Video & Transcript : 'support demonstration' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/25
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for allowing me to testify in support of House File 376, and thank you, Representative Murphy
- And although in the moment those historical protests may not have garnered significant public support
- And although in the moment those historical protests may not have garnered significant public support
- I am a huge supporter of free speech. Like, people can say whatever they want.
- </c> perspective so and I'll be supporting perspective so and I'll be supporting this<01:02:46.240><c
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Apr 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And certainly have my support in doing that and continued support in whatever we can do.
- I support this bill.
- Angie Cruz, just supporting. Angie Cruz, just supporting. Janice Barker, supporting. Thank you all.
- Thank you, and support. Pastor Robin Hood: I support this bill. Thank you.
- In fact, I supported a Republican-supported housing bond just a few weeks ago.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development heard a long agenda focused mainly on housing production, higher education facilities, homelessness, and permitting reform. Early items included AB 6, which would direct HCD to convene a working group on allowing three- to ten-unit “missing middle” housing to be built under the Residential Code rather than the Building Code; AB 48, a higher education bond proposal that would fund campus repairs, modernization, disaster recovery, and student/employee housing; and AB 76, which would clarify a Chula Vista university innovation district exemption so the project can include academic buildings and housing without conflicting with surplus land rules. Supporters emphasized affordability, cost savings, student housing needs, and access to education, while members raised questions about implementation, affordability requirements, and project scope. The committee later took votes on these items, with AB 6, AB 48, and AB 76 all moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations.
Members also heard AB 595, which would create a state homeownership tax credit pilot to support affordable for-sale housing. The author and supporters argued that California’s homeownership rate is at historic lows and that the bill would help close racial wealth gaps by financing homes working families can buy. The committee approved AB 595 and sent it to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including several other housing-related bills, was also approved unanimously.
A major portion of the hearing was devoted to AB 1165, the California Housing Justice Act of 2025, which would require ongoing state investment and a financing plan to address homelessness and housing affordability. The author and witnesses described the scale of homelessness, the limits of one-time funding, and the need for sustained, accountable funding streams. After testimony from housing advocates and people with lived experience, the committee passed AB 1165 on a 10-0 vote to Appropriations.
Finally, the committee heard AB 609, a CEQA reform bill that would create a simplified exemption for qualifying infill housing projects in already developed areas. Supporters framed it as a targeted way to reduce delays and costs for housing near jobs and transit, while opponents from environmental justice, labor, and tribal groups warned it could reduce public participation, weaken protections for disadvantaged communities, and create consultation concerns for tribal cultural resources. The author said the bill would not change zoning or affordability tools and would continue to work with opponents on amendments. The bill was moved forward after extensive discussion, with members noting ongoing negotiations on tribal consultation and labor concerns.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Nov 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We have support groups throughout our community.
- That's largely due to legislative support and strong community partnerships.
- support and strong community partnerships.
- support for survivors of domestic violence.
- We really do benefit from strong statewide support.
Summary:
The committee held a panel discussion on Florida’s domestic violence system, focusing on the roles of the state, the federally designated coalition, direct-service providers, and law enforcement. Members reviewed the history of the system after the dissolution of the former coalition in 2020, the creation of the Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence, DCF’s Office of Domestic Violence, and the current contract structure involving Women in Distress and its subcontractors for hotline and legal services. Panelists also discussed the 2024 lethality assessment law, the workgroup’s conclusion that the evidence-based Maryland tool could not be used because of copyright and cost issues, and the state’s current use of statutory questions instead. DCF and FDLE described the statewide certification and funding framework, including more than $60 million in domestic violence funding for fiscal year 2025-26 and the requirement that law enforcement complete lethality-assessment training by October 1, 2026.
Testimony highlighted both collaboration and conflict. Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence and Women in Distress described overlapping training and technical-assistance roles, but disagreed sharply about the quality of their relationship with DCF and whether the current structure is duplicative. DCF said it maintains communication with both the coalition and the centers and emphasized that the coalition is federally required, while the coalition argued that the department has obstructed its work. Women in Distress and Hope Villages stressed direct services, prevention, and the need for more housing, staffing, and funding, especially in rural areas. They also described programs in schools, hospitals, and child welfare settings, and noted that children exposed to domestic violence often need specialized services.
Members asked about funding flows, certification, rural coverage, the number of centers, and the lethality assessment rollout. DCF said the 41 certified centers serve all 67 counties and that no new applications have been received in about 15 years. FDLE reported that 46 of roughly 400 law enforcement agencies had completed the lethality-assessment training and attestation, with the statutory deadline still ahead. Panelists said domestic violence appears to be increasing, citing higher hotline demand, shelter occupancy, and local case numbers, while also noting that statewide crime data remains outdated. The discussion ended with calls for better coordination, clearer implementation of statutes, more funding, and possible legislative fixes to improve data collection, training, and service delivery.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- You need to demonstrate vested interest in the state and the community and the country you live in by
- So while I fully support what you're saying, this... These days.
- So while I fully support what you're saying, this hypothetical gentleman may be able to do a fine job
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- You need to demonstrate vested interest in the state and the community and the country you live in by
- So while I fully support what you're saying, this These days.
- So while I fully support what you're saying, this hypothetical gentleman may be able to do a fine job
Keywords:
electric utilities, grid congestion, transmission technology, advanced power flow controllers, dynamic line rating, energy efficiency, nondisclosure agreements, public officials, transparency, government accountability, utility infrastructure, election, qualified elector, municipal office, school board, registration requirements, HB3499, special judge, special judges, court jurisdiction
Summary:
The committee heard several measures and adopted PCS versions as working drafts before taking action. H.J.R. 1023, the biennial workers’ compensation fee schedule resolution, was presented as a vehicle to keep the schedule alive while the updated rates were still pending from the federal side due to the shutdown; it passed 8-0. House Bill 2999, which would prohibit requiring public officials to sign nondisclosure agreements, drew discussion about whether it should be broadened to cover litigation outcomes and other government transparency issues. The author agreed to strike the title and continue working on the language, and the bill passed 8-0 with the title stricken. House Bill 3788, as amended in PCS-2, would require officeholders to be U.S. citizens; members questioned whether the bill should also bar non-citizens from certain appointments, with examples raised about local boards and temporary appointments. The author said the intent was to focus on elected office, the Election Board assistant secretary said the bill reflected that intent, and the committee voted 9-1 to report it do pass, with the title still stricken for further work.
The committee also advanced House Bill 3499, which allows special judges to hear applications for title matters, on a 10-0 vote. House Bill 3183, described by its author as a cost-saving measure related to electrical transmission infrastructure and protecting ratepayers from large loads, also passed 10-0. Throughout the meeting, members frequently used motions to adopt PCS drafts, move bills, and strike titles where language was still being refined before floor consideration.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Health Committee Jul 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Nora Angelis with Children Now in support. Thank you. Nora Angelis with Children Now in support.
- Beth Mottowski, CAO California, in support. Beth Mottowski, California, in support.
- I urge you to support SB 257 so that all California families You to support SB 257 so that all California
- Surrogacy in support.
- Surrogacy in support. Melissa Binyaski, also at U.S. Surrogacy in support.
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.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Local Government Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Third, real-world evidence demonstrates that these ventures frequently fail.
- We strongly support this bill. We realize this is not the perfect solution.
- We fully support the efforts to ensure title security.
- Thank you for the opportunity to testify today in support of House Bill 2298.
- So that's why I'm testifying in support of House Bill 2566.
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 2517, which would give regional transit authorities, especially Sound Transit, more flexible permitting tools for high-capacity transit projects. Staff and the bill sponsor said the goal is to let permit applications and technical reviews proceed concurrently with property acquisition and land use decisions, reducing delay and uncertainty for large transit projects. Sound Transit testified that the bill could save as much as nine months, while a city representative from Bothell asked for an amendment requiring notice to property owners before permits are advanced on land not yet owned or controlled by the agency.
