Transcript Highlights:

• It also, yes, provides safe and legal abortions too. Abortion care is health care, full stop.
• Abortion care is very. Abortion care is health care. Full stop.
• Abortion care is foundational women's health care.
• For safe, confidential abortion care. Over 8,000.
• It has been raised the whole issue of abortion.

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through privileges of the floor to recognize several guests, including the St. Mary’s High School football team from Stockton for winning the 2025 state championship, Black-owned businesses honored by the California Legislative Black Caucus and California Black Chamber of Commerce, and students and guests visiting the Capitol. The Rules Committee reported Senate Resolution 77 to third reading, and the Senate approved the journals and proceeded to the daily file. The chamber then confirmed Tyler Sadwith as Chief Deputy Director for Health Care Programs at the Department of Health Care Services by a 33-0 vote. The main floor action was on Senate Resolution 77, which condemned racist and dehumanizing imagery shared by President Donald Trump depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Numerous senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, framing the post as racist, dangerous, and part of a broader pattern of dehumanization; one Republican senator objected to the resolution’s language and process but said racism should be condemned. SR 77 was adopted on a 28-0 vote. The Senate then took up SB 106, a budget bill to create a one-time $90 million grant program to support family planning providers after federal cuts under H.R. 1 reduced reimbursements to Planned Parenthood and similar clinics. Supporters said the measure would preserve access to reproductive and preventive health care, especially in rural and underserved areas, while opponents criticized the bill for secrecy, no-bid contracting, and prioritizing abortion-related services over other budget needs such as rural hospitals and developmental disability services. After debate, the Assembly amendments were concurred in by a 26-9 vote. At the end of the session, the Senate moved to adjournment in memory, with Senator Choi offering a remembrance for Mitzi Ortiz, the city manager of Aliso Viejo, who died on December 22, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, abortion care is safe and common.
• lack access to abortion care.
• state and address disparities in abortion access.
• APCs presently perform first-trimester procedural abortions, and it is the first-trimester abortions
• A current provider of second-trimester abortions can be the sole judge of the competency of a new abortion

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• A similar bill has been heard about abortion. That powers of attorney...
• It does not ban the book. No, thank you very much for your testimony.
• This is not about book banning or book burning. This is about book boundaries.
• banning of all LGBTQ material, whether it is sexual or not.
• Banning or restricting a book without these guardrails will inevitably result in the banning of books

Bills: HB45 , HB45 , HB755 , HB 1232 , HB1555 , HB2460 , HB2702 , HB2973 , HB3120 , HB3225 , HB3314 , HB3356 , HB3371 , HB3634 , HB3638 , HB4247 , HB4283 , HB4290 , HB4302 , HB4503 , HB4511 , HB4565 , HB4581 , HB4627 , HB4632 , HB4660 , HB4668 , HB4960 , HB5042

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: flooding, disaster response, emergency preparedness, state guidance, public safety, housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, abortion care is safe and common.
• lack access to abortion care.
• state and address disparities in abortion access.
• APCs presently perform first-trimester procedural abortions, and it is the first-trimester abortions
• A current provider of second-trimester abortions can be the sole judge of the competency of a new abortion

Summary: The committee met as a subcommittee until quorum was established, then took up a series of bills on business, professions, health, cannabis, and consumer protection. AB 72, creating an electric vehicle economic opportunity zone in Riverside County, drew questions about whether the state should target one region over others, but supporters argued it would help bring EV manufacturing and related jobs to the Inland Empire. The bill passed on a 8-1 vote to Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement. AB 685, which would create the Small Business Resiliency and Innovation Fund to support technical assistance and capital infusion programs, drew broad support from small business networks and chambers, but some groups raised concerns that the June amendments could affect eligibility and that the funding should be clearly supplemental rather than replacing existing support. The author said discussions were ongoing, and the bill passed 10-0 to Senate Appropriations. The committee also approved AB 173, a resolution, on a 7-0 vote, and AB 1760, a Dental Practice Act cleanup bill sponsored by the Dental Board, on a 10-0 vote. AB 1637, which would limit changes to physician-authored medical records and make unauthorized alterations a misdemeanor, was supported by physicians and labor groups who said it would protect patient safety and professional accountability; it passed 10-0 to Senate Appropriations. AB 1785, allowing online sales of pseudoephedrine products with existing age and quantity safeguards, passed 10-0. AB 1973, expanding the ability of advanced practice clinicians to perform procedural abortions within their training, drew strong support from reproductive health providers and strong opposition from anti-abortion witnesses who raised safety concerns; after questions about training and oversight, it passed 7-3 to Senate Appropriations. The committee then considered AB 2025, requiring disclosure when rental listings use digitally altered or AI-staged images. Supporters said it would prevent renters from being misled, while the California Apartment Association said it was working with the author on implementation; the bill passed 8-1 to Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies and Consumer Protection. AB 2697, allowing drive-through cannabis sales with local approval and security requirements, was supported by cannabis businesses and operators as a way to improve access and compete with the illicit market, while narcotics officers opposed it over ID verification and public safety concerns; it passed 7-3 to Senate Appropriations. Finally, AB 2249, responding to a state audit on cannabis packaging attractive to children by defining prohibited imagery and creating a public rubric and pre-review process, received support from the cannabis operators association and the state auditor’s office, while small independent farmers raised concerns that some categorical bans could sweep too broadly. The transcript cuts off during that bill’s opposition testimony, and no final action on AB 2249 is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Abortions are health care.
• If they have insurance, got to cover abortion. And it's a convent.
• If they have insurance, got to cover abortion. And it's a convent.
• Madam Chair, Senator, do you specifically mean for abortions or gender-affirming care?
• Madam Chair, Senator, do you specifically mean for abortions or gender affirming care?

