Transcript Highlights:

• File item 62 is the confirmation of Stephanie Weldon as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity
• File item 62 is the confirmation of Stephanie Weldon as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity
• Members, I rise today to present SB 300. ...and equity into artificial intelligence.
• My staff and I have worked with industry, veteran service organizations, and key stakeholders to explore

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for Alex Prettie, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several visiting groups in the gallery, including UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute fellows and community college representatives. The body approved the Senate journals and then confirmed two gubernatorial appointments: Dr. Hernando Garsohn as Chief Medical Officer at the Emergency Medical Services Authority and Stephanie Weldon as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health, both by 39-0 votes. The chamber then took up a series of third-reading bills. Measures that passed included SB 799 on the South Bay Regional Housing Trust, SB 33 on public contracts and contractor payment claims, SB 222 to streamline permitting for heat pump installations, SB 300 to strengthen protections for minors in AI chatbot interactions, SB 457 on community land trusts and affordable housing, SB 479 allowing certain cities to share information in homeless response teams, SB 719 extending a reporting sunset on automated decision systems, SB 722 protecting mobile home park residents from demolition-related displacement, SB 832 updating the Upper Los Angeles River working group, SB 342 on contractor license lapse rules, SB 490 on inspections of unlicensed treatment facilities, SB 828 requiring better state-local permit verification after the Esparto fireworks tragedy, SB 849 barring physician license renewal after specified sexual misconduct, SB 742 addressing decommissioned electrical lines and wildfire risk, SB 96 on over-amplified streaming and digital ads, SB 677 as a technical cleanup to last year’s housing law, and SB 58 on hydrogen sulfide monitoring and public health. Most of these bills passed unanimously or with overwhelming support; SB 222 and SB 677 drew some no votes but still passed. The most extended debate centered on SB 694, which would align California law with federal VA accreditation rules for those assisting veterans with benefits claims and impose penalties for unauthorized claims assistance and data access. Supporters argued it would protect veterans from predatory “claim shark” practices and ensure only accredited providers charge fees; opponents said it would reduce veterans’ choice and could limit access to needed help. After a motion to pull the bill from Rules and take it up immediately passed 29-9, the Senate approved SB 694 on a 29-10 vote. The session concluded with unanimous approval of the consent calendar and adjournment until January 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your staff should be monitoring this hearing to assist you with coming at the appropriate time to present
• the staff for that.
• This is my chief of staff. He's been working diligently on this, Ryan Gien.
• This is my chief of staff. He's been working diligently on this, Ryan Gien.
• I just appreciate the committee and committee staff for their work on this bill. Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public employment, retirement, and recognition of cultural and public service issues. AB 569 would allow local governments and unions to negotiate supplemental pension contributions for certain employees; AB 989 would make California Native American Day an official paid state holiday; AB 268 would recognize Diwali as an official state holiday; AJR 3 would urge protection of Social Security, Medicare, and Medi-Cal from federal cuts; AB 1067 would require misconduct investigations to continue even if an employee retires during the process; AB 1510 made technical and conforming changes to state employee pay and benefits laws and to Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority labor law; and AB 1233 would create a statewide database of classified school employee employment history and serious misconduct records. The committee also took up AB 1383, which would lower the retirement age for certain first responders and restore some bargaining rights over retirement benefits, drawing extensive testimony for and against. Supporters of the holiday bills emphasized long-overdue recognition of Native American and South Asian communities and the importance of honoring California’s diversity. Supporters of AJR 3 described the reliance of seniors, people with disabilities, and families on federal and state health and retirement programs, warning that cuts would cause serious harm. AB 1067 was presented as a way to prevent employees from retiring to avoid accountability, while AB 1233 was framed as a student-safety measure to help schools identify applicants with prior egregious misconduct. Opposition to AB 1233 focused on due process and the breadth of the misconduct records, and opposition to AB 1383 argued it would reverse PEPRA reforms, raise pension costs, and strain local budgets, while supporters said firefighters and other first responders face unique health and safety risks and deserve earlier retirement. Most bills were reported out of committee on unanimous or near-unanimous votes and placed on hold for add-ons or referral to Appropriations or another committee. AB 912 was taken up on the consent calendar and held; AB 569, AB 989, AB 268, AJR 3, AB 1067, and AB 1510 all advanced with do-pass recommendations and were placed on hold. AB 1233 was moved to the Committee on Education. AB 1383 drew the most extensive debate, with many witnesses in support and opposition, and committee members largely expressing support for first responders while also noting concerns about cost and pension policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• permanent bureau with the capacity to document, verify, educate, and build programs that advance equity
• The model would have appropriate licensed or certified staff available 24 hours a day to take care of
• Assembly Bill 772 by Assembly Member Lowenthal and others, relating to educational equity.
• The bill offers a practical, equity-driven solution to California's educator workforce housing crisis
• This solemn gesture reflects the deep gratitude... ...to be flown at half-staff for seven days.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum after a roll call, observed a moment of silence for John Burton, and proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance and routine procedural motions. Members approved a rule suspension to allow floor amendments on SB 271 and SB 67, and several committee notices and bill referrals were handled. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading file, with many bills passed and a number of items temporarily passed or retained on file. Among the major measures approved were bills on civil rights and public safety (SB 477, SB 19, SB 36, SB 571, SB 580), health care and coverage (SB 257 on pregnancy as a qualifying life event, SB 530 on Medi-Cal access standards, SB 660 on health data exchange, SB 754 on menstrual product contaminant disclosure), housing and disaster recovery (SB 610, SB 655), transportation and climate (SB 533 on EV charging payments, SB 30 on diesel locomotives, SB 71 on CEQA exemptions for transit, SB 263 on tariff impacts), and natural resources/energy (SB 283 on battery storage safety, SB 88 on biomass emissions, SB 427 extending the Habitat Conservation Fund). The Assembly also passed urgency measures including SB 864 on tribal gaming compacts, SB 663 on wildfire-related property tax relief, SB 471 expanding DDS ombudsman authority, and SB 497 on privacy protections for legally protected health services. Several bills drew notable debate. SB 41 on pharmacy benefit managers saw opposition over concerns about moving ahead before broader PBM data and licensing reforms take effect, but it still passed. AB 1340, a concurrence item on gig worker collective bargaining rights, prompted extended debate over labor rights, consumer costs, and union influence. Other concurrence items included AB 671 on restaurant permitting, which passed without opposition. The Assembly also took up SB 640 on direct admission to CSU, SB 702 on demographic reporting for appointees, SB 710 preserving a solar property tax exclusion, and SB 793 on counterfeit lighter safety, all of which passed. The session ended with the Assembly continuing through the file, including concurrence votes and additional bill actions, with most measures approved by substantial margins.