The committee then took testimony on HB 2313, concerning publicly owned grocery stores in underserved areas. The bill would let cities acquire land, build or rehabilitate stores, seek capital grants, and create tax increment financing areas for grocery access projects, with annual reporting requirements. Supporters, including the sponsor, Food Lifeline, and Northwest Harvest, argued that grocery closures and food deserts are real problems and that local governments need tools to fill gaps when private grocers leave. Opponents, including grocery industry groups and several students, warned that public stores could undercut private grocers, burden taxpayers, and create operational and property-rights concerns; some testimony also questioned the need for government ownership and the use of tax increment financing. A proposed substitute removed eminent domain and tax increment financing provisions and narrowed the bill to grant-funded stores in underserved areas.
Next, the committee heard HB 2451, a major rewrite of local tax increment financing rules. The bill would tighten notice, consultation, reporting, and mitigation requirements for TIF areas, strengthen the “but-for” test, limit where increment areas can be located, and protect existing taxing districts by excluding certain levies and requiring negotiation, mediation, or arbitration when impacts are significant. Cities, ports, counties, libraries, fire chiefs, and hospital districts largely described the bill as a negotiated compromise that improves transparency and addresses unintended impacts, though some local governments said they still wanted more flexibility or protections for existing projects. One city testified against the bill, arguing the new restrictions would make TIF much less useful for large redevelopment efforts.
The committee then heard HB 2298, which would authorize county auditors to create voluntary property title protection programs to help prevent land-record fraud by allowing owners to record a protection instrument that delays recording of a title transfer for up to five business days unless identity verification is provided. Auditors, treasurers, and county officials strongly supported the bill as a practical response to rising deed fraud, while title and foreclosure industry representatives said the proposal was too limited, could interfere with foreclosures or other transfers, and would only delay—not prevent—fraud. The final bill heard was HB 2566 on local government procurement, which would raise certain small-purchase and small-public-works thresholds for counties, remove some differences between larger and smaller counties, and give counties more options when no bids are received. County representatives supported the bill as a needed update to procurement rules and a way to reduce bureaucracy and keep pace with inflation.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Jan 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Labor & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- I am here to support Senate Bill 6045.
- I am here to support Senate Bill 6045.
- I support this bill. my parents, the rights to organize, I support this bill because growing up I would
- I'm here to support SB 6045.
- I'm here in support of SB 6045.
Keywords:
agriculture, collective bargaining, labor relations, public employment, agricultural employees, SB 6188, asbestos, asbestos training, asbestos certification, asbestos worker, asbestos supervisor, Department of Labor and Industries, L&I, rulemaking authority, occupational safety, workplace safety, hazardous materials, abatement, encapsulation, removal
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> about bringing these supports to them. about bringing these supports to them.
- What are your sort of support that.
- :02:20.840><c> a</c> customized support, say it's a customized support, say it's a multi-tiered<02:02
- /c> multi-tiered system of support, that's multi-tiered system of support, that's really<02:02:22.760
- </c> support that? No, I can't. support that? No, I can't.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I am here in support of House Bill 713.
- or not support.
- or not support.
- They needed extensive levels of support.
- There was no bridge, no support.
Summary:
The committee first introduced RS 33403, a follow-on podiatry bill that would merge podiatry with the Board of Medicine and move certain rules into statute. Representative Ehlers explained it was a replacement for prior legislation, and the committee voted to introduce it without objection.
The committee then heard House Bill 713 on copay accumulator policies. Representative Cannon and co-sponsor Representative Furman argued the bill would stop insurers from refusing to count third-party copay assistance toward deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, especially for patients with expensive specialty drugs. Supporters, including patients and advocates, described serious financial hardship and treatment adherence problems caused by accumulators. Opponents, including the Idaho Association of Health Plans, argued the bill would raise costs and premiums, could conflict with Idaho’s anti-kickback law, and might interfere with private plan design. After debate, the committee voted 7-8 against the motion to send HB 713 to the floor, so the bill was held in committee.
