Transcript Highlights:

• , Ward.
• That's AB 2180 by Assembly Member Ward. Just a moment, Mr. Ward. Thank you, members.
• File item number 97, AB 2180 by Assembly Member Ward. The clerk will read.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly Member Ward, do you wish to close?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, no. Anthony H. Williams, aye. Lindsey Williams, no. Yaw, aye. Ward, no. Yaw, aye. Ward, aye.
• Ward, aye. Ward, aye. Ward, aye. Ward, aye. Williams, aye. Williams, no. Yaw, aye. Vogel, aye.
• Ward, Judy, aye. Ward, Kim, aye. Williams, Anthony H., no. Williams, Lindsay, no. Yaw, aye.
• Ward, Judy, aye. Ward, Kim, aye. Williams, Anthony H., no. Williams, Lindsay, no. Yaw, aye.
• Ward, Judy. Aye. Ward, Kim. Aye. Ward, Judy. Aye. Ward, Kim. Aye. Williams, Anthony H. Aye.

Keywords: Scheduler, 972, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Representative<00:42:41.680><c> Ward.</c> &gt;&gt; Representative Ward.
• &gt;&gt; Representative<00:46:01.920><c> Ward.</c> &gt;&gt; Representative Ward.
• Ward, Representative &gt;&gt; Representative Ward, Representative Ward,<00:57:22.640><c> you'll</c><
• Ward, &gt;&gt; no.
• Ward, &gt;&gt; no.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. We will leave the roll open for absent members. Thank you.
• Assembly Member Ward [member_22487]. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye.
• Ward, aye.
• Ward? Aye. Ward aye. That measure is out. Seeing no other business, we are adjourned. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward.
• Ward? Ward, aye. Wicks? Wicks, aye. Wilson? That has five votes.
• Ward. I'm sorry. Petri Norris, aye. Ward. Ward.
• Ward, I'm sorry, Petri Norse, I, Ward, Ward, I, Wicks, Wicks, I, Wilson.
• Ward, we needed Mr. Ward on that. Okay, wait, I'm still not here, what? Say Ward aye. Aye.

