Transcript Highlights:

• It's really the health care and support landscape for older LGBT adults.
• Supporting the needs of older adults living with HIV is of particular importance.
• Act, Medicaid, Ryan White, and housing supports like HOPWA.
• I urge support for this request.
• Yet she died homeless without any type of support.

Summary: The committee held an inaugural hearing on the health care and support needs of older LGBTQ Californians, with members and witnesses emphasizing that this population has made major gains in rights and longevity but still faces discrimination, isolation, economic insecurity, and gaps in services. Opening remarks highlighted concerns about older LGBTQ people entering nursing homes and feeling forced back into the closet, as well as the growing number of Californians aging with HIV. The hearing was structured into three panels, with public testimony considered if time allowed. The first panel focused on the overall health and support landscape. Justice in Aging described survey findings showing discrimination, poor health, difficulty with errands, and economic insecurity among older LGBTQ Californians, and warned that federal Medicaid cuts and broader federal actions could worsen access to home- and community-based services and culturally competent care. CalHHS and the Department of Aging described the Master Plan for Aging, the first statewide LGBTQIA older adult survey, and efforts to support gender-affirming care, PACE, care management, and community supports. Witnesses stressed the need for better outreach, data collection, and a “no wrong door” approach so people can more easily find and access services. The chair and senators pressed the departments on how survey findings are being translated into concrete action and how state agencies are coordinating across silos. The second panel addressed health care for seniors living with HIV. A longtime survivor described severe financial and benefits consequences from a federal clawback and argued that California needs stronger legal, navigation, and housing supports, including HIV-specific housing funding. The Department of Aging reported on implementation of SB 258, saying it has educated area agencies on aging, added HIV data to planning tools, and found that 20 of 33 area agencies identified HIV as a target population, with 16 including specific strategies. The Office of AIDS outlined Project Cornerstone, Ryan White, ADAP, HOPWA, a Medi-Cal waiver, and PrEP-AP, noting these programs serve thousands of older clients and that local case managers are expected to coordinate whole-person care. Case managers and advocates said housing, food, transportation, mental health, and premium assistance remain major needs, and senators asked whether future ADAP rebate funds could support navigation, housing, and other gap-filling services. The final panel turned to transgender, gender nonconforming, and intersex seniors. The Department of Social Services described protections under SB 219, including nondiscrimination notices, resident rights postings, required records for preferred names and pronouns, and annual inspections of licensed facilities. The Department of Public Health and a TransLatin Coalition leader were introduced to discuss additional supports for TGI seniors. Across the hearing, members repeatedly returned to the themes of visibility, coordination, and implementation, asking departments to follow up on how they will better connect services, improve outreach, and ensure that existing laws and programs are actually reaching the people they are meant to serve.

Transcript Highlights:

• Port has asked that we have Senator Boldon present the bill for us today, House File 3425, the supportive
• Um and we'll stand for support it. Um and we'll stand for questions. questions. questions.
• So, this is a $25 million one-time funding in the supportive housing area.
• </c> are correct that you know, supportive are correct that you know, supportive housing.<00:26:58.600
• </c> particularly for permanent supportive particularly for permanent supportive housing<00:35:24.760

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there anybody here in support to send a joint resolution one?
• We also stand in full support of this. Lily May said it all almost.
• We also stand in support of HM30.
• We strongly support House Memorial 30.
• It should be our role to come to the table and support.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's overall, and I am very much in support of this compact.
• Bottom line up front, we unanimously support. Washington.
• Bottom line up front, we unanimously support this bill.
• I'm here today in support of the Dietitian Licensure Compact.
• Many career sacrifices to support their service members and their families.

