Transcript Highlights:

• Policymakers, some questions this data system could answer are: What is the correlation between third-grade test
• AB 2278 creates a five-year pilot program to test innovative technologies and can accelerate IHSS eligibility
• Therefore, we support legislation that provides an opportunity to test how innovative technologies will
• This pilot doesn't test whether this works.

Summary: The Assembly Human Services Committee heard a lengthy agenda focused largely on CalWORKs, child care access, early childhood supports, and family stability. Measures discussed included AB 1655, which would protect CalWORKs benefits for families when a child or family member is temporarily absent due to immigration detention; AB 1746, which would require counties to give CalWORKs applicants the actual child care request form and respond within 10 days; and AB 1755, which would repeal the CalWORKs 100-hour work penalty for two-parent families. Supporters across these bills emphasized reducing poverty, preventing administrative barriers, and avoiding punishments that can destabilize working families. No opposition witnesses appeared on these items. All three bills were moved forward on party-line or near-unanimous votes, with committee amendments accepted where noted. The committee also heard AB 2072, creating a state contingency fund to keep CalFresh and WIC benefits flowing during a federal shutdown, with support from the California Retailers Association and anti-poverty groups; AB 2429, which would make targeted changes to the early childhood mental health consultation model by making one screener optional and reducing required observations; AB 1969, the "It Takes a Village Act," establishing a grant program for cradle-to-career place-based partnerships; and AB 2092, giving the Department of Social Services lead authority over an early childhood integrated data system and creating an interagency governance structure. Testimony on these bills stressed the need for coordinated services, better data, and more flexible implementation. Each advanced out of committee, with AB 1969 receiving the most discussion and a split vote before later being finalized on the record. Two additional bills addressed county administration and emergency aid. AB 2278 would authorize a Contra Costa County pilot to test technology to speed IHSS eligibility and reassessments amid heavy caseloads and penalties, while AB 2567 would let counties issue emergency CalWORKs aid without first requiring applicants to apply for all other potentially available income sources. Both were presented as ways to reduce delays and help families in crisis faster. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing several other measures. At the end of the hearing, the committee returned to open votes and finalized the roll on all items before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Policymakers, some questions this data system could answer are: What is the correlation between third-grade test
• AB 2278 creates a five-year pilot program to test innovative technologies and can accelerate IHSS eligibility
• Therefore, we support legislation that provides an opportunity to test how innovative technologies will
• This pilot doesn't test whether this works.

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Here with us today to test. That align the language with existing statutes.
• And these options may include extensions on assignments, tests, late drops for classes after the deadline
• In October 2024, a Yahoo News report on fentanyl test strips used by dealers to advertise, quote, clean
• In October 2024, a Yahoo News report on fentanyl test strips used by dealers to advertise, quote, clean

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• electrify the Providence Corridor and Fairmount Line, but also now to shift and prioritize how we test
• The battery-electric obviously will electrify Providence, but we will look to test them in other routes
• 4 10 battery electric the battery electric obviously will electrify providence but we will look to test
• Additionally, it helps address overdue bridge repairs at a time when municipal infrastructure is constantly tested

Bills: H4987 , S2905

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Keywords: transportation bond bill, municipal roads, municipal bridges, Chapter 90, road aid, highway funding, bridge repair, pavement, MassDOT, MBTA, rail reliability, commuter rail locomotives, Fair Share surtax, Commonwealth Transportation Fund, infrastructure financing, bond authorization, deferred maintenance, climate resilience, parkways, DCR

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a certain amount of institutional stress testing you can do with the system, and it's included
• But outside of a real-world context, it's got away the value of stress testing.
• But two, it's really understanding what is the stress test for our system, right?
• We had that stress test during the pandemic. What does that look like now with this current system?

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on State Administration held an informational hearing on whether the Employment Development Department is ready for the next recession, with a focus on EDD Next, the department’s long-running technology modernization effort. The Legislative Analyst’s Office reviewed EDD’s major benefit programs, the history of prior modernization attempts, the current Integrated Claims Management System work, and the department’s remaining risks, including continued reliance on a COBOL-era mainframe and the challenge of adapting quickly to future federal or state policy changes during a downturn. The LAO also explained that most pandemic-era fraud was tied to temporary federal unemployment programs rather than California’s core UI system, and that the state’s UI loan repayment is not largely attributable to fraud. Members raised concerns about the cost of repeated modernization efforts, paper versus online claims, appeal overturn rates, WARN notices, and legislative oversight of the project. EDD’s panel said the department has made substantial customer-service and processing improvements, including online self-service tools, improved call center features, identity verification, fraud controls, language access upgrades, and a new document management system. Officials reported that as of early 2026, about 83% to 85% of claims across programs were being processed timely within two weeks, and said paid family leave delays in 2024 were tied to the transition into the disability insurance online platform and seasonal workload patterns. They also said EDD is working with the Department of Technology on EDD Next and that the project will proceed in phases, with paid family leave and disability insurance first and unemployment insurance later. Members pressed EDD on persistent paid family leave backlogs, the share of paper applications, response times for constituents, and whether the department tracks long-running cases and WARN notice trends. EDD said its service standard is generally immediate response through phone, chat, or callback tools, while more complex cases can take longer because the department may be waiting on claimants or medical providers. The department also said it tracks call outcomes and outstanding cases, and that it can provide additional data on WARN notices. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with plans to continue discussing EDD Next and paid family leave at a later March 10 budget hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a certain amount of institutional stress testing you can do with the system, and it's included
• But outside of a real-world context, it's got away the value of stress testing.
• But two, it's really understanding what is the stress test for our system, right?
• We had that stress test during the pandemic. What does that look like now with this current system?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you're here behind me—but eventually, we're not trying to give the answers to the question before the test
• you're here behind me—but eventually, we're not trying to give the answers to the question before the test
• awarding, so now if you spend that to the rejected thing, is that also providing the answers to the test
• awarding, so now if you spend that to the rejected thing, is that also providing the answers to the test

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• specialized support, especially in our small rural towns and schools who are not proficient on statewide testing
• proficient towns and schools who are not proficient on<00:13:38.560><c> statewide</c><00:13:39.120><c> testing
• This</c><00:13:40.320><c> is</c><00:13:40.480><c> not</c><00:13:40.639><c> adding</c> on statewide testing
• This is not adding on statewide testing.

Bills: SF0014 , SF0018

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: literacy, education, reading assessment, intervention program, public school funding, department of education, K-12 education, part-time attendance, public schools, student enrollment, education funding, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• because<00:20:43.600><c> I</c><00:20:43.760><c> wrote</c><00:20:43.919><c> the</c><00:20:44.080><c> test
• </c><00:20:44.480><c> testimony</c><00:20:44.960><c> that</c> because I wrote the test testimony that
• because I wrote the test testimony that uh<00:20:45.520><c> we</c><00:20:45.760><c> did</c><00:20:45.919
• We play test together. Um, next up we have the Department of Health.

Bills: SB2359 , SB2169 , SB2170 , SB2263 , SB2360 , SB3084

Committee: House Tourism

Keywords: time share, registration, renewal, consumer protection, real estate, SB2170, North Kohala, Kynnersly East Site, Agribusiness Development Corporation, ADC, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, agricultural development, land acquisition, fee simple, Hawaii Island, Big Island, rural development, food security, sustainable agriculture

Summary: The joint House Committee on Tourism and House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems heard House Bill 2585 on agricultural tourism. The bill would create statewide uniform standards for agritourism in counties that adopt such ordinances, require registration with county planning departments, and require agritourism to remain secondary and accessory to farming. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity supported the measure but recommended amendments to make the language more consistent and to ensure agritourism remains tied to agricultural activity; the Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the bill with the same general guardrails, while the White Tourism Authority offered comments. A member raised concerns about a trailer/roadside-stand provision, and the department ultimately said it did not support that specific language. The chairs then recommended passage with amendments, including a definition of principal farm operations, clarification that agritourism must not interfere with on-farm operations, revised termination rules after 60 consecutive days without active production with notice and cure procedures, restoration of the department’s proposed change to the trailer language, and technical corrections. HB 2585 passed both committees unanimously with excused members noted. The committees then heard House Bill 2602 on sustainable tourism infrastructure, which would establish a matching grant program in the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism for capital projects that improve sustainability and climate resilience in the visitor industry. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii testified in support. The chair recommended passage with a committee report note estimating a roughly $5 million cost and a date correction, and both committees adopted the recommendation unanimously. House Bill 1948 on single-use plastics was also heard. It would prohibit lodging establishments from providing certain personal care products in small plastic containers and impose civil penalties. The Department of Land and Natural Resources stood on its testimony, and the Department of Health supported the waste-reduction goal but suggested the language belonged in a different chapter. The chair recommended an HD1 that would omit lotions from the definition of personal care products, adopt the Department of Health’s proposed clarification about reusable containers, and correct the date; the measure passed both committees unanimously. Finally, House Bill 1960 on human trafficking was heard. The bill would require the Attorney General to develop human trafficking awareness training for transit accommodation workers, require employers to provide training, keep records, post signage, adopt prevention policies, and report suspected trafficking, with penalties and rulemaking by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. The Department of Labor Relations supported the intent but said the Department of Law Enforcement should be the lead agency, and the Hawaii Hotel Alliance strongly supported the bill while asking for amendments to recognize existing industry programs and apply the requirements equitably. The chair recommended an HD1 incorporating a July 1, 2027 deadline for training materials and employer training, adopting the hotel industry and DLE-related amendments, and making technical corrections; HB 1960 passed both committees unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• College Bound Scholarships are assistance that we give to low- and middle-income folks that is means-tested
• College Bound Scholarships are assistance that we give to low and middle income folks that is mean-tested
• Washington College Grant students, as you've heard, are all means-tested; this is an entitlement that
• educational options that work best for their families, that were promised support because of this means-tested

Bills: HB2498 , HB2443 , HB2567 , HB2363 , HB2422

Committee: House Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Keywords: nursing education, nursing program standards, board of nursing, state board, national accreditation, accreditation body, nursing school, nurse educator, clinical simulation, simulation director, lead nurse educator, NCLEX, licensure exam pass rate, corrective action plan, technical assistance, higher education, program approval, Washington RCW, professional development, nursing licensure

Transcript Highlights:

• And then they can do a stress test. They do stress tests multiple times a day.
• And the stress tests have all been successful as we've done this project.
• How large of an area is it that you're doing, where you're doing all of the test wells and everything

Summary: The House Resources and Conservation Committee approved the January 29, 2026 minutes and then heard a lengthy informational presentation on Idaho water projects and water management. Laura Hurway of the Idaho Groundwater Appropriators framed the discussion around statewide water challenges and the need for public-private investment. Presenters from the Boise River Basin, eastern Idaho, and the Twin Falls area described infrastructure modernization, canal lining, telemetry, recharge, and data collection efforts intended to improve efficiency, protect water supplies, and avoid future curtailment. Committee members asked about water savings, groundwater impacts, project timelines, and the role of incidental recharge, and witnesses emphasized that many projects take multiple years and combine state, federal, and private funding. Lori Gray described the $21 million modernization of the Ridenbaugh Headworks Canal, including automated gates, fish screens, and improved safety and efficiency, with funding from state grants, the Idaho Water Resources Board, and federal Reclamation/WaterSMART money. Daniel Hoke outlined the Treasure Valley Water Supply Project, which uses telemetry and modeling to track declining drain return flows and ungaged returns, with a proposed 15 Mile Creek regulation project to stabilize flows. Jay Barlogia detailed the Twin Falls Canal Company’s large canal-lining and pipeline project, including a $26.3 million grant and work to reduce seepage while balancing groundwater recharge concerns. Alan Jackson and Aaron Dowling discussed eastern Idaho groundwater and surface-water projects, including monitoring wells, telemetry, canal automation, and pipeline conversions, with testimony focusing on better aquifer understanding, reduced pumping, and local economic benefits. The committee then introduced and advanced several measures. It voted to introduce RS 331-09C1, a proposal giving the Idaho State Department of Agriculture continuous spending authority for the Range Land Improvement Fund, and RS 331-35, a concurrent resolution supporting wildlife crossings when backed by local communities. The committee also sent House Bill 502, which codifies Forest Products Commission rules and updates statutory language, to the House with a due pass recommendation after testimony that it supports forest education and active management. Finally, it sent Senate Joint Memorial 107 to the floor with a due pass recommendation; the memorial supports the Integra Delamar gold mining project and urges federal agencies to move the NEPA/permitting process forward. Witnesses said the project has been in BLM review since 2020, has recently been placed on the Fast-41 transparency dashboard, and is expected to bring jobs and tax revenue, while committee members noted the need for timely state DEQ processing as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then they can do a stress test. They do stress tests multiple times a day.
• And the stress tests have all been successful as we've done this project. And there's the finish.
• How large of an area is it that you're doing where you're doing all of the test wells and everything?

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These changes are unprecedented and need research, evaluation, and testing.
• and importance of medical decisions for injured workers, L&I believes those improvements should be tested
• And the department has put those through clinical testing and looked at national evidence and decided
• And the department has put those through clinical testing and looked at national evidence and decided

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6136, which would require Labor and Industries to publish actuarial indicated workers’ compensation rates for each risk class and disclose when rate increases are capped below those indicated levels. The sponsor and supporters from the hospitality, retail, business, and construction sectors said the bill would improve transparency about how rates are set and how reserve funds and investment earnings are used to hold down premiums. L&I testified that the bill would require publication of a large amount of rate-setting information, but said it was already developed in the normal process and that the bill had no fiscal impact. Questions focused on reserve use, advisory committee involvement, and how the actuarial calculations interact with investment returns. The committee then moved to executive session and took action on several bills, adopting substitutes or amendments and advancing bills including SB 5292, 6014, 5972, 5869, 5874, 6058, 6039, 5944, and 6180, with most sent to Rules and SB 5292 sent to Ways and Means. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5847, which would expand injured workers’ access to medical care by allowing treatment outside the L&I provider network when no provider is available nearby, limiting employer steering to specific providers, shortening utilization review timelines, allowing provider deviation from L&I guidelines when medically appropriate, and expanding continued treatment and cancer monitoring. Labor and worker advocates argued the bill would better reflect the Murray decision and reduce delays in care, while L&I and employer groups said the current evidence-based guideline system works for most claims and warned the bill could weaken quality controls, create vague standards, and increase costs. Testimony also raised concerns about the 15-mile access rule, the employer communication restrictions, and the appeal process for provider removal. The sponsor said the goal was to improve individualized care and continue working with stakeholders. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6067, which would change workers’ compensation time-loss calculations so that 100% of the employer-paid health insurance contribution is included in the benefit calculation instead of the current partial inclusion. Supporters said the bill would help injured workers keep health coverage during recovery and reduce pressure to choose between medical care and income, while opponents argued it would not guarantee the money is actually used for health insurance, could be diverted to other uses or attorney fees, and would significantly increase costs for employers and the accident fund. L&I said the bill would require IT and administrative changes and estimated substantial ongoing benefit costs. The hearing ended without further action on SB 6067, and the chair closed the session after public testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• this as an opportunity, working with both border agencies, Canada and the United States, on trying to test
• States on trying to test out some new opportunities and innovations with technology to help facilitate
• We'll hopefully withstand the test of time, need less water, and should be a little more hardy and also
• It authorizes DOL to test or pilot the verification system without any enforcement action for 12 months

Bills: SB5839 , SB5824 , SB5864 , SB6032

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: county authority, transportation, ferry district, infrastructure, government powers, fifth-wheel, travel trailers, vehicle regulation, state law, motor vehicle, insurance verification, automobile regulation, state compliance, traffic safety, highway safety, load limits, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Where are the people with power, influence, access when rights are being tested?
• <00:15:36.800><c> rights</c><00:15:37.279><c> are</c><00:15:37.519><c> being</c><00:15:37.760><c> tested
• </c><00:15:39.199><c> Where</c><00:15:39.440><c> the</c> when rights are being tested?
• Where the when rights are being tested?

Keywords: House streaming session for Monday, January 19, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• last Friday, did a Make America Healthy Again, Florida version press conference talking about food testing
• The budget... talking about food testing and huge partnership with Dr.
• to 24/7 operations, as well as give them some additional resources in a sandbox where agencies can test
• And we've seen that with graduation rates, and we've also seen that with test scores. Thank you.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee first took up SB 7010, which would authorize Roth contributions in state and local deferred compensation plans. Senator Mayfield explained that current law only allows pre-tax contributions, and the bill would let the Department of Financial Services and local governments offer post-tax Roth options. The bill had one support appearance card, no debate, and was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then received a lengthy presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget on the governor’s recommended “Floridians First” budget, totaling $117.4 billion and $53.2 billion in general revenue. The presentation highlighted reserves, debt paydown, tax relief, and proposed reductions and efficiencies, along with major spending areas in education, health care, public safety, corrections, transportation, and economic development. Key proposals included higher K-12 funding, teacher salary increases, funding for Everglades and water quality projects, emergency preparedness, corrections staffing and facility funding, cybersecurity, law enforcement recruitment bonuses, and affordable housing and infrastructure investments. Members asked extensive questions about property tax reserves, litigation funding, emergency response fund balances and spending, the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility and federal reimbursement, the Second Amendment sales tax holiday, animal abuse hotline funding, Hope Florida, corrections staffing, and teacher pay. A major portion of the discussion focused on the Department of Health’s planned changes to the ADAP HIV medication program, with senators and a public witness expressing concern about access to life-saving medications and possible misuse or redirection of funds. The committee did not take further action on the budget presentation, and the meeting ended after additional comments supporting the budget and the corrections funding, with SB 7010 already approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• go to the Defense Support Commission has been prioritized for anything related to the Eastern Gulf testing
• million to the Defense Support Commission has been prioritized for anything related to the Eastern Gulf testing
• As you might know, there's a federal conversation occurring about drilling in the Eastern Gulf testing
• And so any grants related to protecting the Eastern Gulf testing range would have to prioritize these

Bills: S0048

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Keywords: housing, accessory dwelling units, affordable housing, local government, zoning regulations, military families, density bonus, homeownership, property taxes

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard presentations on the Governor’s recommended budget for fiscal year 2026-27 and then considered one bill, CS/SB 48 on accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The Governor’s office outlined a $117.4 billion overall budget, with transportation and economic development receiving about $18 billion statewide and $601 million in general revenue. Agency heads then presented priorities for Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Military Affairs, State, Transportation, Emergency Management, and the Florida State Guard, emphasizing workforce development, housing, tourism marketing, aviation and space infrastructure, law enforcement recruitment, emergency preparedness, and military readiness. In the Commerce presentation, Secretary Kelly highlighted funding for housing programs, the Hometown Heroes program, the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, rural infrastructure and workforce grants, Reconnect and Florida WINS systems, law enforcement and firefighter recruitment bonuses, defense support, Visit Florida, Space Florida, and SelectFlorida. Senators asked about Visit Florida’s private match requirements and whether the agency fully leveraged prior appropriations; Visit Florida’s CEO said the match was met and exceeded, though it is difficult but important. The Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles presentation focused on trooper pay, pursuit vehicles, aviation assets, and enterprise data systems, with questions about immigration enforcement and body cameras. Military Affairs requested funding for readiness centers, training facilities, education and health benefits for Guardsmen, and maintenance of existing armories; members discussed Guard deployments, staffing levels, and a proposed firing range project. The Department of State requested funds for automated election audits, a conservation lab, and historic preservation, and defended its arts grant process and rule changes. Transportation’s budget emphasized a $14.3 billion work program, road and bridge maintenance, aviation and aerospace, safety initiatives, and seaport investments, while Emergency Management requested funding for preparedness, flood mitigation, WebEOC, grants management, and alert systems; senators also asked about the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility. For CS/SB 48, Senator Gates explained that the bill would require local governments to allow property owners to voluntarily create ADUs, while preserving local authority over setbacks, construction, and permitting. An amendment removed reusable tenant screening reports and clarified that conforming ADUs would be allowed by right without a separate hearing. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the bill, saying ADUs could help provide long-term housing for service workers. After questions about local government and HOA authority, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS/SB 48 favorably by roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• last Friday, did a Make America Healthy Again, Florida version press conference talking about food testing
• Talking about food testing and a huge partnership with Dr. Ladapo at the Department of Health.
• as well as give them some additional resources in a sandbox where they can actually, agencies can test
• And we've seen that with graduation rates, and we've also seen that with test scores. Thank you.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 7010, which would authorize post-tax Roth contributions in state and local deferred compensation plans, instead of limiting them to pre-tax contributions. After a brief presentation and one waived appearance in support, the bill was rolled and reported favorably. Later, members also recorded affirmative votes on SB 7010 before adjournment. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the Governor’s proposed “Floridians First” budget, presented by Lita Kelly of the Office of Policy and Budget. She outlined a $117.4 billion spending plan with $53.2 billion in general revenue, emphasizing reserves, debt reduction, trust fund sweeps, and targeted reductions in agency positions. Major priorities included K-12 and higher education funding, teacher salary support, school hardening, Everglades and water-quality projects, cancer and behavioral health initiatives, emergency preparedness, law enforcement, corrections staffing and facilities, cybersecurity, transportation, affordable housing, and economic development. Members asked extensive questions about teacher pay, corrections staffing, emergency response reserves, the proposed federal reimbursement for the Everglades detention facility, the Second Amendment sales tax holiday, the animal abuse hotline, and the absence of a specific Hope Florida line item. A major portion of the discussion focused on the Department of Health’s planned changes to the ADAP HIV/AIDS drug assistance program, with public testimony warning that the changes could cut off access to medications for thousands of Floridians and alleging misuse of federal funds. Kelly said she would follow up on several details, including litigation costs, teacher pay comparisons, and ADAP funding questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I'm really going toward the operational testing evaluation piece to get things out the door faster
• And I would argue it helps us when you're doing testing because you don't have to go out to, you know
• , the old big trestle out there and start doing radiation testing on some coupons or whatever, but you
• It's going to have a multi-node quantum network, dilution refrigerators, a quantum test bed, a Quantum

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• several amendments, which we support: the reinsertion of the change of supervisor fee for psychological testing
• technicians, the expansion of the allowable degrees to qualify for a psychological testing technician
• several amendments, which we support: the reinsertion of the change of supervisor fee for psychological testing
• technicians, the expansion of the allowable degrees to qualify for a psychological testing technician

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a lengthy agenda of Senate bills, with most measures ultimately advancing on party-line or broad bipartisan votes after substantial testimony and several amendments. Early in the hearing, SB 418 by Sen. Menjivar was presented as a health access bill to codify ACA nondiscrimination protections in state law and require coverage for up to a 12-month supply of medically approved hormone therapy; supporters framed it as protecting continuity of care amid federal threats, while there was no opposition testimony. The committee later also took up SB 456, which would exempt muralists from contractor licensing requirements for commissioned fine art murals; supporters said recent enforcement had chilled mural projects and harmed artists and communities, and the bill passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 641, part of the wildfire response package, and SB 774, a sunset review bill for the Department of Real Estate and Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers, also advanced with support and no opposition. SB 775 and SB 776, sunset extensions for the behavioral sciences, psychology, and optometry boards, passed after witnesses described technical changes and the need to keep the boards operating. SB 777, dealing with abandoned cemeteries, drew testimony from local governments, industry, and counties; after amendments removed a local takeover mandate and shifted the bill toward a stakeholder working group and study process, opposition softened or was withdrawn and the bill moved forward to Local Government. SB 790, on interstate reciprocity for online higher education, generated the most debate, with supporters arguing California students and institutions need stronger consumer protections and access to the national reciprocity framework, while opponents said the bill’s terms conflicted with the existing compact; it passed as amended to Appropriations after committee members emphasized continued work on student protections. The consent calendar, including SB 389 and SB 861, was also approved, and the committee adjourned after additional vote changes were recorded.