Transcript Highlights:

• Ward. Thank you.
• Ward? Aye. Wilson, aye. Thanks. That bill has eight votes.
• Ward: Aye. Wicks: Aye. Wilson: Aye. That bill has 11 votes.
• Ward: Aye. Wicks: Aye. Wilson: Aye. Warren: Aye.
• Ward: Aye. Wicks: Aye. Wilson: Aye. Warren: Aye.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• show, you know, identity as long as they haven't changed their domicile or if they're in a different ward
• show, you know, identity as long as they haven't changed their domicile or if they're in a different ward
• a</c> their doicile or if they're in a their doicile or if they're in a different<00:04:00.640><c> ward
• , show identity, identity different ward, show identity, identity and<00:04:03.760><c> doicile.
• Because if you're registered already in that ward, then you only need to prove identity.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The committee worked through several election-related bills and conference committee compromises. On SB 221, members discussed a streamlined re-registration form for voters removed from the checklist, with the Secretary of State to develop the necessary form; one member opposed the bill as unnecessary and warned that more frequent purges can disenfranchise voters, but the committee ultimately accepted the compromise and prepared it for signatures. On SB 213, the committee reviewed technical language changes to the HB 340-related provisions, including changing “legislative body” to “governing body” and replacing “measure” with “warrant article.” Despite those edits, one member argued the bill could chill public employees’ participation in official duties and should be held to the Senate position; another said the bill was unnecessary in light of other voting restrictions already enacted. No position change was made, and the bill remained opposed by at least some members. On SB 218, the committee agreed to add the word “applicable” in two places, and to remove sections 5 and 6 from the Senate version so pre-processing language would be restored. The House also asked to strike a sentence giving the Secretary of State broad authority over errors identified in the process, preferring that such matters remain in statute. Members generally described these edits as improvements, though some still opposed the bill overall. The meeting ended after a final comment on SB 213 seeking to remove language requiring public employees’ factual information to be provided only in response to public requests, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• For House Bill 1092, the Speaker appoints Delegates Hernandez, Ward, and Valley, and that is companion
• For House Bill 1263, the Speaker appoints Delegates Tran, Ward, and Wilt, and that is companion legislation
• For House Bill 1263, the Speaker appoints Delegates Tran, Ward, and Wilt, and that is companion legislation
• And for Senate Bill 288, the Speaker appoints Delegates Hernandez, Ward, and Oates as members of the
• Senate Bill 288, the Speaker appoints Delegates Hernandez, Ward, and Oates as members of the conference

Keywords: March 12, 2026 - Regular Session Part 2, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward present. Assembly Member, please proceed. Mr. Chair, thank you for having me.
• Assembly Member Ward: Mr. Ward: I just want to thank the author for reintroducing this bill.
• Ward: aye. Due pass to Appropriations. Carrillo: aye. Ta: aye. Pacheco: aye. Ramos: aye.
• Ward: aye. The vote is 7-0. The bill is out. Thank you. Good luck.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee met on January 14 and heard one bill, AB 748 by Assembly Member Harabedian. The bill would expand a pre-approval program for housing plans, modeled on AB 1332, to single-family and small multifamily developments under 10 units. The author said the measure would help speed up housing production, reduce costs and delays in plan review, and give local governments flexibility to approve designs while retaining permitting fee revenue. He noted there was no opposition and cited examples from Altadena and Los Angeles County showing interest in pre-approved rebuilding plans after recent fires. Support came from Habitat for Humanity California, which said the bill would streamline an expensive and time-consuming early stage of housing development and could help affordable builders, nonprofits, and individual homeowners. A representative from Abundant Housing Los Angeles and SPUR also testified in support. No opposition testimony was presented. Committee members expressed support, with Assembly Member Ward offering to co-author and move the bill. The committee voted 7-0 to pass AB 748 to the Appropriations Committee. The roll was briefly held open for additional members, then closed after a final aye was recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward. I. We will hold the roll open for absent members. All right. We'll hold the roll open.
• Ward. I. We have, we'll hold the roll open for absent members. All right. We'll hold the roll open.
• Ward? Aye. This bill has sufficient votes. We'll put it on hold. All right. Thank you.
• Thank you, Assembly Member Ward, for presenting item number one, AB 406, for Assembly Member Chavira.
• Ward: Aye. We have sufficient votes. We'll place it on hold. We have sufficient votes.

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard three bills. AB 1136 would provide workers who are detained or deported by ICE with five unpaid days to handle immigration-related matters and up to 12 months of unpaid leave in detention/deportation cases, with an amendment allowing employers to require use of other leave first and a requirement to restore workers to their prior position once legal status is proven. Support came from labor groups including the California Federation of Labor Unions and SEIU California, while opposition came from the Association of California School Administrators and others who raised concerns about the length of the rehire period and impacts on public education and employers. Committee members described the bill as a necessary response to current immigration enforcement conditions, and the Senate amendments were concurred in. AB 1514, the committee’s cleanup bill for AB 5, would extend the sunset on the licensed manicurist exemption by three years and the commercial fisherman exemption by five years, while adding reporting requirements from EDD and the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement on misclassification and unemployment claims. There were no witnesses in support or opposition, though one member noted the importance of continuing to work on manicurist issues, especially for API women in the industry. The committee approved concurrence in the Senate amendments. AB 406, presented on behalf of Assembly Member Chavira, makes technical and clarifying changes to prior legislation related to leave for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other violence. The bill adjusts enforcement timelines between the Civil Rights Department and the Labor Commissioner, adds sunset dates to certain Labor Code sections, and aligns paid sick leave language with a new Government Code section. There was no public testimony, and the committee voted to concur in the Senate amendments. All three bills ultimately received unanimous committee approval and were reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• File item 212, AB 368 by Assembly Member Ward. The clerk will read.
• Assembly Member Ward, you were recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum after a roll call, observed a moment of silence for John Burton, and proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance and routine procedural motions. Members approved a rule suspension to allow floor amendments on SB 271 and SB 67, and several committee notices and bill referrals were handled. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading file, with many bills passed and a number of items temporarily passed or retained on file. Among the major measures approved were bills on civil rights and public safety (SB 477, SB 19, SB 36, SB 571, SB 580), health care and coverage (SB 257 on pregnancy as a qualifying life event, SB 530 on Medi-Cal access standards, SB 660 on health data exchange, SB 754 on menstrual product contaminant disclosure), housing and disaster recovery (SB 610, SB 655), transportation and climate (SB 533 on EV charging payments, SB 30 on diesel locomotives, SB 71 on CEQA exemptions for transit, SB 263 on tariff impacts), and natural resources/energy (SB 283 on battery storage safety, SB 88 on biomass emissions, SB 427 extending the Habitat Conservation Fund). The Assembly also passed urgency measures including SB 864 on tribal gaming compacts, SB 663 on wildfire-related property tax relief, SB 471 expanding DDS ombudsman authority, and SB 497 on privacy protections for legally protected health services. Several bills drew notable debate. SB 41 on pharmacy benefit managers saw opposition over concerns about moving ahead before broader PBM data and licensing reforms take effect, but it still passed. AB 1340, a concurrence item on gig worker collective bargaining rights, prompted extended debate over labor rights, consumer costs, and union influence. Other concurrence items included AB 671 on restaurant permitting, which passed without opposition. The Assembly also took up SB 640 on direct admission to CSU, SB 702 on demographic reporting for appointees, SB 710 preserving a solar property tax exclusion, and SB 793 on counterfeit lighter safety, all of which passed. The session ended with the Assembly continuing through the file, including concurrence votes and additional bill actions, with most measures approved by substantial margins.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward. Ransom? Present. Ransom here. Rogers? Rogers here. Ward here. Thank you.
• Ward. We have 10 votes for consent, but we'll hold the roll open for additional members to add on.
• Ward, aye. All right, that bill has 13 aye votes. We'll hold it open for members to add on.
• We'll start with Assembly Member Ward.
• Ward? Ward? Aye. Davies, do you want to close this out real quick on the vote tally?

