Transcript Highlights:

• is probably the most critical one that we've been, you know, we've been thinking about, is that environmental
• operate any of the equipment, but we work closely with the operators that do, and we focus on environmental
• And we also have regular outreach and engagement with the local community, with environmental justice
• This is an environmentally responsible way to decarbonize our power sector and achieve reliability and

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fourth, and this is probably the most critical one that we've been thinking about, environmental justice
• And we focus on environmental outcomes that we want to achieve while maintaining a neutral position on
• We also have regular outreach and engagement with the local community and with environmental justice
• This is an environmentally responsible way to decarbonize our power sector and achieve reliability and

Summary: The Senate Select Committee on Hydrogen Energy held an informational hearing on California’s hydrogen leadership, with the chair framing hydrogen as a complementary clean-energy pathway for hard-to-electrify sectors such as heavy-duty trucking, transit, rail, ports, industrial uses, and backup power. The first panel of private-sector witnesses from the California Hydrogen Business Council, Bosch, Hyundai, and Sierra Northern Railway described existing deployments in California, including hydrogen buses, trucks, fueling infrastructure, and the nation’s first hydrogen fuel cell switcher locomotive. They emphasized that the technology is commercially ready but scaling is constrained by permitting delays, high fuel and equipment costs, infrastructure gaps, and uncertainty around federal support and incentives. Witnesses urged stable state policy, targeted investment, and concentrated deployment in high-impact corridors such as ports and freight hubs. Committee members also asked about labor standards, community engagement, and the current size of the hydrogen vehicle fleet in California and abroad. The second panel focused on air quality, climate, safety, and public health. Testimony from CAPCOA, the Coalition for Clean Air, the California State Building and Construction Trades Council, and a UC Berkeley researcher argued that hydrogen fuel cells can reduce diesel-related pollution and health harms when used in the right applications, especially in ports, rail yards, warehouse corridors, transit depots, and backup power for facilities like data centers. Witnesses cautioned that hydrogen should be used selectively, produced as cleanly as possible, and paired with early community engagement, safety planning, and environmental justice protections. The researcher cited projected reductions in NOx, particulate exposure, premature deaths, and health costs under broader hydrogen adoption. Committee members discussed workforce training, apprenticeship programs, and how to balance near-term costs with long-term infrastructure value. The final panel provided public-sector updates from SamTrans, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, the Port of Long Beach, and First Public Hydrogen Authority. SamTrans described its transition to a large hydrogen bus fleet and said the loss of expected ARCHES funding created a major infrastructure gap; it asked the state to protect transit funding, restore a sales tax exemption for zero-emission buses, and address axle-weight rules. GoBiz said the state should focus on creating demand, reducing costs, and streamlining permitting, while acknowledging the disruption caused by the federal cancellation of ARCHES funding. The Port of Long Beach reported hydrogen truck deployments, port incentives, and a planned public fueling station, but said high costs, fuel shortages, and uncertainty have slowed momentum. First Public Hydrogen Authority described efforts to aggregate municipal demand and support new green hydrogen production projects, stressing the need for long-term market signals and financing. Committee members repeatedly emphasized the need for state support, infrastructure investment, and a diversified fuel strategy to keep hydrogen deployment moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2003, she became chair of the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee and at that time
• became chair of the Education<00:37:54.080><c> Health</c><00:37:54.400><c> and</c><00:37:54.560><c> Environmental
• </c> Education Health and Environmental Education Health and Environmental Affairs<00:37:55.880><c> Committee

