Transcript Highlights:

• Jack Wurston from Nossaman, on behalf of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, in support.
• Jean Hurst here today on behalf of the boards of supervisors of the counties of Santa Clara and Santa
• Cruz in support.
• Cruz County in support.
• Barbara, Santa Monica, and most recently in the city of Davis.

Summary: The committee heard several wildlife and water-related bills. SB 872, by Senator McNerney, would create a Delta Levees and Canal Subsidence Fund and allow waiver of local cost-sharing for Delta levee repairs to protect the State Water Project and Delta infrastructure. Supporters from water agencies, environmental groups, counties, and agricultural interests said the bill is needed to address levee failure and canal subsidence; there was no opposition, and the bill was held open until a quorum was present, with broad support expressed. SB 1108, by Senator Caballero, would establish the Grasslands Ecological Area Conservancy in the Central Valley to coordinate conservation, habitat restoration, public access, and voluntary easements in a region described as the largest remaining wetland/grasslands complex west of the Mississippi. Support came from the Grasslands Water District, Audubon, conservation groups, and local stakeholders, who emphasized the area’s importance to migratory birds, wildlife corridors, and land-use transition under groundwater sustainability. There was no opposition, and the bill received favorable committee support. SB 1135, by Senator Blakespear, would reestablish and strengthen the statewide wildlife coexistence program to reduce human-wildlife conflict through nonlethal deterrence, education, and compensation for livestock losses. Supporters cited rising wildlife incidents, wolf depredation, and the need for proactive tools; opponents and some committee members raised concerns about rural impacts, funding, and the absence of law enforcement/public safety as a specifically named advisory role. After discussion and amendments that moved the cattlemen and Farm Bureau to neutral, the bill passed out of committee on a due-pass motion, though some members voted no or abstained. SB 1305, by Senator Richardson, would direct CDFW to study the feasibility of grizzly bear reintroduction and prepare a roadmap, with tribal consultation and stakeholder engagement, but would not itself authorize reintroduction. Tribal sponsors and conservation groups supported the bill as a planning and cultural restoration effort, while hunting, ranching, and county groups opposed it, arguing California already faces major wildlife-management and funding challenges and that the proposal would create new conflicts. Committee members debated costs, appropriations, and whether the study should include funding estimates; the bill was amended and passed on a due-pass motion. The committee also heard SB 1250, by Senator Cortese, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning; supporters said it would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity, and the bill was presented in support as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cruz, and San Luis Obispo all produced local action plans.
• The Area Agency on Aging for San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura County has sort of experienced
• Basically, we need to focus on Santa Barbara and San Luis. Correct. Correct. Correct.
• So in the case of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, we have a AAA that voluntarily withdrew
• My name is Ray Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges, Meals on Wheels of Santa Cruz County, Vice Chair of

Transcript Highlights:

• Cruz and Santa Rosa washes.
• Cruz and Santa Rosa washes the intersection improvements are at Old Maricopa Road that is currently
• All right, we have a council member Maria Cruz from San Luis.
• And as mentioned by Councilmember Cruz, U.S. 95 is one of the most significant projects in our region
• The YMPO executive board picked these five projects, and as mentioned by Councilmember Cruz, U.S. 95

