Transcript Highlights:

• This is a bill that is a small, practical policy change that improves access to medically necessary care
• Evidence consistently shows that midwifery care improves outcomes, reduces unnecessary interventions,
• Evidence consistently shows that midwifery care improves outcomes, reduces unnecessary interventions,
• The structure limits the ability of the health care system to fully utilize this proven model of care
• It's the Fair Care for All Act.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee heard a regular order agenda with 101 bills and first took up AB 2215, which would extend the time for the Department of Water Resources to fully develop its State Water Project water rights. The author and supporters argued it would improve water reliability and affordability for millions of Californians and could save ratepayers money, while opponents said it would bypass the Water Board’s administrative process, set a precedent for other water rights holders, and potentially facilitate costly projects like the Delta Conveyance Project. The bill was moved on a do pass vote, with Mr. Hoover voting no and Ms. Krell not voting. The committee then approved two consent calendars and heard several bills with little or no opposition. These included AB 2038 on extending insurance nonrenewal/cancellation protections for wildfire victims; AB 2322 on clarifying which commercial, industrial, or institutional sites are subject to municipal stormwater permits; AB 1794 on direct home shipment of enteral nutrition; AB 1696 on clarifying that nurse midwives do not need physician supervision within their scope of practice; AB 1860 on allowing county offices of education to use design-build methods; AB 1876 on codifying nondiscrimination protections in health care; AB 2281 on election cybersecurity resources; AB 2448 on protecting sensitive medical records and reproductive health data; AB 1994 on providing victims with information about federal immigration relief options; and AB 1829 on expanding how CalWORKs community college funds may be used to support student parents. Most were supported by sponsoring organizations and related stakeholders, with limited opposition noted on AB 1696 and AB 2281. The committee also placed a large suspense calendar on approval, listing dozens of additional bills, and then opened public comment on bills not heard that day. No members of the public came forward, and the hearing was adjourned. Several bills were reported out on roll call votes, with some members not voting or voting no on particular measures, but the transcript does not provide full vote tallies for each bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this would have a chilling effect on providing the care, the medical care, the health care that people
• care evaluations.
• Care to explain? Sure.
• This is health care. It comes down to the fact that this is health care.
• This is health care. It comes down to the fact that this is health care.

Transcript Highlights:

• . care. care.
• and What can improve safety in hospitals and in<00:49:45.520><c> child</c><00:49:45.839><c> care</c>
• care.
• care? care? &gt;&gt; Chair<01:29:44.480><c> West.</c> &gt;&gt; Chair West. &gt;&gt; Chair West.
• </c> to take care of our little ones. to take care of our little ones.

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• or EFC clients, benefits be applied against their cost of care. care or EFC clients benefits be applied
• against their cost of care the department's current foster care per capita forecast practices factor
• against their cost of care."
• This amendment requires a 65% response per child care, per the seven child care regions. ...from per
• This bill provides a pathway for that to expand care in care deserts, asking for a yes.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 5828, which would restore and adjust Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship award levels for students attending private, not-for-profit four-year institutions. Staff explained the bill would set the awards at 90 percent of the regional and state college rate rather than 50 percent of the research rate, with an estimated fiscal impact of $3.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and $18.6 million over four years. Testimony was largely in support from private college presidents, students, and school counselors, who said the bill would help low-income and first-generation students and preserve access and enrollment choices; some public college student representatives said they did not oppose the bill but argued that cuts to public-school aid should be restored first. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5911, which would prohibit DCYF from using benefits or funds of youth in extended foster care as reimbursement for their cost of care beginning in 2027, while requiring support for benefit management and payee arrangements and allowing protected accounts such as ABLE accounts. Staff estimated a net fiscal impact of $608,000 in fiscal year 2027 and $2.2 million per biennium thereafter. Testimony in support said the bill would end the practice of withholding SSI and other benefits from youth in care and better support disabled youth transitioning to adulthood. Members asked questions about fiduciary responsibility and representative payee arrangements. In executive session, the committee adopted amendments and advanced several bills. It adopted Amendment Clark 350 to House Bill 2689, raising the required provider response rate for the child care market rate survey to 65 percent, and then reported the bill out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 18-11, with two excused. It adopted Amendment H-3743.1 to Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5395 on retrospective prior authorization denials and reported that bill out unanimously. It also adopted Amendment Pool 272 to Senate Bill 5420 and reported that bill out unanimously. For Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5496, the committee adopted several amendments clarifying scope and penalties but rejected amendments that would have delayed the bill or replaced it with a study; the bill was then reported out with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard amendment briefings on other bills, including 5981, 6026, 6160, 6184, and 6211, but deferred action on some items heard that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Avenal Care, which stands for Community Action for Restorative Equity.
• We support AB 1812 because it helps improve the quality of compost inputs.
• Craig Schuller, on behalf of the Personal Care Products Council, in opposition.
• A safety improvement, an evacuation route, a shoulder widening, an interchange improvement is not...
• A safety improvement, an evacuation route, a shoulder widening, an interchange improvement is not An

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on AB 2218, which would declare state policy to recognize and address water-related inequities affecting California Native American tribes and require several state agencies to incorporate that policy into water-related decisions. The author and tribal witnesses said the bill would codify a seat at the table for tribes and build on existing consultation and equity commitments, while supporters from environmental and tribal organizations backed the measure. Opponents from municipal utilities, water agencies, cities, counties, agriculture, and business groups argued the bill was too vague, could create uncertainty for water supply and project approvals, and might invite litigation. The chair signaled support, and the author said the bill was intended as a consultation measure rather than one that would usurp agency authority. The committee then took up AB 1795, a wildfire smoke-damage bill that would establish statewide standards for inspecting, testing, and remediating smoke-damaged homes and create clearer insurance claim handling rules. The Department of Insurance supported the bill, saying it would bring consistency and accountability after major urban-interface fires, while wildfire survivors and advocates said current insurer practices leave families unable to safely return home. Insurance and local government groups opposed unless amended, warning about cost, implementation uncertainty, and the bill’s scope. Members discussed unresolved issues, including how the bill would interact with a separate wildfire health-and-safety bill, whether it would apply to existing policies, and how presumptions and testing standards should work. The committee voted AB 1795 out on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations. AB 1642, another wildfire-related bill, was also heard and focused on setting science-based testing and clearance standards for homes, schools, and businesses after urban and wildland-urban interface fires. The author and a Caltech scientist described contamination from lead and other heavy metals in fire-affected homes and argued for a presumption that certain contaminants found after a fire came from the wildfire, to reduce costly disputes. Survivors and many advocacy groups supported the bill, while insurers and other industry groups opposed, saying the testing regime was too broad, the geographic scope was unclear, and the presumptions could function like strict liability and raise insurance costs. Senators pressed both sides on how AB 1642 would overlap with the CDI smoke-claims task force and with AB 1795, and the author said the two bills were intended to be complementary and would continue to be reconciled. The committee also briefly heard AB 1976, which would create a CEQA exemption for pedestrian malls and limit certain local procedural delays for pedestrian and traffic-calming projects. Supporters said it would make it easier to create safer, more walkable, and more livable streets, and there was no opposition testimony. The chair described it as a narrow CEQA exemption for active transportation-related projects and indicated support. The committee then moved on to AB 2026, a groundwater recharge permitting bill, with the author explaining that it would streamline permitting so more recharge projects can capture floodwater and store it for drought years; testimony on that bill began as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• You all heard about school improvement from PED yesterday.
• It's the school improvement money that I was missing.
• There's always room for improvement and for growth.
• , to teach kids how to read and improve reading.
• , to teach kids how to read and improve reading.

Summary: The committee first heard a detailed staff presentation on the LESC FY27 public school support recommendation. Staff reviewed the budget structure and explained that, despite a downward revision in state revenue estimates, the recommendation still relied on recurring and non-recurring revenue to support educator compensation, insurance, transportation, literacy, math, special education, and other school programs. Major recurring items included a 3% compensation increase, funding for an 80-20 health insurance cost share, insurance premium growth, and transportation adequacy funding. Staff also flagged a possible supplemental need of up to $35 million for virtual education tied to rapid enrollment growth in Chama and Santa Rosa, and members raised concerns about the quality, accountability, and funding model for virtual programs. Members asked questions about transportation for rural districts, the Martinez-Yazzie lawsuit fees, the treatment of enrollment declines in the school funding formula, and whether the word “average” in salary language should remain in the budget. Staff explained that the SEG should remain whole, that the insurance and transportation recommendations applied to all public school employees but not contractors, and that the budget included multiple math-related investments spread across several lines rather than one single appropriation. There was also discussion of out-of-school learning grants, school meals, literacy center operations, special education training, and the Public Education Reform Fund, including the use of multi-year, evaluation-based appropriations for high-impact tutoring and community schools. After discussion, the committee adopted the LESC budget recommendation. The committee then moved to endorsed legislation proposals. It endorsed a bill allowing the secretary to suspend an individual school board member, with notice and appeal procedures clarified, and a bill creating an 80-20 health insurance cost-share requirement for public school employees, along with a study of the sustainability of public school insurance programs. It also endorsed a bill on attendance provisions for students with severe medical conditions, which would keep those students from being classified as excessively absent. Finally, the committee discussed a teacher residency bill that would raise stipend levels, allow residents to complete service anywhere in New Mexico, and remove the requirement that sponsoring schools must hire them, though the bill did not include an appropriation. Members also raised questions about bilingual, Hispanic, and Black education funding, cultural and linguistic supports in teacher preparation, and where various programs should be placed in the budget or PERF framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is an opportunity that we have to improve the consequence—when I say improve, address the consequence
• SB 1203 will not improve public safety.
• AB 46 makes an important improvement.
• We should not punish people because our systems fail to provide care.
• And this committee has really improved. And this committee is really improved. It's more fair.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, though no final votes were taken because a quorum had not yet been established. SB 493 by Senator Becker would add war or armed conflict to California’s price-gouging emergency triggers, with the author and supporters arguing it would protect consumers from gas-price spikes tied to international conflict. Opponents, including business and housing groups, warned the bill could over-trigger emergency powers and create broad, ongoing price controls. The chair indicated support for an aye-as-amended recommendation once quorum was reached. SB 1056 by Senator Grayson would require protective orders for disclosure of sexually explicit material involving adult victims in specified criminal cases. Denise Huskins-Quinn and Aaron Quinn testified in support, describing how sensitive evidence in their case was copied and handled without adequate safeguards; supporters said the bill would extend privacy protections similar to those already used for child sexual abuse material. Criminal defense attorneys supported the goal but raised concerns about notice procedures and how the bill would apply when material is in the public domain. The chair said the bill filled a gap in existing law and would receive an aye recommendation. SB 1208 by Senator Grayson would let law enforcement seize and return crypto assets used in scams and fraud to victims. The Attorney General’s office and law enforcement groups supported the bill as a tool to recover losses from transnational crypto fraud, while the ACLU and public defenders argued it lowered the burden of proof, raised constitutional concerns, and could be misused against unbanked or low-level defendants. The chair nevertheless said the bill aligned with existing law for stolen property and would be recommended aye. SB 874 by Senator Weber-Pearson would strengthen oversight of Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, including requiring background checks for employees of providers and convening a stakeholder workgroup; it drew support from the California Association for Behavior Analysis and no opposition was heard. Later, SB 1266 by Senator Stern would change how the value of stolen copper and related infrastructure damage is calculated, aiming to address copper theft and its costs to cities and utilities. Supporters said the bill would better capture the real harm from thefts that disrupt streetlights, telecom, and emergency services, while opponents argued it would inflate charges, turn many misdemeanors into felonies, and increase court and incarceration costs. The author said he would continue discussions and accept the amendments. Senator Cervantes presented SB 1379, which would separate the Riverside County sheriff and coroner offices and create an independent medical examiner; supporters cited in-custody death concerns and conflicts of interest, while opponents said the problem was not unique to Riverside and that the bill would override local control. Cervantes also presented SB 1418 to extend ballot-custody protections to other election records and equipment after a Riverside County ballot seizure, with support from the Attorney General’s office. Finally, Senator Blakespear began presenting SB 936 on nitrous oxide misuse, describing public health, impaired-driving, and disposal concerns, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cepheid is a molecular diagnostics company dedicated to improving health care by pioneering medical diagnostics
• We are currently adding another building, improving our footprint in Lodi.
• And conditions on these systems have improved substantially in recent years.
• improving service for riders.
• This bill will take care of that problem.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 86, which would extend and expand the CAEATFA sales and use tax exclusion program through 2031, raise the annual cap from $100 million to $200 million, and add fusion energy. Supporters, including the State Treasurer and industry and labor representatives, cited billions in clean-tech investment, job creation, and environmental benefits; county groups opposed the bill over local revenue losses. The committee approved SB 86 on a 12-0 roll, holding the roll open for additional members. The committee then heard SB 545, which would require Go-Biz to study economic development opportunities along the California high-speed rail corridor, including land value, development incentives, and public-private partnerships. Labor, Fresno’s mayor’s office, and other stakeholders supported the bill as a way to spur corridor development and future funding opportunities, while one business group moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. The bill passed on a 9-1 vote, with the roll held open. Members next considered SB 63, a Bay Area transit funding measure authorizing a regional revenue measure to support transit operations amid looming fiscal shortfalls. The author and witnesses described severe service cuts that could follow without new funding, while committee members raised concerns about the bill’s structure, county participation, polling, and whether other revenue options should be considered. The bill advanced on a 9-3 vote, with the roll held open, and the committee also approved SB 263, directing a state study of tariff impacts on California’s economy and supply chains, on an 11-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 661, which would redirect aviation-related tax revenues back to airports for aviation purposes and bring the state into compliance with federal requirements; testimony focused on airport modernization, rural access, and allocation formulas, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• a little bit careful because we can't a little bit careful because we can't sort<00:07:57.759><c> of<
• that rather than on a very improving that rather than on a very localized<00:10:27.279><c> and</c><00
• Moreover, it improves connectivity and access to transit services for the Rondo community and supports
• Moreover, it improves connectivity and access to transit services for the Rondo community and supports
• This land bridge is designed to restore connectivity, enhance mobility, improve safety, and mitigate

Transcript Highlights:

• Cepheid is a molecular diagnostics company dedicated to improving health care by pioneering medical diagnostics
• We are currently adding another building, improving our footprint in Lodi.
• Conditions on these systems have improved substantially in recent years.
• improving service for riders.
• This bill will take care of that problem.

Committee: House Transportation

Summary: The committee heard several transportation and economic bills. SB 86 would extend and expand the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority sales and use tax exclusion program through 2031, raise the annual cap, and add fusion energy. The author, Treasurer Fiona Ma, and a Cepheid representative said the program has supported billions in clean-tech investment, thousands of jobs, and environmental benefits; local government groups opposed over revenue-loss concerns. The bill passed on a 12-aye vote and was held open for additional members to add on. SB 545 would direct Go-Biz to study economic development opportunities along the high-speed rail corridor, including land value, development incentives, and public-private partnerships. Supporters from labor and Fresno described the bill as a way to spur transit-oriented development and local investment. The committee approved it on a 9-aye, 1-no vote, with some members urging broader funding and development options. SB 63 would authorize a regional revenue measure to help stabilize Bay Area transit operations, with testimony from transit agencies, business groups, labor, and local governments describing severe fiscal cliffs and potential service cuts. Members discussed the need for more flexibility in revenue options, the counties that may participate, and the need for a detailed expenditure plan; the author said negotiations were ongoing. The bill passed on a 9-aye, 3-no vote and was held open. The committee also heard SB 263, which would require a state study of the impacts of tariffs on California’s economy, ports, workers, and consumers; supporters from shipping, retail, ports, and trucking backed the measure, and members discussed the need for timely data and possible broader supply-chain impacts. SB 661 would redirect existing jet fuel sales tax revenue back to airports for aviation purposes and to address FAA compliance; testimony focused on airport infrastructure, rural access, and how funds should be allocated among large and small airports. Both bills received unanimous or near-unanimous support and were advanced to their next committees. The committee also began hearing SB 274 on automated license plate readers, with the author warning about privacy and civil-liberty concerns from widespread data collection, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• No, they're peaceful protesters who care about our country.
• That's a real issue that we could work on to improve that.
• They needed to improve.
• I know you're hard and your care for children, your heart and your care for your community, your care
• Just want to be careful not to embarrass other children.

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Summary: The committee first took up CS for CS for HB 1471, which would bar Florida courts from enforcing foreign or religious law that conflicts with the U.S. or Florida Constitution, create a process for designating domestic terrorist organizations, and prohibit public funds from supporting such organizations. The sponsor said the bill protects constitutional supremacy, due process, and taxpayer dollars, while opponents argued it was vague, targeted religion, and could be used to suppress dissent and protected speech. Members debated whether a conviction was required, who would make designations, and what consequences would follow; an amendment changing student expulsion language from “may” to “shall” was adopted. After extensive public testimony both for and against, the bill passed 16-4 and was reported favorably with amendment. The committee then heard CS for CS for HB 1071, an education bill covering parental opt-outs for certain health instruction, required instruction on embryology, fetal development, and HIV/AIDS, math plan requirements, student-led organizations, epinephrine access, instructional material review, safe-school officer options, and chronic absenteeism reporting. The sponsor framed it as a parental rights, academics, accountability, and safety measure, while opponents said parts of the bill would restrict sex education, chill student organizations, and undermine DEI-related activities and LGBTQ student groups. Several amendments were offered by the ranking member to remove or soften the provisions restricting funding for DEI and social/political activism, but those amendments failed. The committee adopted a Trabulsy amendment requiring districts to publicize virtual instruction options, and another amendment clarifying reading-coach language and safe-school officer options, as well as an amendment giving publishers an appeals process if removed for noncompliant materials. A final Trabulsy amendment requiring annual reporting of chronic absenteeism by grade level was also adopted. Public testimony on the bill remained sharply divided, with supporters emphasizing embryology, parental rights, and school safety, and opponents warning about censorship, reduced reproductive health education, and harm to student expression. The transcript ends during continued public testimony on HB 1071, before final committee action on the bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I travel the I-4 corridor from the Tampa Bay Area to Orlando, and it's a huge improvement.
• So are there any plans to basically start improvement or basically refine those improvements along I-
• So we're really excited about U.S. 1 being taken care of.
• U.S. 1 being taken care of. I've heard about that for seven years now as a senator.
• I took care of it and I'm going to get fixed. Thank you very much. Thank you, Senator. Thank you.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met to hear presentations from the Department of Commerce and the Florida Department of Transportation. Jason Mahon of Florida Commerce outlined the state’s economic development strategy, emphasizing Florida’s GDP growth, business formation, and strengths in manufacturing, high-tech, life sciences, defense, and financial services. He described the department’s tools for small business lending, rural investment tax credits, venture capital support, infrastructure and workforce grants, performance-based incentives, and disaster recovery loans, and highlighted examples such as ServiceNow, Williams International, Asteris, and Point Blank Enterprises. Senators asked about grant availability for small businesses, foreign companies relocating to Florida, workforce shortages in manufacturing, and whether additional tools may be needed; Mahon said most small-business support is loan-based and noted ongoing workforce and infrastructure challenges. Jennifer Marshall of FDOT then reviewed major transportation projects and the Moving Florida Forward initiative, describing the state’s large portfolio of active contracts and major congestion-relief projects across Florida. She highlighted early completions and accelerated timelines on projects including the NASA Causeway Bridge, I-95 at US 1 in Volusia County, I-4 congestion relief lanes, the First Coast Expressway, the Howard Frankland Bridge, I-4 interchanges in Central Florida, A1A coastal protection work, I-75 improvements in Southwest Florida, and the I-395 reconstruction in Miami. Senators asked about how express lane projects are selected, whether toll revenues are used for local maintenance and improvements, the status of the Miami I-395 project, and the impact of losing electric-vehicle express lane exemptions. Marshall said FDOT works with local long-range plans and congestion data, and that she would follow up on several specific funding and project questions. Committee members generally praised both agencies for project delivery, cost savings, and coordination with local partners. Senator Mayfield noted the importance of using savings and working with local governments, while Senator Wright commended Commerce’s role in economic development and FDOT’s work on major road projects. The meeting concluded with no further business, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's very important to recognize that those are some things we're looking to improve with the program
• This is a map of those improvements.
• There are additional benefits out of two, but there's significant operational improvements there.
• There are additional benefits out of two, but there's significant operational improvements there.
• I want to additional benefits out of two, but there's significant operational improvements there.

Summary: The committee first received an informational update on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project from Carly Francis and Travis Brower. They described the project’s purpose as improving seismic resilience, safety, freight movement, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian access across the Columbia River, and said the updated cost estimate is $13.2 billion to $14.4 billion for the full corridor. They explained the increase from the 2022 estimate as driven by construction inflation, a more conservative inflation curve, schedule delays, more detailed engineering, and risk modeling. They also outlined the funding plan, including $2.1 billion in federal funds, $1 billion each from Oregon and Washington, and $1.5 billion in projected toll revenue, and said they are working to obligate federal funds by the end of September. The panel described a first funded phase that would include the bridge, highway connections, tolling infrastructure, bridge removal, and transit design, with light rail to Vancouver still intended but dependent on additional funding. Members questioned the risk of losing federal transit funds, whether bridge design decisions were being made with legislative input, and whether the space reserved for light rail could be used for buses if transit funding does not materialize. The committee then heard testimony on maintaining Oregon’s existing roads and bridges from representatives of Knife River, the Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon, and CRH. Witnesses said pavement and bridge preservation is severely underfunded, with ODOT needing about $400 million per year for pavement preservation but receiving roughly $100 million annually. They showed examples of deteriorating highways such as U.S. 97 and I-84 and argued that delaying maintenance leads to much higher reconstruction costs, more safety risks, and higher user costs. Knife River described layoffs and reduced work in Oregon because of limited preservation funding, while witnesses also said rising wages, equipment costs, fuel, and permitting delays are increasing project costs. Committee members asked about the role of prevailing wage, diesel equipment, hauling distances, and whether preservation work could be prioritized more effectively. Finally, economist Joe Cortright presented on recent ODOT megaproject cost overruns. He said Oregon has experienced persistent overruns driven by overly optimistic revenue forecasts, heavy reliance on debt, consultant costs, inflation above forecast, and projects that have become much larger in scope than originally presented. He cited major increases in the Interstate Bridge, Rose Quarter, and Abernathy Bridge projects and argued that some designs are far wider and more expensive than necessary. Cortright said better accountability, clearer priorities, and more disciplined project sizing are needed, and committee members pressed him on why agencies proceed with larger designs even when consultants recommend narrower, less expensive alternatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I actually care about the general public, not just the small group that's riled up.
• I don't care which way this thing goes, but I just...
• Are we improving the accuracy of, I guess, the condition of the house?
• I do care about them, and I care about their well-being.
• I do care about them, and I care about their well-being.

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Transcript Highlights:

• So on AB 728, dealing with skin care products and age verification. All right.
• Tweens, age 6 to 12, accounted for 49% of growth in mass skin care sales in 2023.
• Mandy Isaacsley, on behalf of the Personal Care Products Council, in opposition.
• We care deeply about food safety and quality.
• Gabriel for continuing the conversation about improving school nutrition.

Summary: The committee heard a series of environmental safety and toxic materials measures, with several bills moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Early in the meeting, the consent calendar was approved, including AB 372, AB 455, AB 1096, AB 1102, and AB 754. AB 362 by Assembly Member Ramos, which would recognize tribal beneficial uses of water and strengthen consultation and protection for tribal water uses, drew strong support from tribes and environmental groups. Water agencies and local government representatives opposed unless amended, raising concerns about CEQA requirements, co-management language, and conflicts with existing water law. The bill advanced to Appropriations, with some members voting aye and others not voting or absent. AB 728 by Assembly Member Lee would require age verification for the sale of certain anti-aging skin care products to minors. The author and a youth witness described social media-driven use of adult skin products by children and alleged skin damage, while supporters argued age checks are a reasonable consumer protection. Dermatologists and retailers opposed the bill, saying it could restrict legitimate acne and other medical uses of over-the-counter products, create compliance problems, and lacked a clear scientific basis. The committee discussed possible ambiguity in the bill’s definition of anti-aging products, but the measure still passed to Appropriations. AB 532 on low-income water rate assistance, AB 773 on copper-based anti-fouling paint, AB 998 on household hazardous waste disposal of vape pens, AB 1031 on geothermal hazardous waste fees, and AB 864 on solar panel hazardous waste and recycling all received strong support and advanced to Appropriations. Supporters for AB 532 emphasized water affordability and local program authority; AB 773 supporters said conflicting state water and pesticide rules are creating confusion for harbors and cities; AB 998 was presented as a practical way to let schools and local facilities dispose of confiscated vape devices safely; AB 1031 was framed as reducing DTSC fee burdens on geothermal development in Imperial County; and AB 864 would ease recycling and reuse of end-of-life solar panels. The committee also began hearing AB 1264 on ultra-processed foods in school meals, with the author and supporters arguing it would phase out the most harmful ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2032, but the transcript cuts off before the full discussion and any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The idea is expanding the availability of child care.
• But again, having child care available, that I looked at, but again, having child care available is,
• I mean, I think long term, what I see in child care is there's a heavy reliance on subsidized child care
• of availability of child care without the state, kids that are not getting child care at all, and so
• But having been in the foster care system with my niece and having... ...having been in the foster care

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2949, as amended by a PCS, which would relax child care staffing ratios in an effort to improve the economics of day care centers and expand availability. Representative Tedford said the bill came from an interim study on child care deserts and that he was open to further changes, including tightening the infant ratio back to 4:1 and possibly reducing the toddler ratio. Members raised concerns about safety, learning, and the lack of data on how the changes would affect staffing and children. After discussion, the committee vote ended 2-2, and the bill did not pass. The committee then heard House Bill 3052, the Sir Major White Bullock Child Protection and Family Notification Act, which would require a more structured DHS response when there are repeat fentanyl-related births, including broader family notification and earlier involvement of extended family. Representative Stewart emphasized that the bill was narrowly focused on fentanyl, did not criminalize mothers, and did not mandate automatic removal. Members discussed whether the bill should also address drug dealers or other drugs, but Stewart said separate legislation would address penalties for fentanyl suppliers. The bill passed unanimously, 5-0. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 3638, with a PCS, to create a summer EBT program and revolving fund to help provide food support for children during the summer months when school meals are unavailable. Vice Chair Guys said the program would supplement existing SNAP benefits and summer meal efforts, and would be funded through a mix of public and private sources. Members asked about overlap with food pantries and school meal programs, and about federal matching and administrative costs. The committee approved the bill 5-0. The meeting then adjourned after all House bills were heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do think the bill is vastly improved.
• I know the last time vastly improved.
• Um, and I've been from improvements.
• </c> you know, take care of those concerns. you know, take care of those concerns.
• </c> juggle child care. juggle child care.

Bills: SF856 , HF4482 , HF3672 , HF1234 , HF4591 , HF3554 , HF936

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: Inspector General, fraud prevention, state audit, public funds, misuse, transparency, government accountability, HF4482, Minnesota Historical Society, state historic sites, historic site management, historic preservation, county historical society, local historical society, municipality, county government, admission fees, grants-in-aid, site operations, site maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• The individuals that are taking care of are the individuals that are... how am I trying to say this anyway
• That the individuals that are supposed to be being taken care of are being taken care of efficiently,
• And does it have a particular amount we would direct toward direct care wages for the workforce, or just
• licensure as a naturopathic doctor under the regulation of the Idaho Board of Naturopathic Health Care
• This legislation improves access to natural health care for all Idahoans who choose to seek it.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• are the communities that our conference—and I believe many of my colleagues across the aisle—also care
• They're worried about the cost of housing, health care, child care, and the overall cost of living.
• When Washington leans on division, we focus on improving the people's lives in tangible and practical
• tackle everything from rising utility costs and the price of groceries to promoting universal child care
• We'll continue strengthening the health care system that puts patients first, and we'll stand firm in

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and briefly closed out the 2025 legislative session by adopting a concurrent resolution on adjournment. The chamber then reopened for the 2026 session with a quorum present, a prayer by Bishop Mark O’Connell, and opening remarks from the Lieutenant Governor, Minority Leader Rob Ortt, and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. The remarks focused on the responsibilities of the new session, the need to listen to constituents, and broad priorities such as affordability, public safety, rights protections, and working across party lines. Governor Kathy Hochul’s message requesting the Senate’s presence for the 2026 State of the State address was read and filed. In their remarks, Ortt emphasized affordability, keeping more money in New Yorkers’ pockets, energy choices, and public safety, while Stewart-Cousins highlighted rising costs for housing, groceries, utilities, health care, and child care, along with defending voting rights, equal rights, and immigrant communities. Both leaders said their conferences were prepared to work with each other and with the Governor. The Senate then adopted two organizational resolutions: one appointing Senators Bynoe and Chan to inform the Governor that the Senate was organized and ready to proceed, and another appointing Senators Ryan and Wildcat to inform the Assembly that the Senate was assembled and ready to proceed. No substantive legislation was debated, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, January 12, at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated as legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• , education, and... ...line 24, which says, including care, education, and supervision.
• that shall include a compliance review of the child care assistance program.
• My question, Madam Chair, chair... ...of the child care assistance program.
• We both had to take care of kids.
• Whether you're rich, whether you're poor, you're eligible for child care.