Transcript Highlights:

• Health on Alabama Department of Public Health on Alabama Department of Public Health on the occasion
• so they may people off of the street so they may people off of the street so they may have to add a
• Safety I you can put a price on Public Safety I you can put a price on Public Safety I don't think you
• Safety serious and it is on our Public Safety serious and it is on our Public Safety serious and it
• the our public Safety is number one the the our public Safety is number one the the our public in in

Transcript Highlights:

• not the, top-ranked public policy schools in the nation.
• I rise today to present SB 131, our public resources and housing trailer bill.
• Take two here. to present AB 131 which is our public resources and housing trailer bill.
• To the effort to sell public lands.
• The streets are lined, it's long, and we all get together to celebrate what unites us.

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s about public safety and it’s about...”
• Moshe Herman continued: “...the public.
• Okay, we do have public testimony.
• If you're walking down the street, if a man or a woman is walking down the street, and some people are
• If you're walking down the street, if a man or a woman is walking down the street, and some people are

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• But then you're going down the street. Does your bill have anything in here?
• Now take public testimony for House Bill 2951. Is there anyone here to speak?
• We’ll now roll into public testimony. First, we’ll go for in favor.
• Dinoff, state public advocate.
• Dinoff, state public advocate.

Committees: House Transportation , House Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight

Transcript Highlights:

• Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. State Controller Malia Cohen.
• And finally, welcome to all other distinguished public officials and special guests joining us this morning
• That happened, and that's happening in California's public educational system.
• We're seeing results, making streets safer for everyone.
• No one's walked away from public safety. You guys have been leaning into public safety.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, public service public service.
• It's Kentucky Street, Brook Street, Hill Street, CSX Railroad, and Bernett, and Bradley Avenue.
• </c> keep it safe for the traveling public. keep it safe for the traveling public.
• /c><01:46:26.639><c> CSX</c> Street, Brook, Hill Street, CSX Street, Brook, Hill Street, CSX Railroad
• And Jefferson Street Jefferson Street.

Committee: Joint Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• We are not talking about random people from all the street.
• safety in our streets?
• He is an honest, smart, and hard-working public servant.
• I don't want to see murderers and rapists on the street.
• I still am because it is major public safety implications.

Bills: SJR36 , SR8 , SR14 , SR15 , SR17 , HCR54

Transcript Highlights:

• We are holding this hearing in the O Street Building.
• Normally, we take public comment after the end of all the issues.
• their streets and roads.
• We'd now like to open it up for public comment.
• So this will be developed through a public process.