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy Arizona Department of Transportation presentation on major corridor projects, beginning with Interstate 11. ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said the entire 280-mile I-11 corridor from Nogales to the Nevada line is covered by a federal lawsuit, which has paused Tier 2 work pending a Tier 1 reevaluation and public comment period expected later this year and into early 2027. Members asked whether the northern segment could move forward separately; ADOT said the lawsuit covers the full corridor and that segmentation would likely add time and cost. The committee also heard updates on SR 347 and the I-10 Wild Horse Pass corridor, including widening, interchange reconstructions, grade separations, and traffic-management improvements, with members raising concerns about congestion, signal timing, construction hours, signage, and safety. ADOT also presented the West Kingman I-40/US 93 project, a $106.5 million free-flow ramp project that is about 60% complete and expected to finish in early 2027; members discussed temporary traffic controls near Beale Street and the need for better access and safety in the area. The committee then moved to a mass hearing on the Regional Transportation Advocacy Council (RTAC) bill, House Bill 2304, which appropriates about $473 million for a list of rural and small-metro highway projects. Testimony came from regional planning organizations, county officials, mayors, and city staff supporting projects in Apache Junction, Show Low, Chino Valley, Sedona, Eloy, Coolidge, Casa Grande, Lake Havasu City, Clarkdale, San Luis, and Yavapai County. Speakers described projects such as road widenings, bypasses, bridge and interchange improvements, flood and evacuation routes, freight access, and safety upgrades, often emphasizing local matching funds, shovel-ready status, and economic development benefits. Committee members frequently asked about traffic flow, emergency access, and project design details, while the chair reminded witnesses that support in the budget would still depend on members advocating for the projects during budget negotiations. No final vote on the RTAC bill or the individual project bills was taken in the portion provided, but the chair announced a mass-motion approach: members and witnesses would be allowed to speak briefly on each project, after which the committee would vote on the package together. The meeting also included brief staff explanations of several individual appropriation bills, including funding for Apache Junction, the Wolford Road extension in Show Low, Ray Lane in Graham County, SR 89 widening in Chino Valley, and Sedona roadway and roundabout-related improvements.

Transcript Highlights:

• And with me to testify today is Jenny Panetta of the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz and
• I'm representing the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz and the California Association of
• Gabriel Caronza from Santa Cruz County, I oppose. Sarai Ramirez, I oppose.
• Omar Spinoza, Santa Barbara County, I strongly oppose.
• Enrique Sanchez, Santa Clara County, and I oppose. Thank you.

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first heard AB 2, which would impose enhanced financial penalties on large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters, including Common Sense Media and education and child advocacy groups, argued that social media algorithms and design features amplify harmful content and that existing remedies are not enough to deter misconduct. Opponents from TechNet, CCIA, the Chamber of Commerce, EFF, and others warned the bill was vague, could chill content moderation and encryption, invite litigation, and be preempted by Section 230. Several members raised concerns about defining “harm,” but the bill passed on a roll call vote and was sent onward. The committee then took up AB 282, which would allow landlords and housing providers to establish preferences for tenants who use housing vouchers or other rental assistance, clarifying that such preferences are not unlawful source-of-income discrimination. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, AARP, legal aid groups, and housing nonprofits said the bill would help voucher holders find units and improve voucher utilization. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed with a roll call vote and was sent to Appropriations. Next was AB 882, dealing with court reporter availability and the use of electronic recording in certain cases when an official court reporter is unavailable. The author and supporters, including court reporter and labor representatives, said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage while preserving accurate records. Opponents from consumer attorneys, defense counsel, the Judicial Council, and others argued the bill was too narrow, could harm access to justice, and should be expanded or revised. Members from both parties expressed mixed views but generally supported continuing the conversation; the bill passed and was placed on call. The committee also heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, which would update antitrust law to address collusion through pricing software and digital tools. Supporters said the bill targets modern forms of cartel behavior and closes loopholes that let companies coordinate prices through algorithms. Opponents from the Chamber of Commerce, Civil Justice Association, TechNet, retailers, hospitals, and others argued the conduct is already illegal, the bill is overbroad, and its definitions and burden-shifting provisions need work. Members requested clarifications to key definitions and pleading standards, but the bill passed as amended and was placed on call. The committee then briefly heard AB 935, which would strengthen civil rights data collection and transparency, especially for educational settings; it had no opposition, passed, and was placed on call. Finally, AB 67 was presented to let the Attorney General enforce the Reproductive Privacy Act and seek penalties against local governments that interfere with abortion access. Supporters framed it as an enforcement tool to protect reproductive rights, while opponents from California Family Council and others denounced it as expanding state power to protect abortion access; the transcript cuts off during that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• Galena Hale, professor of economics at UC Santa Cruz. And Dr.
• Galena Hale, Professor of Economics at UC Santa Cruz. Dr. Roa? Thank you.
• associate director and, a week from now, a director for the Institute of Social Transformation at the UC Santa
• Cruz.

Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its first informational hearing to examine the state of alternative protein research, industry growth, and policy needs in California. The chair framed alternative proteins as meat, dairy, and eggs made from plants, fermentation, or cell cultivation, and emphasized California’s prior $5 million public investment in UC research, the state’s large concentration of alternative protein companies, and plans for future site visits and hearings around the state. The first panel focused on the climate, environmental, food security, and national security rationale for alternative proteins. Representatives from the Good Food Institute and CSIS argued that alternative proteins can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land and water use, methane, antimicrobial resistance, and supply-chain vulnerabilities tied to conventional animal agriculture. Members asked about pharmaceutical and disease risks in livestock systems, and witnesses said intensification of animal agriculture increases antibiotic use and disease transmission risks. The chair also raised the relationship between alternative proteins and traditional farming, and witnesses described the sector as complementary, with opportunities for California farmers to supply inputs such as nuts, legumes, and commodity crop side streams. The second panel featured industry leaders from Beyond Meat, Upside Foods, and Wildtype. They described plant-based, cultivated meat, and cultivated seafood products, argued that the products can match conventional foods on taste while improving health and environmental outcomes, and said misinformation and labeling battles have hurt public perception. They also discussed scaling challenges, the need for grants, low-interest loans, manufacturing support, and possible participation in cap-and-trade or other revenue-generating programs. The chair highlighted tasting events and efforts to educate legislators and staff, and noted that schools, hospitals, and prisons are important markets for healthier food options. The final panel featured UCLA and UC Santa Cruz researchers who described university-led advances in cultivated fat, publicly available datasets, and workforce development programs supported by state funding. They said the UC system is well positioned to provide foundational research, open-access data, student training, and extension support for farmers. The hearing ended with the chair saying the committee will continue its work through additional hearings, tours, and possible budget or legislative proposals, while acknowledging that the current budget climate makes additional funding uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cruz County.
• Representative Cruz... I have a question about your... Mr.
• Chairman, Representative Cruz, the Arizona state statutes.
• Chairman, Representative Cruz, the Arizona state statutes.
• Representative Cruz? Aye. Representative Carter, aye. Representative Cruz, aye.

Bills: HB2120 , HB2173 , HB2261 , HB2786 , HB2792

Committees: House Ways & Means , House House Ways & Means Committee of Reference

Keywords: property tax exemption, disability, veterans, widows, income limits, Arizona Revised Statutes, property tax, electronic communication, tax assessment, tax correction, real estate, agriculture, tax classification, land use, nonprofit organizations, transaction privilege tax, tax exemption, textbook rental, education, business leasing

Transcript Highlights:

• George Cruz, on behalf of the California Behavioral Health Association.
• George Cruz, on behalf of the California Behavioral Health Association. Thank you.
• George Cruz on behalf of the California Behavioral Health Association.
• , Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz, is very disappointed about the lack of meaningful investment
• , Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz, is very disappointed about the lack of meaningful investment

Transcript Highlights:

• Reservation, the Manzanita Reservation, Mesa Grande Reservation, the Palma and Yuima Reservation, Santa
• I also want to recognize air districts from the Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley, Santa Barbara, Monterey
• Filipino labor leaders Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz stood shoulder to shoulder with Dolores Huerta
• During the farm worker movement, Filipino American leaders including Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz
• During the farm worker movement, Filipino American leaders including Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz,

