Transcript Highlights:

• labor unions as the place to build that statewide capacity and infrastructure.
• of Labor and industry's budget<00:13:29.279> proposal<00:13:29.560> for<00:13:29.680><
• Development funds identifies labor Development funds identifies labor unions<00:13:32.800> as
• Larson, Director of Apprenticeship Minnesota, Department of Labor and Industry.
• I direct the apprenticeship division at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

Bills: HF846, HF1538, HF1959

Keywords: education, special education, apprenticeship, funding, grants, intermediate school districts, teacher apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, teacher licensure, teacher shortage, workforce development, education finance, K-12 education, higher education, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, Tier 3 license, teacher preparation, mentor teacher, school district

Transcript Highlights:

• Day weekend of transfer station on Labor Day weekend of 2023<00:15:51.880> which<00:15:52.040
• This set of language did come from an amendment that was adopted in the Labor Committee, and then from
• This set of language did come from an amendment that was adopted in the Labor Committee, and then from
• committee um if I discussed at the labor committee um if I may<01:49:16.080> Mr<01:49:16.280>
• of what we had discussed in the labor of what we had discussed in the labor committee<01:49:20.040

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hey, um, uh, I'm calling to order this meeting of the Jobs and Labor Finance and Policy Conference Committee
• And actually, going back to the R72s, I forgot that's in the labor side. Are you okay?
• <00:09:37.440> Any in the labor side. Are you okay? Any in the labor side. Are you okay?
• county labor for excuse me, county labor county labor for excuse me, county labor force<00:41:27.200
• county labor force participation rates. county labor force participation rates.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• MOVES TO DISCHARGE FROM THE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, ASSEMBLY BILL 949 AND SUBSTITUTE THE IDENTICAL SENATE
• I was young, I was 24 years old, and I was in labor for 36 hours.
• I also had false labor the first time too, which I did not know was a thing that could happen.
• I was young, I was 24 years old, and I was in labor for 36 hours.
• I was young, I was 24 years old, and I was in labor for 36 hours.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, then approved the prior day’s journal and proceeded to a lengthy third-reading calendar. Early business included several motions to discharge Assembly bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills, along with a few bills laid aside for the day. The chamber also recalled two bills from the Assembly, restored one bill to the Third Reading Calendar after reconsideration, and received amendments on two other bills without changing their calendar status. The Senate then took up a large number of bills across topics including labor, energy, insurance, consumer protection, environmental conservation, health, banking, elections, public service, education, workers’ compensation, criminal justice, local government, and tax law. Most measures passed with broad support, though several drew recorded opposition. Notable debate included Senator Mayer’s explanation for a bill intended to prevent treatment-court participants, including veterans, from losing their driver’s licenses twice after completing diversion programs; Senator Ryan’s support for a bill expanding prosecutors’ ability to treat repeat sexual abuse as persistent abuse; and a sharp exchange on a bill repealing New York’s HIV/STI criminalization law, with Senators Borrello and Chan opposing it and Senator Salazar defending the repeal as necessary to reduce stigma and protect survivors. The chamber also adopted and recognized several resolutions and guest presentations. Members welcomed the Tri-Valley Secondary School girls cross country champions, Miss America Cassie Donagan and Miss New York Teen Nadia Anwar, and the Hudson High School varsity boys basketball team. Later, the Senate took up a resolution proclaiming May 2026 as Maternal Mental Health Month, with multiple senators speaking in support of greater awareness, reduced stigma, and improved care for pregnant and postpartum New Yorkers. At the end of the session, the sponsors opened the day’s resolutions for co-sponsorship, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, June 1 at 12 noon, with intervening days designated as legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• They want to be planned and ready to go and they're ranging their labor force.
• <00:03:55.680> So, they're ranging their labor force.
• So, they're ranging their labor force.
• <00:06:49.759> Uh<00:06:50.000> that problems in the labor bill.
• Uh that problems in the labor bill.

Bills: HF3228, HF475

Keywords: workers' compensation, insurance programs, employee protection, Minnesota statutes, safety regulations, statue replacement, Hubert H. Humphrey, national commemoration, civil rights, Minnesota history, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The labor market remains solid and actually...
• The labor market remains solid, and actually, unemployment has stabilized at the 4.1% level.
• The labor force participation rate increased by 0.1%.
• The national average of the National Labor Participation Rate is 62.5%.
• The civilian labor force increased to 2.3 million, which includes 31,000 more people joining the labor

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida's child labor law is currently overseen by the department.
• The Florida Labor Standards Act is in place as well as state law.
• Who want cheap labor?
• I'm looking across our country here at labor regulations from Massachusetts, where I grew up, labor regulations
• This bill is a bill I think it's been a labor of love.

