Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 433 provides for Medicaid coverage of certain medications.
• It provides for paid parental leave for eligible employees.
• It already provides the definition. That is what has been changed.
• So I think the fiscal office can provide some additional commentary.
• Senate Bill 202 by Senator Klein-Peter provides for...

Bills: SB25 , SB132 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB237 , SB250 , SB433

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: registrar of voters, parish registrar, chief deputy registrar, confidential assistant, election administration, elections, salary schedule, compensation, merit evaluation, population-based pay, census-based pay, Department of State, Secretary of State, State Board of Election Supervisors, redistricting, senate districts, Senate District 33, Senate District 34, Senate District 35, precincts

Transcript Highlights:

• Twelve of the 14 law enforcement agencies provided the requested information.
• We're the only vendor that provides that live video feed, if it's available.
• So we provide four options for how they can activate an alarm.
• So we provide four options of how they can activate an alarm.
• Do the options we can provide? That's not unique to us.

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Audit Committee

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• businesses are required only to provide an email address...
• Please provide your name and organization, if any.
• Are there other witnesses in opposition simply to provide your name and organization?
• Does anyone wish to provide testimony in opposition? Thank you, Mr. Chair. the healing.
• It is a human being, but most everything was provided to them.

Summary: The committee held its first hearing and took up several privacy, AI, and consumer protection bills. SB 1106 (Cabaldon) would shorten the Delete Act data broker deletion response deadline from 45 days to 30 days; it received support from the California Initiative for Technology and Democracy, one senator said they would lay off pending implementation of the original law, and the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations with a 5-0 vote on call. SB 923 (Becker) would expand the CCPA deletion right to all personal information held by businesses and require online-only businesses to offer a web form or similar method for privacy requests; supporters included the California Privacy Protection Agency and privacy groups, while business groups raised concerns about scope, compliance, and the email/web-form requirement. The committee advanced it 6-0 to Appropriations, on call, with members noting continued work on amendments. SB 1142 (Becker) would regulate digital replicas and deepfakes, including takedown and notice provisions for large online platforms and protections against misuse of a person’s likeness, voice, or identity. Supporters emphasized harms from non-consensual synthetic media and fraud; opponents, including the Motion Picture Association and tech industry groups, raised First Amendment, due process, Section 230, and overbreadth concerns, especially around deceased persons and the 48-hour takedown process. Members said they would support the bill while working on constitutional issues, and it passed 6-0 to Judiciary, on call. The committee also adopted its rules without objection. The committee then heard several member bills. SB 867 (Padilla) would impose a four-year moratorium on AI chatbot-powered toys for children; supporters cited research showing sexual content, dangerous advice, and privacy risks, while opponents asked for narrower definitions and retailer liability protections. It passed 7-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1247 (Padilla) would give child influencers a right to request deletion or modification of images and likenesses used in monetized social media content; there was little testimony beyond a civil justice group’s opposition to a new private right of action, and it passed 7-0 to Judiciary, on call. SB 1114 (Cabaldon) would restrict sharing of state-collected LGBTQ-related data absent an enforceable order; Equality California and other advocates supported it as a safeguard against misuse of sensitive data, and it passed 6-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1159 (Cabaldon) would limit local governments’ obligation to treat AI bots and agents as persons in public participation and records processes; supporters said AI-generated comment floods and requests can drown out human participation, while opponents argued the bill should focus on fraud and warned about overreach. It passed 9-0 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1050 (Ashby) would require disclosures when advertisements use AI-generated synthetic performers; supporters framed it as a truth-in-advertising and worker-protection measure, while opponents urged narrower, materiality-based standards and exemptions for broadcasters. Members generally supported the goal but raised concerns about breadth and alignment with existing law, and the bill was moved forward on a due-pass motion to Judiciary.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a function of our organization, a division of our organization, and it helps provide water providers
• So we have unmet demand in designated providers. That's undeniable.
• Let's grow in designated providers. Let's get what we can in terms of the economy.
• I'm not proposing a bill to change the system on designated providers.
• This has to do with the wells and getting money to provide them.