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, I also want to throw it to our staff, particularly under Director Hennessy Allen.
• We can have the staff do a walkthrough if you prefer, representative.
• We can have the staff do a to LCPR.
• </c><01:15:46.000><c> have</c> Uh the authors and the LCPR staff have Uh the authors and the LCPR staff
• And if so, the equity of the age issue?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is equity.
• I also want to say a special thank you to the CCIA staff.
• You always feel make to the CCIA staff.
• </c> leader Monica Durant and her staff. leader Monica Durant and her staff.
• Thank Senate staff and honored guests.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to administer the final and largest of the grant monies to the BEAD program, which is a Broadband Equity
• Seeing no debate, staff, please open the queue for a vote. West to iig to iii Right.

Bills: HB2293, HB3176, HB3545, HB3546

Keywords: broadband, Oklahoma Broadband Office, broadband access, statewide broadband plan, internet connectivity, funding, grant programs, expansion council, termination plan, Oklahoma, Gas Hub, artificial intelligence, national laboratory, public-private partnerships, aerospace, high-performance computing, economic development, state agencies, high-risk AI decisions, deepfakes

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, my staff and I have been in consistent dialogue with stakeholders since last fall, and I remain
• which ensures that as California leads the nation in offshore wind, we also lead in transparency and equity
• And I just want to really thank the author for her continued championing of this issue around equity
• and housing crisis plaguing public higher education, this bill will safeguard our students, promote equity
• and strengthen our communities. there's over a 17 This bill will safeguard our students, promote equity

