Transcript Highlights:

• has a zero on there, and that hurts the school's accountability record.
• So we want to make sure that it's not a zero. It matches where they went.
• We don't want to give these schools zeros when actually they transferred to another school.
• So a zero means dropped out? Yes, yes. Fell out of the system. We don't know where they are.
• Well, it affects—well, they want to make sure it's not a zero, if I'm saying.

Bills: HR175, HCR81, SB105, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB522

Keywords: TOPS, education funding, workforce development, postsecondary education, Louisiana Works, tech training, declining enrollment, public schools, school districts, Louisiana Department of Education, state superintendent, school closures, budget cuts, teacher layoffs, school consolidation, education policy, enrollment decline, birth rates, migration, private schools

Transcript Highlights:

• Ayes, 36; noes, zero. The resolution is adopted.
• Noes, zero. The appointment is confirmed. Please... Aye, 37; no, zero.
• Ayes, 37; noes, zero. The appointment is confirmed.
• Ayes, 37; noes, zero. The appointment is confirmed.
• Ayes, 37; noes, zero. The consent calendar is adopted. Moving into committee announcements.

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized the YMCA on its 175th anniversary and later welcomed officials from the city of Lindsay. The chamber then moved through confirmations for Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission; all three appointments were confirmed after roll calls. The Senate also adopted a consent calendar of bills and resolutions without objection. On the floor, senators debated Senate Joint Resolution 12 opposing federal offshore oil and gas leasing off California. Supporters argued offshore drilling would threaten coastal environments and public participation, while opponents said California’s energy shortages and affordability problems require more in-state production. The resolution passed. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 118 urging release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files to promote transparency and accountability for survivors, and Senate Resolution 99 declaring April 21, 2026, California Agriculture Day, with broad praise for the state’s agricultural industry and concerns raised about water, farmland loss, and farmworker treatment. Finally, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 100 designating April 16, 2026, as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness to highlight child sexual abuse prevention, mandated reporting, and survivor support. The chamber then adjourned in memory of Rob Trice and Alwyn Ben Holman, honoring their service and community impact. The session concluded with announcements of upcoming budget subcommittee meetings and notice that the Senate would reconvene on April 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The noes are zero. That appointment is confirmed. Now we'll move on to Senate third reading.
• The noes are zero. That is adopted. Under privileges of the floor, I believe you have some guests.
• Seeing no objections, the ayes are 36, the noes are zero, the resolution is adopted.
• Seeing no objection, the ayes are 36, the noes are zero on the measure.
• The ayes are 36, the noes are zero on the urgency. The measure passes.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Goodwin, Senator Green Senator Reinhardt, Vice Chairman Haste, Chairman Hall With a total of nine ayes, zero
• Some office buildings were listed as having zero square feet.
• A few of such zero square feet entries also reported that their building was being used at 100% utility
• Some entries reported the building had zero cost.
• You will see some reported zero or over utilization in 200.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That money is being used outside of that, and there's zero accountability.
• whole, period, whether it's schools, whether it's parks, whether it's whatever, and right now we have zero
• We've got zero dollars in operational funds for this fiscal current year, and it looks like we're going
• to get zero dollars next year.
• And, you know, when you hit zero, the only option that we have is to go up for supplemental levies and

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 10 and 11, 2026. It then heard House Bill 634 from Representative Kyle Harris, which would require funds appropriated for specific education purposes to be used only for those purposes, with any misused money to be repaid or offset. Harris argued the bill was about legislative control and accountability over taxpayer dollars, while several members questioned whether it would limit local flexibility, especially for charter schools and districts facing changing needs. Testifiers from the Idaho Association of School Administrators and the Idaho Charter School Network opposed the bill, saying it would reduce local discretion, complicate budgeting, and undermine charter school flexibility and accountability structures already in place. Some members supported the bill as a way to prevent money from being shifted away from intended uses, while others argued existing audits and local school boards already provide oversight. After debate, the committee first voted on a substitute motion to send HB 634 to the floor with a due pass recommendation; that motion failed. The committee then voted to hold HB 634 in committee, and that motion passed 10-3. Representative Harris and Representative Monica Church then presented a related RS, which Church said would improve transparency by tightening how instructional and administrative staff are defined so teacher salary increases are not diverted to non-classroom roles. After brief discussion, Representative Pickett moved to introduce RS 33152C1, and the committee approved the motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Howard jett k ir t manakieieri madamelo leaderdaniels Vice Chair Devers, Chairman Rader, 12 ayes and zero
• I received 12 ayes and zero nay votes.
• Ak, ie, ie, i, vice chair divers, chairman rader, 1211 yes and zero nays. 12 haven't received Lebanon
• and zero nay votes.
• Senate Bill 1989 having received 8 votes, zero nay votes, and two constitutional privileges.