Summary: The Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee met on January 13, with members and staff introducing themselves and the chair reviewing committee procedures for the session, including amendment deadlines and the plan to hold most executive sessions on Tuesdays. The committee had only one bill for public hearing, House Bill 2088, which would enact the Dietitian Licensure Compact. Staff explained that the compact would let licensed dietitians practice across state lines under a compact privilege, while member states retain licensing, investigative, and disciplinary authority. Representative Mari Leavitt, the bill sponsor, said the measure follows Washington’s prior work on interstate licensure compacts and is intended to improve access to care, especially in rural areas, and help military spouses quickly reenter the workforce when they move. Testimony was uniformly supportive. Witnesses from the Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, military and veterans groups, the Council of State Governments, and individual dietitians described the compact as a way to reduce licensing delays, support telehealth, improve continuity of care, and ease burdens on military families. One witness also used the hearing to advocate more broadly for universal licensure recognition, though still in support of the compact. According to the committee, 107 people signed in in support and none opposed the bill. After public testimony closed, the committee made a brief announcement about an upcoming dinner with Washington Students Association student lobbyists, and members then broke into caucuses. No vote on HB 2088 occurred during this meeting, and the session adjourned after the hearing and announcements.

Transcript Highlights:

• where our legacy systems are fully vendor supported at the moment.
• Our operating budget supports the maintenance and ongoing support.
• The child support modernization.
• Their scenarios are going to be very much in line and supportive of the... ...in line and supportive
• The funding supports much more than just software.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone on Zoom in support? Anyone in opposition? Questions from... Zoom in support?
• Anybody in the audience in support? Anybody in opposition on Zoom? Anybody in support?
• Anybody in the audience in support? Anybody got two in support?
• We stand in support.
• I'll support it.

Bills: SB132, SB241

Keywords: SB132, DOIT, Department of Information Technology, software replacement, equipment replacement, technology funding, revolving fund, capital equipment, enterprise services, state IT budgeting, software budgeting, amortization, depreciation, State Treasurer, Department of Finance and Administration, New Mexico, information technology, IT infrastructure, fund accounting, legislative appropriation

Summary: The committee first heard HB 158 as amended, which would require state agencies receiving appropriations from the Grow Fund to submit accountability and evaluation plans to the State Budget Division and the Legislative Finance Committee. LFC staff said the bill would put existing practice into statute and formalize agency reporting and evaluation responsibilities. The bill drew no opposition testimony, and after questions about whether agencies or LFC would do the evaluations, it passed on a 9-0 due pass vote. HB 255, the Public Safety Workforce Building Program, was then presented as a bipartisan measure to consolidate public safety workforce funding into a competitive grant program for local law enforcement, fire, detention, and public attorney offices. The sponsor said it would not require a new appropriation. There was no opposition testimony, and the committee approved it on a 9-0 due pass vote. The committee then took up SB 309, which would replace the lottery’s 30% return requirement with a fixed floor return for several fiscal years, with a reversion to the current law if the floor is not met. Lottery officials and supporters argued the change would let the lottery offer more competitive prizes, including higher-value scratchers, and potentially increase scholarship revenue; opponents, including Think New Mexico and a nursing student, warned it could cap long-term growth and reduce scholarship funding. After extended debate, the bill passed on a 7-2 due pass vote. Later, SB 79, creating a statewide mosquito-borne disease prevention program through the Department of Health, was presented by its sponsor as a response to West Nile virus and warmer winters. Testimony from the sponsor and the state entomologist emphasized rising mosquito risk and the need for county grants and statewide coordination. Although the committee initially moved to table the bill because funding had already been included in the budget, that motion failed and the bill ultimately received a due pass vote. The committee also heard HB 295, which would create a centralized accessibility reporting position in the Department of Health; after testimony for and against, an amendment stripping the appropriation was adopted, and the bill passed 5-3. The committee then heard HB 124, establishing an Office of New Americans within Workforce Solutions to coordinate workforce integration for immigrants with lawful status. Supporters described barriers faced by immigrant workers and the need for bilingual training and centralized assistance, while the sponsor said the office would have no first-year budget impact. The bill passed 6-4. Finally, the committee considered SB 273 and SB 274, both involving state financial support for affected entities and the Patient Compensation Fund. SB 273, which would provide temporary state assistance to communities affected by economic disruption, passed after debate about precedent and economic recovery. SB 274, which sought repayment from the Patient Compensation Fund for prior state infusions, drew opposition from hospitals and physicians who warned of higher surcharges and questioned the timing and legality; discussion continued around the committee substitute and the fund’s statutory restrictions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can't support it today.
• I am supporting this bill today because I completely support the intent.
• I urge you to support HB 657. Thank you. Thank you.
• Association of Counties waiving in support.
• Anna Higgins, Children's Home Network, Family Support Services, waving in support, Natasha Craggs, Florida

