Transcript Highlights:

• Greg Abbott, it has been prioritized over the immensely critical issue of the day: flooding and disaster
• to try and make sure we heal this country and bring it back together, frankly, from the cliff of disaster
• It was a disaster. He was also convicted in the Abramoff scandal a few months later.

Bills: SB 2 , SB 5 , SB 9 , SB 7 , SB 17 , SB 4 , HB4 , HB1 , HB3 , HB20 , HB22 , SB9 , SB7 , SB17 , SB4 , HB4 , SB2 , SB5

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, New England cannot import liquefied natural gas from Texas because of the Jones Act.
• While American liquefied natural gas heads out to Europe, that's not security. It's not patriotism.
• While American liqufied<05:31:28.878><c> natural</c><05:31:29.200><c> gas</c><05:31:29.520><c> heads<
• /c><05:31:29.760><c> out</c><05:31:29.920><c> to</c> liqufied natural gas heads out to liqufied natural
• and emergency disaster response and emergency preparedness.<05:35:05.440><c> Then</c><05:35:05.600><

Transcript Highlights:

• a home, if you're taking steps to reduce your energy use and energy cost, or rebuilding after a disaster
• c><00:09:23.519><c> create</c><00:09:23.720><c> a</c><00:09:23.880><c> pre-</c><00:09:24.120><c> disaster
• </c> neighbors to create a pre- disaster neighbors to create a pre- disaster mitigation<00:09:25.040>
• of 's relationship with them nature of 's relationship with them director<01:20:33.840><c> Chavo</c>
• And oftentimes, while agencies hesitate to use rulemaking authority because of the cumbersome nature

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• But that is the nature of our budget. That is the nature of the position that we are put in.
• But that is the nature of our budget. is<01:21:38.400><c> the</c><01:21:38.640><c> nature</c><01:21:38.960
• ><c> of</c> is the nature of is the nature of the<01:21:41.600><c> position</c><01:21:41.920><c> that
• The disaster fiscal year are 9.
• </c> maintenance 101 19,722 19,722 disaster maintenance 101 19,722 19,722 disaster recovery<04:07:46.319

Transcript Highlights:

• That is an important contributing factor to the nature of that community.
• One by one, as they get torn down, you're going to threaten the historic nature of those, and it could
• supportive services for veterans... ...and supportive services for veteran families and things of this nature
• have flexible financial assistance to help people get to job appointments and other things of that nature
• aggregate amount of liabilities incurred by Arizona in the event an emergency is declared due to major disasters

Committees: House Government , House House Government Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• The Natural Resource Energy and Water Committee is called to order.
• We're all in the same boat when it comes to natural resources, whether it's renewable or nonrenewable
• As human nature goes, we're trying to put together the legislation even to the last moment, and today
• Arizona Water acquired those systems years ago, and the systems were a disaster, to say the least.
• So Arizona... ...and the systems were a disaster, to say the least.

Bills: HB2042 , HB2052 , HB2055 , HB2056 , HB2094 , HB2098 , HB2185 , HB2328 , HB2758 , HB2798

Committees: House Natural Resources, Energy & Water , House House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference

Keywords: solar radiation management, environment, prohibition, Arizona Revised Statutes, public health, complaint process, Attorney General, groundwater management, water conservation, irrigation, water supply, brackish groundwater, water supply development, desalination, water infrastructure, financial assistance, environmental reviews, brackish water, groundwater, water resources

Transcript Highlights:

• We just had Laura Richardson presenting her bill on grizzlies over at Natural Resources.
• The motion is do pass to the Committee on Natural Resources and Water. Senators Cortese...
• The motion is do pass as amended to the Committee on Natural Resources and Water.
• The motion is do pass to the Committee on Natural Resources and Water.
• The motion is do pass to the Committee on Natural Resources and Water.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills focused on local transportation funding, roadway safety, e-bike regulation, veterans’ parking access, high-speed rail reporting, autonomous vehicle oversight, and wildlife-vehicle collision planning. SB 1408 would authorize Contra Costa County to place a countywide transportation sales tax measure on the ballot; supporters said it would continue funding highways, transit, bike/pedestrian projects, and paratransit, while CalTax opposed it over affordability and tax burden concerns. SB 990 would allow targeted Caltrans business-logo signage for Ridgecrest along Highway 395; supporters framed it as a rural safety and economic access measure, and there was no opposition. SB 1167 would tighten consumer protections by clarifying what qualifies as a legal e-bike and requiring clearer labeling and disclosures; supporters included bicycle advocates, medical groups, local governments, and auto clubs, while no opposition testified. SB 1034 would make it easier for disabled veterans rated permanent and total by the VA to obtain disabled parking placards, with strong support from veterans’ organizations and no opposition. SB 1177 would require the High-Speed Rail Project Update report to continue including additional information on revenue options, timelines, and international comparisons; the City of Burbank opposed, while the sponsor argued the bill preserves a historical record and transparency. SB 1246 would impose new remote-operations, response-time, and manual override requirements on autonomous vehicles; first responders and labor groups supported it, industry and business groups opposed it as duplicative of recently enacted law and DMV rules, and the committee discussed possible amendments and coordination issues. The committee also considered SB 1279, which would extend Long Beach’s speed camera pilot to Pacific Coast Highway; supporters cited fatal crash data and pedestrian safety, while the CHP association moved from opposition to neutral after discussions. The committee then took up SB 1250, a planning bill to integrate wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation into transportation planning, with the author emphasizing targeted crossings and fencing at known hotspots. Several consent items were approved on a 10-0 vote, and SB 1246 was reported out 7-2, while other bills were held on call pending quorum or later action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Something called disaster unemployment benefits in the event of flooding is the typical thing in Minnesota
• We also will see things like major disasters, flooding, tornadoes. We'll do that.
• I'm going to show you the seasonal rate in just a second. things like major disasters, flooding, things
• like major disasters, flooding, tornadoes.<00:20:29.520><c> We'll</c><00:20:29.760><c> do</c><00:20:
• We heard the governor in December say that we were going to rely on the, you know, the good nature of

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the freedom to embrace you in your boundless nature and grace.
• </c> to protect water quality and natural to protect water quality and natural resources.<00:32:37.760
• and temporary disaster recovery and temporary relocation<02:18:02.880><c> needs,</c><02:18:03.599><c
• </c><02:47:07.680><c> To</c><02:47:08.000><c> natural</c><02:47:08.319><c> resources</c><02:47:08.800
• To natural resources and Bill 682.

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into committee and floor reports. Several measures received favorable committee reports and were ordered to first reading and placed on the calendar, including Current Resolution 9, Senate Joint Resolution 23, House Bill 145, House Bill 567, and House Bill 506 with House Committee Substitute 1. The chamber also noted that House Bills 500 and 504 had already received two readings and were sent to the Rules Committee before House Bill 500 was brought up for final consideration. Most of the discussion focused on House Bill 500, the executive branch budget bill. Members described it as a “good first draft” and emphasized a budget process they said was more transparent than in prior years. The bill was presented as a restrained two-year operating budget with spending growth kept at a little under 2% annually, while setting aside about 2% of projected revenues, or roughly $614 million, in the Budget Reserve Trust Fund for future needs. The budget also used base reductions in some areas while exempting others such as Medicaid benefits, SEEK, corrections, behavioral health, and veterans programs. Subcommittee chairs then outlined major spending areas. Education provisions included a 2% annual increase in base SEEK funding, transportation funding held flat, equalization for recallable nickel funding, continued retirement contributions, and major support for postsecondary access, dual credit, asset preservation, and workforce training. Health and family services provisions held Medicaid steady while adding waiver slots, behavioral health and substance use support, public health investments, and funding for rural health and laboratory capacity. Other sections covered personnel and pensions, veterans services, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, tourism, and environmental projects. The only recorded action on the floor was adoption of House Committee Substitute 1 to House Bill 500, followed by a motion for final passage of the bill as amended. The transcript ends as discussion on final passage begins, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• disasters.
• </c><00:58:06.559><c> disasters.
• </c> wildfires and other natural disasters. wildfires and other natural disasters.
• as to the nature of this facility?
• I mean, the nature of the programs is to put them in an environment where they see families that are