Bills: SB1280, SB1392, SB1393, SB1395, SB1400, SB1405, SB1832, SB1839, SB1989, SB2001, SB2143

Keywords: excise tax, oil tax, natural gas tax, state revenue, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, income tax, tax credit, aerospace sector, employment, economic development, adaptive reuse, affordable housing, urban renewal, economic impact, program, housing, revitalization, urban development, income tax credit, manufacturing

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, by your vote, 59 ayes, zero nays, one not voting. You have passed House Bill 2010.
• Members, by a vote of 59 ayes, zero nays, one not voting, you have passed House Bill 2010.
• Members, by a vote of 59 ayes, zero nays, one not voting, you have passed House Bill 2132, signed in
• Members, by a vote of 59 ayes, zero nays, one not voting, you have passed House Bill 2310, signed in
• Members, by vote of 59 ayes, zero nays, one not voting, you have passed...

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's in the times where we're having zero interest in trying to deal with the Great Recession or the
• So it's in the times where we're having zero interest in trying to deal with the Great Recession or the
• So it's in the times where we're having zero interest in trying to deal with the Great Recession or the
• So it's in the times where we're having zero interest in trying to deal with the Great Recession or the
• They're trying to find other pots of money in order to balance a budget. ...we're having zero interest

Summary: The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee met to hear a JFAC budget presentation from Senator Scott Groh and Keith Bybee on the state’s general fund outlook and budget process. The discussion focused on structural balance, revenue trends, sales tax distributions, and the growing share of sales tax that is directed away from the general fund to earmarked programs, tax relief, and local government distributions. Bybee also reviewed long-term budget growth by category, noting major drivers such as public schools, Medicaid, higher education, and other policy-driven spending increases. A major topic was the state’s fiscal position for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Bybee explained that revenue projections have come in below prior expectations, leaving a much smaller ending balance than originally projected. He said the governor’s budget relies on one-time money, a 3% holdback, and other assumptions to maintain balance, while the legislative scenario still faces uncertainty, especially around tax conformity and possible federal tax changes. Senators asked about the reliability of the revenue and conformity estimates, the use of one-time funds versus rainy day reserves, and the potential impact on Idaho’s AAA bond rating. Senator Groh summarized JFAC’s approach as cautious and conservative, emphasizing uncertainty in revenue forecasts and the need to avoid relying too heavily on one-time money or stabilization funds. He said JFAC planned to vote Friday on a 3% governor holdback, with agencies asked to identify 1% to 2% cuts for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. No formal votes were taken by the committee in this meeting, and the chair adjourned after thanking the presenters.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is 10 ayes and zero nays."
• "Senate Bill 1775, having received 10 ayes, zero nays, I declare the same to have passed."
• That is 11 ayes and zero nays. Senate Bill 190, having received 11 ayes and zero nays...
• Aye, zero nays, having received 11 ayes, zero nays, I declare the same to have passed.

