Transcript Highlights:

• I thought we'd first turn it over to – I have some written comments, but I'm going to go ahead and get
• I thought we'd first turn it over to, I have some written comments but turn it over to Vice Chair King
• Some large loads either connect directly to ERCOT or negotiate power purchase agreements.
• Rickerson:** ...or actually build it, or negotiate with a power purchase agreement.
• A lot of the school districts do interlocal government agreements.

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• It is explicitly written with our partners that it is excluded.
• I'll be submitting written testimony so I won't repeat any of that.
• I think we're all in agreement with that.
• Yes, I am in agreement with Assemblyman Meyer. There are a few...
• Yes, I am in agreement with Assemblyman Meyer.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to note for the committee that Kaiser's settlement agreement describes a similar reimbursement
• Just to be clear, while the settlement agreement and corrective action work plan was posted last month
• , that work had started well before the agreement was posted by the Department of Managed Health Care
• I will say that right now, as written, the definition provided under mission-directed expenses, even
• The agreement and contract that Amneal signed used an exemption in Health and Safety Code, which was

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long agenda of health bills focused on access to preventive care, behavioral health, hospital services, and patient safety. Early items included AB 554, which would expand and protect access to HIV prevention drugs like PrEP, including injectable forms and coverage protections; supporters said it would shore up access amid federal threats, while insurers opposed it as a costly benefit mandate. AB 577 would limit insurer and PBM practices that steer medications away from physician offices and require more transparency and patient consent; doctors and patient advocates supported it, while health plans and insurers warned it could raise drug costs and disrupt specialty pharmacy networks. AB 546 would require coverage for portable HEPA purifiers for vulnerable enrollees during declared emergencies, especially wildfire smoke events, with support from air quality and public health groups and opposition from insurers concerned about benefit expansion and cost. The committee also heard AB 224, which would codify California’s updated essential health benefits benchmark plan after a public review process, adding infertility treatment, hearing aids, and durable medical equipment if approved by CMS for the 2027 plan year. DMHC said the state had completed the review and needed legislation to meet federal timing, and the measure drew broad support. AB 1032 would require plans and insurers to reimburse up to 12 additional behavioral health visits for enrollees in wildfire-affected counties for a limited period after an emergency; supporters argued it would fill gaps in trauma care after disasters, while insurers said existing parity and continuity-of-care rules already address the issue and that the bill could create inequities. AB 849 would require trained chaperones for sensitive ultrasound exams and training on how to observe and intervene; it was backed by a survivor and patient advocates, with hospitals and health districts raising staffing concerns. Later, AB 1196 would direct the Department of Public Health to update outdated rules requiring three surgeons for certain heart surgeries using cardiopulmonary bypass; supporters said the rule no longer reflects modern practice and strains staffing, while cardiology representatives had no formal opposition but wanted to review amendments. AB 1113 would codify a right to wear a mask for health reasons in public spaces, with support from disability and public health groups. AB 1386 sought to add perinatal care to the list of basic hospital services, prompting testimony about maternity ward closures, workforce shortages, and rural access; the author said the bill would be amended further and that the committee would need to revisit timelines and implementation details. The committee also heard AB 1429, which would address Kaiser’s repeated mental health parity violations and improve access to behavioral health care, though the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill is shown. Several bills were moved with motions and seconds, but many were held for quorum; AB 1196, AB 1113, and AB 1386 were among the measures advanced to a roll call or held on call, and the committee repeatedly noted that final votes would occur when quorum was available.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you're in agreement with me that we want to utilize all these lanes during rush hour, and that this
• So you're in agreement with me that we want to utilize all these lanes during rough during rush hour
• Current statute has written on this bill already says that you have to stay in the right unless you're

Committee: House Transportation and Defense

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Rex, I would like to get either a verbal or written list of how many meetings, what type of
• here and that we just got assigned to the committee today, the three provisions that is part of the agreement
• here and that we just got assigned to the committee today the three provisions that is part of the agreement