Summary: The committee first heard SB 20, as amended, which would limit prior authorization for certain medications used to treat serious mental illness and extend prior authorization approvals for other chronic maintenance drugs to three years. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce treatment interruptions and administrative burden for patients, clinicians, and pharmacies, while opponents argued the three-year period could raise safety concerns, reduce annual clinical review, and increase costs and premiums. After public testimony and committee discussion, the bill passed on a 7-2 vote. The committee then considered SB 21, as amended, establishing an annual Medigap open enrollment period with guaranteed issue protections for eligible Medicare beneficiaries already enrolled in Medigap plans. The Aging and Long-Term Services Department said the measure would give seniors more flexibility to change plans as their needs and premiums change, and OSI said premium impacts were expected to be limited. An amendment setting the effective date at January 1, 2027 was adopted, and the bill passed unanimously. Next, the committee heard SB 177, a large economic development package centered on quantum, advanced energy, defense, and related workforce and research investments. The sponsor and administration witnesses described New Mexico as uniquely positioned to attract major private and federal investment, while members raised questions about guardrails, reporting, use of the Research and Development Fund, and whether EDD could manage the spending and educational components. An amendment removed the public safety section, a technical title fix was adopted, and the bill passed 9-1. The committee also took up SB 189, which would protect existing coverage and expand insurance coverage for reproductive and gender-affirming care, including mid-year enrollment options for pregnancy and coverage for double electric breast pumps. Supporters said the bill would prevent abrupt coverage changes and ensure access to care, while opponents objected to abortion-related coverage and argued existing law and Medicaid already cover much of the care. A motion to table failed, and the bill then passed 6-4. Finally, the committee unanimously passed Senate Memorial 6 honoring golfer Nancy Lopez and her New Mexico roots and achievements.

Transcript Highlights:

• IS THE FIRST GENERATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE GROWING UP WITHOUT FEDERAL PROTECTIONS FOR THE RIGHT TO ABORTION
• GIVEN THE STATE'S EXTREME SIX-WEEK ABORTION BAN WE SHOULD BE DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE
• ABORTION IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE.
• IF A CHILD IS GOING TO GET AN ABORTION, IF A MINOR CHILD IS BEING TREATED FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE
• PEOPLE YOU KNOW THAT THE PART OF THE MEASLES, MUMPS AND RUBELLA VACCINE IS ACTUALLY DEVELOPED WITH ABORTED

Transcript Highlights:

• The Commonwealth may regulate the provisions of the abortion care in the third trimester, provided that
• in no circumstance shall the Commonwealth prohibit an abortion.
• The Commonwealth cannot prohibit an abortion unless, in the physician's professional judgment, it is
• care in the third trimester of pregnancy, but requires any such law to allow for abortion care when
• It says, “This amendment requires any such law to allow for abortion care, to allow for abortion care

Committee: House Privileges and Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• It also modifies the definition of abortion medication. We have 12 total amendments.
• B3 requires any health care provider or health care entity that receives abortion...
• B6 requires DOC to destroy any abortion medications in its possession that have expired.
• Inslee for the full payment of any abortion medications that have been acquired by DOC.
• B10 requires an abortion... ...dispensed or distributed under the bill.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5977, which would require DCYF to publish child near-fatality review reports within 180 days and post them publicly, with confidential information redacted as allowed by law. Senator Nikki Torres said the bill is intended to improve transparency, accountability, and child protection. There was no public testimony on the bill, and the hearing was closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6184, an Office of Homeless Youth request bill sponsored by the chair. The bill makes technical and policy updates to OHY programs, including replacing the term “street youth” with “unaccompanied homeless youth,” allowing certain flexible funds to go directly to youth or vendors, renaming and making permanent the H-Sync program, expanding eligibility and housing options in the Independent Youth Housing Program, and clarifying shelter and reporting provisions. Testifiers from Commerce, advocates, school support organizations, and a youth advocate all supported the bill, emphasizing that the changes would improve access, consistency, and housing stability for unhoused youth. The hearing was then closed. The committee moved into executive session on seven bills. SB 5681, concerning intellectual and developmental disability services at age 20, had Amendment A1 fail and the proposed substitute was adopted and sent to Ways and Means. SB 5917, regarding abortion medication in DOC, saw one amendment adopted and multiple Christian amendments rejected before the bill was sent to Rules. SB 5942, renaming the DCYF Oversight Board as the DCYF Accountability Board and revising its duties, had only Amendment C16 adopted; the amended bill passed to Rules. SB 6024, on duplicative audits for community residential providers, passed without amendment. SB 6036, concerning adult family homes and foster care licensees, had Amendment D1 adopted and the bill passed to Rules. SB 6085, on the DOC institutional welfare account, had Amendment E1 adopted and the bill was sent to Ways and Means after several other amendments failed. In each case, the committee voted to advance the bill after considering amendments, with most of the proposed changes from Senator Christian failing except where noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, this bill is about abortion, as we can see.
• Well, this bill is about abortion, as we can see on the screen in front of us.
• us loud and clear that they want abortion access in this state.
• us loud and clear that they want abortion access in this state.
• This doesn't challenge any aspect of constitutional law related to abortion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bradley. abortion. And that doesn't always have abortion.
• </c> increased cost to provide abortion increased cost to provide abortion abortion<01:56:43.760><c>
• This bill is limited to medication abortion. right to abortion? right to abortion?
• </c> medication abortion. medication abortion.
• </c> abortion pill. abortion pill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a question about the language that says a result of an abortion.
• You often hear, like, an abortion as a result of a miscarriage.
• How do you, like, a medically induced abortion? How do you make space for that in that language?
• </c> medically induced abortion medically induced abortion how<00:05:30.560><c> do</c><00:05:30.639><
• Um, an abortion that I chose for my baby, um, an abortion is a choice, anything else. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• This will ensure that veterans who cannot receive abortion care or abortion counseling through the VA
• Under this new policy, the VA can only provide abortion in life-threatening circumstances.
• Under this new policy, the VA can only provide abortion in life-threatening circumstances.
• care or even abortion counseling.
• Without this bill, veterans who wish may only access abortion care if they have the means to identify

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• the Commonwealth, meaning everything above doesn't really matter, may regulate the provisions of abortion
• The Commonwealth cannot prohibit an abortion unless, in the professional judgment of a physician, it
• care in the third trimester of pregnancy, but requires any such law to allow for abortion care when
• It says, requires this amendment requires any such law to allow for abortion care when...
• This amendment requires any such law to allow for abortion care when it is medically needed to protect

