SCR 30 by Senator Connick, which memorializes Congress to compel the Department of Justice to release unclassified Epstein-related records. Senator Connick gave personal remarks about child sexual abuse and the need to hold powerful people accountable. Representative Newell supported the resolution, and the committee reported it favorably without opposition. Next, the committee considered SCR 40 by Senator Selders, urging Congress to timely pass defense appropriations that fully fund and align with the National Defense Authorization Act. The measure was briefly explained as a statement of support for military readiness and proper appropriations, and it was moved favorably with no opposition. The main substantive discussion centered on SB 259 by Senator Barrow, which would authorize an online portal for civil protective order applications. A Supreme Court protective order registry representative explained that the portal would let domestic and dating violence survivors complete petitions online, with the same judicial review, service, and hearing process that exists now; the bill would not eliminate manual filing. Members asked about fees, guidance for applicants, verification, judicial review, public access, and the risk of false filings. The witness and several members emphasized that the process remains temporary and ex parte at the outset, that final orders are issued by judges, and that the registry is not public. A domestic violence coalition representative also testified in support. Representative Newell moved favorable, Representative Edmondson objected, and the committee reported the bill favorably by a 10-1 vote. Finally, Representative Baham presented HR 245 condemning political violence in the United States. He cited recent and historical examples of political attacks and argued that violence against public figures and activists is harmful regardless of party. Members voiced support, no one objected, and the resolution was adopted before the committee adjourned, with the chair noting it was the last meeting of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The ridgeline glowed in the dusk.
• I've taken tours of almost all, except for one, of the major oil refineries under the purview of the
• But where do you weigh in the health of the community, the actual health of the community, when the American
• I remember the days driving into Temecula; you couldn't see the mountains.
• I mean, I think one of the key roles of this board is to allow the public to influence DTSC's decision-making

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The committee first established quorum and then approved several Governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Indira Cameron Banks to the Civil Rights Council, Sonar Loma Lee to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and C. Don Clay and Joshua Pertula to the UC College of the Law, San Francisco Board of Directors. It also approved references to bills in two committees and floor acknowledgments, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The main substantive hearing was on the appointments of Linda Hopkins and Patricia Locke Dawson to the Air Resources Board. Both nominees emphasized climate action, public engagement, and balancing environmental protection with economic impacts. Senators pressed them on cap-and-trade, leakage and job loss, agricultural costs, warehouse and truck traffic impacts, emergency vehicle and school bus electrification, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and the need for socioeconomic analysis and better communication with affected communities. Public commenters largely supported both nominees. The committee advanced Hopkins 4-0 and Lock Dawson 5-0 to the full Senate. The committee then heard Andrew Rakestra’s appointment as chair of the Board of Environmental Safety. He described his background in climate diplomacy and regulatory work and said he would focus on transparency, accountability, fiscal stability, and responsiveness to both regulated entities and disproportionately burdened communities. Senators questioned him about DTSC reform, community engagement in places like Moss Landing and the Exide cleanup, the hazardous waste management plan, fee-setting, and the Environmental Justice Advisory Council. After supportive public testimony, the committee approved his nomination to the Senate floor on a 3-0 vote, with two members not voting or abstaining. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not under the bill. The bill language is an overall exemption for those... purchases.
• property deed is under your name for that one home and the property deed is under his name for the other
• The state will still have the same administrative problems I think under either the current statute this
• they did not have to do it under the law and that was part of the basis. of the court's ruling that
• of this bill is to change the language under which in the existing statute under which the court has

Bills: HB134 , HB135 , HB 1109 , HB 1243 , HB1392 , HB1399 , HJR99 , HB134 , HB135

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, local tax, municipal tax, county tax, tax sourcing, place of business, principal business location, small business, retailer, marketplace seller, economic development agreement, Chapter 321, Chapter 323, Tax Code, Texas Comptroller, local sales and use tax, tax jurisdiction, order consummation, ship-to location

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2354 concerns common interest communities under the Waukeva.
• Under the Waukeva, the owner and each successive owner of the charging station or heat pump that exclusively
• To the maximum extent possible under both the U.S. and Washington constitutions, the grant of immunity
• Under the bill, a civil action brought against a government agent for violation of the U.S.
• Do you think that the fear that seems to be driving the support for the proposal may be connected to

Bills: HB2095 , HB2500 , HB2412 , HB2595 , HB2354 , HB2597

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Keywords: public safety, vulnerable users, pedestrians, protected classes, transportation, charitable organization, charity, nonprobate transfer, beneficiary designation, life insurance, retirement account, payable on death, POD account, transfer on death, TOD, financial institution, insurance company, transfer agent, estate planning, donor intent

Transcript Highlights:

• ... to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under
• He said, 'The state governments possess inherent advantages, which will ever give them an influence and
• , and all bills, resolutions, and memorials under the order of business, first reading and second reading
• The Second Regular Session of the 57th Legislature, and all bills, resolutions, and memorials under the
• And all bills, resolutions, and memorials under the order of business, third reading and final reading

Transcript Highlights:

• two, under C, the nominal amount.
• <c> to</c> they can't just drive back to the ATC to they can't just drive back to the ATC to get<01:26
• And if you fail a roadside sobriety test, you can be arrested for driving under the influence.
• </c><02:21:37.200><c> under</c><02:21:37.520><c> the</c> be arrested for driving under the be arrested
• for driving under the influence. influence. influence.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• or the matters currently under consideration.
• So those exist under our general rules, but they're not under the budget.
• Well, of course, as you know, it's the makeup of the committee that drives the efficiency and direction
• Representative Schoolcraft: ... and under the current rules or the proposed rules, do the chairmen still
• That is not under the current system.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the WUCIOA, the owner and each successive owner of the charging station or heat pump that exclusively
• Under the WUCIOA, the owner and each successive owner of the charging station or heat pump that exclusively
• To the maximum extent possible under both the U.S. and Washington constitutions, the grant of immunity
• Do you think that the fear that seems to be driving the support for the proposal may be connected to
• Do you think that the fear that seems to be driving the support for the proposal may be connected to

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. On House Bill 2354, relating to common interest communities under WUCIOA, staff explained that the proposed substitute would exempt small middle-housing communities from most WUCIOA provisions, exempt certain middle-housing communities from reserve studies if wastewater-related reserve components are not needed, raise the audit threshold from $50,000 to $100,000 in annual assessments, and prevent governing documents from shifting maintenance costs for EV chargers and heat pumps away from the unit owner. Representative Reed and a Community Associations Institute witness supported the bill as a set of cleanup changes tailored to smaller communities, and there were no questions or opposition noted. The committee then heard House Bill 2412, which would add a ninth Superior Court judge in Yakima County. Representative Mendoza and Yakima County officials and judges testified that the county has had eight judges since 1998 despite major population growth, rising filings, and a backlog of more than 2,800 cases older than two years. They said the county can accommodate the new judge physically and has budgeted its share of the cost. The bill was supported as a way to reduce delays, protect speedy-trial rights, and improve access to justice, and the hearing was closed without opposition testimony. House Bill 2500, concerning transfers of beneficiary-designated property to charities, would require holders such as financial institutions or insurers to notify charitable beneficiaries within 10 days of the owner’s death, allow charities to submit an affidavit to claim the property, require transfer within 30 days, and bar holders from demanding personal information or requiring charities to open accounts or wait on other beneficiaries. Charitable organizations strongly supported the bill, describing long delays and invasive paperwork, while credit unions and bankers raised concerns about identity verification, fraud risk, and the 30-day deadline. The committee then heard House Bill 2595, which would extend the time limit for collateral attacks on criminal judgments from one year to three years and allow the Office of Public Defense to provide direct representation in those matters. Supporters, including incarcerated individuals, defense-related advocates, and the League of Women Voters, argued the current deadline is too short for pro se prisoners and juvenile offenders to discover and litigate claims; prosecutors and victim advocates opposed it, citing finality, workload, and harm to victims. Finally, House Bill 2597 would create a state civil cause of action for violations of federal constitutional rights during civil immigration enforcement, with damages, fees, and a three-year limitation period. The sponsor and supporters framed it as an accountability measure for constitutional violations, while law enforcement and other opponents warned about unclear definitions, immunity issues, and unintended consequences. The hearing on HB 2597 was concluded, and the committee noted an executive session on the bill would occur later.

Transcript Highlights:

• But health care is under real stress. The threats today are more numerous than ever before.
• </c><00:30:31.840><c> The</c> healthcare is under real stress. The healthcare is under real stress.
• </c> and oh by the way under co constant and oh by the way under co constant attack<00:39:32.400><c>
• </c> one of the opportunities we are uh under one of the opportunities we are uh under oard<00:39:59.359
• Uh, Malia and Lauren, unfortunately, were both under the age of 10 when they were diagnosed by a university

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• to the end of the year.
• It's in the hundreds of students that would qualify under that provision.
• We we the the goal is that at least 33% of the sample tax in the on the test relate to those sample tech
• to use districts are required to use. >> The beginning of the year, the and the middle of the year in
• That does stand in contrast to most studies which show that the pin the pandemic a greater influence

Transcript Highlights:

• Our small businesses set standards, spark new ideas, and influence markets around the world.
• I went out there myself, and it was very emotional just driving up there to the location where we were
• I went out there myself, and it was very emotional just driving up there to the location where we were
• OSBA is under GOBIS, and they're a strong partner for us and have been integral in the expansion of the
• OSBA is under GOBIS, and they're a strong partner for us and have been integral in the expansion of the

