Transcript Highlights:

• And as was announced today, tariffs with Canada...
• She said that as was announced today, tariffs with Canada are also part of the picture.
• </c><00:59:34.440><c> with</c> and as was announced today tariffs with and as was announced today tariffs
• </c><01:15:54.239><c> for</c> to calling it a removal of a tariff for to calling it a removal of a tariff
• No, but I like how you are promoting tariffs now, getting rid of this tariff.

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• to assess how recent federal policy changes, including the proposed cuts to nutrition assistance, tariffs
• We know that with the tariffs and what, you know, some of the federal actions, it's going to continue
• So the tariff trade wars, I think Secretary Rollins noted where they're expecting like $49 billion in
• If these tariffs are going to be creating ramifications for food products abroad, maybe that's a good
• Local food does not have to sit on a cargo ship and get impacted by tariffs.

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on food insecurity in California and how state and federal nutrition programs, agricultural production, and food distribution systems intersect. Assemblymembers emphasized that many Californians, including farmworkers, seniors, children, and communities of color, remain food insecure despite California’s agricultural abundance. Panelists and members discussed CalFresh, WIC, school meals, Sun Bucks, food banks, and the impact of federal policy changes, including possible nutrition cuts, tariffs, and immigration enforcement, on access to food and the agricultural workforce. Secretary Karen Ross described CDFA programs aimed at improving access to fresh food and supporting local agriculture, including the senior farmers’ market program, California Nutrition Incentive Program, Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program, Community Food Hubs, Farm to School, urban agriculture, and a proposed tribal food sovereignty program. She said these efforts help connect local producers to consumers, expand healthy food access, and build infrastructure such as refrigeration, mobile markets, and aggregation hubs. Department of Social Services Deputy Director Alexis Fernandez Garcia outlined CalFresh, CFAP, Sun Bucks, CACFP, emergency food programs, and tribal nutrition assistance, noting that CalFresh and related programs significantly reduce poverty and food insecurity, but participation gaps remain for non-English speakers, some Asian American communities, and undocumented households. PPIC researcher Tess Thorman presented data showing that 13% of California households experienced food insecurity in 2023, with higher rates among households with children and Latino, Black, and other households. She said nutrition programs reduce poverty and food hardship, but federal rules, income thresholds, immigration restrictions, and high living costs limit their reach. Members asked about simplifying applications, improving call center access, increasing outreach in multiple languages, and adjusting benefits for inflation. Officials said the state has used available federal options to streamline enrollment, improve customer service, and target outreach, but many core rules and benefit levels are set federally. The second panel shifted to food production and market access. A farmer, a UC food systems leader, and a produce distributor described efforts to connect small and medium farms with food banks, schools, universities, and Medi-Cal food-as-medicine programs. They highlighted programs such as Farms Together, the USDA Southwest Regional Food Business Center, Farm to School, food hubs, and climate-smart infrastructure grants as ways to create stable markets for local growers while improving food access. Speakers also raised concerns about land tenure, consolidation, regulatory burdens, labor constraints, and the loss of federal funding, and members discussed whether state investments and Prop. 4 funds could help sustain and expand these efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• FPL had jumped out there, which was a good thing, with its data center tariff, the first in the state
• don't have the statutory authority to take those issues on, and that what's in front of them is a tariff
• , a tariff for... ...is a tariff, a tariff for large load companies and that all of the other things

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight met to receive an overview from Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler on the work of his office. He described the office’s role in representing Florida utility customers in rate and service cases, including investor-owned electric, water, and wastewater matters, storm cost recovery, fuel clauses, storm protection plans, and specialized dockets. He emphasized the office’s use of depositions, expert witnesses, customer correspondence, and service-hearing testimony to challenge unsupported utility costs and seek “fair, just, reasonable, and affordable” outcomes for customers. Trierweiler highlighted several current issues, including affordability, data centers, and the growing use of AI in reviewing large utility filings. He said the office has begun using affordability experts and data center witnesses, and that data center-related utility proposals raise concerns about energy demand, water use, and community impacts. He also expressed caution about AI and machine learning because of confidential utility information, while acknowledging that utilities, regulators, and his office are increasingly using such tools. Members asked questions about how customer input is gathered, how profit is evaluated in rate cases, the role of settlement agreements, and whether the office is considering water consumption impacts from data centers. Trierweiler said customer feedback largely comes in through hearings, correspondence, and direct calls rather than office-led canvassing, and that his office seeks to limit imprudent costs while allowing utilities a fair return. He also explained that the office may file motions for reconsideration and appeals after PSC orders, and that it sometimes submits alternative settlement proposals even when approval is unlikely, to present a different option for the commission’s consideration. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after concluding its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> while the commission may approve tariffs while the commission may approve tariffs and<01:07:21.520
• Also, in which case, if there's no tariffs, what good are the rules?
• </c> those rules, the PUC may approve tariffs those rules, the PUC may approve tariffs and<01:11:04.080
• Um on the tariff that can speak to that.
• I think, you know, maybe create tariffs.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill creates a more efficient, cost-effective process for establishing a renewable gas tariff or
• This bill allows for a timely and voluntary renewable gas tariff without impacting other ratepayers.
• The measure maintains existing regulatory standards, ensuring that all tariffs or rates remain just,
• HGas stands ready to submit a voluntary renewable gas tariff by August 31, 2025, ensuring the PUC has
• So the nine months for us is a happy medium that we could do and process this particular tariff.

