Transcript Highlights:

• We did hear a lot from charter schools yesterday.
• And we hear that every year.
• That's great to hear. I love to hear that. It sounds like you guys support the idea in theory.
• I don't want to hear a school that is banning the use of that because it says here.
• Now we'll take you back to the bill we were going to hear a minute ago.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any persons in the hearing room in support of this measure?
• Persons here in the hearing room in support of this measure?
• Persons here in the hearing room in support of this measure.
• Any persons in the hearing room in opposition?
• Any persons in the hearing room in support of this measure?

Committee: House Natural Resources

Summary: The Assembly Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum established after a brief delay and first adopted two consent items, SB 423 and SB 581. The committee then heard SB 71, which extends and expands an existing CEQA exemption for sustainable transportation projects, including transit, bike, pedestrian, microtransit, paratransit, ferry, and shuttle projects. The author and supporters said the exemption has sped delivery of climate-friendly projects statewide; some members raised concerns about the bill’s Tier 4 diesel rail provisions and right-of-way language, but the bill was passed out as amended to Appropriations. The committee next heard SB 614 on carbon dioxide pipeline safety. The bill would direct the State Fire Marshal to establish safety standards for intrastate CO2 pipelines, using federal draft rules as a starting point while allowing California to add stronger protections. Supporters argued the state must act because federal rulemaking has stalled, while environmental justice groups opposed the bill unless amended, citing siting risks, leak hazards, and the need for more specific setback and planning-zone protections. The bill advanced on a due-pass vote to Appropriations. Members also approved SB 304, a district bill to temporarily lift public trust use restrictions for a portion of Jack London Square in Oakland so the Port can lease the land for broader uses under State Lands Commission oversight and annual reporting. Supporters said the measure would help address high vacancy and revitalize the waterfront; the bill passed with no opposition. The committee then heard SB 830, which creates a CEQA streamlining process for Sutter Health’s new Emeryville hospital campus to replace services lost with the closure of Alta Bates in Berkeley; supporters emphasized access to care, seismic deadlines, and job creation, and the bill passed out as amended to the Judiciary Committee. Finally, the committee took up SB 486, a higher-education planning bill that would require UC and CSU enrollment to be incorporated into regional sustainable communities plans and would limit certain CEQA no-project alternative analyses for campus long-range plans; supporters said it would better align university growth with housing and transportation planning, while opponents warned it could weaken accountability for student housing impacts. The bill was left open for further work and then advanced as amended to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I couldn't hear.
• Hearing none, the committee's substitute is adopted.
• Hearing none, the Chair opens up public testimony.
• Okay, I just need to hear that. I'm sorry, I should have said that. No, I didn't hear it.
• It could lean into that microphone so we can hear you.

Bills: HB 1106 , HB3284 , HB541 , HB713 , HB1403 , HB1586 , HB1942 , HB2070 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB3151 , HB3749 , HB3940 , HB3963 , HB4454 , HB4466 , HB4795 , HB5154 , HB5394 , SB1357 , HB 1052 , HB4099 , HB4638 , HB5147