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Budget Committee

Summary: The Joint Legislative Budget Committee approved the minutes from its January 29, 2026 meeting and then took up a request involving surplus funds from the FY 2026 special election appropriation for the vacant U.S. Congressional District 7 seat. JLBC staff explained that the election cost less than expected, leaving $2.49 million available for transfer to the Secretary of State’s operating budget. The proposed use included $500,000 for 2026 primary and general election costs, $240,000 for physical security at Secretary of State events from March through June 2026, and $1.7 million for county-related expenses, including the state’s share of the voter registration database. Staff said the Secretary of State had originally requested more, but the proposal excluded some amounts for prior security costs and future database replacement planning. Committee members questioned the physical security spending, asking what it covered and whether it was for personnel, hardware, or other measures. The Secretary of State’s representative said the details were sensitive for security reasons, but described it as a mix of physical presence, preventative measures, and security-related equipment at public events. Members also raised concerns about the state’s voter rolls, DOJ litigation, and the cost of ongoing legal disputes, asking for more information on meetings and litigation expenses. The representative said the office was in communication with federal officials and that the transfer itself would not be used for litigation. The Vice Chair moved a favorable review of the item with three provisions: monthly expenditure reporting to JLBC staff beginning April 15, 2026 through December 2026; a prohibition on using the transferred funds for litigation; and a prohibition on using the funds for contracts with individuals. The discussion also noted that the committee’s review is advisory and does not necessarily prevent the agency from spending funds, though members said future budget decisions could take the agency’s actions into account.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no new language in agreement.
• Um, this bill when it was originally written, it was written to address the issue across the state and
• The state treasurer will be authorized in a contractual agreement with a public or private company for
• the necessary agreements to produce and<00:36:37.520><c> distribute</c><00:36:38.000><c> the</c><00:
• The taxpayers putting no money forward to the treasurer may enter into an agreement with the public or

Committee: Joint Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• They had an agreement.
• I'm very open to that; I think that was always in the agreement.
• Science agreements between within his weight to an eye.
• We have $500,000 in the agreement for House File 1915. We have almost...
• But I do not believe that the agreement I signed my name to included the language in the agreement.

Bills: HF2436

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Cambridge urges you to include in H. 4144 the municipal solar exemptions already written into S. 2269
• Rather than focus on specific parts of the legislation, which I'll follow up on with written testimony
• . ...credits that were never delivered and got customers to sign up for power purchase agreements that
• The exploitative nature of power purchase agreements is particularly troubling given their long duration
• I'll explain these in detail in my written testimony, but the key takeaway here is that this bifurcates

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Summary: The hearing focused broadly on solar policy and several related bills, especially S. 2269, S. 2270, H. 3520, H. 3521, and related measures on distributed energy resources, municipal solar caps, permitting reform, and tax credits. Testimony from the Air Force supported S. 2232, which would exempt federal military installations from renewable energy production caps and net metering limits to support energy resilience at bases like Hanscom. Most other witnesses argued that Massachusetts needs to speed up rooftop, municipal, and community solar deployment to address high electricity prices, federal tax credit rollbacks, grid reliability, and climate goals. A major theme was streamlining permitting through automated or “smart” solar permitting, including a statewide platform managed by DOER. Permit Power, SEIA, Vote Solar, 350 Mass, and others said current local permitting is fragmented and costly, and that instant permitting could reduce soft costs and speed installations. Several witnesses also urged changes to interconnection rules, including flexible interconnection, remote inspections, and faster utility approval timelines. Some speakers raised concerns about small towns lacking staff to meet short deadlines and suggested a state-hosted platform to reduce the burden on municipalities. Another major topic was lifting caps on solar deployment. Municipal officials from Lexington and Cambridge said the 10-megawatt municipal cap and regional caps are blocking shovel-ready projects and should be removed, including for behind-the-meter municipal solar and MBTA-community housing. Other witnesses described additional limits on project size, net metering, and residential tax credits, and called for making the state residential solar credit refundable and larger. Several speakers also supported virtual power plants, distributed energy resource targets, solar canopies, microgrids, and expanded access for affordable housing, tenants, and low- and moderate-income customers. No votes were taken. Committee members asked questions about permitting timelines, grid modernization, the rationale for caps, balcony solar, and interconnection delays, and witnesses said they would follow up with additional information where needed. The hearing ended with broad support from industry, municipal, environmental, and advocacy groups for advancing the solar and distributed energy bills, while some witnesses opposed provisions they viewed as overly restrictive, such as mandatory SMART participation for all solar projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• Very simply and profoundly written, God says, 'I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those
• Written. God says, 'I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you.'
• decades, it's been a standard practice to integrate the cost of repairing this damage into franchise agreements
• It also exempts master agreements from meeting start and end date requirements for private investigator
• information to guide their decision-making without capping compensation or barring contractual agreements

