Transcript Highlights:

• And three, because the intent behind this bill, the driving force behind it, is Christian nationalism
• The bill also restricts the circumstances under which district-employed attorneys may represent the board
• The attorney in the superintendent and in some districts, the auditors are the employees of the school
• I appreciate the clarification of the attorney roles, and I appreciate the removal of the NDAs and the
• It also provides that the installation of cameras under the policy constitutes security or surveillance

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Summary: The Education Pre-K-12 Committee met and took up several education bills. It first heard SJR 1104 on religious expression in public schools, which would place a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot to protect voluntary religious expression by students and school personnel. The sponsor said it would codify existing protections and not require prayer or religious activity, while opponents argued it was unnecessary, could be used to advance Christian nationalism, and could make minority-faith students uncomfortable. The committee reported the resolution favorably. The committee then approved SB 1738 on educational facilities, as amended, to require the Department of Education to review school facility requirements and recommend design and construction practices intended to improve safety and accountability. It also approved SB 824 on charter schools, as amended, which shifts the bill to a transparency-focused strike-all requiring districts to submit annual reports on unimproved land holdings to the Department of Education. The committee also confirmed appointees on Tabs 7 and 8. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 1620 on public education, described by the sponsor as a “school board members’ bill of rights.” The bill would give board members broader access to district documents and staff, limit nondisclosure agreements, clarify attorney representation, and strengthen budget transparency and nepotism rules. Supporters said it would help board members do their oversight jobs, while opponents warned it could undermine superintendents, expose confidential student or employee information, and create confusion in district governance. The committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 1170 on education, as amended, which would allow parents of students with disabilities to request cameras in self-contained classrooms and set district procedures for reviewing those requests. Supporters, including parents and disability advocates, testified that cameras would protect non-speaking and vulnerable students and provide accountability, while one opponent argued the measure should be funded if adopted. The committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also adopted a committee-bill motion for SPB 7036, a broad education package covering school turnaround, literacy, safety, early learning, instruction, and educator pipeline issues, though members raised concerns about a possible state role in producing instructional materials; the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:28:20.080><c> the</c> support paid, then you end up under the support paid, then you end up under
• </c><01:09:33.199><c> The</c> would be just under $12 million. The would be just under $12 million.
• It was additional grounds of eviction under the landlord-tenant statute.
• </c><04:35:01.760><c> the</c> additional grounds of eviction under the additional grounds of eviction
• under the landlord<04:35:02.320><c> tenant</c><04:35:02.639><c> statute.

Summary: The conference committee first met on HB 1260, a bill requested by municipal clerks to allow certain divorce-related records to be kept confidential. House members argued the Senate amendment would reverse the presumption of openness established in the Keene Sentinel case and raise constitutional issues under the state constitution’s privacy and open-government provisions. Senate members responded that the 2018 privacy amendment, the limited scope of the proposal, and modern internet risks justified the change, but the House maintained the issue needed a full hearing in a separate bill. The committee ultimately voted unanimously for the Senate to recede and adopt the House version, preserving the underlying bill without the Senate amendment, and both sides said they would revisit the topic in a future session. The committee then took up HB 1574, which extends free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs and provides funding for SNAP administrative costs. The main dispute was the Senate’s addition of $4.4 million for SNAP administration, which DHHS said was needed because federal law would shift more administrative costs to the state and could increase the state’s SNAP error rate, potentially triggering much larger future penalties. DHHS officials reported the current error rate was 7.57% for federal fiscal year 2024, below the national average, and estimated that if the rate rose above 8%, the state could owe about 10% of SNAP benefits, or roughly $12 million for a partial year and nearly $16 million for a full year. Some House members supported the added funding as a preventive measure, while others objected that the underlying bill was modest and the amendment resembled a previously rejected proposal. The discussion ended with the committee moving toward the House position and the bill’s future depending on the chamber’s vote on the Senate amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• RIGHT NOW, THE CODE OF CONDUCT IS USUALLY UNDER THE COUNTY THAT IS THE LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY (L.E.A
• The suspect who initially got away was driving at twice the speed limit.
• penalties will not change under the current bill.
• Because I distrust the badge but respect the people in House Bill 317 under the guise of...
• If you can't put your name on it, you... ...violate the tenets we created the country under.