Bills: HB 118, HB 388, HB 114, HB 205, HB 2789, HB 2791, HB 499, HB 2960, HB 3163, HB 3135, HB 2427, HB 1618, HB 1672, HB 1722, HB 1338, HB 787, HB 2618, HB 879, HB 1126, HB 4134, HB 3513, HB 718, HB 1536, HB 1445, HB 1640, HB 1893, HB 1734, HB 3229, HB 3306, HB 1276, HB 3272, HB 3276, HB 3516, HB 4145, HB 1585, HB 4810, HB 2989, HB 2558, HB 3014, HB 2742, HB 1695, HB 29, HB 125, HB 145, HB 171, HB 255, HB 50, HB 363, HB 116, HB 491, HB 1495, HB 368, HB 1285, HB 1905, HB 2002, HB 917, HB 2723, HB 2067, HB 1238, HB 745, HB 1188, HB 1606, HB 2003, HB 2147, HB 2355, HB 2546, HB 2495, HB 2818, HB 2249, HB 3228, HB 3240, HB 1507, HB 658, HB 1748, HB 1851, HB 1922, HB 2798, HB 107, HB 1587, HB 3684, HB 118, HB 388, HB 114, HB 205, HB 2789, HB 2791, HB 499, HB 2960, HB 3163, HB 3135, HB 2427, HB 1618, HB 1672, HB 1722, HB 1338, HB 787, HB 2618, HB 879, HB 1126, HB 4134, HB 3513, HB 718, HB 1536, HB 1445, HB 1640, HB 1893, HB 1734, HB 3229, HB 3306, HB 1276, HB 3272, HB 3276, HB 3516, HB 4145, HB 1585, HB 4810, HB 2989, HB 2558, HB 3014, HB 2742, HB 1695, HB 609, HB 630, HB 420, HB 767, HB 1708, HB 1404, HB 2457, HB 140, HB 227, HB 913, HB 2198, HB 2763, HB 1261, HB 1135, HB 1318, HB 2358, HB 2765, HB 2735, HB 3307, HB 1242, HB 2842, HB 333, HB 201, HB 694, HB 2415, HB 155, HB 272, HB 405, HB 519, HB 1136, HB 1275, HB 1437, HB 1532, HB 1675, HB 1868, HB 1888, HB 1990, HB 2286, HB 2523, HB 3129, HB 3251, HB 3354, HB 3479, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 3887, HB 4163, HB 4238, HB 1240, HB 1842, HB 2029, HB 2622, HB 3255, HB 654, HB 4643, HB 4945, HB 3611, HB 3724, HB 3623, HB 3810, HB 4127, HCR 78, HCR 12, SB 767

Keywords: HB 388, HB388, coordination of benefits, COB questionnaire, health benefit plan, health insurance, insurance commissioner, Texas Department of Insurance, uniform form, primary payer, secondary payer, multiple coverage, dual coverage, Medicaid, CHIP, managed care, HMO, small employer health plan, school district health coverage, self-funded plan

Transcript Highlights:

• House: the member from Middlebury, Representative Sheldon; the member from Morgan, Representative Labor
• House: the member from Middlebury, Representative Sheldon; the member from Morgan, Representative Labor
• 14.560> Representative member from Morgan, Representative member from Morgan, Representative Labor
• 16.440> member<00:02:16.800> from<00:02:17.120> Eastmont<00:02:18.200> East Labor
• , and the member from Eastmont East Labor, and the member from Eastmont East Montpelier,<00:02:19.120