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with a Native American prayer/song and a moment of silence for former staff member Eric Washington, then proceeded through a series of procedural motions, guest introductions, and floor ceremonies. Members also recognized Assemblymember Ward’s birthday and welcomed several guests, including family members, business and community leaders, firefighters, and students. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to the Native American Day ceremony and adoption of ACR 208 by Assemblymember Ramos, which recognized California Native American Day and the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference. Multiple caucus leaders spoke in support, emphasizing Native history, sovereignty, cultural preservation, missing and murdered Indigenous people, and the need to tell California’s history honestly. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 61 coauthors were added, followed by a ceremonial honoring of tribal elders and leaders. The Assembly also adopted several other resolutions and concurred in Senate amendments on multiple bills. These included ACR 126 designating the Captain Vida Anderson Memorial Highway, AB 1651 requiring disclosure of AI use in bar exam development, AB 2789 on mediation, AJR 27 urging federal disaster aid for Eaton and Palisades fire victims, and AB 2134 protecting local officials taking parental leave. Later, ACR 213 designated September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, HR 102 recognized Filipino American History Month, and ACR 230 proclaimed California Firefighter Appreciation Month and California Firefighters Memorial Day; all were adopted with broad support and many coauthors. The Senate file also began with SCR 136 on coastal protection and SJR 12 opposing offshore drilling, with debate reflecting strong environmental opposition and a dissenting view that the resolution was too absolute and could raise energy costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• And with me to testify today is Jenny Panetta, the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz, and
• I'm representing the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz and the California Association of
• Gabriel Caronza from Santa Cruz County: I oppose. Sarai Ramirez: I oppose.
• Isayas Alcassar, in Santa Rosa, California: I oppose. Pedro Goves of Santa Rosa: I oppose.
• Santa Barbara: Oppose. Samuel Acosta, Poplar, California: I oppose.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion. AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes. The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• to be led today by His Excellency, the Most Reverend John Wester, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Santa
• Last year, we celebrated in Santa Fe the Fiesta, and in some respects, it celebrates the conquest, the
• Conquistadors, which, again, in Santa Fe, it's a celebration of the conquest.
• Santa Fe is sometimes a political thing, and the Catholic Church is tied into that history.
• Also, I got to meet a survivor here in Santa Fe.