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest recognitions, and several ceremonial presentations. Members welcomed Jack and Jill of America’s Far West Region and a large education bus trip from Senate District 15. The body also adopted SCR 151 designating May 2026 as ACL Injury Awareness Month, SR 105 declaring May as National Tennis Month, SCR 175 recognizing Behavioral Health Awareness Month, SCR 176 designating May as Small Business Month, and SCR 178 recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month. These resolutions drew broad support, with many senators speaking to the health, civic, economic, and cultural themes in the measures, as well as concerns about anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and solidarity across communities. The Senate also confirmed three gubernatorial appointees unanimously: Siva Gunda to the California Energy Commission, Tony Sertich as Executive Director of the California Housing and Finance Agency, and Craig Snellings to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. In addition, the chamber approved a motion to suspend Joint Rule 62(a) so the Committee on Local Government could hear AB 1768, after debate over the procedure and a roll call vote. On legislation, the Senate passed a series of bills on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including SB 922 on local cost recovery for street damage from public service operations, SB 932 on litigation transparency, SB 1311 on updates to consumer affairs boards and licensing rules, SB 1143 on access to forensic interview recordings in child abuse cases, SB 1307 on clearing forged real estate documents, SB 1177 on high-speed rail reporting, SB 971 on community networks for older adults, SB 1400 on Alameda Health System governance, SB 1228 on existing outdoor advertising displays in former redevelopment areas, SB 997 on lien authority for a groundwater sustainability agency, SB 1115 on public cemetery district governance, SB 1088 on advance care planning forms, SB 1242 on family participation in CARE Court, SB 1364 on parental rights in rape-related custody cases, SB 993 on protecting mental health professionals’ identifying information, SB 1094 on prescription drug biosimilar use, SB 1117 on ADU fee calculations, SB 1244 on broker compensation disclosures for public agency health plans, SB 1315 on automated driving system software update reporting, and SB 1398 on recognizing Green Globes as an equivalent state building certification. Earlier, a motion by Senator Strickland to withdraw SB 1035 from committee failed on a 22-22 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have written testimony to the positional order portal on the committee's website.
• Well, I would say that a week has not been enough to come to agreement on amendments.
• Well, I would say that a week has not been enough to come to agreement on amendments.
• But let me, to come to agreement on amendments, but let me make, on the record, the commitment that I
• Neither the Housing Committee chair nor anyone else asked me to come to an agreement by, you know, by

