Transcript Highlights:

• So in 2022, we had one additional thing to deal with, and that was the tariffs, and that really created
• delays that are residual from the COVID-19 pandemic, and we're also tracking the extent to which new tariffs
• So our tariff proposal for the extended day-ahead market was approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory
• indicated that they're either unable to offer fixed prices right now because of the uncertainty in tariffs
• The third challenge is project delays in this mid to long term due to uncertainty in import tariffs,

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1026 by Assembly Member Wilson, which would require investor-owned utilities to provide clearer front-end information and follow more consistent timelines for post-entitlement energization applications tied to housing projects. The author and supporters from the Housing Action Coalition and Mission Housing said utility delays can hold up approved housing, add costs, and create uncertainty, and they argued the bill would align utility processes with recent state efforts to streamline local permitting. PG&E and Southern California Edison opposed the bill, saying existing CPUC timelines and the ongoing energization rulemaking already address the issue, that the bill could be duplicative or premature, and that some proposed timelines were too short. The committee discussed the bill’s relationship to the CPUC’s September 2024 decision, and AB 1026 was ultimately approved on a 15-0 vote, with the consent calendar also passing. The second half of the hearing was the committee’s annual oversight hearing on electric reliability. Representatives from the CPUC, CEC, CAISO, and DWR reviewed lessons from the 2020 and 2022 heat emergencies, emphasizing that California has since added significant resources, improved planning, and created backstop programs such as the strategic reliability reserve. They said the summer 2025 outlook is cautiously optimistic, with no expected shortfalls under traditional planning conditions and a projected surplus, though wildfire and extreme heat remain risks. The agencies also described major changes in planning and operations, including more battery storage, updated resource adequacy rules, expanded transmission planning, and reforms to the interconnection queue. Members asked about data center load, Diablo Canyon’s future, the strategic reliability reserve, demand response, wildfire mitigation costs, affordability, and regional market expansion. Witnesses said data center demand is a major variable but can be managed through better forecasting, flexible service arrangements, and siting in areas with existing capacity; they also said firm clean resources remain valuable while planning continues around Diablo Canyon’s scheduled retirement. On affordability, they said the agencies try to balance reliability with least-cost procurement, and that new resources can lower market prices even as they require upfront investment. CAISO also highlighted the value of the Western Energy Imbalance Market and the planned day-ahead market, saying regional coordination improves both reliability and cost savings.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Trump administration recently announced some new tariffs on steel and aluminum.
• What is his plan regarding this new Trump administration issue of tariffs?

Bills: SJR36 , SJR2 , SB4 , SR45 , SR47 , SR63 , SR66 , SR70 , SR85 , SCR14 , SB10 , SB11 , SB10 , SB11

Transcript Highlights:

• So I guess, uh, you know, my concern is, you know, the tariffs and taking a look at, you know, the economic
• outlook that, uh, AGC presented with, you know, Dominic Simmons, you know, the tariffs used to say as
• And so are you saying that we are going to, because these are tariffs that we're going to acknowledge
• Uh, I'm sure that this is happening amongst other agencies as well, and uh the, the impact of the tariffs
• It'll also point out, obviously, if we have tariffs and we can't get steel and what, all those kinds

Transcript Highlights:

• from a lot over the last seven years, I guess, between global pandemics, global economic turndowns, tariffs
• frustrating is when there's things that were totally avoidable that are hurting our economy, like tariffs
• avoidable that are hurting our<00:04:00.480><c> economy</c><00:04:00.879><c> like</c><00:04:01.120><c> tariffs
• /c><00:04:01.840><c> and</c><00:04:02.159><c> of</c><00:04:02.319><c> course</c> our economy like tariffs
• and of course our economy like tariffs and of course like<00:04:02.720><c> metro</c><00:04:03.120><c

Transcript Highlights:

• And, as a compound question, do you think that the larger tariff that we have, and the other ones coming
• Do you think that the larger tariff that we have, and the other ones coming on, eliminate all of that
• I think that we have seen, and we have approved, as you mentioned, a tariff that provides a model that
• Do you think that the larger tariff that we have, that other ones coming on, do you think they eliminate
• I think that we have seen we have approved, as you mentioned, a one tariff that provides a model that

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• colleague talked about small businesses, what's going to hurt small businesses the most this year are tariffs
• , tariffs, tariffs, and more tariffs.
• Tariffs are. And with that, I will be voting for this bill. Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met first as a subcommittee and then took up several bills, with the chair explaining that measures with large fiscal impacts would be held on suspense and that tax levy bills would return at a later hearing. AB 761 (Addis) would let the Monterey-Salinas Transit District place a local sales tax measure on the ballot with approval from two-thirds of its board rather than separate approval from each member jurisdiction; supporters said it would help preserve transit services for veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities, while one member objected to making it easier to raise regressive sales taxes. The bill was voted out 5-2 after a call of absent members. AB 1253 (Schultz), which would clarify property tax treatment for wildfire reconstruction done under emergency permits, received support from the California Assessors Association but was sent to suspense. AB 8 (Aguiar-Curry), dealing with hemp enforcement, intoxicating hemp products, and integration into the cannabis supply chain, drew strong support from cannabis businesses, labor, and local government groups, but opposition from small cultivators and public health advocates who warned about tax losses and conflicts with Proposition 64; it was also sent to suspense. AB 1138 (Zabur/Quirk-Silva), a major expansion and modernization of the film and television tax credit program, drew extensive support from entertainment unions, studios, and workers who said the industry is losing jobs to other states and countries, while opponents argued the state should not keep using targeted tax credits; the bill was sent to suspense. AB 829 (Sharp Collins), creating a Parkinson’s Disease Research Fund and voluntary tax contribution program, passed 6-0 to Appropriations. AB 474 (Ward), which would exempt certain nonprofit home-sharing income for low-income homeowners and protect eligibility for benefits, was also sent to suspense after supporters said it could help older adults age in place and address homelessness. AB 376 (Tangipa), exempting wildfire settlement payments from state income tax, was sent to suspense with support from rural counties. AB 480 (Quirk-Silva), allowing developers to convert allocated low-income housing tax credits to certificated credits to maximize value, was likewise sent to suspense.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're incentivized to purchase where there are a tariffs, frankly, right?
• And so that can change there are a tariffs, frankly, right?
• The tariff and the international trade policy has been a big constraint that are integrated supply chain
• They're they're working to diversify and get into places where they can operate without the tariffs on

Transcript Highlights:

• It's paid for through tariffs. And we provide that service to them that they can do all of their...
• It's paid for through tariffs.
• It's paid for through tariffs.
• we're providing the support, and the Rave product is also at this time free of charge through the tariffs

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on California’s emergency alert and warning systems, especially in light of recent Southern California wildfires and the January 9 evacuation alert that was mistakenly sent to millions of residents. Opening remarks emphasized the loss of life, the strain on first responders, the importance of timely warnings, and concerns that public trust in alerts has been undermined by delays, confusion, and over-alerting. Members repeatedly raised questions about how to improve speed, accuracy, coordination across jurisdictions, and public understanding of the difference between evacuation warnings and orders. Cal OES staff described the state’s alert and warning framework, including SEMS, the State Warning Center, IPAWS, WEA, and EAS, and said local governments retain primary responsibility for issuing alerts because they know local roads, shelters, and hazards best. They said Cal OES supports local agencies with training, technical assistance, testing, and backup alerting help when requested, and that local alerting authorities must test their systems every 30 days and complete FEMA-required training. Members pressed Cal OES on gaps in smaller or under-resourced jurisdictions, the lack of a statewide unified system, compliance monitoring, redundancy for people without reliable technology, and whether the state should take a more active role. Cal OES said it could assist smaller jurisdictions and step in during emergencies, but that a statewide system would require further analysis and funding. Sheriff Eric Taylor of San Benito County emphasized that local control is essential because counties differ widely in structure, geography, and alerting responsibilities, and he described the challenges of rural areas, limited cell coverage, and multiple platforms such as Nixle, Reverse 911, and social media. Nick Russell of Watch Duty said the nonprofit fills gaps by providing fast, geospatially detailed wildfire information from volunteers and public data, and argued that context and redundancy are critical because official alerts often arrive too late or lack enough detail. Members praised Watch Duty’s usefulness and asked about incorporating similar capabilities into state systems. Public commenters also raised the need for broader redundancy, including earthquake-warning partnerships, and wildfire survivors urged the committee to address the confusing patchwork of alerts and to honor prior compensation commitments to PG&E fire survivors. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational only and adjourned after member questions and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commission to require our three large investor-owned utilities to offer an optional dynamic rate tariff
• Commission to require our three large investor-owned utilities to offer an optional dynamic rate tariff
• guidance to the CPUC to ensure fair implementation of dynamic rates, and many of the details of the tariff

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy met without a quorum at first and proceeded as a subcommittee, then later established quorum and took up three bills. AB 1715, by Assembly Member Schiavo, would require the CPUC to create a searchable online database of utility advice letters, responses, and resolutions dating back to 2020, and add quarterly reporting on taxpayer-funded loans and grants to investor-owned utilities. Supporters, including TURN, said the bill would improve transparency and accountability around utility financing and ratepayer savings; no formal opposition testified, though SDG&E and SoCalGas said committee amendments addressed their main concerns. The bill was moved do pass as amended to Appropriations and ultimately passed 16-0. AB 1761, by Assembly Member Rogers, would improve transparency around the PCIA charge paid by community choice aggregators and other departing load customers by allowing advance access to data used in the calculation through an existing CPUC nondisclosure process. CalCCA, several CCAs, local governments, and clean energy groups supported the bill, arguing that current PCIA-setting practices are opaque and can cause rate shock; IOUs opposed, citing concerns about market-sensitive data and noting an existing CPUC process they said had not been fully used. After discussion of confidentiality protections and the committee amendments, the bill passed 15-0 to Appropriations. AB 1787, by Assembly Member Schultz, would require the CPUC to direct the large investor-owned utilities to offer optional dynamic rate tariffs once smart meter and related system upgrades approved on or after January 1, 2027 are in place. Supporters said dynamic pricing can help customers shift usage to lower-cost, cleaner periods and reduce peak demand costs, while opponents from PG&E, SDG&E, and SCE argued the bill was too prescriptive, could conflict with ongoing CPUC proceedings, and might create cost or implementation issues. The author said he would continue working with opponents and accepted committee amendments; the bill passed 13-0 to Appropriations. All three measures were reported out, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Despite a worsening national economy, and because of the destabilization of the economy, the tariffs,
• worsening economy nationally, as you've seen, and because of the destabilization of the economy, the tariffs

Transcript Highlights:

• unique to Commerce, but the first one I'd highlight is uncertain economic factors, including our tariff
• On something like tariffs, we keep articulating the challenge to our federal delegation, but ultimately
• that'll be an executive branch decision in D.C. as to what's to be done about tariffs.
• Everybody has the same tariff challenge, but it is delaying some economic decisions on the part of companies

Committee: House A&B Natural Resources Subcommittee

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce on its FY26 priorities, recent performance, and budget requests. Commerce said it had helped announce about 8,000 direct jobs and nearly $14 billion in investment year-to-date, while noting challenges such as tariffs, workforce recruitment, staffing/FTE management, and the condition of its 100-year-old office building. The agency highlighted projects and initiatives including a new Taiwan trade office, Route 66 Centennial planning, the National Main Street conference in Tulsa, Olympic-related coordination, census outreach, and continued improvements to its grants and CRM systems. Requested funding included $8.3 million for building repairs or relocation planning, census support, $300,000 for EDGE, $135,000 for IT/cybersecurity upgrades, $250,000 for the Taiwan office, and additional support for Head Start, senior nutrition, and the Strategic Air and Space Commission. Members asked about the meaning of the investment totals, the building condition, delays in senior nutrition distributions, and staffing vacancies; Commerce said the investment figures reflected formal company capital announcements, the building had significant facade and roof damage, delays were due to multiple contracting layers, and several open positions were expected to be filled soon. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department then presented its FY26 budget and goals. New director Amy Blackburn and special advisor Sterling Zearley said the department oversees 38 state parks, six lodges, seven golf courses, and nine travel information centers, and emphasized tourism’s economic importance. They reported savings from bringing marketing and tracking functions in-house and from shared services, but said the department faces more than $271 million in deferred maintenance needs, staffing shortages, and connectivity problems at parks. Their goals include increasing park visitation to 10.2 million, raising occupancy to 36%, and growing travel to Oklahoma, with major marketing tied to the Route 66 Centennial, America 250, the FIFA World Cup, the Olympics, and other events. The department also discussed a request to raise its purchasing exemption cap from $25,000 to $75,000, a possible TravelOK.com redesign, and efforts to improve restaurant operations at lodges through a new RFP structure. Members questioned the apportionment cap, the size and timing of deferred maintenance requests, park revenue, and the use of parking pass funds; tourism said annual park-related revenue is about $32 million to $34 million and parking pass revenue is about $2.5 million. Finally, the OSU Veterinary Medicine Authority presented its budget request and program updates. The authority said it supports the veterinary teaching hospital and related student training, and that its FY26 budget is entirely state-appropriated. It requested continued support for hospital operations, the large animal scholarship program, and a new $12.5 million annual payment tied to the $250 million Legacy Capital Fund authorization for the veterinary teaching hospital, along with additional funding to expand in-state enrollment. Officials said in-state enrollment had increased from 58 to 69 students after prior funding, with a goal of reaching 90 of 106 total seats, and that there were 195 in-state applicants this year. Members asked whether standards would be lowered; the authority said academic standards would not change and noted strong board-pass rates and retention outcomes. It also said accreditation concerns tied to faculty shortages and off-site teaching had been addressed by bringing students back to the main campus and improving staffing. The committee ended by thanking the presenters and announcing its next meeting date.

Transcript Highlights:

• California continues to challenge several federal actions under the current administration, including tariffs
• And now that we're entering an era of high tariffs, That's going to mean an even bigger swipe fee windfall
• relief to restaurants, grocery stores, and other Main Street merchants who are about to get crushed by tariffs
• So, I think it's important to think about the impact of tariffs and inflation, and how this is going

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• little bit more of a global thing: Are we not expecting housing prices to go up, given the significant tariffs
• in this country with all the expenses that we're going to, as consumers, be paying because of the tariffs
• And it's not just the tariffs that we should worry about. We went through this during COVID.
• Clearly, we're, whether it's the tariffs or different policies being enacted at the federal level, what

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• in response to being asked nicely were market rules, transmission planning processes, and regional tariffs
• likely to see really tough cost increases in energy costs over the next couple years, whether it's tariffs
• likely to see really tough cost increases in energy costs over the next couple years, whether it's tariffs
• likely to see really tough cost increases in energy costs over the next couple years, whether it's tariffs
• likely to see really tough cost increases in energy costs over the next couple years, whether it's tariffs

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, our engagement with the statewide partners is under the tariff structure oversight of the
• need to be able to have our vendor under contract so we can hold them accountable in ways that the tariff
• No, it's under tariff so we can turn off the tariff payment with appropriate notice, but it's on a month-to-month
• We filed our 60th lawsuit today challenging the president's new imposition of tariffs.
• , the statute that the president is relying upon does not give them the authority to impose those tariffs

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, our engagement with the statewide partners is under the tariff structure oversight of the
• need to be able to have our vendor under contract so we can hold them accountable in ways that the tariff
• No, it's under tariff so we can turn off the tariff payment with appropriate notice, but it's on a month-to-month
• We filed our 60th lawsuit today challenging the President's new imposition of tariffs.
• , the statute that the President is relying upon does not give them the authority to impose those tariffs

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation heard updates from the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Department of Justice. Cal OES Acting Director Tina Curry described the department’s proposed budget, disaster response and recovery work, Los Angeles wildfire recovery, FEMA reimbursement delays, hazard mitigation grant applications, planning for major events like the FIFA World Cup and LA28 Olympics, and the state’s next generation 911 priorities. Senators raised concerns about Operation Stonegarden, small-disaster recovery delays, FEMA reimbursement timing, VOCA funding, and the need for more detailed reporting on federal grants and recovery costs. The committee then focused on Next Generation 911. Cal OES staff said the current regional deployment encountered call-routing and transfer failures, leading the department to pause further rollout and propose a new phased plan centered on a statewide provider, followed by an open procurement for a long-term vendor. They said the plan is intended to improve reliability, simplify architecture, and support Los Angeles-area PSAPs ahead of the Olympics, with a target of full statewide transition by summer 2030. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to pause major changes until it receives more information, including a clearer explanation of the problems, alternatives considered, costs, cybersecurity and privacy issues, and oversight needs. Members expressed mixed views, with some supporting a joint oversight hearing and requesting quarterly fiscal reports and monthly progress updates. The Department of Justice then presented its overall workload, emphasizing public safety enforcement, fentanyl and human trafficking prosecutions, housing enforcement, civil rights work, and extensive federal litigation against the Trump administration. DOJ said the additional federal accountability work has significantly increased staffing and overtime demands, though it has hired 44 additional employees. The committee also heard DOJ’s firearms workload proposal, including funding for SB 704 implementation, continued firearms IT modernization, and a proposed shift of Bureau of Firearms costs to the General Fund. The LAO recommended using special funds and loans instead of ongoing General Fund support where possible, and asked DOJ to develop a framework by January 2027 for determining which firearms and ammunition workload should be supported by fee revenue. The Department of Finance largely agreed with the need for SB 704 funding but disagreed with the LAO’s proposed loan approach for the firearms account.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, our engagement with the statewide partners is under the tariff structure oversight of the
• need to be able to have our vendor under contract so we can hold them accountable in ways that the tariff
• No, it's under tariff so we can turn off the tariff payment with appropriate notice, but it's on a month-to-month
• We filed our 60th lawsuit today challenging the President's new imposition of tariffs.
• again, the statute that the President is relying upon does not give him the authority to impose those tariffs

Summary: The committee heard an overview from Cal OES on disaster response, LA wildfire recovery, federal FEMA reimbursements, security monitoring, and the state’s 911 transition. Cal OES said its budget supports disaster preparedness and recovery, including ongoing work in Los Angeles, where it reported about 700 FEMA public assistance applications totaling roughly $1.2 billion and about $545 million in state wildfire response and recovery funding already allocated under AB 100. Members pressed for more detail on FEMA delays, hazard mitigation grants, federal event planning, and the status of Operation Stonegarden, while also raising concerns about small-disaster recovery, federal shutdown impacts, and the need for more timely reporting. A major portion of the hearing focused on Next Generation 911. Cal OES described problems with the current regional deployment, especially call-routing and transfer failures, and said it now plans to shift to a statewide provider as an interim step, then run an open procurement for a long-term vendor. The agency said it expects to execute a bridging contract in the coming weeks, release an RFP in the second quarter of 2026, award a long-term contract in the fall, begin transitioning Los Angeles-area PSAPs ahead of the 2028 Olympics, and complete statewide migration by summer 2030. The LAO urged the Legislature to pause further implementation until it has more information on the problems, alternatives, costs, privacy/security issues, and oversight needs, and recommended quarterly and monthly reporting if the project proceeds. Several senators echoed concerns about cost, redundancy, cybersecurity, and whether the statewide model could create new risks, and the chair said she would pursue a joint oversight hearing with the Emergency Management Committee and seek input from the State Auditor. The Department of Justice then presented its overall workload and budget pressures. DOJ highlighted its work on fentanyl enforcement, human trafficking, firearms recovery, housing enforcement, consumer protection, environmental and civil rights litigation, and a large federal litigation workload, saying it has filed 59 lawsuits against the Trump administration and won most of them. DOJ said the added federal cases and other mandates have strained existing staff, though 44 additional hires have been made. Members praised DOJ’s work on immigration, housing, and federal accountability, and asked for more information on detention facilities and staffing. The committee also reviewed DOJ’s firearms-related budget proposals. DOJ requested funding for continued firearms IT modernization, implementation of SB 704 on firearm barrels, and a temporary shift of Bureau of Firearms costs to the General Fund. The LAO supported the IT modernization request but recommended funding SB 704 from the Dealer’s Record of Sale Special Account, with startup costs covered by a loan from the Firearm Safety and Enforcement Special Fund, and suggested limiting the General Fund shift to one year and treating it as a loan. The LAO also asked DOJ to develop a framework by January 10, 2027, for deciding which firearm and ammunition workload should be supported by fee revenue rather than the General Fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• these works because of the increase in materials prices due to global uncertainty and the market and tariffs
• these works because of the increase in materials prices due to global uncertainty and the market and tariffs
• these works because of the increase in materials price due to global uncertainty and the market and tariffs
• these works because of the increase in materials price due to global uncertainty and the market and tariffs
• these works because of the increase in materials prices due to global uncertainty and the market and tariffs

