Transcript Highlights:

• These include authority for Commerce to continue hurricane recovery and mitigation programs across the
• We continue funding the State Guard for another year for a total of $33.9 million.
• In the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, DACS is still authorized to issue licenses to
• The House has $36 million in general revenue, and then they give some matching trust fund authority.
• And the Senate also includes for the state attorneys an additional 300,000 in trust fund authority to

Summary: The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget package, beginning with an overview of the $115 billion General Appropriations Bill (SB 2500). Appropriations Chair Hooper said the budget reduces overall spending from the prior year, preserves reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for state employees and 5% raises for law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then highlighted major spending in their areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/economic development, and environmental/agricultural programs. Major items discussed included school funding increases, workforce and university investments, Medicaid and child welfare funding, corrections operating deficits, housing and hurricane recovery, Everglades and water quality projects, and state employee compensation. Members asked detailed questions about several budget items. In education, senators discussed teacher salaries, declining enrollment supplements, scholarship funding growth, and charter school capital outlay. In higher education, they asked about Bright Futures, New College funding, and the EASE grant program. In health and human services, senators focused on the iBudget waiver, Medicaid hospital rate reductions, the ADAP HIV drug program, and the use of opioid settlement funds. In criminal justice, questions centered on DOC deficits, inmate health care and food service costs, public defender and state attorney funding, and whether the budget would prevent the need for National Guard support. In environmental and state agency budgets, senators discussed Florida Forever land acquisition, conservation easements, cultural grants, the Emergency Management Trust Fund, and election security funding. After the budget presentations and questions, the Senate substituted House bills for the Senate budget bills and adopted amendments to place Senate language onto the House vehicles for conference. The chamber passed HB 5001, the appropriations bill, by a 36-0 vote and agreed to conference. It also passed the implementing bill, collective bargaining and state employee bills, retirement legislation, fuel tax and SLERS bills, the court trust fund bill, judicial certification bill, K-12 and higher education conforming bills, and other related measures, generally by unanimous votes. Several motions were adopted to request the House to pass the Senate versions or include them in budget conference.

Transcript Highlights:

• These include authority for Commerce to continue hurricane recovery and mitigation programs across the
• We continue funding the State Guard for another year for a total of $33.9 million.
• The House has $36 million in general revenue, and then they give some matching trust fund authority.
• The House has $36 million in general revenue, and then they give some matching trust fund authority.
• And the Senate also includes, for the state attorneys, an additional $300,000 in trust fund authority

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that is authorized versus unauthorized access or control.
• >> So, Senator, I believe we do have that authority.
• We have that authority now.
• You know, we don't have authority to cite generation.
• You know, we don't have authority to cite generation.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce held its first interim hearing on securing critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, with a focus on Texas’s electric grid and the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act. The chair also highlighted Texas’s relatively low electricity prices and welcomed new committee members. ERCOT, the Public Utility Commission (PUC), and the Attorney General’s office were invited to explain how the state screens market participants and grid equipment for ties to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and how the agencies respond to noncompliance. ERCOT testified that it has implemented the requirements of three related Senate bills by requiring attestations on corporate affiliations and on critical grid equipment and services. ERCOT said it has processed thousands of attestations, used additional requests for information and third-party verification tools such as Dun & Bradstreet, and terminated nonresponsive market participants. ERCOT also said it has not seen a case requiring direct Attorney General involvement, but it does refer matters to the PUC when needed. The PUC said it can investigate suspected violations and impose penalties of up to $1 million per violation per day, and that most investigations into late or missing attestations have been resolved through compliance, market exit, or removal by ERCOT. The Attorney General’s office said its role is currently limited to audits and court involvement, and that it lacks broad independent investigatory authority under the act. Members pressed the panel on whether the current system is too reliant on self-reporting and whether it adequately addresses indirect foreign influence, especially through supply chains for batteries, inverters, transformers, and other equipment with routable connectivity. ERCOT acknowledged that the current attestation process has gaps and said it plans to refine definitions of critical grid equipment and grid services, improve information requests, and continue stakeholder rulemaking. The panel also discussed possible legislative changes, including tying prohibitions to the Department of Defense Section 1260H list and the Texas Prohibited Technologies list, clarifying warranty and service access, and expanding the statute to cover grid services more directly. Several senators raised concerns about cost, reliability, and the extent to which foreign-sourced components remain embedded in Texas infrastructure, while others suggested incentives for domestic manufacturing and stronger verification tools, including possible work with national labs such as Sandia.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd also like to recognize Senator Caballero for her leadership in authoring Senate Bill 72.
• So it's frustrating to me because the things that most affect rural communities are usually authored
• So it's frustrating to me because the things that most affect rural communities are usually authored
• There's about 10% that's reserved to North Coast rivers in the sort of Del Norte County area, Siskiyou
• California, from Fresno to Madera, Kern to Tulare, down in the Coachella area, and also on the Central Coast

