Transcript Highlights:

• Massey was appointed by Greg Abbott to the Executive Incentive Oversight Board.
• He also served several years under Governor Rick Perry through his appointment to the Texas Economic
• appointed Massey Villarreal.
• Villarreal completed a six-year appointment to the Board of Regents.
• by Governor George W.

Bills: HB5560 , HB2 , HB24 , HB3233 , HB1397 , HB2067 , HB3133 , HB5696 , HB5680 , HB2885 , HB3966 , HB3556 , HB3595 , HB144 , HB26 , HB2038 , HB521 , HB4 , HB 1178 , HB42 , HB 1211 , HB783 , HB3963 , HB2240 , HB1690 , HB 1234 , HB3372 , HB27 , HB4211 , HB2243 , HB2853 , HB4638 , HJR7 , HB 100 , HB 126 , HB3783 , HB5138 , HB2512 , HB5616 , HB4751 , SB17 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2155 , SB21 , SB2778 , SB260 , SB8 , SB12 , SB37 , SB379 , SB441 , SB1566 , SB2878 , HB4112 , HB3866 , HB4749 , HB2844 , HB150

Transcript Highlights:

• We've made real progress thanks to your support and leadership of Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor
• As the governor emphasized, as you all know, transportation is personal.
• They represent jobs, appointments, families, These aren't just line items in a budget.
• I do want to start by thanking the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, my colleagues in government here
• I’m Governor Healey’s Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure for Massachusetts.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held an informational hearing with invited testimony from MassDOT leadership, the MBTA, Massport, and the state’s Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office. MassDOT officials outlined work across highways, rail and transit, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and aeronautics, emphasizing major capital spending, bridge and roadway programs, transit grants, rail expansion, airport safety, and modernization efforts. They highlighted Chapter 90 and municipal grant programs, the Compass Rail and West-East Rail efforts, RMV upgrades such as electronic titles and driver licensing systems, and aeronautics work on airport pavement, drones, and advanced air mobility. Committee members focused on safety, service access, and project implementation. Questions to MassDOT covered automated enforcement and rising roadway fatalities, the Allston multimodal project’s federal funding, Complete Streets access for rural communities, and South Coast Rail staffing and future electrification. The RMV was asked about the Work and Family Mobility Act, Real ID demand, and appointment access, especially in Metro West. Members also raised concerns about South Coast Rail operations, Keolis staffing, and whether the Stoughton route remains part of future plans; MassDOT and MBTA officials said they are working on staffing, service reliability, and long-term expansion, while noting that nothing is off the table for future rail improvements. MBTA General Manager Phil Eng reported progress including workforce growth, elimination of subway speed restrictions, expanded reduced-fare access, bus network redesign, South Coast Rail launch, and commuter rail signal upgrades. He said the agency is pursuing a new commuter rail operating contract designed to support future regional rail, electrification, and higher-frequency service, while maintaining service and workforce stability amid funding uncertainty. Members also asked about fare collection data privacy and the impact of state funding levels; Eng said the MBTA needs the governor’s proposed funding to preserve service and staffing, and that the fare system’s data are encrypted and handled through a secure vendor system. Massport CEO Rich Davey reported record activity at Logan, Worcester, and the cruise and maritime facilities, along with major capital and climate investments such as sustainable aviation fuel planning, shore power at Flynn Cruiseport, renewable diesel, and expanded ground transportation. He said Massport is planning for continued passenger growth and managing congestion through parking, HOV, and curbside changes, while monitoring federal policy, tariffs, and air traffic control staffing issues. Federal Funds Director Quentin Palfrey described the administration’s efforts to secure federal infrastructure dollars, citing about $9 billion in federal awards since the start of the administration, including major transportation grants for the Cape Cod Bridges, Allston, West-East Rail, North Station drawbridge replacement, roadway safety, and clean school buses. He warned that changing federal policies, grant delays, and possible future congressional actions create uncertainty, but said the office is working case-by-case with municipalities and agencies to protect awarded funds and find alternative financing where needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• The governor will appoint one member from a list of three names submitted by the Kentucky Association
• The governor<00:18:09.679><c> will</c><00:18:09.919><c> appoint</c><00:18:10.559><c> one</c><00:18:10.880
• ><c> member</c><00:18:11.200><c> from</c><00:18:11.440><c> a</c> governor will appoint one member from
• a governor will appoint one member from a list<00:18:11.760><c> of</c><00:18:12.000><c> three</c><00
• </c><00:18:18.160><c> from</c><00:18:18.400><c> a</c> governor will appoint one member from a governor

