Transcript Highlights:

• seen</c> you like the court the court hasn't seen you like the court the court hasn't seen any<00:35
• budget, until those cases get to court.
• budget, until those cases get to court.
• budget, until those cases get to court.
• fee fee schedule<01:02:10.319><c> Additionally</c><01:02:10.799><c> the</c><01:02:10.920><c> department

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on January 30, 2025, and first organized itself by electing Senator Jim Gray as vice chair, electing Representative F as clerk, appointing Michael Caine as legislative budget assistant, and adopting the committee’s rules and procedures. The committee also adopted an amendment to the rules allowing audits to be automatically released to the public once placed on the Fiscal Committee agenda, with members discussing that the change would improve transparency and reduce paper handling. The minutes from the November 15, 2024 meeting were approved, with members who were absent abstaining. The committee then worked through a consent calendar and several individual items. It removed or noted withdrawals on a few items, including item 25004 for further discussion, item 25016 withdrawn by the Department of Education, item 257 removed by Representative F, and item 25001 removed under Tab 4. Item 25004, concerning the newborn screening program, prompted testimony from the Department of Health and Human Services explaining that the program is mandatory with an opt-out provision; officials said 99.2% of newborns were screened in 2023, meaning the opt-out rate was under 1%. The committee also approved item 25007, related to DHHS community health workers and telework policy, after hearing that the workers are not placed in schools and that DHHS follows statewide telework policy. On the regular calendar, the committee approved a Department of Administrative Services request to extend the release date for fiscal year 2024 numbers to March 31, and approved a Department of Fish and Game item. It also approved winter maintenance funding for the Department of Transportation after hearing that the $5.7 million request might not last through the winter if additional storms occur; DOT said even a small storm can cost more than $1 million and that crews are dispatched based on road conditions and supervisory judgment. The committee then approved items for the Judicial Council and the Office of Legislative Budget Assistant. The final discussion focused on the Health and Human Services dashboard and the Youth Development Center claims. DHHS acknowledged a data error in the APS client line and said Community Mental Health Center caseload data is still not fully accurate because two centers are undergoing EHR conversions. Members also asked about the low census at the Sununu Youth Development Center and about the process for managing future claims related to the YDC settlement fund. Witnesses from the Attorney General’s office said the fund is handled through a unique arrangement involving DOJ appropriations and judicial branch staff, that current judicial budget cuts are not yet affecting the litigation pace, and that the average resolution so far has been about $500,000, though future claims may vary. No votes were taken on the discussion items beyond the approvals noted above.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> who have been found by a court who have been found by a court to<00:05:09.480><c> have</c><00:05
• </c> person who has been found by the court person who has been found by the court to<00:07:45.360><c
• </c><01:55:59.760><c> may</c> youth failed to appear, the court may youth failed to appear, the court
• </c> and bring them to court. and bring them to court.
• </c> for a solicitor's license fee. for a solicitor's license fee.

Transcript Highlights:

• File 2445.
• </c> now renew my motion that Senate File now renew my motion that Senate File 1959<00:01:30.400><c>
• </c> the housing finance bill, House File the housing finance bill, House File 2445.<00:01:51.920><c>
• </c> House File 2445, the first engrossment. House File 2445, the first engrossment.
• Finally, uh we have Senate File File File 2216<00:02:32.239><c> which</c><00:02:32.480><c> is</c><00:

Bills: SF1959 , HF2444 , SF2298 , HF2445 , SF2216 , HF2443 , HF2130 , HF1943 , HF2436 , HF2442

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 45 concurrence: 30 no, 1 excused. >> By your vote, you have failed to concur on Senate File
• Senate file 87, felony bill.
• Hearing no objection, it is so ordered. ... and it goes to court, the court can award damages to those
• </c><00:21:23.760><c> determines</c> frivolous and the court determines frivolous and the court determines
• </c> number one Senate file or house bill 39. number one Senate file or house bill 39.

