Transcript Highlights:

• , so we don't have people driving around actual former law enforcement vehicles and pretending to impersonate
• , so we don't have people driving around actual former law enforcement vehicles and pretending to impersonate
• , so we don't have people driving around actual former law enforcement vehicles and pretending to impersonate
• , so we don't have people driving around actual former law enforcement vehicles and pretending to impersonate
• Representative Hewitt has a bill that has a process for law enforcement vehicles to be decommissioned

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 2,500 grams of fentanyl, 12,000 grams of cocaine, 100,000 grams of marijuana, 37 firearms, and 10 vehicles
• It would mean if you had knowledge there was a firearm on your person or in the vehicle.
• Um, but I do see your point about if it wasn't their vehicle and they were asked, "Is there a gun in
• you could answer, "Really, you know, it's not my vehicle. I don't own this vehicle; I'm using it."
• or ultimately... ...search of the vehicle or ultimately finding evidence of arrest.

Bills: SB76, SB35, SB116, SB119, SB118, SB129, SB32, SB31, SB115, SB75, HB27, HB40

Keywords: jury duty, nursing mothers, exemption, legal rights, parental responsibilities, sexual extortion, criminal law, felony, threat, blackmail, firearm possession, domestic violence, violent offenses, criminal penalties, pretrial detention, bail, offenses, constitutional amendment, criminal justice, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• And also, to your point, also mentioned in the analysis with automated vehicles, I think there is going
• to have to be at some point a general revisit on the new technology and vehicles and how we handle issues
• And also, to your point, also mentioned in the analysis with automated vehicles, I think there is going
• to have to be at some point a general revisit on the new technology and vehicles and how we handle issues
• And also, to your point, also mentioned in the analysis with automated vehicles, I think there is going

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee met in a subcommittee setting to hear SB 26, a follow-on bill to last year’s AB 1755 dealing with California’s Song-Beverly “Lemon Law” process. Senator Umberg explained that the measure is intended to preserve the compromise reached last year while allowing automakers to opt out of the new framework and return to the prior law, with the goal of speeding up discovery and helping consumers resolve claims more quickly. Committee members and the author also noted the bill’s connection to concerns about court congestion and the need to revisit the law as vehicle technology evolves. Support came from Consumer Attorneys of California, Toyota, and several automakers and manufacturers, including General Motors, Rivian, Honda, Hyundai, Lucid, Tesla, Kia, Volkswagen Group, and Mercedes. Toyota said the bill gives automakers a five-year opt-in choice and reflects the negotiated deal. In soft opposition, Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety said it preferred more manufacturers opt out, but remained concerned about AB 1755’s reduced statute of limitations and repose, negative equity deductions, and the broader impact on consumers with defective vehicles. After quorum was established, the committee took up the motion and passed SB 26 on a roll call vote, with all members present voting aye. The chair thanked the stakeholders for reaching a compromise and indicated the bill would move forward, with immediate referral anticipated after floor action.

Transcript Highlights:

• In two, on page one, it talks about a UM claim, but it only mentions for vehicle coverage or med pay,
• this, but, you know, claim for bodily injury does not mean a claim for uninsured or underinsured vehicle
• coverage or medical payments coverage under a motor vehicle liability policy.
• or for... ...property damage for the vehicle or for med payments portion.
• coverage or medical payments coverage under motor vehicle liability policy.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have the work group on autonomous vehicles that is also ongoing and believe that we are in a posture
• Does the tag match what they think, the description of the vehicle, to make sure all the pieces are going
• say, hey, no, they didn't cross the stop bar in time, or this license plate doesn't match, or the vehicle
• under this existing law for the cost of towing, impounding, or mobilizing or storing certain vehicles
• And this bill authorizes the application of clear film to the windshield of a vehicle so long as it is

Keywords: House Committee Room B, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Item 5 discusses DPS's vehicle and aircraft operations.
• , it helps law enforcement in Texas, and a good example is the ballistic windshield in our patrol vehicle
• . vehicles.
• Some of this is used in criminal investigations also, you see the four. vehicles, what's it called, the
• The cellular tracking vehicles. We used one. A couple of days ago, I had an update in San Angelo.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for</c><00:39:57.760><c> you</c><00:39:57.920><c> have</c><00:39:58.040><c> a</c><00:39:58.160><c> value
• </c><00:39:58.560><c> point</c><00:39:58.880><c> and</c><00:39:59.079><c> I</c> out for you have a value
• point and I out for you have a value point and I think<00:39:59.400><c> that</c><00:39:59.520><c> we
• evidence-based resources provided by the Department of Education and disseminated through schools is an ideal vehicle
• evidence-based resources provided by the Department of Education and disseminated through schools is an ideal vehicle

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the most fundamental values in our democracy is trust.
• elected officials have the best interest of their communities at heart, trust that they reflect the values
• Jackson, my thing says it's vehicles direct driver monitoring systems. So I don't know.
• And the name of the organization is SFV, like Serving Family Values or San Fernando Valley Alliance.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We can, Ford can make a vehicle that's pretty much as indestructible as it can be.
• A real estate appraiser is hired to provide an independent opinion of value based on market data and
• And they’re payment processors, they’re stored value cards, and they’re money orders.”
• So it’s money orders, wire transfers, payment processing, stored value cards all under the umbrella of

Summary: The committee began by deferring six bills en bloc, then took up House Bill 1103, which would exempt certain industrial facility construction or improvement projects—especially aerospace-related facilities—from some local permitting requirements. Supporters said the goal was to reduce red tape and help Louisiana compete with states like Texas and Florida for aerospace investment, while members raised concerns about safety, home rule authority, and whether fewer permits could reduce oversight. The bill was reported favorably. Members then heard extensive testimony on House Bill 1212, which would require utilities to assess large electric transformers for vulnerability to electromagnetic threats and report findings to GOSEP, with a public version of the report. The sponsor and a retired Marine officer argued the bill was a limited “scoping” measure to identify vulnerabilities to solar storms or EMP attacks and estimate hardening costs; they said the current federal standard is too low and that protection technology exists. Committee members and utility representatives questioned whether the bill duplicated existing federal/NERC requirements, whether the information could create security risks if disclosed, whether the PSC had already studied the issue, and whether the costs would be passed to ratepayers. The PSC said it had previously opened a docket and studied EMP/physical security issues but never issued a final recommendation. After discussion, the sponsor agreed to defer the bill, and the committee deferred HB 1212. The committee then reported several technical or narrower bills favorably: House Bill 241 updated bank records disclosure citations and replaced a reference to the defunct Office of Thrift Supervision with the CFPB; House Bill 1091 shifted local fire departments to direct reporting into the federal emergency response system; and House Bill 1027 extended existing liability protection for real estate agents to licensed appraisers regarding smoke and carbon monoxide detector compliance in one- and two-family homes. Finally, House Bill 1096, dealing with electrical cooperative bylaws and board authority versus member approval, was introduced with testimony from cooperative representatives explaining it was intended to restore member control or allow cooperatives to opt out of the 2012 change that had expanded board authority. The transcript cuts off before final action on HB 1096.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment requires that the driver still maintain a physical copy in the vehicle.
• These are all values that we hold dear, so I'd appreciate your aye vote.
• But as a state, as a reflection of those values, the state has continually of those values, the state

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, approved the journal, and moved through routine orders, including committee reports and messages from the House. Several bills and resolutions were introduced, referred to committees, or advanced on the calendar. The Senate then resolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider a series of House bills, adopting amendments to measures including House Bills 629, 678, 522, 810, 684, 561, and 860, and reporting them back as amended without recommendation. The committee also reported progress on House Bills 613, 526, 670, and 549, which retained their place on the calendar. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1294 on newborn hearing screenings after sponsor testimony emphasized early intervention, support from audiologists and deaf/hard-of-hearing advocates, and no fiscal impact. The chamber also passed Senate Bills 1353 and 1354, both housing bills expanding state standards for twin homes, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units in cities over 10,000; supporters framed them as property-rights and affordability measures, while opponents argued they weakened local control, increased infrastructure and parking burdens, and could benefit investors more than families. Senate Bill 1389, providing liability protection for property owners who allow polling places on their premises, passed unanimously after discussion about balancing voter access with premises liability. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1391, a technical fix preserving surveyors’ lawful entry authority for property and right-of-way work, and House Bill 727, which revises video voyeurism/extortion provisions to address AI-generated or threatened dissemination of intimate images and adds enhanced penalties when minors are involved. Finally, the Senate passed House Bill 542, the “Stop the Harms from Addictive Social Media Act,” after extensive debate over whether it protects children from addictive platform features or improperly shifts responsibility and creates surveillance and enforcement problems; the bill’s supporters argued it targets harmful platform design and parental control, while opponents raised concerns about legacy accounts, privacy, enforceability, and state overreach. Several roll-call votes were taken, with most measures passing by substantial margins, including unanimous passage of Senate Bill 1389 and 35-0 passage of House Bill 727.

