Transcript Highlights:

• We do not have a quorum.
• We do not have a quorum.
• So we are starting, We do not have a quorum, so we are starting by noticing the absence of a quorum.
• We have quorum. It's always a... I'm sorry. I'm going to interrupt you. We have quorum.
• the secretary to establish quorum.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 470, which would change California’s carrier-of-last-resort rules and allow a phased transition away from copper landlines in areas deemed well served by alternative phone options. The author and AT&T argued the bill would protect consumers, preserve 911 access, require public notice and CPUC review, and direct investment toward modern fiber and emergency communications. Supporters included a wide range of business, civic, tribal, and community groups, while opponents from TURN, rural counties, labor, digital equity organizations, and local governments warned the bill could let AT&T shed service obligations too quickly, weaken protections for rural and underserved households, and harm workers. After extensive member discussion about CPUC authority, rural carveouts, labor impacts, and reinvestment, AB 470 was passed do pass as amended to Appropriations, with one no vote and one not voting, and the roll left open. The committee then took up AB 1532, a committee omnibus bill extending funding and surcharge authority for the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program and the TNC Access for All program, while also adding CPUC accountability provisions. Chair Boerner Horvath explained the bill would not raise consumer costs and would require the CPUC to appear at hearings when requested and adopt rules for commissioner attendance. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill was moved do pass and re-refer to Utilities and Energy, though the roll was left open because it had not yet reached the threshold for immediate transmission. Finally, the committee heard AB 353, the Affordable Home Internet Act of 2025, which would establish an affordability floor for home broadband for low-income Californians after the expiration of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program. Supporters said broadband costs remain too high and that families, students, and vulnerable communities need a state solution now; opponents from the wireless industry and rural county representatives argued the bill would amount to an artificial price mandate and could complicate existing rural broadband buildouts. Members generally supported the goal but raised concerns about impacts on small ISPs and rural areas, and the bill was moved forward with a motion and second while discussion continued about possible exemptions and amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we are in recess because I lost quorum again. [Music] Oh, go ahead.
• I just want to make sure I have quorum. I thought you disappeared before it would pass. Okay.
• Uh, Senator Rhoads as co-chair, and I don't have quorum. I'm here. Oh, sorry. It's okay.
• <02:21:31.359> Oh, I don't have quorum. I'm here. Oh, I don't have quorum. I'm here.
• So, I do have quorum if we need to vote. I do have quorum if we need to vote. Yes, we do.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, okay, we need to recess for quorum. Oh, never mind, oh no, we have quorum. Never mind.
• Um, okay, we need to recess for quorum. Oh, never mind, oh no, we have quorum. Never mind.
• /c><00:09:16.959> to<00:09:17.200> recess<00:09:17.640> for<00:09:18.240> Quorum
• quum okay we need to recess for Quorum quum okay we need to recess for Quorum oh<00:09:19.399>
• <00:09:20.720> never oh never mind oh no we have Quorum never oh never mind oh no we have

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing began with SB 59 on prescription drugs, which drew extensive testimony from insurers, pharmacies, patient advocates, and health organizations. Supporters argued the bill would address PBM practices such as spread pricing, unclear reimbursement, and patient steering, and would help independent pharmacies and lower patient costs by passing rebates through to consumers. Opponents from health plans and PBM-related groups raised concerns, while Walgreens supported the measure and suggested amendments to establish a reimbursement floor. After questions, the committee accepted the Hawaii Pharmacist Association’s proposed amendments, added technical changes and a defective date of December 31, 2050, and voted to pass SB 59 with amendments. The remainder of the hearing focused on a series of nominations and reappointments to health, aging, disability, mental health, juvenile justice, and advisory boards. Nominees and agency representatives generally described their backgrounds and interest in serving, with support testimony emphasizing experience, continuity, and the value of volunteer service. Several nominees highlighted issues such as mental health access, substance abuse treatment, elder services, language access, disability access, and rehabilitation services. The Department of Health, SHPDA, DHS, and other organizations largely testified in support of the nominees. No votes were taken on the nominations during the transcript excerpt, and the chair repeatedly thanked the nominees for their service and testimony. The hearing also included brief procedural remarks about time limits, Zoom testimony, and a possible reconvening date in case of technical difficulties.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, I think we can call the roll to establish a quorum. Please.
• With that, I think we can call the roll to establish a quorum. Please call the roll. Dr. Bains?
• With that, I think we can, let's call the roll to establish a quorum. Please call the roll. Dr.
• Sharp Collins, we have a quorum. All right.

Summary: The Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee met on April 21 and heard three bills. AB 1819 by Assemblymember Sanchez would require buildings serving 50 or more people to have an automated external defibrillator on site. Sanchez said the bill is intended to protect older adults and other community members by improving access to life-saving emergency equipment; supporters included recreation and park districts and respiratory care professionals. The committee members present voted in favor, and the bill was passed as amended and re-referred to Appropriations, with the roll held open for absent members. AB 1983 by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio would create an optional sequential repayment method for continuing care retirement communities, allowing entrance fee repayments to be made in the order residents leave rather than waiting for a specific unit to be reoccupied. Rubio and Erickson Senior Living argued the change would make repayments more predictable and equitable while preserving consumer protections. Support also came from LeadingAge California and the California Assisted Living Association. The committee approved the bill and sent it to Human Services, again holding the roll open for later votes. AB 2037 by Assemblymember Patterson would establish a pilot grant program to help seniors and people with disabilities harden their homes against wildfire risk, with Patterson describing it as a way to support property maintenance and reduce wildfire spread. The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, AARP California, and local officials testified in support, and committee members accepted amendments to add another county to the pilot. The committee voted to pass the bill as amended and re-refer it to Appropriations. After the initial votes, add-on votes were recorded and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a quorum. Uh, please call the first bill. SB 332.
• We<00:05:54.960> have<00:05:55.039> a<00:05:55.199> quorum.
• Uh,<00:05:56.479> please<00:05:56.720> call<00:05:56.880> the We have a quorum
• Uh, please call the We have a quorum. Uh, please call the first<00:05:57.280> bill.

Bills: SB332, HB362, HB323, SB332, HB362, HB323

Keywords: public works, construction management, project delivery methods, alternative delivery, administrative rules, public advisory council, contracting, bidding procedures, protests, transparency, local government, public meetings, accountability, education, electric utility, transportation, oversize vehicles, transport permits, state highway system, firefighters

Transcript Highlights:

• Assemblymember Wallace notices the absence of a quorum. Sergeant Arms will prepare the chamber.
• Quorum bring in the absent members. Clerk will call the roll.
• Members, the quorum is present, we ask our guests some ministers in the rear of the chamber and in the
• Members, can I have the quorum, please? This motion is not debatable, it requires 40 votes.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Jones of North Reading questions the presence of a quorum.
• The Chair can ascertain that a quorum is not present.
• The Chair can ascertain that a quorum is not present.
• Court officers will alert the members that a quorum roll call is in progress. Thank you. Thank you.
• Jones of North Reading moved, by unanimous consent, to withdraw his request for a quorum roll call.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with ceremonial and procedural business, including adoption of resolutions recognizing the National Asian Pacific American Caucus and several orders extending reporting deadlines for committees, all of which were adopted by suspension of the rules. The House also concurred with a Senate petition concerning accidental death benefits for the surviving spouse of a former Boston firefighter, referring it to the Committee on Public Service. The chamber then took up several Ways and Means bills and local matters, including human trafficking recognition training for certain hospitality workers, teacher benefits under the Retirement Plus program, and land/easement measures for Westford, Wellesley, and Bourne. Most of these items were advanced to third reading after amendments were adopted. The House also moved through a series of local bills on the calendar, ordering multiple measures to third reading, including bills related to Watertown digital legal notices, Newton alarm divisions, Springfield property tax assessment, Natick’s charter, Beckett conservation commission membership, and Leicester stabilization funds. Later, the House considered and passed two major bills to be engrossed by roll call vote. H. 4361, relative to benefits for teachers, was supported by members who described it as a long-sought fix to Retirement Plus enrollment problems caused by unclear implementation and communication years ago; it passed 158-0. H. 4360, requiring human trafficking recognition training for certain hospitality workers, also drew strong support from members and advocates emphasizing victim identification, hotel and motel staff training, and anti-trafficking enforcement; an amendment updating the training language was adopted, and the bill likewise passed 158-0. The House then recessed until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• With five present and five absent, we have no quorum, but we're going to go ahead and start the hearing
• Madam Clerk, would you please call the roll to confirm we have a quorum? Chairman Casteel. Present.
• Having established a quorum, the Commerce Committee will now go into executive session.
• Madam Clerk, would you please call the roll to confirm we have a quorum?
• Having established a quorum, the Commerce Committee will now go into executive session.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As we do not have quorum at the moment, we can start as a subcommittee, but I just want to let folks
• Before we get to opposition, can we establish quorum, please? Kalra? Here. Dixon? Bauer-Kahan?
• All right, we have a quorum. Is there anyone here in opposition to AB 1349? I was looking for you.
• Before we get to opposition, can be established quorum, please. Kalra? Here.
• We have a quorum. Is there anyone here in opposition to AB 1349? I was looking for you.

Summary: The California Assembly Judiciary Committee met as a subcommittee because quorum was initially lacking, then heard AB 1349, a consumer-protection bill aimed at stopping speculative ticketing. The author said the bill would require ticket sellers to own or have a contractual right to sell tickets before listing them, require disclosure of seat locations, maintain records and refund capability on secondary platforms, and ban fake websites that mimic official event pages. Supporters included California Arts Advocates, the Music Artist Coalition, the National Independent Venue Association, Live Nation, the San Francisco Symphony, the American Conservatory Theater, and several sports teams, who argued the bill would protect fans, artists, venues, and nonprofit arts organizations from fraud and price gouging. Opposition came from the Consumer Federation of California, StubHub, SeekGeek/TickPick, and Vivid Seats. They said they supported the goal of stopping speculative ticketing but argued the bill’s language could create implementation problems, interfere with legitimate ticket transfers, and overlap with issues already being addressed in federal legislation and litigation involving the ticketing industry. They also raised concerns about terms-and-conditions restrictions and the potential effect on consumers’ ability to resell or transfer tickets they already purchased. Committee members largely expressed support for the bill’s consumer-protection goals while noting the need to continue working on amendments and unresolved issues. The author said he was committed to working with the opposition. The committee then approved AB 1349, as amended, on a do-pass motion to Appropriations by unanimous roll call vote, and the bill was reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have quorum on this bill, and I believe we have quorum as well here in Senate. Yeah.
• co-chairs and Shimizu as managers.<00:01:23.759> We<00:01:24.000> have<00:01:24.240> quorum
• We have quorum on this bill managers.
• We have quorum on this bill and<00:01:26.479> I<00:01:26.640> believe<00:01:26.799>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When we have quorum, we will be able to accept a motion and a second on this.
• And when we have quorum, we will be able to consider that request.
• And when we have quorum, we shall certainly consider that.
• And when we are able to establish quorum, I'm sure that will come.
• We do have quorum, so I'm going to just take a moment to establish quorum before we allow the senator

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on health care access, oversight, and affordability. The first major item was SB 306 by Senator Becker, a prior authorization reform bill. Becker and supporters, including the California Medical Association and California Hospital Association, argued that prior authorization delays care, adds administrative burden, and can lead to serious patient harm. The bill was substantially amended late in the process to have DMHC and CDI identify services and drugs to exempt from prior authorization based on utilization data, with safeguards for fraud, waste, abuse, and patient safety. Health plans and insurers opposed the measure as written, saying prior authorization remains an important utilization-management tool and raising concerns about the 90% threshold, drug inclusion, and how modifications are counted. The committee also heard SB 35 by Senator Umberg, which would let cities or counties inspect unlicensed sober living homes if DHCS does not act promptly on complaints. Supporters said the bill would address weak enforcement and protect residents, while one behavioral health directors group opposed it unless amended. Members generally supported the measure, citing problems with unlicensed facilities and the need for local enforcement backup. The committee then heard SB 62, which would codify California’s updated essential health benefits benchmark if approved by the federal government. Senator Wiener said the package would add hearing aids, durable medical equipment, and infertility treatment including IVF, acknowledging that premiums could rise but arguing the benefits were worth it. Health Access California and other advocates supported the bill, while the California Family Council opposed it. The committee also took up SB 596 by Senator Menjivar, which would tighten the rules for hospitals claiming an on-call list as a defense to nurse staffing ratio penalties. Supporters, including nurses and SEIU, said hospitals have used vague or ineffective on-call practices to avoid accountability and that the bill would improve enforcement and patient safety. Hospital groups opposed it, arguing that staffing is highly dynamic, that hospitals need flexibility to manage acuity and emergencies, and that the bill could increase costs and interfere with collective bargaining arrangements. Finally, the committee heard SB 40 by Senator Wiener, the Insulin Affordability Act, which would cap insulin copays at $35 for a 30-day supply and restrict step therapy unless a plan covers at least one insulin in each drug type. Supporters, including physicians, diabetes advocates, nurses, students, and patient groups, said insulin is life-saving and too often unaffordable, forcing patients to ration or choose between medication and basic needs. There was no formal opposition testimony, though one member questioned why insulin remains so expensive. The committee also began discussion of SB 363, but the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full presentation or any action on the measures. No votes are recorded in the portion provided, and several bills were noted as consent items earlier in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and on Roman five on page five, it changes what a quorum is from seven to eight because now we're
• Um, and on Roman five on page five, it changes what a quorum is from seven to eight because now we're
• Okay, good to clarify. 17 members a quorum. Any further comments on the amendment?
• Okay, good to clarify. 17 members a quorum. Any further comments on the amendment?
• Okay, good to clarify. 17 members a quorum. Any further comments on the amendment?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with housekeeping announcements about clearing office file cabinets by May 22, arranging lockers in another building, and the building’s cold temperature. The chair also reviewed the calendar, noting the May 29 reporting deadline, the May 26 Memorial Day closure, and possible dates for subcommittee or committee-of-the-whole meetings. Representative Damon then apologized for his word choice in a prior vote, and the chair accepted the apology. The committee recessed briefly for caucus before returning to the docket. The first bill taken up was SB 98, extending donations to regional career and technical education center programs. Representative Peoples moved OTP, the motion was seconded, and members noted the bill would allow continued private donations to support the program. The committee voted unanimously to pass the bill and then agreed to place it on consent, with discussion noting a fiscal note but no objection to consent. The committee then considered SB 294, concerning lab fees for career and technical education courses. Representative Peoples moved ITL, but members debated whether the bill would create an unfunded mandate or instead simply require that lab fees be addressed in regional agreements. Supporters argued it would make costs transparent and prevent students from being surprised by fees, while opponents said it would shift costs onto sending districts and add to an already underfunded CTE tuition and transportation line. After discussion, the committee voted 10-8 to pass the bill, with Representative Peoples assigned the majority report and Representative Bricky the minority report. Finally, the committee turned to SB 195, which revises the composition and duties of the New Hampshire Advisory Council on Career and Technical Education. The chair initially asked questions about how CTE funding works for part-time students, then corrected that he was on the wrong bill before returning to SB 195. Representative Lad offered amendment 1938H and explained that it largely tracked current law while making changes to council membership, including the appointment process for business and trade representatives. Discussion focused on how the amendment and bill would alter council appointments and whether the current structure should remain, but the transcript cuts off before any final action on SB 195 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assemblymember Wallace notes an absence of a quorum.
• Members, a quorum is present. Thank you. Members, as I said, a quorum is present.
• Members, a quorum is present.
• So we will be holding quorum call for the adjournment in memory.
• The quorum call is still in place.

Summary: The Assembly convened after an initial quorum call, then proceeded with prayer, the pledge, and routine motions. Members approved several procedural requests, including moving AB 362 to the inactive file and allowing the Natural Resources Committee to hear AB 34 on January 16. The chamber also recognized guests and paid tribute to retiring Republican caucus consultant Daryl Thomas, with remarks from multiple members praising his long service and legal analysis work. The main floor action centered on ACR 116, a resolution honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Members from several caucuses and both parties spoke in support, emphasizing King’s legacy of civil rights, economic justice, nonviolence, and unfinished work. After opening the roll for coauthors, the resolution received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly then took up ACR 118, recognizing Korean American Day; members highlighted Korean American history, community contributions, solidarity with other communities, and the significance of Koreatown and Korean American civic life. That resolution also received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The consent calendar was then adopted on a 64-0 vote, including ACR 115 on National Blood Donor Month. The chamber also held an adjournment in memory for former legislator David Kelly, with a tribute to his military service, agricultural background, and legislative work on water conservation and sustainable agriculture. The Assembly announced the upcoming Martin Luther King Day recess and adjourned until Tuesday, January 20 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Hadwick notices the absence of a quorum.
• Members, the quorum. Members, a quorum is present.
• The quorum call is still in place.
• The quorum call is lifted, and we are adjourned.
• Thursday, June 26th at 9 a.m., the quorum call is lifted, and we are adjourned.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the previous day’s journal. Procedural motions were adopted to allow certain members to speak on adjournment in memory and to host guests on the floor, and the chamber suspended Joint Rule 61 to allow the Appropriations Committee to meet and consider AB 1533. The majority leader also requested that SB 272 and HR 44 be removed from the consent calendar. The main floor action was the Assembly’s Pride Month observance, centered on HR 43, which recognizes June 2025 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month. Assembly Member Ward and members of several caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing LGBTQ+ history, civil rights, community contributions, and current political attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. Assembly Member DeMaio spoke in opposition, arguing the resolution was divisive and included controversial policy references. After debate, 49 coauthors were added and the resolution was adopted by voice vote. The chamber then held a Pride Month ceremony honoring 14 distinguished individuals for contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, followed by guest introductions recognizing APICA fellows, family members, educators, and community leaders. The Assembly later adopted the consent calendar, with SB 61, SB 66, SB 846, SB 229, and SCR 3 approved, and then heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for John E. Brison and former Assembly Member William T. Bagley. The House adjourned until Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do not have a quorum. Okay.
• I think we have a quorum, just so we can establish a quorum for now. Senator Huffman? Here.
• A quorum is present. Thank you. Senator Hinojosa, you are recognized.
• themselves due to conflicts of interest, while ensuring that the overall council still has a sufficient quorum
• We do have a quorum, yes. All right.

Bills: SB214, SB935, SB1030, SB1901, SB2018, SB2020, SB2066, SB2206

Keywords: HVAC, tax exemption, energy efficiency, residential heating, installation services, Energy Star, sales tax, residential, installation, sales tax exemption, Environmental Protection Agency, temporary exemption, motor fuel tax, county exemption, diesel fuel, gasoline tax, transportation funding, SB 1030, Texas Tax Code, use tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have a quorum. We are one shy of a quorum.
• Thank you vice-chair Flora we don't have a quorum yet so we're not quite ready to hear motions and seconds
• and we'll obviously be tracking it closely and with that I'll support the bill today and we have a quorum
• so let's just take a brief pause to establish a quorum and then we can take motions and seconds and
• Great, we have a quorum. With that, any motions or seconds? I have a motion and a second.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will lock the machine and announce the presence of a quorum. 101 members voting, a quorum is
• A quorum being present, the House of Representatives is declared officially in session for the organization
• In my first two years in this House, you could almost always find a quorum of members in the lobby of
• In my first two years in this house, you could almost always find a quorum of members' first two years
• in this house, you could almost always find a quorum of members in the lobby of his office.

Summary: The House convened for its organization session, opened with prayer, the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. The Secretary of State’s certification of the 2024 election was accepted as prima facie evidence, the members-elect were seated, a quorum was established, and the newly elected and returning members were sworn in by Florida Supreme Court justices. The chamber also recognized the Governor, Cabinet members, former speakers, former members, and other guests in attendance. The main business of the session was the election of House leadership and adoption of the chamber’s rules. Representative Fentrice Driskell was nominated by the Democratic caucus and delivered remarks emphasizing constituent service, opposition oversight, and priorities such as hurricane recovery, insurance affordability, reproductive rights, gun violence, education, and poverty. Representative Daniel Perez was nominated by the Republican caucus, seconded, and then elected Speaker by unanimous vote after a motion to close nominations and dispense with a roll call. Perez was sworn in and said his priority would be serving Floridians through practical action, fiscal discipline, and reforms that reduce bureaucracy and special-interest influence. The House then adopted House Resolution 10, establishing House rules for the 2024-2026 term, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 20, establishing joint legislative rules. Representative Gottlieb spoke in opposition to the rules, arguing that recent changes restricted debate and reduced deliberation. The House also appointed a committee to notify the Senate that the House was organized, elected Representative Wyman Duggan as Speaker Pro Tempore by unanimous vote, and announced caucus leadership selections, including Duggan as Speaker Pro Tempore and Driskell as Democratic minority leader. The session concluded with administrative motions authorizing technical corrections to the rules, spreading the organization-session remarks upon the journal, and adjourning sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• At this moment, we'll go ahead and establish a quorum. Senator Hattato. Here. Senator Nilo. Here.
• Quorum established.
• At this moment, we'll go ahead and establish a quorum. Senator Hattato. Here. Senator Nilo. Here.
• Quorum established. Okay.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee 4 met to consider a large block of budget items as part of the Senate Democrats’ budget package. The chair highlighted major budget themes including investments in affordable housing and homelessness programs, full funding for Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Program rounds 7 and 8, support for economic development through the CalCompetes tax credit, consumer protection and financial regulation funding, and technology, resilience, and data security programs. Members also noted the broader budget process and the extensive number of hearings and public comments received. During member comments, Senator Smallwood-Quarris raised concerns that the committee had not received all requested information from departments and said that was unacceptable, while also urging more investment in Expo Park ahead of the Olympics and in arts and cultural programs. Senator Cowan praised the transparency of the Senate budget plan, the work of staff and agencies, and the committee’s oversight role. Public testimony included support from the California State Association of Counties for fully funding HAP at $1 billion and meeting a September 1 distribution goal, and from the Small Business Development Centers for $26 million in GoBiz funding for SIP and TAP loan and technical assistance programs. The committee then voted on items in blocks. Most items were approved unanimously, while one larger block passed 3-1 with Senator Nilo voting no and another block passed 3-0 with Senator Nilo not voting. Items 20 and 42 were also approved 3-0 with Senator Nilo not voting. After concluding public comment and votes, the subcommittee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, I think we can—let's call the roll to establish a quorum. Please.
• With that, I think we can—let's call the roll to establish a quorum. Please call the roll. Dr.
• With that, I think we can, let's call the roll to establish a quorum. Please call the roll. Dr.
• We have a quorum. All right.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee heard three bills. AB 1819, by Assemblymember Sanchez, would require buildings serving 50 or more people to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site. The author said the bill is a practical way to protect older adults, and supporters included the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts and the California Society for Respiratory Care. The committee moved the bill on a due pass as amended basis and re-referred it to Appropriations, with members voting aye and the roll held open for later additions. AB 1983, by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio, would allow continuing care retirement communities to use a sequential repayment method for entrance fees, so refunds to residents or their estates would be paid in order rather than waiting for a specific unit to be reoccupied. The author and Erickson Senior Living said the change would make repayment more predictable while preserving consumer protections. Support also came from LeadingAge California and the California Assisted Living Association, and there was no opposition. The committee passed the bill and re-referred it to Human Services. AB 2037, by Assemblymember Patterson, would create a grant program to help seniors and people with disabilities harden homes and properties against wildfire risk, with the goal of reducing damage and helping stabilize insurance costs. The author and supporters, including the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, Alzheimer’s Orange County, Alzheimer’s San Diego, AARP California, and the Placer County Board of Supervisors, said the program would help vulnerable residents afford protective upgrades. The committee accepted amendments, passed the bill due pass as amended, and re-referred it to Appropriations. After the main votes, the committee reopened the roll for add-on votes and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, we'd like to establish quorum. Wicks. Here. Wicks present. Sanchez. Aye.
• We have a quorum. Great, thank you. With that, Mr. Brian, would you like to present AB 247?
• We have a quorum. Great, thank you. With that, Mr. Brian, would you like to present AB 247?
• We have a quorum. Great, thank you. With that, Mr. Brian, would you like to present AB 247?

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on June 3, 2025, and considered one bill, AB 247. The author said the bill would require incarcerated hand crew members actively fighting wildfires to be paid at least the federal minimum wage, and explained that recent amendments were added to clarify inclusion of the Pine Grove Conservation Camp and to update co-authorship. There was no organized opposition or support testimony, but committee members discussed the bill’s cost, how any annual pay adjustment would be determined, and whether higher pay could reduce opportunities in the program. The author and supporters argued the current pay is extremely low and that the bill would provide fairer compensation without creating parity with Cal Fire wages. Several members expressed conceptual support while raising questions about the amendment language and the impact on the state budget and inmate firefighting opportunities. The chair noted the bill had been brought back because post-approval amendments added costs and needed further analysis. The committee then took a roll call vote and passed AB 247 on a 9-0 due pass recommendation, with several members not voting. The committee adjourned after the vote.