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, March 26, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with 39 members present and a quorum. The session opened with an invocation by Bishop Antonio Palmer of Kingdom Celebration Center, whose remarks were journalized. The President and members also welcomed several guests to the chamber, including former Delegate Sean Terrence, students from Charles H. Flowers High School and Garrison Forest School, Dr. Lee Snyder as doctor of the day, and Dr. Barbara Ann Palmer in recognition of Women’s History Month. The President also noted that the next day would be pro forma and that some scheduled items would be moved to the following week. The Senate considered Executive Nominations Report No. 6, covering gubernatorial nominees for boards and commissions including the State Board of Education, MEDCO, and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. On motion of the committee chair, the report was special ordered to Tuesday, with members asked to review the list for recusals or related issues. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 890, which concerns an insurance premium receipts tax exemption for captive insurance procured by nonprofit hospitals and health care systems. On SB 890, the Senate adopted the committee amendments and then adopted a floor amendment offered by the bill sponsor. The amendment was described as replacing the bill’s earlier approach with a two-year moratorium on collection of any related liabilities, followed by a Maryland Insurance Administration report back on ongoing investigations. One senator raised concern that the amendment’s language could require the state to refund taxes already paid by hospitals and others, potentially costing millions, and asked for more time to review it; the motion to special order the bill was defeated. After discussion, the amendment was adopted and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. At the close of the floor session, committee and delegation announcements were made, including Finance, Triple E, Judicial Proceedings, Budget and Tax, Executive Nominations, and several county delegations. A senator from District 6 also spoke about the anniversary of the Key Bridge collapse and thanked colleagues for bipartisan work on related legislation and recovery efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• multiple factors that contribute to these disabilities, Project TENDR, which stands for Targeting Environmental
• Hello, Susan Little with the Environmental Working Group, in support. Thank you.
• The motion is do pass as amended to the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee.
• Motion is due pass as amended to the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee, Bonta.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on workforce access, consumer protection, behavioral health parity, and public health safety. AB 1591 by Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez would create a podiatric medicine pipeline program to address shortages of podiatrists, especially in rural and underserved counties; it drew strong support from podiatrists and medical groups and no opposition. AB 2011 by Assembly Member Hart would codify federal mental health and substance use disorder parity standards into state law; supporters argued it would preserve access if federal enforcement weakens, while health plans and insurers opposed it as premature and potentially confusing. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Appropriations and remained on call after a roll vote with several ayes and some noes. The committee also considered AB 2311 by Assembly Member Chiavo, which would allow public health care district hospitals to directly employ physicians. Supporters said the change would help district hospitals recruit and retain doctors and stabilize care in underserved communities, while CMA and emergency physicians warned it could weaken the corporate practice of medicine protections and physician autonomy. Members raised concerns about guardrails, but the author said the bill would continue to be refined; it passed on a due pass motion to the Business and Professions Committee. AB 2030 by Assembly Member Lowenthal would prohibit sales of over-the-counter diet pills and weight-loss or muscle-building supplements to minors, with supporters citing eating disorder risks and opponents objecting to scope, age-verification, and retail requirements. The bill passed on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee. AB 1864 by Assembly Member Berman would require screening of gene synthesis orders to prevent misuse for bioterrorism and would authorize enforcement penalties for noncompliance. Supporters from Stanford, Encode, and the medical community said the measure would align California with federal best practices and address growing biosecurity risks, while life sciences representatives raised concerns about operational burdens and supply-chain impacts. Members discussed whether the bill should include an urgency clause and how to keep the standards current; it passed to the Judiciary Committee. AB 2457 by Assembly Member Connolly would standardize and speed up Medi-Cal managed care credentialing for physicians, and it passed to Appropriations with broad support. Finally, AB 2302, presented on behalf of Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez, would require infant formula manufacturers to test for toxic elements such as lead and arsenic and post results publicly; pediatric and disability advocates supported the measure as a transparency and infant safety bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• multiple factors that contribute to these disabilities, Project TENDR, which stands for Targeting Environmental
• multiple factors that contribute to these disabilities, Project Tender, which stands for targeting environmental
• Hello, Susan Little with the Environmental Working Group, in support. Thank you.
• The motion is due pass as amended to the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee.

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are House Bill 632, which is an act relating to miscellaneous environmental amendments, and House
• to</c> which is an act relating to which is an act relating to miscellaneous<00:08:42.959><c> environmental
• </c><00:08:44.080><c> amendments,</c> miscellaneous environmental amendments, miscellaneous environmental

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Taking action against QLB is essential to our environmental health, local food security, and cultural
• 38.079><c> our</c> action against QLB is essential to our action against QLB is essential to our environmental
• <00:52:38.880><c> health,</c><00:52:39.280><c> local</c><00:52:39.520><c> food</c> environmental health
• , local food environmental health, local food security,<00:52:40.160><c> and</c><00:52:40.400><c> cultural