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee met on March 19, 2025, and first heard SB 137 SD2 HD1 relating to electric utilities. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the Public Utilities Commission said they stood on their written comments, IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill, and Ulupono Initiative also supported it. Hawaiian Electric supported the intent but asked for an amendment, saying the bill’s definition of “acquiring entity” was too broad and could unintentionally cover purely local utility transactions. A later witness from Life of the Land supported the bill only if the merger/acquisition language were removed, arguing the PUC would not have a workable mechanism to let a cooperative intervene in a utility sale process. Committee members questioned whether the bill could still work without that section, and Ulupono said it was open to clarifying language but did not seek to remove the provision; the discussion ended without a vote in the excerpt provided. The committee then took up SB 1220 SD2 relating to a renewable gas tariff. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC again stood on written comments. HGas strongly supported the measure, saying it would create a faster, more cost-effective path for a voluntary renewable gas tariff without requiring a full rate case, while preserving PUC oversight and consumer protections. The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas also supported the bill, emphasizing that it would expand consumer choice and help Hawaii’s clean energy goals while keeping the program voluntary and shielding non-participating customers from costs. Henry Curtis of Life of the Land opposed the bill, arguing that HGas already had an active rate case and could have raised the issue there, and that the proposal did not increase renewable gas supply or speed up acquisition; he called it a gimmick. In response, HGas said the bill was mainly a mechanism to speed filing and that the details would be worked out in a PUC docket. Committee members pressed HGas on whether the measure would actually add renewable gas, what source would be used, and whether customers would simply be paying more for the same gas; HGas said it had two projects in development, including banagrass and hydrogen-related work, and that the tariff would be a voluntary opt-in rate for customers seeking renewable natural gas to meet sustainability goals. No vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We just, last week, the majority party passed a tariff bill. Do you have a question, Mr. Maya?
• A tariff bill. We said we can't be in a tariff war.
• At least this administration is trying to use higher tariffs to lower tariffs and get fair trade.
• Tariffs have been mentioned. Tariffs are something that the little guys are paying for.
• Any way you want to put it, we don't need data charts, but we are paying for these tariffs and all to

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills dealing with tax policy, local revenue authority, consumer protections, and incentives for development. AB 1726 would create catastrophe savings accounts for homeowners to save pre-tax dollars for disaster mitigation and recovery costs; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, while the California Teachers Association opposed it because of the General Fund and Prop. 98 impact. The bill was referred to suspense. AB 1768 would authorize Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties to ask voters to approve local transaction and use taxes to offset projected federal funding cuts affecting health care and safety-net services; it received broad support from health providers and county representatives, opposition from one member and a resident, and passed the committee 5-2 to the Assembly Local Government Committee. The committee also considered AB 1790, which would repeal the Waters Edge corporate tax election and require worldwide combined reporting for multinational corporations. The author and supporters argued it would close a loophole, raise several billion dollars annually, and help fund schools, Medi-Cal, and other programs; opponents warned of double taxation, compliance burdens, retaliation from foreign governments, and job losses. After extensive testimony and member debate, the bill was referred to suspense. AB 2020 would provide a full property tax exemption for the primary residence of 100% disabled veterans and surviving spouses, and AB 2069 would create a targeted sales and use tax exemption to spur development projects at fairgrounds; both measures had support from sponsors and related organizations, no opposition, and were referred to suspense. Finally, AB 2705 would regulate third-party “asset finders” who help claim excess proceeds from tax sales by requiring written agreements, disclosure that claims can be filed free with the county, and a cap on fees at 10%. County officials and local government groups supported the bill as a consumer protection measure, while recovery companies and related firms opposed it, arguing the work is complex and the cap would reduce access to services. The committee moved AB 2705 to the Assembly floor on a 4-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have established programs and tariffs to allow that.
• Out of that model came PG&E's community microgrid enablement tariff.
• This is a tariff that essentially guarantees that any city that has an eligible qualifying project, and
• Along with that tariff, we proposed in 2020 the community microgrid enablement program.
• You know, Jeremy talked about the microgrid tariff, which I think is a great idea.

