Video & Transcript Research : 'Penal Code'
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NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 13th, 2026 at 08:35 am
House Taxation & Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- metropolitan redevelopment area and those areas are as designated in the Metropolitan Redevelopment Code
- Are as designated in the Metropolitan Redevelopment Code, which is this section.
- Chair and Vice Chair, this section of our tax code does need cleanup.
- think moving forward that potentially something you all consider as you clean up parts of this tax code
Keywords:
general obligation bonds, GO bonds, capital projects, bond election, property tax levy, state debt, state finance, capital outlay, senior centers, senior citizen facilities, aging services, long-term services, libraries, library acquisitions, broadband for libraries, higher education, university capital projects, community colleges, tribal schools, special schools
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Tax Reform Jan 15th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Special Committee on Tax Reform
Transcript Highlights:
- We don't have countywide planning and zoning, and we don't have code enforcement out in the county, as
- Louis, and I'm going to say 100 of them for sure don't have code inspection or any of those things that
- assessor discretion, and I'm not sure, you know, ...the assessor discretion, and I'm not sure what in code
- it's probably easier to determine, probably because you have an occupancy permit process with your code
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Criminal Justice Dec 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- that routes directly to a public safety answering point, and allow a victim to create a numerical code
- When that code is used, the system will automatically transmit predesignated information to law enforcement
- I'm asking you to pass this bill so a woman can use a code, put it in the phone, and be able to get help
- But if they have that code, you know, for real, this person is really in dire trouble.
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Committee met with several members excused and first took up SB 350, which clarifies public records protections for crime victims and extends temporary confidentiality to law enforcement officers involved in use-of-force incidents for 72 hours, with a possible written extension up to 60 days. Senator Graal said the bill was intended to align with the Florida Constitution’s victim definition and to address privacy concerns without allowing indefinite withholding. Testimony from Marsy’s Law and the Florida PBA supported the measure, though there were questions about the 60-day period. The committee reported SB 350 favorably.
The committee then considered two domestic violence-related bills by Senator Berman. CS/SB 296, after a delete-all amendment, directs a study of a secure web-based alert platform that would give domestic violence victims a unique phone number and code-based emergency alert system, and it expands Florida’s address confidentiality program to dating violence victims. Several speakers, including survivors and advocates, described the need for safer ways to seek help without alerting abusers. The bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 298 similarly expanded confidentiality protections for the Haven Coordinating Council records to cover dating violence victims, and it was also reported favorably.
Later, the committee heard SB 398, which updates Florida statutes by replacing the term “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material,” including conforming changes to the offense severity ranking chart. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 156, the Jason Raynor Act, which changes resisting-an-officer language, removes references to lawful or unlawful duty in favor of “any duties,” and adds manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to offenses requiring a life sentence. Law enforcement groups supported the bill, while the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about removing judicial discretion and eliminating a statutory protection against force when an officer knows an arrest is unlawful. Despite those objections, the committee reported the bill favorably.
Finally, the committee approved SB 168 on public nuisances, which expands nuisance law to include gambling houses, increases penalties, allows attorney fees, and authorizes foreclosure for unpaid fees, and CS/SB 54, which after amendment focuses on medical examiner procedures and reporting related to violent offenders and toxicology/psychotropic drug review. Both bills were reported favorably. The meeting ended after members recorded additional affirmative votes and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Community Affairs Nov 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Our general contractors—everything that we build is to code: Florida building code, local building code
- The longer answer is we did a competitive procurement, and we are required per 2 CFR 200, Code of Federal
Summary:
The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard several housing and disaster-recovery items. The committee heard SB 48 by Senator Gates, which would require local governments to allow voluntary accessory dwelling units, preserve homestead treatment for the owner-occupied portion of the property, limit undue parking restrictions, require 30-day minimum rentals, extend certain density bonuses for military families, and allow reusable tenant screening reports. The bill drew strong support from the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals and several others, and it was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 34 by Senator Sharif, creating a historic cemeteries program to help preserve historic African-American cemeteries and allow sale of excess vacant land if proceeds are used for long-term maintenance; it was also reported favorably.
