Transcript Highlights:

• The rule in H.R. 1 really was meant to specifically...
• So the eligibility rules were put on hold for 10 years by H.R. 1.
• There was a piece... ...put on hold for 10 years by H.R. 1.
• H.R. 1 creates additional requirements like the...
• And the definitions are different than what was in H.R. 1 related to Medicaid and SNAP.

Committee: Senate Health & Long-Term Care

Summary: The committee opened with an extensive update on the expected effects of federal HR1 on Washington’s health care system, especially Medicaid and the individual market. Governor’s office and Health Care Authority staff said the bill is likely to cause immediate coverage losses in the exchange beginning in January, followed by larger Medicaid impacts over the next several years. They highlighted likely premium increases, administrative burdens from more frequent eligibility checks and work requirements, reduced retroactive coverage, limits on state-directed payments and provider taxes, and possible effects on rural hospitals and safety-net providers. They also noted separate CMS rules already being implemented in Washington on prior authorization, managed care access, home- and community-based services, and eligibility/enrollment, and explained how those rules interact with HR1’s new requirements and timelines. Members asked about Planned Parenthood funding, work requirements, rural health grants, provider impacts, and how the state will use existing systems and a forthcoming timeline to prepare for implementation. The committee then received an update on the International Medical Graduate Work Group and Washington’s efforts to create pathways for internationally trained physicians. Presenters described the state’s clinical experience license, the clinical evaluation tool used to assess readiness, a grant program for career guidance and clinical training, and a 2025 law adding a hardship waiver process. National presenters from World Education Services and the Federation of State Medical Boards said many states have adopted similar pathways because of physician shortages, but approaches vary widely. They recommended clear guardrails, employment offers before application, ECFMG certification, supervised provisional practice, data collection, and protections against exploitation. Committee members asked about portability across states, retention of IMGs, and whether Washington should pursue additional options such as dedicated residency slots, preceptorships, or practice-ready assessment models. The final topic was an update on the Apple Health doula benefit and the statewide doula hub and referral system. Senator T’wina Nobles praised the state’s work, noting Washington’s high Medicaid reimbursement rate for doulas and the importance of building infrastructure to support equitable maternal care. Health Care Authority staff said the benefit launched on January 1, 2025, and covers prenatal intake, labor and delivery, postpartum visits, and telehealth-supported services. They reported 336 state-certified doulas, 134 enrolled with Apple Health, 287 clients served, and 641 claims paid so far, while also acknowledging barriers such as provider enrollment, claims submission, client matching, and language access. Doulas for All described the hub as part of a broader effort to expand access, support community-based birth workers, and reduce maternal and infant mortality disparities, especially for Black and Indigenous families.

Transcript Highlights:

• In that spirit, and on behalf of the Jewish Caucus, I respectfully request an aye vote on H.R. 16.
• On behalf of the Black Caucus, I respectfully ask for your aye vote on H.R. 16.
• I spoke up in support of H.R. 16, and with that I ask for your aye vote.
• That brings us to file item 129, H.R. 16. Excuse me, we've already covered that.
• File item 130, H.R. 26 by Assembly Member Burner. The clerk will read.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then held its Latino Spirit Awards ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 16, proclaiming May 4–11, 2025 as Cinco de Mayo Week, after supportive remarks from several caucuses emphasizing Mexican history, women’s contributions, LGBTQ solidarity, Black and Brown unity, and AAPI and Jewish community support. The chamber then recognized 11 Latino Spirit honorees for achievements in human rights, business, arts, public service, community empowerment, health and science, environmental justice, philanthropy, and entertainment. After the ceremony, the Assembly returned to floor business and approved a series of measures. AB 60, banning synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products, passed 56–3. AJR 6, urging Congress to protect federal school meal and local food funding, drew extensive debate and broad bipartisan support; members cited child hunger, farm economies, and local food systems, and it passed 76–0 with 73 coauthors added. Other measures adopted included AB 679 on state park land acquisitions, AB 681 expanding Dream Loan Program caps for undocumented graduate students, AB 1224 on substitute teacher continuity, AB 831 on gaming technical changes, AB 259 extending Brown Act teleconferencing flexibility, AB 467 extending Los Angeles Neighborhood Council teleconferencing authority, and AB 519 targeting deceptive puppy mill sales. The chamber also passed AB 1522, an urgency Judiciary Committee bill protecting attorneys from politically motivated discipline and creating an expedited licensing path for some former federal attorneys, and AB 263, which extends temporary water flow requirements on the Shasta and Smith Rivers; that bill drew sharp disagreement over water rights, tribal participation, and impacts on farmers, but ultimately passed 51–16. Additional measures approved included AB 428 on pooled insurance for water corporations, AB 492 requiring notice to local jurisdictions when recovery treatment facilities are licensed, and AB 536 preserving colorectal cancer screening coverage. The Assembly also adopted a motion to suspend file notice so Appropriations could hear AB 379 on May 7.