Transcript Highlights:

• dispensing fee. It's the delta. So, dispensing fee. It's the delta. So, sure. sure. sure.
• </c> this um because they take entrance fees this um because they take entrance fees over<03:54:26.040
• </c> requested a receiverhip from the court requested a receiverhip from the court which<04:19:40.479
• 04:56:48.718><c> independent</c><04:56:49.520><c> But</c> court has appointed an independent But court
• </c><04:59:57.840><c> to</c> request a receiverhip of the court to request a receiverhip of the court

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Senator Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would clarify that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary policy for a newborn’s care unless the mother has no coverage or no employer-sponsored coverage. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure simply codifies the department’s long-standing interpretation of existing law. Representative Miles asked whether the coverage would extend to a grandchild if a young woman on her parents’ plan had a baby, and Birdsell said it would. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed. The committee next heard Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Senator Kevin Avard. The bill requires insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, when they change Medicare Advantage offerings. Benton Court said the bill was prompted by disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers and the department were confused by carriers exiting, changing plans, or narrowing offerings. He said the department does not regulate Medicare Advantage itself, but does license the carriers, and the notice requirement would help the department advise consumers; he also said noncompliance could affect a carrier’s license and could lead to fines. Members discussed the notice period, and the department and AHIP indicated support for changing it from 120 days to 90 days to align with federal timing. The hearing was closed with plans to work on an amendment in subcommittee. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Representative Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion for pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole said the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell at a loss. Members questioned whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts, whether the bill would raise consumer prices, and whether it would mainly affect independent pharmacies. Cole and others said the issue has changed over time because PBMs now control a much larger share of the market, and that the bill would let pharmacies refuse loss-making fills and direct patients to mail order instead. The discussion also noted that the bill excludes Medicare and Medicaid and that the current proposal does not create a middle-ground option for patients to pay a premium at the counter.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will move to file item 33. File item 33 is AB 2050.
• We will pass temporarily on file item 41 and pass on file item 42, pass temporarily on file item 43,
• We will pass and retain on file item 45, moving to file item 46, AB 2281.
• We will pass and retain on file item 47, moving to file item 48, AB 2448.
• We have dispensed with file item 36. Pass and retain on file item 37.

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a ceremonial observance for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support of House Resolution 107, which designates May as AAPI Heritage Month, emphasizing the community’s contributions, resilience, and the need to confront discrimination and hate. The resolution was adopted, and the chamber then recognized 13 honorees for the 2026 AAPI Heritage Month celebration, highlighting leaders in education, business, labor, media, cultural preservation, and public service. After guest introductions, the Assembly took up a series of bills. Measures discussed included HOA reserve funding for common interest developments (AB 2050), professional review requirements for lawsuits against design professionals (AB 2106), direct home delivery of enteral formula (AB 1794), expanded CalWORKs-related support for student parents (AB 1829), longer insurance moratoriums for wildfire survivors (AB 2038), election cybersecurity (AB 2281), medical privacy protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care (AB 2448), water district board compensation (AB 2568), county public contract change-order authority (AB 1658), and several other education, health, and licensing bills. Most measures passed with broad support; AB 2050 passed 44-6, AB 2038 passed 45-8, AB 2448 passed 49-13, and AB 1658 passed 61-2, while several others passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The Assembly also adopted AJR 29, a resolution opposing a federal executive order affecting vote-by-mail and affirming California’s mail voting system. The resolution prompted extended debate over election integrity, voter access, and federal versus state authority, with supporters arguing mail voting is secure and accessible and opponents calling for stronger voter list maintenance and verification. The resolution passed 47-13. In addition, ACR 141 and ACR 123 were adopted by voice vote after co-author roll calls, and the chamber continued or passed on numerous other file items as it worked through the daily file.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is Senate File 2384.
• And this is Senate File 2384.
• Um, so this is Senate<00:02:39.680><c> File</c> Senate File Senate File 2384.<00:02:43.360><c> Um,</c
• fees.
• Court case after court those rights.