Committee: House House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee took up a series of water, mining, and regulatory bills. HB 2260 and HB 2986, both cleanup/technical measures, were passed unanimously with due-pass recommendations after brief staff presentations and no opposition. HB 2827, extending Pinal AMA groundwater fee authority and related fund timelines to support irrigation district infrastructure, also passed unanimously after testimony from district representatives about using the fees for wells, piping, and conservation projects tied to the loss of CAP water. The committee then heard HCM 2009, which urges Congress to amend the Antiquities Act, address split estate mineral rights, and streamline mining permitting. Mining industry testimony emphasized Arizona’s copper and critical mineral production and the economic and national security importance of access to mineral resources; opponents argued the memorial would undermine protected lands and conservation. The memorial passed on a 5-4 vote. HCR 2038, supporting a seven-state Colorado River agreement and Arizona’s position in ongoing negotiations, drew broad support from water interests and passed 9-1. HB 2078, clarifying that expanded public notice for aggregate mine reclamation plans applies only to new plans and not existing mines, passed 9-1 after the sponsor and industry witnesses said it was meant to match prior legislative intent. HB 2026, HB 2027, HB 2028, HB 2031, HB 2094, and HB 2095 were then considered as water-management bills. HB 2026 and HB 2028 passed 6-4 over concerns from ADWR, while HB 2027 passed 6-4 after adoption of a Griffin amendment despite strong opposition from CAP, municipal water users, ADWR, and several cities who warned it could weaken assured water supply protections and CAGRD replenishment obligations. HB 2031 and HB 2094 also passed on narrow 5-4 votes. HB 2095 was still under discussion at the end of the transcript, with opposition testimony from municipal water interests arguing that groundwater availability should be evaluated regionally rather than by a single-well or site-specific approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> certain warehouse employees to provide certain warehouse employees to provide written<00:09:22.399
• </c> &gt;&gt; Thank you for the opportunity to provide &gt;&gt; Thank you for the opportunity to provide
• </c><00:10:56.560><c> the</c> 28-2 and 28-2.5 already provide the 28-2 and 28-2.5 already provide the
• </c> provider will proceed on a negative. provider will proceed on a negative.
• </c><00:34:56.000><c> sufficient</c> jurisdiction could provide sufficient jurisdiction could provide

