Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is a bill we heard previously relating Texas Farm Bureau and Ranchlands Conservation Program
• To allow future legislatures to review progress and make further decisions.
• It would provide a predictable and protected budgeting picture for future spending efforts.
• We have you registered as Joey Park Coastal Conservation Association for House Bill 204229.
• I'm here today in support of House Bill. 229 on behalf of the Coastal Conservation Association.

Bills: HCR6

Keywords: Meals on Wheels, senior services, nutrition, community support, volunteerism

Transcript Highlights:

• The Sierra Nevada Conservancy and the California Watchable Wildlife sponsor the annual wildlife photo
• Going on to the Nature Conservancy, where many of us will be able to continue to work with him because
• This delegation reflects the breadth of California's future workforce. Thank you, Madam President.
• And now we can welcome these future leaders to the California State Senate. Thank you. Thank you.
• Let's continue supporting our students and the STEAM programs that are shaping the next generation.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered a prayer recognizing World Water Day and the challenges of water scarcity, and then proceeded with several floor introductions. Members welcomed wildlife photographer Alice Cahill, outgoing California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Chuck Bonham, Avalon Fire Chief Michael Alegria, and a delegation of Cal Poly Pomona students participating in CSU advocacy activities. The chamber also received a message that the Assembly had passed AB 2156, and the Senate approved the March 16-19 journals as corrected. The main floor action was on Senate Concurrent Resolution 132, which designates March 22, 2026, as California STEAM Robotics Day. The author and supporting senators emphasized the value of robotics and hands-on STEAM education for career readiness, problem-solving, and workforce development. The resolution passed by a 34-0 vote. Afterward, the author introduced student and industry guests connected to robotics education, including a Poway High School student and representatives from Garner Holt Productions. The Senate then considered five gubernatorial appointments, all of which were confirmed unanimously: Paul Toopee as Director of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Peter Britery to the Southwestern Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission, Dr. Youngping Chen and Gregory Lung to the California Acupuncture Board, and Roy Mather to the Board of Pilot Commissioners. The body also suspended Joint Rule 62A to allow the Governmental Organization Committee to hear AB 2156 on March 24 without sufficient notice. At the end of the session, the Senate adjourned in memory of Anne Colchin, a longtime Carlsbad city councilmember and public servant, and announced it would reconvene on March 26, 2026, after the State of the Judiciary joint convention.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Migratory Bird Treaty Act succeeded in its conservation mission.
• Senators, this again is a good conservative bill.
• We're not creating a new agency or spinning up a new program.
• that's part of an evidence-based program for one of their treatment courts.
• The program maintenance budget is $5,636,600, with 35.5 full-time positions.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have worked to rein in spending, pay down debt, and save for Florida's future.
• What will happen in the future?
• Senator Cherieve suggested the circuit breaker program.
• Conservatives argue government works best when it's closest to the people.
• They went after programs for children and support for seniors.

Summary: The Senate took up Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 2F, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand homestead property tax relief, lower the assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and limit county and municipal ad valorem tax revenues to specified uses. Senator Avila presented the measure as a major property tax reform intended to provide relief to homeowners and restrain local government spending, while opponents argued it would shift costs to fees, services, and state appropriations and could harm local budgets, public safety, schools, and other services. Several senators also raised concerns about the ballot language and the lack of a completed fiscal analysis. The chamber considered and rejected multiple amendments. Senator Sharif’s income-based “circuit breaker” amendment failed, as did Senator Smith’s sunset clause amendment and Senator Berman’s amendment to rewrite the ballot statement for greater accuracy. During questioning, Avila said the revised language was meant to preserve flexibility for local governments and that future legislatures could set implementing procedures and, if necessary, prohibit certain local expenditures by general law. He also confirmed that the proposal would not affect refinancing or portability, and said the measure would not prevent local governments from continuing to fund many services such as libraries, parks, animal control, code enforcement, mosquito control, public housing, county health departments, and elections. Debate on final passage was extensive. Supporters described the proposal as overdue relief for homeowners and a way to force local governments to prioritize spending, while critics called it a risky tax shift that could reduce local revenue by billions and force cuts or higher fees. Some senators emphasized concerns about public safety funding, mental health and social services, and the accuracy of the ballot summary; others argued the measure would give voters a chance to decide on property tax reform. After debate, the resolution was rolled over for third reading and the Senate continued discussion, but the transcript provided does not include a final vote on the joint resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> have them tell you about the program. have them tell you about the program.
• </c><01:24:57.440><c> Senate</c><01:24:57.760><c> File</c><01:24:58.080><c> 85,</c> Conservation Program
• Senate File 85, Conservation Program. Senate File 85, Raven<01:24:59.600><c> Act.
• </c><01:29:03.360><c> Senate</c><01:29:03.840><c> File</c><01:29:04.639><c> 85,</c> Conservation Program
• Senate File 85, Conservation Program.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> weapon into the future. weapon into the future.
• This policy is about fairness, access, and conservation.
• Participation is the foundation of conservation.
• Protecting crossbow inclusion increases hunter participation, conservation funding, and the future of
• Protecting crossbow inclusion increases hunter participation, conservation funding, and the future of

