Transcript Highlights:

• I respectfully ask for your support today.
• In support. Not yet. Thank you, Madam Chair and members.
• Strong support. Thank you. Thank you.
• Jeff Neal representing Contra Costa County also in support. Thank you.
• This is not about whether we support a tax or not. It's about whether we support a tax or not.

Summary: The Senate committee heard AB 1768, which would authorize Los Angeles County and Contra Costa County to place local sales tax measures before voters to help offset federal funding cuts affecting Medi-Cal, nutrition assistance, and related health and safety-net services. Assembly Member Brian and supporters argued the bill would preserve local control and allow voters to decide whether to raise revenue to prevent clinic closures, layoffs, and service reductions. Testimony in support came from the California Primary Care Association, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, labor organizations, Contra Costa County, and others, while the cities of Glendale and Burbank opposed the measure. Committee discussion focused on whether the bill was an appropriate response to federal cuts or an unnecessary tax increase. Supporters said the measure did not impose a tax directly but simply let county voters decide how to respond to the funding losses. Opponents argued California and local governments should address spending and affordability concerns without additional taxes, and questioned whether the federal cuts were the sole cause of the budget pressure. Several members also raised broader concerns about cost of living, health care financing, and local versus state responsibility. Senator Arreguín moved the bill for a due pass recommendation. The committee voted 5-2 to send AB 1768 to the Senate floor, with Senators Choi and Seyarto voting no. The bill was briefly held on call before the final tally was announced and the measure was reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Taylor Jefferson waves in support. Karen Muriello waves in support.
• Black, I was happy to support this before as well as again.
• coordination, best practices in support coordination, and areas of improvement, metrics to Assess support
• Melissa Mazeta, support coordinator, waves in support.
• Having a good support coordinator in your life is a game-changer.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to testify in support of the substitute for Senate Bill 7. We want to thank you, Mr.
• In conclusion, we support the bill and urge its passing. I'm happy to answer any questions.
• Jeremy with Texas 2036, here today in support of the committee substitute for Senate Bill 7.
• I am the Director of State Advocacy here in support of Senate Bill 7.
• We strongly support the inclusion of the Economic and Agricultural Water Conservation Fund.

Bills: SB7

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: water infrastructure, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, water supply, environmental sustainability, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Support on the floor today.
• I rise in support of this bill.
• Speaker, back in 2014, I was happy to support SB 138, and I... ...was happy to support SB 138.
• I urge support for HB 381 and for the future it will bring for our I urge support for HB 381, and for
• I rise in support as well, the bill.

Keywords: 905, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She's going to waive in support.
• We have Donna Moore, who is waving in support. Dan Davis is waving in support.
• Bill Snyder is waving in support. Shelly Fountain is waving in support.
• We support the senator in this great bill, bringing it forward. We support this bill.
• We support the senator in this great bill, bringing it forward. We support this bill.

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up several bills and one set of confirmations. SB 330, relating to disability provisions for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers, was explained as clarifying the heart disease presumption and allowing transferred law enforcement officers to rely on a prior physical if the new agency fails to provide one; it was reported favorably. SB 526, a broad commercial construction bill, was amended with a title amendment and a delete-all amendment before being reported favorably. SB 1192 created a pilot program for callback queues at certain executive agencies to reduce hold times, and it was also reported favorably. SB 1078 established gubernatorial transition procedures, including liaisons, briefing materials, office space, and access to records; an amendment narrowed and reassigned some duties and increased penalties for improper disclosure, and the bill passed favorably. SB 7022 extended and updated a public records exemption for classroom examinations and assessment instruments through 2031, and it was reported favorably. SB 1250 removed the Florida Commission on Human Relations’ requirement to use registered mail for certain notices, allowing less expensive notice methods, and it passed favorably. SB 1698 allowed certain employer notices and posters to be posted electronically instead of physically, and it was reported favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of 10 appointees to the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the State Retirement Commission. SB 1072 created an anti-Semitism task force within the Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights to review anti-Semitism in Florida, improve community relations, advise on law enforcement training, assess digital media literacy efforts, review hate crime statutes, and issue annual reports. The bill drew extensive public testimony, with many speakers opposing it on First Amendment, academic freedom, and equal-protection grounds and arguing it could chill criticism of Israel or be used selectively; supporters said it was needed to address rising anti-Semitism and that the state’s definition of anti-Semitism had already been adopted in statute. After debate, the bill was reported favorably. SB 862, as amended, set a $60,000 salary goal by 2030 for state correctional officers, probation officers, and institutional security specialists, with annual raises subject to appropriations; members questioned a separate provision allowing deployment of correctional officers during emergencies, including whether that could intersect with immigration enforcement, but the sponsor said he would follow up and that the bill was aimed at recruitment, retention, and workforce stability. The bill received support from law enforcement and corrections groups and was reported favorably. SB 1642, the Freedom in the Workplace Act, generated the most contentious discussion: it would bar certain pronoun-related requirements, prohibit mandatory training or activities related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression as a condition of employment, require sex on employment forms to reflect biological sex, and extend similar protections to public employees and contractors. Supporters framed it as protecting free speech, conscience, and against compelled speech; opponents argued it would authorize discrimination against transgender and nonbinary people, invite litigation, and harm workplace safety and inclusion. An amendment moved the bill into the chapter governing public employers and employees, and the bill was then reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are strongly in support of it.
• Electric cooperatives in Texas enthusiastically support...
• Yes, we would support that.
• Here in support of HB 3825.
• I'm here today in strong support of HB 3511.