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 13 and heard several bills, with most testimony focused on House Bill 2340, an emergency appropriation for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui wildfire exposure study and Maui Health Registry. Supporters described the program as a critical, community-based response to the Maui fires that provides health screenings, mental health support, referrals, and workforce training. Testifiers said the study has identified serious health issues, including respiratory problems, heavy metal exposure, high blood pressure, diabetes, and anemia, and several emphasized that the program has saved lives and should be expanded to reach more children and underserved residents. Committee members also noted broad written support from medical, public health, and community organizations. The committee then heard House Bill 65, HD1, on human and community resilience, which would fund development of a Human and Community Resilience Institute. The dean testifying for the University of Hawaii said the institute would take a data-driven, community-based approach to food and nutritional security, especially given Hawaii’s high food insecurity rate and the loss of SNAP-related positions. House Bill 6005, also on the agenda, drew testimony in support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and others, though the transcript excerpt does not include the bill’s full description. The committee also heard House Bill 1605, HD1, expanding the Hawaii National Guard state tuition assistance program to graduate degrees; the Department of Defense, Hawaii Army National Guard, and University of Hawaii supported it, and members clarified that it is a state program separate from the federal GI Bill, though it may sometimes be combined depending on eligibility. Later, the committee heard House Bill 1967, HD1, on permitting workforce development, which would implement recommendations of the speed task force by creating a permitting workforce pipeline with community colleges and coordinating with state and county permitting agencies. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the University of Hawaii supported the measure. House Bill 2139, HD1, on invasive species, would fund research on treatment methods for the Queensland Longhorn Beetle; DLNR, the Farm Bureau, CGAPS, University of Hawaii at Hilo researchers, farmers, and others supported it, citing damage to native trees, culturally important plants, and crops such as cacao, and noting promising early results from nematode biocontrol trials. The final bill heard was House Bill 2383, HD1, establishing a statewide workforce PELL grant framework for short-term training programs; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Workforce Development Council, and the University of Hawaii testified, and a committee discussion followed about how responsibilities would be divided among DIR, WDC, and the governor’s certification role. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The remainder of the findings, maybe with the exception of the Department of Environmental Quality, are
• Five is a lot for the Department of Environmental Quality.
• The remainder of the findings, maybe with the exception of Department of Environmental Quality, are kind
• Five is a lot for the Department of Environmental Quality.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation on Idaho’s medical education workforce plan, developed from House Bill 368. The presenter said the working group unanimously supported a long-term plan to address Idaho’s physician shortage, noting Idaho ranks 50th per capita in physicians and would need roughly 1,400 more doctors to reach the national average. Recommendations included maintaining existing WAMI and other state-supported seats, adding 10 non-WAMI seats this year, expanding graduate medical education by 15 seats, creating a dedicated health education coordinator/director to manage undergraduate and graduate placements and clinical sites, and using one-time Rural Health Transformation funds for larger investments. Members discussed the value of WAMI, the need for more clinical training sites, rural recruitment incentives, the role of nurse practitioners and other providers, and how to measure results. No formal vote was taken in the transcript. The committee then received April Renfro’s update on the statewide single audit and related accountability work. She reported $5.4 billion in federal assistance audited for fiscal year 2024, 45 findings, seven repeat findings, $2.4 million in known questioned costs, and $2 million in projected questioned costs. Major issues were concentrated at the Department of Health and Welfare, especially Medicaid managed care eligibility and provider oversight, delayed health and safety surveys, and reporting problems tied in part to the Luma transition. Other notable findings involved the Child Care and Development Fund, Vocational Rehabilitation, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance, and DEQ. Members pressed her on accountability, fraud detection, managed care oversight, Luma-related errors, staffing, and which findings should be prioritized for follow-up. She said her office would provide a top-10 list of priorities to the co-chairs. No vote was taken. After a break, the committee heard a budget presentation from Brooke Dupree on how to read the front-end reports in the legislative budget book. She explained the state’s constitutional structure, the 20 executive departments, and the decision-unit budget model, including the sequence from the current-year appropriation to maintenance, enhancements, and the final fiscal year 2027 original appropriation. She also walked through request-versus-recommendation reports and fund-source comparisons. Members asked a few clarifying questions, including what falls under public school support. The final item began a short presentation from the Impact Review Team on a base budget dashboard tool, described as a different way to view existing budget data.

Transcript Highlights:

• So some of the questions that get into, like, environmental impact, you know, our partner agencies need
• some of the questions that get into So some of the questions that get into like<00:27:58.640><c> environmental
• <c> impact</c><00:28:00.559><c> um</c><00:28:00.880><c> you</c><00:28:01.039><c> know</c> like environmental
• impact um you know like environmental impact um you know our<00:28:01.520><c> our</c><00:28:02.240><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, House Bill 610 had some concerns that there is a potential to have more focus on environmental policy
• So, I leave the<00:18:11.760><c> environmental</c><00:18:12.480><c> advocacy</c><00:18:12.960><c> to<
• /c><00:18:13.280><c> people</c><00:18:13.440><c> who</c> the environmental advocacy to people who the
• environmental advocacy to people who are<00:18:13.840><c> in</c><00:18:14.160><c> that</c><00:18:14.480

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Executive Departments and Administration Committee met in executive session on November 5, 2025, to consider House Bills 244, 610, and 727, and Senate Bills 94 and 193. On HB 244, which recodifies municipal enforcement of the building and fire code, the committee adopted amendment 2025-2952H by a 16-0 vote, then voted 16-0 to report the bill ought to pass as amended and placed it on the consent calendar. The discussion emphasized that the bill reorganizes building code statutes into a single chapter and was the product of substantial subcommittee work. On HB 610, concerning repeal of the Office of the Consumer Advocate, the committee adopted amendment 2025-3076H by a 16-0 vote. The amendment narrowed the office’s charge to residential utility customers, added duties for the Residential Ratepayer Advisory Board, allowed a two-thirds board recommendation to remove a consumer advocate for failing to perform duties, and broadened the qualifications pool for the position while retaining attorney eligibility. The current consumer advocate, Donald Crease, testified that he still preferred the existing statute but appreciated the committee’s effort to preserve a vigilant, independent ratepayer voice; members generally described the amendment as a more focused, less drastic approach. The committee then voted 16-0 to report HB 610 ought to pass as amended and placed it on consent. For HB 727, relating to the New Hampshire retirement system, the committee voted to inexpediently legislate by a 15-0 vote, with one member recused, explaining that the bill’s subject matter had already been addressed in House Bill 2 and signed by the governor. The bill was also placed on the consent calendar. On Senate Bill 94, prohibiting municipal amendments to the state building code, the committee heard extensive explanation from Mr. Sherman about a substitute amendment, 2025-2972H, which would preserve the prohibition on technical municipal amendments and avoid an unintended trigger that could reopen technical amendments across the code if the state falls behind on model code updates. The committee adopted the amendment 15-1 and then moved toward an ought to pass as amended recommendation; the transcript cuts off before the final disposition on SB 94 is fully completed. Senate Bill 193 was listed at the start of the meeting, but no discussion of it appears in the provided transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first measure is HB 256 HD2 SD1, relating to environmental protection. reservations or objections
• HB256 HB256 HB256 HD2SD1<01:02:44.319><c> relating</c><01:02:44.640><c> to</c><01:02:44.799><c> environmental
• </c> HD2SD1 relating to environmental HD2SD1 relating to environmental protection.<01:02:46.720><c> The