Committee: Senate Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:42.280><c> of</c> current flat fee of current flat fee of $10.60<00:17:43.919><c> which</c
• </c> in Minnesota um it is uh a scale of fees in Minnesota um it is uh a scale of fees that<00:20:03.320
• </c><00:20:47.440><c> increased</c> fund and then our final fee increased fund and then our final fee
• </c> let's just take the fee let's just take the fee proposals<00:30:05.480><c> uh</c><00:30:06.480><
• </c><00:30:38.200><c> surcharge</c> that AIS fee surcharge that AIS fee surcharge increase<00:30:40.919

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Later on in September, once again, they filed a brief that has never been filed in any case in the United
• They just filed something. There was no motion pending.
• And to having access to the file. Okay. Very good. Thank you.
• , that they go to federal court.
• If they belong in state court, they go to state court.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: nominations, Deputy Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, Todd Blanch, Gail Slater, confirmation hearing

Summary: The meeting focused on the nominations of Todd Blanch and Gail Slater for the positions of Deputy Attorney General and Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, respectively. The committee considered the qualifications of both nominees, with opening statements provided by the nominees themselves. There was an evident emphasis on the rigorous vetting process that nominees undergo before their selection, highlighting the importance of the roles within the Department of Justice. Members of the committee engaged in a structured question-and-answer session to further evaluate the nominees' capabilities and fit for the positions they were nominated for, with each member allotted seven minutes to pose questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, so we looked at the reinstatement fees.
• Over 100 million was collected from these fees in fiscal year 24.
• Walters on fees versus your bill dying and appropriation.
• The department shall establish appropriate and reasonable fees.
• Representative Chesson, oh, we have court?

Bills: HB309 , HB487 , HB503 , HB590 , HB606 , HB679 , HB693 , HB695 , HB707 , HB720 , HB728 , HB733 , HB746 , HB777 , HB846 , HB849 , HB856 , HB868 , HB873 , HB875

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on March 16 with a quorum present and first deferred three local bills at the sponsor’s request: HB 590, HB 679, and HB 873. The committee then advanced HB 503, which cleans up prior local language for Golden Meadow by removing a reference to electric golf carts and updating the definition of utility terrain vehicles; the technical amendment set was adopted and the bill was reported with amendments. HB 720, dealing with tacit dedication of roads and preserving historic public access to waterways and related access points, was reported favorably after members agreed to continue working on the amendment language before floor debate. The committee spent substantial time on HB 309, which originally made it a crime to walk in a crosswalk while looking at a cell phone. After amendments converted the proposal to a $25 civil fine and added a rebuttable presumption of liability for damages, members from both parties raised concerns about enforceability, tourism and urban pedestrian patterns, free-will and overreach arguments, and the lack of data tying the conduct specifically to crosswalk crashes. The author argued the measure was intended to promote situational awareness and reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities, but after opposition testimony the bill was voluntarily deferred. Members then reported HB 856, which expands DOTD’s use of indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity construction contracting and adds the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction, after technical amendments clarified the contracts are for construction-phase work. HB 487, increasing penalties for drivers who use shoulders or turning lanes to bypass red lights, was reported with a technical correction after police support testimony. HB 846, prohibiting license plate coverings or films that obscure plates, was reported favorably after law enforcement support and discussion of clear frames versus obscuring covers. HB 733 and HB 875, both tied to OMV fee and lapse-of-insurance recommendations from the Legislative Auditor, were reported with amendments adjusting grace periods and offense timing. The committee also took up HB 695 on consensual non-commercial towing permits. After extensive questioning about whether the bill applied to multiple vehicles, interstate travel, OMV implementation, and the practicality of an honor-system QR code permit, the sponsor agreed to amend the bill to cover multiple vehicles and then voluntarily defer it for further work with OMV and State Police. HB 777, requiring a driver’s license renewal knowledge exam, was amended at the department’s request and then voluntarily deferred for further review. HB 868, prompted by a fatal trailer accident involving a farmer’s wife, would require trailers to meet safety-chain and braking standards consistent with manufacturer specifications or federal standards; after concerns from members and the Agriculture Commissioner about impacts on older farm equipment, the bill was reported with amendments. Finally, HB 707 moved the LPG Commission’s marketing functions to the Department of Agriculture and Forestry and was reported with a technical amendment, HB 693 on legislative district highway signs was voluntarily deferred after amendments, and HB 746 on local oversized trucking permits opened a broader discussion about parish-by-parish permit disparities, with the sponsor proposing a one-year moratorium on new local standards while stakeholders work toward a more uniform system.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE FIRST ISSUE IS THE PAYMENT OF THE QUALIFYING FEE.
• MINE DISTRICT IN THE CITY OF RIVIERA BEACH HAVE BEEN DISQUALIFIED BECAUSE THEY PAY THEIR QUALIFYING FEE
• LINKED TO THE CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN ACCOUNT AND THIS AMENDMENT AUTHORIZES THE PAYMENT OF THE QUALIFYING FEE
• AND, AGAIN, PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION WHICH THE COURTS IN TWO CASES UP THERE IN THE FIRST DISTRICT HAVE
• AND I PLAN TO FILE AN AMENDMENT TO CARVEOUT THE ELECTIONS AND SPECIAL SESSION SUCH AS SENATOR BERNARD