Summary: The Assembly convened with a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long daily file of bills. Early procedural motions included a failed attempt to suspend the rules for AB 1219, followed by consideration of numerous measures on housing, veterans, education, elections, energy, wildfire prevention, public safety, and consumer affordability. Several bills drew bipartisan support and passed overwhelmingly, including AB 878 on safety accommodations for survivors of violence, AB 948 on school district facility maintenance, AB 81 and AB 88 on veterans’ mental health and student aid, AB 640 on school board fiscal training, AB 660 on housing permit timelines, AB 1048 on workers’ compensation billing disputes, AB 1119 on dual credentialing, AB 1172 on inhalable anti-seizure medication access, AB 1227 on wildfire prevention, AB 1285 and AB 696 on lithium-ion battery safety, AB 1417 on offshore wind transparency, AB 1530 on disaster recovery assistance, and AB 353 on affordable home internet. Some measures drew opposition or more divided votes, including AB 704 on sealing certain misdemeanor records, AB 1249 on early voting access, AB 1280 on thermal energy incentives, AB 1448 on offshore oil protections, AB 380 on price gouging, AB 402 on Cal Grant increases, AB 1074 on CalWORKs reunification, and AB 1084 on expedited gender-change and name-change court orders. The Assembly also granted reconsideration on AB 435, a child passenger safety bill, and passed it after debate on the five-step safety-seat standard. The floor debate featured recurring themes of affordability, housing, wildfire preparedness, election access, veterans’ services, and public safety. Supporters of the election bill AB 1249 argued it would simply add a Saturday early-voting option in non-VCA counties, while opponents raised concerns about verification and county staffing. AB 30, authorizing E15 gasoline in California, was presented as an urgency measure to lower fuel costs and passed unanimously on the urgency and the bill. AB 1466 on groundwater disputes was also taken up, with the author arguing it would reduce frivolous litigation and better represent all water users; the vote was 42 ayes and 17 noes. After completing the file, the Assembly recessed for lunch, later returned, and continued with additional file items, with many measures passing on strong bipartisan votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> specifically involved in private equity. specifically involved in private equity.
• </c><02:48:18.880><c> then</c> different than our global equity then different than our global equity
• Because private equity is one of equity?
• . equity. equity.
• </c> equity you manage or you put together? equity you manage or you put together?

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill empowers the Undersecretary of Environmental Justice and Equity to ensure clean energy benefits
• and mandates compliance goals tied to our emissions reduction timelines under Chapter 21N, making equity
• I urge the Chair to report an act advancing clean energy equity favorably.
• I urge the Chair to report an act advancing clean energy equity favorably. Thank you. Thank you.
• I urge the Chair to report an act advancing clean energy equity favorably. Thank you. Thank you.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy held a hearing on grid transmission and distribution, green financing, environmental justice, renewable portfolio standards, and clean energy workforce policy. Testimony on H. 352/S. 2268 focused on eliminating or scaling back the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard, with Green Energy Consumers Alliance arguing it costs ratepayers about $30 million annually and largely subsidizes fossil-fuel combined heat and power, biodiesel blending, and woody biomass. Committee members raised concerns that a full repeal could affect heat pumps and solar thermal projects that currently receive APS credits, and the witness acknowledged those technologies are the strongest part of the program but said Mass Save would be a better home for them. Renew Northeast supported H. 3497 on renewable portfolio standard review and clean energy procurements, but urged an indexed renewable energy credit model like New York’s rather than an attribute-only arrangement, arguing it would reduce financing risk and consumer costs. Vote Solar and Senator Liz Miranda testified in support of H. 3540/S. 2303 on clean energy equity, saying environmental justice communities and renters receive too few benefits from clean energy spending and need stronger tracking, tenant protections, and measurable benefit allocation. Miranda described long-standing environmental harms in Roxbury and called for data and accountability to ensure benefits reach environmental justice communities. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to H. 3475/S. 2276 on just transition and clean energy workforce standards. Labor representatives from the pile drivers, building trades, electrical contractors, SEIU, United Steelworkers, the AFL-CIO, and Climate Jobs Massachusetts Action backed the bill, emphasizing prevailing wage, project labor agreements, apprenticeship requirements, workforce transition plans, and protections for gas workers and other fossil-fuel employees as the state shifts to clean energy. They argued the bill would create family-sustaining jobs, support training, and prevent workers from being left behind during the transition. The hearing concluded after all sign-ups were heard, and the committee voted to close the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Chair Gomez, do you want to briefly describe the amendment or would you like nonpartisan staff to
• I actually like the equity sharing component, which tries to give resources to those bases that have
• I actually like the equity sharing component, which tries to give resources to those bases that have
• I actually like the equity sharing component, which tries to give resources to those bases that have
• </c> equity um for these kinds of taxes. equity um for these kinds of taxes.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Title IX is an inclusion and equity law, and again, I'm..."
• Title IX is an inclusion and equity law, and again, I'm..."
• Title IX is an inclusion and equity law, and again, I'm..."
• Title IX is an inclusion and equity law, and again, I'm..."
• Title IX is an inclusion and equity law, and again, I'm..."