Summary: The committee heard eight bills, mostly on local government, housing, and public agency contracting. AB 1658 would make permanent higher change-order authority for Santa Clara and Los Angeles counties on large construction projects; supporters said it would reduce delays and save money on major projects, and the bill passed 6-0. AB 2263 would authorize the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to develop employee-preference affordable housing; supporters said it would help with workforce retention and long commutes, and it also passed 6-0. AB 2134 would require city councils to allow parental leave without forcing members to seek public approval or risk losing their seats; supporters described the bill as necessary to protect new parents in local office, and it passed 6-0. AB 2188 would raise Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s contracting authority to $250,000, with supporters citing administrative savings and faster project delivery; after committee amendments, it passed 6-0. AB 2033 would let general law cities use job order contracting for repair and maintenance work, with safeguards against employee displacement; supporters called it an efficiency tool, while AFSCME opposed it over workforce impacts, and it passed 8-0 after amendments. AB 1768 would authorize Los Angeles County and Contra Costa County to ask voters to approve a temporary transactions and use tax to help offset major federal health care cuts and preserve clinics and public health services. Supporters from community clinics, Planned Parenthood, labor groups, counties, and health organizations said the measure would let voters decide how to respond to funding losses; opponents, including CalTax and some cities, raised affordability and tax-burden concerns. Members also discussed equity concerns within Los Angeles County and the importance of local control. The bill was moved out on a 5-2 vote and left on call. AB 2415 would allow the city of Folsom to shift housing obligations away from its historic district and toward other transit-oriented sites; supporters said it would preserve the historic district while still meeting housing goals, and it passed 10-0. AB 2741, heard at the end of the meeting, would give cities a grace period to fix housing elements that were certified by HCD but later found noncompliant by a court, especially where cities relied on overlay zones. Supporters from the League of California Cities, Redondo Beach, and real estate groups said cities acted in good faith and should not be immediately subjected to builder’s remedy; opponents from California YIMBY and legal aid groups argued the bill would weaken housing accountability and reward noncompliance. The transcript ends during testimony on AB 2741, before a final vote is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• But as I understand the bill as written, and I understand that was true even before, is that the HOA
• Our pet agreements say, 'Please attach a document for a qualified veterinarian indicating the animal
• Um, our pet agreements, say, please attach a document for a qualified veterinarian indicating the animal
• I think that's the way it's written out.
• I think that's the way it's written out.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard several bills focused on health care planning, mental health, housing, homeowners associations, groundwater enforcement, pet-friendly rental disclosures, and post-disaster property protections. SB 1088 would modernize POLST and DNR forms by renaming POLST to “portable orders for life-sustaining treatment,” allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to sign, clarifying that the forms are voluntary, recognizing out-of-state forms, and permitting electronic signatures. It drew support from the Coalition for Compassionate Care and related groups and no opposition was presented. SB 1242 would allow family members who originally petitioned in CARE Court to continue participating for care coordination and information-sharing, subject to judicial discretion; supporters said it would improve treatment coordination, while Disability Rights California opposed it as coercive and a threat to confidentiality. The committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 1242, and it was placed on call. The committee also considered SB 1007, which would require more HOA transparency, including clearer budget comparisons and disclosure of evidence for violations, and would lower the threshold for regular assessment increases without a homeowner vote. Supporters argued it would curb steep fee hikes and improve accountability, while HOA industry groups warned it could undermine funding for insurance, maintenance, and other operating costs. Members raised concerns about the cap on assessments, but the bill advanced on a 6-1 vote and was placed on call. SB 1364, as amended, would bar custody or visitation rights for a person who impregnated a survivor through sexual assault, using a clear-and-convincing evidence standard rather than requiring a criminal conviction; supporters said it protects survivors and may increase federal funding, while opponents argued it could deny children a relationship with a parent. The bill passed 8-0 and was placed on call. Additional measures included SB 997, which would give the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency lien authority to enforce fees and sustainability rules; it had support from local water, farm, and county representatives and passed 9-0. SB 1296 would require landlords to disclose pet policies up front in applications, ads, and websites and allow application-fee refunds if disclosure was not made before payment; supporters said it would reduce wasted fees and pet relinquishment, while rental housing groups raised concerns about signage, ADA language, and vaccination disclosures. The bill passed 8-0 and was placed on call. Finally, SB 1090 would prohibit large property owners from making unsolicited purchase offers for five years in wildfire disaster areas, aiming to curb post-disaster speculation; supporters described aggressive investor pressure after the Eaton and Palisades fires, while real estate and title groups raised implementation and enforcement concerns. The committee was still discussing the bill when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• She made drastic changes that no longer aligned with court agreements, encouraged police investigating
• She made drastic changes that no longer aligned with court agreements.
• got the appropriation last year during the budget year, and it was... ...apparently was just not written
• that we were hoping to go through where we would be allowed to purchase medications the way it was written
• There is also an interagency agreement in the bill with the Office of Cannabis Management and 3 specific

Bills: HF3454 , HF3917 , HF2906 , HF3832 , HF3769

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So apparently it's not written in. ...that all the counties maybe do that differently.
• So apparently it's not written in statute exactly like they have to do it if they're all doing it differently
• of today's workforce, and House Bill 1844 establishes the Athletic Trainer Compact, a multi-state agreement
• But we do have a mechanism in place already for that, and that's through reciprocity agreements.
• You know, those rules that haven't been written yet by the people from other states that we haven't named