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology heard testimony on several labor-related bills. SB 2567 would allow public employers to seek temporary restraining orders against harassment of employees; the Judiciary, DHS, DOE, and others supported it, with some asking that coverage be broadened to all public employees. The Judiciary said it would not oppose expanding the bill’s scope. The chair deferred decision-making on SB 2567 to February 13, 2026, to allow further discussion with the Judiciary and Attorney General’s Office. SB 2386 would expand pay-transparency requirements for job listings and lower the small-employer exemption threshold from 50 to 25 employees. Testifiers largely supported the measure, citing transparency and retention benefits, while one opposition was noted. The committee voted to pass SB 2386 with amendments, including changing the effective date to January 1, 2077. SB 2389, the Warehouse Workers Protection Act, drew support from labor advocates but concerns from DLIR and the Attorney General’s Office about enforcement and a prosecutorial provision; after questions about quota tracking and recordkeeping, the chair deferred the bill. SB 2663 would require employers to respond in writing to workers’ compensation treatment plans within seven days and establish related penalties. DLIR opposed the bill as drafted, citing fairness and existing statutory conflicts, while injured workers and labor representatives supported it and described long delays in treatment approvals. The committee voted to pass SB 2663 with amendments, including directing fines to the special compensation fund, clarifying enforcement, and setting the effective date to January 1, 2077. SB 2555 would allow retirees to work in succession-planning positions without losing retirement benefits; ERS supported the intent but suggested an annual reporting requirement and noted existing rehire mechanisms. The committee voted to pass SB 2555 with amendments, including an annual report requirement and the same January 1, 2077 effective date. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we provide the protective cover for that application and the Secretary's Department provides the
• I provided you two handouts and I'll just touch on them really quickly.
• We provide a fair bit of money for that.
• Some might provide transitional work for a year We provide a lot of additional funding for specialty
• You've gotta be reporting and providing periodic reports as are required.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1458 seeks to provide consistency and transparency in the administration of pre-apprenticeship
• both local education agencies and the registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training providers
• bill requires the local education agency and their pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship training provider
• I will provide you that immediately. Thank you. Madam Chair, yes, ma’am.
• My experience has provided me with a robust understanding of the workforce needs of our military.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education heard and approved two bills before moving into confirmation hearings for several university and college board nominees. CS/SB 1458 on apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships was presented as a measure to improve consistency and transparency in local education agency partnerships, cap LEA administrative funding at 10% when applicable, and require public meetings and work papers for workforce funding model decisions. Support was noted from Associated Builders and Contractors, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Foundations for Florida Futures, and Independent Electrical Contractors. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/CS/SB 1726 on higher education governance and presidential searches after adopting a delete-all amendment and a late-filed amendment defining the final group of presidential applicants as no fewer than three. The amended bill added provisions on trustee citizenship and residency/alumni eligibility, interim president succession planning, longer presidential contract renewals, limits on candidate polling by universities, syllabus posting, textbook/open-access material lists, and other governance and academic policy changes. Senators raised concerns about the minimum-three finalist requirement, interim president selection, trustee eligibility, and polling restrictions, while supporters said the bill would depoliticize leadership selection and improve transparency. The bill was reported favorably after the amendments were adopted. The committee then heard confirmation testimony from multiple appointees and reappointees, including nominees for FAMU, UNF, Pensacola State College, UWF, and UF. Most nominees emphasized ties to their institutions, student success, workforce development, military connections, and institutional growth. Several UWF nominees were questioned extensively about their votes for former chair Scott Yenner and his controversial comments about women and other groups; some said they were unaware of those remarks at the time of the vote and would not have supported him with that knowledge. Public testimony on UWF expressed concern about the nominees’ lack of higher education experience, their ties to the region, and the impact of Yenner’s views. The committee later voted to recommend a block of non-UWF nominees favorably, and it agreed to vote on the UWF nominees individually, with some remaining nominees deferred to a later hearing due to time.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it provides that flexibility.
• We're looking at what kind of site selection data have they provided.
• I'm here to provide an overview of our trailer bill language and budget change proposals.
• I just want to provide clarity on the exam hourly fee.
• them if you adopted it as they've provided it is to allow them to adjust it over time.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration heard presentations from Go-Biz and the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation on the Governor’s budget proposals. Go-Biz described California Jobs First, the state’s 10-year economic development strategy, and emphasized support for small businesses, workforce development, and targeted investment in sectors such as ag tech, life sciences, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. Members raised concerns about federal policy changes, tariffs, tourism, housing, child care, and whether state incentives are truly additive; Go-Biz responded that it tracks federal actions closely, works with chambers and advocates, and uses programs like California Competes to target jobs that would not otherwise come to California. The committee then reviewed the proposal to restore the California Competes grant program with $60 million. Go-Biz said the grant would help businesses that cannot use the nonrefundable tax credit, and explained the program’s five-year contracts, milestone-based awards, and recapture provisions. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the grant could be effective but recommended stronger oversight and clearer eligibility criteria, while also noting the 30% cap in trailer bill language may be too restrictive given the smaller funding level. Public testimony supported the grant and suggested considering refundability or transferability for the tax credit to broaden access for smaller and startup businesses. Members also heard the CHIPS-related proposal for $25 million to support Natcast’s semiconductor design and collaboration facility in Sunnyvale. Go-Biz and public witnesses argued the state investment would help secure a major federal research facility, retain engineering talent, and leverage billions in broader investment, while the LAO recommended rejecting the item because of its dependence on uncertain federal funding and the state’s budget condition. The committee also considered a $17 million continuation of CA RISE, which supports employment social enterprises; Go-Biz and several grantees cited strong job placement and workforce outcomes, while the LAO recommended rejection absent a more rigorous evaluation, noting prior LA RISE evidence did not show long-term employment gains. Finally, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented budget requests for IT security and rent increases, and a trailer bill to raise fees across several programs. DFPI said decades-old fee schedules, inflation, and new regulatory responsibilities have created a structural deficit and warned the department could face insolvency without adjustments. The LAO recommended approving the fee increases only on a three-year limited-term basis and asked for more detailed revenue plans for programs not covered by the proposal, so the Legislature can assess actual collections and market impacts before making the changes permanent.