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly Agriculture informational hearing focused on the state of agricultural production in California, with members and witnesses emphasizing the sector’s economic importance and the pressures it faces from water scarcity, climate extremes, labor shortages, rising input and energy costs, pests, and regulatory burdens. Chairs and members also expressed disappointment that prior climate-related funding decisions did not include agriculture and said the hearing was intended to identify practical solutions and future legislative priorities. CDFA and DWR officials described California agriculture as a roughly $61 billion industry producing more than 400 commodities, but also noted farm bankruptcies, vineyard and orchard removals, and the effects of SGMA, drought, floods, and subsidence. DWR said climate change will intensify hydrologic variability and that groundwater sustainability, recharge, flood capture, and infrastructure modernization are critical. Members asked about lessons from the 2023 floods, readiness for El Niño, and where limited Prop. 4 and GGRF dollars should go; officials pointed to better forecasting, recharge projects, conveyance, basin characterization, and technical assistance. CDFA highlighted pest response, especially glassy-winged sharpshooter, and a regulatory alignment study identifying food safety and water quality as major compliance burdens. The second panel, on water, climate, and resource sustainability, largely reinforced those themes. PPIC and UC Merced researchers said SGMA-driven groundwater reductions will be the biggest long-term constraint, potentially requiring hundreds of thousands of acres to come out of production and causing major GDP and job losses unless recharge, trading, infrastructure, and crop-transition strategies are expanded. They recommended more flexible recharge rules, better accounting, subsidence mitigation, and support for SGMA-ready crops and land repurposing. An energy consumer representative warned that electricity and natural gas costs are rising sharply and that state programs supporting agricultural energy and biomass solutions have been reduced or eliminated, while a farmworker foundation representative emphasized health care access, food security, immigration-related fear, and workforce development for farmworkers. No votes or formal actions were taken; the hearing concluded with members signaling interest in future legislation, funding, and follow-up discussions.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2003, she joined the Hawaii National Guard.
• Throughout her political career, she maintained her military service either in the National Guard or
• We've worn the same uniforms, serving in the Army National Guard and Army Reserves, leading Battalions
• I've done for almost 22 years now of wearing the uniform, both serving in the National Guard and the
• were other provisions within that legislation that granted very vague and serious... grandiose authorities

Transcript Highlights:

• is Veronica Maserigo Sanastasio, and I am a farmer in Pescadero in San Mateo County on the Central Coast
• San Mateo County on the Central Coast.
• , a farmer-led food hub which aggregates product from small- and medium-scale farms on the Central Coast
• that program, deliver close to 1.5 million boxes to food banks throughout California and the West Coast

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on food insecurity in California and how state and federal nutrition programs, agricultural production, and food distribution systems intersect. Assemblymembers emphasized that many Californians, including farmworkers, seniors, children, and communities of color, remain food insecure despite California’s agricultural abundance. Panelists and members discussed CalFresh, WIC, school meals, Sun Bucks, food banks, and the impact of federal policy changes, including possible nutrition cuts, tariffs, and immigration enforcement, on access to food and the agricultural workforce. Secretary Karen Ross described CDFA programs aimed at improving access to fresh food and supporting local agriculture, including the senior farmers’ market program, California Nutrition Incentive Program, Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program, Community Food Hubs, Farm to School, urban agriculture, and a proposed tribal food sovereignty program. She said these efforts help connect local producers to consumers, expand healthy food access, and build infrastructure such as refrigeration, mobile markets, and aggregation hubs. Department of Social Services Deputy Director Alexis Fernandez Garcia outlined CalFresh, CFAP, Sun Bucks, CACFP, emergency food programs, and tribal nutrition assistance, noting that CalFresh and related programs significantly reduce poverty and food insecurity, but participation gaps remain for non-English speakers, some Asian American communities, and undocumented households. PPIC researcher Tess Thorman presented data showing that 13% of California households experienced food insecurity in 2023, with higher rates among households with children and Latino, Black, and other households. She said nutrition programs reduce poverty and food hardship, but federal rules, income thresholds, immigration restrictions, and high living costs limit their reach. Members asked about simplifying applications, improving call center access, increasing outreach in multiple languages, and adjusting benefits for inflation. Officials said the state has used available federal options to streamline enrollment, improve customer service, and target outreach, but many core rules and benefit levels are set federally. The second panel shifted to food production and market access. A farmer, a UC food systems leader, and a produce distributor described efforts to connect small and medium farms with food banks, schools, universities, and Medi-Cal food-as-medicine programs. They highlighted programs such as Farms Together, the USDA Southwest Regional Food Business Center, Farm to School, food hubs, and climate-smart infrastructure grants as ways to create stable markets for local growers while improving food access. Speakers also raised concerns about land tenure, consolidation, regulatory burdens, labor constraints, and the loss of federal funding, and members discussed whether state investments and Prop. 4 funds could help sustain and expand these efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Housten Guard.
• Housten Guard. Next, we have the infamous...
• Hassan Guard brought up. The lawsuit is currently pending.
• So the authority doesn't require the easements you describe just... Isn't the case.
• So I miss Holston Guard. Chairman Donald and presented really believe the...

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• He said senior Pentagon leadership who failed to mobilize the National Guard were quote, unquote, cowards
• Michael Nordwall had oversight and approval authority over Arctic Frost, which required a critical assessment
• We should be on our guard about this nominee, and we should be on our guard about whether be on our guard
• , birthright citizenship. the actions that the president has taken where he has no authority to do so
• Where, in addition to acting without authority, the President is indicating he will defy rulings from

Bills: SB331

Keywords: fentanyl, controlled substances, drug trafficking, public health, research regulations, law enforcement, Kash Patel, FBI director nomination, S331, Fentanyl Act, committee meeting, legislative discussion

Summary: In this committee meeting, the primary focus was on the nomination of Kash Patel for the position of director of the FBI, which had sparked considerable debate over the past week. Members discussed the extensive vetting process Patel underwent, including a lengthy hearing where he addressed numerous questions, which emphasized his qualifications and the support he received from various law enforcement organizations. The meeting included significant arguments from both sides, reflecting the polarized nature of the nomination, especially regarding the allegations made against Patel by some committee members. As discussions continued, the committee decided to hold off on the Fentanyl Act, listed as S331, until the next meeting, indicating a prioritization of the nomination vote over new legislative measures at this time.

Transcript Highlights:

• The flies will be escorted to the rostrum by the Sergeant at Arms color guard, Abigail Simperich and
• We serve a God with all authority, love, and wisdom.
• Let your spirit guide minds toward thoughtful solutions and guard hearts from pride or haste.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2681, HB2720, HB2073, HB2681, SB5467, SB5820, SB5863, SB5892, SCR8406

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• The flies will be escorted to the rostrum by the Sergeant at Arms color guard, Abigail Simperich and
• We serve a God with all authority, love, and wisdom.
• Let your spirit guide minds toward thoughtful solutions and guard hearts from pride or haste.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2681, SB5467, SB5820, SB5863, SB5892, SCR8406

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government

Summary: The House convened, the clerk called the roll, and a quorum was declared present. Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and Pastor Kayla Garza of Stone Church in Yakima offered the opening prayer, asking for wisdom, patience, humility, and cooperation in public service. The Speaker approved the prior day’s minutes by consent and recognized guests in the chamber, including Roger Jacob and students and faculty from Wapato School District, who had been honored in House Resolution 4679, as well as a fourth-grade class from Log Church Christian School in Brewster. The Democratic caucus was announced immediately, and the Republican caucus was scheduled for five minutes later, with the House briefly at ease. Under the fourth order of business, the House agreed by consent to treat bills, memorials, and resolutions on the introduction sheet as first reading items and refer them to the designated committees. Under the eighth order, Senate Bill 6132 was re-referred from the Transportation Committee to the Rules Committee. No objections were raised to these actions. The House then adjourned by consent until 9:55 a.m. on Friday, February 27, the 47th legislative day.

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not expand the definition of nuisance or create new government authority.
• Removing the $15,000 limit on the total value of fines that may be imposed authorizes local governments
• Botana: This bill provides for the City of Naples Airport Authority to be elected and appointed by City
• Passports in that area are issued by the Palestinian Authority.
• It is important to note flamingos were once common sights along Florida's coast from the Keys to Wakulla

Transcript Highlights:

• It happens here in all our communities, from the north to the south, in the Central Coast and the Central
• Today I rise as a proud co-author of H.R. 75.
• I especially want to thank my co-author, the member from Oakland, who's unable to be here today.
• Members, this is for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote.
• There are 64 co-authors added. Without objection, we'll now take a voice vote on the resolution.

Summary: The Assembly convened after an initial quorum call and proceeded with routine business, including approval of the previous day’s journal, procedural suspensions, and several file items. Most second-reading, concurrence, veto, and reconsideration items were passed, retained, or continued without debate. The main floor action was on House Resolution 75, authored by Assembly Member Pellerin, designating January 26 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Pellerin and several members from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing survivor-led advocacy, the prevalence of trafficking in California, risks tied to major events and vulnerable populations, and the need for better prevention, data collection, and victim services. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 64 co-authors were added. Assembly Member Avila Farias’s AB 768, relating to mobile home park rent control and affordable housing, also passed with a 60-1 vote. The Assembly then held multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes for Joy Atkinson, a longtime Los Angeles civic leader and mentor to Black women in public service, with members recounting her work in government, political organizing, and the La P.I.E. leadership institute. Later, Assembly Member Haney offered an adjournment in memory of Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, highlighting his musical legacy and philanthropy. The House adjourned until Thursday, January 22, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It happens here in all our communities, from the north to the south, in the Central Coast and the Central
• Today I rise as a proud co-author of H.R. 75.
• I especially want to thank my co-author, the member from Oakland, who's unable to be here today.
• Members, this is for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote.
• There are 64 co-authors added. Without objection, we'll now take a voice vote on the resolution.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, states have the authority to dictate which fire provision standards are adopted in their own
• While still respecting the authority of cities to plan and protect their historic areas and established
• It carefully protects the authority of municipalities to regulate master plan subdivisions and historic
• It preserves local authority where appropriate, but also ensures that cities can't use zoning to effectively
• Uh, my name is Sergio Handel, and I'm the Gulf Coast Regional Trustee for the Association of Water Board

Transcript Highlights:

• THE LEGISLATURE GIVES THE AUTHORITY LAST WE HAVE DONE MANY SMALL FARMS.
• WE ARE COMPLETELY REVOLUTIONIZED THE WAY THAT WE AUTHORIZE THE PERMIT.
• I ACTUALLY WAS THE AUTHOR OF THE PRODUCERS MANUAL 20 YEARS AGO.
• ALONG THE WEST COAST.
• IN THE RECENT MONTHS, 6-8, WE HAVE AUTHORIZED TO HAVE AN ON-SITE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> funding that supports the National Guard funding that supports the National Guard at<00:03:02.879
• Guard. Guard.
• </c><00:03:56.400><c> the</c> So the Vermont National Gal Guard the So the Vermont National Gal Guard
• Air Force Reserve, the Army National Guard, or the Air National Guard.
• And many of us were National Guard.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> in addition to the transfer authority in addition to the transfer authority provided<02:05:01.599
• </c> addition to the transfer authority addition to the transfer authority provided<02:52:43.279><c>
• is authorized five to transfer spending<03:28:15.760><c> authority</c><03:28:16.080><c> between</c><
• </c> costs of maintaining authorized costs of maintaining authorized benefits.<04:06:16.800><c> E3.
• </c> expenditures for Colorado National Guard expenditures for Colorado National Guard military<04:27

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, HCA oversees the funding, authorizations, and access to care.
• Thirty-six children are authorized by DDCS for PDN, and 234 children are authorized by the MCOs.
• More than 3,050 hours a month of private duty nursing is authorized.
• These are things home health aides are not authorized to do.
• These are things home health aids are not authorized to do.