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee met and first took up AB 1091 on consent, which passed without discussion. The committee then heard AB 647 by Assemblymember Gonzalez, a cleanup/clarifying bill related to last year’s AB 630 pilot program for Los Angeles and Alameda Counties allowing local agencies to dispose of low-value, inoperable RVs that are public safety or environmental hazards. The author and supporters said the bill would clarify which local jurisdictions can use the pilot and help address abandoned RVs, while opponents argued it was a premature expansion that could destroy people’s only shelter and create a patchwork of local rules. Despite the opposition, the bill was approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1421, which would create a research and information process around California’s long-term transportation funding challenges and possible road user charge or mileage-based funding options. The author and sponsor argued that declining gas-tax revenue from more fuel-efficient and zero-emission vehicles is making the system less stable and less equitable, and that the bill would support a transparent, research-driven transition without imposing a new tax. Many local government, labor, business, and industry groups testified in support, while no opposition speakers came forward during the hearing. Members raised questions about equity, rural drivers, privacy, double taxation, and whether any future revenue would be dedicated to transportation infrastructure; the author said the bill was intended to inform future decisions, not set a tax policy now. AB 1421 passed on a 12-1 vote and was re-referred to Appropriations, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward: Aye. Lackey: Aye. El-Hawari: Aye. Jeff Gonzalez: Aye. McKinner. Ortega: Aye.
• Ward, aye. Lackey, aye. Elhawari, aye. Jeff Gonzalez, aye. McKinner, aye. Ortega, aye.
• Chair Ward, Vice Chair Lackey, members of the committee, my name is Melissa Patak.
• Ward. Aye. Ward. Aye. Lackey. Aye. Lackey. Aye. Jeff Gonzalez. Aye. Jeff Gonzalez. Aye. McKinner.
• Ward, aye. Lackey, aye. Elhawary, aye. I. Ward, aye. Lackey, aye. Elhawary, aye.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism heard several bills focused on California’s creative economy, sports development, and cultural preservation. SB 226 by Senator Cabaldon would clarify that infrastructure revitalization financing districts may be used for entertainment and sports facilities, with testimony from West Sacramento officials emphasizing that the tool would rely only on project-generated city tax increment and would not affect school districts, counties, or the General Fund. Members discussed the relationship between IRFDs and EIFDs and the distinction between infrastructure financing and direct subsidy of private sports teams or stadiums. SB 865 by Senator Ashby proposed support for destination music festivals, citing the economic impact of events such as Aftershock and Golden Sky in Sacramento and similar festivals elsewhere in the state. Supporters from Visit Sacramento and Danny Wimmer Presents said festivals generate substantial jobs, tax revenue, and tourism spending while promoters bear the financial risk. Several committee members and public witnesses supported the bill as a way to sustain the creative economy, local businesses, and opportunities for artists. The bill passed the committee on a unanimous vote and was sent to Appropriations. SB 1050 by Senator Ashby would require disclosures when synthetic performers are used in advertisements, including audio ads, to inform consumers and protect human performers from displacement. SAG-AFTRA and voice actor advocates argued that consumers deserve to know when an ad uses AI-generated likenesses or voices, while TechNet, the Motion Picture Association, broadcasters, and other industry groups opposed unless amended, raising concerns about overbreadth, audio-only implementation, private enforcement, and the need for clearer exemptions and definitions. Members generally supported the bill’s goal but noted technical issues to refine; it passed unanimously to Judiciary. SB 1073 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would create a voluntary tax checkoff to support the South Los Angeles Black Cultural District. Supporters described the district’s historic and cultural significance and framed the measure as a way to help preserve Black cultural assets amid limited public funding. Members discussed how the checkoff would appear on tax forms statewide, its voluntary nature, and whether it could serve as a model for other districts. The bill also passed unanimously to Appropriations, and the committee later adopted the consent calendar unanimously as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you very much, Chair Ward.
• Thank you, Senator Ward.
• And I think Thank you, Senator Ward.
• I think what may I chair Ward? Yes, absolutely. So Senator Sullivan, I... amendment, Senator Ward.
• I think what may I chair Ward? saying? I think what may I chair Ward?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward, would you lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, please? Please join us.
• Um, we'll move consent. >> Senator Ward will second consent on 560, and I'll take it out since it was
• Um, Senator Ward, do you want to take that out? >> Sure. >> Thank you very much. >> Oh, yes.
• And um Senator Ward cited some fa pass.
• Um, Senator Ward, do you &gt;&gt; None opposed.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Bills: HB485, HB1367, HB1370, HB1827, HB1879, HB2032, HB2133, HB2357, HB3581, HB3830, HB4060, HB4085, HB4270, HB4979, HB5217, HB5268, HB5478, HJR96, HJR97, HJR119, HJR195, HJR209, SB4, SB23, SJR2, SJR85, SB 4, SB 23, SJR 2

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, access, affordability, public health, emergency services district, sales tax, gas and electricity, residential use, tax exemption, emergency services, gas, electricity, HB 485, ESD, use tax, residential utilities, utility tax, local option tax, Texas Health and Safety Code

Transcript Highlights:

• It's Assembly Member Ward, who's here to present AB 1301. Thank you, Mr.
• All right, let's go now to Assembly Member Ward, all the way here from San Diego.
• Thank you, Member Ward.
• Let's go to AB 1813, Ward. AB 1813, Ward. Do pass as amended to Appropriations. Current vote 3-2.
• We'll go next to item four, AB 1813, Ward. AB 1813, Ward. Do pass, amended to Appropriations.

Summary: The committee heard several energy-related bills, with AB 1715 drawing the most discussion. That bill would require the CPUC to create a searchable database of utility advice letters, protests, responses, and resolutions going back to 2020, and to require utilities to report state, federal, and other public financing so ratepayer savings from loans, grants, and similar funding can be tracked and passed through. The author and TURN said the bill is aimed at transparency, affordability, and preventing double recovery; committee amendments removed some language, and labor said the amendments would remove its opposition. Senators pressed on how “financial benefits” would be defined and whether the bill would require refunds to ratepayers, and the author said the CPUC would determine the details. The bill was later moved out of committee on a do-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations. AB 1301, a CPUC/Public Utilities Code cleanup bill, was presented as a housekeeping measure to remove obsolete references, align deadlines, eliminate duplicative requirements, and extend the Energy Conservation Assistance Act sunset. The Public Advocates Office and Golden State Power Cooperatives supported it, and the committee advanced it do-pass as amended to Appropriations. AB 2463, which would require the CPUC to disclose the models and analysis used to set utility authorized return on equity, was described as a transparency measure for a process that is currently a “black box.” EDF and the Utility Wildfire Survivor Coalition supported the bill, while members noted the importance of understanding how utility profits are set; it also passed to Appropriations. AB 1813, on community solar and storage, generated substantial debate. The author said the bill is intended to fix a CPUC program that he argued is unworkable and inconsistent with the Legislature’s earlier direction, while supporters including San Diego Community Power, TURN, and many clean energy, labor, and local-government groups said it would make community solar viable for renters and others who cannot install rooftop solar. Opponents, including the Public Advocates Office, Southern California Edison, SDG&E, and PG&E, argued it would raise rates, create cost shifts to non-participating customers, and conflict with a recently adopted CPUC decision. The bill was moved out on a do-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations, with some senators indicating support but also concern about affordability and pending amendments. AB 2111, which would require the CPUC to plan transmission using multiple demand and resource scenarios instead of a single forecast, was supported as a way to reduce bottlenecks, improve reliability, and avoid costly under-planning as electrification grows. Supporters said better scenario planning would help avoid transmission constraints that block new generation, while the committee raised questions about cost impacts and the role of current CPUC planning processes. The bill passed to Appropriations. The committee also took up AB 2266, which would consolidate related CPUC compliance reporting, require consistent reliability valuation across programs, and direct an evaluation if CAISO uses backstop procurement; supporters said it would reduce confusion and improve consistency, while opponents warned against forcing one valuation method across different resource types. AB 2266 was also moved to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2175 was taken up on consent and advanced without discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tiffany, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Mr. Speaker.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• File item 139 is AB 1793 by Assembly Member Ward. The clerk will read.
• File item 139 is AB 1793 by assembly member ward. The clerk will read.
• Ward, you are recognized on the matter. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Item 234, AB 82 by Assembly Member Ward. The clerk will read.
• Assembly Member Ward, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• Item 241, AB 474 by Assembly Member Ward. The clerk will read.
• Assembly Bill 474 by Assembly Member Ward. Item 241, AB 474 by Assembly Member Ward.
• Item 244, AB 518 by Assembly Member Ward. The clerk will read.

Summary: The Assembly convened, initially lacked a quorum, then returned to session with prayer, pledge, and a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk following news of his shooting. Members then handled a series of procedural motions, including suspending rules, moving several bills to the inactive file, re-referring bills to committees, and authorizing committee meetings. The chamber also observed adjournments in memory for several individuals, including Ermilo Don Rodas, John Burton, Nina Chomsky, and Barbara “Bobby” Samperey. On the floor file, members considered and passed a long list of Senate bills, largely on bipartisan or unanimous votes. Topics included consumer protection and transparency for self-storage contracts (SB 709), adoption jurisdiction (SB 450), privacy and name/image protections (SB 683), an audit of the February 2025 bar exam (SB 47), data broker transparency (SB 361), used-car buyer protections (SB 76), state parks land acquisition streamlining (SB 630), cemetery work group deadlines (SB 777), financial enforcement authority (SB 825), utility outage reporting and reliability planning (SB 292), vital records confidentiality (SB 313), health care coverage and hormone therapy access (SB 418), workplace outreach (SB 578), Holocaust and genocide education (SB 472), county jail treatment for misdemeanor incompetency cases (SB 820), and AI companion chatbot safeguards for minors and self-harm risks (SB 243). Most measures passed with little or no opposition, though SB 578 drew sharp debate over the workplace outreach program and its funding. The Assembly also took up concurrence items and approved numerous Assembly bills with Senate amendments. These included transparency in legislative nondisclosure agreements (AB 1370), affordable faculty/staff housing provisions at community colleges (AB 648), tribal youth foster care reforms (AB 1378), EV charger payment regulations (AB 1423), technical Political Reform Act changes (AB 1511), diacritical marks on vital records (AB 64), reproductive health protections with urgency (AB 260), union and collective bargaining protections (AB 288), bench trial statement-of-decision streamlining (AB 515), agricultural land stewardship (AB 524), geothermal exploratory project rules (AB 527), Medi-Cal field medicine changes (AB 543), tobacco-related provisions (AB 573), social media platform rules (AB 656), state parks transaction reporting (AB 679), professional licensing changes (AB 742), and child care staffing and assistant teacher pathways with urgency (AB 753). Votes were generally strong, with several measures passing unanimously or near-unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward. Ward. That bill has 11 votes, and we'll hold it open for any members to add on.
• Ward, aye. Thank you.
• Assemblymember Ward. Thank you.
• Ward, I don't know. I, Rogers, aye. Ward, aye.
• Ward, aye.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard a series of bills focused on transportation safety, climate resilience, wildlife connectivity, parking enforcement, and EV charging reliability. AB 605 would create a pilot program allowing certain hydrogen internal combustion cargo-handling equipment at ports; supporters said it could help ports stay competitive while reducing emissions, while South Coast AQMD raised concerns about possible nitrogen oxide emissions and limits on future regulation. The bill passed on an 11-0 vote to the Natural Resources Committee. AB 1132 would require Caltrans to incorporate community resilience indicators, including socioeconomic factors, into climate vulnerability assessments; supporters from Greenlining, AARP, and others said it would better protect seniors, people with disabilities, and transit users during heat waves and disasters, while some members questioned the cost during a tight budget year. It passed 9-0 to Appropriations, with some members not voting. AB 382 would lower school-zone speed limits to 20 mph and give local agencies more flexibility in how the limit is posted and enforced; supporters cited child pedestrian deaths and safety research, and the bill passed 11-0 to Appropriations. AB 902, as amended, would require transportation projects in wildlife connectivity areas to include wildlife passage features where feasible; supporters emphasized reduced collisions and habitat fragmentation, while the California Building Industry Association and COGs moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. It passed 9-1 to Local Government. AB 1014 would give Caltrans more discretion to lower speed limits on state highways based on local conditions rather than the 85th percentile rule; supporters said it would improve safety in rural and tourist areas, and the bill passed 13-0 to Appropriations. AB 1022 would end towing or booting vehicles solely for unpaid parking tickets, with supporters describing the practice as punitive and harmful to low-income drivers, while cities and parking groups argued it would weaken enforcement and create problems for out-of-state vehicles. The bill passed 9-3 to Appropriations. AB 1423 would require publicly funded EV chargers to meet reliability standards and allow enforcement of uptime requirements; supporters said taxpayers need functioning chargers, while charging-industry opponents objected to retroactive standards and possible conflicts with existing agreements. The bill passed 14-0 to Utilities and Energy. The committee also approved a consent calendar of five bills by voice vote and held roll calls open for additional members to add on.

Transcript Highlights:

• As I turn on my mic on 288, I recognize Senator Ruth Ward. Whenever you're ready, Senator.
• For the record, I am Senator Ruth Ward.
• </c><00:01:04.479><c> I</c> record, I am Senator Ruth Ward. I record, I am Senator Ruth Ward.
• Are you working with Senator Ward on that amendment?
• Are you working with Senator Ward on that amendment? Yes. Okay. Senator, good morning, Ben.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And last but not least, I would like to recognize the staff of Representative Gene Ward.
• staff of like to recognize the staff of Representative<00:27:45.919><c> Gene</c><00:27:46.240><c> Ward
• You can all Representative Gene Ward.
• </c> member, Representative Gene Ward. Rep. member, Representative Gene Ward. Rep.
• I think Gene Ward would be very proud of that.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• File item 55 is H.R. 116 by Assembly Member Ward. The clerk will read.
• House Resolution 116 by Assembly Member Ward.
• Assembly Member Ward, you may open. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Assembly Member Ward. All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll.
• ACA 21 will remove ACA 13, Ward 2023, from the November ballot.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward? Aye. Colosa. Garcia? Calra? I. Lee? Cork Silva? Aye. Ta? Aye. Thank you, Pa. Aye.
• Ward, aye. Colosa. Garcia. Calra, aye. Lee. Cork Silva, aye. Ta? I'm not voting.
• Ward. But want to concur as well for your work in the space.
• Ward: Aye. Ward: Aye. Colosa, Garcia. Kalra: Aye. Kalra: Aye. Lee: Aye. Quirk-Silva: Aye.
• Ward. Ward. Colosa. Garcia. Thank you. Ward? Aye. Colosa. Garcia? Aye. Garcia? Aye. Kalra? Lee?

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills, with most of the discussion focused on streamlining approvals, clarifying housing law, and expanding planning resources. AB 2005 would expand SB 9 urban lot split eligibility to homeowners using living trusts or LLCs and allow partnerships with small builders; supporters said it would help owner-occupants create more homeownership opportunities, while members raised concerns about enforceability and possible loopholes for corporate investors. AB 2676 would clarify the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 to make clear that referendums or initiatives cannot be used as de facto moratoriums on approved housing projects in affected cities and counties; the author said it codifies existing intent and court rulings, and members discussed retroactivity and pending actions before moving it forward. AB 1621 sought to tighten timelines and accountability for post-entitlement permits by limiting repeated plan checks and preventing local agencies from requiring changes that deviate from already approved plans, with supporters from the building industry and apartment sector saying delays add major costs. Cities and counties opposed unless amended, arguing the bill could limit their ability to ensure compliance with local and state standards and create unintended loopholes. The committee also heard AB 2002, which would codify and expand the REAP 1.0 regional planning grant program to support RHNA-related planning, housing elements, technical assistance, and some housing trust fund activities; supporters emphasized its value for under-resourced jurisdictions, while the building industry sought guardrails against grant conditions that exceed state standards. AB 2118 would refine the AB 2011 streamlined pathway for mixed-income housing by clarifying that state permits are ministerial when objective standards are met and limiting local standards that block mixed-use projects; it drew broad support from housing and planning groups and no opposition. AB 2074 proposed a ministerial pathway for high-rise mixed-income housing in major transit-rich downtowns, paired with labor standards and a state-backed revolving loan fund; supporters said it could revitalize downtowns and leverage private capital, while housing advocates and some members questioned whether public financing should prioritize mostly market-rate high-rise projects and raised budget concerns. The committee took roll-call votes and advanced the bills, with AB 2676, AB 1621, AB 2002, AB 2118, and AB 2074 all moving out on majority or unanimous votes, and consent items AB 1899 and AB 2390 also approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward? Aye. Colosa? Garcia? Kalra? Aye. Lee? Quirk-Silva? Aye. Ta? Aye. Wilson? Aye.
• Ward. But want to concur as well for your work in the space.
• Ward: Aye. Ward: Aye. Colosa, Garcia, Kalra? Yes. Lee. Cork. Silva: Aye. Ta: Aye. Wiggs: Aye.
• Ward, aye. Colosa, Garcia. Kalra, aye. Callra, aye. Lee, aye. Cork Silva, aye. Ta, aye.
• Ward. Ward. Colosa. Garcia. Thank you. Ward? Aye. Colosa? Garcia? Aye. Garcia? Aye. Kalra? Lee?

Keywords: 988, house, all