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on the governor’s proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit, which would provide a $1 to $2 per gallon credit against the diesel excise tax for SAF sold for use in California from 2026 to 2036. The Department of Finance and CARB argued the credit would help decarbonize aviation, support refinery transitions, and keep fuel production and jobs in California. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended rejecting the proposal, saying it is a relatively expensive way to reduce greenhouse gases, could have uncertain or limited climate benefits, and would reduce diesel excise tax revenue that supports highways, local streets and roads, and other transportation programs. A major point of debate was whether the credit would simply shift limited feedstocks from renewable diesel to SAF rather than create new low-carbon fuel supply. Professor Aaron Smith and the LAO said that because feedstocks such as used cooking oil, tallow, and vegetable oils are limited and already used in other fuel markets, the policy could increase SAF at the expense of renewable diesel, with possible increases in fuel prices and little net emissions benefit. Administration and CARB staff disputed that outcome, saying additional waste-based feedstocks are available and that the policy would not meaningfully raise gasoline or diesel prices. Senators focused on feedstock availability, impacts on road funding, fairness to consumers, and whether the proposal was really aimed at preserving specific refineries such as Phillips 66. Public comment was sharply divided. Labor representatives, refinery workers, airlines, Boeing, airports, and some local residents supported the proposal, emphasizing jobs, refinery investment, and aviation’s need for a liquid-fuel decarbonization pathway. Environmental and transportation groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, World Resources Institute, Earthjustice, California Environmental Voters, counties, cities, and trucking and asphalt associations, opposed it, citing weak net climate benefits, possible fuel-price impacts, and losses to transportation funding. No vote was taken; the chair announced all items would be held open for a future hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Bill 2323 by Assembly Member McKinnor and others, an act relating to public notice.
• Senate Bill 939 by Senator Laird, an act relating to public employees' retirement.
• SB 939 is sponsored by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, has no opposition, and has
• and repair caused by public service operations such as waste hauling.
• Local governments are responsible for maintaining most local streets and roads.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then handled a series of procedural motions, guest introductions, and floor actions. Members approved motions to suspend rules for various purposes, removed some bills from consent, and added coauthors to resolutions. The chamber also adopted a Rules Committee request to place ACR 233 on second-day consent. The body then took up multiple concurrence and resolution items. Among the measures approved were AB 2056 on teacher exchanges with Mexico, AB 2323 on public notice, AB 1778 on controlled substances and testosterone-related scheduling, AB 2692 on common interest developments, H.R. 110 on “food as medicine,” H.R. 117 urging Congress to reform Section 230 to address online harms, SCR 152 designating Dolores Huerta Day, SB 575 reestablishing the Sea Otter Voluntary Contribution Fund, SB 939 simplifying retirement service-credit purchases, SJR 6 urging the federal government to honor infrastructure funding commitments, SB 1165 improving tax compliance for contractors, SB 930 requiring encryption for school exam proctoring services, SB 922 clarifying local road-repair cost recovery tied to public service operations, and H.R. 124 supporting DACA recipients. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition; H.R. 110, H.R. 117, and SCR 152 were adopted by voice vote after adding coauthors. The most contentious item was AB 1923, which would ensure the Fresno County Transportation Improvement Act appears on the November 2026 ballot. Supporters argued it protects voters’ right to decide on a qualified local initiative and prevents delay from a county-ordered study; opponents said it overrides local authority and changes the rules to facilitate a tax measure. After debate, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments and passed the bill 54-16, sending it to the Governor. The session also included several adjournments in memory honoring Jonathan Gregg Burgess, Jeffrey Mosedo, Brian Haney, Anne Cronin Dunn, and Pastor Darryl Monroe Moore, before the Assembly adjourned until Monday, August 10.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> with jealous attention the public with jealous attention the public liberty.<01:00:03.040><c> Suspect