Summary: The subcommittee first heard HB 925 on clerks of court reimbursement. The sponsor said the bill raises the statutory reimbursement rate for unfunded clerk duties to $195 per petition, adds approved civil indigency applications to the reimbursement request, and adjusts certain civil traffic fee distributions to create parity between municipalities and unincorporated county areas. An amendment was adopted to remove general-revenue redirects and address a fee-waiver issue. Clerks and related associations testified in support, while the Florida League of Cities raised concerns about the revenue impact on municipalities. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 925 favorably by a 16-0 vote. The committee then took up HB 1551 on products liability for firearms. The sponsor said the bill would bar design-defect claims based solely on the absence or presence of external features not required by federal law, while preserving claims for internal manufacturing defects and failures to meet express warranties or representations. The bill drew extensive testimony from firearms manufacturers, law enforcement, gun-rights groups, and opponents from the Florida Justice Association and others, with debate focused on whether the language would limit lawsuits over alleged ghost firing or design defects and whether it should be clarified to preserve pending and future claims. The committee reported HB 1551 favorably by a 13-4 vote. Next, CS for HB 657 on community associations proposed a new community association court program, elimination of pre-suit mediation, and new procedures for dissolving associations, along with changes to “Kaufman” language and financial disclosure requirements. An amendment was adopted that changed the dissolution threshold to 50% of signatures, required a two-thirds vote for bylaw amendments, and expanded financial disclosure access to bank records and related documents. Homeowners testified about alleged HOA abuse, while attorneys and others warned about unintended consequences, loss of mediation, and questions about court authority. The committee approved the amended bill 14-1. Finally, CS for HB 635 on cybersecurity standards and liability would create a presumption against negligence liability for local governments and businesses that comply with specified cybersecurity standards and incident-reporting requirements, with the defendant bearing the burden to show compliance. Testimony split between supporters who said the bill incentivizes stronger security practices and opponents who argued it could shield entities that only “substantially” comply and could affect pending class actions. The committee reported the bill favorably 14-1. The meeting then moved on to PCS for HB 529, with the sponsor beginning presentation as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• We stand in support of this bill.
• Thank you. support of this um the general idea for support of this um the general idea for this<00:14
• Next up, we have Pu in support.
• IBW Local 1260 in support. No need.
• We stand on our testimony and support. Thank you. Next up, HECA Solid Waste Task Force in support.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 818 HD1, which would establish the Waiawa Community Development District. The Attorney General’s office said the bill may not comply with requirements for a special fund, and DLNR asked for further amendments so lease revenues would remain with DLNR while it continues managing the lands. DLNR cited ongoing costs, including the Uncle Billy’s demolition debt and management needs at Banyan Drive/Banyan Country Club. HCDA/Waiawa representatives supported the bill, agreed that DLNR should keep lease revenues while it remains the land manager, and said a future transfer of land management would change where revenues should go. Members focused on whether removing lease revenue would undercut the bill and on how existing and future revenues should be allocated. The committee then took up HB 338 HD1 and HB 339 HD1 on renewable energy-related utility transactions and procurement. Testimony came from the Consumer Advocate, the State Energy Office, the Public Utilities Commission, Hawaiian Electric, IBEW Local 1260, Ulupono Initiative, and Life of the Land. Supporters generally backed the measures, while some asked for labor-related strengthening language. Discussion centered on how the PUC should handle competing bids or offers in utility merger or acquisition situations, with concerns raised about NDAs, timing, and whether the original version or amended language better allowed public and intervenor participation. A witness from Life of the Land argued that utilities should not negotiate under NDA in a way that blocks later public competition, and a PUC-related witness said the current language was changed from the original to address PUC testimony. Finally, the committee heard HB 1467 HD1 on housing resiliency. OIP was not present, while B&F raised concerns about placing federal funds into a special fund, saying federal grant money should remain in a separate P fund for transparency, accountability, and single-audit compliance. State agencies and groups including OPSD, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Climate Advisory Team, and Hawaii Realtors supported the measure. Testimony emphasized that many older roofs lack hurricane clips and that strengthening homes could reduce disaster sheltering and temporary housing costs. IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill but argued that building to current standards upfront is preferable to retrofitting later. Members questioned funding structure, eligibility, and whether the program should be needs-based; the bill was described as limited to households under 140% AMI. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we need to think about how to support our ranchers for that side of it.
• to support local food economies.
• It's also a program that supports California farmers.
• And the Ecology Center, which runs the program, provides a lot of great support.
• To support and improve food access across California.