Bills: HB29 , HB 125 , HB145 , HB171 , HB255 , HB50 , HB796 , HB363 , HB 116 , HB491 , HB589 , HB1495 , HB368 , HB 1285 , HB1905 , HB1360 , HB2002 , HB917 , HB2723 , HB2067 , HB 1238 , HB2337 , HB745 , HB 1188 , HB1606 , HB2003 , HB2147 , HB2391 , HB2355 , HB2546 , HB2495 , HB2818 , HB2249 , HB1749 , HB3109 , HB3228 , HB3240 , HB1507 , HB658 , HB1748 , HB1851 , HB1922 , HB2001 , HB2798 , HB 107 , HCR29 , SB5 , SB262 , HB 11 , HJR72 , HB 106 , HB18 , HB48 , HB27 , HB37 , HB1481 , HB581 , HB1696 , HB2216 , HB 1035 , HB1633 , HB742 , HB754 , HB1689 , HB1690 , HB2669 , HB391 , HB517 , HB 1024 , HB1607 , HB252 , HB1716 , HB1562 , HB4116 , HB1866 , HB1741 , HB2103 , HB2637 , HB2884 , HB503 , HB 1089 , HB2986 , HB972 , HB502 , HB29 , HB 125 , HB145 , HB171 , HB255 , HB50 , HB796 , HB363 , HB 116 , HB491 , HB589 , HB1495 , HB368 , HB 1285 , HB1905 , HB1360 , HB2002 , HB917 , HB2723 , HB2067 , HB 1238 , HB2337 , HB745 , HB 1188 , HB1606 , HB2003 , HB2147 , HB2391 , HB2355 , HB2546 , HB2495 , HB2818 , HB2249 , HB1749 , HB3109 , HB3228 , HB3240 , HB1507 , HB658 , HB1748 , HB1851 , HB1922 , HB2001 , HB2798 , HB 107 , HCR29

Keywords: water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection, billing data accuracy, utility validation, water audit validation, water scarcity, water management, infrastructure, public utility, conservation plan, administrative penalty