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> appointed Representative Derek Lewis. appointed Representative Derek Lewis.
• And the governor is not a today.
• And so, this regulation shows the hypocrisy of the governor. Okay?
• Because hypocrisy of the governor. Okay?
• </c> very very frustrated with the governor very very frustrated with the governor and<00:24:58.000><

Summary: The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met to reorganize its leadership for the new term, renewing Representative Derek Lewis as House co-chair and Senator Steven West as Senate co-chair. The committee then approved the minutes and moved through a series of agency regulations, generally adopting staff-suggested amendments without objection. Among the regulations reviewed were an Attorney General rule changing how a commission reviews and distributes funds and how grant reporting is handled; Personnel Board changes abolishing and renaming certain job classifications and adjusting probationary periods; an Education and Labor Cabinet rule removing references to local board of education members; several Public Protection Cabinet rules covering Board of Claims and Crime Victims’ Compensation procedures; an Alcoholic Beverage Control rule on direct-to-consumer shipping forms; and a Medicaid Services emergency regulation establishing the Kentucky Trauma Hospital Rate Improvement Program for rural hospitals serving many Medicaid patients. The committee also heard that the Board of Claims and Crime Victims’ Compensation regulations included both staff and, in one case, an agency amendment, which were approved. The most extended discussion came on the Department for Community Based Services’ regulation increasing per diem rates for private child-placing therapeutic foster care levels 2 and 3. Committee members questioned the estimated $10 million biennial cost, the source of the funding, and why the cabinet had not yet filed regulations implementing Senate Bill 151 on kinship care. DCBS staff said the rate increase was discretionary and intended to address placement crises for children with high needs, while acknowledging they could not personally explain the budget decisions. A kinship caregiver testified in support of the rate increase but urged the cabinet to also implement SB 151 and expand support for kinship families. The committee expressed frustration over the lack of SB 151 implementation but stated the rate increase itself was appropriate and allowed the regulation to proceed.

Transcript Highlights:

• This morning, we have a total of eight bills or gubernatorial appointments to hear.
• I move that the five-day notice rule be suspended for Senate Gubernatorial Appointment 9066.
• I am deeply honored to be here and sincerely grateful for the trust that Governor Jay Inslee, Governor
• Okay, now on to Senate gubernatorial appointment 9246, Reidi-Miu-Copade. Thank you.
• Her next prenatal appointment isn't for another month.

Bills: HB2309 , HB2249 , HB2417 , SGA9066 , SGA9246 , SGA9268

Committee: Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections

Keywords: state employment, classified service, civil service, job qualifications, degree requirements, postgraduate degree, master's degree, doctorate, higher education, Office of Financial Management, OFM, classification plan, salary survey, market rate pay, compensation, workforce diversity, hiring reform, employment eligibility, work authorization, DACA

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to thank the Governor for the appointment and Senator Frick for carrying the nomination today
• First of all, I'd like to thank the Governor for this appointment. Mr.
• First of all, I'd like to thank the Governor for this appointment, and I'm really excited about the opportunity
• I want to thank the Governor for the appointment and Senator Bullard for his efforts with this.
• I want to thank the governor for the appointment and Senator Bullard for his efforts with this.

Bills: HB2933 , HB3041 , HB3048 , HB3081 , HB3297 , HB3338 , HB3673 , HB3790 , HB3983 , HB4105 , HB4139 , HB4203 , HJR1023

Committee: Senate Business and Insurance

Summary: The Business and Insurance Committee considered a long agenda of bills and executive nominations. Among the bills, it advanced measures to update fire extinguisher industry age restrictions and application rules (HB 381), create a five-day cancellation right for homeowners after severe storm-related contracts (HB 3790), require a biennial workers’ compensation medical fee schedule update (HJR 1023), create the Oklahoma Home Services Act to standardize home service contract disclosures (HB 4139, amended to correct a wording error), cap surcharge fees and add a career tech exemption (HB 3041), create the Oklahoma Tolling and Recovery Board (HB 3297), allow expired electrical contractor licenses to be reinstated without re-examination (HB 3673), clarify who is not a security guard for licensing purposes (HB 4105), create a licensing framework for in-ground pool contractors effective November 1, 2027 (HB 3338), and streamline surplus lines insurance procedures and premium tax enforcement (HB 3048). One bill on smokeless tobacco taxation (HB 3983) drew extended debate over whether a weight-based tax would be fairer and revenue-neutral; after questions about health impacts, reporting, fraud concerns, and inflation, the bill failed to receive a second and was left in committee. HB 3041 also drew significant debate over whether it would effectively allow higher credit card surcharges, but it ultimately passed 5-4. The committee also heard numerous executive nominations, all of which were approved and sent to the full Senate. Those included Michael Stop and Michael Bauer to the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, Michael Cantrell and Burrell Sears to the Oklahoma Abstractors Board, Richard Willoughby to the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, E. Keith Mitchell and Andrew Revelis to the ABLE Commission, Jackie Ward to the alarm, locksmith, and fire sprinkler industry board, Terence Shreve to the Used Motor Vehicle Dismantler and Manufacturer Board, and Adra Berry as Cabinet Secretary of Licensing and Regulation. Nominees generally described their professional backgrounds and commitment to public safety, regulation, or industry expertise, and several senators spoke in support of their service. Most nominations passed unanimously or near-unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a great honor to be appointed by the governor for this, and a great honor to be with you this morning
• By appointment of Governor Abbott, at OPUC she led the agency's representation of residential and small
• Prior to her appointment at OPUC, Courtney served as deputy legislative director for Governor Abbott,
• The Public Utility Commission, comprising five governor-appointed members, was established in 1975 with
• The governor, lieutenant governor, and governor, Speaker, have all talked about it.

Committee: Senate Nominations

Summary: The Senate Committee on Nominations held its final nomination hearing of the session and considered three nominees: J.B. Goodwin for the Texas Real Estate Commission, Courtney Yaltman for the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and Thomas Gleason as PUC chairman. Goodwin described his long career in real estate and charitable work, and senators questioned him extensively about the Real Estate Commission’s self-directed, semi-independent status, housing affordability, institutional homebuyers, property insurance costs, disclosure issues, and the Burnett v. National Association of Realtors case. Yaltman and Gleason were questioned about PUC oversight of ERCOT, post-Winter Storm Uri reforms, utility resilience and vegetation management after Hurricane Beryl, water and telecommunications oversight, staffing and transparency, and rising infrastructure and utility costs. Much of the discussion focused on housing and utility affordability, with several senators urging the nominees to keep consumer protection and public trust at the forefront. Goodwin said housing affordability and large-scale investment purchases were not within the Real Estate Commission’s direct purview, though he supported further study. Yaltman and Gleason said the PUC had increased oversight of ERCOT, improved communication and accountability with utilities, and was working on resiliency plans, rate-setting issues, and infrastructure planning while trying to avoid overburdening ratepayers. The committee first voted to favorably report nominees left pending from the May 5 agenda by a 6-0 roll call vote. After public testimony was opened and closed, the committee then voted on the nominees heard that day and favorably recommended all three to the full Senate for confirmation by a 7-0 vote. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• The report contains the names of 189 appointees who have been appointed by the Governor to various state
• The report contains the names of 189 appointees who have been appointed by the governor to various state
• Foggenholy was previously appointed to the Broward School Board by the Governor in 2022 and failed to
• Prior to his appointments by the Governor, he worked as a design consultant for a retail chain based
• earlier about the governor and what we're doing because we were talking about those appointments earlier

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and heard several member introductions before moving to the special order calendar. The chamber first took up SB 200/HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, which directs DEP to develop a statewide recycling strategy by 2026 with stakeholder input and a three-year implementation roadmap; the House bill was substituted and passed 38-0. Senators then approved CS/CS/SB 492 on mitigation banking and land development after adopting two McLean amendments, including one on out-of-service credits and another incorporating phosphate mining lands provisions; the bill passed 35-3 after debate over possible constitutional issues. CS/SB 494 on aggravated animal cruelty was also amended and substituted with the House companion to add a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers and a sentencing multiplier, with an agriculture-related exemption; it passed 37-0. The Senate next passed CS/CS/SB 500/HB 711 creating the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, including training and coordinated alert procedures, with a House amendment to align implementation timing and funding; it passed 37-0. CS/CS/SB 524/HB 1089 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening tests and passed 36-0. CS/CS/SB 592/HB 393 revised the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program by lowering approval thresholds, clarifying eligibility and ownership issues, and adding sliding-door wind-driven rain mitigation devices; it passed 37-0 after discussion about funding and insurance premium credits. CS/SB 742/HB 1145 on workforce education allowed charter schools direct access to grant funding and expanded money-back guarantees for certain programs, and it passed 37-0. CS/CS/SB 822/HB 443 on charter schools generated extensive debate and multiple amendments, including a Jones amendment requiring parent acknowledgment of school rules; the bill would expand charter autonomy, reporting flexibility, enrollment capacity, and governance provisions, and it was placed on the calendar for third reading after the amendment process. Later, the Senate passed HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, which would examine job displacement, wages, vulnerable regions, and training needs, by a 35-0 vote. It also passed CS/CS/SB 964/HB 181 on parole guidelines, CS/SB 976/HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, and CS/SB 1084/HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment and digitally forged intimate images, all unanimously. CS/CS/SB 1156 on a Home Health Aid for Medically Fragile Children Program was amended to clarify training requirements and passed 37-0 after supportive debate about helping parents care for medically fragile children. Finally, CS/CS/CS/SB 1240/HB 1091 on substance abuse and mental health care was amended to allow designated facilities to retain certain stabilized patients during the 72-hour involuntary examination period and passed 37-0. Several other bills were temporarily postponed, and the chamber also recognized guests and interns throughout the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And now we have gubernatorial appointment before us.
• that the appointment be confirmed.
• I just really would like to support her appointment. I could not agree with you more.
• beside in support of this appointment.
• this appointment.