Transcript Highlights:

• It provided clear guidance to applicants about registration expectations.
• Is there information registrants aren't providing in advance?
• Yeah, why don't we go ahead and provide that? So they go ahead? Yeah.
• I provided the information.
• Along those lines, the department does not publicly provide the data that registrants provide them when

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate hearing examined whether California’s pesticide program is meeting its public-protection goals, with opening remarks from committee chairs emphasizing the state’s large pesticide use, the need to transition toward sustainable pest management, and ongoing oversight including a state audit of DPR and county agricultural commissioner enforcement. The hearing also referenced recent concerns in Ladera Ranch about childhood cancer cases and the need for transparent investigation and community access to information. Panel one focused on human health and the regulatory framework. Dr. Anna Maria Mora described long-running CHAMACOS research showing widespread pesticide exposure in farmworker families, links to neurodevelopmental, respiratory, liver, and cardiometabolic harms, and greater impacts on children facing social adversity. She urged biomonitoring, better linkage of exposure data to health outcomes, regulation of chemical classes and mixtures, stronger buffers around homes and schools, and more community-based research. Professor Tim Malloy explained California’s two-tier system of DPR registration and county permitting, said the state’s program is strong but falls short on cumulative exposure analysis and alternatives assessment, and argued that DPR and counties need better tools, training, and funding to implement legally required protections. Committee members asked about biomonitoring, class-based regulation, and how to make pesticide data more usable for the public. Panel two brought testimony from environmental justice and farmworker advocates, who argued that California remains behind other jurisdictions by allowing highly hazardous pesticides, including 1,3-dichloropropene and paraquat, and by relying on a funding structure tied to pesticide sales. Witnesses said DPR often moves too slowly on reevaluations, rarely assesses combined exposures, and does not adequately account for health, environmental, and social costs or conflicts of interest involving pest control advisors. They also described inconsistent county-level implementation, weak outreach, and confusion over whether DPR or county agricultural commissioners are responsible for enforcement, and urged faster phaseouts, tiered fees, stronger local protections, and clearer accountability. Panel three represented regulated entities and agricultural stakeholders, who supported the goals of safer pest management but stressed that California’s registration process must be more predictable, transparent, and timely. They said AB 2113’s staffing and timeline reforms were important, but backlog and delays still hinder access to newer, lower-risk products and can hurt both consumer and agricultural uses. Agricultural witnesses also emphasized the need to invest more in pest prevention, invasive species detection, extension support, farmer training, and practical incentives for sustainable pest management. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members pressing witnesses on timelines, implementation, funding, and the division of responsibility between DPR and county agencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• It provided clear guidance to applicants about registration expectations.
• Is there information registrants aren't providing in advance?
• Yeah, why don't we go ahead and provide that? So they go ahead? Yeah.
• The department does not publicly provide the data that registrants provide them when registrations or
• does not publicly provide the data that registrants provide them when registrations or evaluations are

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With providing that guest experience, we are able to interact with the customer.
• We have not been provided with a book in a couple of years.
• Thank you for providing the opportunity to express our views on S. 189 and H. 433.
• the competence to provide a safe and reliable repair.
• The programs provide consumers with a predictable and high-quality repair experience.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 452, a right-to-repair bill for agricultural equipment. Farm Bureau and several manufacturers’ representatives opposed the bill, arguing that existing memorandums of understanding already provide farmers access to parts, diagnostics, and repair information, and warning that broader software access could increase emissions tampering and safety risks. Supporters, including repair advocates, a legislator, and a farmer representative, argued that the MOUs are not binding, that farmers need enforceable repair rights to avoid costly delays during critical harvest periods, and that owners should be able to repair equipment they bought without dealer lock-in. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on bills to limit or eliminate “grab-and-go” alcohol sales at large venues, including House Bill 325 and Senate Bill 225. Union workers from Fenway Park and the TD Garden described self-checkout alcohol kiosks as creating public safety and compliance problems, including underage access, over-serving, theft, and difficulty monitoring intoxication in crowded settings. They said workers are often understaffed and bear discipline when violations occur. In contrast, the Boston Red Sox and Aramark defended the supervised self-checkout model, saying it speeds service, is widely used, and operates with multiple layers of supervision, training, and regulatory oversight; they said they had not received violation notices and that any incidents are isolated. Senator Edwards also testified in support of House Bill 369, aimed at restricting marketing of certain harsh cosmetic products to children, and in support of the grab-and-go bill. She argued that children should not be targeted with products containing toxic chemicals and that alcohol service should remain supervised by trained staff to protect consumers and jobs. Senator Collins and other legislators also spoke in favor of restricting grab-and-go alcohol service, citing concerns about underage drinking and overconsumption. The hearing additionally included a separate bill on Sunday morning alcohol service, with Representatives Scanlon and Lewis arguing for allowing sales beginning at 8 a.m. on Sundays rather than 10 a.m., but that bill was only discussed briefly and no action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we will continue to provide that level of service to folks.
• So this proposal would really provide a more stable source of funding.
• Okay, so lastly, I will provide the LAO's assessment and our recommendations.
• Is there some historical data that you can provide there?
• I want to provide two brief comments.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation heard an informational hearing with Secretary Garcia and CalEPA-related departments on the administration’s budget proposals and related environmental programs. Secretary Garcia highlighted CalEPA’s work on methane reduction, community air protection, water infrastructure, Exide cleanup, safer pesticide alternatives, Prop 4 implementation, and Bay-Delta water quality, while emphasizing the impact of federal rollbacks and the need for flexible state response. Members raised broader policy concerns about the polluter-pays principle, special fund vacancies, and whether the state is maintaining sufficient staffing and enforcement capacity, especially after recent fee increases. A major portion of the hearing focused on landfill support, response, and enforcement, particularly subsurface elevated temperature events at Chiquita Canyon and El Sobrante. CalEPA requested $5.1 million and 12 positions to improve monitoring, technical response, coordination, and enforcement across CalRecycle, CARB, DTSC, the Water Board, and OEHHA. Assembly Member Schiavo described severe community impacts from Chiquita Canyon and pressed for stronger state action, more transparency, and accountability from landfill operators; Assembly Member Rogers emphasized that accountability must mean forcing operators to take preventive measures and bear the costs. Agency staff said the proposal would help augment current response efforts, support local enforcement agencies, and improve early detection, while acknowledging that the causes of set events are not fully understood and may involve factors such as lithium-ion batteries, oxygen intrusion, and gas extraction practices. The committee then heard an update on the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water program and the effects of the new cap-and-invest structure. State Water Board Chair Joaquin Esquivel reported that the program has reduced the number of Californians without safe drinking water from 1.6 million to about 600,000 since 2019, while also bringing 320 systems back into compliance and distributing $1.8 billion in drinking water grants. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that under SB 840, SAFER is now in a lower funding tier, which could reduce annual proceeds from the prior $130 million level to a projected $92 million in 2026-27 and delay funding until later in the year. Members expressed concern that this deprioritizes rural drinking water needs, while the board said it would continue using SAFER’s flexible funds for emergency water, technical assistance, and construction, and would keep pushing consolidations and other long-term solutions for the remaining failing systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:17.279><c> a</c> and residential tenants and to provide a and residential tenants and to provide
• </c><00:24:23.440><c> your</c> for the record and provide your for the record and provide your testimony
• </c> Please introduce yourself and provide Please introduce yourself and provide your<00:27:13.480><c
• </c><00:29:21.279><c> direct</c> state programs that provide direct state programs that provide direct
• </c> provide your testimony. provide your testimony.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It can be providing grants.
• So hopefully that will provide some insights.
• So hopefully that will provide some insights.
• funding and funding provided by the CWMP.
• It's us providing..." "...done.

Summary: The hearing focused on California wildfire resilience, with the first panel discussing statewide funding, policy, and strategic priorities, and the second panel shifting to home hardening and defensible space. The LAO outlined the state’s wildfire risk, the large increase in resilience spending in recent years, and the fact that most funding has been one-time rather than ongoing. Testimony emphasized that wildfire risk varies greatly by region, that the state must balance response spending with prevention, and that success should be measured more carefully than by acres treated alone. Witnesses also noted the importance of local, federal, utility, and Proposition 4 funding sources, as well as the need for long-term maintenance and strategic prioritization rather than scattered projects. Cal Fire leadership and other witnesses stressed that California’s wildfire problem is not uniform: forested areas, chaparral, and wildland-urban interface communities require different strategies. In Northern California and forested watersheds, speakers emphasized fuels reduction, prescribed and cultural burning, strategic fuel breaks, watershed protection, and maintaining forest health. In Southern California, testimony focused on wind-driven fires, ember intrusion, ignition prevention along roads and power lines, and the limits of large-scale vegetation clearing. Several witnesses argued that the state should invest where it can leverage local and regional partnerships, support capacity-building programs like Regional Forest and Fire Capacity, and improve data systems to track treatment effectiveness and project outcomes. Members repeatedly pressed witnesses on how to prioritize limited funds, asking what should be done more of, less of, and first. The chair argued that protecting homes and communities through hardening and defensible space should be a major priority, especially near structures, while also acknowledging the need for broader landscape work and watershed protection. There was discussion of incentives such as insurance discounts, property tax treatment, and community certification for hardened homes, along with the need for multiple payers rather than relying on the state alone. Cal Fire reported new and expanding data tools, including treatment trackers, defensible space inspection dashboards, and a fuels treatment effectiveness program that evaluates whether nearby treatments affected wildfire behavior. No votes were taken because the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• :50.479><c> state</c> The enlistment incentives provide state The enlistment incentives provide state
• </c> that we have here allow us to provide that we have here allow us to provide reinlistment<00:14:37.360
• So can only offer what we're provided.
• It would provide a 5% pay bonus. And 5% is not a whole lot.
• </c><00:57:33.119><c> a</c> Assistant Program just provides a Assistant Program just provides a one-time