Summary: The Florida House of Representatives conducted legislative business including prayer, pledge, and voting on multiple bills. Key legislation included HB 1105 expanding Florida Bright Futures Scholarship eligibility, HB 443 on charter school regulations (passed 83-23), and HB 1539 on materials harmful to minors (passed 81-29) after extensive debate about book challenges in schools. Other bills addressed education funding, law enforcement benefits, parole guidelines, and various local issues. The Speaker announced budget negotiations with the Senate have stalled, with disagreements over spending levels and tax cuts. The House will not meet this weekend as originally planned. Session adjourned until tomorrow at 10 AM.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. ...of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under
• under the influence.
• The goal here is to actually bring this workforce out from under the shadows.
• This is a vital bill given the attacks under HR 1 and the increasing work requirements under Medi-Cal
• marketed for weight loss or muscle building to individuals under the age of 18 years old.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank the Chair, the staff, and the members of this committee. I will...
• biggest sporting events in the world, including the 2027 Super Bowl and the 2028 Summer Olympic and
• we think about the Super Bowl, the Olympic and the Paralympic Games.
• Please call the roll. AB 2492, the motion is due pass to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.
• This is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and we're the biggest state for it.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism heard three bills. AB 2113, by Assemblymember McKinnor, would prohibit unauthorized drone operation within 400 feet of ticketed outdoor entertainment events with 1,000 or more attendees, creating a $500 infraction to improve crowd safety and emergency response. Support came from Live Nation, the San Francisco 49ers, and BottleRock; opposition was limited to a support-if-amended position from the California Attractions and Parks Association and a less-amended concern from TechNet about impacts on nearby commercial drone use. Members discussed enforcement challenges and the need for a layered state-federal approach, and the bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations. AB 2492, by Assemblymember Gabriel, would create an interagency coordination framework for major sporting events such as the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including planning for security, emergencies, and reducing risks such as trafficking and discrimination. The California Travel Association testified in support, emphasizing the economic importance of these events and the need to reassure visitors about safety. Members noted the bill’s inclusion of watch parties and the need for strong coordination across agencies; it also passed 9-0 to Appropriations. AB 2130, by Assemblymember Haney, would allow the California State Athletic Commission to place sponsor logos on referee and official apparel at boxing and MMA events to generate revenue for fighter retirement benefits and related training, without using the General Fund or raising ticket prices. Support came from Combat U and the UFC, with testimony stressing that California is the only place offering this type of retirement benefit and that the bill would help support fighters after their careers. The committee described it as a targeted but important measure, and it passed 9-0 to Appropriations. After reopening the roll to capture absent members, all three bills were reported out unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is the bill. Are there any questions on the bill?
• The core competency of the school counselor is not the same as a classroom teacher.
• My other question for you is, how much influence did the counselor have as far as looking at your aptitude
• The BRACE advisors supplement the counselors, but the BRACE advisor's duty is only to focus on the student's
• interpersonal relationships become the main core element of the role of the counselor.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum and first temporarily postponed SB 920 on mathematics education. The committee then took up SB 1216, which would revise public school personnel compensation rules to give districts more flexibility in using cost-of-living adjustments, recognizing advanced degrees, and adjusting performance pay limits for educators and other school personnel. Senator Rodriguez said the bill would add tools for recruitment and retention without replacing performance pay, and several members spoke in strong support, emphasizing teacher pay, retention, and the need to invest in education. The bill was reported favorably after roll call. The committee next considered SB 1036 on school counselors. Senator Claudio explained that the bill addresses counselor shortages by removing a barrier tied to classroom-teacher certification requirements, which she said limits the applicant pool and makes it harder to recruit and retain counselors. Public testimony strongly supported the bill, including students and school personnel who described high counselor-to-student ratios, limited access to counseling, and the importance of mental health and academic guidance. Members also discussed related support roles such as BRACE advisors and the need for more efficient use of district resources and state support. During debate, senators shared personal examples of how counselors can help students identify goals and access opportunities, while also noting that many counselors are overwhelmed by administrative duties and large caseloads. Senator Claudio closed by saying the bill removes barriers for direct-service professionals and could be paired with future efforts on ratios and streamlined services. CS for SB 1036 was reported favorably by roll call. At the end of the meeting, members recorded their votes on SB 1216, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is the bill. Are there any questions on the bill?
• The core competency of the school counselor is not the same as a classroom teacher.
• My other question for you is, how much influence did the counselor have as far as looking at your aptitude
• The BRACE advisors supplement the counselors, but the BRACE advisor's duty is only to focus on the student's
• interpersonal relationships become the main core element of the role of the counselor.

Bills: S0920 , S1036 , S1216

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and first temporarily postponed SB 920 on mathematics education. The committee then took up SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation, sponsored by Senator Rodriguez, which would give districts more flexibility in educator pay by restoring meaningful cost-of-living adjustments for teachers with direct student contact, allowing recognition of relevant advanced degrees, and removing rigid performance-pay caps. Several senators spoke in support, emphasizing teacher retention, compensation, and education as a state investment. The bill was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call vote. After a brief recess, the committee considered CS/SB 1036 on school counselors, sponsored by Senator Calatayud, to address counselor shortages by removing certification barriers tied to classroom teacher requirements. The sponsor and supporting testimony described recruitment and retention problems, high counselor-to-student ratios, and the need for counselors to focus on student academics, mental health, and college/career readiness rather than administrative duties. Public testimony came from students, educators, and school personnel who described limited access to counselors and the impact on student well-being and college planning. Committee members broadly supported the bill while noting that counselors are often overburdened and that additional support personnel, including BRACE advisors, may also need attention in the future. Senators also discussed broader efficiency measures and the need for schools and colleges to improve access to guidance services. CS/SB 1036 was reported favorably by unanimous vote. At the end of the meeting, members recorded their votes on the two bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The meeting is called to order for the 10:45 agenda.
• It should be free from partisan influence, to put it within the office of the governor, or how to then
• It should be free from partisan influence, to put it within the office of the governor, or how to then
• It should be free from partisan influence, to put it within the office of the governor, or how to then
• </c><00:05:24.400><c> Aloha</c> the Aloha Stadium which um the Aloha the Aloha Stadium which um the Aloha

