Transcript Highlights:

• Have you also applied for a grant from the Minnesota Historical Society or the Dakota County Historical
• Historical Society through the Minnesota Historical Society. Commissioner Atkins.
• Historical Society as part of that.
• We've been successful in other competitive grants with the Historical Society.
• As far as the Dakota County Historical Society itself having the funds, we just don't.

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• They have helped to fund historical preservation, documentary...
• So that bipartisan support has been historically strong.
• status as well as national historic landmark status for the site.
• They can expand into public goods, historic preservation, cultural... ...expand into public goods, historic
• Hundreds of thousands of historical records are at risk.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on how recent federal actions are affecting arts, culture, humanities, libraries, museums, and the creative economy in California. Chair Ben Allen and Vice Chair Chris Ward opened by describing the hearing as a response to proposed and ongoing federal cuts to the NEA, NEH, IMLS, and public broadcasting, as well as grant terminations and leadership changes at cultural institutions. Several members emphasized the economic and civic importance of the arts, while one Republican member argued for greater ideological diversity in the arts and noted the loss of music programs in small schools. Testimony from Aaron Harky of Americans for the Arts and Jolie Fisher of SAG-AFTRA described the impact of federal policy on grants, jobs, and production. Harky said executive orders and the FY 2026 budget proposal threaten arts agencies and arts education, and that rescinded grants are causing hiring freezes, shutdowns, and losses for small organizations, especially in rural and underserved communities. Fisher focused on runaway film and television production, outdated tax rules, and the need for federal incentives, intellectual property protections, and action on AI and digital replicas. Members also discussed bipartisan support, the role of business and tourism partners, and the need to include more diverse voices in arts advocacy. The second panel featured Rick Noguchi of California Humanities, Greg Lucas of the State Library, and Danielle Purcell of the California Arts Council. Noguchi said NEH funding was cut immediately, putting California Humanities’ grantmaking and documentary programs at risk and prompting consideration of litigation and possible state support. Lucas reported that IMLS funding for California libraries was briefly canceled but partly restored, though a budget gap remains. Purcell said the California Arts Council is still awaiting federal award language for state partnership funds, but NEA grant terminations and the proposed elimination of federal cultural agencies create major uncertainty; she also said the council is assessing the damage and tracking impacts on grantees. Members asked about measuring outcomes, AI’s threat to creative work, documentary funding losses, and possible state and national strategies to protect cultural institutions and jobs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The historic tax credit is an earned incentive.
• Communities that deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their historic contributions and saved and
• revitalized using those same contributions.
• Communities that deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their historic contributions and saved and
• revitalized using those same contributions.

Summary: The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee met with a delayed start while waiting for quorum, then heard several bills before moving to the suspense file. AB 564 by Assemblymember Haney would freeze the planned cannabis excise tax increase at 15% rather than allow it to rise to 25%; supporters argued the legal cannabis industry is struggling against the illicit market and high taxes, while opponents said the measure would reduce funding for children, youth programs, environmental restoration, and enforcement promised under Prop. 64. The bill was sent to suspense during regular order and later approved out of suspense on a 6-0 vote with amendments, including a five-year sunset and a reduced rate. AB 1265, also by Haney, would extend and expand the state historic tax credit to encourage rehabilitation of vacant historic buildings for housing and mixed-use projects; preservation and housing advocates supported it, and it was also sent to suspense rather than voted on immediately. The committee then heard AB 1377 by Assemblymember McKenna, which would require studios seeking optional diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility film tax credits to complete the plans they submit to the California Film Commission. Labor supporters said studios should do more than make good-faith efforts, and the bill passed 5-1 to Appropriations. AB 1416 by Vice Chair Ta would clarify disaster-related property tax deferrals for homeowners who have requested installment plans, and it passed 7-0 to the Assembly Floor. Afterward, the chair gave a general warning that the bills on suspense represented large revenue losses and emphasized the committee’s need to weigh tax expenditures against other state priorities. On the suspense file, the committee approved AB 27, AB 53, AB 97, AB 231, AB 232, AB 429, AB 613, AB 984, and AB 1485, mostly on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, while AB 547 passed 5-1. Several other bills, including AB 386, AB 389, AB 490, AB 6991, AB 814, AB 1057, AB 1219, AB 1282, AB 1354, AB 1431, AB 1435, and AB 1481, were held in committee. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after completing the suspense-file actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we do have a historically early budget.
• less than the employee contribution.
• Speaker, but I would agree that we are looking for historic.
• That would be historic.
• That would be historic. That’s why I raised the questions, Mr.

Bills: SB1177 , HB3705 , SB1942 , SB2026 , SB1533 , SB1327 , SB2065 , SB2155 , SB2159

Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, received an invocation focused on grief and remembrance, and heard several special presentations recognizing a brave child, visiting groups, and multiple student-athlete teams and school groups in the galleries. The chamber also introduced the Doctor of the Day and Nurse of the Day. The main business was consideration of the Joint Committee report on Senate Bill 1177, the general appropriations bill, presented by Chairman Caldwell-Trey. Most of the floor time was spent on extended questions about the budget’s major features. Caldwell-Trey explained the bill as a largely flat or modestly increased budget that includes a $200 million transfer to a new sovereign wealth fund, $225 million in set-asides, a $12.5 million “dream accounts” program for newborns, and funding tied to teacher pay, education, workforce, public safety, agriculture, and health agencies. Members questioned the use of one-time funds for recurring expenses, the reduction in state contributions to the OPRS pension system, Medicaid assumptions, emergency management funding, veterans’ services, child care, school counselors, and the lack of funding for some requested items such as National Board Certified Teacher stipends and veterans’ facility maintenance. Caldwell-Trey defended the budget as transparent, early, and designed to preserve cash reserves while supporting core services. No final vote on the appropriations report is reflected in the transcript excerpt. The House also heard explanations that the limits bills would be run later in committee, and that the budget negotiations were still ongoing with the Senate and governor on some related items. The session ended with the queue closed after the budget questioning, and the transcript cuts off during additional remarks from Representative Timmons.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet Captain Glover's contributions to exploration did not stop there.
• Despite enduring slavery, segregation, and discrimination, they have continued to contribute, to lead
• We should note on this day as well the many important contributions, some modeled wonderfully on the
• Not only did you spend that revenue, historic revenue that can't sustain itself moving forward.
• And you didn't need to do this because, again, we have historic revenues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Historical Society. >> I'm Molly Shaddox with the Kentucky Historical Society. >> Well, they just made
• , the Harrodsburg Historical Society, the Harrodsburg Historical<00:15:25.920><c> Society,</c><00:15:
• And they County Historical Society.
• </c> connections with historical experiences. connections with historical experiences.
• </c> contribute contributed to the choice contribute contributed to the choice that<01:15:02.360><c>

Summary: The committee met for an interim update from the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, with presentations from the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Arts Council. Secretary Lindy Casebier reported that Kentucky tourism has posted record growth for four straight years, with $14.6 billion in economic impact, 97,000 tourism-related jobs, and 81 million travelers spending more than $10.4 billion in 2025. He said the Historical Society and Arts Council help create visitor experiences that support those tourism gains. The Kentucky Historical Society focused on America 250, the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Staff described a community-driven approach built around themes such as “Revolutionary Experiment,” “We the People,” “Power of Place,” “Crossroads in Kentucky,” and “Doing History,” organized under heritage tourism, education, signature events, and legacy projects. They said the effort has included Liberty Tree plantings in nearly every county, partnerships with local organizations and KET, grants to cabinet agencies and historic sites, and preservation projects in 19 counties. They highlighted Harrodsburg 250 as an early kickoff, along with grant-supported events, exhibits, and educational programs across the state. The Historical Society also described public engagement events tied to the commemoration, including Two Lights for Tomorrow, a food drive in Franklin County, a July 8 historic reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old State Capitol, and planned participation at the Kentucky State Fair. They said the General Assembly’s support enabled a grant program that has funded 250 events and programs in 43 counties, totaling more than $720,000, and that the work is intended to build a lasting legacy beyond 2026. The Kentucky Arts Council said it received America 250 grant funds to support artists, arts organizations, communities, and nonprofits for public art, artwork creation, and related programs. The council reported 55 funded projects and $466,000 awarded statewide, with examples including a Burkesville summer arts and history camp and a Fayette County community singing project. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• state championship with a 57-51 victory at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and whereas the historic
• And whereas the Arizona State Senate recognizes Diné College for its historic contributions to Indigenous
• higher education,... ...for its historic contributions to Indigenous higher education and for empowering
• And whereas... ...motorist awareness all contribute to reducing preventable crashes and injuries.
• Route 66. ...individuals who have preserved and supported Arizona's historic Route 66.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under current law, a city may set member contribution rates at 5%, 6%, or 7% of employees.
• It does not mandate an increase in contribution rates.
• The bill also preserves key historical protections for municipalities that adopted different contribution
• Cities that adopted different contribution rates for different departments prior to 1991 may continue
• The contribution is not mandatory; it is completely optional.

Bills: HB 104 , HB2434 , HB2529 , HB2688 , HB3161 , HB3486 , HB3487 , HB3745 , HB4044 , HB4226 , HB4945 , HB104

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• structure of a historic district.
• to the historic district.
• And I'm spending time on this... ...the structure that contributes to the historic district.
• It does allow SB 9 projects on contributing properties to a historic district, but with clear and very
• With this bill, I think the state affirms that contributing structures in historic districts are important

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a long agenda focused largely on housing, permitting reform, transportation governance, and local fiscal issues. Early in the hearing, AB 24 by Assembly Member DiMaio proposed changing one SANDAG county board seat to be selected by the Association of Planning Groups to give rural and unincorporated San Diego communities more voice. Members raised concerns about local input and the effect on county representation, and the bill initially lacked a second; later the chair clarified it had been held rather than defeated, but no final action was taken during the main discussion. Several housing and permitting bills drew broad support. AB 671 by Assembly Member Wix would streamline restaurant permitting through front-end plan self-certification; AB 920 by Assembly Member Calosa would require large jurisdictions to create centralized online housing application portals; AB 1061 by Assembly Member Kirk Silva would allow SB 9 housing development in historic districts with limits to preserve character-defining features; AB 818 by Assembly Member Nabila Farias would speed temporary manufactured housing and utility hookups after disasters; AB 660 by Assembly Member Wilson would tighten timelines and remedies for post-entitlement housing permits; AB 1308 by Assembly Member Hoover would allow third-party inspections for small residential projects if local inspections are delayed; and AB 1445 by Assembly Member Haney would expand downtown recovery financing tools for mixed-use housing. Testimony from builders, housing advocates, restaurant groups, and local business organizations generally supported faster approvals and more predictable processes, while some local government and utility groups sought amendments to protect local authority, school funding, or fee structures. AB 1156 by Assembly Member Wicks sought to modernize the solar use easement program so land with water constraints could transition from Williamson Act contracts to solar development. Supporters said the current program is underused and could help farmers and clean energy goals, while rural counties and the Farm Bureau opposed or remained opposed pending further changes, especially on mitigation authority and nonrenewal provisions. AB 964 by Assembly Member Hadwick would let local governments offset state mandate reimbursements against amounts they owe back after audits; county auditors and local government groups supported it, citing large unpaid mandate balances. The committee also took up consent items AB 36 and AB 1131. Most bills were reported out on bipartisan votes, with amendments accepted on several measures; AB 24 remained unresolved in the main hearing discussion, while the rest of the agenda advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:02.800><c> have</c> history, culture, and contributions have history, culture, and contributions
• of the Dakota and contributions of the Dakota and Anishinaabe<00:13:41.480><c> peoples</c><00:13:42.320
• Minnesota Whereas the state of Minnesota acknowledges<00:13:50.200><c> the</c><00:13:50.280><c> historical
• the historical and ongoing injustices<00:13:52.200><c> faced</c><00:13:52.520><c> by</c><00:13:52.640
• Minnesota and encourages all Minnesotans to honor and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions

Transcript Highlights:

• It was running into a lot of historic neighborhoods, and we're working on an amendment that hopefully
• We don't want to limit the ability to build additional housing, but we also want to preserve historic
• We don't want to incentivize individuals to tear down historic structures if they can be rehabbed, so
• It was running into a lot of historic neighborhoods, and we're working on an amendment that hopefully
• The full amount must be treated as a contribution. Could you explain that? Representative Powell?

Summary: The meeting was a caucus-style run-through of many bills and resolutions across Appropriations, Commerce, Education, Federalism/Military Affairs/Elections, Government, Health and Human Services, Judiciary, ENRU, Public Safety, and Rural Economic Development. Measures discussed included housing and HOA rules, school policy and funding, health care licensing and records timelines, public safety and corrections funding, election and campaign rules, water and environmental policy, and several criminal justice and juvenile justice changes. Many items were described as being on third-read consent or consent calendars, with staff often noting that no questions were raised and no sponsor was present. Several bills drew sponsor explanation or member discussion. In education, members reviewed bills on teacher strikes, school safety, math placement, student outcomes, free school meals, parent permission for clubs, and school bond ballot disclosures. In health, bills covered prior authorization data reporting, nursing board rules and complaint procedures, pharmacist testing/treatment authority, opioid antagonist expiration dates, board continuations, and a constitutional amendment on refusing medical mandates. In government and public safety, members discussed DCS legal representation, inmate medical records, public safety parity funding, sheriff authority, border support funding, and a resolution supporting county sheriffs. In commerce and housing, bills addressed condominium and HOA authority, shade structures, pet restrictions, insurance certificates, apprenticeship definitions, automatic renewal contracts, and a state housing affordability district. There was notable discussion on House Bill 4044, which would create a Public Safety Parity Fund for DPS and DOC salaries using interest from the state rainy day fund and other revenue sources. The sponsor argued it would provide a reliable way to fund public safety pay, while others objected that it would consume interest needed to preserve the fund’s value and that a general fund appropriation would be more appropriate. The bill prompted extended back-and-forth, with some members supporting the concept and others saying it was fiscally irresponsible. Another point of discussion came on House Bill 2775, where staff noted a possible misprint in the bill history, and on House Bill 467, where staff clarified that the inactive voter list changes related to e-poll book status categories. No formal votes were recorded in the transcript, and the meeting appears to have been a review of measures before floor action.

Transcript Highlights:

• The top row is the minimum district contribution.
• Lastly, the district contribution, which is contingent on the minimum district contribution, has been
• So the district contribution, the employee contributions, and that Department of Education funding.
• So the district contribution, the employee contributions, and that Department of Education funding.
• In the 2023 session, the contribution rate was $234.50.

Summary: The Joint Education Committee met to approve prior minutes and adopt an interim study proposal before moving into presentations on school health insurance funding and the 2026 adequacy study. Siegel actuaries reported that the Public School Employees health plan is facing rising medical and pharmacy costs, with expenses running about 17% above prior projections and projected deficits growing in future years if funding stays flat. They said the current $400 minimum district contribution would not be enough to maintain reserves, and outlined scenarios showing that keeping the district contribution as the only funding lever would require large annual increases, while spreading increases across the state, districts, and employees would require a smaller but still significant increase. Committee members asked about impacts on small districts, employee premium amounts, prescription drug costs, and whether cost containment or plan design changes could reduce the need for higher contributions. EBD officials said they are working on contract renegotiations, post-claim review, formulary management, and other cost-control measures, but that additional funding would still likely be needed to keep the plan solvent. BLR then presented the preliminary final report of the 2026 adequacy study, summarizing findings from reports on funding, resource allocation, achievement, and stakeholder input. Staff said Arkansas has made some progress since Lake View, including higher teacher pay and improved test performance, but student proficiency remains below the committee’s adequacy goals and no subgroup has met the 2030 target of 80% proficiency. The report also found that districts spend more from local and other sources than in previous years, and that superintendents consistently identified mental health services, school safety, dyslexia support, and special education as areas needing more funding. Members asked for more detail on how non-matrix spending is categorized, how funds are sourced, whether survey responses could be broken down by district characteristics, and whether the committee should study the cost of homeschooling or legislation that created new requirements without funding. Department of Education staff said districts have broad discretion over spending, that recent legislative changes and the new state assessment are beginning to show gains, and that the committee can make recommendations or request additional studies if it wants more information. The committee was reminded that recommendations are due August 24, with final approval and report deadlines in October and November, and the meeting adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• by the general fund per se contributed by the general fund per se on<00:28:57.120><c> the</c><00:28:
• </c><00:32:06.600><c> places</c> nominee uh to the hav historic places nominee uh to the hav historic
• </c> Mount Adrian for the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board.
• They help especially during these times that we're trying to protect historic properties, especially
• </c> programs for federal grants historic programs for federal grants historic preservation<00:45:55.760

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard confirmation nominations for several DLNR-related boards and commissions, including GM 530 for Karen Ono to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, GM 582 for Jay Kenan to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission, and GM 584 for Adrien Trulock to the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board. The chair repeatedly noted the volunteer nature of these positions and said the committee would take up decision-making after hearing all nominees. Testimony and comments for each nominee were generally supportive, with agency representatives praising their preparation, experience, and willingness to serve. For Karen Ono, DLNR and several supporters from Kauai testified in favor, describing her as highly prepared and effective on the board. Senators questioned her about DLNR land use, especially state lands near rail stations and whether they should be used for affordable housing rather than commercial development. Ono said she had not taken a board position on those specific proposals because they had not yet come before the board, but she acknowledged the importance of housing and infrastructure. She also responded to questions about DLNR’s management of transferred agricultural lands, saying concerns about the department’s ability to manage such lands had been raised before and remain relevant. One senator expressed strong reservations about the nomination based on the land-use answers. For Jay Kenan, the NARS Commission testimony focused on the commission’s role in advising on land management and conservation policy. Kenan said he hoped to continue helping evaluate properties and policies, and he identified funding and staffing as the main challenge. DLNR staff explained that the position supporting NARS had been abolished and that the department had limited capacity to restore it because other priorities, such as fire-related positions, were taking precedence. The committee also discussed a separate bill affecting Legacy Lands funding through conveyance tax revenues, with members and agency staff expressing concern that the measure could reduce support for land संरक्षण efforts. For Adrien Trulock, SHPD and DLNR staff strongly supported the nomination, citing her preservation background and experience with historic properties. Members discussed the importance of her expertise for reviewing nominations and appeals and for helping with preservation planning. The committee also raised broader concerns about delays in historic-place designations and the difference between state and federal review processes; SHPD explained that board approval places a property on the state register, while federal National Register review can still require revisions and cause delays. No final votes or confirmations were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Historically, the operating budget listed budgeted enrollment for each institution.
• These contributions go into the state's pay-it-forward account.
• House Bill 2148 is purposefully written to accept private contributions.
• It does not require any contributions from the state.
• graduates' mandated contributions provide the vehicle for future funding.

Summary: The Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee held a work session on higher education funding and then public hearings on House Bill 2148 and House Bill 2132. In the work session, OPR staff Kate Henry reviewed enrollment trends, tuition policy, financial aid programs, and funding sources for Washington’s public colleges and universities. Members asked about FTE versus headcount, tuition growth, the Washington College Grant, College Bound, and the Workforce Education Investment Account. Henry explained how state appropriations, tuition, and financial aid interact, and noted that higher education makes up a significant share of the state budget. No votes were taken during the work session. House Bill 2148 would create a “pay-it-forward” graduate student aid program administered by the Student Achievement Council, allowing students to receive tuition support and later make income-based contributions for up to 15 years to fund future students. Sponsor Rep. Reid said the bill is intended to offset the loss of federal graduate loan options and support workforce needs in fields like nursing, teaching, and research. Committee questions focused on repayment terms, possible caps, interest, and program capitalization. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with students and advocates arguing the bill would expand access to graduate education and avoid predatory private debt. House Bill 2132 would limit disclosure and retention of personally identifying and financial information from WASFA applications, generally requiring the Student Achievement Council and institutions to stop retaining that information after one year following the award year unless needed for an audit or appeal. Rep. Leavitt said the bill is meant to reduce unnecessary long-term retention of sensitive student data and improve privacy and security. Supporters, including student leaders and immigrant-advocacy groups, said the bill would protect vulnerable students and increase trust in the aid process. Some members raised concerns about whether shorter retention could affect future record needs, including immigration-related documentation, but the sponsor said students can keep their own records and that the bill preserves audit authority. The hearing ended without a vote, and the chair noted an upcoming busy schedule and cutoff deadlines.