Summary: The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1969, which would provide state funding for colorectal cancer screenings for uninsured and underinsured residents. The Department of Human Services said it supports the goal of early screening but would need new administrative capacity, including a program manager and claim pre-screening, to run the program. The Department of Health supported the measure and cited low screening rates in Hawaii, noting an educational campaign to encourage screening. The Insurance Division raised concerns about reliance on federal FAQs, warning that guidance can change and may create state cost exposure. Supporters including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the Hawaii Medical Association argued the bill would close a preventive-care gap, reduce late-stage diagnoses, and save long-term costs; the committee also discussed implementation costs, estimated by DHS at roughly $1.4 million to $2 million annually plus administrative expenses, and a 6-month to 1-year timeline to establish the program. The committee then took up House Bill 1965, which would require health carriers to spend at least 6% of total medical expenditures on primary care providers. The Insurance Division said several provisions raise technical and legal concerns, including the premium freeze, the medical loss ratio language, the lack of an existing external review process for downcoding claims, and a new mandate for medically necessary inter-island transportation that could trigger an ACA defrayal. The Department of Human Services supported the intent but suggested broader language to include primary care supports and services, and noted that QUEST integration plans already invested at least 9% of total medical expenditures in primary care in 2024, with additional spending on supports and low-value care reductions. State health planning officials strongly supported the bill as an investment in primary care, saying it could improve outcomes and lower long-term costs, though they acknowledged a possible temporary premium increase during the transition. Testimony in support emphasized Hawaii’s physician shortage, especially on Maui, the Big Island, and other neighbor islands, and warned that clinics are under financial strain and may close without higher primary care reimbursement. The Hawaii Healthcare Task Force, AARP Hawaii, and other supporters said the bill would help retain providers, improve access for Medicare and Medicaid patients, and prevent downstream costs from emergency room use and avoidable hospitalizations. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• there's a lot of them, but I will open up the first page: DNR wildlife management area scientific natural
• Senate File 2077, a bill relating to state government property money from the environment and natural
• President, or scientific and natural areas, or something that has public value...
• It's an emergency and disaster response hub, coordinating those widescale community disasters.
• RESPONSE HUB COORDINATING THOSE WIDESCALE COMMUNITY DISASTERS IT PROVIDES A REGIONAL BURN TREATMENT SENATE

Transcript Highlights:

• it uh<01:00:55.440><c> of</c><01:00:55.599><c> of</c><01:00:55.720><c> this</c><01:00:56.119><c> nature
• and</c><01:00:57.160><c> they</c><01:00:57.319><c> turn</c><01:00:57.559><c> it</c> uh of of this nature
• and they turn it uh of of this nature and they turn it over<01:00:58.160><c> to</c><01:00:58.920><c>
• that I really like is in the right of action for harms connected to climate change in the major disaster
• that I really like is in the right of action for harms connected to climate change in the major disaster

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 313, and Representative Perez moved to retain the bill, saying it needed work and was not ready as written. Representative Smith supported that approach, and the motion to retain passed 18-0. The committee then considered House Bill 391, an anti-SLAPP measure. Representative Smith and others argued the bill was too broad, could create litigation and discovery disputes, and might even be read to affect criminal cases. The committee voted 18-0 to retain HB 391 as well, and the chair agreed to place it on consent with a report to be prepared. The committee next heard House Bill 462, establishing a cause of action for unwarranted video imaging of residential properties. Representative McFarland moved to retain, saying the bill raised First Amendment and property-rights concerns. The motion passed 18-0. The committee then took up House Bill 509, a fiscal note bill requiring reporting related to forfeitures. Members on both sides discussed the bill’s cost, the burden of collecting and collating the data, possible duplication across fiscal years, and whether the information was already being collected. The OTP motion passed 11-7, and Chairman Lynn asked Representative McFarland to prepare the report; a minority report was anticipated. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 520, which would authorize Department of Education hearing officers to issue subpoenas. Representative Kuttab supported the bill, saying similar authority exists in other agencies and states. Opponents argued the DOE already can obtain information through the attorney general, that the bill would create an unbalanced internal enforcement process, and that the subpoena authority was not tied to the curriculum-related concerns raised in testimony. Representative Ter offered Amendment 0842H to shift subpoena authority from DOE hearing officers to the attorney general; the amendment failed 7-11. The committee then voted on the bill as amended, and the OTP motion passed 10-8, with a minority report also requested.