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact held an informational hearing focused on the California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and its role in helping small businesses access capital, recover from disasters, and scale innovative companies. Chair Salas and Vice Chair Castillo opened by emphasizing the importance of small businesses to California’s economy and noting recent passage of AB 685, described as a small business resiliency and innovation measure. Witnesses from multiple SBDC regions and business owners testified about the network’s statewide reach, confidentiality, multilingual advising, and partnerships with universities and state agencies. Panelists described SBDC’s work in three main areas: disaster recovery, startup and innovation support, and capital access. Testimony highlighted SBDC assistance after major disasters such as the Camp Fire, Dixie Fire, San Diego floods, and the Los Angeles fires, including help with insurance claims, grant applications, debt restructuring, and reopening businesses. Business owners from Altadena and Sacramento shared personal stories of how SBDC guidance, grants, and connections helped restore operations, preserve jobs, and navigate crises. Another panel focused on technology startups and the “valley of death,” explaining how SBDC helps founders with customer discovery, grant strategy, intellectual property, and financing; examples included a mobility-tech company and a biodegradable plastics startup that secured major grants, investment, and jobs with SBDC support. A third panel focused on access to capital, with SBDC staff explaining lending options, state loan programs, and finance centers that package loans and match businesses with lenders. They said many small businesses need less than $100,000 and often turn to high-cost alternatives without guidance; SBDC helps them refinance and secure better terms. A beverage company founder described using SBDC to move from a failed public affairs firm to launching a tequila brand, raising capital, and building distribution. Members asked about barriers facing immigrant-owned businesses, disaster aid gaps, and regulatory burdens; SBDC representatives said their services are confidential, available to eligible businesses regardless of immigration status, and designed to connect clients to whatever public or private resources exist. No formal vote was taken at the hearing, and the meeting ended after public comment with the chair urging continued funding for SBDC and related small business support programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the program was challenged under the Establishment Clause, and the U.S.
• is required under the Constitution.
• is required under the Constitution.
• It is in the Texas Constitution with equal rights under the law.
• It is in the Texas Constitution with equal rights under the law.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Members from both parties emphasized education as a major issue, while several Republicans framed the committee’s work around school choice and parent empowerment. Senator West and other Democrats stressed protecting public schools, listening to Texans, and considering the effects of vouchers or education savings accounts on school districts and communities. Chairman Creighton laid out Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, describing it as a universal education savings account program modeled on similar programs in other states. He said the bill would provide about $200 million for a universal eligibility pool and additional funding for students with disabilities and lower-income families, with priority weighting for former public school students. He also highlighted anti-fraud measures, vendor pre-approval, criminal background checks, cybersecurity protections, annual testing requirements for participating students, and the use of the Comptroller rather than TEA to administer the program. Creighton repeatedly said the bill is not a voucher and argued it would not take money from public schools, which he said would receive separate historic funding increases. Members questioned Creighton about the 500% of federal poverty line definition, the adequacy of the $10,000 ESA amount, whether the program would favor students already in private school, how microschools and homeschool pods would fit, and whether the bill protects religious liberty and private-school autonomy. Democrats raised concerns about disability protections, 504 students, foster children, public-school funding, open records, and the historical context of vouchers. Republicans generally supported the bill as a way to expand options for parents and students, while also asking about administration, fraud prevention, and data security. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, with EdChoice President Robert Inlow presenting in support of SB 2 and citing the growth and reported success of school choice programs nationwide.

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal and private financing for infrastructure built under the promise of service territories.
• Federal and private financing for infrastructure built under the promise of service territories.
• Federal and private financing for infrastructure built under the promise of service territories.
• So it is, um, under consideration of the PUC.
• The funding for RAMP would just largely evaporate under this bill.

Bills: HF3458 , HF3777 , HF3778 , HF3912

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• drive us in the direct end of actually solving the problem, right?
• With the third round of HAP, we move to setting more tangible outcome measures to drive spending to the
• So what that looks like in our county is that, under the same roof, we have the housing authority.
• Under the same roof, we have our development team that really started during the redevelopment era and
• What I would say is the way that the program is structured now is all cities, even those under 300,000

Transcript Highlights:

• be titled under the laws of the state of Missouri.
• So they're not acting under the grandfather.
• So they're not acting under the grandfather.
• the guidance So. and overburdensome ordinances that are under the guidance of under, because our statute
• to the voters under your proposal, right?