Summary: The committee heard AB 1988, which would require AI companion chatbots to respond to credible self-harm or violence-related crisis expressions by displaying the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, warning users, and pausing the chat for human review after repeated crisis signals. The author and supporters said the bill is a measured safety standard to redirect vulnerable users to human help, citing research and cases where chatbots worsened suicidal ideation or violent behavior. Support came from crisis and medical advocates, while no opposition testimony was offered. The chair and members expressed strong support, and the bill was held pending quorum before later action on the agenda. The committee then took up AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for users to create or maintain accounts on social media platforms with harmful addictive features and would create an E-Safety Advisory Commission in the Attorney General’s office. The author argued the bill targets product design, not speech, and is intended to curb compulsive features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithmic feeds while allowing safer or non-addictive platforms to remain available. Supporters, including a psychologist and the Organization for Social Media Safety, described cyberbullying, predation, compulsive use, and mental health harms; opponents, including EFF, ACLU-Cal Action, TechNet, and youth advocacy groups, warned about privacy, First Amendment, and access-to-community concerns, especially for LGBTQ youth and other marginalized groups. Committee members debated whether the bill is a ban or a delay, how age assurance would work, and whether the proposal would be effective or could push youth to less safe spaces. Several members said they would support the bill as a first step, while others raised concerns about enforceability, privacy, and constitutional issues. The author emphasized that the bill is limited to specific harmful design features, not content or general internet access, and that the new commission would monitor evolving technology and recommend future updates. No final vote was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward leaves. Yeah, stay with us.
• Ward leaves. Yeah, stay with us. Okay. Before Mr. Ward leaves. Yeah, stay with us.
• Assembly Member Ward? Aye. Thank you.
• Assembly Member Ward? All right.
• Ward? Would you get older? I just don't even. Okay.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Yes, Senator Ward.
• >> Yes, Senator Ward.
• >> Yes, Senator Ward.
• >> Yes, Senator Ward.
• >> Yes, Senator Ward.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Noting the absence of Representative Ward, are there any noes or reservations?
• Representative Ward is excused. Are there any reservations or no votes?
• Chair and vice chair vote aye, noting Representative Wards excused absence.
• Chair and vice chair vote aye, noting Representative Wards excused absence.
• Representative Wards excused absence. Representative Loen votes aye.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on a series of energy, transportation, climate, and waste bills. HB 977 would provide additional funding to the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority for low-interest financing of rooftop solar and storage for underserved ratepayers; HB 1295 would require state and county agencies to use federal energy tax credits; HB 1051 concerns energy efficiency portfolio standards; HB 1019 addresses long-duration clean energy storage; HB 344 concerns EV charging infrastructure at state facilities; HB 733 would change EV parking requirements; HB 242 creates a working group on EV battery reuse and recycling; HB 1022 expands access to energy industry information reporting; HB 1017 repeals the greenhouse gas sequestration task force; HB 787 asks for a feasibility study on a Buy Clean program; and HB 751 sets composting goals. Testimony was largely supportive across the bills, with some agencies standing on written testimony or offering comments, and a few measures drawing opposition or concerns, including HB 751 from county agencies and HB 242 from Redwood Materials requesting inclusion of a specialized battery recycler on the working group. Members asked several questions, including about EV charging siting, whether bike parking and showers should be considered in EV facility planning, how often EV charging stalls are relocated to other sites, and whether Hawaiʻi has in-state capacity to prepare EV batteries for shipping and recycling. On HB 751, the committee discussed county diversion rates and Maui’s composting capacity, with the Department of Health noting Maui’s diversion decline was tied to closure of the EKO co-composting facility at Central Maui landfill and that reestablishment was planned. On HB 242, Redwood Materials explained it handles lithium-ion batteries, including work related to the Maui wildfire response, and said a full in-state recycling chain is unlikely, though local facilities can safely prepare batteries for shipment. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass all of the measures with amendments. For HB 977, the committee noted a recommended appropriation of $50 million and made technical amendments. HB 1295, HB 1051, HB 1019, HB 344, HB 733, HB 242, HB 1022, HB 1017, and HB 787 were all advanced with technical or substantive amendments, including changes to dates, appropriations, and working group membership. For HB 344, the committee accepted DAGS’s suggestion to make HSEO the expending entity and adjusted the appropriation to one year. For HB 242, the committee added a battery storage industry member, included stationary storage as a consideration, and extended the reporting date to 2027. HB 787 was advanced with a request that the Climate Commission and State Procurement Office work together on more specific amendments if the bill continues moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 368, Ward, Passive House Standards: do pass on an A roll call.
• AB 864, Ward, Solar PV Modules: do pass on an A roll call.
• AB 368 ward passive house standards do pass out on an A roll call.
• AB 864 ward solar PV modulars do pass out on an A roll call.
• AB 1355, Ward, Location Privacy: holding committee.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held its May 23, 2025 suspense hearing and opened by emphasizing the difficult budget environment, rising costs for constituents, and the need to make tough choices. The chair said many bills would be held, amended to reduce costs, or made two-year bills because the state could not afford broad program expansions this year. The committee also noted the agenda was organized alphabetically by author and that results would be posted later that day. The committee then acted on a large suspense file, taking up hundreds of Assembly bills across topics including housing, health care, education, labor, public safety, climate, water, transportation, elections, and technology. Many bills were held in committee, while many others were approved with cost-saving, clarifying, or author’s amendments. Examples included measures on CalABLE, Covered California enrollment, wildfire and insurance issues, reproductive health, school and college programs, prison and juvenile justice matters, AI and data privacy, and local government and utility regulation. Several bills were converted to two-year bills to continue discussion. Throughout the hearing, the committee repeatedly voted on bills by A roll call or B roll call, often with Republicans not voting on amended measures. Some bills were advanced with notable amendments, such as narrowing scope, removing appropriations, delaying implementation, or striking costly provisions. The committee also approved a number of committee bills and omnibus measures, including emergency management, judiciary, insurance, and water-related bills. At the end of the hearing, the chair stated that the committee had moved 435 bills to the Assembly floor, either as do pass or do pass as amended, and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward. >> Miss Dennis. >> Mr. Fletcher. >> Christina Weider, here for Commissioner Fletcher. >> Mr.
• EQ2 focuses upon building attuned and repairative relationships with youth, exploring healthy boundaries
• relationships with youth,<00:53:32.480><c> exploring</c><00:53:32.960><c> healthy</c><00:53:33.280><c> boundaries
• </c><00:53:33.680><c> in</c> youth, exploring healthy boundaries in youth, exploring healthy boundaries