Transcript Highlights:

• By emergency, do you mean for like natural disasters?
• spend the next two years trying to sue whoever we can find that we can try to pin the cause of the disaster

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee held an informational hearing on California’s Budget Stabilization Account, or Rainy Day Fund, with presentations from the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Department of Finance, Practical Idealism Economics, and the California Budget and Policy Center. The LAO explained that California’s revenue volatility is driven largely by the personal income tax and high-income capital gains, and described how Proposition 2 deposits work, the 10% cap on the BSA, and the LAO’s evaluation that the current policy would cover only about 30% of funding shortfalls over 50 years in an unfavorable benchmark scenario. The LAO recommended raising the cap to 50% over time and either adopting broader deposit rules or depositing all excess capital gains. Finance said the administration had proposed raising the cap to 20% and excluding reserve deposits and withdrawals from the state appropriations limit. The Budget Center supported reserve reform but stressed balancing savings with current service needs and noted other tools such as revenue changes, borrowing from special funds, and the new Projected Surplus Temporary Holding Account. Committee members debated the purpose and adequacy of reserves, the role of the state appropriations limit, and whether reserves should be paired with broader fiscal reforms. Several senators argued that reserves are needed to preserve core services during downturns and that the current system is too complicated and too small, while others emphasized the need to protect spending on health care, child care, and other services for working Californians. There was also discussion of infrastructure spending as a possible countercyclical tool and whether deposits for infrastructure should be treated differently under reserve and SAL rules. The LAO said the Legislature has flexibility in defining infrastructure spending and suggested an infrastructure fund could function as a separate reserve-like mechanism. A significant portion of the hearing turned to broader tax and budget policy, including repeated references to Proposition 13, the state’s revenue structure, business departures, unemployment insurance financing, and the impact of inequality on California’s fiscal resilience. Some members argued Prop. 13 was driven by affordability concerns for homeowners, while others said it created loopholes that benefit corporations and constrain local revenue. The hearing did not take any vote or formal action; it remained informational, with the chair indicating the committee would continue questions and public comment after the panel discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• By emergency, do you mean for, like, natural disasters?
• spend the next two years trying to sue whoever we can find that we can try to pin the cause of the disaster

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Transcript Highlights:

• concerned that as Secretary, you would be able to halt critical vaccine research and to exploit parents' natural
• rule was well-intentioned, but as you've said and I've heard from many rural Senators, it will be a disaster
• intention, although it was noble, was in reality, for rural areas at least, it is going to be a disaster

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• There is constant need for that, but whenever there are disasters like the Maui fire, then replantation
• There is constant need for that, but whenever there are disasters like the Maui fire, then replantation
• colleagues have been able to raise nearly $10 million to basically ramp up wild collections for disaster
• colleagues have been able to raise nearly $10 million to basically ramp up wild collections for disaster
• like Maui um and the see disasters like Maui um and the response<00:59:03.400><c> to</c><00:59:03.599