Summary: The House established a quorum and then took up several bills for perfection and printing. House Bill 2189, sponsored by the Jasper member, would allow five-year vehicle registrations, eliminate the old even/odd model-year registration rule, and limit the five-year option to vehicles six years old or newer. Members discussed how the bill would interact with emissions, safety inspections, insurance verification, and county tax collection systems. House Amendment 1, which set the five-year fee at $45, was adopted, and the bill was then perfected and printed. The chamber next considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1790, a ballot-language measure sponsored by the St. Louis County member. The bill requires clearer ballot wording for local tax levies, including stating levy amounts in dollar terms, alphabetic labeling of propositions, disclosure when a measure would nullify a prior sunset, and a rollback rule tied to reassessment years and voter-approved levies. Members generally supported the transparency goals, and a drafting correction amendment adding a comma was adopted before the committee substitute was perfected and printed. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2178, sponsored by the Pike member, drew the most extended debate. The bill would limit commercial property assessment increases to 15% per reassessment cycle, require a physical inspection if increases exceed that threshold, and require Board of Equalization decisions by the end of September or revert to the prior year’s assessment. Amendments were adopted to add short-term rental protections so assessors cannot reclassify residential short-term rentals as commercial property, to incorporate ballot-language provisions from other bills, and to add taxpayer protections requiring clearer assessment notices, faster refunds, and litigation-cost recovery in some successful appeals. The body adopted House Amendment 1 by roll call, 92-43 with 5 present, and later adopted House Amendments 2 and 3; House Amendment 4 was then taken up for further discussion at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Healthcare services provided under a risk-sharing or capitation agreement.
• and we put in place significant safeguards regarding inspections, a blue-rim panel, permits, and written
• The bill provides for the types of compensation agreements that the agency and communities may enter,
• including agreements based on the value of the business generated between the parties. which provides
• Today, the bill includes required written disclosures that explain the services and who pays the referral

Bills: SB227 , SB269 , SB407 , SB463 , SB527 , SB547 , SB1283 , SB1380 , SB1383 , SB1511 , SB1640 , SB1784 , SB2069

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:13.120><c> was</c> uh Finding Common Ground that was uh Finding Common Ground that was written
• by a former Minnesota written by a former Minnesota legislature.<00:10:15.839><c> And</c><00:10:16.560
• on a bonding bill, but is an agreement on a bonding bill, but just<00:16:01.920><c> wanted</c><00:16
• </c> curious is the idea of a plan a written curious is the idea of a plan a written plan<01:21:48.480
• to to put the money over the agreement to to put the money over there<01:26:58.480><c> and</c><01:26

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• If it were not so, it would not have been specifically written into State v.
• , policy, ordinance, or other written or oral agreements that are in place in any school district by
• And I know that referendums and the way they are written into the ballots are always written to confuse
• And I know that referendums and the way they are written into the ballots are always written to confuse
• once we got an agreement.

Summary: The Senate met, opened with prayer and the pledge, and then handled a series of messages and floor actions. The chamber transmitted a large group of Senate bills to the governor and Senate Concurrent Memorial 1004 to the Secretary of State. It also received House requests to return Senate Bills 1175 and 1198 for reconsideration, which were granted without objection. The Senate then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several House concurrent resolutions. On H.C.R. 2001, a constitutional referral on election requirements, senators debated a Judiciary Committee amendment and a Hoffman floor amendment that would require voter ID, allow election-day tabulation of early ballots at polling places, and require legislative funding for implementation. Supporters said the measure would improve election security, voter confidence, and speed up results; opponents argued it was vague, could undermine mail voting, and lacked clear implementation details. The amendment was adopted, and after further debate the Committee of the Whole gave H.C.R. 2001 a do-pass recommendation by a 15-12 vote. Later, on third reading, the full Senate passed H.C.R. 2001 by a 16-12 vote and transmitted it to the House. The chamber also considered H.C.R. 2003, a referral on student athletics and biological sex. Senator Ortiz offered a floor amendment to replace the blanket ban approach with rules based on athletic ability and inclusion; supporters said it would preserve fairness while avoiding discrimination, while opponents said it would gut the measure and weaken protections for girls’ sports. The Ortiz amendment failed 11-16, and H.C.R. 2003 then received a do-pass recommendation in Committee of the Whole and later passed third reading. H.C.R. 2044, a referral on prohibiting preferential treatment and discrimination, also received a do-pass recommendation without recorded controversy. The Senate then adjourned after completing the remaining procedural motions and votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a vast agreement in the research. The precise economic estimates are difficult.
• There's a vast agreement in the research. The precise economic estimates are difficult.
• This was written by the child advocacy centers over a long period of time.
• They're not here in person to speak on that. provided some written testimony.
• This was written by the child advocacy centers over a long period of time.