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:03 Roll Call: 00:00:09 Agency Updates: 00:01:44 Juvenile Justice Advisory Board Update: 00:03:36 Department of Juvenile Justice Update: 00:23:10, 958, all

Summary: The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council approved the minutes from its November 8, 2024 meeting and welcomed new member Representative Nick Wilson. The council also heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on a school attendance awareness campaign aimed at reducing truancy referrals to court, and a member requested a future, more detailed presentation on truancy trends. The council then received an update from the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board from Dr. David Frink and Elsie Berger. They described the board’s membership, meeting schedule, public access, annual report and three-year plan, and its role in helping Kentucky remain compliant with federal juvenile justice requirements so the state can receive Title II funding. They said the board reviews grant applications for community-based services, substance use, and early intervention programs, with about $584,000 in federal funds this year and a little over $600,000 expected next year. Members asked about participation, board vacancies, and how to engage with the board, and the presenters emphasized the importance of statewide representation and community input. The Department of Juvenile Justice then provided a broader update through Commissioner Randy White and Deputy Secretary Mona Wamik. White said DJJ is under an ongoing U.S. Department of Justice investigation focused on conditions in detention facilities, including use of force, isolation, abuse, mental health care, and special education, and said the department has cooperated with repeated information requests and site visits. He also reviewed recent legislative and administrative changes, including 2023 Senate Bill 162, regional detention planning, facility segregation requirements, staffing and salary investments, improved staffing levels, reduced mental health vacancies, and training efforts related to security threat groups. He said DJJ has made progress but continues to work on staffing, safety, and facility improvements.

Transcript Highlights:

• You shifted from Bottineau County to Ward County, so welcome to Ward County today.
• and aggressive, I think, in some of their recruiting of students and looking outside the state boundaries
• If you look at Ward County, this is over the last 10 years, so this is a look back, just overall K-12
• Ward County's up, but not by a lot, up 3.8%, up about 4% over the last decade.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You shifted from Bottineau County to Ward County, so welcome to Ward County today.
• and aggressive, I think, in some of their recruiting of students and looking outside the state boundaries
• If you look at Ward County, this is over the last 10 years, so this is a look back, just overall K-12
• Ward County's up, but not by a lot—up 3.8%, about 4% over the last decade.

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met on the Minot State University campus for presentations on campus operations, enrollment, and new academic initiatives. President Shirley reviewed recent audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings, and highlighted MSU’s broad academic offerings, specialized accreditations, athletics, and partnerships with Minot Air Force Base and the MSU Development Foundation. Members asked about declining interest in teacher education, tuition waivers for athletes, dual credit incentives, and how MSU decides when to launch new programs and avoid duplication within the university system. Shirley also discussed several workforce-focused initiatives supported by the Legislature’s Workforce Education Innovation Funds, including the purchase of the Trinity Health Center West building for a downtown health sciences hub, a new daycare/preschool partnership near campus, the Aspire program to recruit rural students into teaching, and a paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Enrollment data showed overall headcount was flat at just under 2,750, but full-time equivalent enrollment rose slightly and new student numbers increased, including the largest freshman class in 15 years. The committee also discussed Minot State’s in-state tuition rate for all students, its dual credit “Emerging Scholars” scholarship, and concerns about the share of high school graduates who do not immediately pursue postsecondary education. Faculty then presented two new programs funded in part by WEAF: an Innovation Engineering degree and a master’s program in counseling with an integrated addiction studies focus. The engineering program was described as industry-driven, designed with broad early coursework, hands-on learning, and local employer input to prepare students for western North Dakota workforce needs; officials said it had already drawn more applicants than expected and would use renovated library space and donated or grant-funded equipment. The counseling program will be mostly face-to-face with hybrid options, aims to address shortages in mental health and substance use providers, and is structured to help students meet licensure requirements. Committee members asked about startup costs, licensure supervision hours, and whether the programs would be on campus rather than online, and presenters said both programs had recently received required approvals and were moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I got some data from some wards.
• So we would get the sheet from, you know, Ward 4 and Ward 7, and if I saw the same name on twice, my
• So we would get the sheet from, you know, Ward 4 and Ward 7, and if I saw the same name on twice, my
• So we would get the sheet from, you know, Ward 4 and Ward 7, and if I saw the same name on twice, my
• So we would get the sheet from, you know, Ward 4 and Ward 7, and if I saw the same name on twice, my

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Ward Johnson, thank you, Chairman.
• Uh, Ward Johnson, Representative Ward Johnson. Thank you, Chairman.
• Rep Perez, Rep Ward Johnson, Rep Davis, Rep Shopner.
• Hi Rep Ward Johnson. Rep Davis and Rep Shopping.
• Rep Ward Johnson, Rep uh Davis, Rep Shaner. Did Ward Johnson say yes? Yes, OK. All right.

Bills: HB232

Keywords: disaster recovery, natural disaster, weather disaster, emergency relief, flood relief, hurricane relief, storm damage, wildfire, tornado, hail, windstorm, extreme heat, ice storm, snowstorm, property damage, personal injury, temporary housing, relocation assistance, lost wages, state emergency management

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, no. Vogel, aye. Ward, aye. Williams, no. Williams, no. Yaw, aye. Ward, aye. Laughlin, aye.
• Ward, Judy. Aye. Williams, Anthony H. Williams, Lindsay. No. Y'all. Aye. Ward, Kim. Aye.
• Ward, Judy, aye. Ward, Kim, aye. Anthony H. Williams, no. Lindsey Williams, no.
• Ward, Judy, aye. Ward, Kim, aye. Williams, Anthony H., aye. Lord, Kim, aye.
• Ward Judy. Aye. Ward Kim. No. Williams Anthony H. Williams Lindsay. No. Y'all. No. No.

Summary: The Senate returned from recess and first handled routine calendar matters, laying several bills on the table or over in their order without objection. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 1400, which addresses sentencing for second-degree murder in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Commonwealth v. Lee decision. Senator Street offered an amendment to replace mandatory life without parole with parole eligibility after 25 years and individualized review, but the Senate tabled the amendment by a 26-24 roll call. The bill then advanced to final passage after extended debate over whether it adequately met the court’s constitutional ruling and how it would affect victims, culpability, and retroactivity. It initially passed 31-19, then after reconsideration and a correction to one member’s vote, passed 30-20 and was sent to the House. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 1212, which tightens the handling of sexual assault evidence kits by removing discretionary language that had contributed to inconsistent testing practices. Supporters said it would improve statewide consistency, preserve a survivor’s right to decline testing, and help reduce the rape kit backlog. The bill passed unanimously, 50-0, and was sent to the House. The chamber then moved through additional calendar items, including re-referrals of several House bills to Appropriations and multiple bills being passed over. Later, the Senate took up House Bill 1667 on a supplemental calendar after suspending the rules. The bill became the vehicle for several amendments tied to affordability and tax policy. Senators adopted a back-to-school sales tax holiday amendment, a data-center tax exemption repeal amendment, and a school-choice-related amendment transferring EITC provisions and increasing scholarships by $25 million. Other proposed amendments, including a digital advertising tax and a combined reporting corporate tax reform, were tabled. After further debate on the bill’s impact on electric bills, data centers, and the state budget, House Bill 1667 was agreed to as amended and the Senate recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward? Ward. Aye. Wilson. Wilson. Aye. Thank you so much. And we have the next bill, AB 2180.
• Ward. Aye. Ward. I. Wilson. Wilson, aye. All right. So, Sammy, Waugh. Well, thank you, Mr.
• Ward? Aye. Wilson? Aye. Wilson, aye. The vote is 6 to 2.
• Ward: Aye. Wilson: Aye. 9 to 0.
• Ward: I. Ward: I. Wilson: Wilson, aye. Aye. The bill is out. We do have a couple more. That's good.