Transcript Highlights:

• You have the Supreme Court decision in 2018, South Dakota v. Wayfair.
• Again, there are court hearings this month, there are court hearings next month to try to get potentially
• additional court orders in place to try to resolve some of the issues down there.
• Again, there are court hearings this month, there are court hearings next month to try to get potentially
• additional court orders in place to try to resolve some of the issues down there.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met with quorum and first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Deborah Garns, Davis Rabbit, Cindy Silva, Vincent Wells, and Lee Herrick as California Poet Laureate, all by 5-0 votes. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments, each by 5-0 vote, before moving to appointments required to appear. Trista Gonzalez, nominated to lead the Department of Tax and Fee Administration, testified about her 33-year career in tax administration and emphasized taxpayer service, efficiency, and team culture. Members asked about responsiveness to legislators, the lithium extraction tax, online sales tax compliance after Wayfair, and enforcement against illicit cigarette, tobacco, and cannabis activity. Gonzalez said the department is ready for the lithium tax, works to register businesses meeting the $500,000 threshold, and coordinates with law enforcement on inspections and seizures. Public commenters from Ryan LLC and the California Society of Enrolled Agents supported her confirmation. The committee voted 5-0 to send her nomination to the full Senate. Aaron McGuire, nominated as executive director of the Board of State and Community Corrections, described his experience at the agency and its expanded responsibilities, including annual detention facility inspections, major grant administration, and the new in-custody death review division. Senators questioned him about grant oversight, fraud prevention, public access to audits, implementation of SB 519, and conditions in local detention facilities, especially in Los Angeles County juvenile facilities. McGuire said the board uses screening, reporting, site visits, audits, and recovery actions to monitor grants, and that trailer bill language has clarified access to records for in-custody death reviews. He also said staffing shortages remain a major issue in Los Angeles juvenile facilities and that the board continues to work with the courts and local officials. Supporters from Amity Foundation, Health Right 360, Westcare, and Giffords testified in favor, and the committee approved his nomination 5-0 to advance to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• The AG's office had recommended we file a bill to make fantasy sports legal. We did it.
• The next bill I'd like to take up is Senate Bill 159, establishing the mar habitat fee.
• In this current economic environment, I think it's difficult to justify placing a new fee.
• </c> difficult to justify placing a new fee difficult to justify placing a new fee um<01:48:40.360><c
• <01:48:42.080><c> like</c> fee like fee like this<01:48:43.960><c> sen</c><01:48:44.880><c> thank</c>

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 26 items on file. I was... We have a very large agenda today. We have 26 items on file.
• design files.”
• “The printing of files that have been specifically identified as firearm design files.
• and court costs.
• , and court costs.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is filed to all the commissioner.
• 대�喻 joint court. Millikins. Minilta. King.
• THE CLERK WILL CALL THE ROLL. file RF P credible in lieu thereof do pass and be printed and be printed
• We haven't filed anything yet. Oh, well, okay. No, sir. I understand that, but, New Title No, what?
• Bet in court. Middleton Paxton aye Menendez Hinojosa. Aginbu. Aye. Creighton. Aye.