Transcript Highlights:

• H.R. 1 eventually will lead to millions of people no longer being covered under the safety net. ...to
• All of those are to help mitigate the effects of H.R. 1, as well as funding county eligibility staff
• H.R. 1, the ongoing federal funding reductions.
• I really appreciate the time that you spend on these issues to mitigate the impacts of H.R. 1.
• I really appreciate the time that you spend on these issues to mitigate the impacts of H.R. 1.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the 2026 Budget Act, which leaders said was the negotiated compromise with the Senate and was expected to move to the floor that evening. Opening remarks emphasized that the plan balances the budget over two years, reduces the structural deficit, and builds reserves, while also protecting core services in the face of federal cuts. Jason Sisney outlined the legislative budget framework and the likely floor bills, including AB 109, SB 110, SB 122, and SB 125. Department of Finance representative Eric Khali said the administration appreciated the two-year balanced approach and supported the modification in SB 122, while noting the package uses additional revenues and new spending to soften or reject some proposed cuts. Most of the discussion focused on major spending areas. Members and subcommittee chairs highlighted protections and additions for health care and human services, including rejecting the proposed Medi-Cal asset limit change, delaying premium increases, restoring clinic and dental funding, supporting distressed hospitals and county indigent care, and expanding county eligibility staffing to handle H.R. 1-related workload. Education members described record or expanded support for TK-12 schools, child care, special education, community colleges, teacher recruitment, and higher education, including a change to extend Cal Grant eligibility to age 30 for some community college students. Housing and homelessness funding was increased for HAP, multifamily housing, and the low-income housing tax credit, while public safety members pointed to investments in victims’ services, restorative justice, and prison closure savings. Several members also raised concerns or priorities tied to the budget deal. Some praised the package as a moral document that protects vulnerable Californians, immigrant communities, LGBTQ residents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Others noted unresolved issues, including the MCO tax’s impact on districts, the need for more support for local journalism, arts, biotech R&D incentives, transit and GGRF-related concerns, and the need for continued work on Prop. 98 and long-term fiscal resilience. The vice chair cautioned that despite the current progress, the state remains vulnerable to revenue volatility and warned that the budget should build more resilience against a possible downturn. No formal vote was taken in the portion provided, but the committee was preparing the budget package for floor action and final negotiations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, this partisan budget proves exactly why H.R. 1 does not work for every state.
• We are not on H.R. 1.
• By fully conforming, this budget bill, fully conforming to H.R. 1, instead of choosing those portions
• of H.R. 1, To H.R. 1, instead of choosing those portions of H.R. 1 that would, in fact, help regular
• tax cuts from H.R. 1 that are geared specifically to working class Arizonans and the middle class.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's H.R. 90 by Assembly Member Gabriel. Clerk will read.
• I rise today to present H.R. 90, celebrating No-Ruz, the Persian New Year.
• So with that, I wish you all a very happy No-Ruz, and I respectfully request your I vote on H.R. 90.
• I urge an I vote on H.R. 90. Thank you. Thank you. Assembly Member Bonta, happy No-Ruz.
• And with that, respectfully request your I vote on H.R. 90. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, with opening prayer and pledge, followed by a series of guest introductions recognizing Nevada County search and rescue volunteers, a Canadian delegation, Oakland High School Public Health Academy students, Claremont McKenna College students, St. Edward’s Parish School students, and others. The body also approved several procedural motions, including re-referrals of bills to committees and permission for committees to notice bills pending re-referral. On the floor file, the Assembly adopted ACR 152 designating March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, with remarks praising Red Cross disaster relief, blood supply, and training work. It also adopted HR 90 celebrating No-Ruz, the Persian New Year, with members noting its themes of renewal and resilience amid conflict affecting Iranian communities. Later, ACR 141 recognizing Visak Day was adopted, honoring the Buddha’s birth and teachings on peace, compassion, and balance. Each of these resolutions received numerous co-authors before voice vote adoption. The Assembly also passed AB 1844, which updates the Judges’ Retirement System 2 to allow judges to designate non-spouse beneficiaries for survivor retirement benefits and extend protections to vested judges. On the consent calendar, AB 1948 relating to firearms and several resolutions, including HR 94 on Major League Baseball Opening Day 2026 and Senate concurrent resolutions, were adopted, with AB 1948 passing 60-0. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Caitlin Katie Mardellett and a motion to adjourn for spring recess until April 6.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise in opposition to H.R. 6387, the FIRE Act.
• I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2319, and I yield back.
• That's H.R. 3657 that has been sitting in the Senate for nine months.
• That's H.R. 3657 that has been sitting in the Senate for nine months.
• Votes will be taken in the following order: H.R. 5201, H.R. 2493, and S. 1020.