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on food insecurity in California and how state and federal nutrition programs, agricultural production, and food distribution systems intersect. Assemblymembers emphasized that many Californians, including farmworkers, seniors, children, and communities of color, remain food insecure despite California’s agricultural abundance. Panelists and members discussed CalFresh, WIC, school meals, Sun Bucks, food banks, and the impact of federal policy changes, including possible nutrition cuts, tariffs, and immigration enforcement, on access to food and the agricultural workforce. Secretary Karen Ross described CDFA programs aimed at improving access to fresh food and supporting local agriculture, including the senior farmers’ market program, California Nutrition Incentive Program, Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program, Community Food Hubs, Farm to School, urban agriculture, and a proposed tribal food sovereignty program. She said these efforts help connect local producers to consumers, expand healthy food access, and build infrastructure such as refrigeration, mobile markets, and aggregation hubs. Department of Social Services Deputy Director Alexis Fernandez Garcia outlined CalFresh, CFAP, Sun Bucks, CACFP, emergency food programs, and tribal nutrition assistance, noting that CalFresh and related programs significantly reduce poverty and food insecurity, but participation gaps remain for non-English speakers, some Asian American communities, and undocumented households. PPIC researcher Tess Thorman presented data showing that 13% of California households experienced food insecurity in 2023, with higher rates among households with children and Latino, Black, and other households. She said nutrition programs reduce poverty and food hardship, but federal rules, income thresholds, immigration restrictions, and high living costs limit their reach. Members asked about simplifying applications, improving call center access, increasing outreach in multiple languages, and adjusting benefits for inflation. Officials said the state has used available federal options to streamline enrollment, improve customer service, and target outreach, but many core rules and benefit levels are set federally. The second panel shifted to food production and market access. A farmer, a UC food systems leader, and a produce distributor described efforts to connect small and medium farms with food banks, schools, universities, and Medi-Cal food-as-medicine programs. They highlighted programs such as Farms Together, the USDA Southwest Regional Food Business Center, Farm to School, food hubs, and climate-smart infrastructure grants as ways to create stable markets for local growers while improving food access. Speakers also raised concerns about land tenure, consolidation, regulatory burdens, labor constraints, and the loss of federal funding, and members discussed whether state investments and Prop. 4 funds could help sustain and expand these efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:21.680><c> our</c> another step to further support our another step to further support our
• This legislation will support act.
• </c> recovery centers to further support recovery centers to further support recovery.<00:07:47.440><
• is our turn to support them and to<00:09:36.240><c> support</c><00:09:36.560><c> our</c><00:09:36.800
• </c> support this common sense legislation. support this common sense legislation.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there folks here in support? Thank you. Is there, are there folks here in support?
• , employment support, and other attributes in here.
• So I would, I'm supporting this bill. Thank you.
• Do we have any public comment and support?
• And just to clarify, I am going to support this bill.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:54.000><c> the</c> Debbie Halbert and um we support the Debbie Halbert and um we support the
• Director Harris<00:16:29.680><c> in</c><00:16:29.920><c> support.</c> Harris in support.
• Harris in support.
• Is anyone of individuals in support.
• Are number of individuals in support.