Bills: HB1951 , HB2715 , HB3092 , HB3237 , HB3278 , HB3511 , HB3592 , HB3675 , HB3778 , HB3782 , HB3826 , HB3970 , HB4016 , HB4049 , HB4341 , HB4344 , HB4406 , HB4427

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: collective bargaining, public works, government contracts, labor agreements, state funding, removal from office, political subdivisions, local government, judicial proceedings, administrative judicial region, electric transmission, public convenience, landowner consent, utility regulation, energy infrastructure, energy consumption, higher education, governmental entities, sustainability, electricity reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• Dallas Thesson also waiving in support with the Florida Swimming Pool Association, waiving in support
• And I ask for your favorable support. Thank you.
• I ask for your favorable support. Thank you, sir.
• I ask for your favorable support. Thank you, sir.
• I ask for your favorable support. Thank you, sir.

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Summary: The committee first handled Senate confirmations, hearing two support waivers from the Florida Swimming Pool Association, and then voted to recommend confirmation of all appointees in a block vote. It then took up several bills, adopting amendments and reporting each measure favorably: CS/SB 462 on transportation, which included FDOT authority over speed limits, EV-related funding, MPO changes, workforce grants, and an I-4 widening report; SB 1574 on energy infrastructure investment, creating a PSC mechanism for renewable natural gas infrastructure cost recovery; SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, limiting local government energy-source restrictions; and SB 726 on swatting, adding liability for prosecution/investigation costs and restitution for injuries or property damage. The committee also approved CS/SB 496 on timeshare management and CS/SB 1076 on roof contracting, both with technical or clarifying amendments. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 408 on thoroughbred permit holders and decoupling live racing from gaming licenses at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. Senator Burgess presented a strike-all amendment that would delay decoupling for seven years, with a three-year notice period and a four-year guarantee of racing and current purse/breeder award structures. The sponsor and supporters said the longer runway was intended to create room for negotiations and align Florida with other pari-mutuel operations. The committee heard extensive public testimony, overwhelmingly opposed, from horsemen, breeders, veterinarians, farm owners, sales companies, and related businesses who warned the bill would reduce racing, depress breeding, threaten tens of thousands of jobs, and harm a major agricultural industry. A few speakers, including representatives of the Miccosukee Tribe, opposed the bill as a casino expansion that would benefit out-of-state interests and undermine existing gaming arrangements. No final vote on SB 408 was taken in the portion provided, and the committee continued public testimony after a recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:30.280><c> the</c> official amicus brief um supporting the official amicus brief um supporting
• . testimony in support.
• We did receive one support, one comment. We did receive one support, one comment.
• Um in<00:39:25.000><c> support,</c><00:39:26.080><c> five</c> in support, five in support, five No. 11
• </c> in strong support of this measure. in strong support of this measure.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of resolutions and a few bills, with testimony largely in support across the agenda. Early measures included HCR 15/HR 17 supporting Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy, and HCR 22/HR 22 urging Congress to pass federal kidney disease legislation; both drew support and no opposition. The committee also heard HCR 146 HD1/HR 138 HD1 on “excited delirium,” with testimony from advocates urging the resolutions be broadened to include related terms such as hyperactive delirium and agitated delirium, and from family members and disability-rights advocates describing the issue as harmful pseudoscience tied to police-custody deaths and calling for a ban on the term and better mental-health responses. The committee then took up HCR 123/HR 115 on creating a coordinated support and stabilization task force for Native Hawaiians experiencing homelessness or extreme low income. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands testified in support, describing its transitional housing work and saying collaboration and data-sharing with the state homelessness office would help beneficiaries and others; members questioned whether existing entities already do similar work and whether the proposal would extend beyond beneficiaries. HCR 32/HR 32, which asks the governor’s senior advisor on mental health and the justice system to develop a plan to increase access to Hawaii State Hospital for certain criminal defendants, drew support from the Department of Health, the governor’s office, and disability-rights advocates, who emphasized coordinated planning, diversion from arrest when appropriate, and matching people to the right level of care. Additional resolutions addressed a range of policy issues: renaming Leeward Community College to Puloulou Community College (with no testimony), creating an ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi pathway under the Niʻihau dialect at UH (UH noted existing courses already cover the dialect but not a degree pathway), moving to a demerit-point driver licensing system (support only), and coordinating transportation infrastructure planning for Hawaiian home lands (DHHL supported the measure and said an expired DOT memorandum of understanding had covered related collaboration). The committee also heard support for expanding DHHL financial literacy and homeownership-preparedness programs, a resolution asking the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to examine algorithmic discrimination, and a resolution urging the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Advisory Committee to follow its rules, comply with the Sunshine Law, review its executive director, and strengthen accountability; the last measure drew 11 written supports and no opposition. No final votes or decisions were taken in the portion provided, as the hearing focused on testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:05.439><c> small</c> improve public safety, support small improve public safety, support small
• <00:09:00.399><c> aging</c><00:09:00.880><c> populations,</c> support aging populations, support aging
• </c><00:09:26.640><c> House</c> Minnesota, I urge you to support House Minnesota, I urge you to support
• </c> did not specifically did not support did not specifically did not support that<00:15:48.959><c>
• </c><01:27:11.760><c> our</c> we lose this ability to support our we lose this ability to support our

