Transcript Highlights:

• a day to remind ourselves it is more than parades or even pint; it is really about heritage, the shared
• My story is a very personal one, and I certainly share the pride.
• We must not forget, with a reminder to me not to forget the roots and not to forget our shared roots,
• MY STORY IS A VERY PERSONAL ONE AND I CERTAINLY SHARE THE PRIDE AND I HAVE TO SAY THE OLDER I GET, THE
• WE MIST NOT FORGET WITH A REMINDER TO ME NOT TO FORGET THE ROOROOTS AND NOT TO FORGET OUR SHARED ROOTS

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on March 13, 2026, approved the prior day’s journal, received a message discharging Assembly Bill 2330 from committee and substituting identical Senate Bill 5843, and welcomed visiting delegations from Connecticut. The chamber also adopted privileged resolution J.1753, honoring Saint Patrick and Irish Americans and memorializing the Governor to proclaim March 2026 as Irish American Heritage Month. Senators Kavanagh and Fahy spoke in support, emphasizing Irish heritage, immigration, public service, and the St. Patrick’s Day tradition; the resolution was adopted and opened for co-sponsorship. The Senate then acted on a series of bills on the calendar. Measures passed included bills by Senators Hinchey, Comrie, Skoufis, Stavisky, Sanders, Kavanagh, Gianaris, Cleare, and others, with several receiving unanimous support and a few drawing recorded negative votes. Senator Fernandez’s education bill related to placing opioid antagonists with AEDs and first aid kits in schools passed 60-1 after supportive remarks from Senators Oberacker and Fernandez. A bill authorizing a study on lithium-ion battery fires also passed unanimously, with Senators Borrello and Weik explaining affirmative votes while urging caution about electric bus mandates. The most debated item was Calendar 446, Senator May’s bill directing the Department of Economic Development to move the Central New York Welcome Center from Destiny USA to the Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn. Senator Walczyk questioned the move’s cost, location, visitor traffic, and local support, arguing Destiny USA was the better site; Senator May responded that the state had built the Auburn facility and should provide sustainable operating support. The bill passed 47-15. The Senate then completed the controversial calendar and adjourned until Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we share the stories of five remarkable individuals whose dedication, expertise, and aloha have
• As a patient shared, Dr.
• As a patient<00:07:51.520><c> shared,</c><00:07:52.800><c> Dr.</c><00:07:53.039><c> Dr.
• </c><00:07:53.280><c> Wong</c><00:07:53.599><c> embodies</c> patient shared, Dr. Dr.
• Wong embodies patient shared, Dr. Dr.

Bills: HB2240, SB896, SB2060, SB2152, SB2315, SB2544, SB2577, SB2580, SB99, SB2110, SB2115, SB2259, SB2382, SB2442, SB2485, SB895, SB2112, SB3019

Keywords: appropriations, legislative expenses, auditor, legislative reference bureau, state ethics commission, ombudsman, government transparency, education, capital improvement, reporting, transparency, technical expertise, rental housing revolving fund, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, mixed-income housing, mixed-income rental project, affordable housing, low-income housing, housing finance

Transcript Highlights:

• As I was preparing for committee today, I was reminded of something that my pastor shared recently as
• And so, members of the committee, I would like to share this as it relates to my continued intention
• The data points that I mentioned, I don't think I'd be able to share those but for the investments that
• with this committee Influenced and led, and your fingerprints are all over much of what I got to share
• with this committee today, and it is because of that leadership and sharing that we have been able to

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered three bills and a confirmation. On SB 1600, as amended, the sponsor explained that the original child welfare language was replaced with a strike-all requiring the Office of Insurance Regulation to work with DCF and community-based care lead agencies to study liability insurance coverage and availability, report findings to the Legislature by January 1, 2027, and allow penalties for failure to provide requested information. The committee adopted the amendment and amendment to the amendment, heard supportive testimony from child welfare advocates, and reported the committee substitute favorably. The committee also heard CS/SB 556, which would allow students with disabilities to satisfy a physical education graduation requirement through participation in Special Olympics, and clarify that two years of marching band participation can satisfy PE and fine arts credit. Special Olympics Florida, parents, and other supporters testified in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. On SB 794, the sponsor described requirements for background screening of employees in residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities, plus a review of waiver support coordination quality, workforce needs, geographic service gaps, and related recommendations due in 2027. The committee adopted a conforming amendment and reported the bill. The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Hatch outlined DCF’s recent work on child welfare, behavioral health, peer support, and technology improvements, and answered questions about child welfare system challenges, funding formulas, opioid settlement dollars, and interoperability of agency systems. After public comment, the committee voted to recommend her confirmation favorably, with Chair Graal voting no. The meeting ended with a request to record one senator’s vote on SB 1600 and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for sharing. Anyone else, comment or questions?
• I'm going to share with you a quote that's a pretty bold quote.
• a little bit about how this works right now and the shortcomings, but everything that I'm going to share
• I'm going to share with you a quote that's a pretty bold quote.
• with you from here on is based on the idea. that I'm going to share with you from here on is based on

