Transcript Highlights:

• Health and Human Services budget is about people: safeguarding vulnerable children, helping seniors age
• we going to continue trying to increase removing people from those waiting lists with our growing aging
• going to continue trying to increase removing people from those waiting lists just with our growing aging
• the leadership here in the Senate, we were able to expand, with Senator Yarbrough's leadership, the ages
• of low-income children who are eligible to get access to the swim lesson vouchers up to age seven.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved to the conference report on House Bill 501E, the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026-27. Budget chairs presented the major spending areas, describing a $114.5 billion overall budget that they said was fiscally responsible and below the prior year’s spending. Highlights included pay increases and retirement adjustments for public safety employees, education funding for K-12, higher education, health and human services, criminal justice, transportation, environmental programs, and agriculture/regulatory agencies. Members then questioned chairs on several items. In education, senators discussed K-12 declining enrollment funding, teacher salary set-asides, private school scholarship spending, mental health funding, preeminence funding for universities, the Hamilton Center at UF, and charter school PICO funding. In health and human services, questions focused on the iBudget waiver waitlist, provider rates, ADAP/HIV funding and the return of Biktarvy to the formulary, KidCare, rural health funding, SNAP-related IT and error reduction efforts, and the IDD managed care program. In criminal justice, senators asked about correctional officer pay, prison staffing and infrastructure, air conditioning in prisons, juvenile justice facilities, law enforcement recruitment, and court system funding. Environmental and transportation questions covered Florida Forever, water quality, state parks, water projects, housing, elections funding, and emergency management. Several specific actions and explanations were given during debate: the budget includes $8.8 million for state attorney competitive area differentials but no funding for public defender CAD requests; assistant state attorneys will start at $70,000 and assistant public defenders at $65,000; the battery disposal issue was described as a temporary study/preemption approach; and the Senate said the budget does not fund Medicaid expansion, preeminence funding, or the SunBucks Summer EBT state share. Senators also noted that some proposals discussed in committee did not make it into the final budget. The transcript ends with debate statements from members praising the budget process and Chair Hooper, while also expressing concerns about public schools, health care access, affordability, and the lack of funding for certain priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• moving to 15 years keeps older equipment on the road longer, almost ensuring that costs related to aging
• In the age of AI, functional productivity skills are more important than ever.
• In addition, we ask you to preserve the area agency on aging case management funding.
• we will continue to support families and community members to prevent and resolve conflicts in a healthy
• all the essential long-term care intact so that seniors at every care level have access to suitable aging

Bills: SB5998

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: fiscal appropriations, budget, state funding, financial management, operating expenses

Transcript Highlights:

• You need to get out there and make our forests healthy.
• I know all of these are critical for my district, but as the Ag Chair, I also wanted to rise and say
• And we cannot forget the urgency of providing long-term solutions to the ag-burning ban, without...
• The urgency of providing long-term solutions to the ag burning ban.
• However, I do expect that in the second half of this session, we will see investments in ag included

Summary: The chamber reconvened after a late-night session and first adopted the consent calendar, including ACR 107 on the Diablo Range, by a 48-0 vote. Members then took up several Senate bills and Assembly measures, with repeated remarks about the long hours and the need to respect staff and keep proceedings moving. A vote change was also announced for Assembly Member Patel on SB 414, changing from aye to not voting. The main policy debate centered on energy, climate, and affordability. SB 237, dealing with oil and gas policy, refinery closures, pipeline safety, Kern County permitting, gasoline blend flexibility, and regional fuel coordination, drew strong support from members who framed it as a managed transition to stabilize fuel supply and protect jobs, and strong opposition from members who called it a giveaway to oil interests and a setback for climate goals. The bill passed 59-0. SB 254, an energy affordability and wildfire package, included wildfire mitigation financing, a successor wildfire fund, transmission cost reductions, clean energy permitting changes, and energization timelines; members raised some concerns about local control, but the bill passed 58-0. SB 840 and AB 1207 advanced the cap-and-invest reauthorization package, with supporters emphasizing emissions reductions, housing, transit, wildfire prevention, and community air programs, while opponents argued it would raise costs and function as a tax-and-spend scheme. SB 840 passed 54-15 and AB 1207 passed 55-10, both with urgency and immediate transmittal. Members also approved SB 352, which makes the Bureau of Environmental Justice permanent and requires air quality monitoring and reporting on AB 617 implementation, by 43-19. AB 825, authorizing California to help establish a Westwide electricity market, was presented as a way to lower bills, improve reliability, and reduce emissions; it passed 67-2 and was sent to the Governor. Additional actions included concurrence in Senate amendments to AB 8 on cannabinoids and AB 383 on firearms cleanup, and the chamber began consideration of AB 764 on wildlife as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The funding specifically renovated and replaced aging facilities infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment
• American Ag Credit, College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Dairy Farmers of America, the Dairy Producers
• We're going to have an executive session in Taos with the AG and all the water agencies.
• but I'd like to just highlight the important partnership we have with the New Mexico Department of Ag
• The The trend is to replace the aged-out ACs, furnaces, water heaters, and so forth, and to replace them

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• of 86. on March 4th, 2026 at the age of 86.
• Rolling back the environment healthy.
• </c> harder to keep our communities healthy harder to keep our communities healthy and<00:53:07.920><
• 01:19:50.640><c> beyond</c> happens when infrastructure ages beyond happens when infrastructure ages
• </c><03:48:51.279><c> Merritt</c> very little that former AG Merritt very little that former AG Merritt

Transcript Highlights:

• It took me many years to rebuild a healthy relationship with my body and my sport.
• In my current role, I work with athletes of all ages from elementary school to professional athletes.
• And quite frankly, I think that it is a very healthy tension in some The state.
• And quite frankly, I think that it is a very healthy tension in some regards, because it allows for there

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee first heard two bills. AB 1665 by Assemblymember Pacheco would require school sports coaches to complete approved mental health training. Supporters said coaches are trusted adults who are often first to notice student-athlete distress, and a witness described personal experience with body image and disordered eating pressures in athletics. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved out of committee on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, ultimately passing 9-0 after add-on votes. AB 2316 by Assemblymember Hoover would allow charter schools to apply for the same financial hardship relief in the state school facilities program that traditional districts can seek. Supporters argued this would improve parity and help smaller and low-income charter schools access permanent facilities; some initially opposed agencies said their concerns were addressed by amendments. The bill also passed unanimously, 9-0, to Appropriations. The committee then took up a consent calendar containing 12 additional measures, including bills on education funding, facilities, and other school-related matters, plus a resolution. Those items were approved on a 7-0 vote, with the roll left open for add-on votes. After the bill hearing portion was recessed and later reconvened, additional members added votes to AB 1665, AB 2316, and the consent calendar, bringing each to 9-0. The committee then held an informational hearing on state-level education governance, centered on Governor Newsom’s proposal to restructure the California Department of Education and the role of the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction, with AB 2117 serving as a policy vehicle carrying the same language and no action to be taken. Testimony came from the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Education Commission of the States, and former CDE chief deputy Richard Zager. Witnesses reviewed the history of California’s governance structure, compared it with other states, and discussed accountability, legislative oversight, and the role of the superintendent under the proposal. Committee members raised concerns about preserving checks and balances, the fiscal implementation plan, county-office relationships, and whether the superintendent’s role would be reduced too far; no vote was taken at the informational hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> education fund money to fund the healthy education fund money to fund the healthy school<00:54:21.280
• We are not taking money away from the Healthy School Meals program as required under the vote of the
• We are not ending reporting on the Healthy School Meals program.
• We are not taking money away from the Healthy School Meals program as required under the vote of the
• We are not ending reporting on the Healthy School Meals program.

Transcript Highlights:

• In an age of increased government overreach into databases, and with the Trump administration moving
• My daughter got to grow up to be a healthy, whole young woman because I didn't lie to her like you are
• I want to start by thanking Senator Cabaldon for authoring this important bill, which the AG is proud
• The AG is committed to using the expertise of the Department of Justice and our Housing Justice Team
• The AG supports proven evidence-based housing-first policies that bring Californians inside.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Not very healthy, I might add.
• So you have your real property, real estate, commercial property, and then ag.
• So you have your real property, real estate, commercial property, and then ag.
• juvenile bill in which individuals that were sentenced more than 15 years as a juvenile, under the age
• always bring up Bobby Bostic, who is serving 241 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections at the age

Transcript Highlights:

• is very high, and it's been continually going up because of the cost for the county to operate the aging
• Given the aging fleet that we have, we will be retiring old boats as new boats come in.
• A healthy and safe trucking industry directly translates into a healthier Washington. I turn.
• department, and four large land preserves with many miles of biking trails, but the island population has aged
• We, like many other communities, feel the impact of an aging ferry system.

Bills: HB2604 , HB2436 , SB6354 , SB6352

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: vehicle ownership, insurance, title transfer, consumer protection, motor vehicle, oil tanker, tank vessel, restricted waters, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Rosario Strait, Admiralty Inlet, Discovery Island, New Dungeness, tug escort, pilotage, marine safety, spill prevention, oil transport, petroleum shipment

Transcript Highlights:

• member, a person with the California Senior Legislature, an advisory council member with the Agency on Aging
• Area 4, representing seven counties, and I'm a commissioner with the Yolo County Commission on Aging
• and Adult Services, and I sit on the legislative committees for the Yolo Health Healthy Aging Alliance
• and the Agency on Aging Area 4.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 13, which would restructure the CPUC to increase legislative oversight, add legislative liaisons, require more detailed and timely reporting on rate-setting decisions, and add a public advocate member. The author and supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and geographic diversity in CPUC decision-making amid rising utility rates. Witnesses from TURN, San Joaquin County, SDG&E, and former CPUC Commissioner Loretta Lynch offered support or support-in-principle, while no opposition testimony was presented. Members generally praised the bill’s transparency goals, and AB 13 passed 10-0 to Appropriations, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee then adopted the 2025-2026 committee rules and approved three consent items: AB 61, AB 365, and AB 406. The next bill, AB 99, would cap investor-owned utility rate increases above inflation except for specified costs such as safety, modernization, and fuel/commodity costs. The author and supporters, including a representative of the California Senior Legislature, said the bill was needed to protect ratepayers, especially seniors and low-income customers, from repeated rate hikes. Opposition came from utility labor, utilities, the Chamber of Commerce, and others, who argued the bill was too simplistic, could suppress labor costs, and did not account for major cost drivers such as wildfire mitigation, mandates, and net metering. Several members supported moving the bill forward as a starting point on affordability, while others criticized it as overly blunt. AB 99 passed 11-0 to Appropriations, with the roll left open. The hearing then shifted to an informational panel on strategies to reduce California transmission costs. A Public Advocates Office staffer described a growing backlog of approved-but-unbuilt transmission projects, rising transmission access charges, and long project timelines driven largely by utility pre-application and construction periods. Panelists from Net Zero California and consulting firms presented research suggesting that public financing or public-private partnership lease models could reduce transmission costs by lowering financing, tax, and capital costs, with estimated savings of up to 57% and as much as $123 billion over 40 years. PG&E’s representative said the utility is already pursuing federal loan guarantees, grants, and a public-private partnership with Citizens Energy, but warned that state ownership could create tax, wildfire-liability, and governance risks. Members asked about the CPUC’s role, the causes of delays, and whether public financing could complement existing competitive solicitation processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024 alone, the YMCA employed over 2,895 youth ages 14 to 24 for the programmatic year of 2023–2024
• He was born in Minnesota, and at the age of five his mother moved him to Los Angeles.
• of five his Minnesota and at the age of five his mother<01:20:55.679><c> moved</c><01:20:56.120><c>
• In program year 23, VRS helped employ 1,898 Minnesotans between the ages of 15 and 65 plus.
• You want our kids to be healthy, all right? Mr. Reynolds, to the question, briefly. Yes.