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and Higher Education heard HB 1494, relating to sports facilities. Testimony was largely in opposition to the bill as drafted from the Stadium Authority, the Department of Accounting and General Services, and the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, with several other written comments also opposing; each asked that if the measure advances, Senate language from related stadium bills be incorporated instead. The University of Hawaiʻi testified in support of the Nāʻid project and said it wants the project delivered at Halawa so the university can have a football facility, though members pressed the university on whether it was effectively supporting both the project and the bill’s current approach. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on the stadium project’s financing, schedule, and oversight. DAGS and Public Works discussed a consultant contract that had grown to about $28 million and an audit that recovered $441,000 after improper travel and expense reimbursements, including first-class airfare and other personal expenses; officials said the audit exposed weak internal controls and led to revised reimbursement policies. Members questioned whether the problems would have been found without media reporting and whether stronger oversight should have been in place earlier. The committee also discussed the current Ching Field setup for UH football, with witnesses describing it as less than ideal and temporary until the new stadium is built. Stadium Authority representatives said the current preferred offeror is Aloha Halawa Development Partners, negotiations have recently accelerated, and the goal remains a contract this summer and a fall 2028 opening. They said the state is committed to $350 million in general obligation bonds, with the overall project expected to cost more, and that the developer is exploring other financing sources such as TIF or CFD while the state and city work to expedite permits and demolition. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh to uh a disaster to put it bluntly.
• As I say, going to be such a disaster.
• In the winter uh uh from natural gas.
• So to support power is from natural gas.
• It this bill simply did not that nature.

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 1281, which would establish standards and voluntary certification for agency-owned “facility comfort dogs” used by police and other public safety agencies. Representative Morton, the prime sponsor, said the bill is intended to create a consistent statewide framework because different departments currently use different policies. He emphasized that the bill is meant to distinguish comfort dogs from service animals, emotional support animals, and therapy dogs, and noted that a small amendment may be needed to make that distinction clearer. He also said the bill is timely under the ADA because comfort dogs fall outside service-animal protections, but still need training standards for public safety and consistency. Committee members questioned whether the bill was too detailed and whether the legislature should be setting rules on matters like training methods, diet, and breeding. Laura Barker of Hero Pups, who helped train New Hampshire’s first police comfort dog, supported the idea of a minimum standard but said the bill should be less prescriptive and should not interfere with therapy dogs or private handlers. She explained that comfort dogs vary in temperament and deployment needs, that raw diets raise zoonotic disease concerns, and that the program should remain voluntary and not cost the state money. Detective Michelle Jones of Portsmouth Police opposed the bill as written, saying the term “facility comfort dog” is confusing, the bill is overly restrictive, and some provisions go beyond what should be mandated by statute; she suggested a more flexible, guideline-based approach and noted that departments already have their own SOPs and can enforce them internally. Justin Brassen of the Manchester Police Department also testified, describing the history of comfort dog programs in New Hampshire and the work of a prior subcommittee formed through the governor’s commission on PTSD among first responders. He said there are currently no statewide standards and that the earlier study involved police, fire, EMS, dispatch, corrections, and NAMI New Hampshire, with the goal of creating a thoughtful work product. He agreed the bill needs work and answered questions about how departments handle training and public access. By the end of the hearing, members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, and one committee member suggested the bill may be better handled through interim study because of the amount of work still needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• They may have access to nature, but they don't know how important it is to spend time out in nature.
• We need nature as much as nature needs us now to nurture and restore the land. Thank you.
• removed from nature that lots of access to nature and time spent in nature was scientifically proven
• in Nature from UCLA, Nurtured by Nature, and Associations Between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review
• And she calls it Walked in Nature. Hero, and she calls it Walked in Nature.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of health insurance and public health bills, with most speakers focused on expanding coverage for specific treatments and services. Bills discussed included H. 1187/S. 792 on rehabilitation counselors, H. 1173/S. 692 on patient navigation, S. 2600 on scalp cooling for chemotherapy patients, S. 2599 on medically necessary treatment for port wine birthmarks, H. 1164 on licensed educational psychologists for child and adolescent mental health services, S. 754/H. 1254 on autism diagnosis and treatment by nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists, S. 714/H. 1137 on infectious disease response and coverage, and S. 791 on making nature a prescriptive therapeutic intervention. Speakers generally argued these bills would improve access, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and address gaps in current insurance reimbursement rules. Testimony in support emphasized personal stories and clinical evidence. Cancer patients and providers described the benefits of patient navigation and scalp cooling for dignity and quality of life during treatment. Boston Children’s Hospital staff and families said port wine birthmark treatment is medically necessary, can prevent complications, and should not be denied as cosmetic. Rehabilitation counselors and school psychologists argued their services are effective, cost-saving, and underused because they cannot bill insurance. Autism advocates said current insurance statutes are outdated because nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists already provide evaluations and should be recognized for reimbursement to avoid delays in early intervention. Public health and GLAD Law testimony supported stronger infectious disease coverage to remove barriers to testing, treatment, and PrEP access. The hearing also included extensive testimony on H. 1172, a bill requiring insurance coverage for detransition-related care. Supporters said it would ensure coverage for medically necessary care for people who regret or reverse gender transition, while opponents argued it would legitimize anti-trans narratives or, conversely, that detransition care is needed because transition procedures can cause harm. The committee also heard strong support for S. 791 from advocates who described nature access as a health intervention that could help with trauma, anxiety, substance use recovery, and environmental justice, with claims that insurance coverage and reduced park fees would improve access. No votes were taken during the transcript, and the chair repeatedly thanked speakers and moved through the long list of public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is in reference to what I call natural leaf kratom, or the non-synthetic kratom.
• Basically what this bill, in essence, what it does is it creates natural kratom legal in the state of
• So the thought was that it would be regulated similar to hemp, with a framework of that nature.
• It is, in my opinion, a disaster. Okay, thank you. Representative Frelich.
• It is a, my opinion, a disaster. Okay. Thank you. Us. Representative Freelik.