Summary: The select committee on Climate Innovation and Infrastructure heard presentations on emerging climate-related technologies and the policy and permitting barriers affecting their deployment. The first panel focused on the Calistoga Resiliency Center, a utility-partnered microgrid using liquid hydrogen, fuel cells, and batteries to keep the city powered during public safety power shutoffs. PG&E described microgrids as a resilience tool, but emphasized that the main barrier is economics, not regulation, and outlined its community microgrid tariff, enablement program, and incentive funding. Energy Vault said the Calistoga project is a proof of concept for a bankable, zero-emission, high-density resiliency solution, while the Green Hydrogen Coalition and local officials argued that California needs clearer demand signals and policy fixes to make green hydrogen and similar projects viable at scale. The discussion also noted that the Lodi Energy Center hydrogen transition remains stalled because of lost federal and state funding and tighter tax credit timelines, making the project uneconomic for now. The second panel addressed water resilience through desalination, with the California Desal Association describing the state’s growing need for local, drought-resilient water supplies and the long, expensive permitting timelines that have slowed conventional desal projects. Oneka Technologies presented its wave-powered offshore desalination system for Fort Bragg, which produces drinking water without electricity or land use and is designed to reduce impacts on marine life. The company said the project has required coordination with at least eight agencies and roughly a 36-month permitting process for a one-year pilot, and that California’s process is much slower than in other jurisdictions. Committee members asked about maintenance, environmental safeguards, and whether data from projects elsewhere could help streamline future approvals. A third presentation, by the Climate Foundation, described marine permaculture as a way to restore kelp forests and create carbon and agricultural benefits by moving seaweed platforms up and down to access nutrients and sunlight. The speaker said the approach could support food, feed, fertilizer, and biostimulant products while also sequestering carbon, but that California permitting is fragmented across 17 state and federal agencies. He urged a one-stop, code-based permitting system for small projects and suggested that California could learn from faster approval models in Australia and the Philippines. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• In particular, we still have concern with making a data center-specific tariff.
• 25 megawatts or greater, and clarifies that the CPUC must include a transmission and distribution tariff
• The CPUC must include a transmission and distribution tariff as part of a rate structure that addresses
• And because these customers are new and they wouldn't otherwise come to the grid unless this tariff was
• And because these customers are new and they wouldn't otherwise come to the grid unless this tariff was

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, which would streamline approvals for portable plug-in solar devices while setting safety standards. The author and supporters argued the bill would help renters and homeowners with high electricity bills by allowing low-cost balcony solar systems to reduce monthly costs, and they emphasized that the devices would not feed power back to the grid. Supporters included environmental and consumer groups, solar advocates, and many members of the public. Opponents, including electrical workers, firefighters, utilities, and PG&E, raised concerns about shock, fire, overloading, and the need for California-specific building standards. After discussion, the author agreed to committee amendments and later to add compliance with the California Electrical Code in addition to the National Electrical Code; several opponents said that change would move them to neutral. The committee then voted to pass SB 868 out as amended to Senate Judiciary, with some members expressing support while reserving concerns about safety as the bill moves forward. The committee then took up SB 886, dealing with data center electricity use and ratepayer protections. The author said the bill is intended to prevent large data centers from shifting grid and infrastructure costs onto other customers, citing rapid growth in data center demand and examples from other states. Supporters, including TURN and climate groups, said the bill would require data centers to pay for their own grid impacts, pre-fund long-term clean energy resources, participate in demand response, and cover related costs. Opponents from the data center industry, tech and business groups, utilities, and some energy users argued the bill was unnecessary, could duplicate CPUC processes, and could create discriminatory rate treatment or operational problems, especially around mandatory demand response and limits on backup generation. Committee staff described amendments narrowing the bill to large data centers, clarifying tariff and cost-allocation provisions, replacing a storage requirement with a long-term zero-carbon procurement mechanism, and exempting certain public and utility facilities. Members discussed the balance between affordability, reliability, and clean energy, with the bill framed as a way to protect ratepayers while allowing data center growth.