Bills: HR1202 , SB1020 , HB2493 , HB5201 , HB3419 , HB2319 , HB6387 , HR1189 , HR1201

Keywords: H.Res. 1202, HR1202, House resolution, committee assignment, standing committee, House Committee on Homeland Security, Homeland Security Committee, committee membership, committee ranking, seniority, Ms. Mejia, Mr. Walkinshaw, House organization, procedural resolution, internal House rules, congressional committee, hydropower, construction, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, license extension

Transcript Highlights:

• So knowing the American soundtrack, with that, I respectfully ask for an I vote on H.R. 116.
• I respectfully ask for your aye vote on H.R. 112. I'm proud of you. Sing and hearing note.
• I respectfully ask for your aye vote on H.R. 112. I'm proud of you. Sing and hearing note.
• That is H.R. 132 by Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan. Clerk will read.
• I'm proud to rise today and present H.R. 132.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a timeline of everything that's in H.R. 1. I will not...
• So this is a timeline of everything that's in H.R. 1.
• This gets talked about a lot, but yes, it is part of H.R. 1. So just a quick slide here.
• Last piece here on H.R. 1.
• That's the end of H.R. 1. Any questions? May as well jump in.

Committee: House Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• it's my distinct honor as an Armenian-American. but also the chair of the Armenian Caucus to present H.R
• Fast forward to a few weeks ago, I had to present H.R. 25 in Rules Committee because the Turkish government
• Caucus in wholehearted support of H.R. 25, which designates April 24, 2025, as the 110th anniversary
• I rise today as a proud co-author of H.R. 25, and, of course, I ask for everyone, and I expect everyone
• Speaker I rise today as a proud co-author of H.R. 25 and on behalf of the legislative Jewish caucus to

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, one of the real problems that we have with the changes in Medi-Cal and H.R. 1 right now is that
• And so... ...months and in years due to H.R. 1.
• But we have a real problem, and H.R. 1 has helped to shine a light on just how real the problem is.
• The second is that, as you've heard and as you all know, under H.R. 1, there are new requirements for
• H.R. 1 creates new and expanded work requirements for CalFresh, which went into effect this month, and

