Transcript Highlights:

• We have 12 bills on file today.
• and the primary witnesses must have an opposition letter on file.
• All right, next in the file, sign-in order. Is Senator Perez, file, she has two bills.
• File item number 2, SB 98, and file item number 12. Senate Bill 848.
• File item number ten.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To the author, this bill will be referred to our suspense file.
• Next, file item number one, AB 429, Ms. Hatwick.
• To the author, this bill will be referred to our suspense file.
• Next, file item number one, AB 429, Ms. Hat, Next, file item number one, AB 429, Ms. Hatwick.
• And this, again, will be referred to our suspense file.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation held its second regular hearing of the 2025-26 session and announced that, under reinstated suspense-file rules, every bill on the agenda would be referred to suspense rather than voted on immediately. The committee first heard AB 53, which would create a state income tax exemption of up to $20,000 for military retirees and certain survivor benefits. Supporters, including veterans’ groups, military retirees, and local officials, argued California is the only state taxing military retirement pay in full and that the exemption would help retain veterans and their families. Committee members voiced strong support, but the bill was sent to suspense. The committee then heard several wildfire-related tax relief bills. AB 429 would exempt certain wildfire settlement payments from gross income for victims of fires from 2020 through 2026; the author and a Greenville fire victim described the burden of taxing settlement funds, and rural county and forestry groups supported the measure. AB 97 proposed similar relief for Bobcat Fire settlement payments, and AB 389 would create a personal income tax credit for home-hardening expenses in high fire-risk areas, with Cal Fire and realtor representatives supporting the bill as a way to reduce future losses. Each of these measures drew no formal opposition in the hearing and was referred to suspense. AB 386 would create a tax credit for employers that help full-time employees repay student loans, up to $3,000 per employee per year. Supporters said it would help recruit and retain workers and reduce student debt burdens, while the California Tax Reform Association opposed the bill because it lacked allocation criteria and would reduce General Fund and education revenues. Committee members expressed interest but asked for clearer eligibility standards, and the bill was sent to suspense. AB 490 would allow a deduction for interest paid on qualified personal vehicle loans; the author framed it as relief for families dependent on cars, but opposition again came from the tax reform group, which argued the deduction would mainly benefit higher-income taxpayers. The bill also went to suspense. The committee also heard AB 547, which would create a tax credit of up to $5,000 for IVF and other fertility-treatment expenses. The author and a witness who described a long and costly IVF journey said the credit would help families afford treatment and support parenthood; members responded sympathetically and asked why the proposal was structured as a tax credit rather than a health coverage mandate. Finally, AB 330 would extend the prepaid mobile telephony services collection act through 2031, preserving an 80-cent surcharge that supports 911 and local government revenues; local government representatives and cities supported the extension, and it too was referred to suspense. The hearing ended with the committee adjourning after all measures were held for suspense-file consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Mary Franzen is here to discuss House File 719, Vehicle Bill.
• So I move that House File 719 be referred to the Ways and Means Committee.
• I will move on to Chair Franzen's bill, House File 2486.
• I move that House File 2486 be referred to the Ways and Means Committee.
• House File 2486 is re-referred to the Ways and Means Committee.

Bills: HF719 , HF2484 , HF2486

Committee: House Capital Investment

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

Transcript Highlights:

• I able to meet on these Senate files.
• Any other public testimony on Senate File 99? No. And is there anyone online for Senate File 99?
• Senate File 99. No, wrong one. Senate File 116. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Another Kumbaya bill.
• Senate file 99. No, wrong one. Senate Senate file 99. No, wrong one.
• ><c> existing</c> Senate File 116 conditions existing Senate File 116 conditions existing programs<01

Bills: SF0099 , SF0116 , SJ0006

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: easement, electricity delivery, public utility, prescriptive easement, landowner rights, surface water, drainage utilities, municipality, elections, environmental management, shared parenting, family law, joint custody, child well-being, parental rights, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• file file 1974<00:09:21.320><c> a</c><00:09:21.480><c> fransen</c> 1974 a fransen 1974 a fransen bill
• Item next, we will go to House File 1227. Representative Witte moves House File 1227.
• </c> from members on the house file from members on the house file 161<01:01:43.240><c> repon</c><01:
• file file 16<01:14:14.040><c> uh</c><01:14:14.400><c> 81</c><01:14:15.400><c> uh</c><01:14:15.520><c
• file file 2197<01:15:00.800><c> I</c><01:15:00.920><c> do</c><01:15:01.040><c> not</c><01:15:01.239>

Bills: HF1833 , HF148 , HF1127 , HF1227 , HF1681 , HF1974 , HF1106 , HF1016 , HF2197

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: sales tax, education funding, construction, Aitkin Public Schools, tax exemption, refundable credit, HF148, use of force training, deadly force, peace officer training, police training, law enforcement, POST Board, Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training, scenario-based training, de-escalation, defensive tactics, force-on-force training, stress management, officer wellness

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> number 69 being original Senate file number 69 being original Senate file 123.
• election</c><00:09:13.200><c> handc</c> Senate file 113 2026 election handc Senate file 113 2026 election
• <c> Energy</c> Senate file 123, Wyoming Energy Senate file 123, Wyoming Energy Dominance<00:09:26.080
• :09:50.640><c> tax</c> file 110 residential property tax file 110 residential property tax revisions
• </c> expedited filings. Eyes 60, excused two. expedited filings. Eyes 60, excused two.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So once that response is filed, that.
• </c><00:04:44.720><c> their</c> ahead of time before they file their ahead of time before they file their
• </c> litigation approach, you have to file litigation approach, you have to file and<00:05:26.400><c>
• I have filed this every year that I've been here.
• I have filed have really limited this.

Committee: House Families & Children

Keywords: 00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 01:13 - Discussion of 26RS HB 109 26:47 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 109 32:30 - Discussion of 26RS HB 190 36:15 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 190 37:30 - Adjournment, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Then both Chair Kqam and myself, we had two bills, House File 1800 was yours, Chair Kwam, House File
• The vehicle bill, House File 1378, contains a few provisions related to the timeline for filing statements
• The vehicle bill, House File 1378, contains a few provisions related to the timeline for filing statements
• Then both Chair Kqam and myself, we had two bills: House File 1800 was yours, Chair Kwam, and House File
• , we had two bills: House File 1800 was yours, Chair Kwam, House File 2073 was mine.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 1378, an elections administration bill, and first adopted the DE5 amendment. The author described DE5 as a negotiated package combining provisions from several bills on election administration, including notice of temporary polling locations, residence standards for people under civil commitment orders, polling place closure/change notices, absentee voting provisions, special election filing periods, and timelines for filing statements of economic interest. The committee then adopted two additional amendments, A6 and A8, both presented as technical or corrective changes; A8 restored language on off-reservation temporary polling that had been inadvertently left out. Testimony from county election officials and the Secretary of State’s office was generally supportive of the bill’s election-administration changes. Blue Earth County’s Michael Stalberger said the bill would streamline election-day work, improve absentee ballot deadlines, clarify ballot correction procedures, formalize chain-of-custody plans, and speed out-of-court remedies for ballot errors. He also raised concerns about implementation details, including the timing for first chain-of-custody plans, applying candidate filing changes to townships and school districts as well as cities, the short turnaround for college student housing lists, and whether the statewide system could handle new absentee-ballot data fields. Nicole Freeman of the Secretary of State’s office echoed support for the technical cleanup and several policy changes, including removing the permanent absentee application box from voter registration forms, clarifying ballot-board procedures, chain-of-custody planning, and the out-of-court remedy, while also flagging concerns about the absentee application cutoff, city opt-outs from absentee voting, and staffing requirements for absentee locations. Later in the hearing, members discussed a separate proposed amendment, A4/A3, dealing with prohibitions on inducements to vote or register, including lotteries or other chances to win money or goods. The author explained it was intended to clarify existing law and respond to recent examples of large-money election-related giveaways, but after discussion the chair declined to offer the amendment in committee, saying it would likely not have enough support and could be taken up later on the floor. The hearing ended with the technical amendments adopted and the bill advanced with the committee continuing broader discussions on the remaining issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• File item 1, SB 837, Senator Reyes.
• File item 1, SB 837 by Senator Reyes.
• File item 2, SB 971 by Senator Choi.
• File item 4, SB 1261 by Senator Laird.
• File item 4, SB 1261 by Senator Laird.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care met without an initial quorum and heard four Senate bills focused on older adults and people with disabilities. SB 837 by Senator Reyes would require Aging and Disability Resource Connection programs to provide disaster and emergency preparedness education tailored to older adults and people with disabilities. Supporters, including the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers and the California Commission on Aging, cited recent wildfire deaths and the need for better evacuation planning and preparedness. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to the Committee on Emergency Management. SB 971 by Senator Choi would create a Healthy Aging Community Partnerships Program to encourage voluntary local partnerships, including with community colleges and other entities, to support social connection, technology help, caregiver resources, and other healthy aging activities. Supporters said it would promote independence and prevent isolation at no mandated cost, while one member questioned whether the bill addressed a current legal gap and whether public health departments should be involved. The committee approved the bill on a due pass motion and re-referred it to the Committee on Health. SB 1261 by Senator Laird would allow Aging and Disability Resource Connections to continue operating for one to two years during transitions when an area agency on aging or independent living center operator changes, preventing service disruptions. Testimony from Access Central Coast and the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging emphasized the importance of continuity for thousands of clients. The committee passed the bill and re-referred it to the Committee on Appropriations. SB 991 by Senator Menjivar, presented by Assemblymember Gonzalez, would require the Department of Social Services to classify substantiated abuse in residential care facilities for the elderly by specific abuse type rather than a broad residents’ rights category. Ombudsman advocates argued this would improve transparency and accountability; members also discussed whether similar protections should extend to younger adults in other licensed settings. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to the Committee on Human Services.

Transcript Highlights:

• File item 1, SB 837, Senator Reyes.
• File item 3, SB 991 by Senator Menjivar.
• File item 1, SB 837 by Senator Reyes.
• File item 2, SB 971 by Senator Choi.
• File item 4, SB 1261 by Senator Laird. Aye. File item 4, SB 1261 by Senator Laird.

Committee: House Aging and Long-Term Care

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we'll be taking up late-filed bills.
• It's a bill that Governor Healey filed.
• Thank you for keeping the committee abreast since this bill was filed.
• Thank you for keeping the committee abreast since this bill was filed.
• Thank you for coming forward with this bill, and I thank the Governor as well for filing it.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 21st hearing of the 194th General Court to consider late-filed bills, with testimony focused mainly on three measures. The largest portion of the hearing concerned H. 5429/H. 6138, Governor Healey’s bill to ensure Chelmsford firefighter Nicholas Spinelli receives full injured-on-duty pay and benefits after being seriously injured while instructing at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Legislators, the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, Chelmsford Fire officials, and family members described the injury, the gap in coverage created by his dual status as a Chelmsford firefighter and academy staff member, and the need for a broader statewide fix for similar situations. Committee members expressed support and noted the bill should be treated like existing protections for police officers injured while working outside their home municipality. The committee also heard testimony on a Topsfield home rule petition, H. 545, allowing Police Chief Neil Hovey to remain in service until age 68 or until relieved by the select board. Supporters said Hovey is a strong regional leader, has helped prepare for major public safety events like the Topsfield Fair, and should be retained because of his experience and fitness. Members and local officials urged favorable passage, and no opposition was raised. A third bill, S. 3051, would provide certain retirement benefits to the surviving spouse of Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen LaPorta, who died while assisting a stranded motorist during a winter storm. Senator Ryan Fattman, Representative Joe McKenna, the Massachusetts Coalition of Police, and others spoke in support, emphasizing the officer’s service and the impact on his family. The town of Uxbridge was said to support the measure. At the end of the hearing, no additional testimony was offered and the committee voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Representative Hewitt moves the A-1 amendment to House File 2601. Questions?
• And so I will move House File 2607 before the committee.
• House File 2607 and your amendment, Mr. Chair. This is really an interesting bill.
• Representative Hewitt moves the A-1 amendment to House File 2607.
• House File 2027 before the committee to be placed on the General Register.

Bills: HF2601 , HF2607 , HF2027 , HF2608

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: financial institutions, insurance regulation, insurance holding company, group capital calculation, liquidity stress test, NAIC, National Association of Insurance Commissioners, insurer solvency, affiliate transactions, groupwide supervision, internationally active insurance group, lead state commissioner, policyholder protection, hazardous financial condition, deposit or bond, contract for deed, conventional loan, cooperative apartment loan, mortgage interest rate cap, average prime offer rate

Transcript Highlights:

• This file their income taxes jointly.
• would if they filed as a than they would if they filed as a single<00:38:13.520><c> filer.
• </c> taxpayer filing behavior. taxpayer filing behavior.
• Then we have two Robbins bills: House File 3525, the issue of no tax on tips; House File 3524, no tax
• House File 3525, two Robins bills.

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Johnson moves House File 4.
• So members, we have House File 4 with the 4A1 Amendment attached.
• So members, we have House File 4 with the 4A1 Amendment attached. Thank you, Mr.
• We thank you very much for the opportunity to testify in support of House File 4.
• I appreciate the opportunity to share our concerns with House File 4.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 4, first adopting the H004A1 amendment without objection. The author described the bill as a constitutional amendment intended to create a tax relief account funded from projected budget surpluses, defined as revenues exceeding 105% of projected expenditures based on the November forecast. Supporters framed the proposal as a way to return excess taxpayer money to families, homeowners, and seniors rather than allowing the state to retain or redirect it. Testimony in support came from Ranna Lee of Americans for Prosperity, who praised the bill’s clarity and argued that taxpayers are overburdened and should receive surplus funds back; she also suggested broader tax and budget reforms, including rate reductions and tighter spending limits. Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project testified in opposition, saying the legislature already has authority to use surpluses for rebates or tax cuts and warning that constitutionalizing tax policy would reduce flexibility, weaken accountability, and make it harder to respond to changing conditions, emergencies, or recessions. Members then briefly commented, with Republicans expressing support for returning money to taxpayers and citing cost-of-living pressures and fixed incomes. The committee did not hear a formal department position. At the end of the hearing, Representative Johnson renewed the motion that House File 4, as amended, be recommended to pass and sent to the Ways and Means Committee; the motion prevailed on a voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• File item 58, SB 795. Secretary, please read.
• We are now at file item 59, SB 762. Secretary, please read.
• We will now move to file item 61, SB 505. Secretary. We will now move to file item 61, SB 505.
• All right, back to the file. File Item 78, SB 288. Secretary, please read.
• We will now move back in the file to File Item 69, SB 247. Secretary, please read.

Summary: The Senate took up a series of third-reading bills covering horse racing, local taxation, consumer financial security, elections, utilities, batteries, sexual health, body-worn cameras, property tax treatment for inherited homes, adoptee birth records, youth housing bonds, workers’ compensation, and civil rights. SB 795 on horse racing, SB 762 allowing Hercules to seek voter approval for a sales tax increase, SB 505 requiring two-factor authentication for money transmitter platforms, SB 46 barring California ballot access for presidential candidates who have already served two terms, SB 73 restricting federal access to voting machines without a court order, SB 327 on utility oversight and ratepayer protections, SB 501 expanding battery producer responsibility, SB 608 on school contraceptive access, SB 691 on EMS-related redaction of body-worn camera footage, SB 288 clarifying Proposition 19 timing for inherited homes in probate, SB 381 giving adoptees access to original birth certificates, SB 492 creating a youth housing bond, SB 555 increasing permanently partially disabled workers’ benefits, and SB 747 creating a civil cause of action for constitutional violations by federal officers were all debated and advanced. Most measures passed on roll call, with SB 505 and SB 288 approved by unanimous roll call, and SB 73 carrying an urgency clause that also passed unanimously. Debate on SB 747 was the most extensive and contentious. Supporters argued the bill was needed to hold federal officers accountable for alleged constitutional violations, especially in immigration enforcement, and described it as a civil-rights remedy for people harmed by federal agents. Opponents said existing federal and state remedies already cover such conduct, warned the bill was politically motivated, and argued it could increase litigation and strain law enforcement resources. The bill nevertheless passed on a 30-10 vote, with the urgency clause also approved. SB 492 on youth housing also drew debate over state bonding and debt, with supporters emphasizing early intervention for homeless and foster youth and opponents arguing the state should avoid borrowing and instead fund projects through the budget; it passed 30-9 on both urgency and the measure. Other bills also drew focused testimony. SB 555 was presented as a long-overdue cost-of-living adjustment for permanently partially disabled workers’ benefits, and SB 381 was supported as a way to give adopted adults access to their original birth certificates for identity and medical-history reasons. SB 691 was framed as a privacy measure for patients receiving medical or psychological treatment, while SB 501 was described as closing a gap in California’s battery recycling and safety rules by adding medium-format batteries used in e-bikes and portable power systems. SB 762 was presented as a local option for Hercules to address revenue shortfalls, and SB 46 and SB 73 both centered on election integrity and constitutional questions, with members split over federal-state authority and ballot access.

Transcript Highlights:

• File item 21, AB 2383. Thank you.
• Next up is file item 13, AB 2589. The roll open for absent members.
• We are now coming back to file item number five, AB 2289. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• File item 17. Passing the gavel to Mr. Wallace. Thank you, Madam Chair. File item 17, AB 2493.
• File item 18, AB 2516, Petrie-Norris. Out. File item 18, AB 2516, Petrie-Norris. Schiavo? Aye.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> scheduled to speak on House File 1807. scheduled to speak on House File 1807.
• The third bill that we have for consideration is House File 1270. House File 1270.
• </c> have for consideration is House File have for consideration is House File 1270.<00:45:36.960><c>
• House file 1270 defines and practice.
• </c> File um 1270? File um 1270? &gt;&gt; Uh<00:58:46.559><c> yes,</c><00:58:46.880><c> Mr.

Bills: HF3521 , HF1807 , HF1270 , HF2070 , HF3136

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: hospital moratorium, hospital construction, bed capacity, hospital expansion, health care facilities, hospital licensing, safety-net hospital, level I trauma center, Ramsey County, Minnesota health law, hospital beds, new hospital exception, certificate of need, inpatient capacity, emergency care, trauma services, health system regulation, state moratorium, hospital modernization, health infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of NAMI, I'm testifying in support of Senate File 1806.
• So Senate File 1877 is the last piece of today's puzzle.
• to Senate file house senate file file file 1877<00:54:22.359><c> pcma</c><00:54:22.920><c> is</c><00
• </c><00:54:45.280><c> 1877</c> programs pcma opposes Senate file 1877 programs pcma opposes Senate file
• We are going to take Senate File 1481 off of the table.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• proposing calendaring six bills for the calendar for the day for Thursday, April 10th, 2025: House File
• designate Thursday, April 10th, for the adoption of the calendar for the day and establish a pre-filing
• Members, please note that a pre-filing requirement for these bills is now in place.
• Members, please note that a pre-filing requirement for these bills is now in place.
• </c> Members, please note that a pre-filing Members, please note that a pre-filing requirement<00:00:

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The resolution is adopted, moving next to file item 42.
• We're proceeding now with the Senate third reading to file item 63.
• All right, proceeding with business on the daily file.
• Seeing none, we will return to consideration of the daily file. Oh, sorry.
• The second reading file, file items one through nine.

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then took up several resolutions and guest introductions, with much of the session focused on commemorations and recognitions. Senate Resolution 87, by Senator Archuleta, marked the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Archuleta and other senators spoke in support of remembrance, historical recognition, and concern for Armenians facing current threats and displacement. The resolution was adopted by a 37-0 vote, and the chamber also welcomed members of the Armenian community and other guests. The Senate also adopted SR 93 by Senator Cortese honoring Jim Plunkett’s football career and legacy as a California and Latino sports figure. Senators highlighted his Heisman Trophy, Super Bowl victories, and recent selection for the NFL Hispanic Football Hall of Fame. The resolution passed unanimously. Later, SCR 124 by Senator Wiener recognized transportation barriers faced by Californians with epilepsy and the importance of reliable transit for employment and independence; it was adopted by unanimous roll call. SCR 158 by Senator Allen declared April Arts, Culture and Creativity Month and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the California Arts Council, with remarks emphasizing the state’s arts economy and the Council’s history; it also passed unanimously. The Senate further adopted SCR 159 by Senator Alvarado-Gil designating April as California Rodeo Appreciation Month. Supporters described rodeo as part of California’s agricultural and Western heritage, noted its economic impact, and highlighted the roles of Black cowboys, women competitors, and rural communities. Each resolution was followed by introductions of related guests, including Armenian community members, Jim Plunkett and family, epilepsy advocates, arts leaders such as Luis Valdez and Cheech Marin, and rodeo representatives and titleholders. After the resolutions, the Senate handled the daily file and adopted the consent calendar 38-0. The body also approved the Senate journals for April 13-16, 2026, announced committee meetings, and acknowledged Senator Menjivar’s upcoming birthday. The Senate then recessed until its next scheduled floor session on Tuesday, April 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.