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rather, it asks these highly, highly profitable companies to do their fair share by helping supplement
• limited way to have the responsible parties, the large social media platforms, pay for their fair share
• Rather, it asked these highly, highly profitable companies to do their fair share by helping supplement
• It's really important to share these stories and to hear them, but at the same time, there are a lot
• Because AB 796 shares much of the same legal uncertainty, Because AB 796 shares much of the same legal

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard two bills. AB 796 by Assembly Member Lowenthal proposed a California Social Media Accountability Act that would impose a recovery fee on social media platforms’ advertising revenue and direct the proceeds to a Social Media Safety Trust Fund for education, mental health care, research, and social services related to youth harms from social media. The author and supporters, including a Long Beach Unified School District administrator and a pediatric emergency physician, argued that social media is contributing to youth mental health crises, cyberbullying, self-harm, and related school and health system costs, and that platforms should help pay for mitigation. Opponents, including taxpayer, business, and industry groups, argued the fee would raise costs for businesses and consumers, especially small businesses that rely on targeted digital ads, and warned of likely legal challenges under federal law, including the Internet Tax Freedom Act. Committee members discussed the bill’s legal distinctions from Maryland’s digital advertising tax, the potential pass-through of costs to advertisers, and whether the proposal would meaningfully address youth harms. Several members expressed support for the bill’s goal and concern about social media’s effects on children, while others raised questions about how the revenue would be allocated and whether the tax burden would fall on small businesses. After testimony and debate, AB 796 was held in committee and referred to the suspense file. The committee also took up AB 1265 by Assembly Member Haney, which was already on the suspense file. The chair recommended an aye vote on the bill as amended, with a clarification to reporting requirements, and the committee approved it 5-0, sending it to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• COOPERATING WHAT WE SHARE HERE AND IT SOUNDS LIKE STATISTICS BEING RATTLE OFF BUT YOU PERSONALLY WHEN
• I THINK A LOT OF THE INFORMATION I HAVE SHARED HAS BEEN VALIDATED BY YOUR VISITS.
• SPEAKING OF THE FACTS VERY MUCH RELATED TO VACANCY AND I WILL BE BRIEF BUT I WILL SHARE A FEW WITH YOU
• I HAVE SHARED IN THE SENATE RECENTLY WE ARE THE FOURTH LARGEST ECONOMY AND THIRD-LARGEST SYSTEM IN THE
• WE AVERAGE 46 OUR ISSUES ARE SHARED WITH EVERYONE ELSE.

Transcript Highlights:

• AT THIS POINT WE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH THE UNIVERSITIES AND THEY LOOKED AT EACH INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM
• WE RUN THE ANALYSIS AND THEN WE SHARE WITH THE UNIVERSITY AND THE UNIVERSITY MAKE THE DECISION BASED
• AND THESE WERE THE ONES THAT WERE BELOW THE THRESHOLDS THAT I SHARED.
• BUT IN TERMS OF THE DATA THAT WE SHARED WE LOOKED AT WHAT WAS AWARDED AND SHARED IT WITH UNIVERSITIES
• A NEW PROGRAM TO US AND WE SHARE WITH THE UNIVERSITIES.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sharing criminal activity with residents is common sense.
• me the opportunity to lay out this bill and of course for also allowing both Cheryl and Shannon to share
• So I, I thank y'all for coming down and and and sharing your story, and I thank you for carrying this
• HB 1825 aims to improve information sharing between child welfare and juvenile justice systems to better
• We share the same goal, and there are some really good things in this bill.

Bills: HB 660, HB 4845, HB 3902, HB 5396, HB 4615, HB 1825, HB 1403, HB 4336, HB 4585, HB 4371, HB 863, SB 1589, HB 5223, HB 3195, HB 2734

Keywords: child protective services, adult protective services, caseload limits, call processing goals, child-care licensing, employee workload, reporting requirements, employee caseload limits, protective services, workload management, accountability, Department of Family and Protective Services, employee goals, call processing, child care, human resources, government accountability, Medicaid, provider enrollment, revalidation

Transcript Highlights:

• Sharing criminal activity with residents is also essential.
• If you have any final thoughts, please share them. Okay. One of the things that was...
• So I thank you all for coming down and... and sharing your story.
• House Bill 1825 aims to improve information sharing between child welfare and general juvenile justice
• We share the same goal, and there are some really good things in this bill. Section 786...

Bills: HB660, HB4845, HB3902, HB5396, HB4615, HB1825, HB1403, HB4336, HB4585, HB4371, HB863, SB1589, HB5223, HB3195, HB2734

Keywords: child protective services, adult protective services, caseload limits, call processing goals, child-care licensing, employee workload, reporting requirements, employee caseload limits, protective services, workload management, accountability, Department of Family and Protective Services, employee goals, call processing, child care, human resources, government accountability, Medicaid, provider enrollment, revalidation

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we share the stories of five remarkable individuals whose dedication, expertise, and compassion
• Today we share the stories of family.
• Today we share the stories of five<00:02:39.200><c> remarkable</c><00:02:40.000><c> individuals</c><00
• Gene Marie Almo shared the story of her husband David who battled gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• Gene Marie Almo shared the connection.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• IT CLARIFIES WHICH JURISDICTIONS CAN SHARE BUILDING OFFICIALS INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS, AND SMALL RURAL
• IN THE BILL THAT BASICALLY WE ARE SAYING IF THERE IS NOT A CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT THEN YOU HAVE TO SHARE
• THEY MADE A RESERVATION AND THEY HAVE TO SHARE THAT PERSON'S CONTACT INFORMATION WITH THE RESTAURANT.
• >> Chair: FOLLOW UP. >> BUT DON'T THEY SHARE THAT INFORMATION ANYWAY?
• THEY SHARE INFORMATION WITH THE RESTAURANT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• follow rules for where and how to set up your camp, how to manage your garbage and waste in your shared
• follow rules for where and how to set up your camp, how to manage your garbage and waste in your shared
• follow rules for where and how to set up your camp, how to manage your garbage and waste in your shared
• reliant on people getting out more, and there is an expectation that users through fees and taxes share
• I'm asking respected House members to extend management and protection of our shared resources to the

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 1120, the follow-up “Keep It Clean” bill from Representative Andrew Myers, which would create grant funding for local governments and organizations to improve garbage removal and related clean-water programs, especially around frozen lakes and winter recreation areas. Myers said the earlier Keep It Clean effort to enforce litter laws on frozen lakes had already reduced garbage in the water, and he framed this bill as a way to expand that success with additional resources. Testifier Robin Dwight of the Upper Red Lake Area Association and Keep It Clean Coalition described growing problems with trash and human waste on ice, said the coalition now has 60 members representing more than 10,000 lakes, and explained that local programs use dumpsters and separation systems to manage waste. Tom Johnson of the MPCA and Assistant Commissioner Bob Myers of the DNR both testified in support, saying improper disposal of human and solid waste is a real and growing problem and that the public education campaign has changed behavior on the ice. Members asked about the bill’s results and funding needs. Representative Pelz asked for more context on the coalition’s impact, and Dwight said the group has been active for about three years and recently launched a survey to gather more data on infrastructure needs for wheelhouse users. Representative Fiser asked what dollar amount would be needed, and Myers said the bill seeks general fund dollars, with a rough ideal range of one to two million dollars, though he emphasized he wanted to work with the committee on the final amount and funding mechanism. The discussion also noted a second related bill with a $10 wheelhouse fee as another possible funding option. No opposition testimony was presented. After discussion, the chair renewed the motion to lay over House File 1120 for possible inclusion in a future bill, and the bill was laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• So thank you for sharing that. I'm going to open it up. I see Dr.
• Those are the ones that we all share.
• Let me share a real example for us. For many years, our frontline engines...
• Let me share a real example for us.
• Any final thoughts or comments that anyone wants to share? Don't be shy. No.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, I'm sharing some highlights on the health status and trends in California.
• Today, I'm sharing some highlights on the health status and trends in California.
• Thank you for this opportunity to share California's health status. Thank you so much, Dr. Pond.
• And if you could share your name or organization and position on this issue in 30 seconds or less.
• If you could share your name, position on the issue, and if you can keep it 30 seconds or less.