Summary: The Human Services Committee met on policy cutoff day and first completed executive action on several bills. Members advanced Senate Bill 6224 on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Leadership Council to Ways and Means, Senate Bill 6255 on the poverty task force/council changes to Rules, Senate Bill 5977 on DCYF near-fatality reports to Rules, Senate Bill 5979 on in-home dependency procedures to Rules, Senate Bill 6249 on DOC supervision of stalking convictions to Rules, and Senate Bill 6007 on WISIP’s evaluation of child welfare screening tools to Ways and Means. The committee also confirmed gubernatorial appointee Angela Ramirez. Several proposed amendments were debated, mostly offered by Senator Christian, but most failed; one technical amendment to SB 6184 was adopted, and an amendment to SB 6007 removing the risk-assessment portion of the study was adopted before the bill advanced. The committee also moved to waive the five-day notice rule for Senate Bill 6339 so it could be heard that day. The public hearing on Senate Bill 6339 focused on a proposed requirement that a less restrictive alternative (LRA) placement for sexually violent predators be owned and operated by the same individuals. Senator Torres and Senator Banke argued the bill would improve accountability, transparency, and community safety, citing a proposed Kennewick placement near schools and children. Supporters from the city of Kennewick and community members said the current process lacked transparency and that owner-operators should have a direct stake in safe operation. Opponents, including DSHS, the Washington Defender Association, the Office of Public Defense, and Disability Rights Washington, said the bill would create conflicts of interest, be difficult or impossible to implement, and could undermine the constitutional LRA process by making community placement unattainable. Committee members asked about liability, supervision, and the difference between LRA placements and unconditional release, and the chair said more work was needed on the issue. No final action was taken on SB 6339 during the hearing. The chair closed the hearing after noting the committee was at cutoff and that further discussion would continue later.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will now turn to Governor's appointments required to appear.
• I want to start off by thanking Governor Newsom for his support and appointment and Senator Pro Tem Lemón
• I think the governor made two good appointments. I look forward to support. Thank you, Senator.
• I think the governor made two good appointments. I look forward to support. Thank you, Senator.
• Prior to this appointment, I spent 12 years at the U.S.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The committee first established quorum and then approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Indira Cameron Banks to the Civil Rights Council, Sonar Loma Lee to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and two University of California College of the Law, San Francisco Board of Directors appointees, along with reference of bills to two committees and floor acknowledgments. All of those items passed by voice or roll-call votes, mostly unanimously, with the Civil Rights Council appointment approved 3-2. The main portion of the meeting focused on the Air Resources Board appointments of Linda Hopkins and Patricia Lock Dawson. Both nominees emphasized climate action, public engagement, and balancing environmental protection with economic realities. Members questioned them extensively about cap-and-trade/cap-and-invest, leakage and job losses, agricultural impacts, warehouse and truck traffic burdens, emergency vehicle and wildfire evacuation needs, low-carbon fuel standards, gas appliance rules, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and the need for socioeconomic analysis and better communication with affected communities. Public commenters from labor, environmental, local government, and industry groups spoke in support of both nominees. The committee approved Hopkins 4-0 with one member not voting, and Lock Dawson 5-0, sending both nominations to the full Senate. The committee then heard Andrew Rakestraw’s appointment as chair of the Board of Environmental Safety/DTSC oversight board. He described his background in climate and regulatory negotiations and said he would focus on transparency, accountability, fiscal stability, and listening to both regulated entities and disproportionately burdened communities. Senators asked about DTSC reform, the Moss Landing battery fire, community engagement in places like Hinkley/Herupah Valley, fee-setting and the generation-and-handling fee, the Environmental Justice Advisory Council, the Exide cleanup, and the hazardous waste management plan. After supportive public testimony, the committee approved his appointment 3-0, with one member not voting, and sent it to the full Senate for confirmation before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• If there are no objections, I'd like to take up first on today's agenda: governor's appointments not
• required to appear, starting with item 2C, the appointment of Frank Damrow, Jr., J.D., as a member of
• I appreciate the opportunity to be here and for your consideration of my appointment.
• I'm grateful to Governor Gavin Newsom for the opportunity to serve in this role.
• The appointment has been approved to move to the full Senate floor for confirmation.

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• The letter of appointment has been filed with the Office of the Chief Clerk, and the oath was previously
• I'm a trustee for the Idaho State Historical Society, appointed by Governor Little in 2024.
• By Governor Little in 2024.
• Former Governor Cecil Andrus articulated this ethic: “We don't inherit the land from our ancestors; we
• Leroy served as the Idaho Attorney General from 1979 to 1983, and then served as the lieutenant governor

Transcript Highlights:

• Gubernatorial appointment number 931.
• Gubernatorial appointment number 931.
• Acacia Engram appointed, last line, 28th, Bob Ferguson, Governor. Senator Chapman.
• Ashland Tibbet appointed July 28, 2025, for the term ending June 30, 2026. Bob Ferguson, Governor.
• Sincerely, Bob Ferguson, Governor. Senate Gubernatorial Appointment Number 9288, David S.