Bills: HF362 , HF2590 , HF2760 , HF3444

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: massage therapy, Asian bodywork therapy, massage therapist, Asian bodywork therapist, licensure, professional licensing, health occupations, Department of Health, commissioner of health, advisory council, protected title, unlicensed practice, scope of practice, consumer protection, background check, professional liability insurance, continuing education, credentialing examination, state preemption, municipal regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> operations are largely self-supporting operations are largely self-supporting the<00:10:44.399><
• It supports actually many of the same activities that the agricultural state special supports.
• It supports actually many of the same activities that the agricultural state special supports.
• those funds go to scholarships, student support, and faculty support. ...to scholarships, student support
• , and overwhelmingly those funds go to scholarships, student support, and faculty support.

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:17.759><c> uh</c><00:07:17.919><c> in</c><00:07:18.080><c> your</c> supporters uh in your supporters
• We would like to get your support.
• </c> years we would like to get your support years we would like to get your support I<00:10:17.040><
• </c> to organize as farmers and help support to organize as farmers and help support each<00:57:52.000
• </c> mentioned the private well user support mentioned the private well user support uh<01:28:48.239>

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're in strong support of the bill.
• Do you have any primary witnesses in support?
• Any additional folks in the room wish to express support?
• Thank you for the opportunity for me to speak in support of AB 2233.
• I urge your support. Thank you. Any additional folks in the room wish to express support?

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 8, 2026, with a quorum established and 59 bills listed for consideration. The committee first approved two consent calendars: several bills were sent to the Assembly floor on a due-pass basis, and a smaller set was approved due-pass but not eligible for the floor consent calendar. The proposed suspense calendar was then deemed approved without individual debate on those measures. The committee heard several bills in regular order. AB 1977, sponsored by the Secretary of State, would clean up and clarify the Online Notarization Act to support implementation by 2030; it drew no opposition and was approved. AB 2011 would codify existing federal mental health parity standards into state law; supporters said it would preserve enforcement authority, while health plans opposed it as premature given federal uncertainty and possible premium impacts; the bill was placed on the B roll call. AB 1673 would give county fish and game commissions more flexibility to use certain revenues for wildlife conflict prevention, and it advanced on an A roll call. AB 2233 would allow unused authorized ABA therapy hours for children with autism to be made up within the authorization period; supporters emphasized access and continuity of care, while insurers warned of higher costs and reduced utilization safeguards; it advanced on an A roll call. AB 1660, as amended, would give courts more flexibility in cases involving financial institutions and public guardians/conservators, with supporters saying it could save counties time and money; it was approved due-pass as amended. During general public comment, speakers voiced support for AB 2081 and AB 1667, and opposition to AB 1777. After public comment and final vote recording for absent members, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Support these workers.
• And to me, this means supporting pensions for our teachers, supporting safe staffing ratios for our nurses
• So, I appreciate the sentiment to support workers.
• To support workers.
• We're going to support people right here and right now.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise in support of SR 76 in recognition of Women's History Month.
• I rise in support of SR 76 in recognition of Women's History Month.
• I rise on behalf of the LGBTQ Legislative Caucus in support of SR 76.
• Today I also stand in strong support of SR 76, and I rise ...stand in strong support of SR 76, and I
• And I too rise in strong support of SR 76 today.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and suspended several rules and journal requirements to facilitate the floor session and a budget subcommittee hearing notice. The chamber then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 114, designating March 15–21 as National Surveyors’ Week. Senator Grove spoke in support, emphasizing the historical importance of surveyors and their role in infrastructure, property rights, and California’s economy. The resolution passed by unanimous roll call vote, 40-0, and Grove introduced Christy Ashay, president of the California Land Surveyors Association, as a guest. The main item of the day was Senate Resolution 76 recognizing Women’s History Month and honoring 42 women from across California. Senator Menjivar presented the resolution, highlighting women’s leadership and the need to continue advancing equity, pay protections, and opportunity. Senators Richardson, Pérez, Hurtado, Rubio, Wahab, and others spoke in support on behalf of the Black, LGBTQ, Latino, Jewish, AAPI, and other caucuses, each underscoring the contributions of women in public service, civil rights, labor, science, education, and community leadership. The resolution passed unanimously, 40-0. After the vote, the Senate proceeded with an extended recognition ceremony for the 42 Women of the Year honorees from Senate districts statewide, with brief biographies read into the record. The session also included an adjournment in memory of James Bernard Peth, offered by Senator Ashby, who described his work as a teacher, coach, and community volunteer. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on March 19, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise in support of SR 76 in recognition of Women's History Month.
• I rise on behalf of the LGBTQ Legislative Caucus in support of SR 76.
• On behalf of the Latino Caucus, it is my honor to rise today in strong support of SR 76.
• Today I also stand in strong support of SR 76, and I rise... ...stand in strong support of SR 76, and
• And I too rise in strong support of SR 76 today.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and suspended several rules and notices for floor business. The chamber approved the journals for March 9–12, 2026, and suspended Joint Rule 62(a) to allow a Budget Subcommittee on Education hearing on item 6120 with short notice. The body then took up third reading items, beginning with SCR 114 designating March 15–21 as National Surveyors’ Week. Senator Grove spoke in support, emphasizing the historical importance of surveyors and their role in infrastructure, land ownership, and economic development. The resolution passed unanimously, 40-0, and Grove introduced guest Christy Ashay, president of the California Land Surveyors Association. The Senate next considered SR 76 recognizing Women’s History Month and honoring 42 women from across California. Senator Menjivar led the resolution, highlighting women’s contributions and calling for continued policy work on equity, pay, and opportunity. Senators Richardson, Perez, Rubio, Wahab, and others spoke in support on behalf of the Black, LGBTQ+, Latino, Jewish, AAPI, and other caucuses, citing women’s historic and ongoing leadership and the need to address persistent inequality. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 40-0. After the vote, the Senate proceeded to a lengthy floor ceremony recognizing the Women of the Year honorees from each district, with brief biographies read into the record for community leaders, educators, public safety officials, veterans, advocates, business owners, and others. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of James Bernard Peth, offered by Senator Ashby in honor of the father of Senate Ethics Committee Chief Counsel Aaron Peth. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on March 19, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise also in strong support of SCR 110.
• I rise also in strong support of SCR 110.
• I rise also in strong support of SCR 110.
• Today I also rise in support of SCR 137.
• Ma was an extremely supportive father. Thank you.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including representatives of the National Council of Negro Women, students from Santa Clarita Christian School, and the Coachella Valley High School girls soccer team. The chamber then moved to confirmations and resolutions. Andy Nakahata was confirmed as executive director of the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank by a 32-0 vote, Richard Stein was confirmed to the California Arts Council by a 33-0 vote, and Nick Hardiman was confirmed to the California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors by a 33-0 vote. The Senate adopted SCR 127, recognizing December as Multi-Faith Heritage Month, by unanimous roll call. Members also adopted SCR 110, designating March 16–22, 2026 as Women’s Military History Week, after remarks highlighting women veterans and military leaders, and SCR 137, proclaiming March 15 as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day, with several senators speaking in support of Ginsburg’s legacy and the importance of women’s equality. SR 85, recognizing March 8–14, 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, was also adopted unanimously. The Senate then approved the special consent calendar, including Assembly Concurrent Resolutions 127, 128, 132, and 134, by a 33-0 vote. Committee announcements followed, with several budget subcommittees and the Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry announcing upcoming meetings. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Dr. William Ma, offered by Senator Wiener, and the Senate announced it would reconvene on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many are in support, given that there are no in opposition.
• So we do stand in support of the legislation. Thank you. Thank you so much.
• So, I guess I can't support this.
• Anybody online in support or opposition?
• I do have J.D. and Melania online as supportive. We have recorded your support.

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Jonathan Weber, also SPLC, is waiving in support.
• Thank you for your time. ...awareness training by supporting this bill.
• Barney Bishop, Florida Smart Justice Alliance, is waving in support, and also waving in support from
• Barney Bishop, Florida Smart Justice's Alliance is waving in support, and also waiving in support.
• Justice's Alliance is waiving in support, and also waiving in support from Florida Department of Juvenile

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met and reported several bills favorably. SB 646, by President Gates, would allow the use of drug testing tools such as test strips and reagent kits to detect dangerous adulterants like fentanyl and xylazine; it was supported by Senator Osgood and others who said it could help prevent overdose deaths, and it passed unanimously. SB 418, by Senator Jones, creates autism-focused law enforcement training and a voluntary Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism; it drew strong support from Disability Rights Florida, parents, advocates, and committee members, who emphasized safety, communication, and de-escalation, and it also passed unanimously after extensive testimony.\n\nThe committee then considered SB 132, by Senator Polsky, which would require the Florida Commission on Offender Review to maintain a public database to help people determine whether they have completed the requirements for restoration of voting rights. An amendment making the database subject to legislative appropriation was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1734, by Senator Martin, would recognize juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under state law, extend training and certification standards, and provide officer-level benefits and protections; it passed without opposition.\n\nFinally, the committee took up SB 820, by Senator Bradley, on problem-solving court reports. A strike-all amendment expanded annual reporting requirements for specialty courts, set a January 31 reporting deadline, and phased in the new data collection. After support from the State Courts Administrator and others, the amendment and the bill as amended were adopted and reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• have been identified as needing more support. 5 million for youth behavioral health supports.
• And so this is to support the department in doing some of that work.
• The first one is supports for attendance for success, and uh you have funded.
• On slide 7, all child supports.
• Luckily, the state is is able to support a lot of that right now.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair also in support. Osatui for Hawaii State Teachers Association in support.
• Abby Simons, Stonewall Cox, Democratic Party of Hawaii in support.
• Nihokoto for Hawaii women lawyers in support. She's not present on Zoom. Chair also in support.
• Osatui for Hawaii State Teachers Association in support.
• Nihokoto for Hawaii women lawyers in support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 158, which had been amended from an automatic voter registration-related request to a resolution urging the administration to follow the law and comply with federal court orders. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from the League of Women Voters of Hawaii, the Democratic Party of Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Hawaii women lawyers, and others. One witness spoke against automatic voter registration, warning it could be exploited by bad actors, though the chair clarified that the amended resolution was focused on court orders rather than AVR. Members asked questions about whether states or Congress can enforce compliance with court orders and whether there were historical examples of presidents refusing to follow them. The response emphasized separation of powers, checks and balances, and the importance of state support for the rule of law. The committee then voted to accept the proposed SD1 for SCR 158; the measure passed with one no vote recorded from Senator Awa. The committee also took up SCR 154, a resolution supporting implementation of applicable United Nations Human Rights Council universal periodic review recommendations. No testimony was received on that measure, and it was deferred. In a later decision-making agenda item, the committee considered a measure directing the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to include circuit and district court facilities in planning new correctional centers and to establish a release procedure away from residential communities and public spaces; the committee recommended passage as amended, and the measure passed without objection.