Transcript Highlights:

• And each time that they've come back and circled back as to the impact of tariffs, it has been less and
• So initially MMB was fairly convincing that tariffs were going to be deleterious to the economy of the
• may or may potential impacts of tariffs may or may not<00:12:34.160><c> be.
• , it has been less and less of tariffs, it has been less and less and<00:12:40.880><c> less.
• were going to be convincing that tariffs were going to be uh<00:12:47.880><c> deleterious</c><00:12:

Transcript Highlights:

• I can tell you, and again, this is not a political conversation, but even the threat of tariffs really
• The reason is that large companies, even just with the threat of a tariff, the word 'tariff,' I can tell
• So even if there were tariffs, and even if these small and medium-sized businesses that are the majority

Bills: HB2754

Committees: House International Trade , House House International Trade Committee of Reference

Keywords: Arizona Commerce Authority, business development, economic growth, small business support, job creation, Board of Directors, e-verify, grant administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1041, an act appropriating money to the Arizona Tariff Fund.
• and Technology, having under consideration said Bill 1041 relating to appropriation to the Arizona Tariff
• and Technology, having under consideration said Bill 1041 relating to appropriation to the Arizona Tariff
• Transportation and Technology, having under consideration SB 1041 relating to appropriation to the Arizona Tariff
• Transportation and Technology, having under consideration SB 1041 relating to appropriation to the Arizona Tariff

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> housing costs, and Trump's tariffs housing costs, and Trump's tariffs strangling<00:24:09.039><c
• It is estimated that the illegal, disastrous tariffs Trump has imposed will amount to an average tax
• </c><00:54:26.160><c> Trump</c><00:54:26.559><c> has</c> the illegal disastrous tariffs Trump has the
• illegal disastrous tariffs Trump has imposed<00:54:27.680><c> will</c><00:54:28.079><c> amount</c><00
• Although he campaigned on bringing back manufacturing to the United States, President Trump's tariffs

Bills: HCR58

Keywords: socialism, government control, dictatorship, individual liberty, freedom

Transcript Highlights:

• The tariff requirements must reasonably ensure that large load customers, such as large data centers,
• Senator Avila, develop a minimum large load tariff.
• Is it a tariff up front based on projected load and usage, or can they get a performance bond that says
• This is essentially directing the PSC to develop what that tariff would look like.
• So as it relates to our utilities or public utilities, a tariff is essentially just numerous documents

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries heard and voted on several bills. SB 986 would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places and also restrict smoking in rooms and bars; the sponsor said it is intended to protect public health and outdoor spaces, while the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the goal but raised concerns about impacts on designated smoking areas, and cannabis advocates warned about unintended effects on patients and property rights. The committee reported SB 986 favorably. The committee also passed SB 678, which restores statutory authority for DBPR’s long-standing rule allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise taxes; a strike-all amendment was adopted, including retroactive application to January 1, 2025, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 800, which increases penalties for repeat unlicensed engineering practice and creates an engineering student loan assistance program for engineers working for state agencies and water management districts, was amended and reported favorably as well. Members then considered SB 408 on vaccine advertising and liability. The sponsor argued the bill would address declining public trust in vaccines by allowing claims against manufacturers that advertise in Florida, while opponents said the measure is preempted by federal law, raises First Amendment concerns, and would create unnecessary litigation. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee reported SB 408 favorably. The committee also heard SB 484 on data centers, which would set PSC tariff requirements so large load customers pay their own costs, preserve local planning authority, and limit water permits for large data centers; testimony was mixed, with supporters emphasizing ratepayer protections and economic benefits and critics warning about overregulation and confidentiality limits. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SB 1118, which creates a time-limited public records exemption for certain data center development information held by local governments, after the sponsor said it was meant to prevent extended NDAs while still allowing local notice and input. SB 1050, requiring veterinarians to provide written prescriptions so pet owners can choose their pharmacy, was also reported favorably. The meeting ended after several members recorded votes on bills they had missed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, yesterday in the Rose Garden, President Trump unveiled what he calls bold reciprocal tariffs, and
• Can you guys comment on a bit maybe how the tariffs that were implemented yesterday might impact, say
• So, that tariff conversation is pretty fresh yet, and I think it needs to be weeded out.
• So, um, that<00:17:40.480><c> that</c><00:17:40.960><c> tariff</c><00:17:41.440><c> conversation</c><
• 00:17:42.400><c> is</c><00:17:42.720><c> pretty</c> that that tariff conversation is pretty that that

