Transcript Highlights:

• It's taken quite a bit of time to get updated records, so I don't have the ones from Los Angeles from
• So I don't have the ones from Los Angeles from this year specific.
• I don't have the ones from Los Angeles from this year specifically.
• We are participating—we are a party in one of those because we’ve been sued by the County of Los Angeles—and
• “We are a party in one of those because we’ve been sued by the County of Los Angeles, and then we are

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview from the Board of State and Community Corrections on its budget change proposal for 11 additional permanent positions, which BSCC said are needed to manage a rapidly expanded grant workload, increase technical assistance, and strengthen oversight and audits. BSCC also updated members on its new In Custody Death Review Division, created under SB 519, reporting that it has begun collecting and reviewing local jail death investigations, has hired about one-third of its staff, and has received access to medical records and related documents. Members raised concerns about family notification practices, local jail deaths, and whether BSCC’s increased administrative use would reduce grant dollars; BSCC said the change is intended to be permanent but should not substantially affect local assistance. The LAO supported the position authority request but flagged a methodological issue in the administration’s Proposition 47 savings estimate, and Finance said it would update the estimate by May Revision. The committee then reviewed CDCR’s overall budget, population, and facility issues. The Secretary said the incarcerated population is holding around 90,000, parole around 33,000, and described major cost pressures from retirements, workers’ compensation, medical transport, violence, and aging infrastructure lacking air conditioning and ADA features. He defended prison closures as creating overcrowding and reducing programming capacity, while also highlighting successes such as declining recidivism, expanded college and reentry programming, and the completion of the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. Members pressed CDCR on fiscal discipline, the effect of closures on savings, community impacts from prison shutdowns, vacancy and staffing issues, and climate-related facility needs. CDCR said it clusters medically vulnerable and ADA-needing populations at more suitable facilities, uses heat plans and temperature monitoring, and is developing a 20-year infrastructure plan. A separate item addressed CDCR’s request for $91 million ongoing for lump-sum leave payouts for correctional officers and nurses. CDCR said these costs have historically been covered by vacancy savings, but declining vacancies and facility closures have reduced that source. The LAO said the funding is reasonable in the near term but recommended limited-term approval with reporting, and urged the Legislature to scrutinize unallocated savings assumptions and the ongoing Boston Consulting Group efficiency contract. Finance argued the lump-sum request should be ongoing because the costs are recurring and vacancy savings are less reliable. Members questioned whether CDCR is doing enough to reduce leave liability and whether the department will actually achieve the budgeted savings from the consultant work. Finally, CDCR presented updated population projections through June 2030, estimating a 6.5 percent decline in the institution population and a 10.4 percent decline in parole, while revising its Proposition 36 methodology based on actual admissions data. CDCR said Prop. 36 admissions are increasing but at a lower level than previously projected, and that the law’s long-term effects remain uncertain. On the California Rehabilitation Center closure, CDCR projected about $99.6 million in net General Fund savings next year and roughly $150 million ongoing, with 522 positions eliminated. The LAO said the state could close another prison within a few years and identified the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad as a strong candidate, recommending against approving new capital projects there unless another closure is identified. Finance said the administration has not proposed any additional closure at this time.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's taken quite a bit of time to get updated records, so I don't have the ones from Los Angeles from
• So I don't have the ones from Los Angeles from this year specific.
• I don't have the ones from Los Angeles from this year specifically.
• Angeles.
• “We are a party in one of those because we’ve been sued by the County of Los Angeles, and then we are