Summary: The Local Government Committee met on March 25, 2026, hearing eight bills, with several measures focused on housing, water, and local government administration. AB 1621 by Assemblymember Wilson sought to speed post-entitlement housing permits by setting clearer timelines, limiting repeated plan checks, and restricting field changes that conflict with approved plans. Supporters from the building, apartment, business, and housing sectors said the bill would reduce delays and costs, while county and city representatives opposed it unless amended, warning it could limit local enforcement of building and environmental codes and create problems for incomplete applications. The bill passed after a roll call vote, with the committee noting it would continue working with local government groups on amendments. The committee also heard AB 1712, which would help Santa Fe Springs sell its small, financially strained water system to a larger regulated provider without requiring a municipal election, using a protest process instead. The author and city officials said the system faces contamination, major deferred maintenance, and rate increases that could otherwise triple; water industry representatives supported the bill and no opposition was heard. AB 2080, sponsored by county treasurers, would make county delegations of investment authority to treasurers ongoing until revoked rather than requiring annual renewal, with supporters saying it would reduce administrative burden and avoid technical lapses. AB 2640 would allow local governments to offset reductions in reimbursement for disallowed state mandate claims against other unpaid mandate reimbursements; Shasta County testified in support, describing a large audit disallowance and long-delayed state payments. Both bills passed. The committee also approved consent items AB 1622 and AB 1834. AB 2180, which would codify a framework for proportional water rates under Proposition 218 based on the Dreher decision, drew broad support from water agencies and local government groups, but opposition from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and the California Association of Realtors, who argued the bill was premature while the Supreme Court reviews related case law. Despite that opposition, the bill passed on a 6-2 vote, and the remaining bills were advanced with roll calls left open for additional votes before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward Engel King? Wintrow? Representative Tanner? Miller? Ernst? Petzke? Manwaring? Green?
• Okay, Senator Ward Engelking. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for a motion. Motion is in order.
• Ward-Engelking. Wintrow. Representative Tanner. Miller. Furniss. Petzke. Manwaring.
• Senator Ward-Engelking, please. Thank you, Mr.
• Senator Ward-Engelking: Mr. Bybee, you want to comment on the interest on this fund?

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Joint Finance and Corporation Committee met with a quorum from both chambers and first approved a $6.5 million federal supplemental appropriation for the Military Division to replace failing climate control systems in Idaho Air National Guard buildings at Gowen Field. The committee then considered Idaho State Police funding tied to three revenue measures: a beer excise tax distribution change, a new specialty license plate, and a liquor account distribution change. Members discussed the impact on cities and counties, with several noting the shift away from local governments, but the motion to appropriate $6.695 million in dedicated and federal funds for ISP personnel costs passed and received a do-pass recommendation. The committee next took up two pieces of language related to Idaho Digital Learning Academy. One trailer language item tied to House Bill 940, which would change course fee limits for non-graduation and graduation-required courses, was adopted by unanimous consent. A second proposal to restore IDLA’s access to PSIF after a large appropriation reduction failed after members raised concerns about allowing access before the academy spent down its cash balance and about weakening the budget cap. Members then approved language redirecting about $12 million from the Strategic Initiatives Fund to the local highway distribution formula instead of LTAC grants, after debate over whether formula-based distribution or competitive grants better served local needs. Finally, the committee adopted language preventing an automatic transfer from the Budget Stabilization Fund to the General Fund when the fund exceeds its 15% cap, preserving the fund balance unless the legislature acts otherwise. The meeting adjourned after the final do-pass recommendation was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zuber, Mr. Speaker.
• Assemblymember Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members.
• Thank you, Assemblymember Ramos and thank you Assemblymember Ward for opening us up.
• Thank you Assemblymember Ward.
• Escorted by Assemblymember Ward is Susan Kathleen Jester. Serving as St.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward, you may now open under measure. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Ward.
• Assembly Member Ward. Senator Moodishuchi. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
• Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. Sorry, Zabur.
• Assembly Members Ward, Rogers, Elhawary, Mark Gonzalez, Assembly Members Ward, Rogers, Elhawary, Mark
• On behalf of Chair Ward and Vice Chair Cervantes, On behalf of Chair Ward and Vice Chair Cervantes and

Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of several Senate bills, notices for committee hearings, and a successful motion to suspend rules so ACA 20 could be taken up later in the week. The chamber also recognized former Assembly Member Christina Garcia and later moved into a Pride Month observance. The main ceremonial item was House Resolution 115 recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Assembly Member Ward opened on the resolution, and multiple members from different caucuses spoke in support, highlighting Pride history, LGBTQ+ rights, and the contributions of LGBTQ Californians. Assembly Member DeMaio offered supportive remarks while noting policy differences, and the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 53 co-authors were added. The Assembly then held a Pride honoree ceremony recognizing 15 individuals and groups for contributions to the LGBTQ community. On the floor file, members also adopted several resolutions by voice vote after adding co-authors: ACR 187 on Men’s Mental Health Month, ACR 157 marking the 50th anniversary of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act, ACR 222 declaring Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Awareness Month, and ACR 224 recognizing Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day. Each drew personal testimony from members about the underlying issues, including suicide prevention, caregiving and dementia, mining reclamation, and harms to youth from social media. The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 46 on mental health diversion by a 51-1 vote, and later adopted the consent calendar 66-0. The House adjourned until June 25, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward. Ward here. Wicks. Wilson. And you want to do the consent also? Oh, we can't do it. Okay.
• Ward. Yeah, okay. Mr. Ward can speak. Okay. Mr. Ward can speak. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Ward, aye. Wicks, Wilson. That bill has nine votes. It is out.
• Ward, aye. Wicks, Wilson. Consent calendar—oh, hold on, I have to call the vote.
• Ward, aye. Wicks, Wilson, yes. Petrie-Norris, not voting. Ward, aye. Wicks, Wilson, yes.

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard several bills on AI, social media, rental cars, and account deletion. AB 316 by Assemblymember Krell would bar defendants from avoiding liability by claiming an AI system autonomously caused harm. Supporters argued it would preserve accountability as AI grows more powerful, especially in cases involving children, while opponents said existing tort law already covers these issues and warned the bill could create uncertainty and overbroad liability. The bill passed the committee 8-1. AB 656 by Assemblymember Schiavo, sponsored by Consumer Federation of California, would make it easier for users to delete social media accounts and personal information, with amendments shifting the deletion prompt into settings rather than on every screen. Supporters said platforms use dark patterns and make deletion unnecessarily difficult; opponents raised concerns about unintended deletions and possible conflicts with existing privacy law, though the author said the bill was being aligned with CCPA. The bill passed 9-0. The committee also approved the consent calendar. AB 1197 by Assemblymember Calderon would address rental car theft and misuse by allowing limited geofencing in specific situations and revising rules around renter liability when keys are returned and a police report is filed. Rental car companies and other supporters said the bill would help recover stolen or abandoned vehicles, while an opponent warned about privacy and possible consumer harms in edge cases. The bill passed 11-0. AB 1374 by Assemblymember Berman would require more upfront disclosure of the total price of rental cars, including mandatory fees, to curb hidden charges; supporters said consumers still face surprise costs, while opponents argued current law already requires disclosure and that the bill’s new wording could invite litigation. It passed 13-0.