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, more appropriately, thank you for making the drive over to the University of Hawaii and the campus
• We think the spirit and the pride in the state of Hawaii, given that this is the only D1 program in the
• We think the spirit and the pride in the state of Hawaii, given that this is the only D1 program in the
• at the University of Hawaii has started to climb and move in the direction under our leadership of President
• climb and move in the direction under our leadership of President Wendy, and athletic director Matt

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to hear testimony on House Bill 2384, which relates to student athlete compensation and NIL. Chair Garrett opened by explaining the hearing was intentionally held on campus so lawmakers could hear directly from those affected. UH President Wendy Hensel and Athletics Director Matt Elliott both testified in support, saying the bill would help the university respond to the changing college athletics landscape, protect student athletes, improve transparency and education around NIL, and support UH’s ability to remain competitive. Elliott also said UH was seeking $5 million in NIL-related funding to support the program. Several UH coaches and student athletes testified in favor, emphasizing the importance of UH athletics to the state, the community, and the student experience. Women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman described UH athletics as a source of pride and hope for the state, while players Jovi, Latoria Tamilo, and others said the program felt like home and that NIL support could help them grow, represent Hawaii, and give back. Women’s volleyball coach Robyn Ah Mow said UH athletics changed her life and that the school must adapt to remain competitive; her players Victoria Leyva, Shealy Reed, and Talia Akase similarly said NIL opportunities could help UH attract talent, expand exposure, and strengthen community ties. Football coach Timmy Chang said the bill was important for recruiting, retaining, and building culture around Hawaiian values, and player Dean Briskie said UH’s developmental approach and team culture mattered more than money, though NIL has made retention harder. Quarterback Micah Alihada said the program’s culture and support from coaches and leadership made it easier to stay, but that the changing landscape made HB 2384 important. Baseball players Elijah Eikez and Ben Zukerman Ball also supported the bill, saying UH athletics carries responsibility to the community and helps student athletes become leaders and role models. No vote or final committee action was described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• , but these decisions are under appeal by the... $780 million have been restored.
• hallmarks of the CSU under these circumstances.
• Fundamentally, shared governance, right, is what drives the academic offerings of...
• I'm a third-year at UC Davis, and I'm here to speak on the UC research funding under threat and the cuts
• Berkeley stated that the disclosure occurred under a directive from the UC Office of the President, raising

Committee: House Higher Education

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee held an oversight hearing on the impact of federal actions on California higher education, with opening remarks from the chair and members emphasizing shared governance, student access, and the importance of protecting California’s public systems. The first panel included leaders from CSU, UC, California Community Colleges, and the University of the Pacific, who described major disruptions from federal policy changes, including grant terminations, changes to Pell and loan programs, the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, tighter loan limits, and uncertainty around immigration, CalFresh/SNAP, and Medicaid-related rules. UC and CSU leaders said federal research and student-support cuts threaten research capacity, workforce pipelines, and services for low-income, first-generation, undocumented, and international students, while the community colleges highlighted uncertainty around TRIO, HSI/MSI/AANAPISI grants and the need to preserve student services and economic mobility. Members asked about the scale of funding losses, intersegmental partnerships, workforce impacts, indirect cost caps, H-1B hiring costs, and the effect of federal changes on health care and research. Witnesses said the federal environment has created instability, delayed planning, and could reduce access to graduate and professional education, especially in health fields and other high-need professions. Several witnesses urged the Legislature to support research bonds, housing and capital outlay, and continued state investment to offset federal retrenchment. The committee also discussed how cuts could affect student debt, food insecurity, and the diversity of future cohorts, with witnesses warning that the changes could narrow access and weaken California’s workforce pipeline for years. The second panel focused on equitable access. The California Student Aid Commission described state efforts such as Cal Grant, the Middle Class Scholarship, the Golden State Teacher Grant, and a proposed state FAFSA alternative for students who cannot access federal aid, while urging reforms to Cal Grant, better integration with CalFresh, and more support for foster youth and adult learners. The Los Angeles Community College District reported that federal cuts and policy uncertainty are discouraging students from applying for aid, threatening TRIO and MSI/HSI-funded services, and putting basic needs, transfer support, and workforce programs at risk. The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities said federal loan caps, research cuts, and attacks on DEI and HSI funding are harming access and retention, especially for first-generation and low-income students, and called for stronger state support, including transfer aid and a state-backed loan option. The CSU Academic Senate also testified that abrupt federal changes to MSI and related programs have disrupted student research, summer programs, and equity-focused initiatives, with one campus example losing $2.7 million in student-centered funding on short notice.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the general authority that we have and the potential the regulatory gaps that unregulated couriers
• And we're taking the appropriate action under the current statutes to take action against those licensees
• So under the current statutes, what changed?
• Well, certainly, and again, under the processes before, we would...
• I mean the example I give, I mentioned I drive by Winners Corner on the way to my kids' elementary school

Committee: House Licensing & Administrative Procedures