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several bills focused on labor standards, worker safety, and public transparency. SB 954 by Senator Blakespear would revise last year’s CEQA exemption for advanced manufacturing by adding worker protections such as prevailing wage, a skilled and trained workforce, high-road employment standards, and environmental guardrails. Supporters from labor, environmental justice, and conservation groups said the bill restores promised safeguards after SB 131, while business groups argued the added requirements would undermine the exemption and discourage investment. The committee voted 5-0 to do pass and re-refer SB 954 to Appropriations, leaving the roll open for absent members. The committee then considered SB 966 by Senator Gonzalez, which would codify refinery worker participation and safety protections adopted in 2017 after the 2012 Chevron Richmond fire. Supporters, including United Steelworkers and a former refinery worker, said the bill would preserve workers’ ability to report hazards, select representatives, and stop unsafe work, preventing future disasters. The Western States Petroleum Association opposed the bill, arguing it could be preempted by federal labor law and would add regulatory uncertainty. The committee passed SB 966 3-0 and re-referred it to Appropriations, with the roll left open. Next, SB 1203 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas sought to modernize private security guard training, expand de-escalation instruction, strengthen accountability, and create a clearer professional pathway for the industry. The author and many security workers testified that guards are often first responders in volatile situations and need more practical training and better standards; opponents from industry and business groups warned the bill would raise costs, worsen staffing shortages, and create implementation problems, especially around third-party training and a new wage order. The committee voted 4-1 to do pass and re-refer SB 1203 to Public Safety, with one no vote and the roll left open. The committee also heard SB 1284 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, a transparency bill requiring DHCS to publish the names of large employers with workers enrolled in Medi-Cal and the estimated taxpayer cost. Supporters said the measure would show how low wages and unaffordable coverage shift health costs to the public, while opponents argued Medi-Cal enrollment depends on many factors and that naming employers would be misleading and amount to public shaming. After discussion, the committee voted 4-2 to do pass and re-refer SB 1284 to Appropriations, leaving the roll open. The transcript then began discussion of SB 1054 by Senator Cabaldon, which would improve workforce data collection and sharing to better evaluate job-training pathways, but the excerpt cuts off before testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• H.R. 1 changes that and says you're required to participate up until the age of 65.
• H.R. 1 eliminated that, effective July 4th.
• The coming impacts of H.R. 1 are only going to cause more harm.
• Food pantries cannot effectively address the impact of H.R. 1 alone.
• Food pantries cannot effectively address the impact of H.R. 1 alone.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee held a work session focused first on the impacts of H.R. 1 on Medicaid and SNAP, especially for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, older adults, and low-income families. DSHS Assistant Secretary B. Rector explained Washington’s Medicaid structure for developmental disabilities and long-term care, noting that most community-based services are optional under federal Medicaid rules and could be vulnerable if state budgets tighten. He described several H.R. 1 changes, including possible cost sharing, a lower home equity limit, work requirements affecting the ACA expansion population, immigration-related eligibility losses, and a future new waiver opportunity. He said Washington could see about 2,700 people lose Medicaid eligibility due to immigration status and that most people with DD or long-term care needs would likely qualify for work requirement exemptions, but he warned that reduced federal dollars could put home and community-based services at risk. Advocates and providers described the practical effects of Medicaid cuts on crisis services, supported living, and family stability. Dr. Eric Bolter said Washington has only a small continuum of services for people with IDD and severe behavioral needs, and that lower ABA reimbursement and other Medicaid reductions could shrink already limited outpatient, residential, and inpatient options, leading to more hospital stays and out-of-state placements. Scott Leavengood said supported living is already underfunded, with high turnover and staffing shortages, and warned that past cuts led to longer waitlists and fewer people served. Stacey Dimm of The Arc of Washington argued that HCBS is the main service system for most people with developmental disabilities and that cuts would push people into more restrictive and expensive institutional care. She also emphasized that many families already lack access to paid services and that workforce, housing, and family support shortages make the system fragile. The committee then shifted to SNAP and food assistance. DSHS Assistant Secretary Carla Reyes outlined H.R. 1 changes to SNAP, including expanded work requirements, reduced exemptions, tighter immigration eligibility, elimination of the SNAP education program, higher state administrative costs, and a new state share of benefit costs tied to error rates. She said about 129,000 Washington residents could be at risk under the new work rules, roughly 30,000 legal immigrants could move to the state-funded food program, and the state could face hundreds of millions in new costs. Anti-hunger advocates and food bank leaders said the changes would increase hunger and administrative burden while reducing benefits, and they stressed that food banks cannot replace SNAP. A SNAP recipient, Amy Rourke, testified that even with extensive civic involvement she barely meets the proposed work-hour threshold and said the rules would punish parents, caregivers, and people facing transportation or child care barriers. She urged the state to count caregiving, advocacy, and community service as qualifying work and to build more flexible pathways for compliance. In the second half of the meeting, the committee turned to juvenile rehabilitation caseload forecasting and court data. Caseload Forecast Council staff presented the current JR forecast, saying caseloads had declined for years, rebounded after COVID, and are now projected to remain mostly flat through the current biennium before rising modestly over the longer term. Members asked about the distinction between regular JR and adult-sentenced youth, and staff explained that longer lengths of stay in the adult-sentenced population reflect policy choices made in prior legislation. Andrew Peterson of the Administrative Office of the Courts described data-sharing efforts intended to help JR forecast admissions, including quarterly counts of pending felony cases and youth criminal history information. He said the courts began sharing some data in 2022 and 2024, but staffing limits interrupted the effort, and JR recently asked to resume and expand the information flow to support weekly forecasting and better planning for facility capacity.