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Summary: The committee heard testimony on three resolutions: HCR 61, HCR 182, and HCR 183. Testimony on all three was generally supportive, with support noted from the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, ACLU, Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Renewables Fuels Coalition, the University of Hawaii, and CARES. Angela Melody Young testified in strong support on behalf of CARES on multiple items, urging consideration of county processes, financing structures, and the need for procedures free from partisan influence. For HCR 183, the University of Hawaii said it stood on its written testimony and was available for questions. The discussion focused less on opposition and more on suggested policy considerations. Testimony on HCR 61 raised questions about how physical notes or related procedures should be administered and whether the process should be housed in a nonpartisan office. On HCR 182 and HCR 183, testimony emphasized coordinating state and county financing and planning, including references to property tax classifications, general obligation bonds, and long-term statewide projects such as Aloha Stadium. At the close of the hearing, the chair recommended taking all three resolutions together. The committee voted to pass HCR 61, HCR 182, and HCR 183 unamended, with all voting members present voting aye and two senators excused. The resolutions were adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's a contingent liability based on the resale of the unit. On the resale of the unit.
• on the expected performance of the community from the actuarial review.
• So what factors do you think most influence the financial viability of CCRCs?
• But, in order, from my perspective, the most important factors that influence the financial viability
• And when will the employees? Ahead of the date on the 16th.

Summary: The commission met at Brookhaven at Lexington to continue discussing continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), with a focus on financial viability, entrance fees, refund policies, and how the industry is evolving. Speakers explained that nonprofit CCRCs have shifted away from building entirely new campuses since the 2008 financial crisis, and now more often grow through expansions, affiliations, mergers, or added home- and community-based services. They also noted that many newer CCRCs, especially nationwide, are being built without on-campus skilled nursing, relying instead on assisted living, memory care, or off-site arrangements, and that zoning and local approval can affect expansion plans. A substantial portion of the discussion centered on financial health and consumer protection. Panelists said the most important indicators of a strong CCRC are high occupancy, strong liquidity, and reinvestment in the property, with low occupancy and declining days cash on hand cited as warning signs. They described how actuarial reviews are used to estimate health care utilization and set pricing, and said staffing shortages are often a bigger financial pressure than resident care utilization itself. On refunds, speakers said entrance-fee refunds are generally paid when a unit is resold and the new entrance fee is received, and that resident refunds are usually protected even in bankruptcy, though residents are unsecured creditors. Massachusetts examples such as Reed’s Landing and the Groves were cited as cases where residents remained in place and refunds were ultimately protected. The group also discussed a pending disclosure bill on Beacon Hill related to entrance fees and refund transparency. LeadingAge Massachusetts said it supports clearer disclosure so residents understand refund provisions, and reported that among surveyed member CCRCs, the average time to provide an entrance-fee refund over the past two years was about 117 days. Participants emphasized the need to balance consumer protection with preserving the financial stability of the communities. The commission also reviewed upcoming dates: a virtual public hearing/listening session on June 16, the next commission meeting on June 23, and a later discussion planned on consumer rights, protections, and advertising practices. The meeting concluded with introductions of commission members and an invitation for attendees to tour the Brookhaven campus.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not the schools, not the types of schools, but the exact career positions.
• the Constitution but protected under the Constitution.
• Tell that to the student, the veteran, the parent, the everyday Floridian whose basic right to simply
• The amendment is not adopted. We're back on the bill. Is there any debate on the bill?
• Thank you for the testimony we heard from some of the opponents of the bill.

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary took up SB 1246, which would expand Florida’s LINE Fund for health workforce shortages beyond nursing to include broader health science education programs and students, allow matching funds from private contributions, and permit spending on scholarships, faculty recruitment, equipment, simulation centers, and facility renovations. Senator Harrell asked for more specificity about which career paths would qualify, saying the bill should be narrowed to target particular shortage areas. Senator Davis said the bill was intended to add flexibility while still focusing on health care and career technical programs, and noted the measure would not require additional state funding because the LINE Fund already has about $44 million, with another $30 million proposed. The bill was supported by several appearance forms and was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 194, which would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance in Florida. Senator Martin said the bill would recognize Kirk’s influence on civic engagement, youth leadership, and constitutional education without creating a state holiday or closing offices. Supporters, including Florida Voice for the Unborn and others, said Kirk was a significant advocate for free speech and unborn rights. Opponents from Equal Ground argued that Kirk had made racist and divisive statements and that the state should not honor him with a public commemoration. Senators also debated whether a statutory day of remembrance was appropriate and whether it could set a precedent for future requests. Senator Jones offered a late-filed amendment to add George Floyd to the remembrance, arguing that if the legislature was going to memorialize Kirk, it should not do so selectively. Senator Martin opposed the amendment as unfriendly, and it failed on a roll call vote. The committee then debated the bill at length, with Senators Berman and Jones opposing it as an inappropriate endorsement of Kirk’s views, while Senator Simon and Senator Martin defended it as a recognition of his role in encouraging public debate and civic participation. SB 194 was ultimately reported favorably on a party-line vote, with Senators Berman, Harrell, and Jones opposed, Senator Rodriguez and Senator Simon in support, and Chair Claudio voting yes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not the schools, not the types of schools, but the exact career positions.
• the Constitution but protected under the Constitution.
• Tell that to the student, to the veteran, to the parent, the everyday Floridian whose basic right to
• The amendment is not adopted. We're back on the bill. Is there any debate on the bill?
• Thank you for the testimony we heard from some of the opponents of the bill.

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Transcript Highlights:

• > Government</c><00:04:39.199><c> Claims</c> Under current law, the Government Claims Under current law
• parents couldn't file a claim under the law.
• This document was reaffirmed under Obama and again this month under the Trump administration.
• As it influencing here at the capital.
• But in this proposed bill, under the definition of public sector union, the International Association

Bills: SF0035 , SF0090 , SF0072

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, under the Civil Practices and Remedies Code Chapter 15, it's going to be where the events
• Under this bill, or any action brought under this, that's basically the main change here.
• are here for are suffering because of the legislation you have the power to influence.
• under the current... anyway.
• Under the current scenario for a law enforcement agency that is not subject to 143 of the local...

Bills: SB7 , SB14 , SB 7 , SB 14

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, if you're in Methuen, you're certainly going to make the drive, but if you were making the
• You know, if you're in Methuen, you're certainly going to make the drive, but if you were making the
• You know, if you're in Methuen, you're certainly going to make the drive, but if you were making the
• /c> wanting to do the drive up to New wanting to do the drive up to New Hampshire<00:54:23.680><c> to
• her guests weekly to drive to local businesses and highlight the beauty of the country living.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• the end of the million um and then at the end of the bayum<00:05:18.800><c> the</c><00:05:18.880><c>
• </c><00:08:06.039><c> looking</c> under the house finance proposal looking under the house finance proposal
• </c> bill one the the the large document bill one the the the large document about about about $1.94<
• end the the adjustments so in the end the the current<00:13:53.600><c> proposal</c><00:13:54.079><c>
• </c><00:15:19.440><c> the</c> Provisions to allow the transfer the Provisions to allow the transfer the

Summary: The House Finance Committee met for final approval of HB 1 and HB 2, with legislative budget staff Michael Kain reviewing the final amendment documents and surplus statements. Kain explained that HB 1474H and HB 1484H incorporated the committee’s prior votes and the Governor’s recommended sections, and he walked through the budget math for the general fund, education trust fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He said the committee’s proposal remained balanced overall, though the current-year general fund showed a projected deficit that HB 2 would address by allowing a possible rainy day fund transfer if needed. He also noted that the committee’s revenue estimates were below the Governor’s, requiring reductions and adjustments to appropriations and lapse assumptions. Members discussed the rainy day fund provisions, including a section in HB 2 that suspends existing restrictions so a transfer can be made if the deficit materializes. Kain said the committee’s approach differed from the Governor’s because the state was not below the overall revenue plan, and the fiscal committee would retain a role in determining any transfer. He also summarized that the Highway Fund would end with about a $13 million balance and Fish and Game with about $3 million, both without additional general fund support. The committee then adopted two amendments to HB 2 unanimously: Amendment 1473H, a technical cleanup to the Group 2 retirement seven-year rule, and Amendment 1482H, a technical correction to the recreational services language. Amendment 1484H, which incorporated those changes into HB 2, was adopted on a 14-1 vote after minority members objected to the bill’s broader cuts and policy changes, including reductions to state agencies, health and human services, and education-related provisions. The committee also adopted Amendment 1474H to HB 1A on a 14-1 vote after similar debate over budget reductions, vacancies, university funding, and school spending limits. Finally, the committee voted 14-1 to report HB 1A and HB 2 as amended as ought to pass, with the minority voting no and the committee planning a full House presentation the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rules</c> the bill needed to go to the Rules the bill needed to go to the Rules Committee<00:01:14.440
• ><c> the</c> commission and the and provides the commission and the and provides the duties.<00:01:29.040
• </c> influence on how the legislature influence on how the legislature procures<00:04:23.720><c> and<
• the the This<00:32:30.520><c> is</c><00:32:30.640><c> going</c><00:32:30.960><c> under</c><00:32:31.280
• going under the radar and trying This is going under the radar and trying to<00:32:32.480><c> claim</