Bills: SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080

Keywords: municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI

Summary: The Senate Local and County Government Committee considered several bills dealing with municipal regulation, penalties, incentives, fireworks, and tax increment financing. Senate Bill 1519 would allow low-impact home-based businesses to operate without additional municipal permitting or zoning restrictions, while still requiring compliance with state and federal laws and applicable professional boards. Members questioned how the bill would define “no-impact” businesses, how it would affect short-term rentals and home-based services like nail salons or dispensaries, and whether it reduced local oversight. The bill passed 7-2. Senate Bill 1775 clarified that municipalities may impose penalties for traffic-, alcohol-, and drug-related offenses that are less than or equal to the state statutory penalty, and set caps for other municipal fines. After extended questioning over whether the bill lowered or matched state penalties, a legislative analyst was brought in to explain that the measure was intended to resolve confusion about municipal authority. The bill passed 10-0. Senate Bill 1900 would direct 5% of the value of state economic development incentives to cities or counties for infrastructure, with members raising concerns about how the funds would be split, whether counties or cities would control them, and how the bill would apply in unincorporated areas. The author said he was open to revising the language, and the bill passed 11-0. Senate Bill 1948 would expand the time frame for licensed fireworks sellers to sell consumer fireworks year-round and would also bar counties from prohibiting private outdoor consumer fireworks displays, subject to burn bans and other safety limits. Questions focused on safety, county zoning, and whether the bill relied on an outdated building code reference. The bill passed 8-2. Senate Bill 2080, a request bill from county assessors, would require assessors to be included as an information resource in TIF/TID processes, align district boundaries with parcel lines, and allow administrative fees to cover assessor costs. Members debated the justification and size of the fee and whether it would burden local governments, but the bill passed 8-2.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's five to zero, and we'll keep it on call. We're going to now vote on SB 299.
• Five to zero on call. That's five to zero. We'll keep that on call.
• Four to zero. We'll keep that on call. Okay, Senator Allen, you are up. It's SB 501.
• The current vote is four to zero. Senators Gonzalez, Hurtado, Menjivar, Perez. Aye. Perez, aye.
• Five to zero. The bill is out. And that concludes the committee. We are adjourned.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Environmental Quality heard four bills. SB 299 by Senator Cabaldon would extend a CEQA exemption for child care facilities to those located in residential zones, with committee amendments adding guardrails excluding sites on protected lands and within 3,200 feet of oil wells or refineries. Support came from child care, local government, planning, county, and rural county groups; one environmental opposition witness raised concerns about broader CEQA issues. Members generally praised the bill as a needed correction to last year’s CEQA changes and noted its importance for child care access and community-serving facilities. SB 58 by Senator Padilla would update the state’s approach to hydrogen sulfide by strengthening monitoring and response standards based on current science and public health impacts, especially in the Tijuana River Valley and Salton Sea areas. Testimony in support emphasized serious undercounting of exposures and health harms in low-income, Latino, Indigenous, and immigrant communities; air district representatives said they would review amendments, while business and industry witnesses expressed concern about late amendments and possible implications for geothermal operations. The committee discussed the bill as a statewide framework rather than a district-specific response, and the author accepted committee amendments. SB 811 by Senator Caballero would create a statutory framework for regulating metal shredding facilities, clarifying DTSC enforcement authority and incorporating prior negotiated environmental justice and fire-safety amendments. Supporters from the recycling industry and labor said the bill would reduce legal uncertainty, protect jobs, and preserve an important circular-economy sector; opponents from community, environmental, school, and local government groups argued it weakened hazardous waste protections and did not adequately address pollution and fire risks, especially in West Oakland. SB 501 by Senator Allen would expand California’s battery extended producer responsibility program to include medium-format batteries such as e-bike and outdoor equipment batteries; local governments and recycling groups supported it as a common-sense response to fire and disposal problems, while one battery recycler sought further discussion on implementation. All four bills were voted out of committee and sent to Appropriations, with SB 58, SB 299, and SB 811 passing unanimously and SB 501 passing on a 5-2 vote after additional members joined the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's five to zero, and we'll keep it on call. We're going to now vote on SB 299.
• Five to zero on call. That's five to zero. We'll keep that on call.
• Four to zero. We'll keep that on call. Okay, Senator Allen, you are up. It's SB 501.
• The current vote is four to zero. Senators Gonzalez, Hurtado, Menjavar, Perez. I. Perez, aye.
• Five to zero. The bill is out. And that concludes the committee. We are adjourned.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Environmental Quality heard four bills focused on environmental regulation and public health. SB 299 by Senator Cabaldon would extend a CEQA exemption to child care facilities in residential zones, with committee amendments adding guardrails to exclude sites on natural/protected lands and within 3,200 feet of oil wells or refineries. Support came from child care, planning, local government, and county groups, while one wildlife/plant organization opposed. Members emphasized the need for more child care access and noted the bill was a narrow fix to last year’s CEQA legislation. The committee later voted the bill out on a 7-0 vote. SB 58 by Senator Padilla would update California’s hydrogen sulfide standards and response framework, citing outdated rules and monitoring gaps in the Tijuana River Valley and Salton Sea areas. Testimony from UCLA and community advocates described health impacts and undercounted exceedances, while air district representatives and business interests raised concerns about the scope and timing of the proposal. The committee accepted amendments and advanced the bill on a 7-0 vote. SB 811 by Senator Caballero would establish a regulatory framework for metal shredding facilities, clarifying DTSC enforcement authority and incorporating prior negotiated environmental justice and fire-safety amendments. Supporters included the recycling industry and labor groups; opponents from community, environmental, and local government organizations argued the bill was too deregulatory and did not adequately protect nearby communities. The bill passed 5-0. SB 501 by Senator Allen would expand the state’s battery extended producer responsibility program to include medium-format batteries such as those used in e-bikes and portable power systems. Supporters said the change would improve collection, reduce fire risks, and shift disposal costs from local governments to producers; one battery recycler expressed interest in working on implementation details. The bill was amended and advanced on a 5-2 vote. After quorum was established and votes were taken on call, all four bills were reported out of committee and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's five to zero, and we'll keep it on call. We're going to now vote on SB 299.
• Five to zero on call. That's five to zero. We'll keep that on call.
• Four to zero. We'll keep that on call. Okay, Senator Allen, you are up. It's SB 501.
• The current vote is four to zero. Senators Gonzalez, Hurtado, Menjivar, Perez. Aye. Perez, aye.
• Five to zero. The bill is out. And that concludes the committee. We are adjourned.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, New Mexico's law basically states that as long as the federal personal exemption is zero, ours is
• Now we know that the federal one will stay at zero, so ours is basically permanent.
• far as the IRS was concerned, that was something we couldn't get taxed on because when your pay is zero—whatever
• percent of zero is still zero—and they're saying you didn't give enough for Social Security purposes
• We're back again to ground zero, you know, and the whole argument.