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of five California Baptist churches: South Coast Baptist in Santa Barbara, Freedom's Way in
• Santa Clarita, Baptist churches: South Coast Baptist in Santa Barbara, Freedom's Way in Santa Clarita
• New Testament in Hanford, Faith in Atascadero, and Lighthouse in Santa Maria. Thank you.
• , as was noted in the analysis, there was a case—this was referenced on page 8 of the analysis—the Cruz
• And while that case does provide guidance... ...page 8 of the analysis, the Cruz case.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1056 by Senator Grayson, which would require courts to issue protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims in criminal cases and limit copying or dissemination of that material. The author and survivors Aaron Quinn and Denise Haskins-Quinn testified that the bill is meant to prevent revictimization and protect privacy while preserving defendants’ access to discovery. Opposition from public defenders and criminal defense groups argued the bill was too vague, could interfere with defense preparation, and inappropriately modeled adult-material protections on child sexual abuse material. After committee amendments narrowing the bill’s scope and clarifying access, SB 1056 passed out of committee to Appropriations on a due-pass-as-amended vote, with some members voting aye and the bill kept on call. The committee then took up SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, which would restrict law enforcement use of flashbang devices for crowd control and ban their use in immigration enforcement. Supporters, including the author, the mayor of Huntington Park, and advocacy groups, described injuries and fear caused by flashbangs and explosive breaching devices, especially in protests and immigration operations. Law enforcement organizations opposed the bill, saying the definitions were vague, the restrictions could hinder officers in fast-moving situations, and the immigration-enforcement language could conflict with existing task-force arrangements. Members discussed possible amendments to clarify definitions and exigent circumstances, but the bill was ultimately moved due pass to Appropriations and then failed on the roll call, with only one aye and several no votes. Next, SB 1070 by Senator Grove proposed making intentional disruptions of worship services a wobbler offense, allowing felony charges for more serious conduct. The author and faith leaders said the bill was needed to deter coordinated disruptions at houses of worship and protect religious freedom. Opponents, including the Friends Committee on Legislation, ACLU California Action, and public defender groups, argued the measure would criminalize speech, raise constitutional concerns, and impose excessive penalties for conduct that should be addressed through existing law or restorative justice. Several committee members also objected to elevating the offense to a felony, and the bill failed on a due-pass vote, though a motion to reconsider was granted. The committee also heard SB 1130 by Senator Reyes, which would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses by restricting covert recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and limiting devices or technologies that disable recording indicators. Supporters said the bill responds to rapidly advancing wearable technology and surreptitious filming, while opponents from tech and business groups warned it could create liability for manufacturers and be too broad. After committee amendments reduced penalties, removed manufacturer provisions from the criminal section, and shifted them to civil enforcement, SB 1130 passed out of committee to Rules on a due-pass-as-amended vote, with some support and one no vote. Finally, Senator Troy presented SCA 2, a constitutional amendment to bar governors from pardoning themselves or immediate family members; with no opposition testimony, members briefly discussed the proposal, and the transcript ends before any final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clara, Ventura, Riverside, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara. ...at a time when the federal government is
• Clara, Ventura, Riverside, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara. ...of the Urban Counties of California, the
• Rural County Representatives of California, and the counties of Santa Clara, Ventura, Riverside, Santa
• Cruz, and Santa Barbara.
• George Cruz on behalf of the California Behavioral Health Association.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, officials with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office described a recent incident involving
• I forgot Mojave County, Pinal County, and Santa Cruz County, so next...
• Thank you, Santa Cruz County. Are they here?
• I'm Undersheriff Heroddo Castillo, Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.
• “Okay, at least in Santa Cruz County there is. People don't trust you, Sheriff?”

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Audit Committee

Summary: The committee began with opening remarks about moving to a monthly, two-hour schedule for more timely and focused oversight of Auditor General findings. Members also recognized Melanie Chesney for 32 years of service to the Office of the Auditor General, with several speakers praising her work and her role in strengthening the relationship between the Auditor General’s office and J-LAC. The main agenda item was the Auditor General’s December 2025 special audit on the school safety interoperability fund and interoperable communication systems. Staff reported that about $26 million had been allocated to 14 law enforcement agencies for systems intended to improve real-time communication between schools and first responders. The audit found that all 14 agencies used the money for interoperable systems, but four agencies allowed private or tribal schools to participate contrary to statute, and several agencies failed to submit required annual expenditure reports. It also found that none of the three systems reviewed met every statutory requirement as written, in part because some requirements were vague or interpreted differently by vendors and agencies. The audit recommended that agencies recover and report any improper benefit to non-public schools, avoid using fund money for ongoing costs tied to non-public school participation, submit missing reports, and improve cost planning and contract monitoring; it also recommended that the legislature clarify eligibility for private and tribal schools and revisit unclear system requirements. The audit further found procurement and contracting problems at nine of 14 agencies, including weak or missing sole-source justifications, contracts that lacked accountability and termination provisions, and poor documentation of pricing and deliverables. Several agencies had not planned for ongoing annual costs, which the audit estimated could range from about $16,000 to $382,000 per rural county depending on the system. In the discussion, members expressed frustration with sole-source contracting and lack of documentation, and some said they would oppose future vendor bills without competitive bidding and stronger payment controls. The auditor also described mixed system performance: some agencies reported useful features such as panic alerts, camera access, and map sharing, but other systems were not fully functional or had never been implemented. The committee then heard from the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association, whose president said sheriffs support the goal of improving school safety, described county implementation challenges, and defended the use of local staff to manage the projects, while acknowledging that smaller counties face staffing and connectivity limits.

Transcript Highlights:

• There were four UC universities listed as climate centers: UC Irvine, UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, and
• There were four UC universities listed as climate centers: UC Irvine, UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, and
• In addition, on behalf of the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County and the Conservation Fund, he thanked the
• Barbara, and Santa Cruz.
• Also here on behalf of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, Ventura County Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Cruz County.
• Representative Cruz, so I have a question about your... Mr.
• Chairman, Representative Cruz, the Arizona state statutes.
• Representative Cruz, did you have additional questions for Mr. Bray?
• So that was really the premise of the issue, Representative Cruz.

Committee: House House Ways & Means Committee of Reference

Summary: The House Ways and Means Committee heard several tax-related bills. House Bill 2261, sponsored by Representative Griffin, would rename and clarify the agricultural real property classification statute and codify the income-based valuation approach for agricultural lands, especially permanent crops such as orchards and vineyards. Griffin and farm/ranch supporters said the bill simply reflects recent court rulings and would avoid further litigation costs, while county assessors and the Arizona Association of Counties opposed it, urging the committee to wait for the pending Arizona Supreme Court case. After discussion about the tax court and appellate rulings, the committee voted 5-3 with one absent to return HB 2261 with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 2173, sponsored by Representative Livingston, would allow tax officers to accept and send certain notices electronically unless certified mail is required. County assessors supported the measure as a modernization that would reduce delays, postage, and paper use, and there was discussion about how to handle outdated email addresses. The committee voted 7-0 with one absent to return HB 2173 with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 2120 would add the Social Security Administration to the definition of competent medical authority for property tax disability determinations; it was described as reducing the need for duplicate documentation. The committee approved HB 2120 on a 6-1 vote with one present and one absent. House Bill 2786 would extend a tax deduction for bookstore textbook rentals to include textbooks required by state universities or community colleges, including digital rentals as clarified in testimony from the University of Arizona. Members said it would provide relief to students, and the committee returned the bill with a do pass recommendation on an 8-0 vote with one absent. House Bill 2792, a cleanup bill related to the 100% property tax exemption for veterans with service-connected disabilities, was supported by assessors as necessary to resolve conflicting language and implement the exemption correctly. The committee voted 8-0 with one absent to return HB 2792 with a do pass recommendation, and the meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• years, over $150 million worth of funding has gone into QB3 at UC Berkeley, UC San Francisco, and UC Santa
• Cruz.
• Thank you. ...into QB3 at UC Berkeley, UC San Francisco, and UC Santa Cruz.
• And Valley Water, which is formerly known as Santa Clara Valley Water District, is working with the City
• which is in, yeah. in terms of potable recycled water and valley water, which is formerly known as Santa

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology held an informational hearing on the role of biotechnology industries in wastewater treatment, hosted at Bakar Labs on the UC Berkeley campus. Opening remarks emphasized California’s water scarcity, the rising cost of wastewater infrastructure, and the need to reuse and clean contaminated water. Committee members framed the hearing as a look at both current treatment challenges and emerging technologies that could improve water quality, affordability, and resilience over time. The first panel focused on statewide wastewater challenges. BACWA Executive Director Laurie Fono described wastewater plants as part of a broader circular economy, noting their roles in recycled water, environmental enhancement, biosolids management, carbon sequestration, and renewable energy generation. She highlighted major challenges including aging 1970s-era infrastructure, nutrient reduction mandates, sea level rise, evolving regulations, and PFAS source control. She said Bay Area agencies face about $11 billion in nutrient reduction costs, with rate increases, state revolving funds, WIFIA loans, and bonds as the main financing tools. Members asked about regional differences, energy revenue opportunities, smaller decentralized plants, and agricultural collaboration. The second panel featured researchers and lab experts discussing biotechnology solutions. Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s Dr. Romine Chakarvati described using microbial communities and machine learning to help break down PFAS and treat produced water. CEL Analytical’s Dr. Yigi Dearborn explained pathogen testing for direct potable reuse, wastewater monitoring, and the need for larger sample volumes and more funding to validate methods for viruses and protozoa. Stanford’s Dr. Chunhung-Shin presented an anaerobic membrane system that turns domestic wastewater into clean water and energy with less biosolids and lower operating costs. Committee members asked about AI, assay development, scaling technologies, and funding priorities. Public comment from the California Association of Sanitation Agencies stressed the need to balance scalability, reliability, and affordability, and the hearing adjourned without any formal vote or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• years, over $150 million worth of funding has gone into QB3 at UC Berkeley, UC San Francisco, and UC Santa
• Cruz.
• Thank you. ...into QB3 at UC Berkeley, UC San Francisco, and UC Santa Cruz.
• our region in terms of potable recycled water, and Valley Water, which is, yeah, formerly known as Santa
• In terms of potable recycled water, Valley Water, which is formerly known as Santa Clara Valley Water