• </c> to a law that offers no proven public to a law that offers no proven public safety<01:01:44.240>
• </c><01:35:29.440><c> safety,</c> address real threats to public safety, address real threats to public
• </c> appointment of the members to the public appointment of the members to the public employees<02:54
• Uh we're afternoon across the street.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fidley Public Schools supports Latino. Fidley Public Schools supports HF<00:03:31.440><c> 3435.
• Public education runs on trust.
• Paul Public Schools.
• Paul Public Schools.
• Families for Public Schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a partner in Traveler Street Hospitality.
• But we will have one more public hearing date to be determined.
• But we will have one more public hearing date to be determined.
• But we'll do that after we have the final public hearing.
• We're discussing having one more public hearing.

Summary: The Special Legislative Commission on the Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses held a public hearing focused on interchange fees, sales tax and tip processing, chargebacks, fraud, surcharging, and the broader future of payment systems. Chair Paul Feeney and co-chair Rep. Jamie Murphy opened by explaining the commission’s charge and inviting testimony from small businesses, industry groups, banks, and policy experts. Representative Sean Garballey testified first, arguing that Massachusetts tourism depends on universal card acceptance and stable interchange, and urging the commission not to disrupt the current system ahead of major events expected to bring millions of visitors to the Commonwealth. A large portion of the hearing featured independent restaurant owners and advocates describing thin margins and the burden of paying percentage-based processing fees on sales tax and tips that are not business revenue. Jen Ziskin, Kristen Canty, Nancy Cushman, Kerry Colzer, and others said restaurants often operate on very small profits and that processing fees on taxes and gratuities can amount to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Ryan Lotz also urged reforms to chargebacks, including refunding chargeback fees when merchants prevail, requiring consumers to contact businesses before disputing charges, and limiting repeat abuse. Commission members pressed witnesses on whether tax and tip amounts could be separated at the point of sale, and several witnesses said current consumer card systems do not transmit that level of detail. Testimony from credit union, banking, and payments representatives largely opposed state-level changes that would carve out taxes or tips from interchange, warning of compliance burdens, higher costs, reduced rewards, and possible effects on fraud protection and access to credit. Alex Verine of America’s Credit Unions and Deb Peters and Keely McEwen of the Electronic Payments Coalition said the payment system is complex, that interchange funds fraud prevention and network infrastructure, and that new state mandates could create operational and legal uncertainty. Dan Swanson argued states have authority to act and pointed to Illinois litigation and federal court rulings, while Julian Morris and Brad Popolado emphasized the benefits of card acceptance, the decline of cash, and the need to consider other payment methods and check fraud as well. Several witnesses discussed international payment systems, instant payments, and QR standards as possible future directions. The chairs and members engaged in extended back-and-forth with witnesses about whether Massachusetts could exempt sales tax from swipe fees, whether surcharging should be revisited, and whether vendor compensation or other targeted relief might be more workable than broad changes to interchange. No votes were taken. At the close of the hearing, the chairs said the commission would hold one additional public hearing date to be determined, after which members would begin developing next steps and a report.