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6170 , SB6176 , SB6182 , SB6335 , SB5647 , SB6047 , HB2367 , HB2606 , SB5998 , SB6005 , SB6003 , SB6129 , SB6225 , SB6228 , SB6231 , SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6170 , SB6176 , SB6182 , SB6335 , SB5647 , SB6047 , HB2367 , HB2606 , SB6129 , SB6228 , SB6231 , HB2235 , HB2272 , HB2340 , HB2543 , HB2554 , HB2632 , HB2464 , HB2619

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, contracting rules, state highway construction, procurement limits, state regulations, infrastructure funding, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Um, I don't know how that's relevant, but my understanding is that they're appointed by the governor
• And all four other members of the Public Service Commission were appointed by Governor Wes Moore.
• Um, does the governor have a box at the Ravens Stadium?
• Um does the governor have a box at &gt;&gt; Sure.
• </c> potentially we say that the governor potentially we say that the governor shouldn't<00:25:18.559

Transcript Highlights:

• Why wouldn't you just let them appoint somebody?
• But it's a little different than having, like, the governor go through a list and make the appointments
• Yeah, so I'm trying to see how that fits in with the governor shall appoint three members, the Supreme
• Court's... ...in with the governor shall appoint three members, the Supreme Court shall appoint one
• They all get appointments.

Bills: HB248 , HB249 , HB997 , HB1052 , HB1193 , SB1 , SB161 , SB218 , SB220 , SB289 , SB435

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Keywords: Compensation Commission, elected officials, salary evaluation, government accountability, Louisiana legislature, compensation, independent commission, salary adjustment, consumer price index, official journal, public notices, government transparency, local government, municipal website, school board notices, parish council, police jury, special districts, levee district, drainage district

Transcript Highlights:

• bill is passed to be enacted, and the bill is to be signed by the President and laid before the Governor
• no objection, one matter we've been taking out of the orders of the day: An act relative to the appointment
• An act providing for the appointment of retired police officers as special police officers in the town
• Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim April 23, 2026, to be Scout
• Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth, Kim Driscoll, Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth, ...and William

Transcript Highlights:

• This year, we are expanding on past efforts, including legislative appointments, further strengthening
• The governor and legislature collectively appoint leaders to more than 580 boards and commissions, filling
• I would hope, and I plead, the governor to sign it this time.
• Hopefully the governor and his people watching this, and that he will feel so inclined to sign it.
• Hopefully we can encourage the governor to support this on behalf of the people of California.

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Summary: The Assembly Governmental Organizations Committee met on June 25, 2025, with a quorum present and several members substituting for absent colleagues. The committee first approved a consent calendar of several Senate bills, all moving on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. Later, the committee heard SB 702 by Senator Limon, which would expand transparency requirements for statewide appointments and legislative appointments to boards and commissions. Supporters, including HOPE, the Campaign for College Opportunity, Equality California, CHIRLA, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute, and others, argued the bill would improve accountability, representation, and public trust; no opposition was presented. Multiple members praised the measure and asked to be added as coauthors, and the bill passed on a unanimous roll call. The committee also heard SB 380 by Senator Padilla, which would establish a California Latino Commission to study and recommend policies on Latino economic well-being, education, housing, health, and mobility. Senator Padilla and Dr. Amanda Armenta of UCLA’s Latino Policy and Politics Institute described persistent disparities affecting Latinos in California, including poverty, educational attainment, housing overcrowding, climate and health impacts, and wage gaps, and said the commission would mirror existing state commissions focused on women and Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Several organizations testified in support, including CHIRLA, the University of California, the California Faculty Association, and others. Assembly Member Soria emphasized the need to address immigration-related impacts, mental health, and homeownership; the bill was approved on a roll call vote and sent to Appropriations, with one no vote recorded from Assembly Member Sanchez. After the two policy bills were heard, the committee reopened the roll for absent members and then adjourned. The transcript reflects strong bipartisan support for both measures, with no opposition testimony on either bill and no amendments or substantive objections raised during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm now appointing a joint committee to escort the justices to the rostrum.
• I'm now appointing a joint committee to escort the justices to the rostrum.
• Second, Governor Newsom, as he concludes his second term as governor of our great state at the end of
• Second Governor Newsom, as he concludes his second term as governor of our great state at the end of
• Of his 695 judicial appointments, In a meaningful way.