Summary: The Assembly Subcommittee on Health heard an overview of the California Department of Public Health budget, including a $5.1 billion department budget and 19 non-IT budget change proposals spanning environmental health, healthcare quality, infectious disease, healthy communities, health statistics, preparedness, and laboratory sciences. CDPH also presented estimates for WIC and the Genetic Disease Screening Program, both of which were described as relatively stable, with WIC food costs rising mainly due to inflation and participation holding near 1 million monthly participants. Members and public commenters raised support for several proposals, including funding for the California Reducing Disparities Project, AB 1264 implementation on school food standards, childhood lead poisoning prevention, the hospital bed capacity registry, sickle cell care networks, and WIC protections amid federal policy changes and shutdown-related uncertainty. Dr. Erica Pond then presented the 2026 State of Public Health report, highlighting major gains such as record-low mortality rates, all-time high life expectancy, and the first decline in overdose deaths in 14 years, while warning about persistent disparities in maternal and infant outcomes, rising severe maternal morbidity, and worsening mental and behavioral health trends, especially among younger adults. She emphasized racial and geographic inequities, the role of social drivers like poverty and education, and the importance of prevention investments through the Behavioral Health Services Act. Members discussed the need for upstream public health spending, environmental health preparedness, and how to translate data into action, while public comment largely focused on sustaining community-based prevention and equity programs. In a separate update on federal actions and public health partnerships, Dr. Pond and CDPH staff described California’s response to federal funding threats, vaccine policy changes, and measles outbreaks. They outlined new collaborations such as the West Coast Health Alliance, the Governor’s Public Health Alliance, the WHO outbreak network, and the FACT Coalition, along with CDPH’s process for reviewing and updating immunization and preventive service recommendations under AB 144. Members questioned the rise in measles and declining vaccination coverage, and CDPH said it is using trusted messengers and tailored outreach while continuing to evaluate federal recommendations. The committee then heard an ADAP estimate showing lower projected budget authority needs due to reduced caseload and one-time funding expiring, followed by public support for using ADAP rebate funds to expand HIV prevention, PrEP, testing, and disease intervention staffing. The final issue focused on public health information technology systems, including Sapphire, CalReady, CalConnect, CARE, MyTurn, MyCAVAC, and the digital vaccine record. CDPH explained how these systems support disease reporting, contact tracing, immunization tracking, vaccine ordering, and outbreak response, while the Department of Finance said only Sapphire and CalReady are funded in the Governor’s budget and the rest are under review because of the state’s budget deficit and declining utilization. Local health department representatives strongly opposed losing the systems, arguing that lower usage reflects post-pandemic conditions and that the tools save staff time, improve outbreak response, and prevent a return to manual spreadsheets and phone calls. Members echoed concern that cutting the systems would undermine public health capacity and waste prior state investment, and urged the administration to present a funding plan that matches its stated commitment to public health.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am truly, truly moved by what they shared. That is an important message.
• I also appreciate what the sponsors have shared today.
• I also appreciate what the sponsors have shared today.
• This is a really important issue, and it's a weighty one. have shared today.
• And as I shared with the author, I will be supporting this bill today in committee.