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation heard an overview from the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) on its budget change proposal and grant administration. BSCC requested authority for 11 additional permanent positions to handle a workload that has nearly tripled over five to seven years, with more than 600 grant agreements and about $1.5 billion in grant funds in the field. The board also reported on its new In-Custody Death Review Division, which has collected data since July 2024 and received 136 jail death reports; staff said the division is still building out reviews and has identified overdose, natural causes, and suicide by hanging as the leading manners of death. Members raised concerns about family notification practices, oversight of local grants, and the impact of taking more administrative funds from local assistance, while the LAO and Department of Finance did not oppose the position request but urged correction of the administration’s Proposition 47 savings methodology before May Revision. The committee then reviewed CDCR’s overall budget and operations. Secretary Jeffrey Macomber described a relatively steady prison and parole population, ongoing structural budget pressures from retirement payouts, workers’ compensation, medical transport, violence, and aging facilities lacking air conditioning and ADA features. He emphasized rehabilitation, recidivism reduction, college programming, and the department’s 20-year infrastructure planning effort, while also defending the closure of the California Rehabilitation Center and warning that additional closures can increase overcrowding, double-celling, and waitlists for programming. Senators pressed CDCR on fiscal discipline, vacancy savings, staffing shortages in medical and mental health classifications, the use of tablets for incarcerated people, and community impacts from prison closures, including the Norco site. A separate item focused on CDCR’s request for $91 million ongoing for lump-sum leave payouts to separating correctional officers and nurses. CDCR said these costs had historically been covered by vacancy savings, but lower vacancy levels and facility closures have reduced that funding source. The LAO supported the funding only on a limited-term basis with reporting, arguing the need may change as the system reaches a new normal, and also urged the Legislature to scrutinize the broader structural shortfall and the Boston Consulting Group efficiency contract. Finance supported ongoing funding, saying the costs are recurring and vacancy savings are less reliable. The committee also discussed CDCR’s fall 2025 population projections, which forecast a 6.5% decline in the institution population and a 10.4% decline in parole over five years, while updating Proposition 36 assumptions based on actual admissions data. CDCR and Finance said the California Rehabilitation Center closure would generate savings and that no additional prison closure had been formally proposed, though the LAO argued the state could close another prison and recommended not funding certain Soledad projects unless another closure is identified.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the best example in our program is Los Angeles Unified. ...a little deeper on that?
• I think the best example in our program is Los Angeles Unified School District.
• The largest number of those, of course, are the five-county region that's closer to Los Angeles.
• Los Angeles is home to the largest settlement of Filipinos outside the Philippines.
• Los Angeles is home to the largest settlement of Filipinos outside the Philippines.

Transcript Highlights:

• identified that a minimum of 10 counties have the highest actual wildfire risk and social vulnerability, Los
• Angeles being one of those.
• In January of 2025, Los Angeles, not being on the list, experienced two of the most destructive wildfires
• Angeles or if you're in Ventura, Santa Barbara County, we know wildfire risk chases us everywhere and
• Good afternoon, Sylvia Solis Shaw on behalf of the City of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in strong support