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, something you hear often as a theme in this committee, Leaders.
• We will be recommending rejecting the three proposals we're hearing today.
• We will be recommending rejecting the three proposals we're hearing today.
• Yeah, just to add, hearing your question, I love your questions, thank you.
• And with that, our hearing is adjourned. Thank you. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance heard an extended discussion on state efforts to recruit, prepare, and retain teachers, with a focus on whether current programs are sustainable and well targeted. Testimony from the Learning Policy Institute, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Department of Education, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office described persistent shortages, especially in special education, math, science, bilingual education, and high-need schools. Speakers emphasized that residency programs, Golden State Teacher Grants, National Board incentives, classified employee pathways, and undergraduate teacher pipelines have helped increase preparation and retention, but many of these efforts rely on one-time funding and lack long-term certainty. Committee members repeatedly raised concerns about the “leaky pipeline,” working conditions, the burden of student debt, and whether the state should simplify and institutionalize support for aspiring teachers rather than rely on a patchwork of grants. The agencies presented data showing continuing shortages and uneven distribution of fully credentialed teachers. CTC reported projected hiring needs of roughly 20,000 to 25,000 teachers annually, with the highest needs in self-contained classrooms, special education, and certain regions of the state. It also noted that emergency permits, waivers, and intern credentials remain high, and that teachers entering through those routes have higher turnover. LPI cited research showing residency-prepared teachers are more effective and more likely to stay, and argued that Golden State Teacher Grants attract candidates who might not otherwise enter teaching and help them complete preparation. CDE stressed that most new demand comes from attrition and urged support for multiple entry points, tuition assistance, and campus-based coursework. Several members also discussed the role of community college pathways, dual credentialing, and support for school leaders as part of retention. The LAO recommended rejecting the educator pipeline proposals under discussion, citing limited evidence of effectiveness and suggesting that any new spending should be more narrowly targeted to the highest-need schools and long-standing shortage subjects. The LAO also said that if the Legislature funds new programs this year, Proposition 98 would be preferable given the state’s fiscal condition. Committee members pushed back on the idea that declining enrollment or layoffs would solve shortages, noting that shortages and layoffs can coexist in different subject areas and regions. The discussion ended with agreement that staff would continue working with agencies on how to make teacher pipeline investments more consistent, coherent, and easier for candidates to navigate. The committee then turned to the Golden State Teacher Grant Program. Finance proposed $50 million in one-time General Fund support to extend the program for one additional year, while the LAO recommended rejecting the proposal because the first CSAC evaluation is not due until later in the year and because the funding would be non-Proposition 98. CSAC supported the extension, saying demand has been strong, over 20,000 aspiring educators have been served since 2021, and the agency had to pause applications after receiving more than 9,200 this year; it also said more than 2,500 candidates had already expressed interest for next year. Members asked how many students the new funding would serve, and CSAC estimated just under 5,000 awards at $10,000 each. The discussion also covered whether the grant could be moved into Proposition 98 and how the one-time nature of the funding affects confidence among prospective teachers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Didn't hear it.
• </c> reasonably to to to hear reasonably to to to hear &gt;&gt; Madam<00:13:18.240><c> Chairman</c> &
• It's great to hear from appreciate it. It's great to hear from the<00:43:03.920><c> youngsters.
• Every time I come to these hearings, I hear about these great Y-TOP scores, and they are.
• , I hear about these great Y-Top hearings, I hear about these great Y-Top scores<01:53:42.159><c> and

Bills: HB0076 , HB0102 , HB0115

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I did hear Representative Lel's question at the other hearing on the privacy, and he mentioned about
• Um I I did hear necessary.
• Uh but you know my my my hearing.
• </c> will close the public hearing will close the public hearing and and and [clears throat] We will
• our next hearing is at 1:00.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:44:50.520><c> that</c> occupied um I know I did not hear that occupied um I know I did not hear
• He said you have not lived until you have been in a zoning board hearing or a planning board hearing
• ><c> where</c><01:00:25.760><c> the</c> a planning board hearing where the a planning board hearing where
• </c> Daxton asked during the public hearing Daxton asked during the public hearing he's<01:20:28.239>
• </c> questioning during the public hearing questioning during the public hearing because<01:48:07.360

Committee: House Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Does the Chair hear any objections to receding to the orders of the day? The Chair hears none.
• The Chair hears objection? The Chair hears none. Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
• Does the Chair hear objection? The Chair hears none. Question comes on adoption of the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing no objection, the journal is approved as corrected by the chief clerk. Comparison reports.
• Hearing no objection, the motions prevail and the substitutions will be made. clerk.
• </c><00:07:09.840><c> Hearing</c><00:07:10.160><c> no</c> motions will prevail.
• Hearing no motions will prevail.
• Hearing no objection, the reports are adopted. Second reading of Senate files.

Transcript Highlights:

• During the hearing, significantly.
• I didn't hear the question.
• </c><04:21:02.800><c> Listen</c> if you hear loud noises. Listen if you hear loud noises.
• I'm hearing I'm not a lawyer, but I'm hearing<04:58:34.638><c> a</c><04:58:34.798><c> lot</c><04:58:
• Thank you. bills to committee, scheduling hearings, bills to committee, scheduling hearings, sending<

Transcript Highlights:

• This is Marina N—can you hear me?
• </c><01:02:10.640><c> you</c> to attempt to um uh you know hear you to attempt to um uh you know hear
• I can hear you. Can you hear me? Well, say hi again.
• Can you hear me? I can hear you, but the others can't hear you, unfortunately.
• Marty was having so I’m double hearing here.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that what I'm hearing you say, Senator? that what I'm hearing you say, Senator?
• Let's hear from the floor amendment. Let's hear from the floor leader. leader. leader.
• Let's hear from the floor amendment. Let's hear from the floor leader. leader. leader.
• Uh if we could hear from right.
• </c> hearing room. hearing room.

Summary: The Senate reconvened after a snow delay, heard an invocation from Reverend Scott Shelton, and conducted several floor introductions and recognitions, including birthday wishes for staff, a welcome for a temporary office staffer, recognition of the Center for Urban Families, and introduction of the week’s pages. The chamber then approved the prior journal and moved through bill and bond initiative readings, referring the listed measures to their standing committees or the capital budget subcommittee. The first substantive action was adoption of a favorable committee report on Senate Bill 17, an emergency bill authorizing the Baltimore City Board of Licensed Commissioners to issue a related event promoters permit for the CIAA tournament. The floor leader said the bill had no amendments, no fiscal impact, and no opposition in committee. The Senate adopted the report without objection and ordered the bill printed for third reading. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 1 from the Judicial Proceedings Committee, which would require the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to adopt a statewide policy on law enforcement face coverings, apply it to state, local, and federal officers in Maryland, and enforce violations through a civil citation and discipline. The committee report included two amendments: one technical and one making the policy statewide and preempting local policies. During extended debate, the bill’s sponsor argued that masks undermine transparency and trust and that the measure would create a uniform standard. A senator from Frederick County questioned whether the bill would effectively create a policy for federal agents without Maryland-specific training and raised concerns about enforcement, temporary detention, complaints, and possible conflicts with federal authority. The sponsor responded that officers would retain discretion, that the bill would be enforced through civil citations, and that similar civil enforcement mechanisms have been upheld in Maryland. No final vote on the amended report is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> have to say it was heartwarming to hear have to say it was heartwarming to hear representative<00
• <01:16:18.800><c> thank</c> hearing thank hearing thank you<01:16:21.280><c> yeah</c><01:16:21.480><c
• </c><01:19:27.320><c> for</c> um I will open the public hearing for um I will open the public hearing
• Thank you very much for hearing me.
• I will close the public hearing, and we are in—next hearing is at 3:30.” we are in are next hearing is

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:59.600><c> of</c> services hearing of services hearing of 2025<00:10:01.519><c> the</c><00
• Thank you so much for hearing this bill.
• </c> that will come up at a different hearing that will come up at a different hearing thank<00:15:46.759
• Thank you very much for hearing this bill.
• Can you hear me okay?

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to housing, homelessness, caregiving, and tax relief. On HB 431, which appropriates funds for the CAL initiative and HHFDC, the Department of Human Services supported the bill and noted the Governor’s request for $50 million per year for HMS, the need for more permanent supportive housing, and a technical issue with establishing a special fund in session law. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions strongly supported the measure, describing it as unprecedented funding for CAL projects and linking it to goals of reducing homelessness and expanding housing inventory. Catholic Charities Hawaii, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition also supported the bill, emphasizing permanent supportive housing, diversion from jail, and public safety benefits. The chair redirected one testifier to stay on the measure when testimony drifted to another program. Written support was also noted from several organizations and agencies. The committee then heard HB 225 on squatting. DHS said it appreciated the intent and deferred to the Attorney General and task force members, while noting that outreach on public lands differs from private land, where owner consent is required. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill and wanted a voice in finding a solution. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions also said it supported the intent, while opposition from the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands and support from one individual were noted. For HB 280, which would make the community outreach court permanent and appropriate funds, the Judiciary strongly supported the bill, describing the court as a mobile, community-based program serving vulnerable populations and connecting participants to services. The Office of the Public Defender also supported the measure, saying the program has helped people move off the streets and into stable housing and that permanent funding would allow expansion. Written support from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition was noted. The committee then moved to HB 71, creating a refundable family caregiver tax credit, where the Department of Taxation provided comments, the Executive Office on Aging and AARP Hawaii supported the measure, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about duplication with an existing dependent care credit and the lack of incentives for cost control. The committee next heard HB 753, which would increase the applicable percentage for the household and dependent care services tax credit. Support came from the Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, and Hawaii Children’s Action Network, while the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and administration but noted the bill adds guardrails against abuse. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the committee's second hearing in 2026, where we're hearing and considering new order requests
• that Senator Jones has been appointed by the Rules Committee to replace Senator Dahlia for today's hearing
• A quick overview on the status of my office's work before we consider audit requests at today's hearing
• So I'm very excited to hear about the Controller's audits.
• It is absolutely the most interesting part of the hearing. Yes. It was a little intimidating.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee met to hear new audit requests and receive a status update from the State Auditor. The auditor reported 10 JALAC audits in progress, noted that all 2025-approved audits are underway, said the first 2026 audit is focused on DMV license revocations, and described several statutory and high-risk audits already in progress. The committee also approved a consent calendar of four audit requests: UC library resources, law enforcement information sharing, EDD unemployment insurance claims, and Housing and Community Development housing development monitoring. The committee then considered Assembly Member DeMaio’s audit request on SANDAG road project management. DeMaio argued the audit was needed to examine whether transportation funds, including voter-approved and restricted revenues, were used for allowable purposes and whether past management failures warranted outside review. SANDAG’s CEO and CFO said the agency already undergoes extensive oversight and audits, that funds are tracked by multiple “colors of money,” and that internal controls have improved. Several members questioned whether the issues were already addressed in public records or existing audits, and the request failed on a roll call vote. Next, Senator Valadares presented an audit of the Board of State and Community Corrections’ Proposition 47 grant administration, arguing that more transparency is needed on outcomes, recidivism data, and oversight of grantees. The BSCC said it already has oversight mechanisms, that the State Controller conducts biennial audits, and that program data shows positive outcomes. The committee approved the audit unanimously. Senator Cortese then presented an audit of CalHR’s dental benefits procurement and Delta Dental contract, citing long-standing benefit caps, provider network concerns, and retiree out-of-pocket costs. CalHR said its network remains strong, that it recently completed an RFP adding MetLife as a second carrier starting in 2027, and that contracts include performance guarantees. Members from both parties expressed concern about access and competition, and the audit was approved unanimously. The committee then completed add-on votes on the consent calendar and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you hear me first? Yes, ma'am. Sorry. Linda? Can you hear me first? Yes, ma'am. Okay.
• Pam says no, although I couldn't hear her. I saw that in her facial expression. Jessica?
• I hear you. Ohad. Thank you, Chair Hoff. I also like to...” “I hear you, Ohad.
• There could be initiatives that didn't receive a hearing.
• that, that you want to hear that.