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• to new grant programs created, looking at those and focusing on those newer programs and really asking
• , the SHEEP program.
• , the sheep program.
• It's not a standalone program.
• capacity of the current program.

Bills: SB5998

Keywords: fiscal appropriations, budget, state funding, financial management, operating expenses, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It would be applying to all ferry districts now or in the future.
• You do have to take a training program.
• Next up is House Bill 2298, authorizing county auditors to create a voluntary title protection program
• As a brief reminder, this bill would authorize Title protection program to prevent land record fraud.
• for that infrastructure that is needed for future development.

Summary: The House Local Government Committee heard public testimony on HB 2588, which would let county ferry districts exercise broader authority over ferries rather than being limited to passenger-only ferries. The sponsor and county officials from Whatcom, Pierce, and Skagit described rising operating and capital costs for county-run vehicle ferries and said the bill would give local governments a needed funding tool. Opponents argued it would create another tax burden and that county councils do not directly represent voters on such decisions. The hearing on HB 2588 was later reopened for additional testimony, but no vote was taken in the hearing portion. The committee also heard HB 2094, which would require non-charter counties to appoint coroners rather than elect them, unless they use appointed medical examiners. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address accountability and staffing problems, citing Yakima County as an example and arguing that coroner positions are technical and should be filled through hiring rather than partisan elections. Supporters said appointment would reduce ballot complexity and allow for professional management, while opponents, including elected coroners and the Washington Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners, argued that elected coroners provide independence, public accountability, and the ability to order inquests without political pressure. The public hearing on HB 2094 was closed without committee action during the hearing. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. HB 2451 on local tax increment financing passed with three adopted amendments and a 7-0 vote. HB 2298 on county title protection programs also passed with one adopted amendment and a 7-0 vote. HB 2566 on local government procurement passed 7-0 without amendment. HB 2267 on urban forest management ordinances passed 4-3 after a substitute was adopted, with some members expressing concern about state guidance becoming too regulatory. HB 2530 on public facilities districts for regional aquatics and sports facilities passed 7-0 after removing the deadline for forming such districts, and HB 2388 on siting distributed energy generation on agricultural lands passed 7-0 after an amendment narrowing the bill’s scope. The committee then returned to public testimony on HB 2094 and HB 2588 before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Prairie View boasts of 16 research centers has 70 degree programs one of the top 10 in the in Texas for
• It is growing these young people into future leaders. Here in our state and to serve our nation.
• And we kicked that program off at Green Hall shortly after its passage.
• I look at some of the programs. That she started in the community.
• I was right there working with her and others in order to to effectuate those particular programs.

Bills: SJR1, SB9, SB40, SJR36, SJR1, SJR5, SB9, SB40

Keywords: bail denial, illegal aliens, felony offenses, constitutional amendment, law enforcement, bail reform, defendants, pretrial detention, public safety, criminal justice, charitable bail organizations, bail bonds, public funds, political subdivision, injunctive relief, taxpayer rights, bail, criminal justice reform, 1185, senate

Transcript Highlights:

• California already recognizes limits in other parole programs, such as the youth offender parole program
• The elderly parole program is strenuous.
• The elderly program for parole is strenuous.
• The CHP has a wonderful program.
• The CHP has a wonderful program.

Summary: The committee met without a quorum and operated as a subcommittee while hearing several bills on public safety, parole, criminal justice oversight, Proposition 36 implementation, behavioral health, gang database reform, cargo theft, and nonconsensual intimate images. The chair explained hearing procedures and noted that SB 906 was pulled from the agenda. Several measures were heard but not voted on because quorum was lacking. SB 1446, a committee bill, would expand discretion in en banc parole review, make en banc votes public record, and allow CDCR referrals for sexually violent predator evaluation of certain incarcerated people serving determinate or indeterminate terms. Support came from the California District Attorneys Association; opposition came from the Ella Baker Center, Uncommon Law, public defenders, and others who argued it would add confusion, litigation risk, and unnecessary duplication. The author said the bill was intended to clarify review standards and improve transparency. SB 1278 would exclude certain sex offenses and habitual/one-strike offenders from elderly parole eligibility. The San Diego District Attorney’s Office and California District Attorneys Association supported it, citing cases such as Gregory Vogelsang and David Funston; opponents from Uncommon Law, the Ella Baker Center, and others argued elderly parole is already highly restrictive, evidence-based, and cost-effective. Vice Chair Seyarto strongly supported SB 1278, emphasizing victim justice and public safety. SB 1354 would bar out-of-state military personnel not operating under Title 10 from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the governor’s permission; a committee amendment removed a criminal penalty and left enforcement to the Attorney General. SB 926 would provide funding for Proposition 36 implementation, with committee amendments deleting a specific appropriation and shifting funding decisions to the budget process; supporters said counties need resources for treatment, probation, and administration, while opponents criticized the bill as fiscally reckless and duplicative. SB 874 would require background checks and clearer statewide standards for Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, especially ABA services for children; supporters said it would improve patient safety and program integrity. SB 1210 would extend CalGang-style oversight, notice, appeal, and DOJ regulation to all gang databases, not just shared ones; supporters described harms from inaccurate, unregulated local databases, while police chiefs opposed applying the CalGang framework to all local investigative files. The committee also heard SB 1019, which would create a DOJ cargo theft task force and add reporting requirements; supporters from BNSF, trucking, shipping, ports, and law enforcement said organized cargo theft is harming supply chains and worker safety, and no opposition was presented. Finally, SB 1217 would create a DOJ clearinghouse to help victims remove nonconsensual intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes, from covered platforms; amendments narrowed the bill’s scope and clarified law enforcement’s role. The author and survivor witnesses described ongoing trauma from repeated reposting of exploitative images and argued the bill would provide a centralized removal process. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 1217, with no final votes taken on the measures heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> better, how we can improve on programs. better, how we can improve on programs.
• </c> program that we give a fighting chance. program that we give a fighting chance.
• Mahalo. the communities these programs serve. the communities these programs serve.
• </c> provided by the Hawaii Conservator provided by the Hawaii Conservator Conserv<05:12:44.878><c> Conservation
• </c><05:12:46.000><c> Sanctuary</c><05:12:47.200><c> from</c> Conserv Conservation Sanctuary from Conserv

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that are building future-ready leaders.
• This is a program that helps them to achieve that.
• It’s a great program.
• This is a unique program in that it helps.
• I know in my home programs, both at Ozark Tech and Missouri State University, they do a really Programs

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I pray, Lord, that the ideas and and how they have helped shape our future.
• Keep the House at ease for our page program, all that day we all look forward to.
• No, you took my puzzle piece first, and now even means me this whole page program.
• This whole page program. Well, maybe, just maybe.
• House Bill 652, by the Resources and Conservation Committee, relating to state symbols.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the barrio, its families, and its legacy are not lost, but instead honored and passed down to future
• President, your Committee on Natural Resources and Conservation, having under consideration HB 2031,
• to water improvement program and water hauling, submits the following report: The committee recommends
• to water improvement program and water hauling, submits the following report: The committee recommends
• House Bill 2117, relating to the State Natural Resource Conservation Board Fund.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized several guests and community groups, including Central Arizona Aging and visitors connected to the Santa Rosa Barrio/Washington Park community. Senator Bravo read a proclamation honoring the legacy of the Santa Rosa Barrio and celebrating the Washington Park community in Phoenix, recognizing its cultural history, labor heritage, military service, and the unveiling of a commemorative mural. The chamber also received introductions of other guests, including Ken Berger and John Elvis Taska. The body then moved through Committee of the Whole calendars. On the first calendar, the Senate considered and advanced House Bills 2050, 2176, 2189, 2195, and 2584, all receiving do-pass recommendations, with amendments adopted on HB 2050, HB 2176, HB 2189, and HB 2195. The discussion on these bills centered on health care and licensing issues, including radiologic technologies, health care institutions, licensed health aide rules, nursing facility records/timelines, and public money-related provisions. Several amendments were described as stakeholder-requested or clarifying supervision, timelines, or related requirements. On the second and third calendars, the Senate advanced additional measures including HB 2003, HB 2006, HB 2226, HB 2378, HB 2693, and HCM 2007, along with HB 2013, HB 2031, HB 2102, HB 213, HB 2117, HB 2262, and HB 2278. Topics included driver license destruction permits, elections and sample ballots/mail-in dates, arrest/processing and veteran status, school facilities oversight, accountable health plans, air pollution control and wildfire-related waivers, water rights and water improvement districts, natural resource conservation, geological survey matters, and a memorial urging a geographic name change for State Route 16. HB 2029 was retained on the calendar. The Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and properly assigned the bills, then adjourned until Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> just be another ask of the Loan program just be another ask of the Loan program office<00:26:22.480
• Loan program office staff on both the Loan program office staff on both the solar<00:27:50.519><c> for
• </c> 400,000 students are touched by programs 400,000 students are touched by programs and<00:41:54.960
• </c><00:57:21.960><c> under</c> proposal for this grant program under proposal for this grant program
• </c><00:57:59.240><c> to</c> geothermal planning grant program to geothermal planning grant program to

Bills: HF1013, HF1598, HF1656, HF2162

Keywords: energy, economic development, funding, renewable resources, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, air ventilation, geothermal, school financing, Minnesota Climate Innovative Finance Authority, geothermal energy, renewable energy, construction funding, Como Zoo, energy efficiency, HF2162, Minnesota, planning grants, renewable development account, clean energy, Department of Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• LESLIE REED, CONSERVATION FLORIDA WAIVES AGAINST. KARIM GOLDEN, NATURE CONSERVANCY WAIVES AGAINST.
• NEIL BLANKENSTEIN, TALL TIMBERS RESEARCH AND LAND CONSERVANCY WAIVES AGAINST.
• LYNETTE IN SUPPORT, KAREEM BOLDEN, NATURE CONSERVANCY IN SUPPORT.
• I URGE YOU TO VOTE NO FOR FLORIDA'S FUTURE.
• AS A FLORIDIAN I WANT THE FUTURE WITH CLEAN AIR SAFE COMMUNITIES AND A HEALTHY PLANET.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Each state has a reportable disease program.
• And I think well-meaning programs often will...
• programs, temporary Medicaid plan, and pending Medicaid plan.
• It's called conservative...
• It's called conservative math. I've learned a lot about conservative math in my time.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving on into the low-carbon fuels program. Thank you.
• Moving on into the low-carbon fuels program.
• However, conservation easements in relation to the program can be and must be limited to no longer than
• The cost share program runs under me.
• Webb, and he'll be visiting with you about the conservation compliance, or I'm sorry, the conservation

Summary: The committee opened its third interim meeting with roll call, approved the November 13, 2025 minutes, and the chair reviewed prior committee work, including a denied request for a fertilizer-capacity study and a planned later discussion of the Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger issue. Commissioner Doug Goring then presented Department of Agriculture updates on uncrewed aerial systems grants to detect noxious weeds, the state’s irrigation potential, the low-carbon fuels program for ethanol plants, the Environmental Impact Mitigation Fund, model zoning ordinances for animal feeding operations, and fertilizer production and supply in North Dakota. Members asked about funding sources, fertilizer storage and availability, natural gas and water needs for future fertilizer plants, and how the model zoning website would help counties and townships apply setback and odor tools. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the Department of Water Resources’ economic analysis tool for water conveyance and flood-related projects. Dr. Dwayne Poole explained that the department is proposing changes to better account for end-of-useful-life conditions and updated hydrologic data, while still limiting the model to direct, demonstrable costs and benefits. He said the goal is to make the analysis more realistic and consistent without changing statute, and he provided examples of how project benefits could change as drains age or as rainfall and flood data evolve. Committee members and water-user representatives generally supported continued work on the proposal, while raising concerns about downstream impacts, closed-basin projects, and whether the changes would meaningfully affect project approvals. The committee then heard from John Paskowski, state engineer, on Devil’s Lake, the West End and East End outlets, and the Tolna Coulee control structure. He reviewed lake history, outlet capacities, sulfate and downstream flow limits, and explained that the control structure is intended to prevent a catastrophic uncontrolled release by slowing erosion and head cutting. Members asked about water quality trends, the length of the downstream flow constraint, and whether the Tolna Coulee area had been studied for possible natural overflow or silt buildup. The discussion emphasized ongoing flooding concerns, mitigation for affected landowners, and the need to balance outlet operations with downstream water quality and infrastructure protection.

Transcript Highlights:

• My question an online academic program.
• >> Yes. online program. The goal was to have online program.
• For example, when we first started the MBA program, to be honest with you, MBA programs are a dime a
• So, our going to happen in the future.
• </c> continue to run the Medicaid program continue to run the Medicaid program without<00:45:12.520><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its January 13 meeting and then moved through a large agenda of contracts and agreements, with members repeatedly voting to review items without objection. The chair noted the agenda included 227 contracts totaling about $89.5 million, all with vendors registered with the Secretary of State. Most items were approved after brief discussion and roll-call votes. Several contracts drew questions. Kentucky State University explained two four-month contracts tied to its online academic program: one for continued implementation support and one for marketing. University officials said the program is in a transition year under a management improvement plan, that the university owns the intellectual property, and that the marketing effort is aimed at growing enrollment in targeted programs such as business and social work. They reported online enrollment had grown from 74 students to 612, with an overall university enrollment of 2,872, and said the goal is to reach about 1,000 online students by fall. The committee approved both items, though Senator Douglas said he would keep watching university spending. The Department of Education presented a contract cancellation for administrative reviews of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program. Officials said USDA changed the review requirement from every three years to every five years, making the outside contract unnecessary because internal staff can now handle the work. The committee approved the cancellation. The Transportation Cabinet also explained an increase to a professional services contract for engineering work on a section of KY 54 in Owensboro, describing it as preliminary design and commissioning work for a multi-section roadway project; the committee approved that item as well. The Kentucky Lottery Corporation sought approval for an amendment tied to its iLottery platform. Officials said the increase reflected higher sales volume, since the contract structure causes prize and platform-related expenses to rise as sales grow. The committee approved the amendment. The Department of Public Health also discussed a perinatal psychiatry consultation program funded by a five-year federal HRSA grant; members raised concerns about what would happen if federal support changes, but no action beyond discussion was noted in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the co-founder and CEO of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program.
• I'm the co-founder and CEO of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program.
• I spent two seasons as an incarcerated firefighter, Batista, Conservation. program.
• I spent two seasons as an incarcerated firefighter, Batista conservation camp, and that's where I fell
• California has always been the laboratory for the future.

Summary: The Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several bills, beginning with AB 2483, which would create a permanent pathway for formerly incarcerated Cal Fire fire crew members to receive certification and pursue firefighting jobs after release. The author and supporters described incarcerated firefighters as highly trained workers who perform dangerous frontline fire suppression work but often leave without credentials or a clear hiring path. The chair strongly supported the bill, and there was no opposition. The committee then considered AB 1619, which would raise trustee stipend limits for retirement board members from $100 to $320 per meeting for county retirement systems, CalSTRS, and CalPERS, subject to local approval. Supporters argued the current stipend is nearly 40 years old and no longer reflects the complexity and fiduciary responsibility of overseeing large pension systems, and that higher stipends could improve diversity and participation. The bill was passed on a 7-0 vote and sent to Appropriations. The committee also passed its cleanup bill, AB 2780, making technical and conforming changes to retirement laws, and AB 2519, which corrects an unintended consequence of prior CalSTRS legislation so certain charter school employees can remain eligible for CalSTRS membership; both bills advanced unanimously to Appropriations. AB 2017, the California Eid State Holiday Act, was heard next. The bill would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in California and provide excused absences for students observing the holidays. Supporters, including Muslim students, educators, and advocacy organizations, said the measure would promote inclusion and help Muslim Californians feel seen and respected. Members spoke in favor, and the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2656 would require public employers to give employee organizations 45 days’ written notice before developing or using generative AI in represented job classifications. Supporters said the bill would ensure transparency and labor input, while county and special district groups raised concerns about scope and implementation but expressed willingness to keep working on the measure. It also passed 7-0 to Appropriations, and the meeting adjourned.