Transcript Highlights:

• in H.R. 1 or in anticipation of H.R. 1 and contained in this measure.
• H.R. 1 changed it to six months; they're implementing that. The bill changes it to every 90 days.
• that she’s taking credit for the middle class tax cuts package, whatever she called it, which was in H.R
• And then what we did... ...what we did is just implemented the small business credits that are H.R. 1
• They've worked on H.R. 1 and Medicaid and SNAP. ...the reforms to make the state function and deliver

Transcript Highlights:

• But I would put to you that the spending in this budget for H.R. 1 is somewhere around the neighborhood
• H.R. 1 did not create the multi-billion...
• H.R. 1 did not create the multi-billion-dollar deficits in budget negligence that is present in this
• That wasn't because of H.R. 1.
• This happened long before H.R. 1. ...in budgeting. This happened long before H.R. 1. Now, Mr.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6244 , SB6044 , SB5109 , SB5877 , SB6258

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, mortgage modification

Transcript Highlights:

• But this time, we do so at the risk... ...with their H.R. 1 changes that cut health care supports, cut
• you know, for example, adding specific Arizona provisions here that differ entirely from the federal H.R
• And at least in H.R. 1, they're temporary.
• They literally took the amount of revenue that would have been cut by all of the H.R. 1 tax cuts and.
• For instance, it is my understanding that as soon as Congress passed H.R. 1 and it was retroactive to

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, approved the prior journal, and made temporary committee appointments. It then resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider SB 1106, a tax conformity bill tied to federal tax changes. Senators debated the measure at length, with supporters arguing it would provide tax relief, certainty for taxpayers and businesses, and conformity with federal filing rules, while opponents said it would reduce state revenue, favor wealthier taxpayers and corporations, and should be handled in budget negotiations or a special session. The bill advanced from Committee of the Whole and, on third reading, passed the Senate 17-12 with one not voting, then was transmitted to the House and later to the governor. During the floor debate, senators focused on the bill’s effects on child care deductions, senior deductions, overtime and tip income, business expensing, and a provision related to federal school voucher tax credits. Democrats argued the bill would worsen budget pressures, undermine funding for education, roads, public safety, and human services, and do little for families on child care waitlists or seniors still working. Republicans countered that the bill would keep more money in taxpayers’ pockets, support working families and small businesses, and align Arizona’s tax code with federal changes to avoid confusion for filers. After the tax vote, Senator Bolick read a proclamation honoring Arizona and U.S. law enforcement, citing fallen officers, officer assaults, and the need for training, equipment, mental health support, and tougher penalties for attacks on officers. The Senate then received and referred a large number of new bills to committees, announced upcoming committee meetings, and adjourned until Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our office was asked to come present again today on the impacts of H.R. 1, also known as the One Big
• H.R. 1 made several benefit changes. The biggest one was to these work requirements.
• start... ...that there is a change included in H.R. 1 which could require the state to start paying
• Members, the last in the group of bills addressing H.R. 1 is 2206.
• So we're already required by H.R. 1 to try to get our numbers down and all.

Bills: HB2180 , HB2184 , HB2188 , HB2194 , HB2206 , HB2321 , HB2322 , HB2438 , HB2442 , HB2448 , HB2727 , HB2797

Committees: House Health & Human Services , House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Keywords: appropriation, funding, University of Arizona, education, state budget, fetal death, funeral homes, informed consent, abortion, women's rights, medical assistance, emotional support, language acquisition, early intervention, hearing impairment, grant program, deaf education, health care, insurance claims, prior authorization

Transcript Highlights:

• That's H.R. 90 by Assembly Member Gabriel.
• I rise today to present H.R. 90, celebrating No Ruz, the Persian New Year.
• So with that, I wish you all a very happy No Ruz, and I respectfully request your I vote on H.R. 90.
• I urge an I vote on H.R. 90. Thank you. Thank you. Assembly Member Boerner, happy No Ruz.
• And with that, respectfully request your I vote on H.R. 90.

Transcript Highlights:

• **H.R. 1**, known as the **One Big Beautiful Bill Act**, was signed into law on July 4, 2025.
• As outlined in **H.R. 1**, effective October 1, 2026, to provide a 75% match on administrative costs,
• As outlined in **H.R. 1**, states can choose to use the Federal Fiscal Year 2025 or Federal Fiscal Year
• **H.R. 1** incorporated a newly established financial penalty for states that do not achieve a payment
• Prior to the enactment of **H.R. 1**, the department was already proactively taking steps to improve

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, I move to consider H.R. 153, recognizing Midland. and Odessa legislative day.
• I move to suspend. and all necessary rules to take up H.R. 177. You've heard the motion.
• H.R.1. commending the Community Action Agencies of Texas. the resolution. Thank you members.
• H.R. 134 honors the valuable work of community agencies across the great state of Texas.
• Members, I suspend all necessary rules to take up in consideration of H.R. 180.

Transcript Highlights:

• The issues impacting hospitals, and a number of hospitals and rural hospitals in particular, predated H.R
• bit of context about steps we were taking on the reimbursement rates issue, which you raised, before H.R
• Before H.R. 1 passed, we had worked with our federal partners at CMS to implement rate increases for
• The issue, though, the reason I bring that up is because H.R. 1 imposes new limitations on reimbursement
• eligibility rules that will be implemented as part of not only the state budget solutions, but the H.R

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee established quorum and first approved several non-appearing gubernatorial appointees and procedural items on unanimous 5-0 votes, including Hampus Eitsiter to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Peter Stern to the California Horse Racing Board, Dean White to the State Mining and Geology Board, references of bills to committees, and floor acknowledgements. The committee then heard testimony on Tyler Sadwith’s appointment as Chief Deputy Director of Healthcare Programs at the Department of Health Care Services. Sadwith emphasized protecting Medi-Cal access and equity, continuing CalAIM and behavioral health transformation, and drawing on personal experience with family members needing care. Senators focused heavily on hospital financial distress, rural access, eligibility redeterminations, fraud oversight, provider reimbursement, dental access, labor and delivery closures, and the impact of federal changes; Sadwith said the department is working on expedited payments, monitoring distressed hospitals, county technical assistance, and strategies to reduce disenrollments and improve program integrity. Public commenters from county, hospital, and care organizations supported his confirmation, and the committee advanced his nomination to the full Senate on a 5-0 vote. The committee next considered Chris Thayer, PhD, for Director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Thayer described OEHHA’s role as providing transparent, scientifically rigorous health assessments and supporting tools such as Prop 65, CalEnviroScreen, and risk communication. Senators pressed him on the use of models versus real-world data, fenceline monitoring, PFAS, wildfire health impacts, and whether OEHHA’s work adequately reflects lived experience and local conditions. Thayer responded that the office often must rely on the best available evidence, including animal, human, and alternative methods, while continuing to improve communication and community engagement; he also discussed EnviroScreen updates, Prop 65 warning reforms, and research gaps. Public testimony in support highlighted OEHHA’s scientific role and the importance of biomonitoring and PFAS work. The committee approved Thayer’s nomination to the full Senate on a 3-1 vote, with Senator Grove voting no and Senator Jones not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• File item 36 is H.R. 134 by Assembly Member Alvarez. Clerk will read. House...
• Item 36 is H.R. 134 by Assembly Member Alvarez. Clerk will read.
• H.R. 134... ...in first-generation college students' success.
• For that reason, I respectfully ask for an aye vote on H.R. 134, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
• And with that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote on H.R. 134.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. After routine procedural announcements and motions, members moved through a long concurrence and third-reading file, with many bills passing on largely bipartisan or unanimous votes. Early actions included rejecting a motion to strike SB 958 from the file, concurring in AJR 9 on national parks, and approving AB 1647 on juvenile transfer hearings, AB 1656 on human trafficking, AB 1660 on probate procedures, AB 1875 on marriage cooling-off period procedures, AB 1892 on common interest developments, AB 1908 on civil actions and urgency, AB 1954 on business reservations, AB 1957 on post-foreclosure home acquisition, AB 1977 on notaries public, AB 2001 and AB 2052 on criminal procedure, AB 2107 on pupil instruction, AB 2263 on housing, AB 2346 and AB 2595 on e-bike/vehicle issues, AB 1562 on elections, AB 2180 on local government finance, and AB 2624 on privacy protections for immigration support service providers. AB 2624 drew the most extensive debate, with supporters saying it expands Safe at Home protections for workers facing doxxing and threats, and opponents arguing it could chill speech and journalism; it ultimately passed 49-13 and was immediately transmitted to the Governor. The Assembly also adopted H.R. 134 designating November as California’s First-Generation College Celebration Month after supportive remarks about access to higher education and first-generation students. On the Senate side, the Assembly concurred in or passed measures including SB 932 on transparency in civil proceedings, SB 1400 on health authorities, SB 1154 on community college best-value procurement, SB 1264 on probate and child support notice, SB 599 on atmospheric river forecasting, SB 692 on emergency abatement of abandoned vehicles, SB 1263 on contractor accountability, and SB 1371 on solid waste service during labor disputes; SB 1371 prompted opposition over labor leverage and potential cost impacts but passed 41-14. Other notable Senate bills approved included SB 401 on emergency extensions for political reform filings, SB 945 on CPR/AED training in schools, SB 977 requiring healthier children’s meals at chain restaurants, SB 1192 on protections against abusive litigation by domestic violence abusers, SB 1194 on immigration legal services, SB 872 on water, SB 925 on a fusion energy roadmap, SB 934 strengthening conversion therapy protections, SB 1030 repealing the CalWORKs “man-in-the-house” rule, SB 1056 on protective orders for adult sexual assault materials, SB 1069 streamlining CARB approval for aftermarket auto parts, and SB 1135 creating a statewide wildlife coexistence program. The session ended with several items passed or retained on file and multiple procedural announcements, including guest permissions and adjournment-memory requests.