Bills: HB1805, HB2110, HB2180, HB2184, HB2219, HB2469

Keywords: child welfare, advocacy, oversight, independent office, foster care, child advocate, child safety, nepotism, ethics, government transparency, accountability, legislative standards, electronic voting, legislative transparency, Hawaii House, voting system, appropriation, lawmaker safety, political violence, confidentiality

Summary: The House Committee on Legislative Management heard testimony on several measures. HB 1805, relating to child welfare, drew support from the University of Hawaii and concerns from the Attorney General about the bill’s definition of state agency and possible separation-of-powers and supremacy clause issues. During decision-making, the committee opted to move the child advocate function to the Attorney General’s office, accepted the Attorney General’s suggested scope and jurisdiction amendments, set the salary at 90% of the Department of Health deputy director’s salary, and passed the bill with amendments. HB 2110, relating to nepotism, received support from the Hawaii State Ethics Commission, which said the bill would apply the rule consistently and noted the existing good-cause exception process. The committee later deferred the bill, saying existing House rules on nepotism were already strict and that the proposal would be duplicative in statute. HB 2180, relating to voting boards, had no oral testimony in the room during the hearing, but the committee later amended it into a blank appropriations vehicle for the House of Representatives and passed it with amendments. HB 2184, relating to lawmaker safety, drew concerns from the Campaign Spending Commission that the bill would require redaction of address information and could create implementation issues, and the Attorney General noted missing language regarding appointed officials and an internal cross-reference issue. The committee adopted amendments to address those concerns and passed the bill with amendments. HB 2219, relating to disclosure of privileged communications to the Ombudsman, was clarified by the Ombudsman’s office as not requiring disclosure of privileged material, only preserving privilege if such material is voluntarily provided; the bill passed with amendments. HB 2469, relating to a regular session review working group, received testimony from the State Procurement Office, the Legislative Reference Bureau, and others in support and opposition, and the committee passed it with amendments after changing references and funding language.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair over with bipartisan support.
• Uh the those signing supported the bill.
• Those signing in in in support were 46.
• Um, you know, the supported supported<00:08:23.120><c> by</c><00:08:23.280><c> a</c><00:08:23.360><c>
• </c><00:08:28.560><c> our</c> I really think it helps supports our I really think it helps supports our

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The request is justified and supported with workload data.
• And then were the positions supported with General Fund or supported with special funds?
• So the staff will support a lot of internal coordination.
• And so we really urge support for that one.
• of the elimination, excuse me, strongly support the and Number six on support of the elimination, excuse

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Jennifer Swain, waving in support. Julie Adamson, waving in support. Co.
• Robbins, waving in support. Co-Robbins, waving in support. Maya Hahn, waving in support.
• Please support this bill. Please support this bill. Thank you.
• Maya Hahn, waving in support. Jennifer Swain, waving in support. Co. Robbins, waving in support.
• in support; and Lorena Holly, Florida Retail Federation, waving in support.