Summary: The committee met to approve prior minutes and then heard a presentation from Dr. Ramona Danielson on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), focusing on the economic and public-system impacts in North Dakota. She explained that ACEs are a population-level measure, not a diagnostic tool for individuals, and said higher ACE exposure is consistently associated with more chronic illness, mental health challenges, child welfare involvement, justice-system contact, and reduced workforce participation. She emphasized that precise dollar estimates are difficult because of the many interacting factors across a person’s life course, but said the direction of the impact is clear and that evidence-based prevention and protective factors can reduce harm. Members asked about definitions of a “healthy family,” same-sex couples, divorce, substance abuse, historical trends in ACEs, and the role of positive childhood experiences and home visiting. The committee then heard from Allison Mahoney and Missy Barranco about evidence-based home visiting programs in North Dakota, including Healthy Families, Early Head Start, Nurse-Family Partnership, and Parents as Teachers. They described home visiting as voluntary, relationship-based, and tailored to family needs, with referrals coming from hospitals, WIC, human service zones, pregnancy navigators, self-referrals, and other community sources. A parent, Abby, shared that home visiting helped her family after premature births and NICU stays by providing support with postpartum mental health, breastfeeding, developmental screenings, referrals, and parenting guidance. The presenters said the programs are funded through a mix of federal MIECHV/Title IV-E dollars, Medicaid targeted case management, state and tribal funds, philanthropy, charitable gaming, and grants, and they noted that current funding is fragmented and insufficient to serve all eligible families statewide. Members discussed whether the state should expand or better fund these services and how to improve outreach and referrals. Later, the committee received a memorandum on artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation, followed by a presentation from a BCI special agent on how AI is already affecting child exploitation investigations in North Dakota. The memo and testimony described AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, sextortion, and risks posed by chatbots, along with relevant federal and state law and recent executive orders. The agent said North Dakota saw 2,698 cyber tips in 2025, the highest on record, and that investigators are increasingly encountering AI-assisted exploitation that is harder to detect and verify. Members discussed the need for child-safety protections, the limits of executive orders, and broader concerns about AI undermining critical thinking and spreading misinformation. No votes were taken on the AI materials during the portion provided, and the committee recessed briefly after the report.

Transcript Highlights:

• ' didn't come from her mouth, then there was no agreement reached.
• Whether they said they had an agreement or not, I assume they had an agreement.
• I thought they had an agreement.
• Whether they said they had an agreement or not, I assume they had an agreement.
• I thought they had an agreement.

Summary: The Senate met in multiple Committee of the Whole sessions and considered a large number of bills, many related to digital assets and cryptocurrency, including SB 1042, SB 1043, SB 1044, SB 1045, SB 1432, SCR 1003, SCR 1033, and SCR 1028. Members discussed whether the state should accept cryptocurrency for payments, tax or exempt virtual currency, ban central bank digital currency, and support digital assets in retirement systems. Senator Epstein repeatedly argued against the measures and tried to offer amendments targeting data center tax exemptions, but one such amendment was ruled not germane and the ruling was upheld on a division vote. The bills and resolutions in that group generally advanced with do-pass recommendations, with SB 1043 and SB 1044 amended before advancing. The Senate also advanced several bills on family law, public records, scholarship organizations, property conveyances, underground facilities, and environmental and energy issues, including SB 1039, SB 1139, SB 1147, SB 1148, SB 1328, SB 1078, SB 1142, SB 1184, SB 1254, SB 1278, SB 1281, SB 1418, SB 1445, and SB 1566. Some measures drew discussion and amendments: SB 1254 received a clarifying amendment for deeds handled by title and escrow professionals; SB 1278 had a floor amendment withdrawn; SB 1281 was amended by committee and floor changes; SB 1418 prompted questions about small modular reactors and concerns about uranium mining and health impacts; and SB 1566 was amended to address malicious delay enforcement and judicial review. Most of these bills received do-pass recommendations. In the health and human services calendar, the Senate advanced SB 1052, SB 1115, SB 1149, SB 1193, SB 1233, SB 1345, SB 1346, and SB 1631, with SB 1124 retained on the calendar. Debate centered on ACCESS and remote work, administrative deficiency cure periods, anonymous complaints, fee-for-service claims, and DCS-related hearings and investigations. Senator Gonzales opposed several ACCESS-related bills, arguing they lacked appropriations, could disrupt services, or conflicted with federal Medicaid law, while sponsors said the bills addressed agency performance and provider complaints. SB 1115, SB 1149, SB 1193, SB 1233, and SB 1345 were amended before receiving do-pass recommendations, and SB 1345’s sponsor said ACCESS was removed from the bill. The final calendar included regulatory and veterinary-related bills such as SB 1137, SB 1144, SB 1205, and SB 1286. SB 1205, dealing with motor vehicle booting fees, received a floor amendment requiring an appeals process for private parking lots. SB 1286, on veterinary telemedicine and prescriptions, drew the most extended debate, with a committee amendment and a Kavanagh floor amendment restoring a 14-day prescription extension and adding flea and tick treatment; Senator Leach opposed the floor amendment, describing prior stakeholder negotiations and changes in committee support. The transcript ends while that debate is still underway, after several bills have already been reported out with do-pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:52:05.880><c> in</c> legislation enabling them was written in legislation enabling them was written
• ><c> open</c> of each other which was written on open of each other which was written on open enrollment
• Go's agreement is—but sometimes they don't have separate tuition agreements that cover special education
• they have a one-price tuition agreement.
• </c> their collective bargaining agreement their collective bargaining agreement that<05:07:38.040><c

