Transcript Highlights:

• I didn't find this like most good legislation. It comes from a constituent.
• We don't actually have a request for the current version. I think the last version...
• We would request one small change just in the effective date.
• So we respectfully request that you not move it forward.
• I think we have a step in the right direction with this legislation.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several labor-related bills. On Substitute Senate Bill 5874, staff and Senator McEwen described a proposal to let the Employment Security Department waive penalties for minor quarterly reporting errors by employers, especially inadvertent electronic filing issues involving occupational codes and job titles. No one testified in opposition, and the public hearing was closed. The committee then heard extensive testimony on Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5847, which would expand injured workers’ access to medical providers, allow medically appropriate departures from L&I treatment rules, prohibit employers from requiring treatment from a specific provider, and set timelines for utilization review. Supporters, including workers’ advocates and union representatives, said the bill would improve access to care and reduce delays, while business groups opposed it as weakening the provider network and raised concerns about costs and claim duration. L&I said it could implement the bill with a technical fix and noted that the fiscal note was still being updated. A previously adopted claims-manager staffing amendment was discussed but not included in the version heard. On Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5061, the committee heard testimony on requiring public works contracts to update prevailing wage rates annually rather than freezing them at bid time. Labor groups supported the bill as protecting workers from wage erosion on long projects, while contractor groups opposed it unless amended to allow change orders for wage increases above 5 percent, citing unpredictable jumps in prevailing wage rates and added risk for small contractors. L&I requested a delayed effective date to July 1, 2028 because of IT changes. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 5944, which would make missed or canceled appointment payments bargained economic compensation for language access providers, and on Substitute Senate Bill 5972, which would extend interest arbitration rights to correctional employees in city and county jails regardless of county population. Labor groups supported both bills; counties and a city representative opposed 5972 over cost concerns and asked for fiscal safeguards. Finally, the committee heard Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6302, which would require L&I to investigate possible misclassification when three or more independent contractors are used for the same type of finishing work on a public works project. Labor and contractor groups both supported the amended version, saying it targets misclassification without banning legitimate independent contractors. The hearing ended after testimony, with no votes or final committee actions taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> counties as well as the legislative counties as well as the legislative director<00:03:49.239><c
• Since the early 1980s, MCAA has received a biannual legislative appropriation designated for prosecutor
• </c><01:33:14.320><c> for</c> any others but this is a a request for any others but this is a a request
• </c> being done through this proposed legisl being done through this proposed legisl to<01:54:23.679>
• </c> applications for $23 million in requests applications for $23 million in requests out<02:10:34.599

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, I make the motion with a request for a previous question.
• This exemption that we're requesting is the way to honor our veterans.
• Your presentation is appropriate.
• Motion is due pass as amended to the Committee on Appropriations.
• I'll move it when appropriate.

Summary: The committee heard several tax and revenue-related bills. SB 1277, by Senator Grove, proposed a California Cost of Living Tax Credit modeled on the 2022 middle-class tax refund to provide direct relief to low- and middle-income Californians facing high housing, fuel, and utility costs. Supporters argued it would help families struggling with affordability, while opponents, including the California Tax Reform Association and CTA members, said California’s tax system already provides relief and that the bill would reduce General Fund revenue and harm schools. After extended debate, the bill was put on call and later failed on a 1-4 vote, though reconsideration was granted. SB 1287, by Senator Retado, would create a performance-based tax credit for short-line rail investments; supporters said it would improve freight efficiency, safety, emissions, and rural access, while opponents preferred direct grants. The bill was placed on call and later passed 5-0 to Transportation. SB 1407, by Senator Archuleta, would exempt military retirement pay and survivor benefits from state taxes; the author, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and veterans’ groups said it would help retain veterans and their economic contributions in California, while CTA and CTRA opposed on General Fund grounds. The bill passed 5-0 to Military and Veterans Affairs. SB 1349, by Senator Gonzalez, would direct the LAO to review major tax expenditures for effectiveness and impacts on schools and the budget; CTA and CTRA supported it as a way to increase accountability, and it passed 4-1 to Governmental Organization. SB 1120, by Senator McNerney, would extend the California Competes Tax Credit through 2035 and make credits refundable for certain strategic industries; business and industry witnesses said this would help startups and manufacturers monetize credits and attract investment, and it passed 5-0 to Appropriations. SB 1275, also by Senator McNerney, proposed converting the state sales tax on vehicle purchases into a deductible vehicle license fee to reduce Californians’ federal tax burden; the LAO provided technical testimony, and the bill passed 4-0 to Transportation. The committee also heard SB 1078, by Senator Laird, to let Santa Cruz County voters consider a temporary local tax increase for health and safety-net services, but it was put on call. Later, the committee returned to SB 1314, by Senator Min, addressing youth tobacco and illicit smoke shop sales, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The items that we can't complete without funding include two legislative budget requests that I'll go
• And then in September, DMS submitted legislative budget requests to increase fleet transparency and efficiency
• So right now there are that many procurement actions, that many legislative budget requests, that many
• budget appropriations, and that many procurements that go out against the state term contract.
• And we'll submit it to the Legislature for funding requests for next year.

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met for its first meeting of the session, took roll, and heard a presentation from Ken Plant of the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee on SB 108, the 2025 law overhauling Florida rulemaking. The presentation focused on new deadlines for agencies to begin and publish rules, limits on automatic sunset provisions, changes to emergency rule procedures, expanded public input on statements of estimated regulatory costs, a five-year review cycle for existing rules, and new licensing-reporting requirements. Members asked about the review timeline and emphasized the need to keep agencies accountable for meeting the new requirements. The committee then reviewed the Department of Management Services’ response to Auditor General Report 2025-1096 on fleet management. DMS said the audit found 10 issues, most of which it believes it has addressed, and described the statewide fleet system as tracking about 27,000 assets with limited staff. DMS highlighted two major improvement ideas that would require funding: an enterprise telematics system to automate vehicle data and improve tracking, and centralized fleet procurement to reduce duplication and save money. Members questioned the status of FleetWave implementation, missing vehicle records, integration with other state systems, and access controls for separated employees. DMS explained that FleetWave is fully implemented but still relies on manual data entry, that discrepancies with the state accounting system largely reflect mismatched or inconsistent entries, and that policies and procedures were updated after the audit. The department said it now works more closely with People First to deactivate access when employees leave. After discussion, no further business was raised, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so with that, at the appropriate time, I will be...
• So we've requested an amendment that for agencies that want to In Peru.
• I really request your no vote. Good afternoon. My name is Richard Holliver.
• Do pass to the Committee on Appropriations. Wilson? Aye. Wilson, aye.
• The motion is due pass, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 712, which would expand California’s smog-check exemption for classic vehicles by adding model years 1976 through 1986 in phases, with a sunset in 2032. The author and supporters, including lowrider advocates and the Specialty Equipment Market Association, argued the bill would preserve car culture, support a small class of rarely driven collector vehicles, and reduce burdens on owners who struggle to find equipment for older smog tests. Opponents, including air district officials, the American Lung Association, and other environmental groups, warned the bill would weaken an important emissions-control program and increase pollution. After discussion, the committee adopted the motion to do pass as amended to Appropriations on a roll call vote of 10-0, with the roll held open for additional votes. The committee then heard SB 800, which requires Caltrans, working with local governments, to assess mitigation measures for suicide prevention on locally owned overpasses crossing state highways. The bill was presented as a response to recent tragedies in Rancho Cucamonga and was supported by local officials, health organizations, and suicide-prevention advocates, who said the measure would help identify high-risk locations and lead to life-saving interventions. There was no registered opposition. The committee members expressed support, and SB 800 was passed to Appropriations on a unanimous roll call vote, with the roll held open. Next, the committee considered SB 30, which would prohibit California public entities from selling, donating, or transferring decommissioned diesel locomotives and railroad equipment with Tier 1 or older engines unless the engine is removed, while allowing Tier 2 and newer transfers under certain conditions. The author and supporters framed the bill as a climate and public-health measure to prevent older, dirtier locomotives from continuing to pollute elsewhere, while transit agencies opposed it, arguing it could limit useful transfers of equipment that still supports passenger service and could be better handled through case-by-case air-quality review. After debate, the committee voted 6-4 to pass SB 30 as amended to Appropriations, with the roll held open for later additions. The committee also heard SB 791, which replaces the flat dealer document processing charge cap with a 1% fee capped at $350, along with new disclosure requirements. Dealers and industry groups supported the bill as a way to recover costs and improve transparency, while consumer advocates opposed it as an unjustified increase that would burden buyers. The committee approved SB 791 on a 8-? roll call vote and held the roll open. The meeting then moved on to SB 34, a port-air-quality bill presented by Senator Richardson, but the transcript ends during testimony and debate on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we certainly want to work with our partners in the legislative partners as well as our providers
• One of the department's legislative budget request items which is a 50.6 million fun shift from federal
• The fiscal impact can be separated into 4 appropriation categories that are visible per the General Appropriations
• Any change in the legislative budget requests to 50.6 million could directly impact the state's overall
• They're going to sort fall. >> We put in our legislative budget request, which, you know, but by doing

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, there's a lot that is on our plate when it comes to the legislative session.
• How do I request it?
• So let's say that a dealer is requested their next quarterly allotment.
• So they request the plates. We fulfill the order.
• OK, so that's a budget that's put out by appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• for overseeing such a large and legislatively important program.
• And I also am a legislator now and am accountable to my community.
• I come from the 24th Legislative District. I'm a single father of two.
• I'm with the Veterans Legislative Coalition.
• I am also here on behalf of the Veterans Legislative Coalition.

Bills: HB2523, HB2606, HB2684, HJM4012

Keywords: community reinvestment, housing, local funding, urban development, economic revitalization, data protection, privacy, performance measures, reporting requirements, office of privacy, social disadvantage, business certification, state guidelines, economic equity, minority-owned businesses, combat veterans, support, military service, injury compensation, veteran affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, committee. that we've legislated in. This is not that we've legislated in.
• Out of the the 13 that have legislated.
• </c> underwent an audit by the Legislative underwent an audit by the Legislative Research<00:20:04.880
• That was a request from that fund. That was a request from that audit. audit. audit.
• These are assistance that were requested by the clients.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, I want to request an analysis from the administration by or... ...to request an analysis from
• Joanne Trotter, Legislative Analyst's Office.
• A backup request can take six to eight hours of staff time, carefully matching skills, A backup request
• appropriated one-time appropriations as well.
• And so what would be the appropriate appropriation in order to be able to get there?

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the impact of H.R. 1 on older Californians and related county administration issues. Chair Jackson and Chair Addis opened by emphasizing California’s rapidly aging population and the need to protect seniors’ access to food, health care, housing, and in-home support services. Testimony from the Department of Social Services, Department of Health Care Services, and Department of Aging described how H.R. 1 would expand work and reporting requirements in CalFresh and Medi-Cal, increase redeterminations, and create new eligibility barriers. Witnesses and advocates warned that these changes could lead to large coverage losses, especially for adults ages 55 to 64, people experiencing homelessness, caregivers, and some immigrant groups, while also increasing administrative burden on counties. The LAO noted that many provisions do not directly apply to Californians 65 and older, but highlighted indirect effects and some direct impacts, including a new home equity limit for certain long-term care recipients and narrower immigration eligibility rules. Committee members pressed the administration and counties on how exemptions would be identified and implemented, whether data systems could automatically protect eligible people, and how outreach would reach older adults, women, LGBTQ seniors, and people with limited digital access. DHCS and CDSS said they are working to use existing data, cross-program information sharing, and human-centered communications to maximize exemptions and reduce churn, including text outreach, print and radio campaigns, and navigator support. Members also raised concerns about the need for legal aid and county eligibility workers to help people navigate complex rules, and requested updated analyses on the number of people likely to lose both Medi-Cal and CalFresh and the broader human and system impacts. No votes were taken. The second major topic was the administration’s proposal to shift some future IHSS costs to counties by establishing a statewide baseline for average authorized hours per case. CDSS said the proposal is intended to improve consistency in assessments and not reduce services, while counties and labor groups strongly opposed it, arguing that rising hours reflect real increases in need, an aging and higher-acuity caseload, and state-mandated assessment tools rather than county error. County representatives said the proposal would strain already limited local revenues, worsen the effects of H.R. 1, and could force cuts to other safety-net services. Committee members questioned the proposal’s timing and impact, but the hearing ended without action, with the chairs asking for continued updates, additional analysis, and more information before May Revision.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's 500,000 left of that appropriation. appropriation. appropriation.
• This was part of 2024 appropriation legislation.
• This was part of 2024 appropriation legislation.
• </c> the intent of the 2023 legislation. the intent of the 2023 legislation.
• </c><02:30:31.280><c> Uh</c> legislators in a budget year. Uh legislators in a budget year.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would request a roll call. Roll call requested and granted.
• Roll call requested request a roll call. Roll call requested and<00:37:02.160><c> granted.
• We also had the request say.
• </c> have done on this piece of legislation. have done on this piece of legislation.
• That's not legislating, Mr. up. That's not legislating, Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in my eyes, AB 1538 is an essential piece of legislation.
• Questions, comments, motions, all appropriate at this time.
• Members, I ask for your aye vote at the appropriate time.
• I'm a legislative advocate with ACLU Cal Action.
• Before we break for lunch, at the request of Dr.

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee heard a long agenda of bills, with several authors presenting measures focused on probation, prison conditions, public safety, diversion, and infrastructure theft. Early in the hearing, AB 1816 by Assembly Member Davies proposed allowing courts to extend probation for up to one additional year for people convicted of registrable sex offenses who have not completed required treatment. Supporters, including the Chief Probation Officers of California, argued the bill would improve rehabilitation and public safety by allowing treatment to be completed; opponents, including public defenders and civil liberties groups, said existing revocation tools already address noncompliance and warned the bill was vague and would prolong supervision. The bill was later moved on call with an aye recommendation. The committee also heard AB 2593, which would prohibit non-medical staff from interfering with prescribed care for incarcerated patients; it drew broad support from medical, disability, public defender, and justice reform groups and passed to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including AB 1927 and AB 2502, was adopted without controversy. The committee then considered AB 1538 by Assembly Member Krell, which would bar elected or appointed officials from using political power for retaliation. Support came from a student activist and the California News Publishers Association, with additional support from education, law enforcement, and civil liberties groups; no opposition testimony was offered, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2584 by Assembly Member Flora, as amended, would narrow civil liability for lawful defensive force; supporters framed it as protecting self-defense, while one opposition witness objected on behalf of labor and justice groups. The chair noted concerns about eliminating civil liability but still recommended aye, and the bill passed to Judiciary. AB 2217 by Assembly Member Zbur would rename and expand the LEAD diversion program as “Alternatives to Arrest,” broaden eligible offenses, and continue grant funding for local diversion efforts. Supporters emphasized reduced recidivism and service connections, and the bill was moved on call to Appropriations. Later, the committee took up AB 1941 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez, which would create an organized metal theft offense and a statewide data-sharing system to address copper theft and damage to public infrastructure. Supporters from utilities, cities, transit, telecom, and law enforcement described widespread outages, costly repairs, and public safety risks; opponents argued the bill would deepen criminalization and racial disparities and that non-carceral solutions were preferable. The author and supporters responded that the bill was needed to address repeated thefts that leave communities without lights, power, or 911 service, and the measure passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2499 by Assembly Member Gibson sought stronger protections for incarcerated people and workers from extreme heat and inadequate ventilation in state prisons. The bill was backed by incarcerated workers, family members of a woman who died from heat-related causes, and a wide coalition of public defender, civil rights, and prisoner advocacy groups. Members spoke emotionally about prison conditions and the need for humane treatment, and the bill passed to Labor and Employment with strong support.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> appropriated five from general fund. appropriated five from general fund.
• So you appropriated it but put a proviso on it that it requires additional legislative action.
• ><c> as</c><00:51:26.400><c> a</c><00:51:26.559><c> legislator,</c> as as an appropriator, as a legislator
• , as as an appropriator, as a legislator, we<00:51:27.520><c> don't</c><00:51:27.680><c> want</c><00:
• simple budget budget request. Uh, and we simple budget budget request.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Appropriations Committee. The committee is called to order.
• And the challenge that I have is that this really was an ongoing appropriation when we appropriated it
• a specific appropriation for ESA administration.
• a specific appropriation for an ESA administration other states use ...to request a specific appropriation
• more money or vote for appropriating more money.

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2584, which would prohibit public monies from being used for genetic sequencing procedures involving devices made by companies owned or substantially controlled by entities domiciled in a foreign adversary. The sponsor said the bill is intended to protect genetic data from being sold or used against the United States. There was no public testimony, and the committee approved the bill on a 13-5 vote for a do pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2804, which creates a rural development and housing tax credit capped at $2 million per year and tied to federal low-income housing tax credit projects in counties under 800,000 population. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Flagstaff mayor, and housing investors/developers, argued it would leverage private capital to address rural affordable housing shortages, especially for seniors, veterans, and low-income residents. Opponents, including the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, argued state LIHTC programs are inefficient, costly, hard to oversee, and can add complexity and higher per-unit costs. The bill passed 13-4 with one not voting. HB 2388, as amended, appropriates $100,000 for the Arizona Commerce Authority to study the economic benefits of small modular reactors and data centers, with a report due June 30, 2027. Supporters said the study would help Arizona plan for energy demand and data center growth, while opponents argued the agency should use existing funds instead of a new appropriation. The committee adopted the amendment and then approved the bill 10-7 with one not voting. The committee also received a presentation from the Auditor General on county treasurer procedural reviews, including the response to the Santa Cruz County treasurer embezzlement case and the office’s ramp-up plan for reviews and staffing. Later, the committee approved HB 2352, which appropriates $2,385,900 in FY2029 to make the Auditor General’s county treasurer review funding ongoing. Members supporting the bill said the office needs certainty to plan audits and retain staff, while opponents objected to funding it so far in advance during budget uncertainty. The bill passed 11-7. The committee also approved HB 2418, as amended, which directs $600,000 to be evenly distributed among five county sheriff task forces in Cochise, Coconino, Navajo, Pinal, and Yuma counties; supporters said it codifies the long-standing distribution practice, and it passed 17-1. Finally, the committee heard HB 2499, which would provide $2.6 million and 12 FTEs to the Department of Education for ESA administration; supporters argued the program’s rapid growth requires more staff for enrollment, reviews, and accountability, while members questioned the lack of standardized testing data and how to measure student outcomes. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on HB 2499.

Transcript Highlights:

• Specific to water appropriation...
• I appear before you today to request the committee consider having Legislative Council gather what other
• I appear before you today to request the committee, consider having legislative council gather what other
• Also, periodically during legislative sessions, I would say you've appropriated dollars specifically
• Also periodically during legislative sessions, I would say you've appropriated dollars specifically to

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, request consent. House for &gt;&gt; Mr. Speaker, request consent.
• This marks the first conference on major appropriations legislation in close to a decade, and it's a
• I request the yeas and nays. >> The gentlelady requests the yeas and nays.
• ><c> secured</c> legislation.
• We've indeed secured legislation.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, September 19, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> more appropriate for a bill like this? more appropriate for a bill like this?
• </c><01:12:39.920><c> in</c> appropriated or has been appropriate in appropriated or has been appropriate
• </c><01:14:33.760><c> It's</c> also supports this legislation. It's also supports this legislation.
• This amendment was requested by us.
• </c> appropriation that this fund delivers. appropriation that this fund delivers.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and also appropriations.
• There is a request for public testimony, so we'll take public testimony.
• Why did you use 'request' versus 'chooses' at the end?
• Anyone can request an actual paper ballot instead of using the machine.
• But a voter can request to use the machine.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2180, appropriation. Health, Human Services and Appropriations.
• HB 2200, appropriation and appropriations. HB 2211, State Route 88.
• HB 2207, appropriations. Public Safety, Law Enforcement and Appropriations.
• back conjunction; HB 2065, appropriation passenger technology; HB 2066, appropriation to package a project
• ; HB 2068, appropriation Wolfwood Road; HB 2069, appropriation protection water; HB 2070, appropriation

Summary: The House convened with prayer by Deacon Ernesto Ramirez and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Representative Rachel Keshel. The journal from January 12 was approved, and Dr. Andrew Carroll was introduced as Doctor of the Day. Members also heard a proclamation recognizing January 13 as Arizona Human Trafficking Awareness Day, with remarks highlighting the work of the Arizona Human Trafficking Survivor Coalition and the importance of survivor-led prevention and awareness efforts. The chamber then handled routine business, including messages from the Senate and two motions related to adjournment. The House agreed to grant the Senate consent to adjourn after Thursday, January 15, 2026, until Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and also requested the Senate’s consent for the House to do the same. Members observed personal remarks for former Senator Barbara Left and Representative Kyle Powell. A long list of bills and resolutions was introduced and read for first and second reading, covering topics such as elections, water policy, education, public safety, health care, agriculture, taxation, and several memorials and resolutions. No substantive debate or votes on those measures occurred in this transcript. Committee announcements were made for several meetings, and the House adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.