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:42:58.800><c> from</c> um the eligibility for the tariff from um the eligibility for the tariff
• tariff at 20<02:51:03.359><c> versus</c><02:51:03.840><c> 15.
• </c> tariff can waver or policy can change. tariff can waver or policy can change.
• The amendment changes the tariff period, or the financing period, from 20 years to 15 years.
• </c><03:03:13.760><c> will</c> guarantees for how long the tariffs will guarantees for how long the tariffs

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• So the question on its face is not about whether tariffs are good or bad.
• It's not even about whether tariffs are a valid emergency power.
• It's not even about whether tariffs are a valid emergency power.
• Now, I would argue course the tariffs.
• in terms of the tariffs and the retal<03:49:04.080><c> retaliatory</c><03:49:04.800><c> tariffs</c><

Bills: HB5616 , HB2189

Keywords: less-than-lethal, firearm regulation, law enforcement, tax exemption, de-escalation, non-lethal

Transcript Highlights:

• The Wall Street Journal said tariffs are taxes, and Mr.
• Trump led his 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico to take effect.
• </c> Journal had an editorial Trump's tariffs Journal had an editorial Trump's tariffs whack<02:35:31.640
• are taxes and Mr Trump's said tariffs are taxes and Mr Trump's lative<02:35:58.800><c> tariffs</c><02
• </c> I have determined the at Borum tariffs I have determined the at Borum tariffs on<04:28:48.080><c

Bills: HR190 , HR189 , SJR11

Keywords: censure, Congress, interruption, decorum, Representative Al Green, constitutional amendment, state laws, education, voting rights, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• They are proposing tariffs that are raising the cost on average Americans for what we are going to do
• The chaotic tariffs that this administration is pushing is not the agenda, the trade agenda approved
• Now, on these tariffs that my colleague spoke about, they're a disaster for Vermont.
• rest, cannot change the tariffs that President Trump is imposing.
• We have these punitive tariffs that make no sense, that are hurting everyone that we represent.

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Keywords: Michael Falkender, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, IRS, taxpayer privacy, nomination process, committee hearing

Summary: The committee convened to discuss critical issues surrounding the nomination of Michael Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. This meeting included a series of remarks from committee members who expressed divergent views on Falkender's qualifications and the implications of his appointment. Senator Wyden voiced strong opposition, arguing that Falkender represents harmful policies expected to be perpetuated under the current administration, especially concerning taxpayer privacy and IRS tactics. Meanwhile, other members defended Falkender, noting his extensive experience, including a commitment to transparency in government operations if confirmed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when they eliminated that 58% tariff, that didn't even get it back to par, and we're getting more
• So when they eliminated that 58% tariff that didn't even get it back to par, and we're getting more and
• To put it in perspective, the tariff on rough rice is 25%.
• The tariff, and this is the British tariff on polished rice, processed rice, is 125%.
• The tariff, and this is the British tariff on polished rice, processed rice, is 125%.