Bills: SB530 , SB757 , SB769 , SB1085 , SB1241 , SB1242 , SB1409 , SB1878 , SB2138 , SB2314 , SB2231 , SB2361 , SB2431 , SJR59

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:

• Juvenile courts have discretion to seal records and grant dismissals.
• juvenile court judge conceived.
• When a juvenile court terminates jurisdiction, a juvenile court judge considers factors such as the juvenile's
• Potential fixes at the court level include requiring courts to produce, upon request, a written confirmation
• Supreme Court, Disparate impact. The U.S. Supreme Court in *Timbs v.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Summary: The committee met as a subcommittee until a quorum was established, then heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. SB 907 by Senator Archuleta proposed five DUI-related changes: requiring Watson advisements when DUI charges are pled down, allowing consecutive sentencing discretion for multiple deaths in one crash, adding enhancements for repeat felony DUI offenders, increasing penalties for hit-and-run by drivers with recent DUI history, and treating gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated as violent felonies. The author and supporters, including prosecutors, law enforcement, and victims’ family members, argued the bill would close loopholes and increase accountability. Opponents, including criminal defense and civil liberties groups, raised concerns about overbreadth, legal doctrine, and the violent felony designation. Committee members generally supported moving the bill but urged further changes, especially on the violent felony and consecutive sentencing provisions. SB 907 was passed as amended to the Senate Appropriations Committee and kept on call. The committee then heard SB 1015, which would create new offenses aimed at online exploitation networks that use minors to coerce, recruit, or extort other minors, including through intimate images and AI-generated images. The author, sheriff’s officials, and district attorneys described rapidly growing online abuse networks and argued current laws do not clearly reach adults who use minors as intermediaries or minors who participate in coercive extortion schemes. Opponents said existing criminal statutes already cover much of the conduct and argued the bill could unnecessarily criminalize youth behavior instead of focusing on platforms and prevention. Members expressed concern about the harms to children and the need to address evolving online threats, while also noting the bill’s juvenile provisions. SB 1015 was passed as amended to Appropriations and kept on call. SB 1285, also by Senator Durazo, would clarify that juvenile record dismissal under Welfare and Institutions Code section 782 is a general dismissal statute and that dismissal and record sealing are separate processes. Supporters said the bill would preserve the rehabilitative purpose of juvenile court and help youth avoid lasting collateral consequences in employment, licensing, and military service. There was no opposition after PORAC withdrew its objection, and the committee approved the bill to the floor on a unanimous roll call, keeping it on call for absent members. SB 1342, another Durazo bill, would fix implementation problems in California’s automatic record clearance laws by addressing outdated pending charges, requiring local court records to match DOJ clearance records, and creating a way for people to obtain proof of relief. It drew broad support and no opposition, and was passed to Appropriations, with one no vote from Senator Seyarto. Finally, the committee heard SB 1330 by Senator Aitken, which would extend enhanced penalties for assault or battery to utility workers performing their duties. The author and utility worker witnesses described increasing threats and assaults, including a recent shooting at a work crew, and said the bill would help protect workers who maintain essential water, gas, and electric services. The bill drew strong support from labor, utilities, and local government representatives. The transcript ends during public testimony on SB 1330, before any committee vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second reading of House File 538. Second reading of House File 729.
• House File 2551, second reading. House File 2554, second reading. House File 2565, second reading.
• House File 2184, number seven on the calendar for the day, an act relating to court fees.
• House File 2184 would exempt the Ombudsperson for American Indian families from court fees.
• House File 2184 would exempt the Ombudsperson for American Indian families from court fees.

Transcript Highlights:

• The corrected journal will be filed in the office of the Senate Secretary.
• That report will be filed in the Office of the Secretary.
• Act to provide that no state court shall...
• The Constitutional Courts Act states that no state court at any level of jurisdiction or authority shall
• But if we know that, the courts will know it too. Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• fees, fees for expert include attorney fees, fees for expert witnesses<00:08:07.440><c> or</c><00:08
• further maybe to the Supreme Court. Now further maybe to the Supreme Court.
• </c><00:20:20.240><c> and</c> they would go to the Supreme Court and they would go to the Supreme Court
• </c> alone in this type of 911 fee diversion. alone in this type of 911 fee diversion.
• </c> transparency for emergency 911 fee transparency for emergency 911 fee collection<04:13:09.920><c

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, the committee will be hearing late-filed bills and home rule petitions.
• You mentioned fees... You mentioned fees.
• So CSG does not receive any fees related to compacts at all. Is that your question?
• But in terms of licensure fees, each state gets to set their multi-state license fee, and through this
• But in terms of licensure fees, each state gets to set their multi-state license fee, and through this

Bills: S2636 , S2628 , S2913 , H4907 , H4877 , H4661 , H4662 , H4597 , H4719 , H4019 , H559 , H4588

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure