Transcript Highlights:

• the six or so inspectors available that are required under SB 925 from 1990 to inspect 5% of all mobile

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations heard a very large suspense-file agenda and repeatedly moved measures to suspense without objection after authors waived presentation and no questions or opposition were raised. SB 994 was removed from the agenda because it had been approved as a late 28.8 and was sent directly to the Senate floor. The Department of Finance did not attend because it had no comments on the bills before the committee. Several bills drew limited testimony focused on fiscal impacts. On SB 1092 and SB 1093, Chris Weisak of WMA opposed the bills, citing potential litigation costs, reduced state and local tax revenue, higher HCD monitoring and review costs, and additional inspection or review burdens. SB 1041 drew opposition from the California Bankers Association and the California Association of County Treasurers and Tax Collectors over concerns about PACE liens, refinancing costs, and possible abusive liens affecting seniors. SB 1147 drew support from the California Agricultural Teachers Association, but opposition from NextGen Financial and Junior Achievement, who argued it would undermine the recently enacted statewide financial literacy course and could weaken equity and consistency in instruction. One measure, SB 1238 by Senator Wahab, was taken up as a due-pass item rather than suspense. The bill would add HOA-related disclosures and duties, clarify reserve spending limits, and improve transparency of inspection ratings. The California Association of Realtors supported it, and the committee approved SB 1238 on a 5-1 vote, with Senators Cervantes, Cabaldon, Grayson, Richardson, and Wahab voting aye and Seyarto voting no. A few other bills received brief support testimony, including SB 1153 on wildfire response planning for urban retail water suppliers, SB 1061 and SB 1062 with support from WMA, and SB 1302 and SB 1303 with support from professional associations, but most measures were simply held and sent to suspense.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Advanced Air Mobility Fund was established to advance transportation innovation and strengthen critical

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I could see if you had, say, as parents, I live in a mobile home, and I have five acres there, and I've

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And now we have mobile devices.

Summary: The Senate Education Committee first approved the January 26 and January 27, 2026 minutes by voice vote. The committee then heard a presentation from Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA) Superintendent Jeff Simmons, joined by Cambridge Superintendent Anthony Butler, on IDLA’s role as Idaho’s statewide supplemental online learning program. Simmons described IDLA’s funding model, course offerings, growth in enrollment, quality controls, teacher certification and oversight, use of Idaho teachers and curriculum, free open-content resources, and efforts to support families through lower course fees and waived dual-credit fees. He also said IDLA is preparing for a proposed $10 million budget cut, which he said would significantly reduce enrollments and course offerings. Butler testified that IDLA is especially valuable for small rural districts like Cambridge for credit recovery, dual credit, scheduling flexibility, and keeping students on track to graduate. Senators asked about teacher certification, costs, evaluation in a virtual setting, AI use, statutory naming, and how IDLA would be affected by budget reductions. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1234, sponsored by Senator Carlson, which would change Lewis-Clark State College’s name to Lewis-Clark State University. President Cynthia Pemberton testified that the change would not alter the institution’s mission, programs, or focus, but would reduce confusion about the school’s offerings, better reflect its four-year and graduate programs, and help recruitment and partnerships. She said the proposal has broad support from the State Board of Education, K-12 partners, local chambers, and campus stakeholders, and estimated a one-time rebranding cost of about $50,000. Senators asked about the cost and intent language, and the committee voted to send the bill to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation. The meeting adjourned afterward, with notice that there would be no Education Committee meeting the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• When they handed out internet, and now we have mobile devices.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• flats are an extremely important housing option because they are accessible to the young, old, and mobility

Bills: HB2239, HB2304, HB2095, HB2248

Keywords: interment, location choices, remains, Washingtonians, funeral services, condominium, housing, warranty, property rights, construction, public safety, vulnerable users, pedestrians, protected classes, transportation, corporate filings, secretary of state, business entity filings, annual reports, foreign corporation

Transcript Highlights:

• flats are an extremely important housing option because they are accessible to the young, old, and mobility

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on House Bill 2239, which would allow family burial grounds on privately owned land and exempt them from private cemetery requirements, while imposing limits such as recording burials with the county auditor, setbacks, and a cap on the burial ground covering no more than 10% of the parcel. The sponsor said the bill is intended to help rural landowners and families, including Native communities, keep burials on land with family and cultural significance. Testimony from a farmer and the Washington Cattlemen’s Association strongly supported the bill as a way to honor family ties to land. A question was raised about what happens if a later property owner wants to disturb an existing burial ground; staff said the bill requires notice but is silent on that issue. No action was taken on HB 2239 in the transcript. The committee also heard House Bill 2304, a follow-up to last year’s condominium liability reform, expanding the option for declarants to use a 2-10 warranty for stacked-flat or mid-rise condominium buildings up to four stories. Supporters from housing, real estate, builders, AARP, Habitat for Humanity, the City of Seattle, and others said the bill would reduce liability barriers, increase condo production, and create more attainable and accessible homeownership options for first-time buyers, older adults, and people with mobility challenges. The Office of Insurance Commissioner supported the bill but suggested technical language changes to avoid referring to the warranty as insurance. Members asked about consumer protections and the distinction between warranties and insurance, and staff and testifiers noted existing layers of protection. No vote was taken on HB 2304 in the transcript. In executive session, staff summarized House Bill 2095 on vulnerable users of public ways and House Bill 2248 on Secretary of State filing processes. For HB 2095, staff described a proposed substitute and several amendments, including changes to education requirements, civil liability language, protected areas, punitive damages thresholds, and liability rules. For HB 2248, staff said the proposed substitute made cleanup and consistency changes to corporate filing provisions. The committee then moved the proposed substitute for HB 2248 out of committee with a due pass recommendation, and it passed 11-0 with two excused members. Action on HB 2095 was deferred to a later date.

Transcript Highlights:

• , commercial access: funding for technical assistance to retailers, farmers markets, farm stands, mobile

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SMT, Coppell and other cities would not have the funds to maintain these important components of mobility

Bills: SB32, SB464, SB996, SB1163, SB1173, SB1277, SB1452, SB1453, SB1548, SB1882, SB1883, SB2016, SB 32

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, tax exemption, franchise tax credit, income production, personal property, SB 464, school buffer zone, tobacco retailer, vape shop, e-cigarette, vaping, nicotine, tobacco products, retail permit, comptroller, Class A misdemeanor, school proximity, youth access, public school, private school

Transcript Highlights:

• SMR, Capell and other cities would not have the funds to maintain these important components of mobility

Bills: SB 32, SB 464, SB 996, SB 1163, SB 1173, SB 1277, SB 1452, SB 1453, SB 1548, SB 1882, SB 1883, SB 2016

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, tax exemption, franchise tax credit, income production, personal property, SB 464, school buffer zone, tobacco retailer, vape shop, e-cigarette, vaping, nicotine, tobacco products, retail permit, comptroller, Class A misdemeanor, school proximity, youth access, public school, private school

Transcript Highlights:

• misdemeanor and making a... whatever it takes to get them out because pretty much all the small cities in Mobile

Bills: SB210, SB225, HB280, HB287, HB94, HB88, SB157, HB7, HB8, HB42

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, blood tests, DUI, law enforcement, traffic offenses, chemical analysis, public nuisance, event liability, local government, community health, legal action, transparency, reporting, public safety, regulation, accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• a published author and an award winning change maker who drives equity. leadership and economic mobility

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But it's also due to a lack of mobility otherwise.
• </c><00:15:35.120><c> because</c><00:15:35.360><c> the</c><00:15:35.680><c> job</c> to find a good job
• because the job to find a good job because the job market<00:15:36.320><c> is</c><00:15:36.560><c> so
• And uh at workers and American jobs.
• We're stuck with those kids hard job.

Bills: HF1323, HF3500

Keywords: undocumented, financial aid, state policy, higher education, noncitizen eligibility, funding, storm damage relief, Bemidji State University, reforestation, state appropriations, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They're going to bring 100 jobs.
• They're going to bring 100 jobs.
• They're going to bring 100 jobs.
• They're going to bring 100 jobs.
• They're going to bring 100 jobs.

Bills: HF3650, HF2238

Keywords: student career pathways, education framework, experiential learning, employer engagement, career technical education, HF2238, Minnesota, workforce development, construction trades, youth skills training, youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, construction training, career and technical education, CTE, child labor laws, minor labor, labor exemption, workforce pipeline, skilled trades

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it also interferes with our ability, you know, to provide jobs.
• And that income also supported one out of every 53 jobs. and income.
• And supported more than 2,106 jobs.
• So we do a pretty good job at that.
• I think Krista and Eric did a really good job in that space.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it also interferes with our ability, you know, to provide jobs.
• And that income also supported one out of every 53 jobs.
• And also... ...and supported more than 2,106 jobs.
• So we do a pretty good job at that.
• I think Krista and Eric did a really good job in that space.

Summary: The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and first heard welcoming remarks and introductions from tribal leaders and program directors. Chairwoman Street and other tribal representatives outlined a range of concerns and requests for state action, including taxation of reservation lands, support for non-beneficiary students at the tribal school, homelessness funding, Indian-managed health care, gaming and e-tabs, Feather Alert improvements, industrial farming near waterways, tourism, and better state-tribal consultation. Committee members responded that the meeting was intended to improve understanding and communication, and several members suggested future legislation or resolutions could be used to advance some of the issues. The tribe also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to legislators and staff. A major portion of the discussion focused on Spirit Lake fish and wildlife jurisdiction and the lake boundary. Tribal representatives asked for an MOU or co-stewardship agreement with the state to clarify hunting and fishing rights, recognize tribal licenses, and reduce recurring disputes over “gray areas” on the reservation and lake. Committee members discussed whether to draft a bill or resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and asked that North Dakota Game and Fish be invited to a future meeting. Related concerns included aquatic nuisance species prevention, with both sides agreeing that more aggressive boat inspection and cleaning measures would be beneficial. The committee also discussed taxation and county relations. Tribal leaders raised concerns about county resistance to fee-to-trust transfers and about property and vehicle taxation affecting members living on or near reservation lands. Committee members and tribal counsel reviewed federal treaty principles and court cases, and one member noted that the committee had previously taken no formal action on similar issues. Later, Benson County’s tax equalization director explained how the county values taxable land, handles inundated land applications, and tracks land coming off the tax rolls when the tribe repurchases acreage. The discussion ended with a presentation from the president of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, followed by an HHS presentation on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion as the committee moved to its next topic.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you could be, you can have your ID or your driver's license on your mobile device, things like that
• on your mobile device, things like<00:53:45.359><c> that.
• Best job I ever miss. Any other thoughts from the committee?
• &gt;&gt; Best<04:39:15.039><c> job</c><04:39:15.279><c> I</c><04:39:15.439><c> ever</c> &gt;&gt; Best
• job I ever &gt;&gt; Best job I ever miss.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• regulations, we can't just leave it to the State Fire Marshal's office and assume that they'll do a good job
• conditions, such as utilizing a skilled and trained workforce, creating at least 500 new construction jobs
• services that will exceed sustainability and environmental standards, that will have good-paying union jobs
• It is the path to upward mobility for our kids in this... state and for families.
• of dollars in projects that lead to improved air quality and public health, as well as good-paying jobs

Summary: The committee first established a quorum, adopted the consent calendar for SB 423 and SB 581, and then heard a series of bills, most of which were presented as streamlining or safety measures tied to transportation, climate, public lands, health care, and higher education. SB 71 by Senator Wiener would extend and expand a CEQA exemption for sustainable transportation projects, adding modes such as microtransit, paratransit, shuttles, and ferries, while also accepting committee amendments that narrowed a Tier 4 diesel rail provision, restored existing right-of-way language with utility protections, and set a new sunset date. Support came from transit agencies, local governments, and advocacy groups; some members raised concerns about the diesel rail language and possible interactions with housing-related legislation, but the bill advanced on a due pass vote as amended. The committee then heard SB 614 by Senator Stern on carbon dioxide pipeline safety. The bill would direct the State Fire Marshal to adopt safety standards for intrastate CO2 pipelines, building from federal draft rules and adding state discretion and possible enhanced protections such as planning zones and more detailed exposure modeling. Supporters argued California needs to fill a federal regulatory gap to advance carbon capture and climate goals, while environmental justice and conservation groups opposed unless amended, citing risks from CO2 leaks and asking for stronger siting restrictions and more specificity. The bill passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations, with members noting the need for continued work on the safety provisions. Senator Arreguín also presented SB 304, which would temporarily lift public trust use restrictions on specific land at Jack London Square to allow the Port of Oakland more leasing flexibility under conditions and annual reporting. The measure was described as a limited, time-bound effort to address high vacancy and revitalize the waterfront, and it drew support from Oakland city and county representatives with no opposition in the room. The committee then approved SB 304 on a due pass vote. Arreguín’s SB 830 followed, creating CEQA streamlining for Sutter Health’s new Emeryville hospital campus and designating the City of Emeryville as lead agency; supporters said it would preserve East Bay hospital access before seismic deadlines, and the bill passed with broad support and no opposition. Finally, Senator Caballero presented SB 486, a higher education planning bill intended to align UC and CSU enrollment growth with regional sustainable communities plans and to remove the need to analyze a no-project alternative in certain long-range development plans. Supporters said the bill would better integrate university enrollment forecasting into regional planning, while opponents warned that eliminating the no-project analysis could weaken accountability for housing and infrastructure impacts around campuses. Committee members expressed mixed views and asked for further clarification, but the bill was moved out on a due pass as amended vote to Appropriations. The transcript then shifted to SB 629, a fire response and rebuilding bill, with the author describing amendments to apply fire safety requirements in wildfire-burned areas, update fire mapping, and require annual defensible space inspections, though the discussion was cut off before any final action was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was my first job out of law school.
• It's not because it's not the banks job tough and it's not the lawyer's job to fund its entirety.
• It's a it's the community's job to decide how and what the role will be tough and legally. >> But at
• the end of the day, it is not our clients job to fund legal aid at 10 times what they have been funded
• Marcus been suffered permanent brain damage, skull and facial fractures loss of vision in one eye and mobility

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, we've got a tool that my team's developing that's looking at how do we do a better job of
• And they said, I'm not here to try to automate myself out of a job.
• If your job can be automated, then you need to stretch a little further.
• I don't know. ...of the mindless work out of the job and really getting folks to use their mind.
• Job title changes all the time here, and maybe bills do.

Keywords: 908, all