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> uh 1A for the preferred provider uh 1A for the preferred provider network.<00:28:23.080><c> Uh</
• </c> that in a minute, but to provide that in a minute, but to provide treatment<01:49:20.040><c> to<
• That we they need to provide an annual That we they need to provide an annual accounting<02:18:38.639
• > healthcare</c> A person, provider, or healthcare A person, provider, or healthcare professional<02:
• </c> or to conflict with any law providing or to conflict with any law providing greater<02:37:41.840

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> requirements Minnesota's leas provide requirements Minnesota's leas provide these<00:19:11.159><
• </c><00:20:50.200><c> Minnesota</c> previously and provides Minnesota previously and provides Minnesota
• </c> flexibility uh option that's provided flexibility uh option that's provided under<00:53:10.440><
• </c> on the services that were provided on the services that were provided Senator<01:13:03.520><c> M
• </c> Grant I should say is providing Grant I should say is providing engagement<01:24:09.880><c> for<

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• After the SAO's presentation, agency staff will provide comments.
• After the SAO's presentation, agency staff will provide comments on the audit reports, and members will
• Those are more narrow in scope, allowing us to assist more governments while still providing significant
• critical services such as water providers, medical service providers, transportation, and so on.
• Over 250 of Washington's largest water providers throughout the state were identified to ensure that

Committee: Joint JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee held a public hearing on the State Auditor’s Office cybersecurity performance audits for fiscal year 2025, covering both state agencies and local governments. SAO staff explained that the audits are conducted independently under Initiative 900 and are kept confidential at the entity level, with detailed findings shared directly with the audited organizations. They reported that state agency audits found nearly one-third of assessed safeguards fully implemented on all systems and 227 vulnerabilities across seven agencies, including three critical and 21 high-severity issues. For seven local government cybersecurity audits, nearly a quarter of safeguards were fully implemented on all systems, and auditors identified nearly 300 vulnerabilities, including nine critical and 47 high-severity issues. SAO also summarized its ransomware resiliency audits and critical infrastructure audits for local governments. In six ransomware audits, a little over 35% of assessed safeguards were not in place, while about 60% were at least partially in place. In 39 critical infrastructure audits, focused largely on water and sewer providers, auditors found over 260 vulnerabilities and said more than 10% were critical or high. Staff highlighted that these audits have led to improvements, including one vendor making security changes after SAO testing that were later echoed in a federal advisory. They also described related services such as cybersecurity checkups, policy guidance, and other cyber-related work by the office. Washington Technology Solutions’ state chief information security officer, Ralph Johnson, praised the audits and said they help protect essential public services. He cited a sharp national rise in ransomware incidents against governments and said Washington has used more than $11 million in federal and state cybersecurity grant funds for over 200 projects. In response to questions from Representative Scott, SAO and WOTEC discussed options for addressing urgent vulnerabilities, including compensating controls, grant funding, and low-cost mitigation steps. The committee also discussed how Washington’s program compares nationally, with Johnson saying Initiative 900 is unusually comprehensive and that local governments often seek audits voluntarily. No votes were taken, and the hearing adjourned after public testimony was offered but none was given.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to make sure that the developer provides a surety bond or or some type of other financial
• It provides a different housing option.
• Um, in providing condominium stock. Members, any questions? Thank you very much.
• I provided 20 affordable housing units.
• Um, this bill provides 100% protection to the buyer through the surety bond.

Transcript Highlights:

• Occurs when a deposit is made and held in escrow, we're going to make sure that the development provides
• It provides a different housing option, and it ultimately provides more housing.
• housing by providing condominium stock.
• It affects our ability to finance these projects and to provide more product to the marketplace.
• This bill provides 100% protection to the buyer through the surety bond.

Keywords: 1184, house, all