Transcript Highlights:

• amendment requires that you are still, as the driver, required to maintain a physical copy in your vehicle
• These are all values that we hold dear, so I'd appreciate your aye vote.
• But as a state, as a reflection of those values, the state has continually, of those values, the state

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a state that shares many of our values.
• It's how we define value. There's no reference to evidence. There's no reference to insurance.
• The person gets hit from behind in a vehicle. The emergency room cost is $2,000.
• healthcare facilities shall be no less than the actuaries' recommended surcharge based on expected value

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's homes, apartments, small farms, neighborhood businesses, personal vehicles, all ag industry
• Now you get to hear more of the values with me turning it over to Senator Angel Charlie.
• Improvements fall off the tax rolls, supporting businesses close, property values stagnate, and the local
• families who work here in these targeted industries that the hard work they put in every day is not valued

Bills: SB12, SB36, SB92, SB120, SB133, SB151, SB18, SB96

Keywords: tax credit, physician, healthcare, income tax, rural health, quantum technology, infrastructure, economic development, New Mexico, corporate tax, research and development, innovation, affordable housing, gross receipts tax, tax deduction, construction materials, multifamily housing, low income, journalism, local news

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, the superintendent must report to Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for action on the habitual
• So, you know, as a researcher, someone looking at the data across the state, there's certainly a value
• I can also see tradeoffs where that may be something that districts value, being able to define, and
• the ways they go about tracking that and measuring that locally has value, and being able to be customized

Summary: The committee met to discuss student attendance and chronic absenteeism in Florida K-12 schools, with Chair Simon outlining the state’s attendance requirements and intervention process, including school contact after unexcused absences, child study team review, district superintendent referral, DJJ family services referral, truancy petitions, and possible parental prosecution and driver’s license consequences. Dr. Chris Curran of the University of Florida presented statewide data showing chronic absenteeism has risen sharply since the pandemic, with Florida at about 31.4% in 2023–24, and noted that absenteeism varies by district, school level, demographics, and urbanicity. He emphasized that causes are multifaceted—ranging from transportation, mental health, housing instability, safety concerns, and family circumstances—and said effective responses include early warning systems, text or phone outreach, multi-tiered interventions, mentoring programs like Check & Connect, and community partnerships. He also cautioned that punitive responses alone are often less effective than addressing root causes and keeping students engaged academically even when they miss school. Collier County Superintendent Leslie Ricciardelli described her district’s attendance efforts as a priority supported by attendance specialists, social workers, mental health staff, home visits, attendance contracts, and extensive parent communication. She said Collier’s chronic absenteeism rate was about 9% in 2023–24 and attributed success to consistent monitoring, family outreach, and community support, while stressing that students must be physically present to learn. She also argued that many absences are tied to barriers such as clothing, transportation, childcare, or family mental health, and that districts need resources to address those issues. Dr. Rachel Dawes added that Collier uses multilingual brochures, attendance awareness campaigns, vacation-planning guidance, door tags, automated calls and letters, and a truancy flow chart, with truancy court used as a last resort. Volusia County Executive Director Mike McAuliffe described a districtwide overhaul that included an attendance matters campaign, automated notices sent early and often, same-day and period-by-period notifications, a data dashboard, and tiered supports through MTSS. He said Volusia reduced chronic absenteeism from 34% in 2023–24 to a projected 29% and reported a first-quarter rate of about 20% in the current year. He highlighted community partnerships, including AdventHealth support for washers and dryers, bikes for students with transportation barriers, and monetary recognition for schools that reduce absenteeism. In response to questions, both district leaders emphasized that funding, staffing, and consistent follow-through are essential, and that attendance work is most effective when paired with family engagement, data monitoring, and practical supports rather than punishment alone.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislative session, we've seen legislative leadership turn their back on their constituents, values
• We also ask that you consider revenue solutions that will uphold our values of health care equity and
• Cars for All programs, and investment in infrastructure for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles
• as well as the staff of the administration for coming together on language related to the hospital value