Committees: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture & Rural Development , House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum, adopted the prior meeting minutes, and heard a series of agriculture-related bills, most of them sponsored by Representative Domain or Chairwoman Butler. The first major bill, HB 121, would expand the Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s authority over imported seafood by allowing its inspectors, in addition to the Department of Health, to seize and destroy adulterated seafood already under stop order. Representative Domain and Commissioner Strain framed the bill as a seafood-safety and anti-fraud measure aimed at protecting Louisiana shrimpers from tainted imports and bad actors. Members asked about cost, testing rates, countries of origin, and whether the bill would affect imported shrimp prices; the commissioner said it would not raise consumer prices and that Louisiana’s testing is focused at retail rather than ports. HB 121 was reported favorably with no objections. The committee then considered HB 725, which requires restaurants/retailers to retain invoices from imported seafood vendors for six months. After a technical amendment changing the bill’s one-liner from “restaurants” to “retailers,” the bill was explained as a recordkeeping tool to help auditors verify country-of-origin and labeling compliance without costly product testing. It was reported favorably with amendments. The committee also heard a bill reducing the required number of annual meetings for the Agriculture Finance Authority from four to two; Commissioner Strain said the change would streamline operations when there is no business to conduct, and it was reported favorably. Next, the committee took up HB 344 and HB 370 dealing with the Grain and Cotton Indemnity Fund. HB 344 raises the fund’s balance thresholds for suspending and restarting assessments, while HB 370 increases the assessment rate on agricultural commodities to replenish the fund more quickly. Commissioner Strain described recent large losses from grain broker bankruptcies, including Hansen-Mueller, and explained that the fund has been paying farmers but needs a larger balance to handle future defaults. Members discussed the risks posed by brokers, the adequacy of bonding, and the need to protect farmers and rural communities; both bills were reported favorably. The committee also advanced HB 367, aligning Structural Pest Control Commission hearing notices with the Administrative Procedure Act, and HB 847, which modernizes Soil and Water Conservation district supervisor elections by shifting administration to the Secretary of State and updating petition and ballot procedures after a crowded, ballot-short election. Finally, HB 505 streamlined certification and renewal rules for commercial applicators, pesticide salespersons, and agricultural consultants, including a technical amendment to keep unexpended pesticide-fund money in the fund; it too was reported favorably with amendments. After the bills, Commissioner Strain gave a lengthy update on the state of agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture. He highlighted continued pressure on shrimp from low-cost imports, currency shifts, and inadequate domestic marketing and cold storage, as well as ongoing seafood labeling enforcement and testing. He also discussed feral swine damage, drought and wildfire concerns, fertilizer and diesel cost increases, crop acreage trends, and export efforts for rice and timber, including Louisiana wood pellets used in the United Kingdom. LSU Ag Center Dean Matt Lee followed with a presentation on the center’s research and extension work, emphasizing its statewide network, high research ranking, and the economic return from agricultural science, especially in sugarcane variety development. He said LSU Ag Center research has helped Louisiana maintain strong sugar production and supports producers across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Joint Resolution 14 by Assembly Member Gibson, relative to tariffs.
• global trade policies have However, recent increases in global trade policies have imposed federal tariffs
• It is no one's business in this chamber what the federal administration does as it relates to tariffs
• say for someone who actually visited all 12 ports in the state of California, when we have these tariffs
• We see these ports at their high volumes, but when these tariffs are actually imposed and the volume

Summary: The Assembly met after initially lacking a quorum, then proceeded with prayers, the pledge, journal approval, and a series of guest introductions and recognitions. The chamber honored the 2025 Science and Technology Policy Fellows and the 2024-25 Jesse Marvin Unruh Assembly Fellows, and members also recognized guests including Brad Webb, youth advocates supporting AB 1231, the Live Oak Lady Lions softball team, UC President J.B. Milliken, and the Rohnert Park Cal Ripken All-Star team. Several ceremonial resolutions were then taken up, including ACR 12 designating November 1 as Fernando Valenzuela Day, and H.R. 56 recognizing August 2025 as Chicano Heritage Month; both drew extensive floor remarks about cultural pride, immigrant stories, and community representation before being adopted. The Assembly also adopted ACR 101 naming a portion of Highway 46 the James Dean Memorial Highway, and approved a series of concurrence items with Senate amendments, including AB 359 on political reform, AB 594 on student health insurance protections, AB 1085 banning license plate obstruction devices, AB 1286 on future employment disclosure for public officials, and AB 1505, the Agriculture Committee omnibus bill. AB 359, AB 594, AB 1085, AB 1286, and AB 1505 all passed on roll calls with no opposition recorded. The chamber also adopted HR 50, proclaiming November 25, 2025 as Elimination of Violence Against Women Day, after testimony emphasizing the prevalence of gender-based violence and the need for survivor support and prevention. Two major joint resolutions generated substantial debate. AJR 14 urged federal agencies to consider the impact of tariffs on California ports; supporters argued tariffs were harming cargo volumes, jobs, and supply chains, while an opponent said trade negotiations should be left to the federal government. The resolution passed by roll call, 44-1. AJR 17 urged Congress to modernize immigration law and create a pathway to lawful permanent status for long-term undocumented residents; supporters framed it as a humane and economically necessary response to an outdated system, while the debate highlighted family separation, labor contributions, and fears of deportation. AJR 17 passed 47-7. The Assembly also adopted ACR 108 recognizing Sacramento County’s 175th anniversary, and began consideration of ACR 11 on Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day, with the author and a veteran member describing the prevalence and harms of MST and the need for trauma-informed support.