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy insurance-focused agenda, including special-order bills on wildfire mitigation, Fair Plan accountability, aerial imagery, genetic testing, and wildfire moratoriums. AB 1888 would require California Safe Homes Grant Program work to be performed by a skilled and trained workforce at prevailing wage; it drew support from the author, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, and labor representatives, with no opposition heard. AB 1680, the “Make-It-Fair Act,” would impose accountability and consumer-protection reforms on the California FAIR Plan in response to Department of Insurance examination findings; it passed out on a do-pass motion to Appropriations, though the FAIR Plan Association remained opposed unless amended. AB 1559 would require notice and access rights when insurers use aerial images of homes and allow in-person inspection requests; it passed on a do-pass motion to Privacy and Consumer Protection, with broad support and one “concern” witness. The committee also took up AB 1798, which would bar life and disability insurers from using non-diagnostic genetic information, including direct-to-consumer genetic testing, for underwriting below a $1.5 million coverage threshold. Supporters, including the author, the Insurance Commissioner, the ALS Association, and several consumer and biotech groups, argued the bill would reduce fear of genetic discrimination and encourage testing and research. Opponents from life insurance and financial advisor groups argued the bill could impair risk-based underwriting and raise premiums, especially in the middle market. After extensive back-and-forth on the distinction between predictive genetic data and doctor-assessed medical risk, the bill passed as amended to Privacy and Consumer Protection on a do-pass vote, with several members voting no. AB 2038 would extend wildfire-related nonrenewal moratoriums from two to three years for total-loss homes and from one to two years for homes in and around fire zones. Supporters said the change better matches the real rebuilding timeline after major fires and protects displaced homeowners from losing coverage while rebuilding. Insurers and trade groups opposed the measure, warning that longer moratoriums could force carriers to reduce exposure elsewhere and worsen the broader availability crisis. The bill passed to Appropriations on a do-pass vote. The committee also approved AB 1800, which adds eyewear to portable electronics insurance coverage, and moved a consent calendar of additional bills, including AB 1554, AB 1683, AB 1781, and AB 2471. Later, AB 2198 was introduced to clarify title-rate filing responsibilities between title insurers and underwritten title companies and to require rate schedules to be posted publicly.

Transcript Highlights:

• Life and share. Lead to market collapse or significant disruption.
• Let me begin by acknowledging the patients and the families who shared their stories.
• I am truly, truly moved by what they shared. That is an important message.
• I also appreciate what the sponsors have shared today.
• And as I shared with the author, I will be supporting this bill today in committee.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just wanted to share that there's nothing more frustrating and irritating...
• And in some communities, these revenues make up a significant share of their revenue.
• I do not have that yet, but I will share with your office as soon as we get them.
• Agencies shared ALPR data with hundreds, even thousands of outside and... compliance.
• Rail could and should be shouldering a much larger share.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard a series of bills focused on driver accountability, curb management, privacy, illegal dumping enforcement, rail coordination, billboard signage, and high-speed rail development. SB 953 by Senator Nilo would add DMV points for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases dismissed through diversion; the author and supporters, including a victim’s mother and CHP representatives, argued it would ensure fatal conduct is reflected in driving records, while no opposition testified. SB 1292 by Senator Richardson would let certain cities use stationary cameras or sensors to enforce curb use in designated zones with human review of citations; supporters said it would help manage modern delivery and loading activity, while one privacy group remained cautious but noted the committee amendments improved the bill. SB 1228 by Senator Rubio would create a permanent compliance path for a small number of existing redevelopment-era LED advertising displays; supporters said it preserves local revenue and existing signs, while the outdoor advertising industry opposed it over federal compliance and fairness concerns. SB 1013 by Senator Cervantes would tighten ALPR privacy and security rules, require DOJ audits, training, and a 30-day retention limit; privacy advocates supported it as a needed enforcement measure, while law enforcement groups opposed the retention cap and hot-list limits as too restrictive. SB 1218 by Senator Arreguín would block DMV registration renewal for vehicles with unpaid illegal dumping fines, modeled on parking citation enforcement; local officials and city representatives strongly supported it as a deterrent, and no opposition was heard. SB 1136 by Senator Blakespear would require rail agencies to better coordinate service to major events and integrate fares and schedules; transit and rail advocates supported it, with some agencies taking a work-with-author or neutral position. SB 1425 by the committee chair would create a permit process for new encroachments on high-speed rail right-of-way; supporters said it would help protect and manage the corridor, while utilities and a city raised concerns about rights-of-way and enforcement language. SB 1411 by Senator Stern would expand high-speed rail authority to pursue public-private partnerships and early works, removing a project cap; supporters from Metro, labor, and rail groups said it would help leverage funding and advance the project, while Merced-area agencies remained cautious but noted amendments. Most bills were moved on committee votes, generally along party lines or with broad support, and several were left on call after roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• In front of you, I've shared a small presentation to outline some of the different historic moments that
• I wanted to share a bit about the opportunities that we see before us around the future of Exposition
• I can very briefly share the governor's proposal.
• My counterpart at the LAO is going to share some of her concerns after me, so I'm going to try to get
• And so I would like you to talk, to share a little bit of best...