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: At a joint Senate hearing on SCR 198 and SR 178, the committees considered resolutions urging Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to seek subrogation claims against polluters linked to worsening climate impacts and higher insurance costs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with 47 written testimonies in support and additional oral support from former Honolulu chief resilience officer Josh Tamro. The committees recommended passage with amendments, narrowing the language to refer specifically to polluters who knowingly engaged in misleading and deceptive practices about the connection between their products and climate change, along with technical non-substantive edits. Both committees adopted the amended resolutions by vote. At a separate joint hearing on STR 226 and SR 201, which urged changes to Medicaid 1915 home and community-based services waiver eligibility criteria, supporters argued the current rules and administrative guidance were inconsistent and left some people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with mental health dual diagnoses, without proper access. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the intent but noted factual issues and said a memo from the department addressed only part of the problem, not the mental health-related concerns. After discussion, the chair concluded the resolution was not the best vehicle and deferred it, suggesting a more comprehensive bill would be needed. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee also took up HB 799 HD2 SD1 on healthcare and recommended passage with amendments, including striking a written transfer-agreement requirement, shortening the sunset to June 30, 2028, removing a related timeline, and making technical corrections. In another joint hearing, SCR 222 and SR 197, which would have urged towing companies to have on-site ATMs for vehicle owners, drew opposition from the Office of Consumer Protection, which said Act 60 already requires credit and debit card acceptance and that ATMs could let companies evade the law. Members noted ongoing complaints and weak enforcement, and the chair recommended turning the issue into a task force for further study, with decision-making deferred because of quorum issues. The committee also heard several other resolutions: STR 57 and SR 41, urging Congress to create a national reinsurance program, received only supportive testimony; STR 70 and SR 54, calling for a pharmacy reimbursement working group, also drew support; and STR 123, proposing an attorney general-led landlord-tenant working group, received comments from the Attorney General’s Office suggesting a more appropriate lead agency and noting the Legislative Reference Bureau may be better suited to assist. No final adverse action was taken on those measures during the hearing segment described.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is not an accident, but a calculated effort to sever the child's bonds with the other parent.
• bill is not about punishment; it's about deterrence, accountability, and the protection of family bonds
• :55:37.960><c> protection</c><00:55:38.359><c> of</c><00:55:38.480><c> family</c><00:55:38.840><c> bonds
• </c><00:55:39.960><c> Children</c> the protection of family bonds.
• Children the protection of family bonds.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund, managed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental
• <00:16:49.240><c> triggered</c> environmentally triggered environmentally triggered diseases<00:16:51.319
• The Department of Environmental Services is just tracking this bill at this point.
• </c><00:24:07.520><c> Services</c> the Department of Environmental Services the Department of Environmental
• <01:23:31.440><c> and</c><01:23:32.040><c> economically</c> environmentally and economically environmentally

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 105, which would create a new conservation license plate and direct the added fee to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund. The sponsor, Rep. Rosemarie Rung, said the bill would create a non-tax revenue source to help address toxic cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire lakes, ponds, and rivers. She described the public health, environmental, and economic harms from blooms, the high cost of watershed management plans and mitigation projects, and the limited current funding available through state and federal sources. She argued that a voluntary plate program could provide sustainable support and raise awareness. Supporters, including Reps. Katie Pell and McDonald, said the bill would help affected lake communities and tourism-dependent areas. New Hampshire DES testified neutrally but confirmed that blooms have increased sharply, that the agency has issued more than 120 warnings in the past two years, and that the existing mitigation fund is nearly depleted after one-time appropriations. DES said the proposed plate would not solve the entire funding need but could provide dedicated revenue for studies and implementation projects. DMV testified that the operational impact of adding a new plate would be minimal. New Hampshire Lakes also supported the bill and said survey results suggested some current Moose plate holders and new registrants would likely choose the Loon plate. Committee members asked about the health effects of cyanobacteria, the expected revenue from the plate, and whether the problem is natural or human-driven. Testimony said exposure can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal illness, and more serious liver or neurological effects, with pets and children at higher risk; one witness also cited research suggesting aerosolized toxins may affect people several kilometers from a bloom. DES explained that while lake sediments can release nutrients, the underlying problem is largely driven by watershed inputs and worsened over time. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair invited written testimony and additional questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Bayer offers Senate Bill 1046, a bill to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection
• Senate Bill 1046, a bill to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

