Transcript Highlights:

• So, in Manchester, with 12 wards, can there be 100 people from the city of Manchester that request a
• </c><00:16:19.240><c> can</c><00:16:19.440><c> there</c> so in Manchester with 12 Wards can there so
• Yes, as you can see, I'm not Senator Ward. Good morning, Chairman and committee members.
• But I will ask Senator Ward as well. Okay. All right, thank you. You're welcome.
• Seeing none, you can tell Senator Ward I don't intend to take this up until two weeks from today.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're going to move to file item number three, AB 2089 by Ward.
• Ward. Quorum. Thank you very much.
• So we're going to move to file item number three, AB 2089 by Ward.
• Ward. And we invite you to close if you would like. Yes, of course.
• File item number three, AB 2089, by Assembly Member Ward.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Lackey? Not voting. Elhori? Aye. Elhori, aye. Gonzalez? McKenner? Aye.
• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Lackey? Aye. Lackey, aye. Elhori? Aye. Elhori, aye. Gonzalez? McKenner?
• Ward? Aye. Ward? Aye. Lackey? Aye. Alhawari? Aye. Alhawari? Aye. Gonzalez? McKenner? Aye. McKenner?
• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Lackey? No. Lackey, no. Elhoray? Aye. Elhoray, aye. Gonzalez? McKenner? Aye.
• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Lackey? Elhawari? Gonzalez? McKenner? Aye. McKenner, aye. Ortega?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward. All right, we have established a quorum.
• Ward? Ward. The bill has seven ayes and three noes.
• Ward. Roger's aye. Ward, that has 10 votes, and we'll hold the roll open for members to add on.
• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Eleven to four. That has 11 to 4.
• Ransom, Ward. Ward, aye. Moving on to item number five, AB 1237, McKinnor.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several transportation and climate-related bills. AB 954 would create a Caltrans pilot program for bike highways in two metropolitan areas and require a report to the Legislature; supporters said it would expand protected regional bike networks and help climate and equity goals, while some members objected that it would divert gas-tax-funded transportation dollars away from road repairs and rural needs. The bill passed on a 7-3 vote, with the roll held open for later additions. AB 289 would authorize automated speed enforcement in active highway construction zones to protect workers. The author and labor and contractor witnesses described repeated work-zone crashes and fatalities and argued the cameras would supplement, not replace, CHP enforcement. Some members raised concerns about civil penalties and enforcement policy, but the bill advanced on a 9-? initial vote and later was approved 15-1 after the roll was completed. AB 674 would update the Clean Cars for All program to prioritize pre-2004 high-polluting vehicles in disadvantaged and low-income communities and improve reporting and incentive rules. Supporters said older vehicles produce a disproportionate share of emissions and that the program has already retired thousands of cars; the committee approved the bill unanimously on the floor vote and sent it to the Committee on Natural Resources. AB 1237 would let LA Metro and VTA add a $5 fee to primary ticket sales for 2026 FIFA World Cup and NCAA championship events to fund transit service, with ticket holders able to use transit on event day. Supporters said the fee would help manage congestion and security needs, while the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association argued it was an unconstitutional tax requiring voter approval. The bill passed and was re-referred to the Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. AB 891 would create a Caltrans quick-build pilot for temporary safety improvements on state highways for pedestrians and bicyclists; supporters emphasized rapid, low-cost safety fixes, while opponents said the program could divert gas-tax funds and was not appropriate for rural areas. It passed 11-4 and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also approved a six-bill consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Quinlan is excused, as is Representative Ward. The recommendation has been adopted.
• </c><01:26:22.320><c> Cherry</c> as is representative Ward Cherry as is representative Ward Cherry recommendation
• </c><01:26:51.520><c> are</c><01:26:51.639><c> there</c><01:26:51.760><c> any</c> representative Ward
• are there any representative Ward are there any reservations<01:26:52.440><c> or</c><01:26:52.600><c
• </c><01:32:18.119><c> are</c><01:32:18.239><c> there</c><01:32:18.360><c> any</c> Representative Ward

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Energy and Environmental Protection Committee met on February 13, 2025, after a brief recess for a concurrent hearing. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including HB 332 on recycling and lithium-ion batteries, HB 256 on environmental protection and federal air standards, HB 348 on single-use plastics in lodging establishments, HB 810 on noise pollution and helicopter-related civil actions, HB 505 on Red Hill coordination, HB 975 on carbon sequestration incentives, and HB 974 on utility financing and step-in agreements. Testimony was generally supportive on HB 256, HB 348, HB 505, HB 975, and HB 974, while HB 332 drew both support and opposition, including concerns from the Consumer Technology Association about battery recycling policy. On HB 975, OPSD supported the program but urged language to prevent use for carbon offsets, and the committee discussed how the program would be monitored and reimbursed. On HB 974, the chair summarized extensive amendments addressing reserve fees, revenue definitions, trust funds, default procedures, and customer credits, while noting the Consumer Advocate’s changed view that a reserve fee may not be constitutionally required. In decision making, the committee adopted amendments and recommended passage for HB 332, converting it into a working group to study recycling of small- and medium-format lithium-ion batteries, with members from state agencies and industry and a note that an appropriation may be needed. HB 256 was passed with amendments to clarify compliance with federal law unless standards become more stringent. HB 348, HB 810, and HB 505 were each passed as is. HB 975 was passed with amendments, including language to prevent use of the program for carbon offsets and a note that dollar amounts would be blanked out and addressed in the committee report. HB 974 was also passed with amendments after the committee reviewed the proposed changes and discussed the reserve fee issue. The committee additionally noted that HB 1476 had previously been deferred and would remain deferred, and the meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Senator<00:30:13.360><c> Ward,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Ward, &gt;&gt; Senator Ward, &gt;&gt; yes
• Senator Ward moves that the Senate concur with the House amendment on Senate Bill 430.
• Senator Ward, yes. Senator Rashardi is excused. Senator Fenton, no. Senator Mcu, yes.
• Senator Ward: Yes. Senator Rashardi: Excused. Senator Fenton: No. Senator Mcugh: Yes.
• c> the</c><01:09:11.839><c> Senate</c> Senator Ward moves that the Senate Senator Ward moves that the

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Ward, I, Wicks, Wilson.
• Ward.
• Ward? Ward, I'm sorry. Petrie-Norris, aye. Ward, aye. Wicks, aye. Wilson, aye. That has five votes.
• Ward, aye. Lowenthal, aye. Ortega, aye. Ward, aye. That bill is out, 13-0.
• Ward, we needed Mr. Ward on that. Okay, wait, I'm still not here. What? Say Ward, aye. Aye.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward? Present. Lackey? Yes, ma'am. El-Hawari... Ward? Present. Lackey? Yes, ma'am. Al-Hawari.
• Good morning, Chairman Ward and members of the committee.
• Chairman Ward and members of the committee, good morning.
• Ward. Aye. Ward. Aye. Lackey. Elhawari. Jeff Gonzalez. Aye. Jeff Gonzalez, aye. McKinner. Aye.
• Assemblymember Ward? Aye. Ward aye. Just the absent. Okay. El-Hawari. Jeff Gonzalez? Aye.

Summary: The committee heard two education-related bills. AB 1572, by Assembly Member Alanis, would require the California Interscholastic Federation to conduct annual reviews of sports officials’ safety training and qualifications and create an online system for schools to verify certification status. The author and CIF support argued it would improve transparency, accountability, and student-athlete safety; one late witness opposed the bill, criticizing CIF policies more broadly. The bill was moved forward on a due-pass motion and ultimately passed the committee 9-0. AB 1665, by Assembly Member Pacheco, would require school coaches to complete a California Department of Education-approved mental health training course. The author and supporters, including a former athlete and representatives from hospitals, professional sports teams, and psychiatrists, said coaches are often the first adults to notice mental health struggles and should be better equipped to respond. Opponents argued the bill could be used to advance gender-identity policies and questioned the need for additional training. Committee members in support said the bill was important for student mental health and that coaches already receive other safety training. The bill was amended and passed the committee 9-0. The chair also noted committee procedures at the start, including limits on witnesses and testimony time, and welcomed the new committee secretary. After both items were taken up and roll calls completed, the committee adjourned for the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward Johnson: Here. Thank you.
• Ward Johnson: Aye. Eight ayes, zero nays, the motion prevails.
• Representative Ward Johnson.
• Thank you, Representative Ward-Johnson. Members, any questions?
• Thank you, Representative Ward-Johnson.

Bills: HB1397, HB1886, HB3088, HB4187, HB4229, HB4230, HB5032, HCR6, HCR34, HCR50, HCR55, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR74, HCR75, HCR80, HCR86, HCR93, HCR100, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, HCR6

Keywords: Texas Constitution, Declaration of Independence, victory or death letter, display, historic preservation, lifeguard requirements, public beaches, municipalities, county regulations, exemptions, Parks and Wildlife, procurement, goods and services, revenue generation, Texas legislature, historical preservation, Texas Historical Commission, fees, nonprofit organizations, fundraising

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, Wicks. Ward? Aye. Wicks. Wilson, aye. And I know that we had an attempted motion by Mr.
• Ward, aye. Patterson, Pellerin, Petri-Norris, aye. Ward, aye. Wicks. Wilson, aye.
• Ward. Wicks? Thanks. Aye. Petri Norris. Aye. Petri Norris, aye. Ward. Wix? Aye. Wicks. I. Wilson.
• Ward, Ward. I. Wicks. I. Wicks. I. Wilson. I. Wilson. I have enough.
• Hoover, McKinner—I'm sorry, Ward. Ward, aye. That bill has 13 votes.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward. We have a quorum. All right, we will continue on.
• Ward. All right. We will hold the roll open for members to add on.
• Ward. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
• Ward, aye. Ceto-Aye, Papan, Ransom, Rogers, Sharp-Collins, Ward.
• Papan, Ransom, Rogers, Ward, aye. That bill has 13 votes.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on AB 2672 (Hart), which would require the California Energy Commission to set parameters for using an existing waiver process to allow non-CARBOB gasoline during fuel supply shocks, with fees used to offset emissions and help fund cleaner vehicles. Supporters said the bill would reduce gas price spikes and provide needed flexibility in emergencies; opponents, including the Western States Petroleum Association and union refinery representatives, argued it would function as a tax, create market uncertainty, and could undermine in-state refining and fuel-system compliance. Members raised concerns about affordability, refinery impacts, and delegation of authority to CARB/CEC, while the author said the bill was intended to be cost-neutral and protect consumers. The committee initially held the bill open and later advanced it on a divided vote. AB 2761 (Petrie-Norris) was heard next and would modernize California crash data reporting by creating a single statewide electronic system for fatal and injury crash reports. The author and AAA supported the measure, saying current paper-based reporting is slow, fragmented, and outdated, delaying safety improvements and federal funding opportunities. There was no registered opposition, and the bill moved forward unanimously to Appropriations. AB 1874 (Wilson) would prevent people convicted of certain serious driving offenses from serving a license suspension while incarcerated, so the suspension would begin when they are actually back on the road. Supporters, including law enforcement and roadway safety groups, said current practice makes suspensions meaningless and weakens accountability for dangerous drivers. Some members questioned whether the bill creates a double penalty, but the author argued the measure is limited to the most serious offenses and ensures the suspension has real public safety effect. The committee approved the bill on a strong vote. The committee also passed its consent calendar bills, and several measures were held open for later vote tallying before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward? Wilson? Thank you.
• Ward? Aye. Rubio, aye. Stephanie? Ward, aye. Wilson? SB 762? Yes, aye. Wilson, aye.
• Ward, aye. Ward, aye. Wilson, aye. Wilson, aye. Item out 7-1?
• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye.
• Ward, aye. Ward, aye. Ward, aye. Walson, aye. That measure's out 9 to 1. We have item number 5.

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a long agenda of local government, housing, transportation, and public safety bills. Early items included SB 762, which would give certain local governments a voter-approved path to seek additional local sales tax authority to address fiscal pressures; SB 1400, which would modernize Alameda Health System governance and give Alameda County more flexibility and oversight; and SB 1408, which would authorize Contra Costa County to place a renewal of its transportation sales tax on the ballot. Supporters for those bills included local officials, county representatives, labor groups, fire and police organizations, and transit advocates, while no organized opposition was presented on those measures in committee. The committee also heard SB 1272, which would give homeowners more time to correct certain inherited code violations and allow an affidavit process for buyers who did not know about the violation at purchase. The bill drew support from the California Apartment Association and opposition from code enforcement and county groups, who argued it would reduce local enforcement discretion and create health and safety risks. After questions about disclosure and enforcement, the committee approved SB 1272 as amended and re-referred it to Appropriations. SB 1055, dealing with procurement flexibility for Pajaro flood control and levee repairs, also passed as amended and was sent to Appropriations. Later, the committee approved SB 1379, which would separate the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner and create an independent medical examiner system. The author and supporters argued the change was needed for transparency and independence in in-custody death investigations, while opponents raised labor, cost, and governance concerns; some opposition was softened after the author agreed to employee-protection amendments. The committee also passed SB 1172, limiting consultant compensation and adding transparency rules for local tax-sharing agreements, and several housing bills from Senator Grayson: SB 1003 on pro-housing infrastructure financing districts, SB 1014 on early disclosure of infrastructure requirements for housing projects, and SB 1169 on extending tentative vesting map validity. The committee took votes on consent items and later add-ons, with most measures passing on bipartisan or unanimous votes and several being re-referred to Appropriations or Housing and Community Development as appropriate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, not voting.
• Ransom, Rogers, I, Ward.
• Ward? I, Rogers. Rogers, not voting, Ward.
• Ward, aye. We have... Ward, aye. That bill has 11 aye votes; it is out.
• Ward, aye. Macedo, not voting. Ward, aye. That bill has 14 aye votes; it is out.

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:

• Ward. Ward here. Wicks. Here. Wilson here. We have a quorum. Okay. Moved by Ms. Ortega.
• Ward: Aye. Wicks: Aye. Wilson: Aye. Wilson: Aye. Eight-oh.
• Ward may have talked about $12.
• Ward. Wicks. Wilson. Wilson. I. Norris, Ward, Wicks, Wilson. Aye. Wilson, aye.
• Norris, Ward, Wicks. Pellerin? Aye. Pellarin? Aye. Pellarin? Aye. Ward, Wicks. Wilson? Aye.

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to privacy, consumer protection, and online harms. SB 259 by Senator Wahab would prohibit surveillance pricing based on device data such as geolocation or battery level; supporters argued it would curb discriminatory and predatory pricing, while opponents raised concerns about geolocation definitions, legitimate location-based pricing, and impacts on discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee and passed 8-1, with members noting amendments and ongoing discussions with stakeholders. SB 22 by Senator Laird would raise the amount of gift cards that can be redeemed for cash, with the author saying the goal is to update the long-standing $10 threshold for inflation and preserve consumer value. Consumer advocates supported the bill, while retailers, restaurants, grocers, and chambers of commerce opposed or opposed unless amended, citing fraud concerns, safety issues, and the need for clarification on donated or returned gift cards. The committee voted the bill out on a 6-1 vote and kept it on call. SB 576 by Senator Umberg would apply broadcast-style loudness rules to streaming advertisements. The author said the bill is intended to prevent ads from being much louder than programming, especially for children, while the opposition argued that streaming ad insertion is technically different and that existing industry standards and FCC oversight already address the issue. The bill passed 8-0. SB 683 by Senator Cortese would clarify that people can seek injunctive relief, including a TRO, for unauthorized use of name, image, or likeness; supporters said it strengthens privacy protections, while opponents warned about prior restraint and First Amendment concerns. The bill was moved out on a due pass motion and kept on call. The final bill discussed, SB 771 by Senator Stern, would clarify that existing civil rights and hate-related laws apply to social media platforms and their algorithms, with higher penalties for intentional or reckless violations. Supporters, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Islamic Networks Group, described online hate as fueling real-world violence and urged stronger accountability; opponents argued the bill could conflict with Section 230, chill lawful speech, and create vague standards. Members raised questions about constitutionality, definitions, and whether the bill would be workable, but several expressed support for the author’s goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward? Ward here. Wilson? Wilson here. So who will entertain a motion?
• Ward? Aye. Ward? Aye. Wilson? Aye. Thank you so much. And we have the next bill, AB 2180.
• Seeing none, would you like to close, Assembly Member Ward?
• Ward: Aye. Wilson: Aye. Wilson, aye. 9 to 0.
• Ward: Aye. Wilson: Aye. The bill is out. We do have a couple more. That's good.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward: aye. Lackey: no. Elhawary: aye. Ward: aye. Lackey: no. Elhawary: aye. Gonzales: aye.
• Ward. Aye. Ward. Aye. Lackey. Aye. Lackey. Aye. Elhawary. Aye. Aye. Gonzalez. McKinnor. Aye.
• Ward? Aye. Ward? Aye. Lackey? El-Hawaray. Gonzalez? McKinnor? Aye. McKinnor? Aye. Ortega?
• Ward? Aye. Ward? Aye. Lackey? El-Hawaray. Gonzalez? McKinnor? Aye. McKinnor? Aye. Ortega?
• Ward? Aye. Ward? Aye. Lackey? El Huari? I. El Huari? I. Gonzalez? McKinner? Aye. McKinner? I.