Summary: The committee first discussed HB 443, which would change terms and vacancy language for members of a higher education commission. Members raised concerns that the bill was too narrow to address broader issues with commission membership, including expired appointments, attendance expectations, and whether the Department of Education could replace the commission’s role. Several members suggested the bill was not ready for action and favored holding it for further work, possibly through a subcommittee or work session. One member suggested that if attendance standards were added, no more than two unexcused absences should trigger removal, given the commission’s meeting schedule. The chair said he would defer action and form a small subcommittee to report back before the committee deadline. The committee then moved to HB 484, dealing with repurposing Career and Technical Education classroom space after 20 years of exclusive use. The chair explained that the bill was aimed at the Milford CTE project, where shared use of space could allow a school to repurpose part of a CTE facility while still using it for CTE-related instruction. Members discussed other possible situations around the state, including Claremont, North Conway, and Jaffrey/Rindge, and whether the bill should be limited to Milford or broadened to allow local districts more flexibility. Some members favored passing the bill now to help CTE projects move forward, while others argued for an amendment removing the requirement that the space be vacated specifically to expand the CTE program occupying it. Testimony and discussion emphasized that the Milford project had state approval but reduced funding, requiring a smaller scope and repurposing of existing space. Supporters said the bill could help preserve CTE programs while also benefiting general education space needs, and that local districts should have flexibility after 20 years. Opponents or cautious members noted that the language might not fit every district situation and asked for feedback from Director Beard and Steve Rothenberg before final action. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, and instead discussed waiting for an amendment and additional input before acting.

Transcript Highlights:

• A couple of logistical items: Written testimony can be submitted via the position letter portal on the
• Written testimony can be submitted via the position letter portal on the committee's website to ensure
• This is a great issue because there is a wide agreement and ready solutions.

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met as a subcommittee at first because a quorum was not yet present, then proceeded with bill presentations and later formal votes once enough members arrived. The chair reviewed committee procedures, including how to submit written testimony and rules for witnesses and conduct. The agenda included AB 771, AB 1507 on the consent calendar, and AB 1166. AB 771 by Assemblymember Massetto was presented as a technical fix to California’s Uniform Commercial Code. Supporters said it would allow a mortgage or deed of trust to serve as a fixture filing without requiring an exact match to the debtor’s ID, reducing duplicate filings, fees, and administrative burdens. There was no formal opposition, and the committee voted due pass. AB 1507 was then adopted on the consent calendar with a due pass recommendation. AB 1166 by Chair Valencia addressed debt settlement protections for small business commercial financing recipients by extending existing California debt settlement standards from consumer loans to business loans. Supporters, including the Responsible Business Lending Coalition and several financing providers, said the bill would curb harmful practices and align incentives, while still allowing debt settlement services. Members asked about the private right of action and statutory damages, and the bill was approved due pass. The committee later reopened the rolls for absent members, recorded additional aye votes, and adjourned after completing the agenda.