Summary: The Senate met with 27 members present and a quorum, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of motions, recesses, and introductions of bills. Several new bills were read and referred, including measures affecting the Income Tax Act, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, public utilities, nondisclosure agreements, data centers and community benefit agreements, zoning, Medicaid false claims, and the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Act, with referrals mainly to finance, energy and environment, and housing and human services committees. In the Committee of the Whole, Senate Bills 592, 49, and 50 were reported without amendment and advanced. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bills 900, 820, 966, 967, 968, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, and 978. SB 900 dealt with the Vehicle Code, SB 820 with election law, SB 966 and SBs 974-978 with housing and insurance-related changes, and SB 967 with the Income Tax Act. SB 966, 967, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, and 978 all passed on 20-16 votes, while SB 900 passed 35-1. Senate Bill 973, creating a state-based health insurance exchange as a nonprofit corporation, drew the most debate. Senators Weber, Lindsay, and Halk offered amendments, all of which were defeated after recorded votes; Weber argued for cost controls and consumer savings, while supporters said the bill would give Michigan more control over health care decisions and could lower premiums. Senator Irwin spoke in support of the housing-related package, saying it would help address the state’s housing shortage. Senate Bill 592, concerning the Corrections Code, was also passed after a 31-5 vote, with Senator Lindsay explaining his no vote as concern about how the bill treats juvenile offenders. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 133, urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to honor commitments to Michigan farmers participating in the Rural Energy for America Program. Senator McCann supported the resolution, citing farm losses from federal rollbacks, while Senator McBroom gave a strong no-vote explanation criticizing state energy policy and the resolution’s framing. The session ended with remarks recognizing Juneteenth and an anecdotal bipartisan exchange between senators before the chamber adjourned until June 23 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It overrides counties, weakens zoning authority, and removes critical environmental review protections
• input, people are concerned about water use, noise, land impacts, transmission infrastructure, environmental

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, welcomed former Senator Limpancrazi, and recognized page Owen Washburn and his family. The chamber then moved through messages and second-reading listings, and the Committee of the Whole considered several House bills. HB 2398, dealing with watercraft operation and peer-to-peer watercraft sharing insurance, received a floor amendment clarifying the types of insurers that may provide primary commercial boat liability coverage and was reported do pass as amended. HB 2477, relating to the Arizona Education Savings Plan, was amended to add investment guardrails, conflict-of-interest protections, an advisory team, limits on land investments, and statutory treatment of the local government investment pool, then reported do pass as amended. The Committee of the Whole also considered HB 2251 on midwifery, which was amended to transfer oversight of licensed midwives from the Department of Health Services to the Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board, add a licensed midwife to the board, separate midwife and naturopathic funds, apply investigative and disciplinary procedures, and make conforming changes; it was reported do pass as amended. HB 2991, concerning minors’ access to technology content and social media, drew extensive debate. A floor amendment revised age-signal and parental-consent procedures, changed default settings language, removed a private right of action, and made other technical changes. Senators Tise, Epstein, and others argued the bill still raised serious First Amendment and censorship concerns, while Senator Bullock defended it as a child-safety measure that did not require uploading ID. The bill was ultimately reported do pass as amended. In third reading, the Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report, retained HB 2397 on the calendar, and voted on several bills. HB 2104, HB 2105, HB 2763, HB 2786, HB 2771, HB 2782, and HB 4117 passed; HB 2457, HB 2494, and HB 2696 failed. HB 2457 and HB 2494 drew opposition over local control and land-use concerns, while HB 2696, aimed at fuel and gas prices, drew criticism that the Commerce Authority was not the right vehicle and that the issue was driven by federal policy. HB 4117, relating to offenses against public order and religious services, passed after sharp debate over whether it would protect worship or chill protest and free speech, with opponents warning of vague language and potential political prosecutions. The Senate also voted to reconsider its prior action on HB 2311 and HB 2601, requested the House return HB 2995 for reconsideration, and adjourned until Thursday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It overrides counties, it weakens zoning authority, and it removes critical environmental review protections
• input, people are concerned about water use, noise, land impacts, transmission infrastructure, environmental

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 949 by Senator Becker, relating to equity in environmental protection.
• Members, Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy will be meeting

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then took up several floor items. AB 108, a budget bill, was presented as a one-time $25 million grant program through HCAI to help severely distressed nonprofit and public hospitals with less than 10 days cash on hand and limited other options, along with a technical fix for the property tax postponement program. Senators Laird and Jones spoke in support, and the bill passed 36-0 with immediate transmittal granted. The chamber then adopted a series of resolutions recognizing CASA Appreciation Day (SCR 162), California Wildfire Preparedness Week (SCR 165), California Rail Month (SCR 84), the National Day of Prayer (SCR 153), and Mother’s Day (SCR 167). Floor remarks highlighted the role of CASA volunteers, year-round wildfire risk and local preparedness efforts, rail’s importance to mobility and climate goals, faith and prayer as sources of guidance, and the contributions of mothers and mother figures. All of these resolutions passed, with SCR 153 receiving one no vote and the others passing unanimously or near-unanimously. The Senate also passed SB 1175, which moves lobbyist registration and related filings directly to the Secretary of State to improve timeliness and transparency; SB 949, designating the Santa Cruz Mountains as a landscape of statewide significance; SB 1038, strengthening CalPERS audit notice requirements for unions; and SB 965, making it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain library cards without a parent physically present. Each measure received supportive remarks and passed on strong roll calls. Later, the Senate adopted SR 106 marking Black April Memorial Month and honoring Vietnamese refugees and the Vietnamese American community, with members speaking about the fall of Saigon, refugee sacrifice, and the community’s contributions. The session concluded with committee announcements and an adjournment in memory of Dan Hughes, a former reserve officer, firefighter paramedic, and longtime parks district board member. The Senate announced it would reconvene on Monday, May 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• This budget prioritizes 129 million for climate and hazard resilience, environmental stewardship, and
• education and workforce development, economic development and development, diversification, and environmental

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In this way, the VMT mitigation program reduces the cost of new housing and achieves effective environmental
• ensure that the VMT mitigation program reduces the cost of new housing and achieves effective environmental

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing bills. AB 2270, by Assemblymember Arambula, would give farmworker housing projects scoring parity in the state low-income housing tax credit program so they are not disadvantaged by amenity-proximity criteria that do not fit rural agricultural areas. Supporters, including La Cooperativa Campesina, said the bill would help farmworker projects compete fairly for credits; there was no opposition, and the bill was later approved 11-0 and sent to Appropriations. The committee also considered AB 2552, which would clarify use of the state’s new CEQA vehicle miles traveled (VMT) mitigation bank for affordable housing near transit. The author and supporters from the California Building Industry Association and business groups said the bill would add guardrails so the program is cost-effective and usable, while Housing California, the Planning and Conservation League, and others opposed the least-cost requirement, arguing it could undercut the new mitigation bank before implementation. After discussion about balancing housing and environmental goals, the bill passed 11-1 to Appropriations. AB 2689 would require good cause for nonrenewal of certain state-subsidized housing tenancies when a household’s income exceeds 140% of area median income for two consecutive years, with notice requirements and protections if the tenant cannot afford market rent. Some members supported the bill as a way to free up scarce subsidized units and create a housing “ladder,” while others objected that it could punish people for increasing their income. The bill was amended and passed 11-1. The consent calendar items AB 2308, AB 2397, and AB 2512 were also approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, the Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on resources, environmental protection, and energy will be meeting
• Members, the Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on resources, environmental protection, and energy will be meeting

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present and began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several routine announcements. Senator Weber Pierson removed SB 977 from the consent calendar. The chamber then took up a series of gubernatorial appointments, including Irena Ortega to the Public Employment Relations Board, Monica Erickson as director of the Department of Human Services, Armin Mayor as senior deputy commissioner at the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, and Uca Dunkay to the California State Lottery Commission; all were confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls after brief presentations by Senator Grove. The Senate also considered several commemorative resolutions. SCR 152, by Senator Reyes, designated April 10, 2026 as Dolores Huerta Day. Senators from both parties spoke in support, praising Huerta’s lifelong labor, civil rights, and nonviolent organizing work, and noting her role in the farmworker movement and the contributions of Filipino farmworkers. The resolution passed unanimously. SR 91, by Senator González, recognized Cambodian Genocide Memorial Week; SCR 149, by Senator Valadares, marked World Autism Awareness Day and emphasized early intervention and adult services; and SCR 150, by Senator Choi, recognized National Librarian Day and the public value of librarians. Each of these resolutions was adopted with broad support. The Senate also passed SB 1078 by Senator Laird, an urgency measure giving Santa Cruz County voters the opportunity to consider a local tax increase above the combined local tax rate cap to help fund services, including medical services; the bill passed 29-9 on both urgency and final passage. SR 98 by Senator Wiener, designating Heat Pump Week in California, also passed with strong support, highlighting energy savings, emissions reductions, and the state’s electrification goals. After lifting the call, the chamber confirmed the earlier appointments and adopted the remaining consent calendar items without objection. The session ended with committee announcements and an adjournment in memory of Deanna Mooney, a nurse and community leader, with the Senate scheduled to reconvene on April 20, 2026.