Transcript Highlights:

• In the meantime, the safety of... ...that have raised concerns, and we will continue these conversations
• In the meantime, the safety of medically fragile individuals is my utmost concern.
• than for LVNs working in a non-health care facility is contrary to the state's goals for patient safety
• This includes high production costs, especially for essential services such as location, security, safety
• SB 993 is not just about safety. It's about workforce stability.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development heard several sunset and policy bills affecting state boards and professional practice. SB 1302 would extend the Board of Registered Nursing for four years and make operational changes such as streamlining renewals, updating simulation and school-approval standards, and allowing certain out-of-state nurse practitioner experience to count toward California recognition; nursing groups supported it, while the California Medical Association raised a concern about the out-of-state NP provision. SB 1303 would extend the Board of Naturopathic Medicine to 2031 and add a fictitious name permit program, term staggering, and other technical changes; it drew support from the board and naturopathic doctors, but the California Naturopathic Association opposed it unless amended to clarify the board’s jurisdiction. SB 1304 would extend the Respiratory Care Board to 2031 and revise respiratory care rules, including LVN practice in certain settings; it was supported by some providers and respiratory therapists, but hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and other groups opposed it unless amended to allow LVNs to perform basic respiratory tasks in more health care settings. SB 1363 would extend the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and update apprenticeship, licensure, and tribal exemption provisions, and SB 1368 would extend the speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing aid dispensers board while adding a retired license category and continuing-education oversight changes; both were supported and had no opposition. All of these bills were voted out of committee, generally on a 10-0 basis after the committee later established quorum and took recorded votes. The committee also heard SB 865, which would create a California Music Festival Preservation Grant Program within the Office of Small Business Advocate to support large independent multi-day music festivals. The author and supporters argued that festivals like Aftershock and GoldenSky generate substantial tourism, hotel nights, jobs, and tax revenue, and that state support would help keep events in California rather than other states. Opposition focused on the use of public funds during a deficit year and questioned whether profitable festivals should receive a grant subsidy. The bill passed on a 9-1 vote, with Senator Choi opposed. Members also heard SB 1297, which would create regional wildfire public-private partnerships and a financing structure using local commitments, a revolving fund, and state-backed revenue bonds coordinated with iBank to fund wildfire mitigation projects. Supporters said the bill would help address the state’s large wildfire mitigation funding gap by leveraging public and private capital for home hardening, vegetation management, and other prevention work; questions centered on where bond repayment funds would come from, and the author said the bill was still a work in progress and not intended to cost the state. The bill passed unanimously. Finally, SB 993, presented on behalf of Senator Ochoa-Bogue, would restore privacy protections for mental health professionals in correctional and state hospital settings by limiting routine disclosure of identifying information while preserving a complaint process; testimony described safety concerns and staffing impacts, and the bill passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1474, Immigration; Public Safety and Law Enforcement. SB 1494, Health and Human Services.
• SB 1474, Immigration; Public Safety and Law Enforcement. SB 1494, Health and Human Services.
• SB 1474, Immigration; Public Safety and Law Enforcement. SB 1494, Health and Human Services.
• SB 1740, Public Safety and Law Enforcement.
• Public Safety and Law Enforcement.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jasleen Chatwal. Members also introduced a number of guests and visiting groups, including Irish dignitaries for St. Patrick’s Day recognition, labor organizations such as AFSCME and CWA, the Arizona Farm Bureau, the Arizona chapter of the American College of Surgeons for Stop the Bleed training, and advocates for rare skeletal conditions. A proclamation recognizing St. Patrick’s Day was read, and the House later heard a proclamation honoring AFSCME Arizona. On the floor, the House took up several procedural motions, including requests to have the Senate return HB 4027 and HB 2444 for reconsideration, and received multiple Senate bills on first and second reading. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and approved HB 2750 with a friendly floor amendment, sending it forward as amended. The House also sent HB 2999 to an additional Committee of the Whole, adopted a floor amendment, and advanced it as amended for engrossing. During third reading, HB 2197, relating to water access and camping near water sources, failed on reconsideration after members debated whether it imposed unnecessary criminal penalties and enforcement concerns. HB 2429, relating to vacation and short-term rentals, passed after supporters said it restored local control to cities and towns. HB 2950, creating special districts for tourism improvement areas, passed after amendments made participation voluntary and added notice requirements. HB 4001, relating to nicotine products, also passed after debate over youth vaping, enforcement authority, and whether the bill struck the right balance between regulation and parental responsibility. The House then made committee announcements and adjourned until Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• some good discussion on this, and I really appreciate Representative Caton’s discussion about the safety
• some good discussion on this, and I really appreciate Representative Caton’s discussion about the safety
• I'm for safety. You know, so I'm not necessarily against this.
• It's another layer of safety. So whatever we can do to promote that would be good as well.
• I thank you for considering this and considering the safety of our kids.