Transcript Highlights:

• There being seven ayes and zero nays, the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1325 will be. reported
• There being seven ayes and zero nays, Senate Bill 604 will be passed. Be reported favorably.
• There being seven ayes and zero nays, Senate Bill 1832 will be reported favorably.
• There being seven ayes and zero nays, Senate Bill 2185 will be reported favorably.
• There being nine ayes and zero nays, the bill is reported.

Bills: SB1998, SB646, SB2786, SB2076, SB2615, SB1961, SB1418, SB2647, SB1322, SB2788

Keywords: pediatrics, medical education, subsidiary, preceptorship, medical training, student programs, mental health, loan repayment, education funding, mental health professionals, healthcare access, Texas Success Initiative, exemption, public officers, employees, higher education, Capitol view, Austin, urban planning, construction

Transcript Highlights:

• It's four to zero. All right, the vote is four to zero. We'll place that measure on call.
• Eight to zero. It's out. Eight to zero, that bill is out. File item number seven, AB 1542.
• Current vote is six to zero. Senators Jones, Ochoa-Bogue, Umberg, aye. Umberg, aye. Seven to zero.
• The current vote is eight to zero. Senator Umberg, aye. Umberg, aye. Nine to zero. The bill is out.
• Nine to zero, the bill is out. AB 1709. The current vote is seven to zero.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1159, which would update California student data privacy law for educational technology and college-level platforms. The author and supporters argued that students’ personal information is being collected and used far beyond educational purposes, including sensitive health and demographic data, and said the bill would limit misuse and add stronger privacy protections. Support came from privacy, labor, education, and civil rights groups, while opposition from college store and industry representatives focused on narrowing the definition of “operator,” preserving institution-related communications, and concerns about the bill’s private right of action. Members raised questions about how the bill would affect scholarships, financial aid, adult students, consent, and litigation; the author said the bill includes a right to cure and notice to the Attorney General. The committee voted 4-0 to pass the bill to Appropriations, with the measure placed on call. The committee then took up AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts on platforms with specified addictive design features and create a youth safety commission. The author, pediatric and safety advocates, and several public supporters argued that social media companies intentionally design compulsive features that harm youth mental health, sleep, and development, and that the bill is a necessary product-safety response. Opponents argued the bill is overbroad, may be ineffective, raises First Amendment concerns, and could cut off vulnerable youth from important online support networks. Members focused heavily on possible amendments, especially a non-addictive feed option for younger users and strengthening the commission; the author said he was open to those changes and to further work with the committees. The bill was moved to Judiciary on a 5-0 vote and placed on call. At the end of the excerpt, the author began presenting a third measure, AB 2076, which would strengthen California’s Parents’ Accountability and Child Protection Act by adding nitrous oxide to the list of age-verified dangerous products, banning purchase with gift cards or store credit, and increasing penalties for large sellers. The author described nitrous oxide as increasingly accessible to minors online and cited enforcement gaps in the current law, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• C.S. for H.B. 1217 prohibits governmental entities from implementing net zero policies.
• That's not included in the definition of net zero policies.
• One hundred yeas, zero nays, Mr. Speaker. Show the bill passes.
• One hundred nine yeas, zero nays, Mr. Speaker. Show the bill passes.
