Video & Transcript : 'Congress assembly' :
Page 15 of 443
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Member Papan?
- Assembly of Mesaedo.
- Assembly Member Stefani. Thank you.
- Assembly Member Bryan, thank you.
- Assembly Member Rodriguez.
Committee:
House Judiciary
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 29, which would extend a sunset on California’s survival-action pain and suffering remedy and require additional reporting on settlements and cases. Senator Laird and supporters, including a family member describing a medical malpractice death and labor/building trades representatives, argued the bill protects victims whose claims would otherwise die with them and that there has been no demonstrated increase in malpractice rates. Opponents from the health care, hospital, and business sectors said the measure would increase costs, create a third category of damages, and could harm access to care, especially for clinics and rural providers. After extensive discussion about the sunset and data collection, the committee passed SB 29 to Appropriations on a divided vote.
The committee then approved SB 294, which requires employers to notify workers about rights if they are arrested or detained and directs the Labor Commissioner to create an annual notice template. Supporters said the bill is needed because workers often do not know their rights amid weakened federal enforcement and workplace intimidation; there was no opposition on file after amendments removed prior concerns. SB 697, which updates stream adjudication procedures to allow the State Water Board to use modern technology instead of requiring in-person field investigations, also passed without opposition after stakeholders worked out concerns.
Later, the committee took up SB 37 on attorney advertising, which would strengthen rules against misleading ads and allow consumer lawsuits. Consumer attorneys and supporters said the State Bar’s current enforcement is too weak, while joint-advertising businesses said they support the goal but want amendments to protect their model. The bill passed to Appropriations as negotiations continue. SB 645, dealing with peremptory challenges in civil cases and extending anti-bias procedures to certain discrimination-related matters, also advanced after supporters described it as a compromise and opponents said they were still working toward agreement. SB 303, narrowing protections for bias-mitigation trainings so good-faith admissions in those trainings are not treated as FEHA discrimination, passed after several groups moved to neutral. SB 464, requiring specified state workers to be included in annual pay-data reporting to better track racial pay gaps and promotion disparities, was presented as a reparations-related transparency measure and was heard with support from civil rights advocates.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 888, Senators Lamb and Ellis, election district, General Assembly, and representatives in
- Congress reassigned to Rules. >> All right, the bill is being reassigned to Rules.
- ,</c><00:07:06.720><c> and</c> election district, general assembly, and election district, general assembly
- , and representatives<00:07:07.520><c> in</c><00:07:07.759><c> Congress</c><00:07:08.479><c> reassigned
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 9th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Assembly is now in session. Assembly Member Wallace, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr.
- Thank you, Assembly Member Wallace. Assembly Member Wallace notices the absence of a quorum.
- Thank you, Assembly Member Soria. Assembly Member Baines, you are recognized.
- Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. Assembly Member Ortega, you are recognized.
- Thank you, Assembly Member Fong. Assembly Member Gabriel, you are recognized.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, completed the roll, and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions recognizing visitors, students, and a long-serving committee secretary, Tabitha Volga-Sang, who was honored for 32 years of service. Members also took up a procedural motion by Assembly Member DeMaio to immediately consider ACA 14, the Taxpayer Protection Act, without reference to file; that motion failed on a 14-44 vote.
The main policy debate centered on SB 106 by Senator Laird, a budget appropriation to provide $90 million in one-time funding for Planned Parenthood and related women’s health and family planning services after federal cuts. Assembly Member Tangipa offered amendments arguing the money should be directed more broadly to women’s health and hospitals, but the Assembly voted 41-13 to lay the amendments on the table. Supporters, including Gabriel, Sharp-Collins, Gibson, Krell, Bonta, and others, said the bill was needed to preserve access to cancer screenings, contraception, STI testing, and reproductive care, especially in rural and underserved communities, and to offset the effects of federal defunding. Opponents, including Johnson, DeMaio, Patterson, and Tangipa, criticized the bill as lacking transparency, favoring a politically connected organization, and diverting attention from hospital funding and other health needs.
After extended floor debate, SB 106 passed the Assembly 55-10 and was transmitted immediately to the Senate. The chamber then took up H.R. 84, a resolution condemning racism after President Trump circulated racist imagery depicting former President Obama and Michelle Obama. Members from the Black, LGBTQ, Latino, AAPI, Jewish, Native American, and other caucuses spoke in support, saying the post normalized dehumanization and had real-world consequences; Assembly Member Tangipa also stated the post was wrong and apologized on the record. The transcript ends during continued debate on H.R. 84, before a final vote is shown.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Apr 6th, 2026
Banking and Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Member Shialvo?
- Assembly member Shialvo?
- Assembly Member Rubio. Thank you. The assembly member and I have had many conversations about this.
- First by Assembly Member Rubio, second by Assembly Member Fong.
- Thank you, Assembly Member.
Committee:
House Banking and Finance
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Committee Jun 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Member. Let's go to Assembly Member Rogers and then Assembly Member Fong.
- Thank you very much, Assembly Member. Now let's go to Assembly Member Fong.
- Special shout out to Assembly Member Erins, Assembly Member Addis, and Assembly Member Bonta.
- On behalf of the Center for Elders and Assembly Member Arons, Assembly Member Addis, and Assembly Member
- Thank you to the Assembly.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the 2026 Budget Act, which leaders said was the negotiated compromise with the Senate and was expected to move to the floor that evening. Opening remarks emphasized that the plan balances the budget over two years, reduces the structural deficit, and builds reserves, while also protecting core services in the face of federal cuts. Jason Sisney outlined the legislative budget framework and the likely floor bills, including AB 109, SB 110, SB 122, and SB 125. Department of Finance representative Eric Khali said the administration appreciated the two-year balanced approach and supported the modification in SB 122, while noting the package uses additional revenues and new spending to soften or reject some proposed cuts.
Most of the discussion focused on major spending areas. Members and subcommittee chairs highlighted protections and additions for health care and human services, including rejecting the proposed Medi-Cal asset limit change, delaying premium increases, restoring clinic and dental funding, supporting distressed hospitals and county indigent care, and expanding county eligibility staffing to handle H.R. 1-related workload. Education members described record or expanded support for TK-12 schools, child care, special education, community colleges, teacher recruitment, and higher education, including a change to extend Cal Grant eligibility to age 30 for some community college students. Housing and homelessness funding was increased for HAP, multifamily housing, and the low-income housing tax credit, while public safety members pointed to investments in victims’ services, restorative justice, and prison closure savings.
Several members also raised concerns or priorities tied to the budget deal. Some praised the package as a moral document that protects vulnerable Californians, immigrant communities, LGBTQ residents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Others noted unresolved issues, including the MCO tax’s impact on districts, the need for more support for local journalism, arts, biotech R&D incentives, transit and GGRF-related concerns, and the need for continued work on Prop. 98 and long-term fiscal resilience. The vice chair cautioned that despite the current progress, the state remains vulnerable to revenue volatility and warned that the budget should build more resilience against a possible downturn. No formal vote was taken in the portion provided, but the committee was preparing the budget package for floor action and final negotiations.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Business and Professions Committee and Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee May 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to today's joint convening of the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions and the Assembly
- Good morning, Assembly Members, and thank you. My name is Rebecca Franklin.
- Thank you, Assembly Member. Of course, we know you are a housing champion. You've always been.
- Thank you, Assembly member. Of course, we know you are a housing champion. You've always been.
- Assembly member... Thank you for your presentation. I look forward to it. Thank you.
Summary:
The joint hearing focused on the Governor’s 2025 reorganization plan to split the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into two new agencies: a Business and Consumer Services Agency and a California Housing and Homelessness Agency. Administration officials said the change would give each side more focused leadership, improve consumer protection and regulatory oversight, and better align housing and homelessness policy with the state’s broader housing goals. Leaders from the Department of Consumer Affairs, Cannabis Control, Alcoholic Beverage Control, and Financial Protection and Innovation all voiced support for the business-side reorganization, while housing officials emphasized that the new housing agency would help streamline funding, compliance, and coordination across programs.
Members raised concerns about timing, budget impacts, office space, and whether the split would actually reduce bureaucracy. The administration said the plan would be included in the May Revision, was intended to be cost-neutral, and would not require fee increases for licensees or additional office space. On the housing side, officials said the new Housing Development and Finance Committee would work toward a single application and more coordinated award process for affordable housing funding, while preserving CalHFA’s statutory and financial independence. They also said the reorganization would improve compliance monitoring, data collection, and coordination with local governments, including Los Angeles homelessness programs.
Public testimony was largely supportive. Industry groups representing beverage distributors, craft brewers, wine, mortgage lenders, and housing organizations backed the business-side split, and housing advocates such as Housing California, the California Housing Partnership, and the California Housing Consortium supported the housing agency concept and the proposed one-stop-shop approach. Several witnesses urged that tax credits, bonds, and other funding sources be better coordinated, and some said the plan should be paired with additional state investment and implementation resources. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- A joint memorial to the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States and Congress assembled
- and to the congressional delegation representing the state of Idaho and the Congress of the United States
- Committee, a joint memorial to the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States and Congress
- assembled, and to the congressional delegation representing the State of Idaho and the Congress of the
- And to the congressional delegation representing the State of Idaho and the Congress of the United States
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee Jul 15th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, that was the list that we assembled two weeks ago.
- Okay, let's go to Congress.
- And I think this was a compromise by both members of Congress.
- was actually introduced in Congress, and then there was a hearing on it.
- But I think a lot of members of Congress have expressed concern about it.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome, this is the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services.
- Jackson and members of the Assembly.
- All of this is context to say what we have seen in Congress is a budget reconciliation bill.
- That's what they will do in Congress when they prepare the actual budget bill.
- My personal staff and the dedicated support teams from the Assembly Sergeant's Office, Assembly TV, our
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 16th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Messages from the Assembly will be deemed read.
- And the senator from San Bernardino, who was the first Latina to serve in the Assembly as the majority
- Merced has made history several times: first woman mayor of Salinas, first Latina elected to her Assembly
- senator from San Pedro became the first Black woman to serve as assistant Speaker pro tem in the Assembly
- Suerta, a labor leader icon, or Congressman Judy Chu, the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and suspended several rules and journal requirements to facilitate the floor session and a budget subcommittee hearing notice. The chamber then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 114, designating March 15–21 as National Surveyors’ Week. Senator Grove spoke in support, emphasizing the historical importance of surveyors and their role in infrastructure, property rights, and California’s economy. The resolution passed by unanimous roll call vote, 40-0, and Grove introduced Christy Ashay, president of the California Land Surveyors Association, as a guest.
The main item of the day was Senate Resolution 76 recognizing Women’s History Month and honoring 42 women from across California. Senator Menjivar presented the resolution, highlighting women’s leadership and the need to continue advancing equity, pay protections, and opportunity. Senators Richardson, Pérez, Hurtado, Rubio, Wahab, and others spoke in support on behalf of the Black, LGBTQ, Latino, Jewish, AAPI, and other caucuses, each underscoring the contributions of women in public service, civil rights, labor, science, education, and community leadership. The resolution passed unanimously, 40-0.
After the vote, the Senate proceeded with an extended recognition ceremony for the 42 Women of the Year honorees from Senate districts statewide, with brief biographies read into the record. The session also included an adjournment in memory of James Bernard Peth, offered by Senator Ashby, who described his work as a teacher, coach, and community volunteer. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on March 19, 2026.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 013 Jan 27th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House of Representatives concurring herein, that the General Assembly hereby declares Monday, January
- </c><00:22:41.520><c> of</c><00:22:41.679><c> the</c> of the 75th General Assembly of the of the 75th
- General Assembly of the State<00:22:41.919><c> of</c><00:22:42.000><c> Colorado,</c><00:22:42.320><c
- General Assembly hereby declares Monday,<00:22:46.400><c> January</c><00:22:46.880><c> 26,</c><00:22
- Finally, honoring peaceful assembly is critical to keeping protests civil.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 021 Feb 3rd, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
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- ,</c> of the Colorado General Assembly, of the Colorado General Assembly, reaffirm<00:29:00.799><c> the
- </c> and a member of Congress and a member of Congress who<02:14:41.760><c> forged</c><02:14:42.320><
- Congress had the opportunity to have a Congress had the opportunity to have a bipartisan<02:48:48.319
- And we talk about Congress be applied.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 46 (3-13-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, the General Assembly last year passed Senate Bill 183 addressing a very similar issue, uh, to the
- ><00:13:29.920><c> Uh</c><00:13:30.000><c> the</c><00:13:30.120><c> General</c><00:13:30.360><c> Assembly
- Uh the General Assembly Bill 183 2.0.
- did in passing the General Assembly did in passing the consumer<00:20:28.040><c> the</c><00:20:28.160
- House Bill 509, Representative Heavrin, a concurrent resolution calling on the United States Congress
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Jul 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee hearing.
- It is a due pass to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
- Additionally, my team and I are closely watching legislation in Congress.
- Good afternoon, members of the Assembly. Thank you for having me today.
- Assembly Member Brian, Assembly Member Petrie-Norris, want to get you caught up while we wait for the
Summary:
The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard several bills focused on AI, immigration-related health care protections, digital financial assets, and online cannabis/hemp sales. SB 69 by Senator McNerney would create an AI-focused team within the Department of Justice to build enforcement expertise on civil rights, public safety, and legal issues tied to AI. SB 81 by Senator Arreguín would codify hospital and health facility policies limiting disclosure of patient immigration status and restricting immigration enforcement access without a judicial warrant. SB 97 by Senator Grayson would update and clarify California’s digital financial assets licensing law. SB 243 by Senator Padilla would impose guardrails on AI companion chatbots, including disclosures, anti-addictive design limits, self-harm protocols, and a private right of action. SB 378 by Senator Wiener would allow civil penalties against online marketplaces that advertise illicit intoxicating hemp and unlicensed cannabis products.
Testimony on SB 69 emphasized that California needs in-house AI enforcement expertise at the DOJ; supporters said AG offices generally lack tech-policy specialists, while members asked about the Attorney General’s role and noted the office was neutral. SB 81 drew broad support from nurses, immigrant advocates, hospitals, labor, and community groups, who argued that hospitals should remain safe places for care regardless of immigration status; there was no opposition. SB 97 was described as a technical cleanup bill with stakeholder consensus, and the main public comment focused on ensuring blockchain-based nonfinancial products are not unintentionally swept into the law.
SB 243 generated the most debate. Supporters, including the mother of a Florida teen who died by suicide after interacting with a chatbot, urged stronger protections for minors and vulnerable users. Opponents argued the bill’s definitions were too broad and could capture general-purpose AI systems, and raised concerns about privacy, cost, and a private right of action. Committee members largely supported the bill’s intent and discussed the need for guardrails without stifling innovation. SB 378 was supported by cannabis workers, retailers, and local government representatives who said online sales of untested intoxicating hemp and illegal cannabis are harming public health and the legal market; opponents from hemp and tech groups argued the bill could sweep in lawful hemp businesses and that definitions need refinement. The committee ultimately passed SB 69, SB 81, SB 97, SB 243, and SB 378, with SB 81 and SB 243 amended, and all five bills were sent onward to their next committees.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session, Day 1 (1-6-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We're making a technical change to remove the reference to General Assembly citations and replace it
- So there are not any General Assembly citations.
- citations and replacing general assembly citations and replacing with<00:11:47.279><c> quote</c><00:
- </c><00:27:48.720><c> Senator</c> office for members of Congress.
- Senator office for members of Congress.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Business and Professions Committee and Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee May 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to today's joint convening of the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions and the Assembly
- Thank you, Assembly Member Rubio. I think Mr.
- It's a great question, Assembly Member.
- This proposal also mirrors legislation prioritized by the Assembly and AB 519 offered by Assembly Member
- Assembly Member of Valencia. Thank you, Mr.
Summary:
The joint hearing focused on Governor Newsom’s 2025 reorganization plan to split the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into two new agencies: a Business and Consumer Services Agency and a California Housing and Homelessness Agency. Secretary Tamika Moss and department leaders from Consumer Affairs, Cannabis Control, DFPI, and Alcoholic Beverage Control said the business-side reorganization would sharpen consumer protection and regulatory oversight without increasing licensee fees or office-space needs. Members generally supported the concept, but several raised concerns about the timing relative to the budget process, the May Revision, and whether the new structure would add costs or disrupt legal and regulatory work. Public commenters from industry groups largely supported the business-side proposal.
The second half of the hearing examined the proposed Housing and Homelessness Agency and a new Housing Development and Finance Committee intended to streamline affordable housing funding. Moss, HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez, and CalHFA’s Rebecca Franklin argued the reorganization would reduce fragmentation, speed approvals, improve compliance and asset management, and better coordinate housing, homelessness, and civil rights functions. They said CalHFA’s statutory and financial independence would remain intact, that the proposal would not affect existing homelessness programs administered by HCD, and that the plan would be phased in over several years, with the new agencies and committee expected to become operational by July 2026. Members pressed on whether the plan would truly create a one-stop shop, how it would interact with tax credits and bonds outside the Governor’s control, whether it would include a single application and unified inspections, and how it would address Los Angeles homelessness oversight and federal uncertainties such as tariffs and Section 8 changes.
Developer witnesses strongly backed the housing proposal, describing the current system as slow, opaque, and costly. Margaret Miller of the John Stewart Company and Jeffrey Morgan of CHISPA gave examples of projects delayed or lost because multiple funding sources required separate applications, awards, and closings; both said a cabinet-level housing secretary and a consolidated funding process could save time and money and produce more units. Public advocates including Housing California, the California Housing Partnership, and the California Housing Consortium supported the concept but stressed that success would depend on implementation, adequate funding, transparency, and broader coordination with tax credit and bond programs. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and the committees heard testimony and questions on the proposal.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
- I hope that at some point Congress does that, but they haven't yet.
- Assembly Member Papan? Well, good morning. Good morning.
- And I think we talked about that yesterday on the Assembly floor.
- And I think we talked about that yesterday on the assembly floor.
Committee:
House Judiciary
Summary:
The committee began without a quorum and heard several bills. SB 41 by Senator Wiener would regulate pharmacy benefit managers by increasing transparency, banning patient steering and spread pricing, and requiring full pass-through of rebates. Supporters, including independent pharmacists and health groups, said PBM practices are driving pharmacy closures and higher costs; opponents argued the bill overlaps with recent PBM licensing and reporting changes in AB 116 and may be preempted by federal ERISA law. Members raised questions about confidentiality, legal preemption, and whether savings would reach consumers, and the author asked for an aye vote.
The committee then heard SB 378, also by Senator Wiener, which would let consumers seek civil penalties against online marketplaces that advertise illegal intoxicating hemp and unlicensed cannabis products. Supporters said online sales are undermining the licensed cannabis market and exposing children to unsafe products; opponents, including TechNet and hemp businesses, warned the bill is overbroad, could sweep in general-purpose platforms, and may raise First Amendment and dormant commerce clause concerns. The author said he would narrow the bill, remove industrial hemp references, and address strict liability and standing issues. Members generally supported the goal of protecting children and legal cannabis businesses, while asking for narrower language.
SB 243 by Senator Padilla would impose guardrails on AI companion chatbots, including disclosures, anti-addictive design limits, self-harm response protocols, reporting, audits, and a private right of action. Supporters, including Common Sense Media and AI transparency advocates, said companion chatbots can intensify loneliness, manipulate users, and have been linked to self-harm risks for minors; opponents said the definitions are too broad and could capture general-purpose AI tools, and several objected to the private right of action. Members expressed strong concern about child safety but also questioned the breadth of the bill and the need for clearer standards.
The committee also heard SB 522, which would preserve just-cause eviction protections for rental units destroyed by disaster and later rebuilt, and SB 259, which would restrict businesses from using device data such as hardware state or geolocation to set prices. SB 522 drew support from Los Angeles officials and tenant advocates who said rebuilt disaster housing should retain tenant protections, while landlords and Realtors opposed it as a burden on reconstruction. SB 259 was supported as a consumer protection against device-based price discrimination, but business groups opposed it as overbroad and harmful to legitimate pricing models. In both cases, members discussed the balance between consumer protection and business concerns, and the bills were held pending a quorum.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 29th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly is now in session. Assembly Member Berman notices the absence of a quorum.
- Thank you, Assembly Member Wicks. Assembly Member Haney, you are recognized.
- Assembly Bill 929 by Assembly Member Connolly and act in the water.
- Assembly Bill 5 by Assembly Member Berman, an act relating to elections.
- Assembly Bill 93 by Assembly Member Papin, an act relating to water.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long daily file with numerous guest introductions and recognitions, including tributes to outgoing University of California President Michael Drake, student and community advocates, and visitors connected to foster care, military appreciation, and college savings. The chamber also took up several procedural items, including concurrence in Senate amendments to ACR 75 on California Farm Week, which passed 59-0.
Members then adopted AJR 7 on protecting federal special education funding and services for students with disabilities, with broad bipartisan support and a 65-0 vote after 63 co-authors were added. The Assembly also adopted ACR 82 recognizing Foster Care Month and ACR 85 recognizing 529 College Savings Day by voice vote after adding co-authors, and ACR 89 recognizing Military Appreciation Month, also adopted by voice vote after co-authors were added. These resolutions featured testimony and remarks emphasizing support for vulnerable children, foster youth, military families, and access to higher education.
On policy bills, the Assembly passed AB 929 on groundwater and managed wetlands (41-14), AB 1026 on utility connection timelines for housing projects (52-0), AB 1332 on direct shipment of medicinal cannabis under specified conditions (55-0), AB 1356 on follow-up reporting in DHCS death investigations at treatment facilities (54-0), and AB 671 on streamlining restaurant openings through self-certification of certain plans (62-0). The chamber also approved AB 715 on anti-Semitism and school climate after extensive debate and cross-caucus support, 64-0, and AB 33 on autonomous vehicle deliveries requiring a human safety operator, 52-6. Later, AB 5 on election ballot-counting timelines passed 66-0, AB 27 and AB 28 addressing the Chiquita Canyon landfill disaster passed 61-0 and 44-6 respectively, and the Assembly began consideration of AB 43 to extend state authority over wild and scenic rivers.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 5th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Joining us as the Speaker of the California State Assembly, a warm welcome for Robert Revis.
- member of Congress, Congressman Carbajal, Congresswoman Friedman, and Congressman Gray.
- We are grateful that Speaker Emeritus from the California State Assembly are with us, Mr. John...
- We are grateful that Speaker Emeritus from the California State Assembly are with us, Mr.
- And to the distinguished members of the Senate and the Assembly, to all of our guests.
Summary:
The Senate held a special ceremonial session to swear in Monique Limón as the 50th President Pro Tempore of the California State Senate and the first Latina to hold the position. The proceedings included a roll call establishing quorum, a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a land acknowledgement, musical performances, and remarks from numerous senators and invited leaders. Speakers repeatedly highlighted the historic nature of the moment, Limón’s background as the daughter of immigrants and a former school board member and higher-education advocate, and her leadership on issues such as education, child care, labor, wildfire response, environmental protection, and immigrant rights.
Several senators, including Mike McGuire, Caroline Menjivar, Sasha Renée Pérez, Steve Cabaldon, Catherine Blakespear, and Scott Wiener, praised Limón as a unifier, coalition-builder, and effective legislator. They emphasized her preparation, calm demeanor, and ability to work across differences, while also noting the broader significance of women’s leadership and gender parity in the Senate. Some remarks referenced current political and fiscal challenges facing California, including attacks on immigrants, reproductive freedom, health care, and the state budget.
Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero administered the oath of office, after which Limón was formally introduced as the new pro tem. In her acceptance remarks, Limón thanked her predecessor, Governor Newsom, legislative leaders, her family, and the many guests in attendance. She spoke about her immigrant family, her Central Coast district, her work in education and higher education, and her commitment to protecting Californians, especially immigrants, children, working families, and communities facing economic and environmental hardship. The session concluded with an announcement that the Senate would recess and reconvene on January 8, 2026, after a reception in the Capitol Rotunda.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 5th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Joining us as the Speaker of the California State Assembly, a warm welcome for Robert Revis.
- Member of Congress, Congressman Carbajal, Congresswoman Friedman, and Congressman Gray.
- We are grateful that Speaker Emeritus from the California State Assembly are with us, Mr. John...
- We are grateful that Speaker Emeritus from the California State Assembly are with us, Mr.
- And to the distinguished members of the Senate and the Assembly, to all of our guests.
Summary:
The California State Senate held a special ceremonial session to swear in Monique Limón as the 50th President Pro Tempore, described throughout the event as the first Latina to hold the post and only the second woman to lead the chamber. The session opened with acknowledgments of statewide officials, tribal leaders, members of Congress, former legislative leaders, and other guests, followed by a quorum call, suspension of Senate Rule 55 to allow guests and media on the floor, a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a land acknowledgement honoring the Miwok, Nisenan, Patwin, and Southern Maidu peoples.
The ceremony included musical performances by Mariachi Bonitas and the Sacramento Women’s Choir/Genesis Church, after which several senators delivered remarks praising Limón’s leadership, coalition-building, work on education, labor, child care, wildfire response, and her role as a trailblazer for women and Latinas in California politics. Speakers also referenced the state’s fiscal challenges, federal policy concerns, and the importance of inclusive leadership. Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero administered the oath of office, and Limón was formally introduced as President Pro Tempore.
In her acceptance remarks, Limón thanked her predecessor Mike McGuire, Governor Gavin Newsom, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, and her colleagues, family, and supporters. She emphasized her immigrant family background, the importance of education, child care, consumer protection, labor rights, and support for working families, and said California must continue to protect immigrants and expand opportunity. The Senate then announced a reception in the Capitol Rotunda and adjourned/recessed until January 8, 2026 at 9 a.m.