Committee: House Privileges and Elections

Summary: The joint meeting of the Privileges and Elections Committees convened with a quorum present to approve explanatory ballot language for three proposed constitutional amendments scheduled for the November ballot. The committee reviewed the amendments on reproductive freedom, the right to vote, and the right to marry, with staff explaining that the committee was only approving neutral voter-facing explanation language, not the constitutional text itself. Members raised questions about wording, ballot order, and whether the explanations were sufficiently clear or potentially leading, especially on the reproductive freedom amendment. For HJ 1/SJ 1, the committee debated the explanation at length, including objections that it was misleading or incomplete and responses from counsel and supporters that it accurately tracked the amendment text. A motion to insert “Question 1” into the explanation was adopted, and the amended explainer language for the reproductive freedom amendment was then approved. The committee then moved through the right-to-vote and right-to-marry amendments, similarly adding question numbers to the explanatory language before approving the amended explanations. Recorded votes showed the amendments to the explanatory language passing on party-line divisions in both chambers, generally with Senate support from the majority and House support from the majority, while several members voted no. After approving the amended explainer language for all three amendments, the committee concluded the meeting and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• H. 2710 and S. 1676, an act relative to non-resident ban on semi-automatic hunting. Sir? Yes.
• weapon bans, Things like magazine bans, gun-free zones, so-called assault weapon bans, or as they now
• It bans arms and accessories that are unquestionably in common use.
• Gun banning and gun restriction is why our nation is independent today.
• A ban on unceriorized firearms, homemade firearm sales are older than our republic.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Summary: The hearing focused heavily on firearms legislation, especially bills to repeal Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 (including H. 2618/S. 1671 and related repeal measures) and bills on firearm industry accountability (H. 2672/S. 1653). Supporters of repeal, including Senator Peter Durant, Rep. Ken Sweezey, gun owners, instructors, sportsmen, and women’s gun-rights advocates, argued that Chapter 135 overreaches, creates confusion in licensing and training requirements, burdens lawful gun owners, restricts pepper spray and semi-automatic firearms, and is being enforced in ways they said criminalize responsible conduct. Committee members defending the law said it was the product of years of work, public listening sessions, and multiple drafts, and argued that Massachusetts remains the safest state for gun violence and that implementation issues, such as live-fire training, had been delayed to allow time for regulations and infrastructure. Several witnesses also testified on H. 2672/S. 1653, which would create firearm industry standards of conduct and allow civil actions against manufacturers, distributors, and dealers that engage in unsafe or unlawful practices. Supporters from the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown, Brady, Giffords, and survivors described the bill as a way to hold the industry accountable, reduce the flow of crime guns, and give victims and the Attorney General a path to sue bad actors. They cited data on crime-gun traces, disproportionate impacts on communities of color, and examples from other states that have enacted similar laws. Opponents, including gun dealers and industry representatives, argued that existing law already punishes illegal sales, that most crime guns are stolen or diverted after lawful sale, and that the bill would improperly target manufacturers for the actions of others. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to remove the non-resident ban on semi-automatic firearms for hunting (H. 2710/S. 1676), with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers supporting the change as a way to restore access for returning residents, veterans, and hunting programs that had been displaced. Later testimony returned to repeal and related gun-law bills, with sportsmen’s groups arguing Chapter 135 was rushed, confusing, and harmful to youth hunting and lawful ownership. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; it was a public testimony session with extensive questioning by committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act to amend the public health law in relation to providing practical support for access to abortion
• the funds from the program would be awarded to support practical needs for folks who are seeking abortion
• To amend the public health law in relation to enacting the New York State Abortion Clinical Training
• I believe that everyone should have access to every type of health care, and abortion is health care.
• If I had had an abortion in New York and then I was in Texas and had a heart attack or something like

Committee: Senate Health

Summary: The Health Committee met to consider a series of bills, many of them repeat proposals from prior sessions. Early measures included S.11 on disclosure for non-invasive prenatal screening, S.92 allowing redaction of certain physician names from birth certificates, S.135 creating practical support grants for abortion care, S.428A requiring chain restaurants to label high-sodium menu items, S.555 prohibiting visual images of people undergoing medical treatment without consent, and S.1614A establishing presumptive Medicaid eligibility for people leaving incarceration. The committee also advanced S.1438A to create an abortion clinical training program, S.1468 on access to medical records and limiting copy charges to actual cost, S.1619 expanding pharmacists’ authority to order and administer certain tests, and S.1714 banning the use of “excited delirium” as a diagnosis or cause of death. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on S.1633A, which would add protections for sensitive health information and allow patients to restrict disclosure of specified categories of data. One senator argued the bill could hinder care by limiting access to complete records, especially in emergencies, while supporters said the measure was needed to protect patients and providers from legal action by other states or the federal government, particularly in reproductive health cases. Staff clarified that the bill would allow segregation of specific sensitive data rather than locking an entire record. The committee also discussed S.1913, a 340B prescription drug anti-discrimination bill; supporters said it would protect safety-net providers and federally qualified health centers from pharmaceutical company practices, while one senator raised concerns about broad state intervention in a federal program. Additional bills advanced included S.5981 establishing a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health program, S.6178 directing a sickle cell disparity study, S.7457 permitting cremation or natural organic reduction for certain unclaimed decedents, S.7541 moving up reporting timelines for licensed home care services agencies, and S.8257A directing an alternative payment methodology for federally qualified health centers to support fertility care. Most bills were moved by committee vote, generally with some opposition or without recommendation, and were referred to first reading, rules, or finance as appropriate.

Transcript Highlights:

• finalized a rule to prohibit the Veterans Health Administration, known as the VA, from providing abortion
• This will ensure that veterans who cannot receive abortion care or abortion counseling through the VA
• Under this new policy, the VA can only provide abortion in life-threatening circumstances.
• care or even abortion counseling.
• Without this bill, veterans who wish may only access abortion care if they have the means to identify

Summary: The Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met on June 22 with several members initially absent, so the committee began as a subcommittee and later established a quorum. The committee first heard AB 1775, which would provide California support for transgender service members and veterans affected by a federal executive order requiring their separation from service. The author and witnesses described the policy as discriminatory and destabilizing, and supporters from civil rights and LGBTQ+ organizations urged passage. No opposition testimony was offered, and the chair and members expressed support for helping affected veterans with discharge upgrades, housing assistance, and expedited professional licensing. The committee then heard AB 2022, which expands the disabled veterans property tax exemption by creating a full exemption for certain totally disabled veterans meeting income limits and a 50% exemption for others, while preserving existing benefits. The author, a disabled Marine veteran, and multiple veterans’ organizations testified that the measure would help veterans remain in their homes and keep them in California; a Gold Star spouse also spoke in support. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Committee on Appropriations, with the roll held open until additional members arrived, and the consent calendar was later approved 4-0. Next, the committee heard AB 2054, which updates the definition of covered active duty for paid family leave purposes so military families can qualify when service members are deployed, activated for emergencies such as wildfires, or sent to extended training. Supporters, including Department of Defense and veterans’ representatives, said the bill reflects modern military service and protects families during disruptions. The committee also heard AB 2531, which would expand an existing uncompensated care grant program so veterans denied abortion care through the federal VA system can access support, and would add abortion resource information to CalVet materials. Support came from Planned Parenthood, the California Medical Association, the Lieutenant Governor’s office, and others; one member of the public raised concerns about coercion but did not clearly oppose the bill. All three bills were advanced on due pass motions to Appropriations, and the meeting adjourned after the final votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Born alive, abortion survivors, human beings that are...
• The first bill out of this chamber is the Born Alive Abortion Act. What are we doing?
• Well, this bill is about abortion, as we can see on the screen in front of us.
• us loud and clear that they want abortion access in this state.
• , and that by definition... ...role is when they've been hired for an abortion.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for February 4, 2026 by roll call vote, 123-1. Members spent a substantial portion of the morning introducing special guests and recognizing birthdays, including visitors from Missouri Technology Corporation, educators, pediatricians, a longtime legislative photographer, and several family members and constituents. A member also delivered a lengthy personal-privilege tribute for Black History Month honoring his father’s military service, postal career, ministry, and mentorship work, and another member paid tribute to the late Donna Kramer Scott. The chamber then took up first reading of House Bills 3218, 3219, and 3220. On third reading, House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1667 and 2294 was debated as a “born alive”/abortion-related measure; supporters argued it protects infants born alive and clarifies provider duties, while opponents said the issue is already covered in statute and that the House should focus on other priorities. The bill passed 103-40. The House also considered House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1694, 1674, 1780, 2056, 2312, and 1755, a package centered on the Act Against Abusive Website Access Litigation and related accessibility/ADA litigation concerns. Supporters described it as curbing settlement-driven lawsuits and helping businesses, while opponents and some supporters emphasized the need for real accessibility improvements. That package passed unanimously, 149-0. During announcements, members highlighted an American Idol contestant from a district, an upcoming rural health care funding informational session, a property tax reform committee executive session, a St. Charles festival, an American Heart Month photo opportunity, and several committee meetings. The House was told to be prepared to consider additional bills upon return, and it adjourned until 4 p.m. Monday, February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• , promote abortion, or refer people.
• </c><00:45:35.520><c> promote</c> bill if they provide abortions promote bill if they provide abortions
• It doesn't say that the organization cannot talk about abortion or advise about abortion.
• </c> written right now it's an anti-abortion written right now it's an anti-abortion bill<00:46:52.400
• </c><00:48:59.559><c> it</c> abortion or advise about abortion it abortion or advise about abortion it

Bills: HF25 , HF1 , HF428

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• UTAH BECAME THE FIRST STATE TO BAN IT TWO WEEKS AGO AND RFK JUNIOR WANTS IT BANNED.
• ARE WE BANNING FLUORIDE NOW SUCCESSFUL HEALTH INITIATIVES OF ALL TIME.
• ARE WE BANNING FLUORIDE NOW BECAUSE SOMEONE ON TWITTER SAYS IT CALCIFIES YOUR THIRD EYE?
• WITH THE BILL BAN SCHOOL FROM PROVIDING FUNDING FOR A TURNING POINT USA CHAPTER?
• YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> IMA ROY, THIS ALL AROSE BECAUSE OF THE ABORTION PALETTE, IT'S CLEAR THE PEOPLE

Transcript Highlights:

• This will ensure that veterans who cannot receive abortion care or abortion counseling through the VA
• Under this new policy, the VA can only provide abortion in life-threatening circumstances.
• care or even abortion counseling.
• care or even abortion counseling.
• Our veterans deserve better than taxpayer-funded abortion and one-sided information.

Committee: Senate Health