• The clerk will lock the machine and announce the vote. 103 yeas, zero nays, Mr. Speaker.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for two service members killed in the Middle East, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Members adopted the special order report and then began taking up the special order calendar. The first major measure was HB 7031, the annual tax package, which included a hunting, fishing, and camping sales tax holiday, a back-to-school holiday moved earlier in the summer, property tax changes for mobile home parks and other exemptions, reductions in pari-mutuel taxes and fees, extensions and expansions of several tax credit programs, vacation-rental tax collection changes, and a full decoupling from federal tax changes in the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The bill drew questions about the fiscal impact of decoupling and the firearm-accessories holiday; supporters emphasized fiscal caution, housing and home-hardening provisions, and family tax relief, while opponents objected to the firearm-related tax break. HB 7031 passed 105-2. The House then passed CS/CS/CS HB 1177 on Space Florida and spaceport operations, which updates business development rules, board membership, and creates a strategic spaceport hub designation. CS/CS HB 639/CS SB 246 on specialty license plates also passed after a strike-all amendment that added several new plates, revised the Fraternal Order of Police plate, and tightened financial and nonprofit requirements for plate sponsors. CS HB 697 on drug prices and coverage passed after debate on pharmacy benefit manager reforms requiring equal reimbursement, prohibiting forced losses on drugs, and allowing consolidated appeals. CS/CS HB 1263 on the Office of Insurance Regulation passed with an amendment clarifying fingerprinting provisions, and CS/CS HB 527 passed with a human-review requirement for insurance claim denials so AI cannot be the sole basis for denying or reducing claims. Additional bills approved included CS HB 1449, which limits use of the statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program when a claim is already in the federal process and, by amendment, narrows the bill to out-of-network emergency services and claims of $50,000 or less; CS HB 93, requiring surgical smoke evacuation systems in hospitals and surgical centers, which passed overwhelmingly after emotional bipartisan praise for the sponsor’s multi-session effort; and CS HB 1217, which prohibits governmental entities from adopting net-zero greenhouse gas policies, after Democrats argued it would preempt local climate and resilience efforts and Republicans argued it protects energy reliability and affordability. The House also passed CS/CS HB 1461 establishing a framework for licensing and regulating advanced nuclear reactors, with supporters framing it as a step toward reliable, affordable, cleaner energy. Later, CS HB 1229 on residential homes for medically or technologically dependent children was explained as creating a licensure program for medically complex children’s homes and was rolled over for final passage as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, your vote is five ayes, one nay, one present, zero absent.
• Members, by your vote of seven ayes, zero nays, zero not voting, House Bill 2111 is given a due pass
• The votes were four ayes, three nays, zero present, zero absent.
• The votes with four eyes, threes, nays, zero present, zero absent.
• You have given HEP 2443 a due pass recommendation. zero present, zero absent.

Bills: HB2003, HB2057, HB2109, HB2111, HB2112, HB2114, HB2256, HB2259, HB2317, HB2323, HB2398, HB2443, HB2446, HB2574

Keywords: driver education, instruction permit, underage drivers, motorcycle licenses, traffic regulations, special plates, centennial, Arizona Department of Transportation, vehicle registration, commercial discounts, Arizona Centennial, distracted driving, portable wireless communication devices, motorcycles, traffic safety, civil penalties, driver license, examinations, motorcycle awareness, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• A mere 20 years ago, the United States Senate voted 98 to zero, 98 to zero to restore the Voting Rights
• In the Northeast, it's zero.
• Assembly Bill 1586 by Assembly Member Ramos, an act relating to their I-69 no zero.
• I-i-66, no zero. House Resolution, 95. I-66, no-0. Senate-concar resolution, 123. I-66, no, zero.
• I-, I-66, no, zero. Senate-concurrent resolution, one-30. I-66, no-0.