Next, the committee took up House Bill 655 and its related RS 33527, a pilot program to incentivize preceptorships by giving certain Medicaid providers a 12-month exemption from prior authorization requirements. The sponsor said the goal was to reduce administrative burden and increase training opportunities in rural areas and in family practice, psychiatry, and OB-GYN, with caps on participation and expansion to advanced practice providers and PAs in the RS. The committee first voted to hold HB 655 in committee, then approved RS 33527 for introduction and second reading.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 723 on children’s residential facilities. Representative Erickson said the bill would add quality-of-care oversight, annual unannounced inspections, resident and staff interviews, a youth bill of rights, and critical incident reporting, based on an OPE study and prior testimony about abuse and gaps in oversight. Testifiers, including parents and former residents, described abuse, isolation, and lack of reporting mechanisms in facilities and supported the bill. The committee discussed whether the bill created enforceable rights, but the sponsor said existing child protection and corrective action processes would apply. The bill was moved to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- I support House Bill 6296.
- I support House Bill 6296.
- I am here in support of Senate Bill 6296.
- We support providing help to those who need help.
- King County also provided support.
Keywords:
spring blade knives, knife legislation, weapon regulation, public safety, law enforcement, medical debt, garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings exemption, exempt wages, debt collection, consumer debt, student loan debt, private student loans, disposable earnings, minimum wage, writ of garnishment, exemption claim, judgment debtor, creditor
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Good afternoon, Isha Ayer, on behalf of the City of Belmont, in support. Monde in support.
- We're in strong support of the bill.
- Seeing no one else in support.
- Are there any of the supporters in the room who wish to state a position of support?
- Sue Beckmire in support from the City of Pacifica. Strong support. Thank you.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, January 7, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and in support of the underlying legislation.
- </c> nuclear deterrent capabilities, support nuclear deterrent capabilities, support law<02:21:18.160
- This funding will support district.
- </c><02:42:55.439><c> You</c> they can support their families. You they can support their families.
- It supports the infrastructure.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Mar 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- support state operations.
- support.
- This evaluation will measure the uptake of community supports and assess the impact of community supports
- utilization of the transition/diversion to assisted living community support, despite the demonstrated
- I support the department's previously shared intent to make community supports a Medi-Cal benefit and
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations (2-25-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- This demonstrates that strengthening legislative oversight can help drive the decline in new rules.
- This demonstrates that strengthening legislative oversight can help drive the decline in new rules.
- agencies has has decreased each year by agencies has has decreased each year this<00:03:30.400><c> demonstrates
- </c><00:03:30.879><c> that</c><00:03:31.360><c> strengthening</c> this demonstrates that strengthening
- this demonstrates that strengthening legislative<00:03:32.439><c> oversight</c><00:03:32.879><c> can
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met with a quorum and first heard Senate Bill 20, sponsored by Senator Matt Nunn, which would bar state agencies from adopting administrative regulations with implementation and compliance costs above $500,000 over a two-year period unless an exception applies. Nunn said the bill is intended to increase legislative oversight, reduce burdensome regulation, and preserve agency authority for routine rules, with exceptions for emergency actions, loss of federal funds, express legislative authorization, and health facility/service matters. Senators asked about the definition of “major economic impact,” whether broader societal costs were considered, and how the legislature could respond quickly to year-round agency rulemaking; Nunn said the bill is meant to force those larger policy choices into the legislative process. Several members voiced concern that the threshold was too low and could tie agencies’ hands, while others supported the bill as a check on regulation. The committee voted to report SB 20 favorably, with some members voting no or passing.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 127, sponsored by Senator Shelley Frommeyer, concerning real estate license reciprocity. Frommeyer and representatives from Perry Real Estate College explained that the bill would codify Kentucky’s current education and licensing standards for out-of-state real estate licensees, rather than relying on bilateral agreements that can be terminated by other states. They said the measure was prompted by the end of reciprocal agreements with states such as Ohio and West Virginia, which left students and licensees uncertain, and argued that codifying the standards would provide stability, help military spouses, and support Kentucky’s real estate industry. Senators questioned whether a compact would be better, whether the bill would disadvantage Kentucky licensees seeking to practice elsewhere, and whether it would weaken Kentucky’s leverage in future negotiations. Supporters said the bill only fixes Kentucky’s side of the process and could encourage other states to adopt similar standards; opponents worried it was unilateral and might not produce reciprocity from other states. The committee ultimately reported SB 127 favorably, with several members explaining yes, no, or pass votes, and then adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Reed Rubinstein, of Maryland, to be Legal Adviser, Mike Huckabee, of Arkansas, to be Ambassador to the State of Israel, and Kevin Cabrera, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, all of the Depar Mar 25th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Foreign Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- That amendment got bipartisan support.
- Governor Huckabee, I look forward to hearing how you will support our allies. support and facilitate
- Do you support that strategy?
- Do you support the annexation of Gaza as well?
- You would support the Leahy law being applied as an American standard for supporting human rights?
Summary:
The committee meeting was focused on various key issues, including the implications of recent violence in the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy in relation to Israel and Panama. Members discussed the need for diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Israeli officials following the recent attack by Hamas. Governor Huckabee emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and reiterated the need for accountability for terrorist organizations involved in violent acts against civilians. Senators shared their concerns regarding the ramifications of U.S. actions in Panama and the presence of Chinese influence, highlighting the significance of the Panama Canal in terms of trade and security.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- First responders routinely demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving under pressure, reading
- And Senate Bill 3039 continues that work by supporting transfer students.
- Chairman and members, I urge you to support SB 2055.
- billable services, which may hinder students' understanding of how to access critical resources and support
- Um, we're testifying here in support of Senate Bill 800 by Senator Zafarini.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you. ...those two risk managers support. Thank you.
- I'd say that the same... ...support the continuity of that program.
- And so there are private sponsorships and supports from supporting hospitals, as well as other entities
- Another part of the leg is what you guys do here to support the programs.
- Roughly $727,500 is for GME supporting the 13 residents and $2.4 million supporting the 40 UME students
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and heard a series of budget presentations from the Legislative Services Office and agency leaders on higher education and health education programs. Kevin Campbell first reviewed the Office of the State Board of Education budget, noting staffing growth tied to added responsibilities, the end of federal COVID/ARPA funding, a governor-recommended supplemental reversion for the sunsetted Empowering Parents grant, and FY 2027 requests including a Canvas LMS renewal, a risk-manager transfer back to institutions, and a one-time federal AI grant. Jennifer White, OSBE executive director, defended the Canvas contract as a cost-saving centralized arrangement, discussed budget pressure on colleges and universities, and said the board is developing an outcomes-based funding model that would shift emphasis from enrollment to progression, completion, and workforce outcomes while phasing in changes to avoid destabilizing institutions.
Members asked about cuts, tuition, private donations, rainy-day funds, the longitudinal data system, CETL Now usage, and whether programs should be evaluated or eliminated based on outcomes. White said the board is still gathering data and expects at least another year before a workable funding proposal is ready, and she emphasized that unearned funds under the new model would be returned to OSBE for targeted intervention rather than simply removed. The committee also discussed risk-management centralization, with White explaining that moving risk managers back to institutions would improve day-to-day efficiency while OSBE retains enterprise risk oversight.