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate Bill 212, relating to potable water supply and wastewater system connections, but postponed action on it for one legislative day after a member from Ferrisburg moved to delay consideration because an amendment was still pending. No vote count was recorded, but the chair announced the ayes appeared to have it. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had refused to concur in House amendments to Senate Bill 223, concerning water quality of Vermont waters, and Senate Bill 325, concerning regional planning and Act 250 tier jurisdiction. In response, the Speaker appointed House conferees for both bills. For S. 223, the House conferees were Representatives Sheldon, Labor, and Satroits; for S. 325, the conferees were Representatives Sheldon, Labor, and Chapin. Additionally, the Committee on Ways and Means reported Senate Bill 328, relating to housing and common interest communities and carrying an appropriation, favorably with amendment. The bill was referred to the Committee on Appropriations under House Rule 35A. The House then agreed to journalize remarks from a member from Berrytown and adjourned until the next day at 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I wanted to speak a bit to the labor portions of this bill.
• It's a good labor bill. Members, vote green. Representative Mueller. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• The labor bill, for whatever it does do, whatever it doesn't do...
• This is supported by labor. It is coming on January 1 for paid leave, and thank God it is coming.
• I support our labor brothers and sisters. I am not anti-data centers.

Transcript Highlights:

• on the business affairs and labor committee report?
• The business affairs and labor report passes to the bill.
• on the business affairs and labor committee report?
• and labor report passes and labor report passes >> to<00:24:59.840> the<00:25:00.000
• <00:27:22.720> I affairs and labor. Actually, I did. I affairs and labor.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The committee first debated amendments to Senate Bill 35, a road safety measure increasing penalties for improper passing and related dangerous driving offenses. Amendment L17, which would have exempted certain emergency situations and volunteer first responders from the penalties, was opposed by the bill sponsor and others and failed on a voice vote. Amendment L18, which broadened the exemption for first responders en route to emergencies, also failed after discussion. Supporters of the bill argued it targets some of the state’s most fatal crashes, while opponents said the penalties were too harsh and could disproportionately affect rural and working-class drivers. The committee then passed Senate Bill 35 as amended. The committee next considered House Bill 1273 on transportation network companies and driver compensation. Supporters said the bill responds to reduced driver earnings under app-based pricing models and seeks to require a larger share of fares to go to drivers, while opponents warned it could harm the industry, reduce service, and interfere with business decisions. The bill passed after debate. Senate Bill 114, concerning spirituous liquor manufacturers’ sales rooms, then passed with supporters describing it as a limited, locally controlled permit to help distillers offer additional on-premise options while preserving local approval authority. Finally, House Bill 1138 on organized retail theft prevention advanced through committee reports and was presented as a grant-and-advisory-board program housed in the Department of Public Safety. Sponsors said it would fund investigations, prosecutions, technology, training, and prevention efforts aimed at organized retail theft and gift card fraud, modeled after Colorado’s auto theft grant program. The bill was described as targeting felony-level organized theft rather than ordinary shoplifting, with annual reporting and a sunset date built in. The transcript ends during discussion of the bill, after the committee reports were adopted and the bill was introduced for final passage discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• The labor laws generally apply to you.
• For example, like child labor, you can't avoid the child labor statute simply because you're a North
• So labor unions aren't involved with this one? No, it looks like a good labor union piece.
• Nothing to do with labor unions.
• Nothing to do with labor unions.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee first approved the previous meeting’s minutes, then took up House Bill 4198, which would require all employers to use E-Verify to confirm new hires’ work authorization. Counsel explained that the bill would add enforcement by the Division of Labor, create tiered penalties including warnings, fines, debarment from state contracts, and possible business license revocation, while also removing criminal penalties tied to hiring unauthorized workers in light of federal law. Members raised extensive concerns about drafting problems, including circular and conflicting language, unclear references to existing verification and recordkeeping provisions, the meaning of terms like “seeks to employ,” and whether the bill could unintentionally apply to babysitters, lawn care, and other casual or household arrangements. Questions also focused on whether the bill would apply to public versus private employers, how compliance would be shown, and how penalties would work for small businesses or employers who never actually hire the person in question. The bill sponsor defended the measure as a straightforward extension of the federally required I-9 process, saying E-Verify is a quick, free online check that helps employers verify work authorization and protects them from liability for unknowingly hiring unauthorized workers. He said the bill was intended to be mandatory, not permissive, and argued that it would help law-abiding employers compete fairly. After the questioning, the committee rejected a motion to table the bill and instead sent House Bill 4198 to a seven-member subcommittee to clean up the drafting, resolve inconsistencies, and review the penalties and scope of the measure. The subcommittee was directed to meet the next morning and report back quickly. The committee then moved to House Bill 4710, with an amendment that would require a person to be registered with a political party or as an independent 210 days before filing a certificate of candidacy. Counsel explained that the bill is aimed at preventing candidates from switching parties after losing a primary and then running as independents in the general election. Members discussed how the 210-day requirement would interact with both primary and general election filing deadlines, and the Secretary of State’s office clarified that the measure would affect candidates who change affiliation shortly before filing. The discussion continued with testimony from the Secretary of State’s general counsel about how the bill would operate in practice, but no final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• A doula is a healthcare professional who is specifically trained in labor and childbirth support.
• Um, I'm here representing myself as well as gals giving Austin labor support, the Texas Doula Association
• educational, emotional, physical, and advocacy support for people who are experiencing pregnancy, labor
• Many of the stories recall physical and mental trauma during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, while
• is not a medically trained professional but provides emotional support and physical comfort during labor

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, we're still have Labor Day.
• Let’s start before Labor Day.
• <00:40:16.800> Day Minnesota because on Labor Day Minnesota because on Labor Day weekend,<
• Our c our resorts and our Labor Day.
• 03:08:54.680> labor.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This is what the labor movement looks like.
• THIS IS WHAT THE LABOR MOVEMENT LOOKS LIKE.
• Senate Print 8239, Ramos, an act to amend the Labor Law.
• Senate Print 9904, Ramos, an act to amend the Labor Law.
• AN ACT TO AMEND THE LABOR LAW.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on June 3, 2026, approved the prior day’s journal, and then moved through a long list of discharge motions and substitutions to place many bills on the third reading calendar. The chamber also adopted Resolution J.2314 honoring the New York chapter of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, with remarks emphasizing domestic workers’ role in care work, labor organizing, and protections such as paid sick leave and family leave. Another adopted resolution, J.2298, mourned labor and social justice advocate Minerva Solla, with senators highlighting her work with 1199, the Young Lords, Puerto Rican solidarity efforts, and women’s organizing. A third resolution recognized Olympic curler Daniel Casper for representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Games. The Senate then confirmed a large slate of judicial and executive nominations. It accepted the Judiciary Committee report and confirmed four interim Supreme Court justices, seven Court of Claims judges, and 21 reappointments/extensions by a vote of 44-12. The Finance Committee report was also accepted, and the Senate confirmed a broad set of appointments to state boards and authorities, including the MTA, State Commission of Correction, Power Authority, NYSERDA, Financial Control Board, public health councils, SUNY and Cornell boards, gaming and bridge authorities, and others. One notable confirmation was Alexander Dockery to the State Commission of Correction; supporters called it the first time a formerly incarcerated person had been confirmed to that commission, while Senator Murray criticized the practice of voting on large nomination blocks rather than individually. The chamber then took up and passed many bills, mostly by wide margins, covering labor, health, education, transportation, public service, criminal justice, municipal, tax, insurance, and environmental topics. Several members explained their votes on major measures: Senator Ramos supported a bill modernizing temporary disability benefits and another protecting construction workers from lost pay when jobs are canceled; Senator Baskin spoke about a correction bill tied to the death of India Cummings; Senator Skoufis described a family-court custody bill intended to prioritize child safety; Senator Mayer backed a proposal to reimburse parents of medically fragile children for providing care; and Senator Hinchey defended a bill requiring employers to report AI-related job impacts, while Senator Borrello opposed it as burdensome. Most bills were passed, some were laid aside, and the session concluded with multiple roll-call votes and confirmations before adjournment-related business.

Transcript Highlights:

• For several years now, the labor movement has been in the forefront of our newest energy work, and we
• We are a coalition of labor unions that's united around climate and clean energy issues.
• PLAs generally require that all labor come exclusively from construction unions.
• As a labor union, SEIU 509 is foundationally committed to labor values of safe working conditions and
• Our labor allies at the Climate Jobs Coalition.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a broad set of energy efficiency, building decarbonization, school modernization, and lighting bills. Testimony generally came from municipal leaders, labor unions, environmental groups, and advocates who supported measures such as H. 3529/S. 2294 on building energy and decarbonization, H. 3577/S. 2286 on a zero-carbon renovation fund, H. 3476/S. 2275 on healthy and sustainable schools, H. 3565 on Mass Save zero-carbon assessments, H. 3477 on clean lighting and appliance efficiency standards, and the Dark Sky bills on outdoor lighting. Supporters argued these bills would cut emissions, lower utility bills, improve indoor air quality and school conditions, and direct resources to environmental justice, gateway, and low-income communities. Witnesses emphasized that Massachusetts’ older building stock and school facilities need major upgrades, and that state funding and financing tools are needed to close gaps left by declining federal support. Mayors, labor leaders, and environmental advocates said the proposals would create local jobs, expand apprenticeships, and help municipalities and schools undertake retrofits, ventilation improvements, heat pump installations, and other decarbonization work. Several speakers also defended Mass Save as highly cost-effective while urging new funding sources beyond ratepayer bills for larger-scale building upgrades. One representative asked about the difference between current Mass Save audits and proposed zero-carbon assessments, and the sponsor explained the new assessments would include heat pumps, solar, storage, wiring upgrades, and rate-structure guidance. There was also testimony on the Dark Sky bill, with astronomers and museum representatives arguing that better-shielded, downward-facing lighting would reduce energy waste, protect wildlife and human health, and preserve night skies without compromising safety. Committee members raised concerns about pedestrian safety and whether education might be enough instead of legislation; supporters responded that the bill follows established lighting standards and targets only unnecessary glare and skyward light. On the school bill, an open-shop contractor group opposed the measure, arguing its PLA and apprenticeship requirements would restrict bidding and reduce competition, while labor organizations strongly supported the workforce standards and prevailing wage provisions. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony and several members asked clarifying questions, but the transcript does not show any final action or disposition on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, everybody, and welcome to the House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance
• <00:01:12.040> and file 1057 to the committee on labor and file 1057 to the committee on labor
• <00:04:45.960> intensive work these workers do labor intensive work these workers do labor
• I'm the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
• debated in this Committee in the labor debated in this Committee in the labor committee<01:18:50.800

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Oftentimes a construction project for the state will require the bidder to have a labor agreement in
• Project labor agreements have been shown to increase the cost of construction up to 20%.
• Government-mandated PLAs invalidate privately negotiated union labor contract agreements and replace
• Senate Bill 88 and project labor Senate Bill 88 and project labor agreement<00:09:06.480> bands
• has never mandated a project labor has never mandated a project labor agreement<00:10:33.160>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Labor State Director for apprenticeship.
• I acknowledge that the current labor commissioner didn't want those programs, and that's appropriate
• The North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights operates very differently than the Department of
• Labor in most states.
• What is known as the Department of Labor in most states is our Job Service North Dakota.

Bills: SB2018

Keywords: funding, commerce, autonomous technology, workforce development, economic growth, grant programs, 908, all

Summary: The committee took up Senate Bill 2018, the Department of Commerce budget, and walked through the long sheet and a series of proposed changes. Members discussed restoring a vacant workforce FTE that Commerce said it could fill soon, monitoring federal funding delays but reporting no known cuts, and adjusting several one-time items including Operation Intern, the North Dakota Development Fund, the Global Talent Office, and tourism-related funding. The chair also proposed separating tourism marketing and Good Life funding again, rather than combining them, and members raised concerns about ensuring tourism dollars are used only for tourism purposes. A number of program amounts were reviewed or adjusted in discussion, including UAS grants, Vantus/Beyond Visual Line of Sight funding, Grand Sky, Grand Farm autonomous agriculture grants, base enhancement grants, Native American small business grants, regional workforce impact grants, technical skills training grants, and tribal college workforce grants. Commerce officials explained that some grant language would be changed to require competitive RFP processes, and they clarified that the housing opportunity and community property improvement items were handled in other bills or programs. The committee also discussed apprenticeship efforts across state agencies and Commerce’s role in workforce development. The committee reviewed carryover and exemption language for prior appropriations, including federal weatherization and energy funds, and Commerce said three one-time FTE tied to those federal programs should become ongoing because the federal dollars continue over several years. A motion to add $1.5 million for the North Dakota Safety Council failed for lack of a second. The committee then planned to return the next day to continue work on Commerce and take up the CTE budget, including a pending amendment related to CTE’s possible move from the 15th floor of the Capitol.

Transcript Highlights:

• We remember the alliances forged between Jewish and Latino labor organizers who fought for dignity in
• From agriculture to small business, to medicine, entertainment, education, labor, science, technology
• Jewish Americans have helped shape our nation in classrooms and courtrooms, in hospitals and labor halls
• Cities, labor groups, and service providers like waste haulers are in joint support of the effort.
• Earlier this year, the Labor Commissioner cited Los Angeles developers for more than $2.3 million in

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest recognitions, and approval of the journals. A motion by Senator Strickland to withdraw SB 1035 from committee for a floor vote, described as a temporary gas tax suspension to lower gas prices, was debated procedurally and failed on a 22-aye, 22-no vote. The body then moved through Governor’s appointments, confirming Siva Gunda to the California Energy Commission, Tony Sertich as Executive Director of the California Housing and Finance Agency, and Craig Snellings to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The Senate also adopted several commemorative resolutions. SCR 151 designated May 2026 as ACL Injury Awareness Month; SR 105 declared May as National Tennis Month; SCR 175 recognized Behavioral Health Awareness Month; SCR 176 designated Small Business Month; and SCR 178 recognized Jewish American Heritage Month. These measures drew extensive floor remarks, especially SCR 178, with senators from multiple caucuses speaking about Jewish history, contributions, diversity, and the need to oppose anti-Semitism and hate. All of these resolutions passed, with SCR 178 adopted 38-0. The chamber then considered a series of policy bills, many of which passed with broad support. Measures approved included SB 922 on local cost recovery for street damage from public service operations, SB 932 on litigation transparency, SB 971 on older adult community connections, SB 1400 on Alameda Health System governance, SB 1228 on certain existing outdoor advertising displays in former redevelopment areas, SB 997 on groundwater agency authority, SB 1115 on reforming the Tulare County Public Cemetery District, SB 1088 on advance care planning forms, SB 1242 on family participation in CARE Court, SB 1364 on parental rights in rape-related child custody cases, SB 993 on protecting mental health professionals’ identifying information, SB 1094 on prescription drug biosimilar use, SB 1117 on ADU fee calculations, SB 1244 on broker compensation disclosures for public agency health plans, SB 1315 on autonomous vehicles, SB 1398 on Green Globes building certification, SB 1085 on water supply assessments for large projects, and SB 1316 on wage theft and labor enforcement. SB 1177 on high-speed rail reporting drew opposition from Senator Strickland, who argued the project should be ended, but the bill still passed after debate. The transcript ends as the Senate begins consideration of SB 1146, which would require disclosures for AI-generated health advertisements.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill has no opposition and support from a broad coalition of labor, climate, and business groups
• I'm the executive officer of the South Bay Labor Council.
• For labor, the stakes are high.
• And with SB 63, local leaders, labor, business, environmental advocates, and transit riders have all
• But, yeah, as was noted, this is bringing the labor community and the business community together.

Summary: The committee met on June 17, 2026, beginning without a quorum and initially proceeding as a subcommittee. Members heard several Senate bills, with testimony focused mainly on redistricting, Bay Area transit funding, and military/overseas voting access. The chair also announced committee membership changes and that SB 1369 had been pulled by the author. Written testimony was accepted through the committee portal, and public testimony was limited by the chair’s rules. SB 1414 by Senator Reyes would create an independent redistricting commission for San Bernardino County. Supporters, including Inland Empire United, Common Cause, and the League of Women Voters, argued the bill would improve transparency and reduce political influence in map drawing. Opponents, including San Bernardino County and several local government/election groups, said the county’s existing advisory commission already provided substantial public input and raised concerns about cost. The bill was moved do pass as amended and re-referred to Local Government, with one no vote from Assembly Member Lackey; it was later taken off call and passed 6-1. SB 830 by Senator Wiener made technical changes to the administration of the Bay Area regional transit sales tax measure authorized by SB 63, including uniform ballot naming and county-specific ballot arguments. Support came from labor, transit, business, and advocacy groups, who said the bill would help voters understand the measure and protect transit funding. Members emphasized the Bay Area’s transit funding crisis and the need for local action. The bill passed do pass as amended, 5-1, and was later recorded as out 6-0 on call. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing six bills. SB 970 by Senator Cervantes addressed military and overseas voting after the federal discontinuation of the Department of Defense fax service used for ballot return. Supporters, including county election officials and local government organizations, said California needed a secure replacement to avoid disenfranchising service members and overseas voters. The Secretary of State’s office and Verified Voting raised security concerns and suggested a task force or more detailed standards, but the author and supporters argued the bill was urgent and should direct the Secretary of State to develop secure regulations. The bill passed do pass and was re-referred to Military and Veteran Affairs, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.