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Remember, he did bring age into this earlier, if I need to remind you. But, Mr.
• are some things that they can do to make themselves more resilient so that they can stay safe and healthy
• are some things that they can do to make themselves more resilient so that they can stay safe and healthy
• are some things that they can do to make themselves more resilient so that they can stay safe and healthy
• are some things that they can do to make themselves more resilient so that they can stay safe and healthy

Bills: HF1865 , HF2014 , HF2028

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I have already spoken to Representative Boyd about, in this day and age, we need to have someone that
• in</c><00:53:45.319><c> this</c><00:53:45.520><c> day</c><00:53:45.680><c> and</c><00:53:45.880><c> age
• /c><00:53:46.200><c> we</c><00:53:46.359><c> need</c><00:53:46.599><c> to</c> about in this day and age
• </c><03:04:12.399><c> related</c> legislators who may face age related legislators who may face age related
• work life balance I'm happy to a healthy work life balance I'm happy to take<03:06:02.439><c> any</c

Summary: The meeting was an introductory organizational session for the House Legislative Administration Committee. Chair Greg Hill and Vice Chair Vanessa Sheen welcomed members, introduced the new clerk and committee staff, and described the committee as generally nonpartisan and focused on bills on their merits. They also noted that many bills are handled on a consent calendar after discussion, and that the committee often works closely with staff, House counsel, and the House clerk on procedural matters. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on committee operations and expectations: how committee reports should be prepared and submitted, the use of electronic submissions, scheduling hearings, and the need for clear bill placards at the witness table for livestream viewers. Members discussed the committee’s calendar, including a proposed conflict with the governor’s budget address, and ultimately settled on moving the remaining hearings to February 19. The chair also emphasized advance notice for absences or amendments, and said executive sessions can be scheduled as time allows under current rules. House Clerk Paul Smith testified about his role as a nonpartisan officer and said he would be providing informational testimony on a bill affecting a law he sponsored years ago, as well as on a forthcoming PSLF-related bill for legislators. He also spoke about legislative customs, precedents, and the value of parliamentary procedure. The chair concluded with guidance on decorum: arrive on time, avoid interruptions during testimony, keep food out of the room, use electronic devices discreetly, and route questions through the chair for clarification rather than debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we look by this 2023 data, look by race and age, If we look by this 2023 data, look by race and age
• Another interesting thing is the age at death. This is again 2023 data.
• Just like how wide the age range is.
• Just like how wide the age range is.
• And Kim, so that's a pretty huge barrier for disabled folks of all ages as well.

Summary: The committee first approved the previous meeting minutes and then heard a detailed annual report from Dr. Thomas Arnold, chair of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, on maternal mortality trends and policy issues. He explained the committee’s review process, confidentiality protections, and national and North Dakota data showing that most maternal deaths are preventable and that mental health conditions, substance use, cardiovascular issues, infection, hemorrhage, and embolism are the leading causes. Members asked about suicide, domestic violence, midwife training, home births, and whether pregnancy testing at death scenes should be expanded; Dr. Arnold said better coroner education, more investigation of unexplained deaths, and possible post-mortem pregnancy testing could improve case identification, especially in rural areas. He also noted that deaths often occur well after 42 days postpartum and that mental health-related deaths remain a major concern. The committee then heard from State Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Clark on cigarette reduced-ignition-propensity standards and related fire prevention issues. He recommended updating the state’s cigarette propensity law to current national standards and also raised a separate recommendation to require fast-breakaway oxygen tubing for home oxygen users, citing fatal fires linked to smoking around oxygen. Members asked about implementation, cost, insurance coverage, and whether the standards apply in tribal communities; Dr. Clark said he would provide follow-up information and was willing to help with any legislation, but no agency bill had yet been planned. Next, Christine Greff of the Department of Health and Human Services reported on the North Dakota Stroke System of Care. She described the statewide network of stroke-ready hospitals, registry-based quality improvement, and performance data showing continued improvement in stroke recognition, imaging, thrombolytic treatment, transfers, and EMS pre-notification. She highlighted new quality measures for inter-facility transfers and intracerebral hemorrhage care, and said the system remains strong but depends on continued legislative and hospital support. Committee members asked about participation by the VA hospital and were encouraged to consider outreach to include it more fully in the stroke system. Finally, the committee began a presentation on prior authorization and non-opioid pain treatment from Taha Khan of Vertex Pharmaceuticals. He argued that prior authorization can delay access to non-opioid acute pain medications, especially in the 24- to 72-hour post-discharge window when pain is most severe, and said delays can push patients toward opioids. He emphasized that prior authorization has a role in utilization management but should not create barriers in acute pain care, and he noted that current use of the company’s non-opioid product remains very low. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• think that when we look, so currently, I think that when we look, so currently, I'm... ...currently, ag
• You're talking about the individual who's being charged who's under the age of 18? Correct.
• Simply because of their age.
• I'm healthy for the most part.
• To life in a Florida state prison without the opportunity for parole, a lifetime in Florida's aging,

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and heard several announcements and recognitions, including remarks from the new Democratic caucus leader, Senator Berman, who emphasized bipartisan work on education, health care, the environment, and family issues. The chamber also recognized military leaders, an intern, and guests connected to later bills. No committee reports or executive messages were on the desk at the start of the session. The Senate then took up a series of bills, many of them with House companion substitutions and technical amendments. Major measures included the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which passed 36-0; a local government land regulation bill that was amended after questions about quasi-judicial hearings, impact fees, and county costs, then passed 26-8; a vessels/boating bill that incorporated related legislation and passed 35-0; a blood clot screening and treatment bill creating the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which passed 36-0; a fleeing or eluding law enforcement bill, amended to remove vehicle impoundment in the House version, which passed 36-0; a concealed carry/firearms bill for certain law enforcement and military personnel, which passed 33-3; and a timeshare management bill, which passed 36-0. The chamber also passed a disability history and awareness instruction bill, the Evan B. Hartzell Act, after extensive debate about language and the meaning of disability versus “unique abilities”; it received 35 co-sponsors and passed 35-0. Other bills passed included manufacturing and related fee legislation, public education on background screening requirements, utility service restrictions, educational opportunities for military children, Medicaid oversight, health facilities authorities, and veteran and spouse nursing home beds, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on human trafficking, waste management, Bright Futures, mammogram coverage, Parkinson’s disease, and others.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, where New Hampshire Healthy Families and, well, sense don’t do that, but they all add up.
• Uh, where New Hampshire<00:16:17.759><c> healthy</c><00:16:18.000><c> families</c><00:16:18.320><c> and
• healthy families and um, well sense<00:16:20.480><c> don't</c><00:16:20.639><c> do</c><00:16:20.800>
• . healthy. healthy.
• </c> stay healthy and productive. stay healthy and productive.

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• the health care crisis and find a solution so people like me who make our airport can afford to be healthy
• the health care crisis and find a solution so people like me who make our airport can afford to be healthy
• care when we work get affordable healthy care when we work at<00:55:14.960><c> a</c><00:55:15.200><c
• c><01:20:28.080><c> and</c><01:20:28.239><c> New</c><01:20:28.400><c> Jersey</c><01:20:28.640><c> healthy
• </c> New York and New Jersey Healthy Terminals Act, and so under that wage determination, we are using

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• The ones that are<00:58:18.400><c> making</c><00:58:18.559><c> you</c><00:58:18.799><c> healthy,</c><
• 00:58:19.200><c> those</c><00:58:19.440><c> things</c> are making you healthy, those things are making
• you healthy, those things that<00:58:19.680><c> you</c><00:58:19.839><c> do</c><00:58:20.000><c> for
• to bridge relationships with these folks who have struggled so they can feel that connection to a healthy
• </c><01:03:54.960><c> member</c><01:03:55.359><c> of</c><01:03:55.599><c> of</c> connection to a healthy

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September 24 minutes, and heard a briefing from representatives of three Kentucky drug task forces: Greater Hardin County, Bowling Green-Warren County, and Bluegrass Narcotics. The presenters described how multi-jurisdictional task forces operate, their partner agencies, and the kinds of drugs and trafficking patterns they are seeing, with fentanyl identified as the most dangerous and fastest-growing threat. They also described large seizures and investigations involving fentanyl pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, tractor-trailer shipments, postal shipments, and a case tied to a pill press and undercover work with the DEA. Bluegrass Narcotics said it was formed in response to overdose deaths and has since seen major reductions in complaints and overdose deaths in Harrison and Bourbon counties. A major theme of the presentation was funding. The task forces said Byrne JAG funding has declined from about $2.1 million statewide in 2023-2024 to $1.4 million this year, while their costs for vehicles, fuel, technology, overtime, office space, and training have risen sharply. They said local support and asset forfeiture help, but the revenue is uneven and unpredictable, and they asked the legislature to consider adding about $1 million per year in state support, with oversight from the Justice Cabinet or Office of Drug Control Policy. They also emphasized that if meth labs return, many agencies would need new training and equipment because those capabilities have largely expired or been scaled back. Members asked about possible statutory barriers, coordination across counties and states, the source of drugs, and how seized cash is handled. The task forces said coordination with federal, state, and other local agencies is generally strong, but money remains the main obstacle to broader operations. They explained that seized cash is held as evidence and, after court proceedings, may be awarded back to task forces or split under statute, with 15% going to the Commonwealth’s attorney and 85% to law enforcement. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And a good, healthy, solid risk pool has a diversity of members. It's big.
• </c><05:36:02.638><c> And</c><05:36:02.798><c> a</c><05:36:03.040><c> good,</c><05:36:03.360><c> healthy
• And a good, healthy, solid pooling risk.
• And a good, healthy, solid risk<05:36:04.480><c> pool</c><05:36:04.878><c> has</c><05:36:05.200><c> a

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Summary: The committee began with procedural announcements about report turnaround, amendment submission methods during split operations, a possible January 29 session, the governor’s State of the State on February 5, parking, cafeteria opening, and the plan to finish work by February 10. It then moved into executive session on HB 1123, which would require certain companies to post salary ranges on public job listings. Representative Granger moved ITL, arguing the bill would interfere with negotiations, especially for higher-level jobs, and raise compelled-speech concerns. Supporters, including Representatives Schultz, Sullivan, Cahill, Staub, and others, said salary ranges help applicants avoid wasted time and travel, improve transparency, and are already a common workplace disclosure. The committee voted 10-9 to ITL HB 1123. The committee next took up HB 177, concerning a definition of remote work in labor law. Representative Murphy moved ITL, saying the bill could burden employers, create vague obligations, duplicate existing protections, and potentially require intrusive compliance measures. Representative Sullivan described a proposed amendment that would narrow the bill to a definition of remote work and remove broader requirements, but the committee ultimately voted 11-9 to ITL HB 177. Members also noted that the amendment had not been fully circulated in time and that the issue might merit further review. Finally, the committee opened HB 1352, a workers’ compensation bill focused on repricing and payment practices. The sponsor withdrew an initial ITL motion and moved OTP after amendment review. Members discussed concerns raised at the hearing about delayed payments, third-party administrators, and the need for better accountability. Representative McKenzie’s amendment would define good faith, create a voluntary three-year dispute-resolution pilot, restore fines to prior levels, and add reporting/accountability requirements for carriers that miss the 30-day payment deadline. Several members supported the amendment as a way to help small businesses and providers, while others said repricing needed broader study through the workers’ compensation advisory council. The Department of Labor explained that the amendment would require carriers and related payers to report missed determinations to the department and would increase oversight of payment timeliness.