Transcript Highlights:

• Bowl champion.
• Bowl 60.
• Bowl 60.
• Whereas it is the policy Super Bowl 60.
• > and</c> becoming a Super Bowl 60 champion, and becoming a Super Bowl 60 champion, and extend<00:17:

Transcript Highlights:

• A key example of this strong support and partnership was when Minneapolis hosted the Super Bowl back
• During Super Bowl week, partners across systems, law enforcement, service providers, outreach teams,
• During Super Bowl week, partners across systems, law enforcement, service providers, outreach teams,
• During Super Bowl week, partners across systems, law enforcement, service providers, outreach teams,
• </c> tournaments, Olympics, World Cups, Super tournaments, Olympics, World Cups, Super Bowl,<00:41:39.840

Summary: House File 4738 was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill. Representative Keeler presented the bill as a funding source for Minnesota’s Safe Harbor program, arguing that trafficking and sexual exploitation are statewide problems and that current shelter and housing resources are insufficient. She and several supporters emphasized that the program serves youth across greater Minnesota, not just the metro, and that state and federal funding pressures make additional support necessary. Testifiers from Place Called Home/Life House, The Link, the City of Minneapolis, and a survivor all described the impact of Safe Harbor and related shelter programs. They cited data on youth served, bed nights, mental health services, and high unmet need, including waitlists and youth turned away because programs are full. Testimony stressed that stable housing and trauma-informed services help survivors recover and move toward education, employment, and family stability. One committee member, Representative Davis, objected to the proposed funding source, saying he would not support taking money from women’s sports scholarships and urging a different source. The bill’s tax mechanism was described as ending the sales tax exemption for preferred seating, suite licenses, and related amenities at athletic and entertainment events. Alec Williams of We Make Minnesota supported the proposal as a fair way to raise revenue from high-end discretionary purchases for a public purpose. Committee discussion also focused on the size of the revenue estimate and the breakdown of the impact, with nonpartisan staff saying roughly 85% would come from suite licenses, 10% from collegiate seating, and 5% from amenities. Representative Smith and others framed the issue as both a tax and moral question, and the chair moved the bill to be laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bowl or World Cup matches that will start next month in the Bay Area and Los Angeles.
• Bowl and the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• This bill is supported by a coalition that includes the Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee, the California
• This is unlikely to change before Super Bowl 61.
• Bowl, the Olympic and the Paralympic Games.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism heard three bills. AB 2113, by Assemblymember McKinnor, would prohibit unauthorized drone operation within 400 feet of ticketed outdoor entertainment events with 1,000 or more attendees, creating a $500 infraction to improve crowd safety and emergency response. Support came from Live Nation, the San Francisco 49ers, and BottleRock; opposition was limited to a support-if-amended position from the California Attractions and Parks Association and a less-amended concern from TechNet about impacts on nearby commercial drone use. Members discussed enforcement challenges and the need for a layered state-federal approach, and the bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations. AB 2492, by Assemblymember Gabriel, would create an interagency coordination framework for major sporting events such as the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including planning for security, emergencies, and reducing risks such as trafficking and discrimination. The California Travel Association testified in support, emphasizing the economic importance of these events and the need to reassure visitors about safety. Members noted the bill’s inclusion of watch parties and the need for strong coordination across agencies; it also passed 9-0 to Appropriations. AB 2130, by Assemblymember Haney, would allow the California State Athletic Commission to place sponsor logos on referee and official apparel at boxing and MMA events to generate revenue for fighter retirement benefits and related training, without using the General Fund or raising ticket prices. Support came from Combat U and the UFC, with testimony stressing that California is the only place offering this type of retirement benefit and that the bill would help support fighters after their careers. The committee described it as a targeted but important measure, and it passed 9-0 to Appropriations. After reopening the roll to capture absent members, all three bills were reported out unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so then you had the Super Bowl.
• </c> future uh final fours and u and Super future uh final fours and u and Super Bowls<00:19:25.840><
• Bowl, the final four in and the Super Bowl, most<00:24:54.000><c> of</c><00:24:54.159><c> those</c><
• But that is not to say that Super Bowl.
• ><c> all</c> for Super Bowls specifically, for all for Super Bowls specifically, for all other<00:38:

Bills: HF4912 , HF4664

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• This year, the Seattle Seahawks brought home the Lombardi Trophy as champions of Super Bowl 6.
• This year, the Seattle Seahawks brought home the Lombardi Trophy as champions of Super Bowl 6th.
• This year, the Seattle Seahawks brought home the Lombardi Trophy as champions of Super Bowl 60.
• A friend of mine won two tickets to see the Seahawks in the Super Bowl.
• Speaker, Super Bowl 60 was a very special day for me and my family.

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1002 , HB1065 , HB1155 , HB1916 , HB2264 , HB1078 , HB1687 , HB1701 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2088 , HB2091 , HB2107 , HB2109 , HB2110 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2152 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2228 , HB2229 , HB2230 , HB2235 , HB2238 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2249 , HB2253 , HB2254 , HB2269 , HB2272 , HB2283 , HB2304 , HB2317 , HB2340 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2445 , HB2452 , HB2472 , HB2492 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB2664 , HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2107 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2253 , HB2283 , HB2317 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB1170 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2111 , HB2156 , HB2188 , HB2199 , HB2206 , HB2296 , HB2360 , HB2436 , HB2471 , HB2478 , HB2510 , HB2525 , HB2532 , HB2543 , HB2605 , HB2624 , HJM4012 , HB1759

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I just want to let the body know that they're also now known for winning two Super Bowls.
• What an incredible Super Bowl, so hats off to the Patriots, Mr. President.
• Despite the fact of who actually won, any team that makes it to the Super Bowl is a great team.
• I didn't watch the Super Bowl. I did watch the halftime show. It's always very entertaining.
• Just barely out of college and not a lot of experience in his first Super Bowl.

Transcript Highlights:

• What it means for the Senate moving forward, plus the Super Bowl is drawing nearer.
• What it means for the Senate moving forward, plus the Super Bowl is drawing nearer.
• Bowl game where you have hundreds of thousands of kids watching it, they would allow advertising that
• Bowl game where you have hundreds of thousands of kids watching it, they would allow advertising that
• The reason why this is so important is because when the Super Bowl comes to town, or the Final Four,

Transcript Highlights:

• One day we're going to have a Super Bowl in Cleveland, and it's such a waste of time.
• I guess I framed that question asking, we are now getting Super Bowls every seven or nine years or so
• Nashville is going to be a fantastic place for a Super Bowl, to be honest with you.
• Bowl and all those kinds of things, and maybe in turn that will allow us to compete for Super Bowls
• Bidwell and the team continue to keep an eye out for that to, again, bring us another Super Bowl.

Committee: House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee met as the House Commerce Committee of Reference to hear sunset reviews and a performance audit covering the Department of Gaming, the Racing Commission, the Boxing and MMA Commission, the Barbering and Cosmetology Board, and the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority. The Auditor General reported that the Department of Gaming and the two commissions generally met some statutory duties, but identified major issues: the department had not consistently reviewed independent audit reports for event wagering and fantasy sports operators, had disclosure and conflict-of-interest compliance gaps, lacked comprehensive complaint-handling processes, and was late distributing some compact trust fund payments to tribes. The Racing Commission needed better public records procedures, and the Boxing and MMA Commission had licensing and fee-setting issues. The department and commissions said they agreed with the findings and were implementing recommendations, with the department noting it had already begun look-back reviews, updated guidance, and additional staffing. Members also discussed consumer protection, illegal gambling, prediction markets, and whether out-of-state enforcement actions should affect Arizona licenses; the department said it would evaluate such matters case by case and generally wait for final adjudication or final regulatory action before acting. The committee then voted to recommend continuation of the Department of Gaming for two years until July 1, 2028, the Racing Commission for six years until July 1, 2032, and the Boxing and MMA Commission for six years until July 1, 2032. The Department of Gaming motion passed 7-4, the Racing Commission motion passed 10-1, and the Boxing and MMA Commission motion passed unanimously. The committee next heard the Barbering and Cosmetology Board audit. The Auditor General said the board timely processed many applications and complaints and had adopted curriculum rules, but it failed to enforce disciplinary guidelines consistently, sometimes issuing different sanctions for similar violations without documenting why it deviated from policy. The audit also found problems with reciprocity education requirements, application review quality control, inspections, open meeting and public records compliance, conflict-of-interest processes, fee-setting, and statutory clarity on scope of practice and training requirements. The board said it agreed with the findings, had already updated disciplinary parameters and documentation policies, and was working on the remaining recommendations and possible legislation. The committee then voted to continue the board for six years until July 1, 2032, and the motion passed unanimously. At the end of the meeting, the committee began hearing the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority performance audit, but the transcript provided cuts off before that presentation was completed or any action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I just want to let the body know that they're also now known for winning two Super Bowls.
• President, I just want to let the body know that they're also now known for winning two Super Bowls.
• What an incredible Super Bowl, so hats off to the Patriots, Mr. President.
• I didn't watch the Super Bowl. I did watch the halftime show. It's always very entertaining.
• Just barely out of college and not a lot of experience in his first Super Bowl.

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, offered an invocation and pledges, and then spent much of the session on ceremonial recognitions and guest introductions. Certificates and remarks highlighted the 30th anniversary of 529 education savings plans and 4-H Day, with senators praising 529 plans as a family education-savings tool and 4-H as a major youth leadership program in all 33 counties. Members also recognized Scouts in America, including Michaela Kern as the first female Eagle Scout from Eddy County, and heard additional presentations tied to New Mexico State University, the College Assistance Migrant Program, and regional councils of government. Several senators used the floor to introduce students and community members from across the state, especially 4-H participants, NMSU CAMP students, and local youth leadership groups. Comments emphasized agriculture, leadership development, public service, and the importance of volunteer support. One senator also raised concerns about a prior Indian Day incident involving the Navajo Nation being placed at the back for the pledge, urging better decorum and respect in the chamber. The Senate then processed a governor’s message authorizing Senate Bill 149 for consideration and adopted multiple committee reports moving bills and memorials through the process, including measures referred to education, health and public affairs, tax/business/transportation, rules, finance, and judiciary committees. The body also introduced Senate Memorials 24 and 25 and Senate Joint Memorial 4. A call of the Senate was ordered after objection to moving to third reading, and the sergeant-at-arms reported Senators Sanchez and Tobiassen missing; the chamber remained under call while other business continued. The session ended with committee schedule announcements and a recess until noon the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• With the Super Bowl and the World Cup coming to the Bay Area region this year, awareness, prevention,
• And this was shortly right after the Super Bowl and Inglewood took place.
• And these situations take place when there's large entertainment venues, especially Super Bowl and NFL
• Bowl.
• And so we want to be mindful not just because of the Super Bowl, but every day, because this is a crisis

Transcript Highlights:

• And even though this is not the Olympics, a one-day record was just set for transit around the Super
• Bowl, for the number of riders that 30,000 people rode transit the day of the Super Bowl in South Santa
• And even though this is not the Olympics, a one-day record was just set for transit around the Super
• Bowl for the number of riders that 30, set for transit around the Super Bowl for the number of riders
• that 30,000 people rode transit the day of the Super Bowl in South Santa Clara County, so that was significant

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Transcript Highlights:

• This year, the Seattle Seahawks brought home the Lombardi Trophy as champions of Super Bowl 6th.
• This year, the Seattle Seahawks brought home the Lombardi Trophy as champions of Super Bowl 60.
• Bowl, helping power the defense that shut down the Patriots.
• A friend of mine won two tickets to see the Seahawks in the Super Bowl.
• Super Bowl 60 was a very special day for me and my family. It was a day never to be forgotten.

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2107 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2253 , HB2283 , HB2317 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB1170 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2111 , HB2156 , HB2188 , HB2199 , HB2206 , HB2296 , HB2360 , HB2436 , HB2471 , HB2478 , HB2510 , HB2525 , HB2532 , HB2543 , HB2605 , HB2624 , HJM4012 , HB1759

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a prayer before caucusing. The chamber then received a Senate message that Substitute Senate Bill 5820 had passed the Senate. Members took up a long series of House bills on second and third reading, with most advancing by wide margins after brief debate and, in some cases, amendments. Among the measures considered, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2165 on impersonating law enforcement drew the most debate. Supporters said it would address public safety and accountability by prohibiting people from claiming police authority or creating that impression, while opponents argued it could create confusion, overlap with existing law, or interfere with federal-state law enforcement cooperation. Amendment 1521 was adopted to protect ceremonial transfers of badges and identification to families of fallen or retired officers. The bill ultimately passed 56-38. Other bills passed included House Bill 2624 on clarifying property-related definitions for conservancies, House Bill 2385 delaying implementation dates tied to Medicaid reimbursement changes, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1717 on affordable housing tax remittance, Second Substitute House Bill 1859 on housing development on faith-owned land, Substitute House Bill 2151 adopting national standards for factory-built housing inspections, House Bill 2155 protecting the nursing title, House Bill 2111 on Interstate Bridge toll interest revenue, House Bill 2543 on county clerk fees, House Bill 2606 updating the Office of Privacy and Data Protection’s performance measures and AI-related duties, and House Bill 2417 aligning victim rights for National Guard members. Later, the House considered additional bills on early learning, marine safety, energy devices, nitrous oxide sales, derelict vessels, and a Seahawks-related resolution. House Bill 2317 on early learning assistance was amended to clarify school and community/technical college premises and passed unanimously. House Bill 2436, a technical fix for pilotage-related vessel requirements, also passed unanimously. Substitute House Bill 2296, dealing with distributed energy resource devices and meter-mounted equipment, passed 56-38 after concerns about timing relative to UTC rulemaking. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2532, restricting nitrous oxide sales with exemptions for medical, dental, and automotive uses, passed unanimously after an amendment clarifying those exemptions. Substitute House Bill 2199, aimed at removing derelict and sinking vessels, passed unanimously. Finally, House Bill 1759 designating December 12 as the “Day of the 12s” in honor of the Seahawks and their fans passed 93-2 after enthusiastic floor remarks and a brief point of order. The House then recessed for caucus until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• having the Livestock Classic, which will be the Super Bowl for Kentucky Proud kids to be able to go and
• </c><00:15:17.720><c> Bowl</c><00:15:17.959><c> for</c> there's not really a Super Bowl for there's not
• really a Super Bowl for Kentucky<00:15:18.600><c> proud</c><00:15:19.160><c> in</c><00:15:19.320><c>
• </c><00:15:26.279><c> Bowl</c><00:15:26.519><c> for</c> which will be the Super Bowl for which will be
• the Super Bowl for Kentucky<00:15:27.120><c> proud</c><00:15:27.480><c> kids</c><00:15:27.759><c> to

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 186, which would streamline food-service rules for churches and nonprofits providing meals to homeless shelters and people displaced by natural disasters. Representative Duvall said the bill is meant to remove unnecessary kitchen and plumbing requirements so organizations can safely serve simple meals in emergencies. Members discussed food safety, whether the bill applies only in declared disaster situations or also to homeless shelters, and whether training should be offered; Duvall clarified that the disaster and homelessness provisions are separate and that food must still be safe and wholesome. After discussion, the committee took a roll call vote and House Bill 186 passed with favorable expression. The committee then heard House Bill 370, a Department of Agriculture reorganization measure sponsored by Representative Payne. Payne and Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said the bill would move the Division of Farm Safety and Rural Health and create an Office of Economic Development to better support programs such as Food Is Medicine, rural health, farmer mental health, and farm safety. Members asked about the removal of references to shows and fairs, whether the bill would affect livestock shows and county fairs, and whether any new funding was included; Payne said the department would still support shows and fairs, the change was about efficiency and focus, and no new funding was specified because budget decisions come later. Discussion on House Bill 370 also highlighted the department’s broader economic role, including agricultural economic development and outreach tied to the new USDA secretary’s visit to Kentucky. The committee then voted and the bill passed with favorable expression. Finally, the committee began House Bill 304 on soybean assessment language. Representative Bivens and soybean association representatives explained it as cleanup language related to the soybean checkoff and a contingency if the federal checkoff changes. Members asked whether a referendum had already occurred and whether producers supported the measure; the witnesses said the referendum had already taken place and that soybean producers and the association supported it, while one member noted the state may increasingly need to adjust to federal changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, it would super trump the other measure. Yes, it would super-trump the other measure.
• I'm stuck on super-trump. I believe I've forgotten my question.
• Super trump. Having a due pass and a second. Seeing no call for questions, will there be debate?
• Up next, we're going to have House Bill 477 being presented by Representative Bowles.
• Bowles, aye. Moore, aye. Cantrell, aye. Bowles, aye. Moore, aye. Cantrell, aye.

Bills: HB4028 , HB4029 , HB4059 , HB4063 , HB4073 , HB4074 , HB4075 , HB4076 , HB4077 , HB4078 , SB1130 , SB1131 , SB1132 , SB1133 , SB1134 , SB1142

Committee: House Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget

Summary: The committee considered a series of bills largely focused on reappropriating and closing out ARPA-related funds, transferring interest earnings, and filling funding gaps in existing state projects. Measures included funding for the Health Care Workforce Training Commission, juvenile services in Rogers County, rural hospital rebuild projects, DHS-related projects for Boys and Girls Clubs and the YWCA, water and wastewater projects through the OWRB, ALS grant limits for OSDH, pandemic relief accounting, administrative costs for ARPA projects, pediatric cardiology and OSU-related projects, rural industrial park and port water/wastewater gaps, and emergency response grants through the Department of Emergency Management. Most of these bills were presented by Rep. Newton, Chairman Caldwell, Speaker Hilbert, Rep. Osborne, Rep. Hill, and others, with committee substitutes adopted without objection where noted. One bill, House Bill 4028, drew the most discussion. It would extend the sunset on the qualified equity investment deduction for venture capital investments. Members questioned the lack of program-specific evaluation data, including return on investment, jobs created, and how much of the tax deduction had actually been used. The sponsor said the program had helped grow Oklahoma venture capital and that he would seek better data, but argued the sunset should be extended for now. The bill passed 23-6. Another extended exchange centered on House Bill 4063, which combined measures related to placing state questions on the August ballot, including HJR 1024 and a bill tied to House Bill 1440. Members raised concerns about single-subject issues, ballot timing, voter turnout, and whether combining the measures limited legislators’ options. The Speaker defended the approach as election-related and noted prior precedent. The bill passed 23-6. The remaining bills were approved overwhelmingly, generally by votes of 27-0, 28-0, or 29-0, and were reported out with due pass recommendations before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do have a question for Senator Trujillo: Who did the Seattle Seahawks lose to in that Super Bowl?
• Well, I heard of them when the Patriots beat them in the Super Bowl a few years ago. Mr.
• The Patriots also have the record of 12 Super Bowl appearances now.
• But I think I would wager on Seattle for the Super Bowl, not the Patriots.
• And I think the Patriots are going to have a very hard time in the Super Bowl.

Transcript Highlights:

• just want to add my voice to the chorus and how excited I am to have my district host not only the Super
• Bowl this year but all six World Cup games, and to also emphasize the fact that how much of an economic
• The Super Bowl alone generated $720 million in economic activity, and each World Cup game is projected
• to be another Super Bowl.
• And so this is not only great for our country... ...to be another Super Bowl.

Transcript Highlights:

• or social media or anywhere if more than 10% of the market is people under 21, because, like in a Super
• Bowl game where you have hundreds of thousands of kids watching it, they would allow advertising that
• ><00:09:51.480><c> a</c> is people under 21 because like in a is people under 21 because like in a Super
• <00:09:51.920><c> Bowl</c><00:09:52.160><c> game</c><00:09:52.600><c> where</c><00:09:52.720><c> you<
• /c><00:09:52.880><c> have</c><00:09:53.079><c> hundreds</c> Super Bowl game where you have hundreds Super

Transcript Highlights:

• And to give you an example, on the Super Bowl, there was 10 times as much money bet at the prediction
• markets on the Super Bowl as there were bet in licensed sports books across the country.
• </c> And to give you an example, on the Super And to give you an example, on the Super Bowl,<01:02:03.520
• <01:02:07.560><c> Bowl</c> Super Bowl Super Bowl as<01:02:08.920><c> there</c><01:02:09.080><c> were<
• </c> entire Bowling Green community. entire Bowling Green community.

Transcript Highlights:

• And even though this is not the Olympics, a one-day record was just set for transit around the Super
• Bowl, for the number of riders that 30,000 people rode transit the day of the Super Bowl in South Santa
• Bowl for the number of riders that 30,000 people rode transit the day of the Super Bowl in South Santa
• operating deficit staring us down in the face this summer, when we are expected to, following the Super
• Bowl, provide additional service for six World Cup games that will take place at Santa Clara without

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard two measures: AB 107, a budget bill junior making largely technical changes to the 2023, 2024, and 2025 budget acts, and AB 117, a trailer bill authorizing a $590 million loan structure to support four Bay Area transit agencies through the Metropolitan Transportation Commission using unallocated Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program funds. Finance explained AB 107 included technical fixes such as extending encumbrance periods, updating federal authority, correcting fiscal language, moving $20 million for California travel promotion from Visit California to GoBiz, and adding an APA exemption for implementation of already-approved climate bond programs. AB 117 was described as a cost-neutral regional solution with a 12-year loan term, two years interest-only, and repayment secured through existing state transit funding streams, with oversight by CalSTA, CTC, and MTC to limit impacts on other projects. Members raised concerns about transparency, competitive bidding, and whether APA exemptions and no-bid or emergency processes could reduce oversight, while supporters argued the exemptions were needed to get voter-approved climate and wildfire-related funds out the door. On AB 117, senators questioned whether the loan could become a de facto bailout if a Bay Area sales tax measure fails, whether post-pandemic ridership declines and safety/fare-evasion issues are temporary or structural, and whether the loan could jeopardize TIRCP-funded capital projects such as BART Phase 2. Transit agencies and local representatives testified in support, saying ridership is recovering, the loan is critical to avoid service cuts, and the Bay Area economy depends on transit stability. The committee first passed AB 107 on a 9-4 vote and AB 117 on a 9-4 vote, then held both bills on call. After recess, absent members returned and both measures were lifted from call and passed with 11 votes each. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And even though this is not the Olympics, a one-day record was just set for transit around the Super
• Bowl for the number of riders that 30,000 people rode transit the day of the Super Bowl in South Santa
• Bowl for the number of riders that 30,000 people rode transit the day of the Super Bowl in South Santa
• operating deficit staring us down in the face this summer, when we are expected to, following the Super
• Bowl, provide additional service for six World Cup games that will take place at Santa Clara without

Summary: The Senate Budget Committee heard two bills: AB 107, a budget bill junior making largely technical changes to the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Budget Acts, and AB 117, a trailer bill authorizing a regional transit loan package for Bay Area agencies. Department of Finance staff said AB 107 contains no new state money or new policy items, but makes adjustments such as extending encumbrance periods, updating federal authority, moving $20 million in tourism promotion funding from Visit California to GoBiz, and adding an APA exemption for certain climate bond program guidelines. AB 117 would allow CalSTA to loan up to $590 million from unallocated Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program funds to MTC, which would then lend to BART, Muni, Caltrain, and AC Transit; the loans would run 12 years with two years interest-only, and the state said the structure is intended to be cost-neutral and protected by repayment safeguards. Committee discussion focused heavily on transparency, oversight, and whether the transit loan could jeopardize future projects or become a de facto bailout if a Bay Area sales tax measure fails. Several senators questioned the need for the APA exemption in AB 107, arguing that emergency or existing public processes might provide better oversight, while supporters said the exemption was needed to get voter-approved climate bond funds out the door and that the language had already been agreed to in the budget process. On AB 117, senators raised concerns about declining ridership, fare evasion, safety, post-pandemic travel patterns, repayment sources, and the impact on other TIRCP projects such as BART Phase 2. Finance staff and transit representatives responded that ridership changes were driven by COVID-era shifts, labor and safety issues, and changing commute patterns, and that the loan would be secured against existing state transit assistance streams rather than general fund dollars. Public comment was largely supportive of both bills. Water, natural resources, and environmental groups backed the APA exemption in AB 107, saying it would speed implementation of Proposition 4 funding for water recycling, wildfire, coastal resilience, and related projects. Transit agencies and labor groups supported AB 117, saying the loan is needed to stabilize operations and preserve service while local revenue measures and efficiency efforts are pursued; San Francisco, Caltrain, BART, and AC Transit all testified in favor, though San Jose asked for stronger protections for previously approved TIRCP-funded projects. The committee first passed AB 107 and AB 117 on 8-4 and 9-4 votes, placed them on call, then later lifted the calls and both bills ultimately passed with 11 votes each and were sent out of committee.