Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Bauer-Kahan. Senator Bauer-Kahan. Thank you, Mr. Chair and members.
• Senator Bauer-Kahan?
• Senator Bauer-K-Hen?
• I know Senator Papin, and we'll again continue at 1 o'clock. So, Senator Papin.
• Thank you for Senator Wilson. Senator Wilson: All right.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on public safety, consumer protection, and youth harms. AB 1557 by Assemblymember Papin would clarify e-bike motor power limits and set lower speed-related standards for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Supporters, including the California Police Chiefs Association, cities, the California Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, argued the bill would reduce severe injuries and deaths among young riders. Opponents from People for Bikes warned it could conflict with federal law, create legal uncertainty, and disrupt the bicycle market. The author and committee members acknowledged industry concerns and urged continued work on the bill. AB 1770 by Assemblymember Garcia would place large health care service plan arbitration under California Department of Justice oversight and require compliance with the California Arbitration Act. Supporters described cases where patients were forced into private arbitration with little transparency or accountability, arguing the bill would make the process fairer and more neutral. Kaiser Permanente and the Civil Justice Association of California said they were still reviewing amendments and had not settled on a final position. Committee members expressed sympathy for the personal stories shared and encouraged continued negotiations. The committee also heard AB 2075, which would require fire suppression equipment to be kept closer at hand during brush work, and AB 1864, which would require screening of gene synthesis orders to prevent misuse for bioterrorism. AB 2075 was presented as a response to a Ventura County wildfire, with support from the Ventura County District Attorney’s office and no opposition heard. AB 1864 was backed by the author, Stanford biosecurity expert Dr. Milana Trout, and Encode AI, while Biocom opposed unless amended and California Life Sciences remained neutral. Members discussed implementation details and the role of the Department of Public Health. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts on platforms with harmful features and create an e-safety advisory commission. Supporters, including youth advocates, parents, medical groups, and Common Sense Media, said addictive design features are harming children’s mental health and safety. Opponents, including EFF, the ACLU, TechNet, and other civil liberties and industry groups, argued the bill is overbroad, raises First Amendment and privacy concerns, and could limit access to important online communities. Despite those objections, the bill was moved forward after committee discussion, with members emphasizing the need to protect children while continuing to work on carveouts and implementation details.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then you'll be recognized, Senator, for your questions. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Lauren Ballard, Chief of Staff. Thank you. Ms.
• Senator Bryant, you're recognized." "Thank you, Madam Chair.
• "Senator Bryant, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• We have since, since we discovered this, retrained all of the contract staff.

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Senator Hley, yes. Senator Kun, yes. Senator Hley, yes. Senator Kun, yes.
• The Senate floor as well, and so this will give council and partisan staff some time to get some runs
• And Senator Rarick, I really have enjoyed working with you and your staff.
• And Senator Rarick, I really have enjoyed working with you and your staff.
• Senator How'sley: No. Senator Karun: No. Senator Lang: No. Senator Lucero: No. Senator Mquade: I.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Powell. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Senator Kavanaugh, thank you for bringing this bill forward.
• Senator Kavanaugh.
• Senator Powell. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Senator Kavanaugh, thank you for bringing this bill forward.
• Senator Kavanaugh.
• It died over in the Senate.

Bills: SB1216 , SB1391 , SB1493 , SB1520

Committees: House Public Safety & Law Enforcement , House House Public Safety & Law Enforcement Committee of Reference

Keywords: trauma, public safety, counseling, mental health, employee benefits, law enforcement, stress management, suicide prevention, workforce readiness, disciplinary action, appeals, termination, superior court, investigative process, reinstatement, immigration, data sharing, federal government, undocumented immigrants, visa overstays

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Brodeur, I understand you have an offer for the House on our outstanding issues.
• The Senate concurs with the House on the lines to bump as you specified for each of the Senate offers
• Thank you, Senator Brodeur, and your staff, and thank you for all your time and energy you've put into
• And I would like to thank you, Chair Maggard, and your staff.
• Thank you, Senator Brodeur.

Transcript Highlights:

• If staff will brief us on the amendments, please.
• For the record, Martha Whaling, staff to the committee.
• For the record, Martha Whaling, staff to the committee.
• If anyone does have amendment requests, just let staff know ASAP, please.
• “For the record, Martha Whaling, staff to the committee.

Bills: HB2523 , HB2606 , HB2684 , HJM4012

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: community reinvestment, housing, local funding, urban development, economic revitalization, data protection, privacy, performance measures, reporting requirements, office of privacy, social disadvantage, business certification, state guidelines, economic equity, minority-owned businesses, combat veterans, support, military service, injury compensation, veteran affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you to the Senator and thank you to all of you, members and staff of the Assembly Housing and Community
• Thank you to the senator and thank you to all of you members and staff of the Assembly Housing Community
• the Senate, which I think also indicates the priority from the Senate.
• I'm a senator. All right. Senator, me close. Thank you so much.
• We've worked with the staff. We appreciate your staff coming to some...

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and members, Michaela Andrews, JLBC staff.
• Any other questions for staff?
• Senator, or Mr. Chairman, Senator Fincham, we're happy to discuss this.
• Chairman, Senator Kavanaugh, yes and no.
• Senator Kavanaugh was waiting. Thank you.

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Budget Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Boyd? Yeah. Senator Burton? Senator Hooper? Senator Martin? Senator Osgood?
• Senator Burton, Senator Hooper, Senator Martin, Senator Osgood, Senator Passidomo, Senator Pizzo, Senator
• Senator Burton, Senator Hooper, Senator Martin, Senator Osgood, Senator Passidomo, Senator Pizzo, Senator
• Senator Boyd, Senator Burton, Senator Hooper, Senator Martin, Senator Asgood, Senator Pasadoma, Senator
• Senator Boyd, Senator Burton, Senator Hooper, Senator Martin, Senator Osgood, Senator Pasadoma, Senator

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up a full agenda of bills, beginning with SB 1286 by Sen. Wright. That bill expanded the state recruitment bonus program to include newly employed firefighters, created a DFS grant review panel, and established a PTSD institute within DFS for first-responder behavioral health. Fire chiefs, the Florida League of Cities, and others supported the measure, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee then considered SB 198 on virtual currency kiosks by Sen. Rousan. A substitute amendment was adopted that clarified daily transaction limits, registration requirements, expiration rules, and OFR authority to deny registrations. Testimony focused on protecting seniors from crypto-ATM scams while giving the industry regulatory certainty. The committee also favorably reported CS/SB 198. Members next approved CS/SB 772, which allows portable electronics limited licensees to sell eyewear insurance, and CS/SB 1504, which updates insurance customer representative licensing pathways by allowing a high school insurance and personal finance course to count toward pre-licensure education. The committee also favorably reported Sen. Gruters’ CS/SB 1038 and CS/SB 1040, which together create the Florida Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve and its trust fund framework, and CS/SB 1440, which expands public records exemptions and cybersecurity-related protections for financial institutions, loan originators, money service businesses, and credit unions. Sen. Burton’s SB 1668 on the NICA program drew extensive testimony from a NICA board member and family advocate, who urged stronger funding to preserve lifelong care for catastrophically injured children; the bill was reported favorably despite concerns from the Florida Justice Association about benefit restrictions and retroactivity. Finally, the committee approved CS/SB 570, creating a DFS task force on payment scams, after an amendment reduced FDLE’s required representation. At the end of the meeting, Sen. Burton requested to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1286, and Sen. Passidomo requested affirmative votes on tabs 3, 5, and 9; the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today you continue to serve Texas and your country as a member of Senator Cruz's staff.
• No, Senator.
• No. no senator. I have not senator. I would like to say with regard to Mr.
• Thank you, Senator.
• Yes, they do senator.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: Department of Justice, nominations, Assistant Attorney General, civil rights, enforcement, committee discussion

Summary: The meeting covered important discussions surrounding key nominations in the Department of Justice, specifically for the roles of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and the Office of Legal Policy. Various committee members took turns to express their views on the nominees, emphasizing the implications of their potential confirmation on civil rights enforcement in the country. Alongside the committee discussion, the nominees provided insights into their professional backgrounds and how their experiences align with the responsibilities of the positions for which they have been nominated.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Senate Bill 322 will be deferred. Senate Bill 322 will be deferred.
• It'll be a staff person.
• Senator Myers. All right, members, we're going to pick up Senate Bill 409 by Senator Myers.
• Senate Bill 409 will save lives.
• Chairman and members, this is Senate Bill 322 by Senator de Plessis relative to apprentices, to provide

Summary: The House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee met on May 7, 2026, and first deferred several measures, including House Bill 460, Senate Bill 322, Senate Bill 32, Senate Bill 22, and House Bill 561. The committee then took up House Bill 819 by Chairman Cruz, which would replace Louisiana’s current workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule with the Official Disability Guidelines (ODG) by MCG as the primary guideline, while keeping the existing variance and appeal process. Cruz and MCG representative Troy Prevo argued that ODG is more comprehensive, updated more frequently, and used in many states, and said it could reduce delays, disability duration, and costs. Dr. Jason Picard, the state medical director, testified that Louisiana already uses ODG as a secondary reference in many cases because the state schedule lacks coverage for some body parts and treatments, and said the bill would not otherwise change the appeals process or care delivery. Committee members focused heavily on whether the bill would delay care or improve it. Several members questioned the private-company nature of ODG, the $400 annual subscription cost, and whether Louisiana doctors would be forced to rely on an out-of-state guideline. Rep. Glorioso and others raised concerns about preauthorization delays and proposed amendments to create tacit approval when treatment follows the schedule, require payment within 30 days, and make the carrier prove by clear and convincing evidence that care was not medically necessary to challenge it. Chairman Cruz said he was willing to work with those ideas, and the committee also discussed adding an on-ramp or legacy language so current patients would not be disrupted. Opposition testimony came from injured-worker advocates and representatives of medical and labor groups, including Joseph Jola St. and Robin Krumholt. They argued that Louisiana’s current guidelines are already working, that rates have fallen over time, and that the real problem is delay in approval rather than the content of the schedule. They said ODG is overly rigid, cost-driven, and can lead to denials that shift costs to workers, Medicaid, or private health insurance. They urged the committee to keep Louisiana’s existing system and instead adopt tacit approval under current law. The bill was still under discussion at the close of the transcript, with amendments being read and no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item number three, Senate Communications. Mr. Clerk, are there any Senate Communications?
• Colleagues, if you would indulge me the opportunity to introduce them by names and their staff, and please
• </c> there are none item number three Senate there are none item number three Senate Communications<00
• of adult friends them by are the staff of adult friends for<00:13:55.360><c> youth</c><00:13:55.800>
• </c><00:42:04.480><c> so</c> our session they went to the Senate so our session they went to the Senate

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Hauschild. Senator Bill Weber, Senate District 21.
• </c><00:03:29.840><c> Senator</c> Thank you, Senator House John.
• Senator Thank you, Senator House John.
• As our Senate staff walks through the spreadsheet, if there are questions about anything that is on it
• </c><00:11:11.760><c> staff</c> bill. um as we um as our Senate staff bill. um as we um as our Senate

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Becker, followed by Senator Rubio. Senator Becker, followed by Senator Rubio.
• Thank you, Senator. Senator Rubio. Thank you, Chair.
• Senator Becker, then Senator Rubio, and Senator Richardson. Well, thank you.
• And Senator Menjivar.
• You're not Senator Allen. That was Senator Allen.

Committee: Senate Insurance

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1315 by Senator Cabaldon, the “Drive My Car Act,” which was described as a forward-looking bill aimed at ensuring that owners of vehicles with advanced autonomous or software-driven features retain the right to drive their own cars. Cabaldon explained that, after discussions with stakeholders, the bill would likely be redirected out of the insurance space and into transportation to address concerns about mandatory software updates disabling human driving. Members broadly praised the concept as a timely response to emerging technology, and there was no opposition testimony. The committee voted the bill out on a due pass motion to the Transportation Committee, with members voting aye and the bill held on call until all votes were recorded. The committee then took up SB 876, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, presented by the Insurance Commissioner and supported by the committee chair. The bill was framed as a comprehensive response to wildfire disaster claims problems, especially after the Los Angeles-area fires, and would require more accurate replacement-cost estimates, stronger optional extended replacement-cost coverage, improved building code upgrade coverage, faster claim payments, clearer adjuster communication, pre-disaster emergency response plans, and stronger penalties and restitution for unfair claims handling. Supporters, including United Policyholders, California Environmental Voters, the Los Angeles Mayor’s office, AARP California, and consumer advocates, said the bill would help survivors avoid underinsurance, delays, and repeated trauma in the claims process. Opposition came from several insurance and industry groups, including APCIA, the Personal Insurance Federation of California, the Pacific Association of Domestic Insurance Companies, the Civil Justice Association of California, and the California Building Industry Association. They argued the bill remained too broad, would raise premiums, reduce flexibility, and could worsen availability in an already fragile market, especially because of mandatory coverage expansions and faster payout requirements. Committee members questioned both sides extensively about cost, optional versus mandatory provisions, contents coverage, ALE limits, building code upgrades, and rate-setting timelines. The committee ultimately passed SB 876 as amended to the Judiciary Committee on a due pass motion, with one no vote from Vice Chair Niello and the remaining recorded members voting aye; the bill was held open briefly to add a missing vote before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Senator Becker is up. Senator Becker.
• Senator McNerney.
• Senator Umberg.
• Thank you, Senator Padilla. Okay, it's moved by Senator Jones. Thank you, Senator Padilla.
• Senator Cabaldon's last bill is Senate Bill 1159. Senator Cabaldon. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee: Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Berg, Senator Elkins, Senator Frommeyer, Senator McDaniel, Senator Neal, Senator Neas present.
• Senator<00:01:44.159><c> Wilson,</c> Senator Wilson, Senator Wilson, Representative Representative Representative
• </c> Mattingley, Representative Hail, Senator Mattingley, Representative Hail, Senator Hickden<00:02:
• We're going to start with Senate Bill 9. Um, and Senate Bill 9 does a couple things.
• We're going to start with Senate Bill 9. Um, and Senate Bill 9 does a couple things.

Summary: The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, followed by a roll call confirming a quorum and approval of the prior minutes. A special guest, Dave Eager, was welcomed before the committee moved to presentations from retirement system officials. Bo Craycraft, executive director of the Judicial Form Retirement System, gave a quarterly update on investment performance, asset allocation, and cash flow. He said the plans had held up well amid market volatility, with fiscal year-to-date returns above benchmark and long-term returns remaining strong. He explained that the plans are targeted to a 70% equity/30% fixed-income allocation, that some cash is being held for cash-flow management, and that negative cash flow is expected because of funding and contribution levels. He also said Senate Bill 183, dealing with proxy voting and economic analysis for certain votes, was not expected to materially affect the plans because of their small number of holdings and Bear Trust’s long-term investment approach. Ryan Barrow and Erin Surrod then presented for the Kentucky Pension Authority. They reported positive quarterly performance across the retirement and insurance funds, though results varied by period and remained tied to broader market conditions. They said recent asset-allocation changes had been completed and the funds were now within target ranges. On cash flow, they noted some plans remained negative or near zero, with one plan benefiting from a large appropriation. In the legislative update, they described House Bill 30 as codifying an exclusion from pension-spiking calculations for across-the-board raises, and Senate Bill 10 as increasing retiree health insurance subsidies and changing employee health insurance contribution rules for certain CERS members beginning in 2026. They also said Senate Bill 183 would likely have limited impact, though the agency would review voting policies and incorporate any required economic-analysis procedures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Questions Senator? that's what we have. Questions Senator?
• Senator Lang?
• from the senators? Senator<00:56:14.880><c> Lone.</c> Senator Lone. Senator Lone.
• </c> Questions from the senators. Senator Lang.
• senators? senators?