Committee: Senate Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• looking at the bill under the purview of the document and an elimination of the program.
• extent of what we do under the scope of environmental justice.
• </c><02:00:51.760><c> and</c> language in the state I drive two and language in the state I drive two
• Licensure; they exist under the Bureaus of Licensing and Certification, as well as the Bureau of Drug
• and homeowners of their legal responsibility. 1978 under the existing epa's renovation 1978 under the

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• So you might be asking yourself, having the boards come under the purview of the division, that was supposed
• Part of the reason being is that there were one-time expenditures associated with coming under the division
• You stated earlier that under the current fee schedule they were going to be in the negative by next
• The division also has impact and influence over that.
• One of the big reasons is consolidation into IDOPL coming under one building.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> services</c> are under the vocational rehab services are under the vocational rehab services program
• Thank you, which is man managed under the which is man managed under the department<00:22:32.880><c>
• </c><00:26:21.039><c> a</c> shop under the same roof as a shop under the same roof as a construction<
• ><c> of</c> poverty rather than under the throws of poverty rather than under the throws of it.<00:32
• </c><00:59:26.319><c> the</c> with these provider centers under the with these provider centers under

Transcript Highlights:

• As of now, California continues to challenge several federal actions under the current administration
• with preemption under the National Bank Act.
• with preemption under the National Bank Act and the Federal Credit Union Act.
• And my federally chartered credit unions do not enjoy the same strength under the Federal Credit Union
• So that falls under the implementation, like I said, the contract that would be granted with the credit

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 407, which would expand the California Pollution Control Financing Authority. The author said the measure would increase flexibility and access to resources, and the bill was approved 7-0 and sent to the Committee on Local Government. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, which included AB 76, by a 7-0 vote. A lengthy portion of the meeting focused on AB 1065, which would prohibit swipe fees on the sales tax portion of credit card transactions. Supporters, including small business owners, restaurant and grocery representatives, and a payments-policy expert, argued the bill would reduce costs for merchants and consumers and rein in dominant card networks. Opponents, including banks, credit unions, and payment industry groups, argued the bill is likely preempted by federal law, would be difficult to implement, and could disproportionately affect community banks and credit unions. After extensive questioning about preemption, fraud, implementation, and consumer impacts, the committee rejected the bill on a 6-0 vote, but then granted reconsideration by a 7-1 vote. The committee then heard AB 1365, which would create the Cal Account Program, a zero-fee, zero-penalty state banking account for unbanked and underbanked Californians. Supporters said the program would help low-income households, survivors of abuse, and others facing barriers to traditional banking, while opponents from community banks and credit unions argued existing low-cost accounts and the Bank On program already address the need and raised concerns about cost, feasibility, and duplication. The bill advanced on a 6-0 vote and later received enough votes on the reopened roll to move forward to the Committee on Labor and Employment. The committee also approved AB 1052, which would create a legal framework for digital assets and address unclaimed digital property and restrictions on public officials issuing or promoting digital assets, and AB 1180, which would create a pilot program for paying state fees with digital financial assets and require a report on broader adoption. Both bills passed with broad support after brief testimony and discussion. Final roll calls later confirmed AB 1052 and AB 1180, along with AB 407 and AB 1365, were moved out of committee.