The committee then considered and recommended confirmation of Fox Henderson to the Board of Directors of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Members also received a presentation from the Department of Commerce on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and Rebuild Florida. Deputy Secretary Justin Domer described the state’s administration of HUD disaster recovery funds, including more than $4.3 billion received since 2017, housing repair and replacement programs that have completed 5,271 homes, and infrastructure and mitigation projects such as sewer conversion in Alford, the new Calhoun-Liberty Hospital, and the Florida Keys desalination plant. Members asked about average project costs, contractor oversight, corrective actions for deficient work, and audit procedures; Domer said the department uses inspections, vendor oversight, and financial penalties, and noted stricter contract consequences in newer programs.
The Division of Emergency Management also presented on Elevate Florida, a federal mitigation program that allows homeowners to apply directly for elevation, reconstruction, acquisition/demolition, or wind-mitigation projects, with a 75/25 federal-homeowner cost share and no state funds. Director Kevin Guthrie said the program is designed to reduce repetitive flood losses and keep homeowners in place, and that it has received more than 12,000 applications, with about 1,500 prioritized, 500 on a wait list, and 305 submitted to FEMA for final approval. Members asked about the 25% match for seniors, the wait list, contractor procurement, and how projects are classified; Guthrie said the program uses insurance proceeds where available, has competitively procured 27 contractors, and may shift projects from elevation to reconstruction depending on damage and flood rules. The committee adjourned after the presentations and discussion.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JDC, JDC DEFER Public Hearings 02-19-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It authorizes pedestrians to act contrary to the statewide traffic code when a reasonably careful pedestrian
- 25.200>
traffic act contrary to the Statewide traffic act contrary to the Statewide traffic code - 25.720>
when <00:02:25.840>a <00:02:25.959>reasonably <00:02:26.400>careful code - when a reasonably careful code when a reasonably careful pedestrian<00:02:27.720>
would <00:02
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held a decision-making-only agenda and voted on a series of bills, mostly following the chair’s recommendations. Measures passed unamended included SB 1202 on allowing campaign funds for child care and dependent care costs, SB 30 requiring all moped drivers to wear helmets, SB 55 requiring state administrative rules to be posted in a digitally accessible and searchable format, SB 106 on pedestrian conduct more than 200 feet from a crosswalk, SB 344 requiring helmets for skateboard users under 16, SB 849 increasing penalties for harming native species, SB 1337 clarifying Stadium Authority quorum rules, and SB 268 reducing the size of island burial councils and removing certain membership requirements. SB 1511, which prohibits vessels longer than 75 feet from entering Honay Bay, was also adopted, though the transcript includes some inconsistent wording about whether it was amended.
Several bills were approved with amendments. SB 1048 on solicitation of funds from the public was amended to remove a ministerial exception and to require certain charitable organizations and fundraising platforms to file written contracts with the Department before commencing solicitations. SB 109 was amended so that, in specified circumstances, the ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi version of a law would be binding when the law was originally drafted in English, translated into Hawaiian, and later amended. SB 66 on county building permits was amended to add a bad date, April 23, 2057. SB 1312, deferred to the 10 o’clock agenda, clarified that “profits from prostitution” includes money or property received from prostitution proceeds even if characterized as reimbursement or debt repayment; it was also passed with amendments.
The committee also adopted a recommendation to pass SB 55 and other measures with the noted excused absences of Senator Gabbard and, at times, other members. Throughout the meeting, no major opposition was recorded beyond one member voting no or with reservations on some bills, and the chair repeatedly announced that the recommendations had been adopted. The meeting concluded after the 10 o’clock agenda, with notice that the committee would meet upstairs for later agendas with WHAM.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Arizona, only 5% of the students that took advantage of the state's voucher program came from zip codes
- The majority of the families that took advantage of the vouchers came from zip codes with a medium income
- And while we can all recognize that not all students come from the same mold, background, or zip code
- are skyrocketing, and we have a chance to provide opportunities for more. that are trapped in a zip code
Keywords:
Maverick County, recognition, economic development, Texas Senate, community celebration, 1185, senate, all
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Feb 4, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 12
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- be construed as quote, in addition to this, the essential health benefits within the meaning of 45 Code
- <00:23:45.919>
meaning <00:23:46.159>of <00:23:46.320>45 <00:23:47.120>code - benefits within the meaning of 45 code benefits within the meaning of 45 code of<00:23:47.440>
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Feb 4th, 2025
House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- how many acres is this problem with this siphon affecting, and why are we trying to change the tax code
- And so, it is currently, you're absolutely right, for years, this tax code was not. interpreted this
- one of the things that makes us special here, and so we want to clarify what is already in the tax code
- I just don't feel comfortable changing the tax code across the board for farmers across the state.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- This is in an existing statute, as we understood, in the children's code.