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee held an informational hearing on the September budget package, which included SB 105 and a series of trailer bills covering health, human services, education, resources, child care, transportation, labor, public safety, housing, revenue, background checks, collective bargaining, and a special election. The Department of Finance described the package as largely technical and clarifying, but also responsive to state and federal changes, especially H.R. 1. Key items included roughly $3.3 billion in Proposition 4 climate and environmental spending, $540 million in discretionary greenhouse gas reduction funds, and major responses to H.R. 1 such as CalFresh error-rate mitigation, food bank support, and Medicaid-related changes. Other notable provisions included vaccine policy flexibility, an Abortion Access Fund, a gender-affirming care program, community college basic-needs and aid changes, CEQA and coastal permit exemptions tied to the 2028 Olympics, invasive mussel prevention funding, a civic media program, labor and pension-related provisions, and special election administration changes. Members raised questions and concerns about several parts of the package. There was support for climate, water, transit, offshore wind, food security, and health investments, but also significant criticism of the lack of cleanup language for SB 131 and its advanced manufacturing exemptions, with multiple members saying promised fixes had not materialized and expressing concerns about tribal consultation, labor standards, and environmental protections. Members also questioned the scale and timing of some Proposition 4 allocations, including fairground upgrades, regional conveyance, and a UC Davis alternative protein research center. The Department of Finance said some programs would roll out over time and that certain funding levels reflected current implementation capacity. The hearing also featured discussion of Bay Area transit financing, with Finance saying SB 105 directs the department and CalSTA to examine loan or other financing options rather than immediately providing loans. Members and public commenters also discussed the state’s response to H.R. 1, with advocates supporting food bank, health care, and immunization provisions while warning of ongoing harm to immigrants, foster youth, and other vulnerable groups. Public testimony broadly supported the health, food, water, offshore wind, and golden mussel provisions, while many speakers echoed legislative concerns about SB 131 and urged cleanup action in the next session. No votes were taken because the hearing was informational only, though the chair noted votes on the bills were expected later that night or the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I trust your values.
• that there could be a way for us to have this conversation that reassures the community and provides value
• Californians, and the TNC Access for All program, which provides access to wheelchair-accessible vehicles
• And ensuring that our values and the goals of this bill and their new department are aligned.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 470, which would change California’s carrier-of-last-resort rules and allow a phased transition away from copper landlines in areas deemed well served by alternative phone options. The author and AT&T argued the bill would protect consumers, preserve 911 access, require public notice and CPUC review, and direct investment toward modern fiber and emergency communications. Supporters included a wide range of business, civic, tribal, and community groups, while opponents from TURN, rural counties, labor, digital equity organizations, and local governments warned the bill could let AT&T shed service obligations too quickly, weaken protections for rural and underserved households, and harm workers. After extensive member discussion about CPUC authority, rural carveouts, labor impacts, and reinvestment, AB 470 was passed do pass as amended to Appropriations, with one no vote and one not voting, and the roll left open. The committee then took up AB 1532, a committee omnibus bill extending funding and surcharge authority for the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program and the TNC Access for All program, while also adding CPUC accountability provisions. Chair Boerner Horvath explained the bill would not raise consumer costs and would require the CPUC to appear at hearings when requested and adopt rules for commissioner attendance. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill was moved do pass and re-refer to Utilities and Energy, though the roll was left open because it had not yet reached the threshold for immediate transmission. Finally, the committee heard AB 353, the Affordable Home Internet Act of 2025, which would establish an affordability floor for home broadband for low-income Californians after the expiration of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program. Supporters said broadband costs remain too high and that families, students, and vulnerable communities need a state solution now; opponents from the wireless industry and rural county representatives argued the bill would amount to an artificial price mandate and could complicate existing rural broadband buildouts. Members generally supported the goal but raised concerns about impacts on small ISPs and rural areas, and the bill was moved forward with a motion and second while discussion continued about possible exemptions and amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the vehicle for collaboration exists.
• this bill would allow an employee to waive the right to minimum wage if he or she was receiving other value
• to offer on-the-job training positions to completely inexperienced individuals in exchange for the value
• Individuals in exchange for the value in learning a skill or trade that could enhance their long-term

Summary: The committee first took up HB 703 on utility relocation, as amended by a strike-all. The sponsor said the bill would require government authorities that order communication service providers to move infrastructure to pay the relocation costs, clarify expedited timelines, and align the House bill with the Senate version. Supporters argued the communication services tax should help cover these costs, while cities and counties warned the bill would shift major unfunded costs to local governments and taxpayers, especially in fiscally constrained counties. After public testimony from local government and industry representatives and debate over fairness, coordination, and the tax’s intended use, the committee adopted the strike-all and then passed the bill favorably on a roll call vote. The committee then heard and passed CS/HB 379, a securities package updating Chapter 517. The bill and conforming amendment made several technical and policy changes, including expanding certain exemptions, updating foreign jurisdiction and exchange considerations, revising merger-and-acquisition broker rules, aligning fingerprinting requirements with FBI standards, and adding protections related to financial exploitation of specified adults. Industry and Office of Financial Regulation witnesses supported the measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably without opposition. Next, the committee passed CS/HB 867 establishing the Coastal Link Commuter Rail Service Act to create a legal framework for commuter rail operations along Florida’s coastal corridor and to help Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties secure insurance and indemnification for service on the Florida East Coast Railway right-of-way. The Florida Chamber supported the bill, and it was reported favorably without debate. The committee also passed CS/HB 1161, which revises Florida’s deepfake law to require covered platforms to remove altered sexual depictions and copies upon request by the victim; the bill drew emotional testimony from a student victim and broad support from members, and a severability amendment was adopted before the bill passed unanimously. The committee then passed CS/HB 453 on pool and spa contractors, which updates Chapter 489 terminology and scope-of-practice rules and, through amendment, limits certain equipment to commercially available products. Finally, the committee passed HB 955 requiring all private employers to use E-Verify for new hires, removing the small-employer exemption. Supporters framed it as workforce integrity and rule-of-law legislation, while opponents warned about labor shortages, burdens on small businesses, and impacts on immigrant workers. After debate, the bill passed 19-3. The committee then began hearing CS/HB 541 on minimum wage requirements, which would allow voluntary waivers of minimum wage for certain internships, pre-apprenticeships, and on-the-job training; the sponsor presented an amendment limiting the duration and clarifying minor waivers, and the committee heard both support from small business groups and opposition from labor, immigrant, and worker advocates before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is something to people that want their property value to stay current or even Patrick Caesar: rise
• think it really depends community by community, and you know, we believe that this bill respects the values
• me to figure out how we can do something so top-down that has such a granular effect on property values
• would rightly be appalled at the idea that you have to buy a pickup truck, a Ford Explorer, a large vehicle

Transcript Highlights:

• They must install and maintain a device in any vehicle they drive.
• And maintain a device in any vehicle they drive.
• In terms of vehicle registration, you know, I think Licensing could answer that.
• We did not—there's currently no program that looks at vehicle registration as it relates to ignition
• So if 0.05 is successful and we actually deter more people from operating a motor vehicle, we should

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee met on January 7, 2026, approved the December minutes, and adopted an amended work plan. Staff proposed moving the drug take-back program sunset review up to 2026 and delaying the thermal energy network pilot review to 2028, which would free capacity for new studies. Members also discussed active bills that would eliminate two recurring JLARC reports, including one on lodging tax revenue data collection, and the committee adopted the work plan without objection. JLARC staff then outlined new performance measures for the committee itself, covering effectiveness, efficiency, and quality. The measures include member and legislative satisfaction surveys, presentations to other committees, recommendation follow-up, staff retention, on-time report delivery, peer review results, and national recognition. Members praised the effort and did not take formal action, treating the measures as an ongoing process. The committee also heard a proposal to improve JLARC’s review of tax preference performance statements by adding a standard rubric in fiscal notes to assess whether a metric matches the policy objective, is measurable, uses reliable data, and allows enough time for evaluation. Members supported the pilot approach. Staff also described planned changes to public records reporting guidance, including opt-outs for low-volume metrics, better validation, targeted outreach to nonreporting agencies, and a survey of records officers. Two preliminary reports were presented. On ignition interlock devices, JLARC found that only 41% of drivers with a requirement had installed a device, with installation rates rising sharply with income; financial assistance reaches only about 11% of users, and JLARC recommended clearer program goals and stronger coordination between the Department of Licensing and State Patrol. On the drug take-back program, JLARC found that the fee structure tied to operator expenditures limits the Department of Health’s ability to recover oversight costs and recommended public reporting of oversight spending and a statutory change to better align fees with actual costs. Agency representatives generally agreed with the findings, described current coordination and administrative changes, and said they would consider the recommendations. No formal votes were taken on the reports, which will return in final form later in the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, today we are acting on three vehicle-only bills since we have not reached a joint agreement
• As we know from the MMB debt guidelines overview, there was an assumption of this vehicle.
• Representative Mary Franzen is here to discuss House File 719, Vehicle Bill.
• Members, this is another vehicle bill so we can hopefully get a bonding bill done. Thank you.
• This would just be another vehicle bill.

Bills: HF719, HF2484, HF2486

Keywords: safety, school transportation, infrastructure, capital investment, state bonds, library construction, education funding, early childhood, child protection, funding, bonds, education facilities