Summary: The Assembly convened after initially lacking a quorum, then completed the prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, journal motions, and a long series of procedural actions, including suspending rules to move bills and approve a large Appropriations Committee hearing list. Members also made several guest introductions, including Shannon Lee, district staff from Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez’s office, and later guests tied to agritourism and education recognitions. The floor debate centered heavily on AJR 31, a resolution urging Congress to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Supporters argued that recent Supreme Court decisions and redistricting efforts in other states were weakening Black and other minority representation and that California should take a clear stand for voting rights. Opponents argued the measure promoted racial division, conflicted with equal protection principles, and that districts should be drawn based on place or communities of interest rather than race. After a contentious debate with repeated parliamentary warnings over decorum, the Assembly suspended the rules to take up the resolution, added coauthors, and passed AJR 31 by a vote of 58-8. The Assembly then moved through a series of bills and resolutions, generally approving them with little or no opposition. These included AB 2341 clarifying emergency language translation rules for local agencies; AB 1816 extending court supervision for certain sex-offender rehabilitation programs; AB 2561 protecting consumer privacy settings on phones and digital devices; ACR 167 recognizing World Agritourism Day; ACR 190 recognizing California Day of the Teacher; AB 1581 improving identification of Native American students in public schools; AB 1586 requiring opioid overdose prevention training for school resource officers and safety planning; AB 1665 requiring mental health training for school coaches; AB 1693 streamlining retail tenant-improvement permitting; AB 1768 authorizing a local tax measure related to health funding; AB 1712 facilitating a water-system sale for Santa Fe Springs; AB 1792 addressing sexually exploitive AI imagery in health education; and AB 1822 prioritizing school projects that address extreme heat. Most measures passed overwhelmingly, several unanimously, and the resolution on agritourism and the teacher day were adopted by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, that is five to zero. That will remain on call. Congratulations.
• Two to zero. And we anticipate more runs to come.
• Two to zero. Okay, that is 2 to 0, and it will remain on call.
• Seven to zero. That bill's out.
• Seven to zero. Now we'll go to file item 7 by Senator Allen.

Summary: The committee heard SB 872, which would direct $300 million annually for 20 years to repair Central Valley subsidence damage and Delta levees to protect State Water Project deliveries. The author and supporters said the bill is needed to safeguard water for 27 million Californians, prevent threats to life and billions in infrastructure, and address long-standing levee and canal vulnerabilities. Testimony in support came from Restore the Delta, the Central Coast Water Authority, and a broad coalition of water agencies, environmental groups, local governments, and business interests; one organization, the California Chamber of Commerce, supported if amended to include federal conveyance infrastructure. No opposition witnesses appeared. Members from both parties praised the bipartisan coalition and discussed funding, beneficiary-pays concerns, and the need to prioritize water infrastructure. The committee voted 5-0 to pass SB 872 as amended to Appropriations, with the bill placed on call. The committee then heard SB 1305, a study bill on the feasibility of reintroducing the California grizzly bear. The author and tribal co-sponsors framed the measure as a science-based, consultation-driven roadmap that would not authorize reintroduction but would evaluate habitat, impacts, and implementation. Supporters, including tribal representatives, conservation groups, and animal welfare organizations, emphasized the grizzly’s cultural significance, ecological role, and the value of planning for coexistence. Opposition came from retired and current law enforcement, county officials, ranching and hunting groups, and rural representatives, who raised public safety, staffing, livestock, and wildlife-management concerns, arguing the Department of Fish and Wildlife lacks resources for another apex predator. Committee members debated whether risk, public safety, local control, and potential reintroduction areas should be addressed earlier in the process. The author agreed to consider amendments on those points and on funding and local authority. The committee voted 4-1 to pass SB 1305 as amended to Appropriations, with the bill held on call. The committee also heard SB 1079, which would create a Cal Fire Fire Innovation Unit to identify firefighter needs, test new technologies, and speed deployment of successful wildfire tools. The author said the bill would formalize a pipeline from pilot projects to statewide use and build on existing Cal Fire technology efforts. Support came from Megafire Action, Fireworks, Aurora Tech, and the Orange County Fire Authority; the California Association of Realtors supported if amended to allow nonprofits to administer grants directly to homeowners. With no opposition testimony, the bill was moved on a 2-0 vote and held on call pending additional members. The committee later took up SB 997, a district bill for the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency that would grant lien authority so it can enforce groundwater fees and sustainability plan requirements without relying on civil litigation. Support came from water contractors, rural counties, and county associations; members discussed whether similar authority should be extended to other GSAs. The bill was moved on a 2-0 vote to Judiciary and held on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, there are 95 yeas, zero nays, three excused.
• Speaker, there are 95 yeas, zero nays, three excused.
• Madam Speaker, there are 96 yeas, zero nays, two excused.
• Madam Speaker, there are 96 yeas, zero nays, two excused.
• Madam Speaker, there are 96 yays, zero nays, two excused.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB6044, SB6132, SB5109, SB5877, SB6258, HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives