Video & Transcript : 'support demonstration' :
Page 183 of 500
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Law & Justice Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm supporting the State Association of Counties in supporting this bill for several reasons.
- I'm speaking in support of SB 6239.
- So we do not support the legislation as written.
- So I urge you to support it and vote for the bill.
- So I urge you to support it and vote for the bill.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 6239, which would require civil arbitration for tort claims against the state and its subdivisions before trial. Staff explained current tort-claim procedures and said the bill would apply arbitration to claims of any dollar amount, with a fiscal note pending. The sponsor said Washington’s liability exposure is unusually high and argued the bill would promote early resolution without limiting jury trials, damage caps, or attorney fees. Members asked who pays for arbitration and whether trial rights are preserved; staff said costs are generally split and the bill preserves a jury trial de novo.
Testimony on SB 6239 was sharply divided. Counties, cities, school districts, risk pools, and some public-safety groups supported the bill, saying rising liability and insurance costs are straining budgets and threatening core services. Opponents included trial lawyers, legal aid groups, victim advocates, journalists, and survivors of abuse, who argued the bill would create barriers to justice, delay relief, increase costs for claimants, reduce transparency, and retraumatize survivors by forcing private arbitration before a public trial. Several witnesses said the bill was too broad because it would cover employment, contract, and other claims, not just torts involving abuse or negligence. After public testimony closed, the committee noted the large number of sign-ins, with far more in opposition than in support.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 6074, which would reinstate parole for certain felony offenses committed on or after July 1, 2027, allow eligible incarcerated people to petition the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board after serving 60% of their sentence, and create a parole implementation work group. Supporters said it would recognize rehabilitation and improve reentry, while some witnesses raised concerns about the bill’s prospective-only application, the 60% threshold, and the need to address racial disparities and parole criteria more fully. The sponsor said the parole bill was paired with tort-liability reform because criminal justice reform advocates have said liability changes are needed to restore parole in Washington.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/14/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- We are in support of this bill.
- or</c> state that I support the support this or state that I support the support this or oppose<02:04
- And I am here today to support this bill. We are supporting this bill.
- </c> support this bill. support this bill.
- </c> there, ran a 5K to support the programs. there, ran a 5K to support the programs.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
Transcript Highlights:
- That's really supported. They had gray machines, if you will. That's really supported the clubs.
- That's why I support Senator Keenan's Bill 302.
- I would ask for your support for House 496.
- I’m here to voice our strong support on H. 496 and S. 308.
- They are all with me in support of H. 496 and S. 308.
Summary:
The committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, chaired by Rep. Carole Fiola and Sen. Barry Finegold, held a lengthy hearing on a range of gambling-related bills. Testimony first focused on H. 496 to allow the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to authorize Plain Ridge Park Casino to add table games and more slot machines. Supporters, including Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Sen. Finegold, Rep. Barry R. Finegold, Rep. Brian Vaughn, and Plainville officials, argued the change was needed to keep Massachusetts gaming dollars from flowing to Rhode Island, protect jobs, and preserve local tax revenue. They described Plain Ridge as a strong community partner and cited host-community benefits such as municipal infrastructure projects and local aid. Opponents or skeptical witnesses later argued that expanded gambling, especially online, would increase harm and cannibalize existing casinos and local economies.
The committee also heard testimony on bills related to sports betting restrictions and online gambling. Sen. John Keenan presented a “Better Health Act” proposal to ban prop bets and in-play bets, require affordability checks, prohibit hosts, raise the sports betting excise tax, expand funding for problem-gambling services, and increase research and data sharing. He and supporters framed the bill as a public-health response to addiction, suicide, bankruptcy, and other harms. Rep. David Nangle, speaking from personal experience with gambling addiction, strongly opposed internet gaming, warning that it would intensify addiction and expose children and families to 24/7 gambling on phones. In contrast, Rep. David Moradian and industry witnesses supported H. 4431 to legalize and regulate internet gaming, arguing it would bring illegal activity into a regulated market, generate new revenue, and include consumer protections such as age verification, deposit limits, self-exclusion, and responsible-gaming tools.
The committee also took testimony on H. 4238, which would expand fundraising options for fraternal organizations, especially the Elks. Rep. Bruce Ayers and Elks representatives said the bill would help lodges raise money for scholarships, veterans’ services, and community programs after COVID-related losses and declining membership. On H. 480, Rep. Kathleen LaNatra, Rep. Badger, and representatives of veterans organizations and gaming-machine operators urged allowing qualified veterans groups to participate in certain video gaming activity, saying it would provide a sustainable revenue source to keep posts open and support veterans’ services. Dr. Rachel Volberg testified that expanding gambling, especially online gambling and slot machines at veterans organizations, would likely increase gambling harm, and she urged stronger harm-prevention measures, data reporting, and research funding. Other witnesses, including anti-gambling advocates and industry representatives, sharply disagreed over whether legalization would reduce illegal gambling or worsen addiction and social costs. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Thu Feb 13, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- We stand in support of this bill.
- Thank you. support of this um the general idea for support of this um the general idea for this<00:14
- Next up, we have Pu in support.
- IBW Local 1260 in support. No need.
- We stand on our testimony and support. Thank you. Next up, HECA Solid Waste Task Force in support.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 818 HD1, which would establish the Waiawa Community Development District. The Attorney General’s office said the bill may not comply with requirements for a special fund, and DLNR asked for further amendments so lease revenues would remain with DLNR while it continues managing the lands. DLNR cited ongoing costs, including the Uncle Billy’s demolition debt and management needs at Banyan Drive/Banyan Country Club. HCDA/Waiawa representatives supported the bill, agreed that DLNR should keep lease revenues while it remains the land manager, and said a future transfer of land management would change where revenues should go. Members focused on whether removing lease revenue would undercut the bill and on how existing and future revenues should be allocated.
The committee then took up HB 338 HD1 and HB 339 HD1 on renewable energy-related utility transactions and procurement. Testimony came from the Consumer Advocate, the State Energy Office, the Public Utilities Commission, Hawaiian Electric, IBEW Local 1260, Ulupono Initiative, and Life of the Land. Supporters generally backed the measures, while some asked for labor-related strengthening language. Discussion centered on how the PUC should handle competing bids or offers in utility merger or acquisition situations, with concerns raised about NDAs, timing, and whether the original version or amended language better allowed public and intervenor participation. A witness from Life of the Land argued that utilities should not negotiate under NDA in a way that blocks later public competition, and a PUC-related witness said the current language was changed from the original to address PUC testimony.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1467 HD1 on housing resiliency. OIP was not present, while B&F raised concerns about placing federal funds into a special fund, saying federal grant money should remain in a separate P fund for transparency, accountability, and single-audit compliance. State agencies and groups including OPSD, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Climate Advisory Team, and Hawaii Realtors supported the measure. Testimony emphasized that many older roofs lack hurricane clips and that strengthening homes could reduce disaster sheltering and temporary housing costs. IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill but argued that building to current standards upfront is preferable to retrofitting later. Members questioned funding structure, eligibility, and whether the program should be needs-based; the bill was described as limited to households under 140% AMI. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nominations of Sean Donahue, of Florida, and Jessica Kramer, of Wisconsin, both to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and Brian Nesvik, of Wyoming, to be Director of the United State Apr 9th, 2025 at 08:45 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I urge my colleagues to support these nominations, and with that, I will turn to the Ranking Member.
- The motion supports the yeas and nays and with that the nominee is favorably reported.
- their hostility to the state of California, that until that changes, it's going to be hard to support
- Chafee, chaired the Superfund subcommittee and championed bipartisan legislation. legislation to support
- I'm happy here today to continue that support and address bottlenecks in the cleanup process.
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on the presidential nominations of Brigadier General Brian Nesvick as Director of Fish and Wildlife and Jess Kramer and Sean Donahue as assistant administrators at the EPA. Each nominee presented their qualifications and experiences in their respective fields, with an emphasis on their commitment to uphold the laws passed by Congress. The discussion highlighted the nominees' dedication to addressing environmental issues and their proactive stances on regulatory matters. After deliberation, votes were held to report the nominations favorably, despite some members voicing concerns regarding their qualifications and potential conflicts with environmental interests.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (02/07/2025)
State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> effort explicitly to try to demonstrate effort explicitly to try to demonstrate something<02:08:
- </c> was cited all over the world to support was cited all over the world to support anti-global<03:49
- </c> methodology to support his claims number methodology to support his claims number three<03:49:23.880
- </c> your M sorry thank you yeah I I support your M sorry thank you yeah I I support this<04:41:04.760
- </c> it says the convention shall not support it says the convention shall not support or<05:42:10.558
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Senate Public Safety Committee and Senate Transportation Committee Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We program our dollars toward those demonstrated traffic safety needs. We have to be...
- We program our dollars toward those demonstrated traffic safety needs.
- His medical bills for the 11 hours he was on life support exceeded $400,000.
- I'm here on behalf of my son, Connor Elliott-Lopez, in support of.
- I'm here supporting stronger laws like California SB 907.
Summary:
The joint Senate Public Safety and Transportation hearing focused on DUI, impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, road design, and the broader traffic safety system in California. Chairs Jesse Arreguín and Dave Cortese said the purpose was to inform upcoming legislation and noted that no bills would be acted on at the hearing. They emphasized the scale of the problem, including thousands of fatal and serious injury crashes each year, and framed the discussion around a Safe System approach that combines infrastructure, enforcement, education, and technology.
The first panel covered current DUI law and traffic safety research. Thomas Nozowitz of the Committee on Revision of the Penal Code outlined California’s DUI penalty structure, including escalating misdemeanor and felony penalties, license suspensions, ignition interlock devices, Watson advisories, and homicide-related offenses such as vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and Watson murder. Stephanie Doherty of the Office of Traffic Safety described statewide crash trends, the role of alcohol, drugs, and speeding in fatalities, and state efforts such as the Safe System approach, safety corridors, and grant funding for impaired-driving countermeasures. Dr. Julia Griswold of UC Berkeley SafeTREC presented research favoring systemic interventions like self-explaining roads, safer speed limits, speed safety cameras, intelligent speed assistance, ignition interlocks, sobriety checkpoints, and treatment for chronic offenders, while noting that first-time DUI offenders account for a large share of fatal crashes.
Members pressed the panelists on first-offense DUI treatment, ignition interlocks, speed governors, diversion, and whether tougher sanctions or vehicle technology would better reduce recidivism. Several senators raised concerns about repeat offenders, alcohol-use disorder, and the need for earlier intervention, while others questioned the effectiveness and cost of in-car devices. The panel also discussed data gaps and the need for better reporting and coordination between courts and DMV. The second panel, with DMV Director Steve Gordon and Judge Lisa Rodriguez, explained how administrative and court processes work in parallel: DMV receives court abstracts and can impose administrative per se suspensions quickly, while courts handle criminal cases, probation, and sentencing on a slower timeline. Both witnesses said the system is complex and paper-heavy but improving, and they acknowledged the need for better integration, clearer statutes, faster reporting, and more timely license actions to keep impaired drivers off the road.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> slowed the growth in student support slowed the growth in student support aid.<00:07:30.000><c>
- And so, I'm asking for your support.
- And so, I'm asking for your support.
- And so, I'm asking for your support.
- And so, I'm asking for your support.
Bills:
HF1049
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 26th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here today to urge you to... support this bill.
- It is with this in mind that I respectfully seek your support of HB 1866.
- And you're going to have those landowners that may actually support.
- Purple to support my TCU Horned Frogs. Hey, there you go. I appreciate the plug.
- Recent events have demonstrated the urgent need for robust measures in this area.
Bills:
HB1583, HB1775, HB1832, HB1836, HB1837, HB1866, HB1983, HB2029, HB2217, HB2318, HB2363, HB2486
Keywords:
mental health, emergency detention, peace officer, mental illness, prevention of harm, border security, private landowners, study and report, General Land Office, participation, controlled substances, opioid antagonists, law enforcement training, substance abuse prevention, Texas-Mexico border, criminal justice, public safety, law enforcement, National Park Service, arrest powers
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Health Policy Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- They support Steve Balmer leading age waives in support.
- in support again.
- We'll be support of today.
- Waiving in support Amanda Frazier, American Diabetes Association waiving in support.
- It's a support. Thank you. A Smith Mayo Clinic waives in support. Thank you.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Apr 11, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 49
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:24:45.600><c> The</c> strong support. Please proceed. The strong support. Please proceed.
- In support, please.
- In support, please proceed.
- In support, please proceed.
- In support, Thank you, Madam Speaker. In support, please<00:45:19.680><c> proceed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 2nd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- continued commitment to serve one another with the same courage and conviction that he so faithfully demonstrated
- continued commitment to serve one another with the same courage and conviction that he so faithfully demonstrated
- Joe's life demonstrated what can come to fruition when someone commits to cultivating not only the soil
Summary:
The Assembly convened in Sacramento with an initial quorum call, then established a quorum and proceeded with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine opening business. The chamber dispensed with reading the prior journal, deferred introductions and references of bills, and reported no Governor or Senate messages. Procedural motions were approved, including suspending rules to allow adjournment-in-memory remarks and guest access, and withdrawing S.J.R. 7 from committee and placing it on the third reading file.
Members then recognized several guest groups, including Grace Valley Christian School, College of San Mateo student-athletes, the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Agricultural Leadership Class, the Light of the World youth group, and exchange students from Germany and Tajikistan. There was no substantive floor debate on legislation; daily file and several file items were passed, retained, or continued without further action.
The main floor activity centered on adjournment-in-memory tributes. Assemblymember Ortega honored former San Leandro Mayor Stephen Cassidy for his public service, school and hospital advocacy, and civic leadership. Assemblymember Wilson honored Joseph R. Martinez, a Solano County agricultural leader and advocate for rural health care. The Assembly observed moments of silence for both individuals. The session concluded with announcements, including a reminder that FPPC Form 700 was due that day, notice of committee meetings, and an adjournment motion carrying the House until Thursday, March 5 at 9 a.m.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Gaming Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The industry relies on public trust, and behavior that demonstrates poor judgment, lack of self-control
- In this matter, the evidence and testimony presented at the hearing demonstrated that Mr.
- That testimony damaged his credibility and demonstrated a willingness to protect the permittee instead
Summary:
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on January 15, 2026, approved the December 18, 2025 minutes, and received a revenue report showing continued growth across several gaming sectors. State police reported December riverboat AGR of $167.8 million, Caesars New Orleans revenue of $283,602, racetrack slot AGR of $26.9 million, video gaming net device revenue of $67.1 million, retail and mobile sports wagering totals of $24.7 million and $373 million respectively, and daily fantasy sports gross revenue of about $4.8 million. The board noted increases in year-to-date revenues and fees in multiple categories, including the impact of Bally’s Baton Rouge landside opening and gains in the Shreveport-Bossier and Lake Charles markets.
The board then approved a second temporary certificate of compliance for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel through February 28, 2026. AVS and the Attorney General’s office reported that most life-safety deficiencies had been corrected, including repair and successful testing of the emergency generator system, but a final verification blackout drill still needed to be completed. The extension was granted to allow AVS to complete that inspection.
The board also approved a $1,500 settlement with MPL Enterprises, Inc. for late filing of annual forms and fees required for its Type 6 video draw poker license. In the final item, the board heard Thomas Rasko’s appeal of a revocation decision involving his non-key gaming employee permit. After argument from both Rasko and the Division, the board voted to affirm the hearing officer’s decision, revoking the permit and finding him unsuitable to participate in Louisiana’s gaming industry. The meeting then adjourned.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Gaming Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The industry relies on public trust, and behavior that demonstrates poor judgment, lack of self-control
- In this matter, the evidence and testimony presented at the hearing demonstrated that Mr.
- And that testimony damaged his credibility and demonstrated a willingness to protect the permittee instead
Summary:
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on January 15, 2026, and first approved the minutes from its December 18, 2025 meeting. Staff then reported strong December gaming revenues across riverboats, Caesars New Orleans, racetrack slots, video gaming, sports wagering, and daily fantasy sports, with several categories showing month-over-month and year-over-year increases. Board members noted the overall growth in the industry and did not raise questions on the revenue report.
The board next approved a temporary certificate of compliance extension for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel. Officials said most life-safety deficiencies from the annual inspection had been corrected, and the remaining issue involved the emergency generator, which had recently been repaired and tested successfully, though a final verification inspection was still pending. The temporary certificate was extended through February 28, 2026.
The board also approved a $1,500 settlement with MPL Enterprises for late submission of required annual forms and fees. In the final agenda item, the board heard an appeal from Thomas Rasko challenging the revocation of his non-key gaming employee permit. Rasko acknowledged the underlying violation and asked for a shorter penalty, while the Division argued his conduct during an arrest showed he lacked the suitability required for gaming participation. The board voted to affirm the hearing officer’s decision, revoking his permit and finding him unsuitable to participate in Louisiana’s gaming industry, and then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- But again, now that our real ID cards require Texans to show proof of citizenship and demonstrate lawful
- But there are a series of other things, like birth certificates, that are required to demonstrate some
- I know in order to get a REAL ID, so I'm saying if I'm going through the trouble of demonstrating my
Keywords:
border municipalities, agreements, funding eligibility, infrastructure, intergovernmental cooperation, REAL ID, travel document, border crossing, Texas, U.S. citizens, Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, defense innovation, national security, U.S. Army Futures Command, military technology, economic growth, 1184, house, all
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Senate Public Safety Committee and Senate Transportation Committee Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- funding to DMV to support IID program implementation, but we have provided grant funding to DMV to support
- We program our dollars towards those demonstrated traffic safety needs.
- His medical bills for the 11 hours he was on life support exceeded $400,000.
- I'm here supporting stronger laws like California SB 907.
- I'm here supporting stronger laws like California SB 907.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you and, uh, we appreciate your support. OK, uh, thank you, Mr. Addicks.
- I'm testifying on behalf of the Patient Choice Coalition in support of House Bill 4922.
- Must demonstrate by a preponderance of evidence that the provider acted with willful or wanton negligence
- Only helps ESG supporting leftists, right?
- If you support the intent of the bill, which is to make it harder for shareholders to be defrauded by
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here today in support of Senate Bill 801.
- I would like to reiterate my support for this bill.
- Thank you all for your time and your support. Any questions? Ms. Benavides, thank you.
- I'm the Assistant General Counsel for Texans for Lawsuit Reform, and I'm here in support of this bill
- So we ask for your support in SB 1200. Thank you for your testimony. Thank you for your testimony.
Keywords:
SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission
Summary:
The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard testimony on several bills, with most measures left pending after public testimony closed. SB 801, by Sen. Menéndez, would require DSHS and local clerks to issue birth certificates at no cost to people experiencing homelessness. The author and Maria Benavides of SA Youth said the fee and mailing requirements are major barriers to obtaining ID, housing, and work, and Benavides described clients who were able to secure housing and employment after getting birth records and IDs through her program. The bill was left pending.
The committee also heard a set of bills related to the Gulf of Mexico/Gulf of America naming issue: SB 1410 would require state agencies to use “Gulf of Mexico” in official documents, SB 1717 would conform state law to the federal renaming to “Gulf of America,” and SJR 63 would amend the Texas Constitution to match that change. Support testimony for the latter two emphasized alignment with federal action and the use of different geographic names by different countries. All three measures were left pending.
Members then heard SB 1200, which would require plaintiffs suing defense contractors to disclose in discovery whether they are receiving litigation funding from adversarial nations such as China, Russia, or Cuba. The author and Texans for Lawsuit Reform said the bill targets third-party litigation funding and foreign influence on lawsuits, especially those affecting defense contractors; the committee substitute narrowed the definition of defense contractor and expanded applicability to actions involving defense contractors’ activities. SB 2626, which requires continuing medical education on pregnancy-related emergencies for OB-GYN physicians and nurses, drew support from witnesses who said it would reduce confusion about Texas abortion law and improve care in emergencies. SB 506, SB 2681, SB 1862, SB 1863, and SB 2216 all focused on elections, including ballot language standards, voter registration challenges, interstate voter-roll cleanup, procedural audits, and election equipment security; testimony split between supporters who said the bills improve transparency and integrity and opponents who warned of vague standards, added costs, and possible voter disenfranchisement. Each of those bills was left pending after testimony.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Upon receiving a complaint about the lawyer, the bar then investigates it, and when supported by case
- And when supported by case law, prosecutes lawyers.
- The Florida Bar also assists the court with investigating, and when supported by case law, civically
- So the Bar engages in all sorts of programs that support these three primary duties assigned to it by
- It is staffed by both lawyers and support staff.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum present and Senator Thompson excused. The committee first considered Senate Bill 48 by Senator Garcia on judicial sales and procedures. Garcia explained a delete-all amendment that would create clearer statewide procedures for alternative judicial sales, increase transparency, remove bidding credits, extend sale timelines, and add oversight for auctioneers and escrow agents to prevent fraud and collusion. After no questions or opposition, the amendment was adopted, Senator Pasadoma said the rewrite addressed many of his concerns, and the committee then voted CS for SB 48 favorably with unanimous yes votes from members present.
The committee then received a presentation from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office on the effectiveness of Florida’s recent anti-squatting law, House Bill 621/SB 888. Presenters described several cases in which deputies used the new process to remove unlawful occupants, including a false landlord report, a long-term fake lease situation, and a more recent unlawful occupancy case. They said the law has helped protect property owners and potential victims, but suggested technical changes: clearer authorization for deputies to enter and use force if needed, and a fix to the affidavit penalty provision because false statements are currently being charged as false reports rather than perjury under the existing wording.
The Florida Bar also presented on its role in regulating lawyers, lawyer advertising, and the unlicensed practice of law. Bar leaders explained that the Bar operates under the Florida Supreme Court’s authority, is funded by member fees, and handles complaints through a multi-step process involving intake, branch offices, grievance committees, referees, and final Supreme Court review. They described advertising review procedures, discipline statistics, consumer assistance, the Clients’ Security Fund, and enforcement against unlicensed practice. Senators asked about the Legislature’s authority over lawyer advertising, the prevalence of legal ads, the role of public members on grievance committees, and how those members are selected and used.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Agriculture Committee Mar 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I urge your support for AB 1674. Thank you. Thank you so much.
- , if any, support from the state of California.
- This is why I'm here to ask for your support of AB 1731.
- You know, I'm looking through this list of supports, and that's a significant number. support.
- That's support. Thank you. Great. Thank you so much.
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture met and heard a full agenda of bills, beginning with AB 1674, which would create a Food Desert Elimination Grant Program and require grocery-store capacity to be preserved or mitigated in certain housing developments. The author and local residents from Sunnyvale testified in support, describing the loss of neighborhood grocery stores and the impact on seniors and low-income families. Business and building groups opposed or opposed unless amended, arguing the bill could add costs and create housing barriers, especially in Section 3. The committee discussed rural and urban food-access differences, and the bill passed the committee 5-0 and was re-referred to Housing and Community Development, with members noting continued work on amendments.
The committee then approved several consent items and heard AB 2264, which would allow district agricultural associations to use fairgrounds property for affordable housing by extending lease terms from 55 to 99 years. Supporters said it would unlock underused public land without displacing neighborhoods, and the bill passed to Housing and Community Development. AB 269, the “Fair Act,” would provide a targeted sales and use tax exemption to spur development projects on fairgrounds; it drew broad support from members and fair association testimony and passed to Revenue and Taxation. AB 2143, which would prohibit online marketplaces from accepting payment for noxious weeds shipped into California, received strong support from academic and agricultural witnesses and passed to Privacy and Consumer Protection.
The committee also heard AB 1731, creating the California Healthy Food Procurement Fund and an approved-vendor program to connect schools with California farmers. School nutrition, farm, and food-policy advocates supported the bill as a way to reduce procurement barriers and expand local food in school meals; it passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 1848 would raise seed-law fees to fund inspection and enforcement of California’s seed regulations; the California Seed Association supported the increase, and the bill passed to Appropriations. The meeting concluded with roll calls on absent members and adjournment at 2:53 p.m.