Committee: Joint Legislative Management

Transcript Highlights:

• don't realize that we're just off the highway with lodging, medical services, and things of that nature
• We just had Laura Richardson presenting her bill on grizzly bears over at Natural Resources.
• The motion is due pass to the Committee on Natural Resources and Water. Cortese, aye.
• The motion is due pass as amended to the Committee on Natural Resources and Water. Cortese, aye.
• The motion is due pass to the Committee on Natural Resources and Water.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard a long agenda of transportation-related bills, with several district-specific measures and statewide policy proposals. Early in the hearing, SB 1408 by Senator Arreguín would authorize Contra Costa County to place a new countywide transportation sales tax measure on the ballot to continue funding highways, local roads, transit, biking and walking infrastructure, and paratransit. Supporters said it would preserve funding continuity for major projects; CalTax opposed it over affordability and sales tax burden concerns. Senators discussed that the bill would only place the measure before voters, not enact the tax itself, and a motion was made, but no vote could be taken because the committee lacked a quorum. The committee also heard SB 990, a rural signage bill for Ridgecrest along Highway 395, which would allow Caltrans business-logo signs to direct travelers to lodging, food, fuel, medical services, and other amenities. The author and local witnesses framed it as a safety and economic development measure for an isolated community; there was no opposition. SB 1167, authored by Senator Blakespear, would tighten consumer protections in the e-bike market by distinguishing legal e-bikes from higher-powered e-motos, requiring clearer labeling and disclosures, and improving incident reporting. It drew broad support from bicycle, medical, local government, auto club, and safety groups, with no opposition. SB 1034 by Senator McNerney would make it easier for disabled veterans rated permanently and totally disabled by the VA to obtain disabled parking placards, aligning state procedures with federal disability determinations; veterans groups strongly supported it and no opposition was heard. The committee then heard SB 1279, which would add Long Beach’s Pacific Coast Highway corridor to the city’s existing speed safety camera pilot. Supporters said PCH accounts for a disproportionate share of fatalities and crashes, especially involving pedestrians, while opponents from the highway patrol and business groups said the issue should be handled under existing or upcoming rules. The California Highway Patrol Association later moved to neutral after discussions about amendments. Finally, the chair presented SB 1177, to require the High-Speed Rail Project Update report to continue including additional information such as revenue options and comparative project history, and SB 1246, a bill to impose stronger remote-operations, response-time, training, reporting, and manual override requirements on autonomous vehicle operators. SB 1177 drew support from the U.S. High-Speed Rail Association and opposition from the City of Burbank, while SB 1246 drew strong support from firefighters, labor, and many drivers and cyclists, but opposition from the AV industry, Chamber of Commerce groups, and a retired CHP official who argued the bill was too prescriptive and conflicted with new DMV rules. Members debated safety, data reporting, first responder access, and whether the bill should wait for rulemaking; the hearing ended with motions and discussion, but the transcript does not show final votes being taken on these measures.