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology held an informational hearing at Bakar Labs on the UC Berkeley campus titled “Biotechnology Industries’ Role in Wastewater Treatment.” Chair Assembly Member Ward and Assembly Member Papan opened by framing wastewater as a major California challenge tied to water scarcity, aging infrastructure, regulatory demands, affordability, and the need for innovation. Bakar Labs described its biotech incubator and public-private model, emphasizing the role of state support in helping early-stage companies commercialize technologies and create jobs. The first panel focused on the current wastewater treatment landscape. BACWA Executive Director Laurie Fono described wastewater plants as part of a circular economy that can produce recycled water, environmental benefits, renewable energy, and biosolids for land application, but said agencies face major challenges from aging 1970s-era infrastructure, nutrient reduction mandates, climate change, sea level rise, evolving regulations, and Prop. 218 limits on rate structures. She highlighted PFAS as a major source-control issue, saying most of it comes from households rather than local manufacturing, and argued that treatment plants are not designed to handle everything entering the sewer system. Members asked about regional differences, energy generation, financing, smaller decentralized plants, and agricultural collaboration. The second panel highlighted biotechnology research and testing tools. A Berkeley Lab scientist described using microbial communities and machine learning to improve PFAS and produced-water treatment, while a CEL Analytical laboratory director discussed pathogen testing for direct potable reuse, wastewater surveillance, and the need for larger sample volumes and better filtration methods to validate log reductions. A Stanford researcher presented an anaerobic membrane bioreactor system that converts domestic wastewater into clean water and biogas with lower energy use and less biosolids, reporting a demonstration project in Redwood City that is net energy positive and can reduce operating costs. Legislators asked about AI, scaling technologies, pathogen detection, and funding needs. Panelists and public commenters urged more pilot funding, stronger utility-state-industry partnerships, and better coordination among regulatory agencies. The hearing ended with public comment from the California Association of Sanitation Agencies and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• least five UC campuses do not tow under this authority: UC Davis, Riverside, Irvine, San Diego, and Santa
• Cruz.
• And in fact, UC Santa Barbara shared that they had, Riverside, Irvine, San Diego, and Santa Cruz.
• And in fact, UC Santa Barbara shared that they have towed 31 vehicles in two and a half years and collected
• Only one campus said that they are: Santa Barbara.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 14, 2025, for a regular order hearing with a large consent calendar and many individual bill presentations. The committee first approved numerous bills on consent, then heard a series of measures spanning reproductive health, child care eligibility, transportation, mental health diversion, county recorder fees, groundwater management, election deadlines, parking enforcement, consumer protections, housing, immigrant and student protections, and utility/CPUC oversight. Several bills were taken up only for presentation because they were on suspense, including ACA 4 on long-term housing funding, and the committee later approved a very large suspense calendar as a whole. Among the bills discussed, AB 260 would protect medication abortion access and providers; AB 904 would clarify child care subsidy eligibility during family leave or job search; AB 1014 would give Caltrans more flexibility on speed limits in rural highway segments; AB 46 would clarify judicial discretion in mental health diversion; AB 1413 and AB 929 addressed groundwater adjudication and SGMA-related protections for small community water systems and wetlands; AB 930 would count vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days; AB 1022 would end towing solely for unpaid parking tickets; AB 290 and AB 302 dealt with automatic payments for the California Fair Plan and medical data protections; AB 1303 would remove the need for a Social Security number for California Lifeline eligibility; and several housing bills, including AB 920, AB 956, AB 1470, AB 893, and AB 1021, sought to streamline approvals or expand housing options. AB 1318 and AB 49 focused on immigrant-serving nonprofits and keeping immigration enforcement out of schools, while AB 1532 extended telecommunications and transportation access programs and added CPUC accountability measures. Testimony was generally supportive for the bills heard, with authors and sponsors emphasizing low or absorbable fiscal impacts, consumer protection, housing production, public safety, and protections for vulnerable communities. Opposition appeared on a few measures, including concerns about ADUs, towing authority, charter school-related issues, and the scale of proposed housing funding in ACA 4. Several members also commented in support of the housing and immigrant-protection measures, and some bills were voted out with recorded no votes or not-voting members noted. After the suspense calendar was deemed approved, the committee opened public comment on bills not presented that day, heard a long list of supporters and opponents on various measures, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okehawinge, we're now working on Santa Clara.
• Right now, I'd say we're probably farthest along on the Santa Cruz-Truchas stream system adjudication
• I just have kind of an off-the-wall question about the Santa Cruz Trujillo stream system.
• Cruz Dam.
• I know that Santa Ana has built a Santa County fire station rather than a reservation.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Josh Gaggar, on behalf of the boards of supervisors of the counties of Santa Clara and
• Santa Barbara in support.
• of Clean Water Action, Families Advocating for Chemical and Toxic Safety, Cessp Creek Dispensary, Santa
• Cruz County Tobacco Prevention Coalition, Surfrider Foundation, ReJON, Monterey Environmental Action
• cruz county tobacco prevention coalition surf rider foundation rejohn monterey environmental action