Summary: The House Health Care and Wellness Committee met at policy cutoff and first took up executive session on four bills. It considered a proposed substitute for HB 1589 on health carrier contracting practices, which would require carriers to provide providers advance notice and clean copies of contract changes and payment methodologies, and would also add notice requirements for significant payer contract modifications. The committee also considered HB 2402 on phthalates in IV solution containers and tubing, with a substitute delaying implementation dates and creating shortage and FDA-related exemptions. HB 2555, concerning Medicaid coverage of traditional health care practices, and HB 2685, concerning tribal data and disease reporting to tribal health jurisdictions, were also before the committee. HB 2599 was deferred. The committee reported HB 1589, HB 2402, HB 2555, and HB 2685 out of committee with do pass recommendations, with recorded votes showing some members voting no or no without recommendation on the more contested bills. The committee then held a work session on private duty nursing in the Medically Intensive Children’s Program. Health Care Authority and DSHS staff described how the program serves children with complex medical needs through managed care and fee-for-service pathways, the role of prior authorization and medical necessity review, and the ongoing shortage of nursing staff. They said many approved hours are not filled, especially in rural areas, and that family members often provide unpaid care to fill gaps. Committee members asked about the structure of the children’s and adult PDN programs and about how many authorized hours are actually being served. The committee also heard testimony from a home care agency representative and a parent caregiver, both of whom described severe staffing shortages and the burden on families when nursing shifts go unfilled. They supported models that would allow trusted family caregivers to be paid for some of the skilled care they already provide. The committee then heard examples from Montana and Massachusetts of similar family caregiver or complex care assistant programs. Montana described its pediatric complex care assistant model as a gap-filling service with prior authorization and a set hourly rate, while Massachusetts outlined its complex care assistant program, including training, supervision, wage pass-through requirements, and early growth in participation. The meeting concluded after the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• THERE IS NO AUTHORITY THAT WILL GO AND CHECK AND SEE IF THEY ARE ACTUALLY OCCUPIED.
• FINE, IN LINE 43 YOU GIVE ACTIVE AND RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES OR NATIONAL GUARD
• BUT MY QUESTION IS BY AUTHORIZING RETIRED MEMBERS OR EVEN THE NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES
• IT AUTHORIZES CERTAIN PEOPLE TO TAKE ACTION TO STOP IT BUT IT DOES NOT SAYING THEM DOING IT.
• CONTRARY TO THE ASSERTION ASKING ACTIVE AND FORMER MILITARY AND NATIONAL GUARD USE REASONABLE FORCE TO

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So let's go ahead and hear from our first author, Assembly Member Ward.
• And thank you for authoring...
• I have many members who were also in the Guard.
• I thank you very much, Assembly Member Gibson, for including the Guard and Reserve.
• But regardless of whether a person's family member serves in the National Guard or reserves, or even

Summary: The Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met on June 22 with several members initially absent, so the committee began as a subcommittee and later established a quorum. The committee first heard AB 1775, which would provide California support for transgender service members and veterans affected by a federal executive order requiring their separation from service. The author and witnesses described the policy as discriminatory and destabilizing, and supporters from civil rights and LGBTQ+ organizations urged passage. No opposition testimony was offered, and the chair and members expressed support for helping affected veterans with discharge upgrades, housing assistance, and expedited professional licensing. The committee then heard AB 2022, which expands the disabled veterans property tax exemption by creating a full exemption for certain totally disabled veterans meeting income limits and a 50% exemption for others, while preserving existing benefits. The author, a disabled Marine veteran, and multiple veterans’ organizations testified that the measure would help veterans remain in their homes and keep them in California; a Gold Star spouse also spoke in support. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Committee on Appropriations, with the roll held open until additional members arrived, and the consent calendar was later approved 4-0. Next, the committee heard AB 2054, which updates the definition of covered active duty for paid family leave purposes so military families can qualify when service members are deployed, activated for emergencies such as wildfires, or sent to extended training. Supporters, including Department of Defense and veterans’ representatives, said the bill reflects modern military service and protects families during disruptions. The committee also heard AB 2531, which would expand an existing uncompensated care grant program so veterans denied abortion care through the federal VA system can access support, and would add abortion resource information to CalVet materials. Support came from Planned Parenthood, the California Medical Association, the Lieutenant Governor’s office, and others; one member of the public raised concerns about coercion but did not clearly oppose the bill. All three bills were advanced on due pass motions to Appropriations, and the meeting adjourned after the final votes.