Video & Transcript Research : 'Government Code'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Jun 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- towers are being used, where the Wi-Fi is, even when you're, let's say, just putting in your own zip code
- have been businesses, for example, the Princeton Review, charged people higher prices if their ZIP codes
- Those cross-references are to Civil Code Sections 51.7, 51.9, 52, and 52.1.
- I wish I knew what was in their design code. They still won't disclose that, right?
- If there is no design in the code to actually make lies and hatred... ...design in the code to actually
Summary:
The committee hearing covered several bills related to privacy, consumer protection, and online harms. SB 259 by Senator Wahab would prohibit surveillance pricing based on device data such as geolocation or battery level; supporters argued it would curb discriminatory and predatory pricing, while opponents raised concerns about geolocation definitions, legitimate location-based pricing, and impacts on discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee and passed 8-1, with members noting amendments and ongoing discussions with stakeholders.
SB 22 by Senator Laird would raise the amount of gift cards that can be redeemed for cash, with the author saying the goal is to update the long-standing $10 threshold for inflation and preserve consumer value. Consumer advocates supported the bill, while retailers, restaurants, grocers, and chambers of commerce opposed or opposed unless amended, citing fraud concerns, safety issues, and the need for clarification on donated or returned gift cards. The committee voted the bill out on a 6-1 vote and kept it on call.
SB 576 by Senator Umberg would apply broadcast-style loudness rules to streaming advertisements. The author said the bill is intended to prevent ads from being much louder than programming, especially for children, while the opposition argued that streaming ad insertion is technically different and that existing industry standards and FCC oversight already address the issue. The bill passed 8-0. SB 683 by Senator Cortese would clarify that people can seek injunctive relief, including a TRO, for unauthorized use of name, image, or likeness; supporters said it strengthens privacy protections, while opponents warned about prior restraint and First Amendment concerns. The bill was moved out on a due pass motion and kept on call.
The final bill discussed, SB 771 by Senator Stern, would clarify that existing civil rights and hate-related laws apply to social media platforms and their algorithms, with higher penalties for intentional or reckless violations. Supporters, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Islamic Networks Group, described online hate as fueling real-world violence and urged stronger accountability; opponents argued the bill could conflict with Section 230, chill lawful speech, and create vague standards. Members raised questions about constitutionality, definitions, and whether the bill would be workable, but several expressed support for the author’s goals.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- all of the cases are appealable to the city courts in the same manner as cases are appealable in the Code
- of evidence and code of civil procedure, warrants further study.
- of evidence and code of civil procedure warrant further study.
- In the JP court, they're going to use the relaxed standards which are in the Code of Civil Procedure
- of Evidence or the Code of Civil Procedure.
Bills:
HR2, HR37, HR61, HCR11, HCR64, HB89, HB183, HB341, HB371, HB451, HB480, HB520, HB541, HB579, HB597, HB816, HB1004, HB1064, HB1165, SB44
Keywords:
transparency, accountability, Justice Department, FBI, Jeffrey Epstein, victim protection, investigation, public trust, HR37, House Resolution 37, Honduras veterans, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, military medal, veteran recognition, Congress memorialization, U.S. veterans, foreign deployment, 1981 to 1992, military service awards, combat support
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 1165, which was converted into a substitute bill to reorganize the Avoyelles Parish court system by creating two city courts, one for Marksville and one for Bunkie, and expanding their jurisdiction parishwide, including small claims and certain misdemeanor, civil, and juvenile matters. The sponsor and supporting judges said the change would better use existing courts and improve access to justice, while the district attorney opposed it, arguing it would not help the criminal docket, could create staffing and constitutional issues, and needed more study. After questions about voting districts, appellate procedure, and minority vote dilution, the committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably.
The committee then heard House Bill 1064 creating a domestic violence intervention court pilot program in the 19th Judicial District, with testimony from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and the YWCA describing a specialty court model focused on accountability, victim services, and wraparound support. The bill was reported favorably. House Bill 341, clarifying law enforcement officer rights during administrative investigations, was amended to specify administrative matters and reported with amendments. House Concurrent Resolution 64, as amended, expanded a study of behavioral health courts to include additional parishes and a later reporting deadline, and was reported favorably. House Bill 579, the sexual assault survivor bill of rights, was amended to strengthen notice, confidentiality, and funding provisions and then reported favorably.
Later, House Bill 1004, which would have raised the jurisdictional threshold for justice of the peace courts from $5,000 to $7,500, drew significant opposition from city court judges who warned of unintended consequences, including different evidentiary standards, possible attorney-representation issues for entities, and added burdens on district courts. Supporters framed it as an inflation adjustment and access-to-justice measure, but after debate the committee voted 5-11 to defer the bill. House Bill 183, limiting courthouse cell phone bans in fee-payment areas, was amended and then failed on a 7-7 tie with the chair voting no. The committee also reported favorably House Bill 451 on ATC hearing notices, House Bill 541 on micro distillers via substitute, Senate Bill 44 on tactical medical professionals’ firearms, House Resolution 37 honoring veterans who served in Honduras, and House Bill 89 requiring a district attorney office to pay certain retirees’ health premiums from its own funds. Several other bills were voluntarily deferred, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Government Finance Committee Mar 19th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Government Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome, everybody, to our afternoon session of the Government Finance Committee.
- He said his comments to the Government Finance Committee.
- And you can see the two pieces of code listed there.
- We split the spreadsheet... ...pieces of code listed there.
- The rental rates are also established according to Century Code.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 22nd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I, too, sat at the local government level where we saw a backlog, and this is what our individuals in
- I, too, sat at the local government level where we saw a backlog, and this is what our individuals in
- For non-vehicle code infractions, it allows for a non-custodial warrant to be issued.
- Speaker, AB 2122, prohibits the issuance of a bench warrant if the underlying offense of vehicle code
- infraction, and for non-vehicle code infractions allows for a non-custodial warrant to be issued.
Summary:
The Assembly convened, initially lacked a quorum, then completed the roll call and prayer, adopted routine procedural motions, and moved through the daily file with many bills passed and retained or passed outright. Early measures included AB 2417 on community college faculty retirement information, AB 1579 expanding the Children’s Crisis Pilot Program, AB 2041 on emergency medical services reporting, AB 1547 on a UC medical school feasibility study in Kern County, and AB 1552 directing higher education segments to report on civic engagement and democracy education. The body also took up SB 73, an urgency elections-security bill, where supporters argued it would protect ballots, voting systems, and election workers from interference, while opponents said it could be unconstitutional, partisan, and overly restrictive of local and federal investigations. SB 73 passed with urgency and immediate transmittal to the Senate.
The Assembly then approved a long series of policy bills, many with unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including AB 1554 on California Earthquake Authority transparency, AB 1584 on civil rights duties at the Air Resources Board, AB 1592 on the California Indian Cultural Center, AB 1629 on direct payment to dentists, AB 1645 on prison visitation physical-contact rules, AB 1688 on foster care notice and accountability, AB 1699 on prescribed and cultural burns, AB 1738 on virtual final inspections for single-family homes, AB 1741 on charging sexual battery during a residential break-in as a wobbler, AB 1802 on mitigation lands endowments, AB 1813 on community renewable energy program changes, AB 1899 creating a youth homelessness prevention office, AB 1904 on a credentialing apprenticeship program, AB 1941 on organized metal theft, AB 2043 on drone-attack prevention for mass gatherings and critical infrastructure, AB 2054 on paid family leave for military relatives, AB 2081 on home-based Medi-Cal care, AB 2116 on predatory lending, AB 2122 limiting bench warrants for vehicle-code infractions, AB 2176 on student housing coordination, AB 2187 on tribal public-contract exemptions, AB 2221 on charitable fundraising processing deadlines, AB 2232 on advance parole hearing reporting, AB 2235 on confidentiality of judges’ home addresses, AB 2250 on cannabis/hemp enforcement cleanup, and AB 2266 on electricity. Most measures were described as support or bipartisan bills and passed with little or no opposition.
A few bills drew notable debate or recorded opposition, including AB 1813, AB 2122, and SB 73, though all ultimately passed. After finishing 35 items, the Assembly announced it would return the following week with a much larger file, noted upcoming floor amendment deadlines, and adjourned until Tuesday, May 26 at 1 p.m. A post-adjournment vote change was also recorded, changing Assembly Member Dixon’s vote on AB 2041 from aye to no.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Military and Veterans Affairs Jun 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- That's been a very big success and that conversation, depending on the way the federal government goes
- I think you and the code.
- Absolutely, yes, I think it's a code because sometimes things just get built because that person has
- They don't have time to wait for a code issues, so it may be where everybody works together, something
- something to code so something they take into consideration, um.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Woods: So in the juvenile in the Children's Code, there's a definition of youthful offender,
- Instead of getting tougher in the juvenile code, potentially we're becoming more lax.
- This modernizes the Children's Code more in line with our adult code.
- My goal wasn't to change the Children's Code.
- All the other bills that tried to change the Children's Code didn't succeed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill contains numerous minor updates to various code sections within the jurisdiction.
- Among the provisions of this bill, it repeals obsolete provisions of the Government Code, which have
- I think that is us fining them for our failures to run good government.
- I think that is us fining them for our failures to run good government.
- We are aware that local governments are not likely to like this bill.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1521, the Judiciary Committee’s civil law omnibus measure. The bill makes a number of minor, mostly clarifying changes, including repealing obsolete Government Code provisions, allowing juvenile courts to hear petitions to establish records of birth, death, or marriage, requiring notice of probate petitions to the Department of Child Support Services, and correcting typos in existing law. It had no opposition and was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, though it was later placed on call pending additional votes.
Members then heard AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s Home Purchase Assistance Program funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. The author and supporters framed it as a reparative, race-neutral-by-lineage effort to address historic housing discrimination and the racial wealth gap, while opponents argued it was an unconstitutional racial proxy and should instead be based on individual injury. The bill drew strong support and opposition testimony, was amended, and was approved on a do-pass as amended vote to Appropriations, then placed on call.
AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, was heard next. The bill would expand and standardize caregiving and guardianship tools for families facing immigration-related separation, including broader use of caregiver authorization affidavits, recognition of non-relative extended family caregivers, and a new short-term guardianship process that preserves parental rights. Supporters said it would reduce trauma and help children remain with trusted caregivers; there was no opposition testimony. The committee approved it on a do-pass to Human Services vote and placed it on call.
The committee also heard AB 392, which would address non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit media by requiring uploader consent certifications, faster takedown procedures, and civil remedies against uploaders and hosting sites. A survivor testified in support, and members discussed implementation details and possible amendments; the bill was moved on a do-pass as amended basis to Appropriations and placed on call. AB 692, which would prohibit employer “stay-or-pay” debt agreements that require workers to repay training or other costs if they leave or are terminated, also advanced despite opposition from business and industry groups concerned about impacts on signing bonuses and voluntary training programs. It was sent to Appropriations on a do-pass as amended vote and placed on call, along with AB 1234, a wage-claim enforcement bill aimed at reducing Labor Commissioner delays and adding consequences for employers who fail to participate in the process. The committee also heard AB 394, which expands protections for transit workers and allows transit agencies to seek restraining orders against violent riders; it received broad support, some concern about system-wide bans, and was discussed with amendments that preserved judicial discretion.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (03/04/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- They're getting money because of a government edict.
- Maybe it’s in the codes to mention codes. Okay, thanks.
- Maybe it’s in the codes to mention codes. Okay, thanks.
- Maybe it’s in the codes to mention codes. Okay, thanks.
- the free market and have a government the free market and have a government intrusion<03:46:15.840
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 23rd, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- That is current Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure 905.5.
- So QR codes, I’m told,” “And they are revamping the department.
- So, but I’m trying to figure out, I understand the QR code, but if it’s a QR code that they were already
- It’s not going to be a QR code that has on their registered sex offender.
- It’s just going to be a QR code, I would think.
Summary:
The committee first handled several housekeeping items, voluntarily deferring HB 123, HB 255, and HB 994 without objection. It then took up SCR 3 by Senator Brock Myers, which would delay and revise implementation of a state police rule affecting criminal history background checks for licensed ambulance personnel and certain health care workers. After adopting Amendment Set 434 to remove a provision involving parish and local law enforcement checks, the committee reported SCR 3 as amended favorably. The committee also heard HB 978 by Rep. Lecombe, which as amended raises the population threshold for municipalities required to remit certain special costs to the District Indigent Defender Fund from under 5,000 to under 9,000; with support from the town of Addis and related stakeholders, the bill was reported favorably as amended.
The committee then considered HB 967 by Rep. Moore, which sought to remove language limiting parole eligibility for certain pre-July 2, 1973 life-sentenced offenders to those who had pleaded guilty, thereby allowing a small group of elderly inmates convicted at trial to seek parole consideration. Supporters argued the bill would only create an opportunity for review, not release, and cited rehabilitation and fairness concerns; opponents, including district attorneys and corrections officials, argued the 2022 law already addressed the intended group and that the current bill would reopen cases involving serious violent crimes. After extended debate, the motion to report HB 967 favorably failed on an 8-3 vote.
Finally, the committee took up HB 1107 by Rep. Melerine, a bill on determining intellectual disability in capital cases. The bill, as amended, raised the burden of proof to clear and convincing evidence, set an IQ threshold framework, required expert reports and Daubert-type reliability review, and limited the article to post-conviction capital cases. The Attorney General’s office and district attorneys supported the bill as a way to create clearer procedures and speed resolution of Atkins claims, while criminal defense lawyers, disability advocates, clergy, and medical experts opposed it as inconsistent with current clinical standards and potentially unconstitutional, warning that rigid IQ cutoffs and presumptions could wrongly expose people with intellectual disabilities to execution. The transcript ends during closing remarks on HB 1107, with no final committee vote shown.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Resolution No. 158 by Senator Womack is a resolution urging local governing authorities, with
- Senate Resolution No. 158 by Senator Womack is a resolution urging local governing authorities, with
- Okay, this is just a request for local governing authorities to consider adopting local ordinances to
- It's an act to amend Title 40 relative to public water systems to allow local governments to vote to
- Senate Bill 83 by Senator Edmonds is an act to amend Title 46, the Children's Code, relative to human
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Economic Development & Workforce Investment (2-12-26)
Economic Development & Workforce Investment
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, the other provisions in the bill relate to local governments taking advantage of state contracts
- the bill relate to local governments the bill relate to local governments taking<00:08:34.399>
<00:08:47.040>local <00:08:47.360>governments of a direct price. local governments - <00:09:35.120>
That's vehicles in the procurement code. - That's vehicles in the procurement code.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00
Roll call: 01:22
HB 577 discussion: 03:04
HB 577 vote: 05:26
HB 392 discussion: 06:55
HB 392 vote: 09:54
HCR 16 discussion: 11:00
HCR 16 vote: 14:07, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment met for its first meeting, reviewed housekeeping procedures, and established a quorum. The committee first considered House Bill 577, relating to economic development. The bill sponsor and a representative from Blue North said it would modernize Kentucky’s economic development statutes to better support startups and high-growth companies, rename the innovation center program as the Kentucky Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub program, clarify statutory definitions, expand the Kentucky Enterprise Fund, allow certain out-of-state companies to qualify if they commit to becoming Kentucky-based within 180 days, and broaden the angel investment program to include pass-through entities. The committee approved HB 577 with a favorable expression.
The committee then took up House Bill 392, relating to local public agency transactions, and adopted a committee substitute negotiated with stakeholders including the Kentucky Press Association and the Kentucky Association of General Contractors. The sponsor said the substitute removed the original bill’s best value and reciprocal bidder provisions, lowered the small purchase threshold from $60,000 to $50,000, and would increase that threshold by $10,000 every five years to account for inflation. It would also allow local governments to use certain state contracts with price ranges, permit independent evaluation of some small non-evaluative equipment, and exempt law enforcement vehicles and related equipment from procurement code requirements. HB 392, as amended by committee substitute, passed with a favorable expression.
House Concurrent Resolution 16 was then heard. The sponsor, who had co-chaired the Air Mobility and Aviation Economic Development Task Force, said the task force held six meetings and heard from airports, aviation and education stakeholders, logistics companies, and others. She said the group found there was no real strategic plan for advanced air mobility and recommended that state agencies study infrastructure needs and that the General Assembly develop a strategic plan and legislation for AAM vehicles. Members discussed airport and drone-related issues, and the resolution passed with a favorable expression. Finally, House Bill 593, relating to data centers, was announced but passed over for a later hearing, and the committee adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Mar 31st, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The fund is very much like a pension fund and is governed by a nine-member board of trustees funded by
- Which is currently in the books, it's 3251 of the penal code.
- The scratch off material covering the activation code is then removed.
- As a new law, this will land in Chapter 32 of the Penal Code, automatically making this crime a predicate
- Most people don't realize that the Texas penal code compared to most states and the feds is quite the
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It amends Chapter 18 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to conform the statute.
- Okay, if it doesn't meet the government threshold, it caps.
- They know that it's, let's say, CPT code 100, they get $500 for that.
- For that CPT code was willing to accept. Sorry Mr.
- Rules of evidence will govern that.
Bills:
HB4806
Keywords:
civil action, damages, health care services, noneconomic damages, negligence, legal standards, 1184, house, all
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Elect Committee Meeting - 2025-03-26
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm going to call this meeting of the Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee to order.
- Building codes would still apply, and safety codes would still apply.
- It clarifies under some confusion that local government staff that communicate with other local government
- No, I’d like to make a motion to send this to Government Ops. We are Government Ops.
- Who does agree that this bill does not need to go to State Government Finance.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Feb 4th, 2025
House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- We work very hard to put money in the cogs of government, and that money is to help rural communities
- , or any community really, provide the grant writing expertise for a government agency.
- I am Government Relations for Rocky Mountain Farmers Union.
- I just don't feel comfortable changing the tax code across the board for farmers across the state.
- But as far as I understand it, while the federal government and the state government receive information
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- you are right um this local government you are right um this local government of<00:02:13.080>
- We all work in a state, in a government, in a country where we rely on one another.
- This is the single most progressive tax in our tax code.
- And this is the single most progressive tax in our tax code.
- and the Minnesota Internal Revenue code and the Minnesota tax tax tax code<01:09:23.679>
and <
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It was... ...and other forms of evidence is that an MPO is a government edict, and when the government
- It was not the intent of my bill to change existing law and other parts of the code.
- Ed Little, California Government Affairs Manager with Californians for Safety and Justice.
- When people see laws are carried out effectively, it reinforces confidence in our government.
- Many departments in state government are at 30% vacancy rates. And this isn’t isolated.
Summary:
The committee heard several public safety bills and took testimony on each, with members often noting amendments and continuing negotiations. SB 1009 by Senator Becker would require juvenile courts to find that less restrictive alternatives are unsuitable before ordering detention, and would require periodic review of continued detention and consideration of alternatives at disposition. Supporters argued it would reduce unnecessary youth detention and improve transparency; probation, judges, and police groups opposed it as an undue limit on judicial discretion and potentially unsafe in serious cases. The chair said he would recommend an aye with amendments, but the bill was held pending quorum and later remained on call.
SB 1130 by Senator Gomez Reyes would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses, requiring consent before recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and banning devices or accessories designed to defeat recording indicators. Supporters said the bill addresses secret recording and invasive surveillance; opponents from tech and hospitality groups sought clarification to avoid unintended liability for businesses and exempt workplace communication devices. Members discussed those exemptions, and the chair recommended an aye, but the measure also remained on call.
Senator Blake Spear presented SB 99, which would let courts consider military protective orders in domestic violence proceedings and require better communication between civilian law enforcement and military authorities. Supporters from the Department of Defense, local officials, and military representatives said it would close protection gaps for military families; the ACLU opposed it on due process grounds because MPOs are issued without judicial process. The chair and author emphasized that the bill only allows consideration of MPOs and does not require civilian enforcement of them. The bill passed out on a vote, though it remained on call for additional members.
The committee also heard SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, restricting flashbang use for crowd control and banning flashbangs and explosive breaching charges in immigration enforcement, and SB 1022, creating a statewide anti-trafficking task force. SB 937 drew support from civil rights and community groups and opposition from police and sheriffs over the use-of-force standard and limits on tactics; it passed out on a vote but remained on call. SB 1022 was supported by survivor and faith groups and opposed by public defenders and sex worker advocates who raised concerns about racial disparities and enforcement harms; it also passed out on a vote. Later, SB 1395, extending criminal protective orders for certain felony sex offenses against minors up to 20 years, and SB 1230, increasing penalties for repeat illegal dumping, were both heard with mixed testimony and were held on call after committee votes. The committee also adopted a consent calendar and several bills were moved forward with amendments.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Our civil code already says that a parent is responsible for the actions of their child in many cases
- Our civil code already says that a parent is responsible for the actions of their child in many cases
- We're just not—that's not the job of government.
- I've heard all morning I was in House and Government Affairs and told that ethics is listening.
- I've heard all morning I was in House and Government Affairs and told that ethics is listening.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 137, which would strengthen penalties for knowingly making threats against schools, school activities, students, or school employees. The author said the bill responds to repeated false threats that disrupt schools, frighten families, and divert law enforcement, and it adds education and parental acknowledgment requirements. Members discussed possible juvenile consequences such as public service or physical work at schools, and the bill drew support from law enforcement, district attorneys, and Catholic bishops. It was reported favorably without objection.
House Bill 321 followed, addressing Louisiana’s Safe Harbor law by expressly exempting minors from prostitution offenses and treating them as trafficking victims rather than offenders. The author, clergy, trafficking advocates, and a survivor testified that children involved in commercial sex are typically coerced, groomed, or controlled by traffickers, often family members or caregivers, and should receive protection and services instead of arrest. Witnesses described statewide advocacy and crisis-response services created in 2022, and committee members asked about prosecution of perpetrators and the prevalence of trafficking in rural areas. The bill was reported favorably without objection.
The committee then approved House Bill 1246, a response to a fatal drunk-driving crash involving Jada Bright, which would allow law enforcement to keep intoxicated offenders in jail if they are not safe to release. An amendment was adopted to clean up the language, and the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 1104, creating a misdemeanor for possession of motor vehicle key-programming or emulating devices used to steal cars, also passed favorably with support from prosecutors and police. House Bill 552, a cleanup measure replacing references to intoxication with impairment in prior drug-related statutes, was reported favorably as well.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 310, which would require random reassignment when a defendant waives a jury trial in districts with more than two judges, unless the prosecutor agrees otherwise. Supporters said it would prevent judge shopping and address concerns about unusually high acquittal rates before particular judges, while opponents argued it raises due process concerns and effectively lets prosecutors choose the judge. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably. The last major item was House Bill 1107, dealing with post-conviction death penalty cases involving claims of intellectual disability; the bill would set a 75 IQ threshold and create procedures for Atkins claims. Supporters said it would bring finality to long-pending capital cases and follow U.S. Supreme Court guidance, while opponents argued it would be unconstitutional under Atkins, Moore, and Hall because intellectual disability cannot be reduced to a single number. After extensive testimony and debate over amendments, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Criminal Justice Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's Amendment bar code 9, 4, 5, 5, 0, 4, You're recognized to explain the amendment.
- Bar code 9, 4, 5, 5, 0, 4, It was we do voice vote. All right. All in favor say aye. All opposed.
- And that was in the bar code 7, 4, 2, 9, 3, 0, there. Any questions on the delete all amendment?
- Code. 8, 6, 4, 1, 1, Go ahead. >> Thank you, Mister Chair. This strike.
- What's the bar code for the delete all bar code 1, 7, 9, 5, 4, 0, Thank you. >> This amendment provides
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- First, there's the... ...to local governments.
- Longer having a building code requirement. I want to put you on the spot.
- Some of this is just good government, right? The scorecard that we refer to.
- It does not require Public Utilities Code Section 851.
- So in our valuation case, that is under Public Utilities Code Section 1400.
Summary:
The committee heard several energy, water, and utility bills. SB 919 by Senator Grayson would extend the biomethane monetary incentive program through 2030 and authorize additional funding to support renewable natural gas projects by reducing interconnection costs. Supporters said high interconnection costs and the current tax treatment are major barriers to methane reduction projects; opponents, including TURN and environmental groups, raised ratepayer cost concerns and objected to rate-basing and additional public funding. The author said amended language would remove the rate-basing provisions and instead urge the CPUC to act quickly on its pending decision.
SB 931 by Senator Laird would reauthorize the Community Impact Mitigation Program for the Diablo Canyon plant through 2030 to continue funding local emergency preparedness, fire protection, public safety, and school district costs. The County of San Luis Obispo and labor groups supported the bill, while TURN opposed it as a statewide ratepayer subsidy that could be funded from existing PG&E revenues instead of higher rates. Members discussed the bill in the context of the 2022 Diablo Canyon extension deal and the possibility of a future longer extension.
SB 1215 by Senator Cortese would direct the CPUC to set deployment targets for EV charging in multifamily housing and evaluate progress, with amendments aimed at affordability and limiting system upgrade costs. Supporters said renters are largely locked out of home charging and that prior utility programs proved cost-effective; no opposition testified. SB 1359 by Senator Stern would require more deliberate CPUC review before major gas system investments, emphasizing electrification and non-pipeline alternatives. Gas utilities and several industry groups opposed it, arguing it could undermine the obligation to serve, create safety and reliability risks, and change the regulatory compact.
The committee also heard SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar, presented by Senator Gonzalez, which would establish a statewide low-income water rate assistance program upon appropriation. Water agencies, environmental groups, and local governments supported the measure, while one member expressed concern that it lacked a funding source and could not overcome Proposition 218 limits; the bill was moved to Appropriations and the roll was left open. Finally, SB 1098 by Senator Perez would restrict the use of long-running memorandum and balancing accounts by investor-owned utilities, require exceptional circumstances for new accounts, and add sunset and cost-sharing requirements. Consumer advocates and large energy users supported tighter oversight, while the utilities and business groups opposed the bill as too rigid and potentially harmful to flexibility for wildfire, emergency, and safety-related costs.