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard three bills ahead of the house-of-origin deadline. AB 762 by Assemblymember Irwin would ban the sale and distribution of disposable vapes in California, with committee amendments to align implementation dates and allow a sell-through period. The author and supporters, including waste agencies, firefighters, local governments, and public health groups, argued the devices create lithium-ion battery fire risks in waste facilities and burden ratepayers and first responders. Opponents, including cannabis industry and retail groups, argued the bill would not meaningfully reduce battery waste because most problematic products are already illicit, and warned it could worsen the illegal market and reduce consumer access to legal products. After extensive debate, the committee passed AB 762 as amended to Appropriations on a vote with some members not voting or on call. AB 1382 by Assemblymember Castillo would prohibit the sale of genetically modified animals created for cosmetic purposes. Supporters said the bill would prevent novelty pet breeding, reduce pressure on already overcrowded shelters, and avoid ethical concerns about modifying animals for appearance alone, while preserving medical and scientific research. Opponents, including the pet industry, argued the measure was unnecessary because regulated products such as glowfish already undergo scientific review and that the bill could create ambiguity and harm lawful commerce. The committee clarified that glowfish and scientific research were exempt, and AB 1382 passed to the Judiciary Committee. AB 739 by Assemblymember Jackson would require managing agents in common interest developments to provide homeowners and HOA boards a summary of fees charged for management services. Realtors supported the bill as a transparency measure, while community managers and the Community Associations Institute said they could accept it once promised amendments were adopted to narrow the disclosure and avoid blanket mailings that could raise costs. The author said amendments would be taken in the Housing and Community Development Committee and committed to further consultation. AB 739 passed to Housing and Community Development.