Transcript Highlights:

• The charts on the right show historical funding levels and FTE caps for TEA.
• So, I think this is a way for us to improve more than we have been historically.
• It's an 8.25% state payroll contribution rate.
• The figure in the middle of the page provides TRS contribution rates.
• These programs are funded through member contributions and do not result in the need for contributions

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Farmers here raise more than 300 different crops, contributing more than $8 billion to the California
• This day is dedicated to honoring the incredible contributions of our agricultural community.
• Beautiful words, my friend, and I think really epitomize the contributions that Irish Americans have
• They found ways to contribute in powerful ways, our state...
• They found ways to contribute in powerful ways.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and prayer, then handled several procedural matters before moving to the daily file. Members approved a motion to withdraw Assembly Bills 100 through 219 to the second reading file by a roll call vote of 42-15, and unanimously approved re-referrals of AB 440 and AB 1265 to different committees. The chamber also welcomed international visitors, student and community guests, and later heard a series of guest introductions tied to agriculture, immigration, and Irish heritage. The main floor action centered on two resolutions. H.R. 19, recognizing California Agriculture Day, drew strong support from members representing agricultural districts, who highlighted the state’s farm production, exports, and the role of farmworkers and ranchers; the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 65 co-authors were added. ACR 51, honoring Irish American Heritage Month, was also adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added, with members speaking about Irish immigration, labor history, California-Ireland ties, and St. Patrick’s Day. The Assembly also held multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes for the Honorable Leon Lawson Williams, a pioneering Black civic leader in San Diego who served on the City Council and County Board of Supervisors and helped expand public transit and advance civil rights. Members from San Diego and others described his barriers-breaking career and lasting influence on local government and community leadership. The House then received announcements about upcoming committee hearings and adjourned until Thursday, March 20, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And our value in appointing a historic number of women to assembly and community leadership positions
• This month, we celebrate women for the remarkable accomplishments they have contributed to our state,
• Let us honor the incredible contributions that women, and in particular women of color, have made and
• Her community involvement includes the Hemet Library, Historic Santa Fe Depot, and Ramona Padgett.
• Gahee Ha made significant contributions to her community.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because of this, we have a unique responsibility to safeguard and uphold the historical recognition of
• Because of this, we have a unique responsibility to safeguard and uphold the historical recognition of
• Azerain government, forcibly displaced over 100,000 Armenians from the historical homeland and the Arkansas
• nation and key, Demmer security of Armenia as a historic nation and key democratic ally in the region
• Our district is home to the historic city of Oakdale.

Transcript Highlights:

• But our contributions are not limited to medicine or science or business.
• We visited a number of historical sites that not only taught history...
• Their contributions have left a lasting impact on our state and our nation.
• Black communities and historic Jewish communities.
• black communities and historic Jewish communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• structure of a historic district.
• to the historic district.
• And I'm spending time on this... ...the structure that contributes to the historic district.
• It does allow SB 9 projects on contributing properties to a historic district, but with clear and very
• With this bill, I think the state affirms that contributing structures in historic districts are important

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a full agenda of bills focused largely on housing, permitting reform, transportation governance, and local government finance. Early in the hearing, AB 24 by Assemblymember DeMaio proposed changing SANDAG board selection to give rural unincorporated areas a stronger voice; members raised concerns about the approach and local input, and the bill ultimately did not receive a second at the time it was heard. The chair later clarified that because no second was made, the bill was held rather than voted out, though the transcript also reflects confusion and later attempts to revisit the item. Several housing and permitting bills advanced with committee amendments and broad support. AB 671 by Assemblymember Wicks would streamline restaurant permitting through self-certification and faster plan review; AB 920 by Assemblymember Caloza would require a centralized online portal for housing permit tracking in larger jurisdictions; AB 1061 by Assemblymember Kirk Silva would allow SB 9 housing in historic districts with limits to protect historic character; AB 818 by Assemblymember Anamarie Farías would streamline temporary manufactured housing after disasters; AB 660 by Assemblymember Wilson would tighten timelines and remedies for post-entitlement housing permits; AB 1308 by Assemblymember Hoover would allow third-party inspections for small residential projects if local inspections are delayed; and AB 1445 by Assemblymember Haney would expand downtown revitalization financing tools for mixed-use housing. Each of these measures drew support from housing, business, and industry groups, with some local-government and special-district stakeholders seeking continued amendments on certain bills. The committee also approved AB 1156, which updates the solar use easement program to better accommodate renewable energy development on water-constrained agricultural lands, and AB 964, which would let local governments offset certain state mandate reimbursement debts against amounts the state owes them. AB 1223, by Assemblymember Wynn, would let Sacramento-area transportation authorities propose sales tax measures for portions of the county and keep revenues local; it advanced despite some transportation and taxpayer concerns. Consent items AB 36 and AB 1131 were also approved. Most bills were reported out on bipartisan votes, often with committee amendments and some members noting they would continue working on the measures in later committees.