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Den Hartog. Mr. President, for a Senate privilege. You have the floor, Senator.
• The question before the Senate is, shall Senate Concurrent Resolution 116 be adopted by the Senate?
• Senator Rutke.
• The question before the Senate is, shall Senate Bill 1239 pass the Senate?
• The question before the Senate is, shall Senate Bill 1234 pass the Senate?

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, Senator, I'm... Council? Do you understand what I'm saying? Yes, Senator.
• The Senator.
• Senator Bankey is absent. Senator Banke is online. Oh, is he here? I’m sorry. He’s absent.
• Senator Conway.
• Senator McEwen. Senator McEwen. Aye. Senator McEwen? No. Representative Macri? Aye.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Summary: The committee approved the July minutes and then received an informational presentation from the Office of the State Actuary on the financial condition of the state retirement systems. The actuary reported that employer contribution rates are generally declining, helped by strong investment returns and reduced funding for PERS 1 and TERS 1, while funded ratios have continued to improve; on a combined basis the plans were reported at 100% funded in 2024, with open plans above 95% and legacy plans varying by system. The presentation also reviewed projected rates and funded ratios under current assumptions, noted that pension costs are taking a smaller share of the state general fund, and discussed risks from investment volatility, policy changes, and demographic experience. Committee members asked about savings from lower rates, deferred asset smoothing, and how Washington compares with other states. The committee then considered the state actuary’s recommendation on long-term economic assumptions and adopted all four recommendations by roll call votes: inflation at 3.0%, general salary growth at 3.5%, membership growth for Plan 1 funding at 1.0%, and investment rate of return at 7.25%. The actuaries explained that the inflation and salary growth increases were driven largely by higher long-term inflation expectations, while the investment return recommendation matched the current statutory assumption. Members discussed the timing of the Pension Funding Council’s decision, the effect of tariffs and inflation uncertainty, and how assumption changes would affect future contribution rates and budgets, particularly for open plans. Staff then gave an update on the LEOFF 1 study, explaining the difference between being “ahead of schedule” and truly overfunded, and summarizing responses received from DRS, the State Treasurer, and the State Investment Board on the merger and restatement proposals. DRS said both bills could be administered, though the merger bill’s COLA banking provision would be challenging until its new system is ready; the Treasurer urged caution, especially about the restatement bill and the use of one-time funds; and the Investment Board said removing assets from the trust would have some transaction costs but likely small impacts. The committee discussed whether to invite additional agencies and local government groups to testify, and staff said more responses, including from Ice Miller and the State Actuary, were expected for the October meeting. Finally, the committee heard a briefing on PERS 1/TERS 1 COLA policy and related bills from the last session. Staff reviewed the committee’s prior ongoing COLA recommendation, the SCPP-endorsed bills that would have created a one-time 3% COLA followed by an ongoing COLA, the Senate merger bill, and a separate ad hoc COLA bill. Public testimony largely supported Plan 1 COLAs and stable contribution rates, while several speakers urged caution about transferring LEOFF 1 surplus assets or merging legacy plans, and others raised concerns about climate risk and the pension fund’s investments. No further committee action was taken on the COLA item during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fateh, Senator Frentz, Senator Port, Senator Anderson, and Senator Howley.
• Fateh, Senator Frentz, Senator Port, Senator Anderson, and Senator Howley.
• Fateh, Senator Frentz, Senator Port, Senator Anderson, and Senator Howley.
• Fateh, Senator Frentz, Senator Port, Senator Anderson, and Senator Howley.
• Fateh, Senator Frentz, Senator Port, Senator Anderson, and Senator Howley.