The committee then turned to health education programs, beginning with Family Medicine Residencies. Campbell outlined the program’s funding and recent growth, and residency leaders said the 3% holdback affected both ISU-based and hospital-affiliated programs but would not force immediate reductions. They stressed the importance of continued legislative support, noted that residency training helps retain physicians in Idaho, and said the programs rely on a mix of state, federal, and patient-care revenue. Members also raised concerns about clinical placement capacity, rural access, and whether federal rural health funds could help support expansion.
Additional presentations covered the Eastern Idaho Medical Residencies and the University of Utah medical program. EIMR leaders said Idaho remains far short of needed psychiatrists, especially child psychiatrists, and that training residents in-state helps keep physicians in Idaho; they also described private hospital support as part of the funding model. For the University of Utah program, Campbell said the state supports both medical students and psychiatry residents, and the program requested funding for three additional child psychiatry residents. Dr. Beth Botz, the training director, attributed rising child psychiatry need to increased stress, social media, COVID-era effects, and broader awareness of mental health issues, and said placing residents in southeast Idaho has already improved access and reduced wait times.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials
Transcript Highlights:
- Landryor, VA, on behalf of Humboldt Progressive Democrats, in strong support. Support, thank you.
- For me, for the support.
- Do we have anyone... support thank you for me for the support Scott Webb speaking support for the Woodham
- MWD, we support. Thank you.
- Do we have any remaining members of the public that would indicate support? Anyone in support?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We're in strong support, and I have a few to read as well in support: the Community Water Center, California
- Michael Chan on behalf of Audubon California, in support, also voice and support for the Watershed Research
- Support, thank you for me for the support.
- Do we have any remaining members of the public that would indicate support? Anyone in support?
- Rose, on behalf of NRDC, in support, and also voicing support for Wildlands Network, Center for Environmental
Summary:
The committee heard AB 1795, which would create statewide standards for testing, inspection, remediation, and insurance handling of wildfire smoke damage in homes. The author and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said the bill is needed because survivors face inconsistent claims practices and no enforceable standards for determining when homes are safe. Supporters included the City of Los Angeles and a wildfire survivor who described health problems and disputed remediation results; opponents from the insurance industry said the bill could create broad new exposure and worsen affordability, though they continued to negotiate amendments. The committee recommended the bill do pass with urgency, and it passed on a 4-0 vote, with the roll held open for additional votes.
The committee also heard AB 1612, which would create a centralized process for law enforcement to transfer seized controlled substances such as fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin to the Department of Justice for disposal after the state’s last in-state incineration facility closed. The author said the bill would address unsafe storage and inconsistent disposal pathways. There was no opposition in the room, and the committee sent the bill to the Assembly Public Safety Committee on a do pass vote.
AB 2322 would standardize the definition of commercial, industrial, or institutional sites for municipal stormwater permits by tying it to assessor land-use codes and excluding residential parcels. Supporters said the bill would reduce patchwork enforcement and improve consistency, while stormwater and city representatives asked to keep working on regional flexibility concerns. The committee approved the bill 4-1 and sent it to Appropriations.
The committee then heard AB 2245, a producer responsibility bill for vehicle lubricant products and their containers, intended to expand collection and recycling using existing household hazardous waste and used oil infrastructure. Supporters said it would reduce landfill disposal and align with existing EPR frameworks, while retailers and industry groups raised concerns about overlapping obligations, unclear definitions, and compliance costs. The author said negotiations would continue, and the committee sent the bill to Natural Resources on a do pass vote. The committee also heard AB 1603, which would phase out PFAS-containing pesticides over time and require disclosure and permitting for their use. Supporters argued PFAS pesticides contaminate food and water and pose health risks; agricultural and chemical industry opponents said the bill could remove many products from the market and lead to harmful substitutions. The chair expressed support for reducing PFAS but raised concerns about replacement chemicals, and the bill was sent to Appropriations on a do pass vote. Finally, AB 2034 was introduced to increase transparency around food additives and GRAS ingredients by creating a state database of chemicals that bypass FDA premarket review; supporters said it would close a federal loophole, while consumer brands opposed a duplicative state system and warned of costs and confusion.