Summary: The subcommittee heard budget proposals for Exposition Park, the California Science Center, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), the Debt Collection Licensing Act program, and the Board of Registered Nursing. For Exposition Park, the administration requested $96.5 million for utility replacement, site improvements, code compliance, accessibility, and safety upgrades, plus $1.698 million for operational sustainability funded from the park’s improvement fund. The LAO said the proposals had merit but noted the first item could be downscaled if needed because of the state’s budget condition. Members emphasized the park’s deferred maintenance, major upcoming events, and the need to protect a statewide asset; both Exposition Park items were held open. The Science Center requested funding to open and operate the new Air and Space Center, including staffing for the facility that will display the Space Shuttle Endeavour and expand exhibit space. The LAO supported the proposal but suggested the Legislature consider alternative funding sources such as admission fees, parking fees, or private funds. Members discussed the Science Center’s public-private funding model, the importance of keeping access affordable for disadvantaged communities, and the tradeoff between free admission and long-term operating support. The item was also held open. DFPI sought continuation of expenditure authority for the California Consumer Financial Protection Law, debt collection licensing, and broker-dealer/investment adviser workloads, and the LAO recommended limited-term funding with more cumulative reporting before permanent funding is considered. Members pressed the department on whether its workload and spending are tied to measurable outcomes rather than just activity counts, and DFPI cited complaint resolution, enforcement actions, and restitution recovered as examples of impact. The Debt Collection Licensing Act item drew similar LAO comments, but members raised stronger concerns about the financing model, the gap between projected and actual licensee counts, and whether spending levels are justified; that item was held open. The Board of Registered Nursing requested $1.4 million for eight special investigators to address rising complaints, and the board said most complaints are resolved through investigation, referral, probation, or rehabilitation rather than discipline. Members asked about complaint backlogs, viral and potentially automated complaints, bias in care, and the lack of broader inspection authority; the item was also held open.

Transcript Highlights:

• In front of you, I've shared a small presentation to outline some of the different historic moments that
• I wanted to share a bit about I wanted to share a bit about the opportunities that we see before us around
• I can very briefly share the governor's proposal.
• My counterpart at the LAO is going to share some of her concerns after me, so I'm going to try to get
• The licensees themselves are also having to spend a lot more because 1,200 people are now sharing the

Summary: The subcommittee heard a series of budget proposals, beginning with Exposition Park. Park leadership described the 160-acre state property’s historic role, growing visitation, and major upcoming events, including the FIFA World Cup fan fest and the 2028 Olympics. The governor’s proposal sought $96.5 million for utility replacement, site improvements, code compliance, accessibility, and public safety/traffic systems, plus $1.698 million for operational sustainability. The LAO said the proposals had merit but suggested the Legislature could consider downscaling some work given the budget condition. Members generally supported the requests, emphasizing deferred maintenance, public access, and the park’s statewide importance; both Exposition Park items were held open. The California Science Center requested funding to open and operate the new Air and Space Center, a major expansion featuring the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The LAO supported the proposal but suggested the Legislature consider alternative funding sources such as admission fees, higher parking fees, or private funds. Members debated whether the state should continue to fund operations without charging admission, with the Science Center explaining its public-private funding model and warning that fees could sharply reduce attendance, especially for underserved communities. The item was held open. The committee also reviewed continuation funding for the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation’s consumer protection and debt collection programs. DFPI and Finance said the requests would extend existing expenditure authority and were not General Fund asks. The LAO supported limited-term funding but urged cumulative reporting or a sunset-style review before permanent funding. Members pressed DFPI on outcomes, workload, and the high cost of the debt collection licensing program, noting that the number of licensees was far below early estimates and that assessments on the industry were substantial. Public commenters from the debt collection industry echoed those concerns, while others supported DFPI’s consumer protection work. The committee then heard a Board of Registered Nursing request for $1.4 million to fund eight special investigators. The board said complaint volume has risen with licensee growth and more complex cases, and members asked about complaint outcomes, regional caseloads, med spa oversight, viral complaints, and bias-related complaints. The board explained its investigation, probation, and intervention processes and said most cases reaching the Attorney General result in discipline. That item was also held open. After public comment on additional agenda items, the committee voted on several vote-only items. Items 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, and 17 were approved 4-0. Items 7, 9, and 14 were also approved, with the chair correcting the tally to 4-0. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we talked about that federal share.
• It's great to be with you, and I'm going to share a little bit of information for your request.
• A couple of early themes I want to share with you that I've heard just in these first 45 days.
• The last thing I'll share is a commitment to action.
• The last thing I'll share is a commitment to action.

Keywords: House Room C, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all