Bills: HF1233

Keywords: women's athletics, gender, sports competition, Human Rights Act, biological sex, participation limits, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Helping kitchens and staff to meet the high increase in demand for meals. Thank you.
• We look forward to partnering with you and your staff provide for our students, faculty, staff, and community
• CSUEU represents 35,000 non-faculty staff and students at CSU.
• And I'm now employed by First Start as a professional staff member, the program coordinator.
• To expand student access, equity, and affordability.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that a lot of my staff are here today to be able just to say hello to you and give you an idea
• </c><00:13:54.279><c> are</c> um I know that a lot of my staff are um I know that a lot of my staff are
• </c><00:29:49.960><c> not</c> hearing from a range of our staff not hearing from a range of our staff
• </c> further behind in U Medicaid uh equity further behind in U Medicaid uh equity and<01:22:33.600><
• We do that by leveraging the skills of our staff across five work units.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:14.360><c> The</c><00:08:14.560><c> A3</c> of social equity applicants.
• The A3 of social equity applicants.
• And clears and ensures social equity applicants have some opportunities in that process.
• So what we're concerned about for not only the tribes, but also for the social equity people and the
• To safely staff these cases, we employ nurses who carry that ICU-level of skill.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but I hit these barriers with whether it's agency staff, county staff, maybe it's funding concerns
• </c><00:29:33.440><c> county</c><00:29:33.840><c> staff</c> whether it's agency staff county staff whether
• </c> staff related to intake and screening. staff related to intake and screening.
• </c> integrity, equity, transparency. integrity, equity, transparency.
• staff and other staff that our licensing staff and other staff within<02:12:17.199><c> other</c><02:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• staff to<00:09:53.440><c> the</c><00:09:53.560><c> unit.
• </c> Fraud Control Unit staff from 32 to 50. Fraud Control Unit staff from 32 to 50.
• </c> Thank you, and I I'll note that uh staff Thank you, and I I'll note that uh staff has<00:38:23.000
• Staff will take the roll on roll call.
• </c> Medicaid, where private equity Medicaid, where private equity firms<00:52:34.000><c> are</c> firms

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, Melissa Van Gorkham, staff to the committee.
• I think I might punt the question over to staff if you're able.
• Staff, please bring up the one-and-a-half-minute timer.
• Staff, please bring up the one-and-a-half-minute timer.
• Chair and committee members, John Kim, committee staff.