Bills: HB2437 , HB2461 , HB2604 , HB2605 , HB1860 , HB2001

Committee: House Culture & Arts

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts heard several measures focused on arts funding, public art, performing arts, and libraries. HB 2437 would appropriate funds for the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ Artists in the Schools program; the Foundation testified in strong support, explaining that demand has increased and that additional funding would allow more schools to be served. HB 2461 would raise the ceiling for the works of art special fund and provide money for maintenance and a collections manager position; the Foundation supported it and described major conservation needs, including large-scale repairs to public artworks such as the Tadashi Sato work in Hilo and the King Kamehameha statue, as well as ongoing bronze maintenance and new commissions affected by rising materials costs. HB 2604 would create a performing arts ticket surcharge; the Attorney General and Department of Taxation raised drafting and administration concerns, while the State Foundation supported the concept. HB 2605 would create a position to coordinate specialized arts programs and therapeutic arts interventions for underserved neurodivergent populations, and the Foundation supported that measure as well. HB 1860 would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state symphony orchestra and require annual reports; the Attorney General suggested clarifying the public purpose, and the Symphony, youth symphony, and many community supporters testified in favor, emphasizing educational, cultural, and civic benefits. HB 20001 would designate the first Friday in February as Love My Library Day; the State Public Library System, Friends of the Library, and individual testifiers strongly supported it, describing libraries as essential community and educational resources. After hearing testimony, the committee took action on several bills. HB 2437 was recommended for passage with amendments in HD1, with the appropriation blanked out and the additional needed funding to be noted for Finance consideration; the vote was unanimous among members present. HB 2604 was also recommended for passage with HD1 and technical amendments, including deleting the term “Hawaii-based,” clarifying that student performances at public charter schools are exempt, aligning recordkeeping provisions with tax law, and setting an effective date of January 1, 2027. HB 2461 was deferred to decision-making on Friday, February 13. The transcript also indicates the committee moved through the remaining measures after testimony, but the excerpt ends before final votes are shown for HB 2605, HB 1860, and HB 20001.

Transcript Highlights:

• associated with the cost of GLP-1 medications, hospital prices, and potentially we have to consider tariffs
• There could be pros and cons with tariffs. We don't quite know how that's going to shake out.
• Particularly, you mentioned the tariffs, insulin pumps, and I think some of the changes to some insurances
• One of the things you mentioned was the cost of tariffs having a potential impact on imported drugs.
• regards to reducing some of the costs associated with prescription drugs, especially as we talk about tariffs

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And now we're impacted by the tariffs that the federal government have put on Canada.
• And now we're impacted by the tariffs that the federal government have put on Canada.
• ><00:15:19.400><c> impacted</c><00:15:20.000><c> by</c><00:15:20.120><c> the</c><00:15:20.280><c> tariffs
• </c> And now we're impacted by the tariffs And now we're impacted by the tariffs that<00:15:21.720><c