Transcript Highlights:

• in Texas endangers the public.
• in Texas endangers the public.
• My main concern is public safety.
• What's the public learn?
• We have... for public view.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The committee first heard opening remarks on its interim charges: rail grade crossing safety, autonomous vehicle deployment, and commercial driver’s license oversight. Members emphasized transportation’s importance to safety, mobility, and the economy, and the chair outlined the plan to take invited testimony first on each charge, followed by public testimony. For the rail grade crossing charge, TxDOT’s Don Franks described implementation of SB 1555, the Texas Off-System Rail Grade Separation Program, including rules, applications, and awards. He said 36 local governments submitted 57 applications requesting about $2.3 billion against the $250 million state program, and TxDOT awarded $160.4 million to five projects in four districts. He also explained that the state set aside remaining funds as federal match, helping Texas secure nearly $756 million in federal FRA funding for 12 projects, bringing the total value of the rail crossing projects to more than $1.2 billion. French Thompson of the Texas Railroad Association supported continuing the program, said the demand far exceeded available funding, and recommended maintaining the $250 million investment while also considering other mitigation tools such as siding relocations and digital traffic-routing solutions. Members asked about how projects were selected, how success should be measured, blocked crossings, maintenance responsibilities, and whether railroads should share costs. Franks said projects were chosen based on safety, economic development, mobility, readiness, community support, and match leverage, and said future success should be measured by reduced crashes and fatalities at treated crossings and by getting projects to construction within about three years. Thompson distinguished between occupied and blocked crossings and said railroads are working on capacity, communication, and alternative solutions. He and Franks explained that railroads maintain crossing equipment, while the public can report malfunctions using the blue ENS sign. Public testimony on rail grade separations included support from the North Houston Association, Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership, and Texas Rail Advocates for continued and expanded funding, while Rhonda Ward argued taxpayers should not subsidize railroad infrastructure and said railroads should bear more of the cost. The committee then closed testimony on the rail charge. The committee next took up autonomous vehicle deployment under SB 2807. Clint Thompson and Corey Thompson of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles explained the new authorization system for Level 4 and Level 5 automated motor vehicles used in commercial passenger or freight operations. Clint Thompson described the differences between SAE levels, the requirement for an authorization in addition to title, registration, insurance, and other credentials, and the need for a first responder interaction plan filed with DPS. He said DMV adopted rules, built a web-based application system, and began accepting applications in April, with enforcement beginning after the statutory rulemaking timeline. He reported 16 companies currently hold authorizations, including both passenger and freight operators, and said the department uses existing staff and its motor carrier credentialing system to administer the program. Corey Thompson then showed how law enforcement and the public can verify AV authorizations through the DMV’s truck stop database, which displays company status, vehicle information, and related motor carrier credentials where applicable.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we do that, we are holding our committee hearing here in Room 2100 in 1021 Street.
• Are there any other members of the public wishing to express support for Senate Bill 299?
• Are there any other members of the public wishing to express support for Senate Bill 837?
• Seeing no other members of the public wishing to testify in support, are there any members of the public
• For example, somebody might be on the street walking.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Human Services met on January 12, 2026, beginning without a quorum but hearing four bills. SB 557 by Senator Hurtado would update California’s statutory definition of family resource centers to align with the federal definition and reflect their prevention-focused, low- or no-cost, multi-generational role. Supporters from the Child Abuse Prevention Center and California Family Resource Association said the change would clarify state law and help position California for future federal partnerships; no opposition was heard. SB 299 by Senator Cabaldon would correct a prior CEQA exemption for child care facilities so it applies in residential as well as nonresidential areas. Supporters, including Napa County Supervisor Liz Alessio and the Rural County Representatives of California, said the current language unintentionally blocks child care projects in places families need them most and has been used to delay or stop projects; several local government and early care organizations also supported the bill, and there was no opposition. SB 837 by Senator Gomez-Reyes would require aging and disability resource connection programs to provide disaster and emergency preparedness training tailored to older adults and people with disabilities. Testimony from the California Commission on Aging and the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers emphasized recent wildfire deaths and the need for better evacuation and preparedness support; no opposition was presented. SB 479 by Senator Arreguín would allow the cities of Berkeley, Pasadena, and Long Beach, as local health jurisdictions, to use multidisciplinary homeless response teams and share specified information across teams and departments, similar to counties under existing law. Supporters said the bill would improve coordination and outcomes for unsheltered residents, while noting confidentiality safeguards already exist; a privacy letter from Oakland Privacy was mentioned, but no formal opposition testified. After quorum was established, the committee voted 5-0 to pass each bill: SB 299 to Senate Environmental Quality, SB 557 and SB 837 to Senate Appropriations, and SB 479 to Senate Judiciary. All four measures were placed on call briefly and then cleared with unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is funding used to serve the public.
• This is funding used to serve the public.
• </c> this is funding used to serve the public this is funding used to serve the public we<00:32:12.639
• </c><00:44:26.440><c> children</c> arts from our public children arts from our public children keep<00
• </c><01:33:10.119><c> side</c> regardless of where all the public side regardless of where all the public

