Transcript Highlights:

• This is one of several efforts that he has made in this space, and I appreciate that commitment.
• I'm sure other folks on the committee staff also helped in this space.
• on the site of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station with housing, job-creating facilities, open space
• units affordable to lower-income households, up to 6.1 million square feet of commercial building space
• Income households, up to 6.1 million square feet of commercial building space, community facilities such

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Transcript Highlights:

• craftsmanship and attention to detail have brought character and vibrancy to businesses and public spaces
• strengthens community identity, supports local culture, and reminds us of the value of creativity in public spaces
• So really exciting to have such a unique space.
• 46.240><c> unique</c> So really exciting to have such a unique So really exciting to have such a unique space
• . space. space.

Bills: SCR48 , SCR28 , SCR74 , SCR62 , SCR60 , SCR89 , SCR147 , SCR179 , SCR182 , SCR59 , SCR54 , SCR180

Transcript Highlights:

• to speak again, but like one of the ways that we can do that too is like having these aggregated spaces
• So I think having these aggregated spaces where people can learn how to do that properly and then also
• So I think having these aggregated spaces where people can learn how to do that properly and then also
• During my career, I've also spent time in the nonprofit space as treasurer for a number of organizations
• that I've gained over the last 35 years and share it with folks here in Hawaiʻi. in the nonprofit space

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard several governor’s nominations for advisory and regulatory boards. The first group included William Smith, Michelle Ige, and Kayana Neman for the Community-Based Economic Development Advisory Council; Leland Park and Cynthia Hobson for the Small Business Regulatory Review Board; and Nicole Kacal for the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation board. DBEDT and related witnesses testified in support of all nominees, and each nominee described experience in small business, finance, community engagement, or technology. Much of the discussion focused on strengthening Hawaiʻi’s economy through small business support, financial literacy, and better access to capital and grants. Committee members questioned nominees about priorities for Hawaiʻi Island and the state more broadly. Topics included agricultural infrastructure, value-added food production, shared processing facilities and commercial kitchens, workforce housing, and ways government and nonprofits can partner to help small businesses navigate permitting, licensing, and grant processes. Several nominees emphasized community impact, measurable outcomes, and practical regulatory reform. Nicole Kacal also discussed diversifying the economy beyond tourism, expanding technology and AI opportunities, and creating locally governed training and research pathways so workers can adapt to changing jobs. At the end of the hearing, the committee voted to recommend advice and consent for all nominees. The nominations for GM 608, GM 609, GM 612, and GM 613 were adopted by voice vote, with Senators Kim and Fevella excused. The committee then voted separately on GM 794 for Nicole Kacal, and that recommendation was also adopted. The hearing concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we've talked a lot about a lot of things in the housing space on how to fix some of our housing problems
• we're certainly not going to have a situation where consumers are not going to be protected in this space
• <00:08:50.360><c> protected</c><00:08:50.840><c> in</c><00:08:50.920><c> this</c><00:08:51.080><c> space
• </c><00:08:51.520><c> So,</c><00:08:51.640><c> I</c> to be protected in this space.
• So, I to be protected in this space.

Committee: House Banking & Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• Challenges in this space included meeting the budget neutrality requirement because Medicaid is less
• So we have received some quotes in this space, and we are currently re-procuring our claims system, our
• So Medicaid has a huge responsibility in that space, and so we want to be very careful about that.
• But I think that there's a lot of fear in that space.
• And that is a federal term, an acronym that we throw around a lot in the Medicaid space, because it's

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• passed some major legislation along those lines, including the mask ban, the protection of private spaces
• So that's kind of some of the work that we did in that immigration and federal overreach space.
• We moved the Peterson Step Housing Bill, which will allow more housing to be built in the space in cities
• I'm happy to say that we're in a good space and are excited about bills that the Senate has sent over
• our caucus for the bill, but I haven't vote-counted it yet because I think we have to get it to the space

Summary: Senate and House Democratic leaders said they were pleased with progress before cutoff, highlighting work on immigration/federal-overreach protections and affordability measures. They cited bills such as restrictions on ICE activity in private spaces, employer notice requirements for ICE worksite actions, housing expansion in commercial and mixed-use zones, limits on medical debt interest, senior property tax relief, grocery-store covenant restrictions, preventive health care access, energy relief for low-income households, and the proposed millionaire’s tax, which they said would support tax credits and long-term fiscal sustainability. They also noted strong bipartisan movement on many bills and said they were now focused on processing House bills in the Senate and vice versa. Several stalled or controversial measures were discussed. Leaders said the JR bill did not advance in the House because it lacked votes, though support had grown and stakeholder engagement continued. Child welfare and controlled-substance/endangerment bills were described as still under discussion, with lawmakers saying there were differing views on the best way to protect children and that some proposals were paused for further work. The Senate-side transmission and cultural resources package also ran into procedural and timing problems, with one bill ultimately not moving after a request for a full reading delayed the plan. The governor’s comments on the millionaire’s tax and the updated revenue forecast were a major topic. Democrats said they welcomed the governor’s tax ideas, were aiming to balance meaningful tax relief with a sustainable budget, and saw the forecast as providing some breathing room and more reserve capacity, though much of the new revenue would be absorbed by caseload growth and maintenance costs. They also discussed a proposed employer assessment tied to Medicaid-funded health coverage, saying it was intended to address federal cuts and shifting costs, while acknowledging concerns from employers and nonprofits. Other items included the tort-liability/survivor claims bill, which leaders said would preserve jury trials and damages while creating a claims process, the 0.05 BAC impaired-driving bill, and a pension-related proposal to terminate and restate LEOFF Plan 1, with some related transfer ideas still unresolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some brief highlights of where the insurance market has been in this space for the past year: We now
• This is a good analysis of the overall makeup of our marketplace in the property space for the past several
• It's one that you may hear a lot of being involved in this insurance space.
• Last year, it was noted by S&P Global that Florida had the lowest rate increase in the property space
• And that is on top of significant rate reductions across the entire private passenger auto space.

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance convened with a quorum present, and Commissioner Michael Yaworsky of the Office of Insurance Regulation delivered a broad update on Florida’s property insurance market. He outlined the division of responsibilities between OIR and the Department of Financial Services, then reported market indicators including 7.61 million residential policies in force, an average premium of $2,755, 1.5 million Citizens takeout approvals, and recent negative trends in homeowners rate requests. He credited recent legislative reforms, especially tort reform and the Insurer Accountability Act, with improving market stability, increasing competition, and allowing the office to conduct more examinations and investigations, recover consumer restitution, and fine insurers for misconduct tied to recent hurricanes. Yaworsky emphasized that Citizens Property Insurance has been rapidly depopulating from its 2022 peak and may fall below 300,000 policies, while cautioning that over-depopulation could create residual-market risks and assessments if a major storm hits. He also discussed the distinction between admitted and surplus lines markets, the role of reinsurance in Florida pricing, and the effect of inflation on total insured values and premiums. He said Florida has seen comparatively modest property rate increases relative to other states and noted that recent hurricanes did not produce the kind of rate spikes seen in prior years, which he attributed to a more stable market and reduced fraud and litigation pressure. In response to a question from Senator Martin, Yaworsky explained that California’s wildfire crisis and regulatory structure are not a direct one-to-one comparison for Florida, but that California’s market problems can affect global reinsurance capacity and serve as a cautionary example of regulatory missteps. He also highlighted a recent Progressive auto insurance excess-profits refund of about $1 billion to policyholders, discussed possible federal changes to the National Flood Insurance Program, and urged greater home resiliency and code-plus adoption. The commissioner closed by calling for clearer consumer disclosures and responsible oversight of AI use in insurance filings. No bills were considered and no votes were taken; Senator Hooper moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the West Gallery, I'm proud to welcome this year's space chair, Robert Solomon from Florida Technical
• They are here this week celebrating Space Day and are here today so we can recognize the Space Day Senate
• It is important that we celebrate space. Senate resolution that I had entered into the journal.
• It is important that we celebrate space and remember the incredible impact that the space industry continues

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, pledge, and several introductions recognizing guests and groups in the gallery, including representatives from Moffitt Cancer Center, students from Lakeland Christian School, space industry guests, Kappa Alpha Psi, the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators, and local visitors from Groveland and Polk County. The chamber also noted the doctor of the day and later adopted Senate Resolution 1856 honoring the life and legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson, with 38 co-introducers recorded. In addition, Senate Bill 1324 by Senator Simon was withdrawn from further consideration. The main floor action was on Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 112, relating to children with developmental disabilities. Senator Harrell explained that the bill is aimed at improving autism diagnosis, early intervention, and services by expanding screening and referral grants, extending Early Steps services, designating the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a coordinating research hub, creating grants for autism-focused charter schools and summer programs, and establishing a microcredential for workers who serve children with autism. Several senators spoke in support while raising implementation concerns, especially about provider recruitment, Medicaid managed care coverage, and the need for more research and technology support. In closing, Senator Harrell said the bill is a first step in a broader effort to improve services and research, and she addressed concerns by stating the services would be covered under new contracts and Medicaid, subject to a federal waiver, and that the microcredential would be developed online by the University of Florida with a stipend to encourage participation. The Senate then voted 38-0 to pass the bill. Afterward, the Rules Chair moved to waive rules and immediately certify the bill to the House, which was adopted without objection, and the Senate adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• SO MANY OF OUR BUSINESSES OPERATE MORE YOUR MEANING THE SPACES ONLINE.
• SO MANY OF OUR BUSINESSES OPERATE MORE YOUR MEANING THE SPACES ONLINE.
• AND WHEN YOU ARE VENTING THE SPACES ONLINE A LOT IS HAPPENING ONLINE.
• NEXT WE HAVE BARNEY BISHOP REPRESENTING FLORIDA SPACE COAST IN SUPPORT.
• NEXT UP WAIVING IN SUPPORT WE HAVE BARNEY BISHOP FLORIDA SPACE COAST.

Transcript Highlights:

• It will serve as a dedicated space where Hawaii cultural traditions and native language can be practiced
• /c><00:05:57.680><c> as</c><00:05:57.840><c> a</c><00:05:58.000><c> dedicated</c><00:05:58.479><c> space
• </c><00:05:59.280><c> where</c> It will serve as a dedicated space where It will serve as a dedicated
• space where Hawaii<00:06:00.080><c> cultural</c><00:06:01.520><c> traditions</c><00:06:02.000><c> and
• Spaces include a community computer room, learning resource center, computer literacy programs, youth

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard several Department of Hawaiian Home Lands measures. SB 2635 would appropriate funds for DHHL land development, land purchases, and mortgage or rental subsidies to address the wait list; DHHL and five supporters testified in favor, and the committee later recommended passage with amendments, including a date defect, with the measure adopted as amended. SB 2924 would authorize funding for a capital improvement project for the Kaneili Community Hall, access road, and parking lot; DHHL stood on testimony in support, Randall Ao and another online testifier spoke in favor, and the committee later amended the bill to shift the funding structure from general obligation bonds to general funds before passing it. SB 3127 would raise the state liability cap for DHHL-related borrowing and guaranteed loans from $100 million to $500 million; DHHL testified, no other testimony was offered, and the committee passed it with amendments, including a date defect. The committee also heard SB 3248, which establishes labor requirements for Aleha Products. No testifier from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Board was present, and there was no additional testimony or questions during the hearing. During decision-making, the chair noted there was both support and some opposition but recommended passage with amendments, including a date defect, and the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously. The meeting concluded after all three decision-making votes were completed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• CHAIR AND THANK YOU SENATOR GAETZ FOR YOUR WORK YOU ARE DOING IN THIS SPACE.
• FLORIDA, AND THERE PROBABLY ARE IN DOWNTOWN CITIES LIKE THAT WHERE THERE REALLY AREN'T ENOUGH PARKING SPACES
• PARTICULARLY AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE DAY IT IS DIFFICULT TO FIND PARKING SPACES.
• TO LIVE, THAT WOULD BE A REASON YOU WOULDN'T WANT TO BECAUSE THERE IS ALREADY NOT ENOUGH PARKING SPACES
• ADDITIONAL PARKING REQUIREMENTS, BUT ADU SAY OVER 500 SQUARE FEET IN SIZE WITHOUT AN ADDITIONAL PARKING SPACE

Transcript Highlights:

• Center lease space 33 3,724,973 Center lease space 33 3,724,973 3,724,973 3,724,973 3,724,973 payments
• Lease space: 878,361. Capital complex lease space: 941,150,855. Payments to OIT: 10,360,350.
• Lease space. Capital complex lease space. Payments to OIT. Page 355, House Bill 26-1410.
• Lease space. Capital complex lease space. Annual depreciation lease equivalent payment.
• </c><05:06:29.280><c> 637</c> capital complex lease space B1 292 637 capital complex lease space B1 292

Transcript Highlights:

• rural areas I don't know. ...tricky spaces.
• Cameras in personal spaces erode their dignity.
• Cameras in personal spaces erodes their dignity.
• I feel this invades the space. pharmacist colleagues feel the same I feel this invades the space of doctors
• I do not think that's how we should move in this space.

Bills: SB1041 , SB1088 , SB1118 , SB1128 , SB1168 , SB1176 , SB1189 , SB1207 , SB1250 , SB1272 , SB1274 , SB1286 , SB1428 , SB1457 , SB1461 , SB1503 , SB1519 , SB1537 , SB1582 , SB1618 , SB1654 , SB1713 , SB1827 , SCR1012 , SCR1020

Committees: House Appropriations , House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Keywords: electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, cybersecurity, homeland security, artificial intelligence, state appropriation, VPN security, zero trust, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes

Transcript Highlights:

• ways more uh space more flexibility so ways more uh space more flexibility so that<00:54:38.480><c> single
• Landowners who want more space can still have it.
• Landowners who want more space can still have it.
• </c><01:50:22.880><c> cluster</c> solutions such as open space cluster solutions such as open space cluster
• </c><03:23:24.000><c> within</c> I believe that there is space within I believe that there is space within

Committee: House Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll be the first to say that even though I've worked a lot in the blockchain and crypto space since
• I'll be the first to say that even though I've worked a lot in the blockchain and crypto space since
• They are a Wyoming DUNA, and it was a really big win for the space and a big win for the White House
• They are a Wyoming DUNA, and it was a really big win for the space and a big win for the White House
• </c><01:04:29.119><c> that</c> are all engaging in this space that are all engaging in this space that

Bills: SF0021 , SF0022 , SF0054 , SF0055

Committee: Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• in clerk's offices and freeing up space in clerk's offices and courouses<00:16:22.560><c> across</c>
• Our EDC office space and the innovation station offers opportunities for local small businesses that
• are trying to get on their feet, to have an office space that they can come in and pay a nominal fee.
• that they have an address and they space that they have an address and they have<00:32:48.480><c> a<
• </c><00:53:48.400><c> for</c> up and they're running out of space for up and they're running out of space

Summary: The committee first heard an update from representatives of the Kentucky County Clerk’s Association on the transition to electronic recording and land records modernization. They reviewed the 2021 task force work, the legislation and budget funding that followed, and the requirements for county clerks to provide online search portals and complete 30-year property record searches, with a 60-year standard expected next summer. Speakers said most counties are still working through scanning and verification, with only a small number fully complete, and emphasized that verification of records is the main bottleneck because it requires staff time and careful matching of indexes to deeds. They also noted limited vendor availability, differences among counties in what records are already digitized, and that the association and land title attorneys are now working more closely on future “continuous improvement” legislation. The clerks also raised related issues, including concerns about deed fraud as more records become searchable online. They said some counties already offer notification services that alert property owners when a document is recorded, which can help owners respond quickly to suspicious filings. They also discussed the filing document storage fee and KDLA digitization grants, saying the funding structure has generally worked but that two grant cycles have been missed. Another topic was whether, once records are fully digitized and searchable, some permanent records should remain publicly accessible or be moved to a safer archive. In response to committee questions, the witnesses said the remaining delays are less about money than staffing shortages and the need for more manpower to complete verification, and they said they would follow up on the balance in the KDLA fund and other details. The committee then received a presentation from an Area Development District representative, who described the districts as regional, nonpartisan service organizations that help cities and counties pool resources, provide technical assistance, and leverage public and private partnerships. He highlighted examples of regional cooperation, including veterans-directed care and other shared programs, and argued that the districts create efficiencies and economies of scale for local governments and the state. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Who typically serve children of mixed-age groups in the same space or classroom.
• Furthermore, the committee does recommend that that outdoor space requirement exemption for programs
• So we don't know how many spaces were opened up for infants and toddlers.
• We just don't know how many spaces. That's correct. Yes, that's correct. So is, do you know?
• now we start talking about utilizing all the space there again.

Committee: Joint Human Services Committee

Summary: The committee first approved the February 11, 2026 minutes and then received an update from the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency on the interagency council on homelessness and continuum of care funding. Testimony described rising homelessness tied to tight housing markets, low incomes, aging homelessness, barriers to rental assistance and public benefits, and limited shelter and case-management capacity. Members discussed the need for more affordable housing, continued one-time funding for the North Dakota Homeless Grant and Housing Incentive Fund, better coordination with Health and Human Services on economic assistance and human service zones, landlord engagement, recovery housing, and reentry housing. The committee also heard that federal continuum of care funding remains uncertain, with possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing and housing-first models; members asked for a future update on the impact if federal rules reduce the share available for permanent housing. The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described current screening and service delivery, including infant referrals, regional staff, short-term programs, and collaboration with vocational rehabilitation. He said the targeted screening system is working, recommended maintaining the current model, and noted ongoing challenges with staffing, public awareness, and accessible state websites and documents. Public testimony from a visually impaired resident and a deaf resident emphasized barriers such as CAPTCHAs, inaccessible PDFs, employment forms that screen out applicants based on driver’s license status, shortages of interpreters, and the need for video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training for users and agencies. Finally, the committee heard a final report on the study of child care provider licensing from HHS Early Childhood Director Kay Larson. The report summarized provider input and committee discussion on simplifying North Dakota’s child care licensing structure, reducing administrative burden, and balancing that with health and safety standards. Key topics included licensing categories, child care assistance eligibility, food program sponsorship, staff qualifications, training requirements, ratios and group size, age bands, and preschool exemptions. The committee’s recommendations included streamlining to three provider types plus a preschool designation, revising ratio and age-band rules, and carrying forward certain preschool outdoor-space exemptions. Larson noted that any changes would require statutory changes, rulemaking, and a transition period before new licensing rules could take effect.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ambulances could not pass, and congested drivers had no space to pull over.
• But if we need to, Utility and the functionality that we're having there for shared use of this space
• This is intended to deal with licensed and unlicensed haulers who dump material in public spaces, to
• And that's the space that I'd like to see us push harder. How can the companies do more?
• But a license is a privilege to operate a powerful machine in a public space.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several bills focused on active transportation, transit, road safety, and local enforcement. SB 569 would restrict removal or downgrading of bikeways built with state General Fund dollars for at least 20 years, require public hearings before major changes, and was supported by bicycle advocates and some local and environmental groups. The City of Encinitas opposed the bill, arguing it could limit needed safety fixes and should apply only to future projects; committee members discussed whether the bill still allowed safety-based modifications. The bill passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations. SB 741 would streamline the Low-Carbon Transit Operations Program by reducing administrative burden and giving transit agencies more flexibility to use funds for service improvements, fare programs, and other transit needs while maintaining oversight and disadvantaged community requirements. Transit agencies and advocacy groups supported the measure, saying it would help agencies respond to post-pandemic ridership and financial challenges. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1167, which would tighten consumer protections by clarifying that high-powered e-motos and similar motor vehicles are not e-bikes, requiring clearer disclosures and labels, and improving crash reporting. Supporters said the bill would reduce confusion and improve safety for riders, pedestrians, and parents; the Motorcycle Industry Council opposed unless amended, arguing the term “e-bike” is used broadly and the bill could affect existing businesses. The bill passed to Appropriations. Later, SB 953, dealing with vehicular manslaughter cases dismissed through misdemeanor diversion, would add DMV points so fatal conduct remains reflected on driving records; the bill was supported by the victim’s family and safety advocates and passed to Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 1218, which would let local agencies boot vehicles tied to repeated unpaid illegal dumping citations instead of using DMV enforcement. Oakland officials and community groups supported the bill as a needed deterrent, while the ACLU opposed it as punitive debt collection without a sufficient nexus to the vehicle. The bill passed to Appropriations. Finally, SB 739 would revise the Clean Miles Standard for rideshare companies by allowing CARB and CPUC to adjust electric vehicle mileage targets in light of current market conditions; Uber and Lyft supported the flexibility, while clean air advocates began raising concerns about weakening climate goals as the transcript cut off.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, in support.
• So I think it's really helpful in that space and just creating an adult kind of plan around this space
• and just creating a, you know, adult, you know, kind of plan around this space.
• So this is even more important for us to continue to proliferate green space.
• Some of the—there is not a center space in the Venn diagram between some of those values.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Summary: The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen the steelhead trout report card program, extend and refine Dungeness crab management, and clarify vessel transit rules in closed crab fishing areas. The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and other supporters said the measure implements long-standing task force recommendations and supports both conservation and coastal fishing communities. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved forward on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, set performance targets, and coordinate with wildlife agencies. Supporters from conservation, animal welfare, land trust, and local government groups said the bill would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, improve public safety, and better integrate crossings, culverts, and fencing into routine highway projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to a neutral position after amendments clarified the bill would apply to transportation right-of-way planning and not create exactions on private property. Members discussed the bill’s relationship to Caltrans planning authority and existing funding, and it was passed to Appropriations on a 4-0 vote. Senator Gonzalez’s SB 1268, which would codify the state’s Outdoors for All initiative, also received broad support from environmental justice, conservation, parks, and recreation groups. Testimony emphasized inequitable access to parks and nature, especially for low-income communities and communities of color, and said the bill would make the initiative more durable by placing it in statute. The chair and members spoke in favor of expanding outdoor access, and the bill was approved on a 3-0 vote with some members not yet voting. The committee then heard three Western Joshua tree bills from Senator Ochoa Bogh. SB 1061 would streamline relocation of limited numbers of trees without fees in certain cases; SB 1062 would require proportionate or tiered mitigation fees for public utilities and agencies; and SB 1063 would create an expedited, fee-free permitting path for basic residential utility and wildfire-hardening projects. Supporters, including local water agencies, counties, and farm and business groups, said the current law imposes heavy costs on desert residents and ratepayers. Opponents, including wildlife and conservation organizations, argued the bills would weaken protections for a species they said is threatened by climate change and habitat loss, and noted that existing administrative processes are already addressing fees and permitting. After amendments, opposition was withdrawn on SB 1061 and SB 1062, and both bills advanced on 3-0 votes to Appropriations; SB 1063 remained under discussion in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• there to assure that before just collect unions, they're quite presence in many of the health care space
• So I think we are in a greenfield space when it comes to AI and the deployment of AI.
• Padilla here, who serves on this committee, has been such a leader in this space.
• Bauer-Kahan obviously had a bill in this space last year as well.
• Padilla's hard work in this space, his tenacity, his dedication.

Summary: The committee heard AB 1979, which would limit the use of AI in health care by requiring licensed professionals to retain final clinical judgment, prohibiting automated systems from directing unlicensed individuals to perform licensed clinical functions, and clarifying medical-record privacy rules for direct-to-consumer health chatbots. Supporters, including nurses and labor groups, said the bill preserves patient safety and keeps care decisions in human hands. Hospital and industry groups opposed unless amended, arguing the bill could create compliance burdens and interfere with training and legitimate AI-assisted care. The bill was approved 6-1 and placed on call. Members then considered AB 2624, which would expand California’s Safe at Home confidentiality program to immigrant service providers, employees, and volunteers facing harassment or doxing. The author and supporters described threats, stalking, and online targeting of immigrant advocates and said the bill would let them use substitute addresses to protect their safety. Opposition focused mainly on concerns about the bill’s legal enforcement language, though the author said it mirrors existing Safe at Home provisions and does not create a new private right of action. The measure passed 4-1 and was placed on call. AB 2103 would make Engaged California a permanent statewide public engagement program. The author and the Office of Data and Innovation said it is meant to broaden civic participation through structured deliberation and transparent publication of results. Some members raised concerns about partisan balance and topic selection, while supporters emphasized the need to reach Californians who do not typically participate in hearings. The bill passed 6-0 and was placed on call. The committee also heard AB 2, a social media accountability bill for harms to children and teens, and AB 883, which would expand privacy protections and shorten data-broker deletion timelines for elected officials and judges; both drew support and opposition, were approved on committee votes, and placed on call. Later, the committee began AB 2023, a chatbot safety bill for children that would require age verification, safety audits, default protections, and limits on ads and data sharing; testimony was strongly supportive from child-safety advocates, while industry groups raised concerns about vague standards, audits, and liability.