Summary: The subcommittee first took up HB 339, which would create liability for vaccine manufacturers that advertise in Florida and require them to stand behind their products if consumers are harmed. The sponsor argued the bill is meant to restore trust in vaccines, improve informed consent, and address inadequate federal vaccine-injury compensation systems; he said he was open to amendments and noted the bill was modeled on Texas law. Opponents, including a former vaccine-court official, a Florida Justice Reform Institute representative, and a physician, argued the bill is preempted by federal law, raises First Amendment concerns, is vague, and is unnecessary because existing federal compensation programs already provide a remedy. After an amendment delaying the effective date by three months was adopted, the committee heard extensive public testimony, mostly opposed, and then approved HB 339 as amended by a 12-4 vote. The committee then began HB 1001, a strike-all on official actions of local governments that would bar counties and municipalities from official DEI-related actions and spending, define DEI and related terms, add enforcement provisions, and include broad exceptions for holidays, observances, and certain content-neutral civic events. The sponsor said the measure is intended to curb what he described as divisive and wasteful DEI activity in local government while preserving compliance with anti-discrimination laws and other listed exceptions. Members questioned the lack of definitions for terms like “preferential treatment” and the bill’s possible effects on local festivals, language-access services, Pride events, memorials, and community programs; the sponsor said some concerns were addressed by exceptions and that he was open to further changes. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers warning of overbreadth, preemption, frivolous lawsuits, harm to local autonomy, and impacts on marginalized communities, while supporters said the bill would restore neutrality, accountability, and merit-based governance. The amendment to HB 1001 was adopted, and the committee continued hearing testimony and debate on the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you all for your support.
• I understand the need to support campuses that see dips in enrollment, but as we can support growth in
• student support, and improve time to degree.
• We subsequently gave our support for this plan.
• That will support the next stage of our campus's history.

Summary: The joint Assembly Higher Education and Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the future of the California State University system, with opening remarks emphasizing CSU’s major role in California’s economy, workforce, and degree production. Chairs and members said the hearing was intended to inform 2026 budget decisions and to examine three main issues: declining enrollment at some campuses, cost controls and possible consolidation, and oversight of recent state investments at campuses such as Humboldt and Sonoma. The meeting was briefly delayed by microphone and sound problems before reconvening. The first panel featured CSU Academic Senate Chair Dr. Elizabeth Boyd and Cal State Student Association Vice President Katie Karam. Boyd urged the Legislature to protect academic freedom, strengthen faculty governance, provide stable ongoing funding, end unfunded mandates, support student food and housing security, fund flexible course schedules, improve transfer systems such as ASSIST, avoid over-centralizing academic programs, protect immigrant students, and expand intersegmental collaboration. Karam said students are feeling the effects of budget shortfalls through fewer course sections, reduced advising and services, longer time to degree, and tuition pressure, and she called for transparency, meaningful student involvement in budget decisions, and sustained state investment rather than cuts that harm the student experience. The second panel covered enrollment management and included CSU Chancellor’s Office and campus administrators from Chico State, Cal State L.A., and San Diego State. Dr. Delcy Perez said CSU Forward and the new systemwide enrollment plan are aimed at expanding access, aligning programs with workforce needs, and increasing resident enrollment; she reported systemwide enrollment gains and strong application numbers, including a direct-admissions pilot that expanded from Riverside to more campuses. Campus representatives described local recruitment and retention strategies, including early outreach to high school students, community college partnerships, guaranteed admission programs, and expanded advising and student support. San Diego State highlighted record enrollment and high demand, while Cal State L.A. described efforts to recover from impaction and rebuild enrollment. Members pressed CSU officials on the accuracy of enrollment data, the gap between funded targets and actual enrollment, and the system’s reallocation formula. CSU staff explained that campuses below target will see a 5% ongoing reallocation beginning in 2026-27, with one-time reserve funding also being directed to campuses that can grow, and that fiscal health reviews have been completed for 21 of 22 campuses. Legislators also asked about turnaround plans required by the budget act; CSU said those plans are being developed and will be shared in the spring after campus consultation. No formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Development Fund to support Development Fund to support establishment<00:04:33.960><c> of</c><00
• </c> to go through today about why we support to go through today about why we support uh<00:15:48.360
• Again, this support changes lives.
• Thomas, including those that support charter schools.
• Thomas, including those that support charter schools.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And while UP strongly supports AB 1559, we will, UP strongly supports AB 1559, we would also support
• League of California Cities in support.
• We're in strong support. Anna Buck on behalf of the California Association of Realtors in support.
• It does have the support of our insurance commissioner.
• Any other individuals want to register support for this bill?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Insurance met as a subcommittee due to a lack of quorum and heard AB 1559 by Assemblymember Calderon, which would require insurers to give homeowners notice before collecting aerial images, provide copies of any images used, and ensure images used for nonrenewal or cancellation are current enough to allow an in-person inspection request. The Department of Insurance and United Policyholders supported the bill, saying consumers are often blindsided by decisions based on outdated or inaccurate drone, satellite, or aircraft images. Several local government and consumer groups also supported it, and there was no opposition. The committee later approved AB 1559 on a 6-0 vote and sent it to the Privacy Committee. The committee also heard AB 2038 by Assemblymember Harabedian, which would extend wildfire-related nonrenewal moratoriums for homeowners, including an additional year for homes within fire perimeters and adjacent zip codes. Supporters, including the Consumer Federation of California, United Policyholders, and local government groups, argued that rebuilding after major fires takes much longer than current protections assume and that the bill would help keep survivors insured while they rebuild. Opponents from the insurance industry warned the bill would further constrain insurers, worsen market instability, and shift costs and availability problems to other policyholders, especially because the bill extends protections to adjacent zip codes that may not have been directly damaged. Committee members raised concerns about the zip code approach and possible impacts on the broader market, but the author said the bill simply extends existing SB 824 timelines and that discussions on amendments would continue. The committee passed AB 2038 on a 4-0 vote and sent it to Appropriations. File items 1 and 3 were consent items and were approved without opposition on a 6-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And while UP strongly supports AB 1559, we will, UP strongly supports AB 1559, we would also support
• League of California Cities in support.
• We're in strong support. Anna Buck on behalf of the California Association of Realtors in support.
• It does have the support of our insurance commissioner.
• We support this bill. Thank you. Joel Laucher on behalf of United Policyholders supports this bill.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next person that would like to speak in support of the bill.
• I'm in support, but I also have some concerns.
• I'm in support, but I also have some concerns.
• Anyone for support? Anyone in opposition? left without it.
• Anyone for support? Anyone in opposition? Anyone for support? Anyone in opposition?

Summary: The Special Committee on Veterans heard House Bill 2535 from Representative Don Mayhew, which would provide property tax relief for disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and certain surviving spouses, with the bill’s main distinction being a funding mechanism based on tobacco-related taxes, including a cigarette tax increase and taxes on vape and other tobacco products. Mayhew said the bill is intended to fund the benefit at the state level rather than shifting the burden to counties, and he emphasized that it is a state property tax benefit, not tied to federal veterans benefits. Members discussed whether surviving spouses should keep the benefit if they remarry, whether the language should be narrowed or reduced, and whether dependent children or Gold Star families should be included more broadly. Testimony in support came from veterans and veterans’ advocates who said the bill would help disabled veterans and surviving spouses remain in their homes and would spread the cost statewide instead of leaving counties to absorb it. Some supporters also urged keeping Purple Heart recipients in the bill and expanding protections for surviving spouses and dependent children. One veteran witness said the funding mechanism made the bill more workable for local governments, while another said the benefit should not be reduced if a surviving spouse remarries. Opposition focused mainly on the tax structure. The Missouri Petroleum and Convenience Association opposed the funding mechanism, arguing that cigarettes are already heavily taxed, that Missouri’s border-state competitiveness could be harmed, that federal changes to hemp-derived products could undercut projected revenue, and that voters have rejected prior tobacco tax increases. A small-business witness also objected to the vape and hemp tax burden. The Department of Revenue provided fiscal information, estimating that the bill could raise significant state revenue but also noting that some projected revenue depends on current hemp law and that cigarette-tax increases could reduce cigarette sales and shift purchases to other products. No vote was taken, and the hearing was concluded after testimony.