Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sorry, request that you find out?
• All GSAs have minimum... ...or special legislation.
• North Fork Kings was created via special legislation rather than as a JPA.
• At the appropriate time, I will move the bill. All right, it's the appropriate time.
• And so if Redfin is then sending you an automated request, that's...

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Catherine Glazer, Legislative District 7. Representative Blackman: Mr.
• Elda Luna Nájera, Legislative District 22.
• I think we should spend more time lifting up met. spend time legislating here.
• However, it's not just intent that's in this legislation.
• Members, this Wednesday is the annual legislative charity softball game.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day. Members also welcomed a visiting group from Women Leading Government and adopted a proclamation honoring Deputy Warden Veronica Parcell and National Corrections Officers and Employees Week. The House then agreed to request Senate consent to adjourn after completing its work on Wednesday, April 22, and later moved into Committee of the Whole to consider bills on the calendar. In Committee of the Whole, the House advanced several Senate bills. SB 1457, SB 1808, SB 1006, SB 1018, SB 1041, SB 1345, and SB 1512 all received do-pass recommendations, with SB 1552 also receiving a do-pass recommendation as amended. SB 1006 was amended to increase the anonymous small-donation reporting threshold and add an inflation adjustment, drawing debate over transparency. SB 1018, dealing with Sharia law, prompted sharp disagreement over constitutional concerns and community impact, but still advanced. SB 1041, a strike-everything amendment on electronic monitoring in assisted living facilities, drew supportive testimony about accountability and protecting vulnerable seniors. SB 1345 advanced with amendments after discussion of licensing timelines for health facilities and removal of an anonymous complaint provision. On third reading, SB 1167 and SB 1254 passed, and SB 1763 also passed after debate over school district finance rules. SB 1315, concerning school safety interoperability and communications with law enforcement, failed on a 25-25 tie after extensive debate over whether it was a vendor-driven bill and whether it created an unfunded or poorly designed mandate. After that vote, a motion to reconsider SB 1315 succeeded by a 30-18 vote. The House also concurred in Senate requests to return HB 2035 and HB 2249 for reconsideration. The session ended with announcements about the annual legislative charity softball game, a Democratic caucus meeting, and adjournment until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The appropriation is blank, but I hope that we can find some funding or fund this appropriately.
• So we think it's appropriate to increase it to 20.
• We're not requesting a general fund appropriation for this purpose; we are just asking to remove the
• Again, this is not a request for funds; it is just a request to set a minimum loan limit to ensure that
• Thus, we are requesting increased fees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam President, I request you. Well, I feel the same way.
• Madam President, I request you. Well, I feel the same way.
• Number one, this amendment does not condition release from the fund on further legislative appropriation
• It would constitute a legislative veto.
• Next: making appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 to revive and supplement certain existing appropriations

Summary: The Senate considered a supplemental appropriations bill and a series of amendments focused on education, health, transportation, and tax administration. Senator Kennedy spoke in support of increasing funding for DTA caseworkers to improve SNAP access and reduce errors, citing food insecurity and staffing shortages, but then withdrew the amendment by unanimous consent. Senator O’Connor’s amendment providing $500,000 for Free Period to supply menstrual products in public schools was adopted, as was Senator Miranda’s $1 million METCO transportation and student support amendment. Senator Collins withdrew an amendment to extend paid family and medical leave and unemployment insurance to graduate student workers. Other adopted amendments included funding for Bridgewater Middle School water filtration, Randolph High School restroom improvements, Uffum’s Corner Health Center, and NeighborHealth’s student pharmacy technician program. Several amendments were debated and rejected after standing votes. Senator Tarr proposed oversight and reporting requirements for the Group Insurance Commission and the MBTA deficiency fund, as well as a 90-day notice requirement for tax-code decoupling with major fiscal impacts; all were opposed and not adopted. Senator Rodrigues and Senator Crighton argued that the GIC and MBTA already have oversight mechanisms and need flexibility, while Tarr argued the measures would improve transparency and fiscal discipline. Senator DiDomenico withdrew a Chapter 70 education funding amendment after speaking about declining enrollment, school funding losses, and the need to protect gateway city districts; he also used the opportunity to reaffirm support for gender-affirming care funding. Senators Collins and others echoed concerns about school funding inequities and the need for future action. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Arthur H. Tobin, a former Quincy mayor, state representative, state senator, and longtime clerk magistrate of Quincy District Court, with a detailed tribute to his public service and military record. After all amendments were resolved, the Senate substituted the new draft, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed House No. 5280 to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35-4. The chamber then agreed to adjourn until the following Monday at 11 a.m., with the clerk directed not to print a calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have any legislation now other than legislation that needs to be third read or final read.
• Please move the Appropriations Committee amendment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• I recommend the Appropriations Committee amendment be adopted.
• I recommend that the Appropriations Committee amendment be adopted. Thank you.
• We voted on a piece of legislation today that helps them.

Summary: The House met, opened with prayer and the Pledge, approved the prior journal, and first took up a motion to request Senate consent for an extended adjournment. Representative Volk opposed the motion, arguing members should keep working on unfinished business, while Speaker Montenegro said the House had completed its current budget work and was waiting on the governor to return to negotiations. The motion passed 31-20, and the House also agreed to a related Senate adjournment request and to return HB 2415 to the Senate for reconsideration. The chamber then went into Committee of the Whole and considered several Senate bills. SB 1199, concerning the Salt River wild horse herd, was amended to pause removals for a genetic diversity study and received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1399 on Medicaid spending transparency, SB 1496, SB 1497, SB 1582, SB 1713, and SB 1798 were also amended and advanced. SB 1713 drew the most debate, with supporters saying it would expand pharmacist access to basic care and improve rural and veteran access, while opponents warned it expanded scope of practice beyond pharmacists’ training. The House later adopted the Committee of the Whole report, ordered several bills engrossed, and sent SB 1399 to third reading. In a second Committee of the Whole, SB 1214 and SB 1670 were further amended and advanced. The House then moved to third reading and voted on multiple bills. SB 1006, SB 1037, SB 1171, SB 1242, SB 1270, SB 1419, SB 1429, SB 1445, SB 1452, SB 1478, and SB 1566 passed, while SB 1099 and SB 1635 failed on the initial vote. Members then used reconsideration motions to place SB 1006 and SB 1635 back on the third-reading calendar. The session ended with personal privilege remarks recognizing correctional officers, Cinco de Mayo guests, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness Day, and other tributes, followed by adjournment until June 1, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The FAA says that in the last legislative session, $82 million of appropriations theoretically to aviation
• The FAA says that in the last legislative session, $82 million of appropriations theoretically to aviation
• And the last line is whether... ...subject to appropriation.
• The bill before you is Senate Bill 6231, which is Governor Request legislation, limiting the sales and
• The bill before you is Senate Bill 6228, which is governor request legislation repealing the preferential

Bills: SB5989, SB5898, SB6240, SB6244, SB6231, SB6228, SB6220

Keywords: aircraft fuel tax, tax revenue distribution, aviation funding, transportation, state revenue, aeronautics, taxation, aircraft fuel, state funding, aviation fuel, hazardous substance tax, air quality, noise mitigation, environmental impact, tax exemption, agriculture, hazardous substances, crop protection, warehousing, data center

Transcript Highlights:

• So no new funding was appropriated for this program, for the CC program, in the 2025 legislative session
• extension requests.
• This is something that the legislature appropriates from me in the earnings each legislative session.
• And so we'll be adjusting our numbers and looking at that as we put together that appropriation request
• On legislatively directed programs, as Don mentioned a minute ago, we have a substantial number of legislatively