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 6026, which would require cities and counties planning under the Growth Management Act with populations of 30,000 or more to allow residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones and bar local governments from requiring ground-floor commercial or retail as a condition of housing approval, with exemptions for certain sensitive areas and a carve-out for transit-oriented development station areas. The prime sponsor, Senator Alvarado, and supporters from the governor’s office, Commerce, housing advocates, developers, and major employers argued the bill would unlock underused land, reduce costs, and help address the state’s housing shortage. Opponents and local government representatives from small towns, counties, and cities said the bill could harm commercial corridors, small businesses, tax base stability, and local planning flexibility, and asked for narrower exemptions or additional carve-outs. No vote was taken on SB 6026 during the hearing. The committee then held executive action on Senate Bill 5937 and Senate Bill 5938. SB 5937, dealing with smart access systems and tenant privacy, was amended to clarify that keypad-only entry is not covered, require written privacy policies within five days of installation, and add operational purposes to allowable data collection; the committee adopted the amendment and advanced the bill with a due pass recommendation. SB 5938, which changes the foreclosure prevention fee and directs a Commerce study on a state homeowner assistance fund, was also amended to extend the study deadline and related expiration date; the committee adopted the amendment and moved the bill forward with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6018, which would expand and modernize the Washington State Housing Finance Commission’s authority, including allowing direct mortgage lending to borrowers, extending bond counsel selection cycles, removing advance notice requirements for bond issuance, and repealing an outdated housing finance plan/program. The sponsor and the commission said the bill would improve efficiency and create new financing tools for affordable housing, while banking groups said they supported the goal but wanted clearer limits to ensure the commission would not enter first-mortgage lending for homebuyers. The sponsor and commission said they would work on clarifying language. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6027 and Senate Bill 6028. SB 6027 would expand the use of local housing sales taxes and the Affordable Housing for All account to support operations, maintenance, rehabilitation, and preservation of existing affordable housing, update REET exemption timing, and align the definition of emergency housing with the Growth Management Act; local governments, housing providers, and advocates strongly supported the bill as a way to preserve existing housing amid rising costs and federal funding uncertainty. SB 6028 would create a revolving loan fund administered by the Housing Finance Commission to finance mixed-income affordable homeownership projects with long-term affordability covenants; the sponsor said it would help builders who have entitled sites but face high capital costs, and the hearing began with staff briefing and sponsor testimony, with questions from members starting as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• He also wanted to be sure I extend his sincere thanks to the committee staff for their work on this bill
• During the development of a broader safety project, Caltrans staff integrated two wildlife underpasses
• , and leveraging resources for outdoor equity.
• And I really appreciated working with you and your staff on this, Mr.
• And I really appreciated working with you and your staff on this, Mr.

Summary: The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen the steelhead trout report card program, extend and refine Dungeness crab management, and clarify vessel transit rules in closed crab fishing areas. The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and other supporters said the measure implements long-standing task force recommendations and supports both conservation and coastal fishing communities. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved forward on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, set performance targets, and coordinate with wildlife agencies. Supporters from conservation, animal welfare, land trust, and local government groups said the bill would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, improve public safety, and better integrate crossings, culverts, and fencing into routine highway projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to a neutral position after amendments clarified the bill would apply to transportation right-of-way planning and not create exactions on private property. Members discussed the bill’s relationship to Caltrans planning authority and existing funding, and it was passed to Appropriations on a 4-0 vote. Senator Gonzalez’s SB 1268, which would codify the state’s Outdoors for All initiative, also received broad support from environmental justice, conservation, parks, and recreation groups. Testimony emphasized inequitable access to parks and nature, especially for low-income communities and communities of color, and said the bill would make the initiative more durable by placing it in statute. The chair and members spoke in favor of expanding outdoor access, and the bill was approved on a 3-0 vote with some members not yet voting. The committee then heard three Western Joshua tree bills from Senator Ochoa Bogh. SB 1061 would streamline relocation of limited numbers of trees without fees in certain cases; SB 1062 would require proportionate or tiered mitigation fees for public utilities and agencies; and SB 1063 would create an expedited, fee-free permitting path for basic residential utility and wildfire-hardening projects. Supporters, including local water agencies, counties, and farm and business groups, said the current law imposes heavy costs on desert residents and ratepayers. Opponents, including wildlife and conservation organizations, argued the bills would weaken protections for a species they said is threatened by climate change and habitat loss, and noted that existing administrative processes are already addressing fees and permitting. After amendments, opposition was withdrawn on SB 1061 and SB 1062, and both bills advanced on 3-0 votes to Appropriations; SB 1063 remained under discussion in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the last one on here is just a measure of how much equity is being...
• Now, the current level of equity holdings is now at 200% of disposable income.
• Longer term, our staff did do some quantitative... Account.
• It might be helpful regarding the staff when we're getting a budget to talk about things.
• And we can work through staff to get that information to you all. Thank you very much.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Passing this bill would encourage equity in our classrooms statewide, providing all students with the
• </c> supplies passing this bill would supplies passing this bill would encourage<00:03:53.760><c> equity
• </c><00:03:54.040><c> in</c><00:03:54.120><c> our</c><00:03:54.280><c> classroom</c> encourage equity
• . the staff and I think uh maybe you know the staff and I think uh maybe you know trying<01:04:46.760
• Not currently within the board staff. Right, but you folks can't order audits, right? Yes.

Keywords: 912, senate, all