- was important to maintain, and it is at the expense of the parent as it's written in the children's code
- And again, ...of the parent as it's written in the children's code, and it mirrors that language.
Bills:
SB237
Keywords:
child welfare, Department of Children and Family Services, mandatory reporting, abuse prevention, investigative teams, child ombudsman, forensic interviews, confidentiality
Summary:
The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on April 20 and took up Senate Bill 237 by Senator Barrow, a child welfare measure addressing the duties of the state child ombudsman, DCFS, public reporting, confidentiality, critical incident reviews, multidisciplinary investigative teams, forensic interviews, mandatory reporter training, and related child abuse and neglect procedures. Before discussion, the committee reconsidered and withdrew a previously adopted amendment set, then heard the bill re-read and reviewed a new amendment package developed through meetings among Senator Barrow, Representatives Spell and Berault, DCFS, and the ombudsman’s office.
Members described the revised bill as narrowing and clarifying several provisions: reducing the number of law enforcement liaisons, limiting death/near-fatality notifications to legislative leadership and committee chairs with later notice to affected district members if substantiated, adjusting medical review language, and adding quality-improvement and training components. Other changes included keeping school-related reports routed to law enforcement, changing some mandatory language to discretionary language for certain child-on-child sexual abuse situations, aligning multidisciplinary team procedures with existing interagency protocols, and making technical revisions to reduce burden and likely lower the fiscal note. The committee also adopted a separate amendment to include recreation language for the Department of Children and Family Services.
Senator Barrow and several representatives emphasized that the goal was to improve child protection and review processes while making the bill workable for DCFS and other agencies. They noted the importance of outside review, ombudsman access to records, and using review findings to drive implementation changes. After no objections, the committee adopted the amendment sets and reported Senate Bill 237 favorably with amendments. The meeting then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/12/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- project, and they have to have a continued and ongoing discussion with the city engineer, with the code
- <00:19:12.960>
and to make sure that it meets the codes and to make sure that it meets the - codes and it<00:19:13.159>
meets <00:19:13.400>the <00:19:13.520>interests <00:19 - the city engineer with the code the city engineer with the code officials<00:19:38.280>
and - make sure that the uh project is code make sure that the uh project is code compliant<00:19:45.520
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (02/04/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- open-source software so that anybody that has the technical ability and the desire can look at the code
- open-source software so that anybody that has the technical ability and the desire can look at the code
- open-source software so that anybody that has the technical ability and the desire can look at the code
- open-source software so that anybody that has the technical ability and the desire can look at the code
- Desire can look at the code to see how it was counting, how it was programmed to count the ballots.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
Transcript Highlights:
- It's proving the need for maltreatment coding.
- This bill seeks to create a standardized maltreatment coding system in Massachusetts.
- specific code recognizing the abuse and neglect of LGBTQ youth.
- Currently, Massachusetts lacks a standardized maltreatment coding system.
- A robust maltreatment coding system would serve two vital functions.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities held a hybrid hearing on a series of child welfare bills focused on DCF, foster care, mandated reporting, educational records, and family support. Chair Kennedy and Chair Livingstone opened with accessibility and testimony rules, then heard testimony on bills including S.127 on expanding mandated reporters, S.107/H.235 on a Foster Children’s Bill of Rights, S.106/H.228 on transferring foster care review from DCF to the Office of the Child Advocate, H.258/S.125 on an electronic backpack for foster children’s educational records, H.205 on kinship foster care background checks, H.246/H.266 on minimizing trauma in care and protection cases, and S.159 on support for families after sudden unexpected infant death.
Supporters of the mandated reporter bill, led by Sen. Feeney and Foxborough advocates, described a local model that trains all adults who work with children and argued the state should scale that approach statewide to improve recognition and reporting of abuse. Testimony on the foster care bills emphasized the need for clearer rights, better notice to children and attorneys, stronger remedies, and independent oversight. Advocates, youth with lived experience, and legal organizations described placement instability, delayed notifications, abuse in care, poor educational continuity, and the need for rights around safety, family contact, culture, language, and access to records. Several witnesses urged that the Foster Children’s Bill of Rights include enforceable court remedies, not just reporting requirements.
On the oversight bill, supporters argued DCF should not review its own foster care system and pointed to poor outcomes, high placement instability, and recent investigative reporting as evidence for moving review responsibilities to the Office of the Child Advocate. On the electronic backpack bill, testimony focused on the need for real-time data sharing and a centralized system so schools can receive foster students’ records quickly and support continuity. On the trauma-minimization bill, Rep. Miskin framed the proposal as a set of practical changes to reduce harm during removals and court involvement. On the SUID bill, Sen. Lovely said families should be given information about available grief and support resources after an infant death. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Feb 18th, 2026
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- And as a contractor, I can tell you, you cannot redo historic buildings with the current energy code,
- Americans with Disability Act, and the new building code.
- , buildings with the current energy code, buildings with the current energy code, Americans<00:23
- <00:23:21.760>
It <00:23:22.000>just <00:23:22.320>it's new building code. - It just it's new building code. It just it's mathematically<00:23:23.520>
impossible.
Keywords:
SB62, Alabama, conservation and natural resources, hunting license, fishing license, wildlife heritage license, license identification, government-issued ID, residency determination, in-state residency, student residency, tuition classification, public higher education, domicile, resident status, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR, Section 9-11-32, Section 9-11-33, Section 16-64-3
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 3 February, 2026; 9:00 A.M.
Judiciary, Division B
Transcript Highlights:
- Code. Right?
- The DACA, um, and I don’t know all the U.S. codes. Asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158.
- Um the codes. asylum under 8 USC 1158.
- But we are creating a new statute under the Mississippi Code.
- And so, do under the Mississippi code.
Summary:
The committee took up several criminal justice and public safety bills. Senator Sparks explained SB 2416, which would let a law enforcement officer who tests positive on an initial drug screen obtain a more invasive follow-up test at the officer’s expense; if the second test is negative, the first result would be treated as a false positive and the officer’s certification would not be put at risk. The committee also heard SB 2228, which would reduce the waiting period for certain felony expungements from five years to three years, following a recommendation from the criminal justice task force. Members discussed how expungement remains discretionary with the court and does not change which offenses are eligible; the bill passed committee after a motion and voice vote.
The committee then considered a committee substitute for SB 21108, a combined bail bill. Counsel said it would require suspension of a bail agent’s license when there is a civil judgment, exclude credit card transaction fees from authorized bail fees, clarify requirements for cash deposits in lieu of surety or property bonds, bar unsecured judicial release for bail-restricted offenses, and allow courts to assess service-of-process costs against bail agents in certain failure-to-appear cases. A reverse repealer was added, and the committee voted to pass the committee substitute.
Finally, the committee heard SB 2114, which would expand state immigration enforcement efforts by allowing DPS to collect information on illegal aliens, codifying participation in the federal 287(g) program, and creating state penalties for certain unlawful entry and criminal conduct by undocumented persons, including enhanced penalties for violent or sex offenses. The sponsor and counsel said the bill is intended to work with federal law and includes exemptions for certain federal immigration statuses and a provision allowing some nonviolent defendants to agree to deportation in lieu of prosecution. Members raised concerns about enforcement, probable cause, and unintended consequences, but the sponsor said the bill would require proof of entry through the Gulf of Mexico for the new entry offense and that the measure would enhance cooperation with federal authorities.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/14/2026 - Senate Finance and House Ways & Means Joint Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think that we here in Arizona should adopt and apply the Trump tax cuts to the Arizona tax code
- The Trump tax cuts to the Arizona tax code. I think it's good for taxpayers.
- House Bill 2351 and Senate Bill 1106 conform state statute to the Internal Revenue Code as of January
- And that's what this change in the tax code will do: it will recognize the deduction in the period that
- Our tax code should not pick winners and losers.
Summary:
The joint House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees met to hear identical conformity bills, HB 2153 and SB 1106, which would align Arizona tax law with the federal Internal Revenue Code as of Jan. 1, 2026, including some retroactive provisions for tax year 2025. Staff explained that the bills would exclude three federal provisions: the higher federal SALT deduction, the new senior deduction as written in H.R. 1, and the deduction for interest on new car loans. They would instead include a $6,000 retirement-income deduction for taxpayers age 60 and older, a $6,000 Roth IRA contribution deduction, a higher dependent tax credit, and a deduction for child and dependent care expenses above the federal credit. JLBC estimated the package would reduce general fund income tax revenue by about $441.3 million in FY 2026. Members also discussed that the Department of Revenue’s forms had been issued assuming full conformity, and staff and supporters argued the bills were needed quickly to avoid confusion and amended returns during filing season.
Committee members and sponsors largely framed the bills as tax relief and a way to provide certainty for taxpayers and preparers. Supporters said the package would help families, seniors, and workers, and noted that the Arizona version was negotiated to keep the overall tax relief roughly comparable to full conformity while shifting benefits away from the SALT deduction and toward child credits, retirement income, and child care. The sponsors also criticized the governor’s executive action and urged prompt passage so taxpayers would know how to file. Opponents argued the bills would reduce state revenue, worsen the budget outlook, and disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers and corporations. Several witnesses and members also raised concerns about the child care deduction, the retirement-income deduction, and the business expensing provisions, while supporters responded that the bill was designed to help working families and encourage saving and investment.
Public testimony was mixed. The Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club supported the bills, emphasizing early conformity, filing certainty, and reduced confusion for taxpayers and software providers. Opponents included Save Our Schools Arizona, the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, Opportunity Arizona, and several individuals, who argued the package would deepen budget problems and favor the wealthy. One witness objected to a federal school-choice-related provision she said was being tied to the bill, though committee members said the measure before them was a tax conformity bill and not a school finance bill. The hearing included extended debate over the fiscal impact, the governor’s prior requests for some of the same tax changes, and whether taxpayers would need to file amended returns if the legislature later changed course. The transcript ends during testimony from NFIB, with no final committee vote or action shown in the excerpt.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We're amending Section 26.009 of the Education Code. In the House, they're amending section 18.
- As such, a zip-code requirement is unnecessary for workers' compensation policies.
- by the House that would have extended a separate tax program located in a separate section of the code
- In a separate section of the code, I move adoption.
- All it does is codify what is already an administrative code.
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation and then took up several conference committee matters and resolutions. It granted the House request for a conference committee on House Bill 46 and adopted a conference report on Senate Bill 37, which was described as higher education governance reform, including stronger board authority, changes to faculty senates, general education requirements, and a new ombudsman office. Senators also adopted a large package of resolutions and HCRs by voice vote.
A major focus was Senate Bill 12, the “Parental Bill of Rights,” whose conference report was adopted after extended questioning. The bill was described as giving parents more access to school materials and grievance procedures, requiring parental consent for student clubs, and restricting school district employees from assisting with social transitioning or related gender-identity instruction. Senators raised concerns about effects on students already socially transitioned and on parental rights in medical or psychological decisions; the author said the House language was retained in key areas and that districts would need policies and parent notification. The report passed 20-11.
The Senate then adopted a resolution allowing the conference committee on Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-2027, to go outside the bounds, and later adopted the budget conference report. Senators highlighted major funding for public education, property tax relief, public safety, health and human services, child care, water and transportation infrastructure, and the Texas Energy Fund. The budget discussion also covered higher education, mental health facilities, community attendant wages, rural hospitals, DFPS case management, child care assistance, and a study rider on TRS. The report passed unanimously, 30-0.
Finally, the Senate suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 8 and adopted its conference report. The bill requires counties with jails or jail contracts to participate in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program, with sheriffs choosing among available models and counties receiving tiered grants to help cover costs. Supporters framed it as a public safety measure targeting criminal illegal aliens, while opponents questioned whether it would divert local resources and increase fear in immigrant communities. The report was adopted after debate.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/08/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Submitted for the record, in this hearing is a white paper abbreviated Code Blue, which I asked the committee
- from the owners of our health care system to protect the health of all Minnesotans regardless of zip code
- <00:35:43.839>
regardless <00:35:44.320>of <00:35:44.560>zip <00:35:44.800>code - <00:35:45.599>
Thank <00:35:45.839>you motans regardless of zip code. - Thank you motans regardless of zip code.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 09:00 am
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- These codes were not adopted through careful study and analysis.
- Most often they were These codes were not adopted through careful study and analysis.
- But also most new homes Are in buildings that would have been illegal under the prior code, but also
- Salem’s zoning code is not representative of actual land uses in many residential areas.
- I want to thank our code officer, and we’re going to join the committee.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on zoning, Chapter 40B, and related housing bills. Much of the testimony focused on the “Yes in My Backyard” bill (H. 1572/S. 962), which would expand by-right development of missing middle housing, reduce barriers such as minimum lot sizes and parking mandates, and support duplexes, triplexes, and other small-scale housing. Supporters included housing advocates, developers, local officials, and municipal leaders from places like Cambridge, Salem, and Braintree, who argued that state action is needed because local zoning often blocks needed housing and that the bill would help create more affordable, neighborhood-compatible homes. Several witnesses also backed a companion “Yes in God’s Backyard” bill (H. 2347), which would allow faith-based institutions to build housing on their property by right, with testimony emphasizing the potential for new units, added municipal tax revenue, and partnerships between religious organizations and housing developers.
The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 1021 to modernize Chapter 40R incentives. Senator Pavel Payano and others said the program’s payments have not kept pace with inflation since 2004 and should be increased to better encourage smart-growth zoning near transit and town centers. Another major topic was H. 2298 on site plan review, which would codify and standardize the process in state law. Rep. Kristin Kassner and witnesses from MAPC and NAIOP said current site plan review practices vary widely across the state, creating confusion, delays, and litigation, while a uniform framework would give municipalities clearer tools to review by-right projects without undermining local oversight.
The hearing also included testimony on Chapter 40B reform, including S. 1005 and H. 1537. One witness supported further review of 40B and stronger regional planning, while another backed a proposal to allow certain pre-2010 40B condominium owners to sell at market value under a framework that would recapture some of the subsidy benefits. Committee members asked several questions about local zoning changes, housing goals by county, and how the proposed bills would affect communities. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs indicated that written testimony would be welcomed for technical details and additional comments.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Insurance Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The gains we are seeing, more carriers returning, more availability in wildfire-distressed zip codes,
- We also want to make sure that we go up to code because we haven't updated these codes in 40 years.
- And so we're again looking at this with the new fresh code of advice to make sure we're not doing any
- And so we're again looking at this with the new fresh code of advice to make sure we're not doing any
- For the insurance transaction data, it's regulated under IIPPA under the existing codes, and this brings
Summary:
The Assembly Insurance Committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on insurance transparency, claims handling, privacy, and regulatory enforcement. SB 877 and SB 878 by Senator Pérez addressed post-disaster claims practices: SB 877 would require insurers to disclose original and revised loss estimates and related claim materials to policyholders, while SB 878 would add automatic interest penalties for delayed claim decisions or payments and require written identification of disputed items. Fire survivors, consumer groups, AARP, the Department of Insurance, and other advocates supported both bills, while insurer groups moved to neutral after amendments. Both bills were voted out on roll call and reported to the Committee on Appropriations.
The committee also considered SB 1054 by Senator Cabaldon, which would expand data sharing and reporting to improve workforce program evaluation and help counties verify work requirements for Medi-Cal and CalFresh using employer-reported hours worked. County officials, workforce advocates, and the Department of Insurance supported the measure, and no opposition was heard. The bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Committee on Labor and Employment.
SB 1209 by Senator Allen, presented with Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, would give the commissioner stronger enforcement tools to require insurers to carry out corrective actions identified in market conduct examinations, including fines and hearings for noncompliance. The commissioner and author said the bill would close an enforcement gap and improve accountability; there was no opposition testimony, but the bill was left on call after the roll. The committee also heard SB 354 on insurance privacy, presented by Senator Padilla on behalf of Pro Tem Limón, which would modernize insurance privacy rules by expanding consumer rights over personal data, limiting sale and use of sensitive information, and increasing disclosure requirements. Supporters said the bill updates outdated 1980s-era rules, while insurers, agents, and business groups raised concerns about scope, compliance burdens, and small-business impacts. Members indicated the bill was still being negotiated and would return in a revised form in the Privacy Committee.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The gains we are seeing, more carriers returning, more availability in wildfire-distressed zip codes,
- But we also want to make sure that we go up to code because we haven't updated these codes in 40 years
- And so we're again looking at this with the new fresh code of...
- And so we're again looking at this with the new fresh code of... to make sure we're not doing any of
- For the insurance transaction data, it's regulated under IIPA under the existing codes, and this brings