Summary: The committee received a compliance and budget update on Industrial Commission agencies and programs, including the Industrial Commission administrative office, the Oil and Gas Research Program, the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, the State Energy Research Center, the Research Technology Park grant program, and related funds. Staff reviewed spending and balances for items such as electric grid resiliency grants, lignite research, enhanced oil recovery, the salt cavern business case study, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members also discussed timing, carryover balances, matching requirements, and how some programs are structured to reimburse projects over several years rather than spend funds immediately. Karen Tyler of the Industrial Commission described the agency’s administrative budget, the grant management system nearing completion, and the transition to standalone audits and staffing after separating from other agencies. She also outlined the status of active grant rounds across lignite, oil and gas, renewable energy, outdoor heritage, and clean sustainable energy programs. Members asked about the length of active grants, demand for clean energy funding, and the possibility of future grant rounds. Tyler and members also discussed the salt cavern study, the need to better define its commercial value, and the research technology park grant’s cash-match requirement. Ron Ness then testified on enhanced oil recovery and broader oil and gas market conditions. He said North Dakota production remained steady, but future growth depends on infrastructure, longer laterals, and better use of natural gas and carbon dioxide for EOR. He described the state’s EOR grant round, the use of federal DOE funding to replace part of a state-funded project, and the expectation of additional grant rounds. Members asked about CO2 supply, storage, and the economics of using legacy fields and pipelines to extend oil production and support agriculture and industrial uses. The committee also heard from Bank of North Dakota President Don Morgan, who reviewed the bank’s mission, governance, lending verticals, disaster programs, and new initiatives. He said the bank is seeing deposit growth flatten and is responding to fintech competition by focusing on liquidity, risk management, and a new payment infrastructure initiative called Rough Rider Coin, which he emphasized is not crypto and not a public coin, but a banking payment rail for North Dakota institutions. Members asked about student loan rates, disaster lending, and how the bank’s lines of credit and balance sheet capacity are affected by deposit trends. Morgan said the bank remains profitable and continues to support agriculture, commerce, and industry through participation loans, student lending, and state-directed programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator from Lincoln: Yeah, at the appropriate time, Mr.
• Can we ask them how this amendment would affect the bill at the appropriate time?
• If not, it appears to be the appropriate time? Regarding the amendment.
• Can we ask them how this amendment would affect the bill at the appropriate time?
• If not, it appears to be the appropriate time? regarding the amendment.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the committee, Senator Rasmusson. legislation is not a discussion about legislation is not
• </c> important to a functioning legislative important to a functioning legislative body.<00:07:23.320
• </c><01:08:50.600><c> to</c><01:08:50.719><c> this</c> requested on the amendment to this requested on
• </c> on um you know, what is appropriate on um you know, what is appropriate behavior<01:16:02.520><c
• ,</c><01:16:15.440><c> um</c> are not behaving appropriately, um are not behaving appropriately, um I'll

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Rules and Administration Committee met on March 19, 2026, to consider the referral path for Senate File 4139, the sports betting bill, rather than the substance of the proposal. Senator Franzen, the bill’s chief author, asked that the bill be referred first to the Commerce Committee, saying he had discussed the matter with the relevant committee chairs and that Commerce was the best place to address the bill’s consumer protection provisions. He emphasized that any final path to passage would still require the bill to go through State and Local Government as well. Senator Rasmusson objected and argued the bill should go first to State and Local Government, citing Senate jurisdiction rules, which he said assign gambling bills to that committee. He noted that prior sports betting bills had been referred there first and said a predictable referral process is important. Senator Maye Quade, Senator Dibble, Senator Bar, and Senator Jasinski also supported sending the bill to State and Local Government first, arguing that the committee has primary jurisdiction over gambling and that the bill’s consumer protection language does not change that basic referral. Senator Champion and Senator Miller supported the Commerce referral, saying authors may request an initial committee and that the bill’s consumer protection sections fit Commerce jurisdiction. Senator Marty moved to re-refer Senate File 4139 to the Committee on State and Local Government. Before the vote, members continued debating whether the bill’s structure and prior referral history justified Commerce or whether committee jurisdiction rules required State and Local Government first. The transcript ends with the motion pending and no final vote or disposition shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm available to answer any questions, and I respectfully request your aye vote.
• The motion is due pass and we refer to the Committee on Appropriations. McKinner, aye.
• We request a no vote on AB 340 today for three primary reasons.
• The motion is do pass and be referred to the Committee on Appropriations. McKinner aye.
• For this reason, I respectfully request your aye vote. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement met for its first hearing of the session, adopted committee rules, and heard several labor-related bills. The chair reviewed hearing procedures, including limits on testimony and expectations for orderly conduct. Members then took up measures affecting public employee bargaining, contracting, confidentiality, school employee benefits, pay stub information, and state correctional health staffing. AB 672 would require public employers to notify PERB when filing court actions involving statutes PERB administers and allow PERB to intervene; it drew support from SEIU, AFSCME, school employees, labor groups, and no opposition, and was passed out of committee. AB 283 would move IHSS bargaining from the county to the state level; providers and recipients testified about low wages, long delays in bargaining, and care access concerns, while counties and public authorities raised cost, scope, and implementation issues. The bill passed 7-0 after members discussed family care worker concerns and the author said he would continue working on the issue. AB 339 would require local governments to give unions 120 days’ notice before contracting out bargaining-unit work. Labor supporters said the bill would make existing meet-and-confer rights meaningful and protect jobs, while counties, cities, special districts, chambers of commerce, and staffing groups argued it would burden local agencies and interfere with existing MMBA procedures. The committee also heard AB 340, which would make communications between employees and union representatives confidential for PERB purposes; supporters said it codified existing case law, while school administrators, special districts, counties, and business groups warned it could hinder investigations. AB 378 would extend the classified school employees summer assistance program to JPA employees, and AB 374 would require more detailed pay stubs for classified school employees; both had labor support and some education-sector opposition over implementation and cost concerns, and both advanced. AB 393 would require cost analyses before contracting out physician work at CDCR and the Department of State Hospitals; supporters argued the state was overpaying contractors amid high vacancy rates, and the bill also advanced. At the end of the hearing, the committee recorded final votes showing AB 283, AB 340, AB 374, AB 378, AB 393, and AB 672 all passing out of committee, while AB 339 remained on hold with a 4-0 vote and some members not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Advising days, if that's appropriate.
• The program remains subject to appropriation.
• Only $13 million was available, covering just 19% of the request statewide.
• That's why I'm introducing this legislation. Senate Bill 59.
• That's why I'm introducing this legislation.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several education bills. SB 5841 would require students’ high school and beyond plans to show completion of at least one FAFSA or WASFA application, or a parent/guardian opt-out. The sponsor and supporters said it would reduce barriers to postsecondary education, improve financial aid completion, and bring more students and federal dollars into the state. School groups opposed it, warning it would add an unfunded administrative burden and create verification challenges, especially for small districts and families with undocumented students. Senators discussed data-sharing from the Washington Student Achievement Council and noted the bill’s connection to existing FAFSA outreach efforts. The committee then took testimony on SB 5922, which would let districts petition OSPI to transfer money from transportation vehicle funds to other district uses if they reduce their fleet because of enrollment declines. The sponsor said the bill would free up unused bus funds for other pressing needs. Members asked about whether districts could shift to smaller vehicles and how the funds could be used. The committee also heard SB 5858, which would move the pupil transportation safety net for special passengers into statute. Supporters from OSPI, districts, school directors, and PTA said the program is essential for transporting students with disabilities, homelessness, or foster care needs, and that current funding is far below demonstrated need. No votes were taken on these bills. Finally, the committee heard SB 5943, which would allow limited use of school impact fees for modernization and, in districts under binding conditions or enhanced financial oversight, for up to 25% of operations and maintenance. The sponsor and one superintendent argued it would help districts with aging buildings and new state mandates like safety and energy-efficiency requirements. Builders, business groups, and school coalition representatives opposed the bill, saying impact fees should remain tied to growth-related capital costs and warning it could worsen housing affordability and weaken the nexus required for impact fees. The chair closed by noting the session’s budget constraints and the committee adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, I respectfully request an aye vote.
• I respectfully request an aye vote.
• making it age appropriate.
• The intent of the original legislation was clear.
• The intent of the original legislation was clear.

Summary: The committee heard SB 1067, which would require annual math screening for kindergarten through second grade students beginning in 2028-29 to identify early numeracy difficulties and connect students to evidence-based supports. Senator Weber and supporters, including EdVoice, UC Davis researcher Charles Wilkes, and several education and community advocates, argued that California’s math performance is too low and that early screening would help close gaps before they widen. Opponents, including the California Mathematics Council, county superintendents, and the CTA, said the bill could narrow instruction, overemphasize deficit-based measures, and should instead be paired with stronger investments in teacher training and implementation of the California Mathematics Framework. Committee members generally expressed support for the bill’s goals while discussing how the screener would work and what kinds of follow-up supports would be needed. The committee also heard SB 1110 on child care subsidy administration, which would restructure funding for alternative payment programs and core contracts as the state moves to enrollment-based funding. Supporters said the bill would stabilize child care providers, improve payment timelines, and better reflect the administrative work of enrolling families and managing services; there was no opposition testimony. SB 1374, supported by the CSU and UC systems, would allow public higher education institutions to seek temporary restraining orders when credible threats are directed at a campus rather than a specific person. Supporters described recent campus threats that created safety concerns but did not fit current restraining-order law; there was no opposition. Senator Nilo presented SB 1321, which would direct the State Auditor to review remedial course use and student preparedness at selected UC and CSU campuses after a UC San Diego report showed a sharp decline in incoming students’ math readiness. Supporters argued the audit would help identify gaps in college readiness and the effects of K-12 changes, while some members raised concerns about bypassing the usual legislative audit process; the bill was held on call. The committee then took up SB 1086 on microschools, which would define microschools and direct model ordinances for local land-use regulation. Supporters said it would create a clearer path for small, individualized learning communities, but several members questioned whether the concept was sufficiently defined and whether the state had enough information to draft model ordinances; the bill was also placed on call after a quorum was established. Finally, SB 1181 was presented as a limited pilot program in Central Valley counties to connect schools with regional threat assessment centers when credible safety concerns arise. The author and supporters, including the mother of a student killed in a shooting and several students, said it would improve early intervention and communication; committee members raised privacy and federal-sharing concerns but indicated support, and the bill was moved forward on a vote once quorum was present.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our first order of business will be to adopt committee rules for the 2025-26 legislative session.
• The motion is do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Appropriations with a recommendation to
• The motion is do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Appropriations with a recommendation to
• The HESA payments are payments made at the request on or behalf of an official for a legislative, governmental
• For these reasons, Attorney General Bonta requests an aye vote on AB 331. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on March 26, 2025, adopted its 2025-26 committee rules, and approved a five-bill consent calendar. The committee then heard several election-related measures focused on transparency, accessibility, and election administration. AB 775 (Fong) would modernize behested payment reporting by extending filing deadlines, requiring direct filing with the FPPC in most cases, and improving online public access; the FPPC chair testified in strong support, and the bill drew no opposition. AB 287 (Lackey) would require vote centers and polling places to provide accessible parking and curbside voting accommodations for voters with disabilities; Los Angeles County election officials and Disability Rights California supported the bill, while LAUSD raised concerns about parking shortages and storage costs and requested amendments. AB 331 (Pellerin) would clarify that certification of election results is a ministerial duty, address misleading ballot return envelopes, and ensure voter information guides reach incarcerated voters in a usable format; the Attorney General’s office sponsored the bill, while the Secretary of State expressed concerns about the feasibility of a state takeover of county canvassing and said it was working on a solution with the author. The committee members generally supported the bills, emphasizing transparency, voter access, and election integrity. AB 775 and AB 287 both received favorable votes after brief discussion, with members noting the importance of transparency in campaign-related reporting and accessibility for voters with disabilities. AB 331 also passed, though the Secretary of State’s office flagged implementation concerns about the proposed certification backstop and the lack of state equipment and staff to canvass ballots. The chair indicated she would continue working with the Secretary of State and other stakeholders on amendments or a workable remedy. All items ultimately passed out of committee. AB 775 was approved 5-0 and re-referred to Appropriations, AB 287 passed 6-0, and AB 331 passed 6-0 and was re-referred to Public Safety. The committee also later confirmed the votes of absent members and adjourned after all agenda items were disposed of.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is due pass to the Committee on Appropriations. Please call the roll.
• And this is due pass to the Committee on Appropriations. Please call the roll.
• This is due pass to the Committee on Appropriations. If we can have a roll call.
• The motion is do pass to the Committee on Appropriations.
• The action is do pass to the Committee on Appropriations. Chair voting aye.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• budget, and so I respectfully request your I vote on AB 109.
• Even the legislative analyst has indicated that it's not sustainable.
• The failure of the governor and the failure of the legislation such as AB 109 to appropriately fund Prop
• Thank you, and I respectfully request your aye vote.”
• SB 125 is a key component of the legislative budget.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On line 149 is a an appropriation appropriation appropriation uh<00:24:23.360><c> to</c><00:24:23.600
• </c><00:58:32.799><c> Uh</c> the amount that is appropriated. Uh the amount that is appropriated.
• </c><00:59:58.480><c> Uh,</c> appropriation to be expended. Uh, appropriation to be expended.
• </c> appropriation authority uh still exists. appropriation authority uh still exists.
• auditor to the definition of legislative auditor to the definition of requesting<01:21:24.800><c> agency

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• UC San Diego's share of the UC system-wide state appropriation is about $500 million.
• When you take that, and you take the legislative earmarks that we have...
• We honor all legislative earmarks going back to the 80s.
• So we have the Department of Finance, Legislative Analyst's Office.
• Does the Legislative Analyst have some comments? Yes, Ian Klein with the LAO.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A fiscal note was requested this morning.
• they do choose to vote in their home state... registering to vote and then also requesting how to request
• It's up on the student's request, right?
• Will call request? OK? So Chair Freiberg requests a roll call.
• First of all, I'd like to request a roll call Roll call has been requested.

Bills: HF2185, HF1849, HF3719, HF3721, HF3845, HF3720

Keywords: flag display, residential property rights, homeowners association, HOA, covenants, restrictive covenant, deed restriction, subdivision regulation, local ordinance, rental agreement, property rights, patriotic display, United States flag, Minnesota flag, POW/MIA flag, military flags, armed forces flag, Blue Star flag, Gold Star flag, common interest community

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, at the request of the bill sponsor.
• It's a pretty simple piece of legislation.
• I find those really appropriate.
• What's appropriate?
• I just—that's appropriate.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 27 and March 3. It then took up House Bill 785, which would expand the definition of inappropriate online behavior by students to include online conduct directed at public school employees and other specified persons, and would give school boards disciplinary options. Representative Redmond said the bill was prompted by teachers facing vulgar or defamatory online attacks, and State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield supported the measure. After brief questions about public records and school board discretion, the committee voted to send HB 785 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee next introduced RS 33-6-23, brought by Representative Harris, to loosen statutory hour requirements for career and technical education instructors so schools have more flexibility in recruiting trade professionals. The motion to introduce the RS passed without objection. The main discussion centered on House Bill 784 and its RS, which would require daily recess for elementary students and unstructured activity time for middle school students, while also barring recess from being withheld for discipline except when the misconduct occurred during recess. Representative Redmond argued recess improves focus, behavior, and health, and cited research and parent complaints about recess being withheld. Several members raised concerns that the language was too broad and could limit teacher discretion for classroom management, especially for minor misconduct outside recess. Superintendent Critchfield supported the bill and said guidance could help educators use other disciplinary tools, noting that some students already cannot lose recess under their learning plans. John Mason of FGA Action testified in support, emphasizing the academic and health benefits of recess. After extended debate, the committee voted to hold HB 784 in committee and then voted to send RS 33620 to the floor for second reading, with some members indicating concern that the RS was hostile to the underlying bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• We respectfully request your support for AB 1539. Thank you very much.
• We respectfully request your support for AB 1539. Thank you very much.
• And I am happy to motion at the appropriate time.
• Motion is due pass to the Committee on Appropriations.
• Motion is due pass to the Committee on Appropriations.

Summary: The committee heard several election and democracy-related bills. AB 1116 would expand California’s online voter registration system to allow eligible voters without a DMV-issued ID to register using the last four digits of their Social Security number and an uploaded signature image. Supporters said it would improve access, reduce paper processing, and save money; opponents, including the Secretary of State’s office and county officials, raised concerns about cybersecurity, implementation, and identity verification. The bill was moved on a 2-1 vote to the Committee on Appropriations. AB 1539 would require political party representatives to certify, under penalty of perjury, that presidential and vice presidential nominees meet constitutional term-limit requirements. Supporters framed it as a safeguard against attempts to place ineligible candidates on the ballot, while opponents called it unnecessary and politically motivated. The committee voted 2-1 to send the bill to the Committee on Public Safety. The committee also approved AB 1562, which would let counties randomly select registered voters to serve as poll workers if their board of supervisors approves, and AB 1664, which would require prompt notice to the Secretary of State and Attorney General when election records or voting systems are subject to warrants, subpoenas, or investigations. AB 1562 passed 2-0 to the Committee on Transportation, and AB 1664 passed 2-1 to the Committee on Public Safety despite opposition from sheriffs’ representatives who argued it raised separation-of-powers concerns. Later, AB 1853, which would restrict candidate statements in voter information guides to factual background and qualifications and bar hateful or misleading content, passed 2-1 to the Committee on Rules for further consideration in Judiciary. AB 1919, allowing voters in the Santa Cruz Metro district to decide on transit funding procedures, and AB 2484, allowing San Diego MTS voters to authorize a local transit tax through initiative, also advanced on 3-1 votes to the Committee on Transportation. The committee additionally approved a consent agenda containing AB 1789, AB 2592, AB 2655, and AB 2785.