Summary: The joint committees first heard House Bill 229, which would establish a statewide speed restriction for motor vehicles under certain circumstances. Testimony on the bill was limited and came in support from the City and County of Honolulu’s transportation services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. No one testified in opposition, and there were no questions. The committees then took up House Bill 860, which would grant immunity from liability to the state or counties when they repair or maintain a street whose ownership or jurisdiction is disputed between them. The Department of Transportation and the Department of Land and Natural Resources submitted written testimony, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Hawaii County Council member Heather Kimble, and the Iolani Homestead Community Association for Justice testified in support. The Ho Association for Justice opposed the bill, arguing the immunity was too broad and that the issue had already been addressed by prior legislation. In discussion, members raised concerns about liability and asked whether a different approach, such as extending the 2017 law transferring Oahu roads in limbo to the counties, would be acceptable; county representatives said that path could be considered if immunity were removed. House Bill 1161, which would authorize counties to use a road usage charge mechanism similar to the state’s, drew support from the Department of Transportation, the Energy Office, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, several county and city offices, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rental car companies and industry groups supported the concept but asked for amendments, including a flat fee instead of a per-mile charge, relief for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and a delayed implementation date. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii also supported relief for hybrids. Members questioned the rental car representatives about the flat-fee proposal, and they said a per-mile charge would be difficult to calculate and pass on to customers. At the end of the joint agenda, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1161 to Tuesday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m., and the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also deferred the three measures to that date and time. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then began hearing House Bill 925, which would create a Performing Arts Special Fund, and House Bill 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts Grants Program and Special Fund and revise the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ responsibilities and funding sources. HB 925 received support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and written support or comments from DBEDT, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, and others. HB 1378 drew extensive testimony and discussion focused on preserving arts funding while addressing concerns about the use of Works of Art Special Fund dollars for positions and programming. The Governor’s office said it supported the intent but had concerns; the Attorney General warned that the bill’s cap and transfer provisions were unclear and could affect the tax-exempt status of bond-funded dollars; and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts opposed the measure, urging an audit, tracking of deposits, and a shift of positions and programs to general funds instead of changing the law. The chair explained that the bill was intended to protect arts funding while tightening the legal guardrails around bond-financed dollars and preserving federal support, and asked testimony to focus on new points as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're essential to the practice of medicine and public health.
• Public health depends on trust.
• Workers are afraid to commute or be in public spaces.
• Workers are afraid to commute or be in public spaces.
• It is a public safety bill, a due process bill, a human dignity bill.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Summary: The hearing focused on the Safe Communities Act, House 2580 and Senate 1681, along with related proposals to limit local and state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, prohibit 287(g) agreements, and expand legal defense for immigrants. Most testimony came from advocates, attorneys, labor leaders, health care professionals, educators, and community members who argued that fear of ICE discourages immigrants from reporting crimes, seeking medical care, attending school, or cooperating with courts, and that a clear statewide policy would improve public safety, due process, and trust in institutions. Several speakers described personal or client experiences involving domestic violence, trafficking, workplace abuse, or children affected by deportation, and many emphasized economic harms to workers, families, and small businesses. Health care witnesses said immigration enforcement is causing patients to miss appointments, avoid emergency rooms, and delay preventive care, with resulting public health consequences. Labor and education representatives said immigrant workers and students are increasingly fearful, and that the state should not allow local police to act as ICE agents or enter 287(g) agreements. ACLU and coalition witnesses cited examples they said showed existing or recent collaboration between local agencies and ICE, including courthouse alerts, vehicle stops, and use of municipal spaces, while also arguing that the bill would still allow cooperation on criminal matters and public safety emergencies. One witness opposed the bill, arguing that serious criminal offenders should be deported and defending ICE’s role. Committee members asked several questions about whether the harms described were widespread or anecdotal, and about the distinction between assisting ICE in civil immigration arrests versus responding to violent or public safety emergencies. Witnesses said the bill was aimed at civil immigration enforcement, not criminal investigations or emergency situations. At the end of the hearing, a committee member requested a study on immigration enforcement’s effect on emergency room wait times, and the committee then adjourned without taking a vote on the legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think it's a matter of public policy.
• safety, And discriminatory punishment, we should focus on policies that strengthen public safety while
• Just to be clear, there are going to be, across the street in courtroom 2D every morning from Monday
• Targeting them under the guise of public safety is not just misleading, it's wrong.
• Beyond its legal flaws, the provision undermines public safety.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a moment of silence honoring former Senator and Judge Thomas Gallen. The chamber then moved to special order items focused on immigration and related enforcement measures. Senate Memorial 6C, urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements, passed by voice vote. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 4C, an immigration measure that would impose a mandatory death penalty for unauthorized aliens convicted of capital felonies and create state crimes for illegal entry and re-entry. Senators Pizzo, Polsky, and Sharief raised concerns about constitutional issues, plea bargaining, trial and penalty-phase procedures, prosecutorial discretion, and the effect on victims’ families. Supporters, including Senators Fine and Gruters, argued the bill was a strong deterrent and a response to serious crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. The bill passed 25-11. The chamber next debated Senate Bill 2C, a broader immigration enforcement package. The bill would create a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, expand local-federal cooperation, fund detention and enforcement efforts, strengthen pretrial detention rules for unauthorized aliens, and end in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. Senators Davis and Pizzo questioned enforcement mechanics, jurisdiction, bond procedures, and whether local agencies were actually mandated to participate; supporters said the bill was designed to maximize cooperation with federal authorities and the Trump administration. A late-filed amendment by Senator Pizzo to preserve tuition waivers for current students failed 14-22, and a second amendment was withdrawn after discussion. Debate then continued on the bill, with opponents arguing it was costly, federal in nature, and harmful to Dreamers and other students, while supporters said it was necessary to crack down on illegal immigration and align state policy with federal enforcement priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:52.560><c> is</c> the comments just so that the public is the comments just so that the public
• </c> ongoing system of testing public ongoing system of testing public utilities<00:21:59.039><c> and
• I can't tell you how many miscarriages we had on our street.
• I can't tell you how many miscarriages we had on our street.
• I can't tell you how many miscarriages we had on our street.

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• The public is always going to be told, Going to be yours, and that's not how it happens, where the public
• It is the public service, the same task.
• It is a public safety monitoring system.
• It is a public safety monitoring system.
• Diversion also advances public safety.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome back to the State Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety.
• For example, Alameda and Yolo counties appear to allow public access to all public proceedings.
• It's about public safety.
• It's about public safety.
• Families for Safe Streets Organization.

Committee: House Public Safety