Committee: House Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight

Summary: The Transportation Committee first met in executive session on House Bill 2741. Members adopted a committee amendment correcting a wording error, then voted the House committee substitute do pass by a roll call of 9 ayes, 2 noes, and 1 present. Supporters said the bill addressed safety concerns, especially for commercial vehicles, while opponents objected to the subjective standard for proving proficiency and to the $3,000 penalty for violations. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bills 1831, 2328, and 2553, all related to motorcycle passenger safety for children. The bills would require young child passengers to wear helmets, be able to reach foot pegs, and ride on properly equipped seats; the discussion also focused on whether officers could stop motorcycles based on a reasonable suspicion that a child passenger was underage or improperly secured. Bill sponsors said the measures were intended to prevent child deaths and injuries, citing the death of Calvin James, a 4-year-old grandson of one witness, as the reason for “Calvin’s Law.” Testimony was mixed. Family members and several supporters, including emergency nurses, argued the bills were common-sense child protection measures and could prevent traumatic brain injuries or fatalities. Motorcycle advocacy groups and some witnesses said the bills were overbroad, could lead to arbitrary stops or family services involvement, and needed clearer definitions for terms like “proper passenger seat.” Several members raised questions about enforceability, age verification, and whether the fine structure was an effective deterrent. No votes were taken on the three motorcycle bills, and the committee adjourned after closing the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This was to kind of match the aspect of work safety zones and school zones.
• , along with workers' safety and emergency equipment, are managed properly.
• To match what we do with worker safety in the state of Missouri.
• So our organization is very concerned about safety.
• think that lowering the speed limit would be a very simple, effective way to start increasing the safety

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Human supervision is necessary to ensure the safety and efficiency of port operations.
• Human supervision is necessary to ensure the safety and efficiency of port operations.
• The ILWU supports the advancement of technology that improves safety and efficiency, but always with
• This is really about safety.
• This bill does not remove safety standards.

Summary: The committee heard four bills. On kit homes (ESSB 5552), staff explained the bill would direct the State Building Code Council to adopt rules for residential kit homes of 800 square feet or less by March 31, 2027. Prime sponsor Sen. Jeff Wilson said the bill would add housing options and asked that kit homes be treated as a distinct category from modular or factory-built structures; members asked whether current rules exist and whether the bill would cover 3D-printed homes. The public hearing was postponed, and later one supporter testified that the bill would help create clearer statewide standards without changing local zoning or safety requirements. On SB 5467, staff said the bill raises the thresholds for water-sewer districts to sell surplus property without notice or by private sale, increasing the personal property threshold to $5,400 and the real property threshold to $7,500. Sen. Keith Goehner said the change simply updates outdated limits to reflect inflation and improve efficiency. A representative of the Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts supported the bill, noting the thresholds had not been updated since 2011 for real property and 1993 for surplus property. The committee closed the public hearing without action. The committee also heard SB 5820, which would repeal Clark County’s authority to apply a freight rail-dependent use overlay to certain lands under prior law. Sen. Adrian Cortes argued the existing exemption has harmed agricultural and forest lands, led to environmental violations, and cost taxpayers money, while local supporters said the overlay has not produced promised economic benefits and should be removed. Opponents, including a railroad operator, the Association of Washington Business, and others, said the rail line supports economic development, rail-served industrial demand, and existing contractual and public investments, and warned repeal could strand investments and limit future freight and climate-friendly transportation options. The hearing was closed with no vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 5995, which would remove the 2031 sunset from the existing prohibition on using public port funds to buy fully automated marine cargo container handling equipment, while continuing to allow zero- and near-zero-emission equipment purchases. The sponsor and labor witnesses said the bill protects family-wage jobs, keeps taxpayer money from subsidizing automation, and preserves human oversight for safety and efficiency. Port and shipping industry opponents argued the bill is premature, could reduce port competitiveness, and should remain subject to the current sunset so the policy can be revisited later. The public hearing was closed with no action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas, through their swift action, sound judgment, and unwavering commitment to public safety,
• these deputies protected a vulnerable child from further harm and helped restore his path to safety and
• Speaker Pro Tem, with your permission, I'd like to announce Public Safety and Law Enforcement.
• House Bill 2673 is withdrawn from the Committee on Public Safety and Law Enforcement and additionally
• H.B. 4018, technical correction, Public Records, Public Safety and Law Enforcement.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the House Community Safety Committee. Today is February 2nd, Groundhog Day, 2026.
• I find that really important from a public safety perspective.
• of earned early release, coupled with the additional supervision, would allow that sort of public safety
• So the issue is that the sentences have gotten longer, but, you know, community safety hasn't gotten
• So the issue is that the sentences have gotten longer, but, you know, community safety hasn't gotten

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met in executive session on February 2, 2026, to consider several bills. Staff summarized bills on reentry and earned release time (HB 1239), assault with sexual motivation (HB 2310), extraordinary medical placement (HB 2490), Office of Independent Investigations reporting rules (HB 2508), stalking supervision (HB 2510), nitrous oxide restrictions (HB 2532), and inmate funds/indigency thresholds (HB 2539). HB 2220 was bumped to the next day, and the committee later deferred action on HB 2490. On HB 1239, the committee considered multiple amendments. Amendments to require additional community custody supervision, reduce the earned release increase for serious violent and Class A sex offenses to 20%, and bar earned release from being used if parole is later established were all rejected. Amendments excluding sexual motivation enhancements from earned release calculations and adding a second DOC pilot program for incarcerated survivors at the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton were adopted. The committee then reported out the amended substitute bill on a 5-4 vote, with members debating public safety, victim impacts, sentencing fairness, and DOC workload. HB 2310, which elevates fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation to a Class C felony for offenders with specified criminal history, was reported out unanimously. HB 2508 was amended to narrow immediate reporting requirements for non-deadly force incidents and in-custody deaths, then passed unanimously. HB 2510, requiring DOC supervision for people convicted of stalking in community custody, also passed unanimously. HB 2532 passed unanimously after an amendment adding a veterinary-care exception to the nitrous oxide offense. HB 2539, which raises the inmate indigency threshold to $100 and, in the substitute, removes the telephone-services deduction exemption, passed on a 6-3 vote. The committee adjourned after stating it would return the next day to act on the remaining bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• response during these times of crisis is to retain the most experienced and knowledgeable public safety
• response during these times of crisis is to retain the most experienced and knowledgeable public safety
• While CHP's expanded duties have greatly improved public safety, CHP union members continue to report
• This piece of legislation is smartly written, overdue, and will help secure safety of the state, and
• Issues such as wage theft, health and safety violations, and poor-quality construction are not readily

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > The shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis prompted calls for increased school safety
• Are you expecting funding for school safety to be a topic this upcoming session?
• 00:05:16.560><c> funding</c><00:05:16.880><c> for</c><00:05:17.120><c> school</c><00:05:17.440><c> safety
• </c><00:05:17.680><c> to</c> expecting funding for school safety to expecting funding for school safety
• You know, here in the district that I serve, we have different mechanisms already in place from a safety

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• HOUSE BILL 355 ESTABLISHES A BASIC COMMON SENSE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR ANY HOSPITAL WITH AN EMERGENCY
• WHAT ARE THE TOOLS THEY ARE ASKED TO USE AND HAVE THE PATIENT SAFETY AND THE PATIENT'S LIVES IN PATIENT
• SAFETY HAS BEEN THE CORE PRIORITY FOR NURSING.
• AND HOW TO DELIVER CARE AND DELIVER THE PATIENT SAFETY LEVERAGING THE USE OF AI AND ALSO IN FRONT OF
• WE ARE WITH OUR PATIENTS, WE ARE THE GUARDRAILS ON THEIR PRIVACY UNDER SAFETY AND THAT'S HOW WE VIEW

Transcript Highlights:

• and hate against one of our most vulnerable communities and attacks that literally endanger their safety
• Non-binary and intersex people are real individuals who are deserving of acceptance and safety.
• And if you fight for basic freedoms including rights for privacy, safety, and one's self-identity, and
• We mourn the loss of a brave law enforcement officer whose dedication to public safety.
• Budget subcommittee six on public safety in capital room 447.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Otherwise, I will leave it to the experts behind me. sacrificing safety.
• And more important, sacrificing safety.
• It enhances public safety through a shared data system.
• It enhances public safety disputes.
• </c> public safety I call it public safety public safety I call it public safety answering<02:16:36.719

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This isn't about safety.
• ,</c> economic development, maritime safety, economic development, maritime safety, and<00:41:49.200>
• This bill is not about safety, but about Congress once again interfering in local safety decisions by
• </c> safety needs of the people. safety needs of the people.
• </c> actually want to address public safety actually want to address public safety and<04:20:21.359><

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WHILE THE BILL IS FRAMED AS A SCHOOL SAFETY MEASURE REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT SHIFT IN HOW WE APPROACH
• SAFETY IN HIGHER EDUCATION.
• SHIFTING THE RESPONSIBILITY ONTO THEM DOES NOT SUPPORT PUBLIC SAFETY. IT COMPLICATES IT.
• THAT'S WHY SCHOOL SAFETY EXPERTS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OPPOSE ARMING TEACHER POLICIES.
• THE MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS PUBLIC SAFETY ACT I THINK IS THE GOLD STANDARD.

Transcript Highlights:

• Association, California Association of School Police Chiefs, and the California Coalition of School Safety
• Association, California Association of School Police Chiefs, and the California Coalition of School Safety
• these valued public servants in our communities, spending their money here, and providing public safety
• these valued public servants in our communities, spending their money here, and providing public safety
• The public as well is understandably concerned about safety in stores.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met and announced that, under its suspense-file rules, every bill on the agenda would be referred to suspense because each had a fiscal impact. The chair also reminded attendees to submit position letters in advance for inclusion in the bill analysis. A quorum was established and the committee then heard six bills, all of which drew support testimony and no opposition testimony in the room. AB 814 would exempt law enforcement pensions from state income tax to encourage retired peace officers to remain in California and support recruitment and retention. AB 918 would create a targeted income tax exemption for pay earned by local first responders deployed under mutual aid during declared emergencies, with supporters saying it would help sustain disaster response and reward extraordinary service. Both bills were backed by police and public safety organizations and were referred to suspense. AB 976 would create a nonrefundable tax credit for small retailers in disadvantaged communities to help pay for security equipment in response to retail theft and violence; members discussed whether the bill should be broader and how it related to Proposition 36 and crime policy. AB 984 would allow state tax deductions for contributions to CalABLE accounts, with testimony from CalABLE representatives and families describing the program as an essential savings tool for people with disabilities. AB 1282 would create a deduction for out-of-pocket medical expenses up to $5,000 through 2030, and AB 838 would raise California’s renter’s tax credit from $60/$120 to $2,000 for eligible filers. Each of these bills was also referred to the suspense file, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It reduces burdensome regulations without sacrificing education quality or child safety.
• The building still needs to meet fire code and safety requirements, and the school still needs to be
• But also, thinking through if there is an issue of safety, who is... there's the accreditation process
• So this is a major win for child safety, working parents, and early education in Florida.
• So this is a major win for child safety, working parents, and early education in Florida.

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met and first took up HB 47, Child Care and Early Learning Providers, sponsored by Rep. McFarland. The bill was presented as an effort to reduce child care costs and regulatory burdens by exempting preschools from special tax assessments, moving teacher training and testing online and making it free, allowing abbreviated inspections for top providers, extending license-exempt status to employer-provided child care, and addressing an insurance issue affecting family child care homes. Members asked about DCF transparency, accreditation, background screening timelines, accountability for exempt facilities, and whether violations would still be searchable; McFarland said accreditation would still be required, DCF reporting and abuse hotlines would remain available, and the bill would not eliminate existing transparency for licensed providers. An amendment was adopted to add clarifying language and exempt certain DOD and Coast Guard child care facilities operated by DOD personnel. Several witnesses and members spoke in support, emphasizing workforce needs, affordability, and safety. HB 47 was reported favorably by a vote of 18-0. The committee then heard HB 259, which designates August 21 as Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day. Rep. Gerwig said the bill is intended to raise awareness of fentanyl’s dangers and overdose risks. Members spoke in strong support, citing fentanyl’s impact on families, youth, and first responders, and the need for education because fentanyl is often unknowingly ingested or mixed into other drugs. Gerwig also described a personal example involving a child exposed to fentanyl in a vacation rental. HB 259 was reported favorably by a vote of 17-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second concern is safety. We believe that this bill compromises safety.
• And that program is really an important safety net for the smallest system.
• And the Commission uses that to balance affordability, safety, and reliability.
• And that has created serious reliability and public safety risks.
• And all of any worker safety protections—this bill doesn't touch that.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Summary: The committee heard several energy, water, and utility bills. SB 919 by Senator Grayson would extend the biomethane monetary incentive program through 2030 and authorize additional funding to support renewable natural gas projects by reducing interconnection costs. Supporters said high interconnection costs and the current tax treatment are major barriers to methane reduction projects; opponents, including TURN and environmental groups, raised ratepayer cost concerns and objected to rate-basing and additional public funding. The author said amended language would remove the rate-basing provisions and instead urge the CPUC to act quickly on its pending decision. SB 931 by Senator Laird would reauthorize the Community Impact Mitigation Program for the Diablo Canyon plant through 2030 to continue funding local emergency preparedness, fire protection, public safety, and school district costs. The County of San Luis Obispo and labor groups supported the bill, while TURN opposed it as a statewide ratepayer subsidy that could be funded from existing PG&E revenues instead of higher rates. Members discussed the bill in the context of the 2022 Diablo Canyon extension deal and the possibility of a future longer extension. SB 1215 by Senator Cortese would direct the CPUC to set deployment targets for EV charging in multifamily housing and evaluate progress, with amendments aimed at affordability and limiting system upgrade costs. Supporters said renters are largely locked out of home charging and that prior utility programs proved cost-effective; no opposition testified. SB 1359 by Senator Stern would require more deliberate CPUC review before major gas system investments, emphasizing electrification and non-pipeline alternatives. Gas utilities and several industry groups opposed it, arguing it could undermine the obligation to serve, create safety and reliability risks, and change the regulatory compact. The committee also heard SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar, presented by Senator Gonzalez, which would establish a statewide low-income water rate assistance program upon appropriation. Water agencies, environmental groups, and local governments supported the measure, while one member expressed concern that it lacked a funding source and could not overcome Proposition 218 limits; the bill was moved to Appropriations and the roll was left open. Finally, SB 1098 by Senator Perez would restrict the use of long-running memorandum and balancing accounts by investor-owned utilities, require exceptional circumstances for new accounts, and add sunset and cost-sharing requirements. Consumer advocates and large energy users supported tighter oversight, while the utilities and business groups opposed the bill as too rigid and potentially harmful to flexibility for wildfire, emergency, and safety-related costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• background checks, disclosure requirements, and appropriate vetting measures to safeguard student safety
• all individuals working with students are held to consistent, rigorous standards because student safety
• background checks, disclosure requirements, and appropriate vetting measures to safeguard student safety
• all individuals working with students are held to consistent, rigorous standards because student safety
• And thus, at the end of the day, child safety is priority number one.

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's also going to impact food safety.
• You know, as a restaurant owner, I can tell you that food safety is paramount, and this will be, this
• that this is a practical application and it's going to increase costs, reduce food quality, food safety
• Food safety, it's going to shorten shelf life, which means more food waste, which is going to create
• So the bill does contain waivers for any issue in terms of reductions that would impact food safety or

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The New York State Senate Finance Committee met with Senator John Liu presiding for Chair Liz Krueger, joined by members of the majority and minority. The committee considered a broad agenda of bills covering agriculture, public health, technology, taxation, corrections, education, housing, transportation, and civil rights. Among the measures discussed were a youth agriculture entrepreneurship summer employment program, a Bronx asthma study commission, a statewide multi-factor authentication requirement for governmental entities, a tax on noise emissions from certain helicopter and seaplane flights, a requirement that state events serving alcohol include New York-produced alcohol, a veterans and service members alternative resolution program, packaging reduction and recycling infrastructure legislation, limits on certain debt-collection practices involving foreign sovereign debt, commissary rules in correctional institutions, school energy performance contract recovery periods, a senior rent cap tied to income, a dental health demonstration project, farm succession planning, Operation SNUG gun violence prevention grants, expanded breast cancer screening coverage, direct Medicaid billing for creative arts therapists, a vacant storefront registry, academic credit for volunteer firefighters and EMTs, a plan to expand wheelchair-accessible vehicles outside New York City, STAR exemption notification, restrictions on certain tropical hardwoods in state contracts, a PSC guidebook on gas and electric rate making, gender-affirming care coverage and anti-discrimination provisions, and state leave for Civil Air Patrol members on airport-assigned missions. Most of the meeting focused on the packaging reduction and recycling infrastructure bill, which drew extended debate. Supporters said the bill had been revised after months of discussion with industry, included waivers for food safety and federal-law conflicts, and could save local governments money through producer responsibility funding. Opponents argued it would raise costs, harm food packaging flexibility, threaten food safety, and hurt manufacturers and small businesses, citing examples from dairy, meat, and coffee businesses. The sponsor’s representative said the bill had been updated and that some small businesses would be exempt, while acknowledging not all concerns were resolved. The committee also discussed the fiscal impact, with testimony that upfront state costs would be reimbursed and localities could see savings. Several other bills prompted brief policy discussion, including the helicopter/seaplane noise tax, where staff explained it would be assessed per ticket or up to $200 per flight and exempt quieter aircraft meeting DOT standards, and the sovereign debt/claims bill, where a senator warned it could drive financial activity out of New York. The committee also heard concerns about the packaging bill’s effect on New York food manufacturers and the availability of waivers. After discussion, the committee voted to report the bills; the transcript indicates the measures passed, generally with some members recorded as without recommendation or opposed, and all listed bills were moved to the floor before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety.
• amendment mock-up that has been distributed and is in front of all of you contains both the public safety
• colleague from Santa Barbara, because I was worried there for a minute that we would, as a public safety
• And welcome, Assembly Member Hart, to your Public Safety Committee.
• And welcome, Assembly Member Hart, to your Public Safety Committee. Thank you. Very good.

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety heard one item, Senate Bill 73 by Senator Cervantes, and took up committee and Elections Committee amendments. The bill was described as strengthening protections against interference in elections by extending restrictions to military personnel at polling places, protecting the chain of custody of voted ballots, and limiting law enforcement access to voting machines and voter rosters without a court order. The chair explained that the committee amendments would remove certain criminal penalties for peace officers, restore a uniform requirement for some polling-place personnel, and clarify the effect of objections by the Secretary of State or Attorney General. The author and supporters, including API Force and CHIRLA, argued the bill was needed to respond to threats of intimidation and election interference, citing concerns about armed personnel at polling places and the Riverside County sheriff’s seizure of ballots. Supporters said the measure would protect voters, especially immigrant communities and in-person voters, and preserve confidence in election administration. Opposition from the California State Sheriffs’ Association and CALA argued the bill was vague, could hinder lawful criminal investigations, and improperly restrict law enforcement and federal election oversight. After closing remarks, the committee voted to pass SB 73 as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The vote was 6-1, with one member not voting. The chair and another member recommended an aye, while one member voted no.