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee heard five wildfire- and emergency-related bills. SB 1270 by Senator Richardson would expand the California Wildfire Mitigation Program to more counties based on wildfire risk and social vulnerability, with the author and county representatives saying the program should better target home-hardening assistance where need is greatest. SB 1079 by Senator Stern would create a Fire Innovation Unit within Cal Fire to identify operational needs, test new wildfire technologies, and speed deployment of successful tools; it drew broad support from fire, environmental, local government, and industry groups. SB 1020 by Senator Niello would require annual reporting on open states of emergency, including spending and lessons learned, to increase legislative oversight without limiting the governor’s emergency powers. SB 894 by Senator Allen would establish a wildfire resilience loan program modeled on the state’s Go Green financing platform to help homeowners afford wildfire hardening and defensible-space improvements; supporters included the State Treasurer’s office, counties, fire-safety groups, local governments, and credit unions. There was no opposition testimony on any of the bills. Committee members generally expressed support, with comments emphasizing wildfire risk, the need for home hardening, innovation, and accountability in emergency powers. Senator Rubio asked to be a coauthor on SB 894, and the chair noted the bill’s importance for making mitigation more affordable at scale. All five measures were approved by the committee on motions for “do pass as amended to appropriations,” with roll calls taken over several quorum interruptions. The bills were advanced out of committee, and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Within Los Angeles County, general neglect made up 39.2% of referrals to foster homes, with 19.4% being
• We're the dependency attorneys for children in the dependency system in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and
• We're the dependency attorneys for children in the dependency system in Los Angeles, Sacramento. dependency
• attorneys for children in the dependency system in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Placer counties.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard four bills and one consent item. AB 1574 by Assemblymember Chris Rogers would expand tribal access to prevention and diversion services aimed at keeping Native youth out of foster care. Supporters, including tribal representatives and child welfare advocates, said the bill would help address the overrepresentation of Native children in foster care and strengthen culturally relevant, tribally run services. There was no opposition, and the committee passed the bill 6-0 to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The committee then heard AB 1618, also by Assemblymember Rogers, which would require California to continue a household food insecurity survey if the federal government does not. Supporters from End Child Poverty California, AARP, food banks, and county and local government groups said reliable data is needed to track hunger, target services, and respond to expected federal cuts to food assistance. The bill was approved 5-0 as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. AB 1688 by Assemblymember Carrillo would require notice to additional attorneys when there are allegations of abuse or neglect in a foster placement, including attorneys for parents and other children in the same home. The author and the Children's Law Center said the measure would close a safety gap and improve coordination to protect foster youth. Committee members also spoke in support based on their professional experience, and the bill passed 6-0 as amended to the Assembly Public Safety Committee. The committee also approved the consent calendar, including AB 1602, and adjourned after completing its business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaking in support of AB 1129 is Martha Guerrero, legislative representative for Los Angeles County.
• Martha Guerrero representing Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
• Angeles the good Israel of California the American Jewish Committee the anti-defamation league and a
• Shalom, Democrats for Israel Orange County, Hadassah, Hillel of San Diego, the Holocaust Museum of Los
• Angeles.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Angeles office will live in the hearts of those he touched.
• community with integrity and his passion to serve alongside his brothers and sisters at the CHP West Los
• Angeles office and that will live in the hearts of those he touched.
• Angeles County, as a liaison with the Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency, and as a representative
• in the Grand Sands of Italy and American Club in Los Angeles.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with a prayer marking the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and several guest introductions, including a recognition of UC Merced’s 20th anniversary. Members then moved through the Daily File, with several items passed or retained on file, and took up concurrence votes on a number of bills. Among the measures discussed, AB 385 on park property and AB 1119 on teacher credentialing both received unanimous concurrence in Senate amendments. SB 351, dealing with health practices and enforcement of California’s corporate practice of medicine rules, was presented as a way to protect physician decision-making from private equity and hedge fund interference and passed 61-0. SB 697 on water rights adjudication and use of technology, including drones for investigations, also passed unanimously. The most detailed debate centered on SB 346, which would help local governments enforce short-term rental ordinances and collect transient occupancy taxes by requiring platforms to provide property information. Supporters argued it would improve local control, public safety, and revenue collection, while members with local government experience described the difficulty cities face regulating short-term rentals. The bill passed 50-0. The chamber then moved to adjournment-in-memory remarks honoring Miguel Antonio Cano, Vincent Dino, Andrew Meredith, and Erica Hoffman, before adjourning until Tuesday, September 2 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Los Angeles County, more than 127,000 children and youth are signed up to use BrightLife Kids and
• And I did not bring the Los Angeles numbers, apparently, but there are many school districts in Los Angeles
• And I did not bring the Los Angeles numbers, apparently, but there are many school districts in Los Angeles
• And unfortunately, I did not bring the numbers for Los Angeles County.
• District and the Los Angeles County Office of Education.

Summary: The hearing focused first on behavioral health, especially serious mental illness and anosognosia, a condition described by witnesses as a neurological symptom that prevents people from recognizing they are ill. The chair framed the issue around families cycling through emergency rooms, jails, conservatorships, and short-term stabilization without lasting treatment, and warned that federal changes under H.R. 1 could reduce Medi-Cal funding and worsen access. Dawn Marie Anderson gave a personal account of her son’s long history of psychosis, homelessness, arrests, repeated jail and state hospital stays, and eventual stability when he received sustained medication and coordinated support. She argued that the system often treats the problem as criminal rather than medical and that voluntary programs and short-term services are not enough for people who lack insight into their illness. Other panelists, including representatives from the California Behavioral Health Association, Santa Barbara County Behavioral Health, and the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, agreed that anosognosia is not denial or noncompliance and said the system needs long-term, coordinated care, including assertive community treatment, mobile crisis, supportive housing, medication support, and stronger handoffs between county and managed care systems. They said CalAIM and other reforms have improved some coordination, but significant gaps remain, especially for people with serious mental illness, for those in jail or locked settings, and for people with private insurance, which witnesses said often offers little meaningful coverage for early psychosis or intensive behavioral health services. Several witnesses urged the Legislature to protect Medi-Cal, shore up county safety-net services, and invest in training and family engagement. The committee then turned to the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, with a focus on the virtual services platforms BrightLife Kids and Soluna and the CYBHI fee schedule. DHCS reported strong growth in app registrations, coaching sessions, referrals, and positive user outcomes, saying the platforms provide free, culturally responsive, early-intervention support statewide and help connect users to higher levels of care when needed. On the fee schedule, DHCS said more than 500 LEAs, colleges, universities, and school-linked providers are participating, 181 LEAs have submitted claims, and $9.6 million has been reimbursed to date, with 41,556 students represented in claims. The chair and several members criticized the pace of implementation and the amount of money spent relative to reimbursement levels, saying the Legislature had requested data earlier and that the return on investment still appeared low. DHCS responded that many claims are still being submitted, that 70% of denials are correctable, that $400 million in capacity grants has been distributed locally, and that reimbursement is increasing rapidly as more districts come online. Public comment included a rural county behavioral health director who said private insurance denials leave counties with significant uncompensated work, especially for unlicensed staff providing case management and mobile crisis services.

Transcript Highlights:

• She was a Latina court translator in Los Angeles who saw firsthand how language and cost kept many from
• I'm Matthew Jackson with the County of Los Angeles Chief Executive Office.
• men and women representing the County of Los Angeles.
• My name is Jim Zener, and I am the director of the Los Angeles County Department of Military Veteran
• And the County of Los Angeles, the largest county in the country, which has more veterans than anyone

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with most drawing support after amendments or ongoing stakeholder negotiations. SB 29, by Senator Laird, would extend a sunset on the law allowing pain-and-suffering claims to survive a plaintiff’s death; supporters, including a family member describing a medical negligence case, labor groups, consumer advocates, and disability and elder organizations, argued it prevents defendants from running out the clock, while hospitals, medical groups, and business organizations warned of higher costs and added liability. After extensive debate about data collection, settlement reporting, and the impact on health care access, the bill passed to Appropriations on a divided vote. SB 294, by Senator Reyes and presented by Senator Laird, would require employers to notify a worker’s emergency contact if the worker is arrested or detained and would create a template to inform employees of state and federal labor rights. Labor and worker advocates said the bill would help workers understand and enforce their rights amid weakened federal enforcement; there was no opposition on file, and the bill passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 697 would modernize water-rights adjudication by allowing the State Water Board to use technology instead of requiring in-person field investigations; with no opposition, it also passed unanimously. The committee also advanced SB 37 on attorney advertising, SB 645 on peremptory challenges in civil cases, SB 303 on bias-mitigation trainings in public workplaces, and SB 464 on expanding pay-data reporting for specified state workers. SB 37 drew support from consumer and legal groups but concerns from Walker Advertising about joint advertising; members said negotiations were ongoing, and the bill passed. SB 645 would extend anti-bias jury-selection rules to certain civil rights cases; criminal-defense and defense groups said they were close to agreement, and the bill passed. SB 303 and SB 464 were both amended to narrow scope and moved forward after several opponents shifted to neutral or removed opposition. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills, all sent to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Angeles County, Cudahy, and Maywood in southeast Los Angeles, have been served brown water for decades
• John Skoglund with the County of Los Angeles, in support. Thank you.
• John Skoglund with the County of Los Angeles in support. Thank you.
• As an illustration, a customer of County of Los Angeles Struggling Waterworks No. 40 in Lancaster...
• A customer of County of Los Angeles Struggling Waterworks No. 40 in Lancaster has to drive to Alhambra

Summary: The committee heard several energy, environmental, recycling, and land-use bills, beginning with SB 925 by Senator McNerney, which would direct the California Energy Commission to develop a statewide roadmap for fusion energy. Supporters said the bill would help California retain leadership in fusion research and commercialization, attract investment, and create jobs, while some members emphasized the need to avoid overregulation and keep the state competitive. No opposition testified, and the bill was later approved on a 4-0 vote and held on call. The committee also heard SB 1350, another McNerney bill, to expand the use of green hydrogen in the power sector by allowing renewable portfolio standard credit for turbines using renewable hydrogen. Supporters framed it as a way to support clean energy reliability, preserve tax credits, and create jobs, while opponents including TURN and Earthjustice warned about greenwashing, resource shuffling, and increased NOx emissions. The author and chair described committee amendments as adding guardrails, and the bill passed 4-0 and was held on call. Senator Grayson presented SB 1145, which would streamline CEQA and related review for qualifying projects in the Concord Reuse Project Area, part of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station. The bill is intended to speed a long-planned transit-oriented development with housing, commercial space, parks, and open space; supporters included local officials, labor groups, and business organizations, while a housing group raised concerns about affordable housing guarantees but still supported the CEQA exemption. The committee described the bill as balancing streamlining with retained environmental review and approved it 4-0, held on call. Senator Cabaldon’s SB 1341, dealing with CalRecycle processing fees for bag-in-a-box wine and spirits containers, also drew support from the wine industry and some environmental groups that wanted a workable recycling market, while glass packaging and other opponents objected to giving CalRecycle too much discretion; it too passed 4-0 and was held on call. The committee then heard SJR 13 by Senator Padilla, urging the U.S. to seek enforceable commitments to eliminate transboundary sewage pollution at the 2026 USMCA review. Supporters described severe public health and environmental harms from sewage and runoff in the Tijuana River and New River watersheds, especially for border and farmworker communities, and the resolution passed 4-0. Padilla’s SB 1033, requiring protein product manufacturers to test for and disclose heavy metals, drew support from consumer and public health groups citing Consumer Reports findings, while industry groups argued for narrower scope, QR-code options, and thresholds tied to health standards; the bill passed 3-0 and was held on call. Senator Ashby’s SB 1010, creating a manufacturer-funded system for refrigerant recovery from discarded appliances, was supported as a climate and enforcement measure but opposed by appliance manufacturers and recyclers who said existing law already regulates refrigerants and that the bill could raise costs and reduce recycling; it passed 4-0 and was held on call. Finally, Senator Caballero presented SB 1183, requiring a state study of the environmental, land-use, and economic impacts of industrial solar in the Central Valley. Supporters said the bill would help ensure solar development benefits local communities and farmland, while solar industry groups argued it duplicated existing work and should better reflect solar’s benefits; the bill was heard but no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Angelica Salazar from the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, also in support.
• at the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools in support.
• So I live in Los Angeles.
• Los Angeles Unified School District, they use an assessment called i-Ready.
• On Iowa committees with Los Angeles Unified in support. Great. Anybody else? All righty.

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with the Child Care Resource Center in Los Angeles County.
• Pamela Gibbs, representing the Los Angeles County Office of Education.
• This is the Los Angeles County contract extension.
• This is the Los Angeles County contract extension.
• Robert Gambo, Los Angeles, LGBT Senator here to speak on four items, two to critically entangle, and

Summary: The committee first heard May Revision child care and human services items. The Department of Child Support Services described two technical adjustments, which the analyst supported. The Department of Social Services then walked through child care proposals, including a reduction in federal and Proposition 64 funding absorbed through a shift from General Child Care to the Alternative Payment program, a 2.01% child care COLA, disaster-related infrastructure grants, a new administrative support cost structure for Alternative Payment agencies, the removal of prospective pay funding after a federal rule change, a reappropriation for existing infrastructure grants, and estimates of unspent child care funds. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended asking for more justification for shifting reductions to CAP, supported the COLA reduction but wanted consistency across programs, recommended removing prospective pay funding, opposed the administrative cost shift, and suggested further review of disaster grant alignment. Members pressed the administration on why more slots would be cut for the same savings, why the COLA was reduced, and whether the administrative percentage would grow over time. The administration said the changes were intended to avoid disrupting currently enrolled families, reflect point-in-time relinquishments and unspent funds, and stabilize contractor operations. Public commenters, including providers, advocates, and county representatives, urged full COLA funding, rejection of child care slot reductions, preservation of prospective pay, and continued investment in child care infrastructure and access. The subcommittee then recessed before moving to health items. In Part B, the Department of State Hospitals presented its May Revision proposals, including a central utility plant replacement project at Metropolitan State Hospital, funding for a continuum electronic health record system, reduced county bed billing authority to reflect phase-in of additional LPS beds, limited contract exemption authority for online clinical subscription services, reversion of prior-year unspent operating funds, and a workforce development proposal to use Behavioral Health Services Act funds instead of General Fund for training programs. The department said the EHR would modernize records and improve continuity of care, and that the contract exemption would prevent delays in essential clinical information services. No votes were taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I'm a former deputy mayor of Los Angeles, and we oversaw the LADWP.
• Fernando Valero, joining us from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
• Fernando Valero, joining us from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
• Fernando Valero, joining us from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
• Next up, joining us from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Fernando Valero. Welcome.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held a hearing on the California Earthquake Authority’s SB 254 report and broader options for reforming California’s utility wildfire recovery system. The chair framed the discussion around the Palisades and Eaton fires, the scale of wildfire-related costs on utility bills, and the need to weigh trade-offs among survivors, ratepayers, utilities, insurers, and taxpayers. The first panel featured wildfire survivors William Abrams and Joy Chen, who described long delays in compensation, housing insecurity, and what they viewed as a system that protects utility shareholders more than victims. They urged greater transparency, clearer accountability for utility spending and safety performance, faster and fuller compensation for survivors, and reforms such as independent audits and better alignment of utility incentives with wildfire prevention and restitution. The second panel began with Tom Welsh of the California Earthquake Authority, who explained that the SB 254 report was intended as a broad inventory of policy pathways rather than recommendations. He described the report’s process, including stakeholder submissions, workstreams, and a convergence process, and outlined the current wildfire fund structure: utilities remain liable, the fund reimburses eligible claims after a covered wildfire, and the CPUC later determines prudency and possible reimbursement back to the fund. RAND’s Lloyd Dixon summarized compensation data, saying utilities paid about $38 billion between 2017 and 2024, with major shares going to injured parties, insurers, and public entities, while litigation costs and survivors’ own losses remain substantial. He noted that legal fees and delays reduce the amount survivors ultimately receive. Utility and public-interest witnesses offered differing views on the report’s pathways. PG&E’s Tyson Smith said the report shows inaction is the worst outcome and argued for community wildfire risk reduction, equitable allocation of catastrophe costs, and state-led resilience tools. LADWP’s Fernando Valero emphasized the vulnerability of municipal utilities and cities, and supported inverse condemnation reform, a state-sponsored liability insurance framework, damages and subrogation limits, and stronger insurance access. Consumer Attorneys of California’s John Fisk argued that IOU-caused fires are not natural disasters but the result of negligence and sometimes criminal conduct, and opposed reducing utility liability while supporting stronger oversight and audits. The Public Advocates Office’s Nathaniel Skinner focused on affordability, saying ratepayers already bear large and growing wildfire costs and warning against shifting more costs onto bills without measurable risk reduction and tighter accountability. Committee members then began questioning witnesses about what counts as measurable mitigation, how to define full and fair compensation, and how any fast-pay process should work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lizzie Guantona here on behalf of the City of Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass, in support. Great.
• Lizzie Guantona here on behalf of the City of Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass in support. Great.
• Los Angeles, which I am a native of, Los Angeles County, which I still live in, we all went there as
• Hello, Keeley Morris, on behalf of the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, in support.
• Hello, Keeley Morris on behalf of the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, in support.

Summary: The committee heard AB 1795, which would create statewide standards for testing, inspection, remediation, and insurance handling of wildfire smoke damage in homes. The author and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said the bill is needed because survivors face inconsistent claims practices and no enforceable standards for determining when homes are safe. Supporters included the City of Los Angeles and a wildfire survivor who described health problems and disputed remediation results; opponents from the insurance industry said the bill could create broad new exposure and worsen affordability, though they continued to negotiate amendments. The committee recommended the bill do pass with urgency, and it passed on a 4-0 vote, with the roll held open for additional votes. The committee also heard AB 1612, which would create a centralized process for law enforcement to transfer seized controlled substances such as fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin to the Department of Justice for disposal after the state’s last in-state incineration facility closed. The author said the bill would address unsafe storage and inconsistent disposal pathways. There was no opposition in the room, and the committee sent the bill to the Assembly Public Safety Committee on a do pass vote. AB 2322 would standardize the definition of commercial, industrial, or institutional sites for municipal stormwater permits by tying it to assessor land-use codes and excluding residential parcels. Supporters said the bill would reduce patchwork enforcement and improve consistency, while stormwater and city representatives asked to keep working on regional flexibility concerns. The committee approved the bill 4-1 and sent it to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 2245, a producer responsibility bill for vehicle lubricant products and their containers, intended to expand collection and recycling using existing household hazardous waste and used oil infrastructure. Supporters said it would reduce landfill disposal and align with existing EPR frameworks, while retailers and industry groups raised concerns about overlapping obligations, unclear definitions, and compliance costs. The author said negotiations would continue, and the committee sent the bill to Natural Resources on a do pass vote. The committee also heard AB 1603, which would phase out PFAS-containing pesticides over time and require disclosure and permitting for their use. Supporters argued PFAS pesticides contaminate food and water and pose health risks; agricultural and chemical industry opponents said the bill could remove many products from the market and lead to harmful substitutions. The chair expressed support for reducing PFAS but raised concerns about replacement chemicals, and the bill was sent to Appropriations on a do pass vote. Finally, AB 2034 was introduced to increase transparency around food additives and GRAS ingredients by creating a state database of chemicals that bypass FDA premarket review; supporters said it would close a federal loophole, while consumer brands opposed a duplicative state system and warned of costs and confusion.

Transcript Highlights:

• We see members in Los Angeles County as well.
• We see members in Los Angeles County as well as San Joaquin County.
• You know, I represent Orange County and parts of Los Angeles.
• You know, I represent Orange County and parts of Los Angeles.
• Carol Gonzalez on behalf of Inclusive Action for the City, a CDFI in Los Angeles whose mission is to

Transcript Highlights:

• Angeles, chaos and uncertainty from President Trump's ever-changing tariffs and incoherent economic
• We're coming on the heels of another devastating wildfire in Los Angeles.
• We're coming on the heels of another devastating wildfire in Los Angeles.
• Angeles, who... ...the comments of my colleagues, particularly from Los Angeles, who spoke out so eloquently
• What's even more inflammatory is he is using California tax dollars to terrorize the people of Los Angeles

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and proceeded to floor business, with the main item being SB 101, the state budget bill. Before debate on the bill, Assembly Member Sanchez offered amendments to redirect funding toward Proposition 36 implementation, wildfire prevention, Medi-Cal provider reimbursement, developmental services, and other priorities; the majority moved to lay those amendments on the table, and the motion passed 43-18. The chamber then took up SB 101 as the budget bill for immediate effect. Debate on the budget was extensive and sharply divided. Supporters, including Assembly Member Gabriel and several committee chairs, described the budget as a difficult but responsible compromise that protects Medi-Cal, IHSS, child care, housing, wildfire prevention, and other safety-net programs while responding to a projected deficit and federal uncertainty. Opponents criticized the budget as fiscally unsound and argued it relied on accounting gimmicks, did not adequately fund Proposition 36 or wildfire prevention, and continued spending on high-speed rail and Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented immigrants. Several members also raised concerns about gas taxes, provider reimbursement, probation funding, and the impact on vulnerable Californians. After debate, the Assembly voted on SB 101 and passed it 57-19. The measure was sent immediately to the Senate. The body then announced upcoming session schedules, with no floor or check-in sessions on June 14 and 15, and a floor session set for June 16 at 1 p.m., before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our volunteers are on the front lines of the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles.
• Our volunteers are on the front lines of the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles.
• And Dan Felizado with the Los Angeles County Attorney's Office to testify.
• Chairman, members, Dan Felizado, on behalf of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Mr.
• Michael Hefty, Los Angeles dependency lawyers.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on AB 262, which would direct the new California Housing and Homelessness Agency to study the needs of pregnant people experiencing homelessness and evaluate a voluntary “Pink Alert” notification system. Supporters, including the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and a mutual-aid volunteer, said the bill would help identify gaps in housing and prenatal services for a highly vulnerable population. Members generally supported the study concept, though one senator cautioned that the “Pink Alert” name could imply a missing-person alert. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 3-0 vote and placed on call. Members then heard AB 673, creating the Unaccompanied Youth Support Grant Program for 16- and 17-year-old homeless students not in a parent or guardian’s custody. The Superintendent of Public Instruction and advocates said the bill would help connect youth to housing, basic needs, tutoring, employment readiness, and mental health services, while opponents raised concerns about duplication with existing school and county services and staffing shortages. The author and supporters argued the program would fill gaps for youth who often fall through existing systems. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 3-0 vote and was held on call. The committee also approved AB 1575, which updates the Lanterman Act to replace the term “consumer” with person-first language for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and AB 2510, which would expand CalWORKs family reunification aid so families do not lose support when only some children are removed from the home. AB 1688, requiring broader notice when abuse or neglect is alleged in foster placements so attorneys for other children in the placement can check on their safety, also passed to Appropriations. AB 2304, “Gabriel’s Law,” requiring a child in immediate medical need to be seen by a medical professional and clarifying penalties for falsifying child welfare records, passed to Public Safety after testimony from the author, Gabriel Fernandez’s aunt, prosecutors, and a dependency lawyer who opposed parts of the penalty language. The committee then heard AB 1746 on faster county processing of CalWORKs child care requests, with support from the author, advocates, and county welfare directors who said they were still working on amendments; it was moved to Appropriations and held on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• During the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, over 1,000...
• During the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, over 1,000...
• You know, we see it in Los Angeles. And I know that this is a statewide issue as well.
• I'm the Director of Crimes Against Children for the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office.
• John Scoglund, with the County of Los Angeles, in support.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• I, along with colleagues, were called by the threat of mass deportations to reactivate the Los Angeles
• Selective certification allows Los Angeles Unified to maintain the rigorous hiring standards created
• Selective certification allows Los Angeles Unified to maintain the rigorous hiring standards created
• Los Angeles Unified supports AB 2120 in order to permanently authorize the district to use selective
• Probably duplicative, but on behalf of Los Angeles Unified in strong support. Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to public employment. AB 1601, by Assemblymember Rogers, would give Sonoma County flexibility to work with its retirement board and actuaries on a possible retiree cost-of-living adjustment; supporters said Sonoma is the only 1937 Act county system without an automatic COLA and that retirees have gone since 2008 without an increase, while no opposition testified. The bill passed on a do-pass vote and was placed on the floor. AB 1729, by Assemblymember Lee, would update state telework policy by requiring written telework plans, adding more structure before return-to-office decisions, and restoring public reporting on telework savings. Supporters, including SEIU Local 1000, the Association of California State Supervisors, and many state workers, argued telework improves productivity, reduces emissions and commute costs, and could save the state about $225 million annually; there was no opposition. The committee approved the bill 6-0 and re-referred it to Appropriations. AB 1630, by Assemblymember Colosa, would allow union representatives to invite bargaining-unit members to observe meet-and-confer sessions, including remotely, to increase transparency and engagement. UC and CSU opposed the measure, saying observer rules should be negotiated at the table and warning the bill lacked clear limits on the number of observers and could create logistical and security problems. The bill passed 5-0 with one member not voting and was sent to Appropriations. AB 1750, also by Assemblymember Colosa, would require school employees who exhaust sick leave and are absent due to illness or injury to receive full salary for an additional five months. CTA supported the bill as a needed safety net for teachers and classified staff, while school districts and administrators opposed it over cost, staffing, and student stability concerns, saying it could encourage longer absences and strain already tight budgets. The committee passed the bill 5-0 and sent it to Higher Education. AB 1896, by Assemblymember Gonzalez, would bar people who participated in immigration enforcement from holding California public employment, with supporters framing it as a response to ICE and Border Patrol actions and opponents warning it was overbroad and could exclude otherwise qualified applicants from law enforcement jobs; the bill passed 5-1 and was referred to Public Safety.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent Local 148, the Los Angeles Public Defenders Union.
• Our union represents over 600 attorneys in Los Angeles, and we respectfully oppose AB 1872.
• Thank you. ...the Los Angeles Public Defenders Union.
• Leslie Wolfe, on behalf of Local 148, the Los Angeles Public Defenders Union, in opposition.
• Leslie Wolfe with Local 148, Los Angeles Public Defenders Union, in strong support.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety and privacy bills, with extensive testimony on each. AB 1872 by Assembly Member Ta would make repeat swatting a wobbler and require offenders to compensate victims for property damage. Supporters, including civil liberties, sheriff, and district attorney representatives, said swatting is a serious and growing threat to first responders, schools, and public officials. Opponents argued existing law already covers false emergency reports and warned the bill could worsen penalties for people with mental illness. The committee approved the bill on a do pass motion to Appropriations. AB 1727, also by Assembly Member Ta, would make it a misdemeanor to transfer or sell a person’s genetic data without consent. Supporters framed the bill as a needed privacy protection in light of advances in genetic technology and AI, citing examples such as HeLa cells and concerns about unauthorized DNA collection. Opponents, including ACLU Cal Action, said civil penalties already exist under current law and objected to creating a new carceral offense for nonviolent conduct. The committee accepted amendments and moved the bill forward as amended to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. The committee then took up AB 1782 by Assembly Member DeMaio, which would lower the threshold for retaining certain offenders with mental health disorders in state hospital custody and broaden the conduct considered in dangerousness determinations. Supporters said the bill responds to a recent release case and would help prevent dangerous releases; opponents, including disability rights and public defender groups, said it would weaken due process and expand involuntary confinement. The chair recommended a no vote, and the bill remained on call after a split roll. AB 1632 by Assembly Member Johnson, which removes the notarization requirement for trespass authorization letters, passed as amended despite opposition from homelessness advocates and public defenders who said it could increase arrests of unhoused people; supporters said it would reduce bureaucracy and help property owners and police respond to trespassing. The committee also heard AB 1968 by Assembly Member Gallagher, which would add conspiracy to commit murder to the list of offenses eligible for heightened juvenile court handling; supporters cited a foiled school attack in Tehama County, while opponents warned of overbroad punishment and racial disparities. The bill was discussed but not yet voted on in the portion provided.