Summary: The committee heard AB 749, which would create a blue ribbon commission to study equitable access to youth sports and recommend a statewide framework, including coaching standards, PE modernization, and funding models to reduce barriers for families. The author and supporters, including youth sports advocates, educators, coaches, and former athletes, argued that sports improve health, school engagement, and long-term opportunity, while noting racial and income disparities in participation. One member raised concerns that a new commission could add cost and regulatory burdens, but the bill was framed as a study measure rather than immediate regulation. The committee also took up AB 549, aimed at coordinating state and local security planning for major upcoming sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, and Olympic and Paralympic Games. Supporters said the bill would improve interagency coordination, protect visitors and communities, and help prevent human trafficking and discrimination during mega-events. Members discussed the need to avoid over-policing and to center community values, but the bill advanced on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. AB 1291 addressed ticket purchasing for concerts, sports, and other live events by requiring electronic proof of purchase and allowing it to be used for entry if a ticket cannot be accessed through no fault of the buyer. Supporters said the measure would give consumers more certainty and help address problems in a monopolized ticketing market, while opponents from venues, sports teams, and entertainment groups warned it could undermine anti-scalping tools, create security problems, and burden venues with duplicate or fraudulent proofs of purchase. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended basis to Privacy and Consumer Protection, with the roll held open for absent members. The consent calendar item, AB 644, was also approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1739, Ward, clergy, held in committee.
• AB 1813, Ward, renewable electricity subscription programs, do pass.
• AB 1813, Ward, renewable electricity subscription programs, do pass.
• AB 2027, Ward, worker data prohibitions, held in committee. Thank you.
• AB 2027, Ward, worker data prohibitions, held in committee. AB 2222, Ward, tax credit local news.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held a suspense-file hearing on May 14, 2026, reviewing hundreds of Assembly bills and a few committee bills. The chair opened by explaining the committee’s budget constraints and the factors used in suspense decisions, including fiscal impact, return on investment, effects on constituents, and protection of the state’s social safety net. The agenda was organized alphabetically by author, and the committee noted that results would be posted later that day online. The committee then acted on a very large number of measures, sending many bills to the Assembly floor on do pass or do pass as amended motions, while holding many others in committee. Topics covered a broad range of policy areas, including housing, health care, education, labor, public safety, wildfire mitigation, water, energy, transportation, cannabis, immigration, and state governance. Many bills were amended to narrow scope, make implementation contingent on appropriations or existing resources, remove provisions, or clarify agency responsibilities; several bills were held without further action. Among the notable actions, the committee advanced bills on items such as Medi-Cal services, child care, wildfire-related programs, housing financing, school and college issues, public safety and criminal justice, environmental and energy policy, and various consumer and business regulations. Some measures were sent out on A or B roll calls, with Republicans often not voting on amended bills. The hearing concluded after the committee reported that a large number of bills had been moved to the Assembly floor, either as do pass or do pass with amendments, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, for being here.
• Ward, we're talking about investing more money in the E... Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Ward.
• Ward. This is an interesting conversation that we're having because I think it gets... Mr. Ward.
• Ward.
• Ward, thank you for being here.

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:

• Assemblymember Ward? Thank you, Chair.
• Ward? Aye. Wilson? The vote is... Aye, Ward? Aye, Wilson. The vote is 7-0. The bill moves on.
• Ward? Aye. Wilson? Stephanie? Aye. Ward? Aye. Wilson? The vote is 6-1.
• Assembly Member Ward.
• Ward. Wilson. Ward, aye. I will follow up for you. 0. 6.0.

Summary: The committee heard multiple bills, with extensive discussion focused on short-term rental regulation, street vending, park/public safety financing, transit-oriented housing fees, and demographic data collection. SB 346 would require short-term rental platforms to provide local governments with listing addresses and related information to help collect transient occupancy taxes and enforce local ordinances; supporters argued cities and counties need the data to identify unlicensed operators and recover taxes, while opposition from platforms raised privacy and due process concerns and said administrative subpoenas already exist. The bill was amended and passed 7-0 to the Judiciary Committee. SB 635, the Street Vendor Business Protection Act, sought to protect street vendors’ personal information from being shared in ways that could expose them to federal immigration enforcement; supporters described raids and fear in vendor communities, and the bill passed 6-1 to Public Safety. SB 499 would clarify that certain park and recreation facilities designated in local safety or hazard mitigation plans can qualify for fee deferral exemptions when they serve emergency or public safety functions; supporters said parks can serve as fire buffers, evacuation sites, and recovery hubs, while some housing advocates sought a clearer nexus to development impacts. The bill passed as amended 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 358, which would modernize traffic impact fee rules to better reflect lower automobile trip generation for walkable, transit-oriented housing, drew support from housing and transportation advocates and passed 8-0 to Appropriations. SB 515, aimed at improving demographic data collection and reporting by local governments and state entities, passed to Appropriations on a 4-0 vote. The committee also took up SB 276, presented by Assembly Member Stefani on behalf of Senator Wiener, which would allow San Francisco to create a permit-and-enforcement system for the sale of commonly stolen goods on sidewalks. Supporters said the measure is needed to address fencing operations and protect legitimate vendors, while emphasizing it is narrowly targeted and not aimed at food vendors or permitted sellers. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 276, with supporters from the Mission street vendor community and San Francisco Public Works describing enforcement problems and the need for clearer rules and city resources.

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.