Summary: The Legislature convened in joint convention for the 2026 State of the Judiciary, escorting Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and the Associate Justices to the rostrum and recognizing statewide constitutional officers in attendance. Legislative leaders welcomed the court and framed the address around the importance of judicial independence, equal justice, and the judiciary’s role in California’s democracy. Chief Justice Guerrero reported on several major judicial branch priorities. She emphasized rising threats to judges and court security, the need to extend authority for remote proceedings beyond its current sunset, and the ongoing implementation of the CARE Act in all 58 counties, including data on petitions, agreements, and plans. She also discussed trial court funding and persistent judgeship shortages, especially in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, where congested calendars have led to case dismissals and heavy use of temporary assigned judges. The Chief Justice also addressed the judiciary’s response to artificial intelligence, including guidance on generative AI, deepfakes, and evidence issues, as well as concerns about federal immigration enforcement at courthouses and its effect on access to justice. She reviewed corrective actions after the February 2025 bar exam problems, including scoring adjustments, a return to in-person testing, and rule changes for attorney admissions. She closed by noting judicial salary concerns, the 100th anniversary of the Judicial Council, and the need for continued collaboration with the Governor and Legislature. No votes were taken. The joint convention ordered the State of the Judiciary address printed in the Journal as a separate appendix and then adjourned, with an invitation extended to a reception with the Chief Justice later that evening.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm now appointing a joint committee to escort the justices to the rostrum.
• I'm now appointing a joint committee to escort the justices to the rostrum.
• Second, Governor Newsom, as he concludes his second term as governor of our great state at the end of
• Second Governor Newsom, as he concludes his second term as governor of our great state at the end of
• Of his 695 judicial appointments, In a meaningful way.

Summary: The Legislature recessed into a joint convention for the 2026 State of the Judiciary, escorted the California Supreme Court justices to the rostrum, and heard remarks from legislative leaders and Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. The speakers emphasized judicial independence, the rule of law, and the importance of the courts as a co-equal branch of government. The Chief Justice framed her address as a calm report on the judiciary’s work and major challenges, while thanking legislative and executive partners for collaboration. Chief Justice Guerrero highlighted several policy and operational issues facing the courts. She urged continued support for remote proceedings, noting more than 6 million remote hearings since 2022 and strong user satisfaction, and discussed the CARE Act’s statewide implementation, including petition and agreement numbers and the recent expansion to cover certain bipolar disorders. She also raised concerns about judicial security and privacy, threats and negative rhetoric toward judges, courthouse access issues tied to federal immigration enforcement, and the need for more judgeships and funding in high-need counties such as Riverside and San Bernardino. She also discussed the judiciary’s response to artificial intelligence, including guidance on generative AI, deepfakes, and evidence admissibility, and reported corrective actions after the troubled February 2025 bar exam, including scoring adjustments, expanded provisional licensing, and a return to in-person testing. Additional points included proposed ongoing funding for trial courts, long-standing judicial salary disparities, and the Judicial Council’s 100th anniversary. No votes were taken; the joint convention concluded with the address ordered printed in the Journal and an invitation to a reception for members and guests.

Transcript Highlights:

• Wilmeth is appointed chairman and Taylor is appointed vice chair, and members...
• Governor undercover drivers Vegas will be appointed a committee of an official intelligence innovation
• Members Martinez appointed chair, member of the local business point of vice chair.
• a committee of official intelligence and innovation members Martinez appointed as appointed chair member
• that's Clyde Volcker appointed committee on rule of commerce member pinion is appointed vice chair member