Summary: The meeting focused on ethics guidance for legislators’ official newsletters and social media posts about a major tax bill that has since become a ballot measure. Members and staff debated whether existing board guidance, which allowed comments on legislation previously before the legislature, should also apply to social media and to the current biennium rather than only the immediately preceding session. Several members argued that legislators should be able to state how they voted on the bill and discuss it as part of their legislative record, while others stressed that using state resources to advocate for or against a ballot measure is prohibited and that posts could become an indirect appeal to voters. The discussion also covered whether there should be a bright-line cutoff tied to the primary election date, after which official communications should stop discussing the bill if it is now a ballot measure. Staff and members raised concerns about tone, tenor, and proximity to the election, and whether official social media, caucus communications, and newsletters should be treated differently. One motion to extend the prior rule to the full biennium and apply it to social media failed. A second motion then passed establishing the primary date as a date certain for monitoring these discussions, with the understanding that official communications should be more limited after that point. Members noted that personal social media and campaign resources remain separate from official legislative resources. The meeting then moved toward adjournment of the public portion, with no public testimony offered, before a brief break and executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it is good to hear his big voice, um, and see his big heart in action on a piece of legislation that
• it</c><00:02:00.400><c> is</c><00:02:00.560><c> good</c><00:02:00.800><c> to</c><00:02:00.920><c> hear
• And it is good to hear his big Hoffman.
• And it is good to hear his big voice<00:02:02.560><c> um</c><00:02:02.880><c> and</c><00:02:03.080><c
• </c><00:07:37.200><c> loud</c> debating there um but I'm hearing loud debating there um but I'm hearing

Summary: Senate leaders said they were in the final weeks of session, moving long days of floor and finance work focused on priorities they described as affecting Minnesotans’ cost of living, safety, and security. They said next week would bring major packages to the floor, including public safety, health and human services, Metro Surge, and a gun violence package, while negotiations continued with House leaders and the administration. They also highlighted a human services bill from Sen. John Hoffman as the final item completed that day. A major topic was the Senate’s response to H.R. 1, which leaders said would require about $1 billion in state budget adjustments to avoid federal penalties and Medicaid losses. They said the proposal would address federal compliance issues, support hospitals such as HCMC and other distressed providers through uncompensated care funding, and include food support for SNAP-related needs, food shelves, food grants, and prepared food. They also emphasized system modernization, especially IT upgrades, as both an implementation and anti-fraud measure. Leaders said several items appeared to have bipartisan support, including HCMC relief, the Office of the Inspector General, bonding, and IT modernization. They said they were arranging a meeting with House and Senate leaders and the governor to work through bonding differences, but noted that IT modernization and HCMC were unlikely to be financed through general obligation bonds this year. They also said the Senate would take up a bill on prediction markets after Sen. Klein’s recent platform suspension, describing the issue as a violation of platform rules and saying the chamber may need updated rules or statutes. In response to a question about an elections bill provision, they said the measure reaffirmed that a president should serve only two terms and that the language had moved through the normal committee process.

Transcript Highlights:

• The hearing room is open for attendance at this hearing, and it can be watched via live stream on the
• With that, we will begin our hearing.
• I ask that all members of this committee please report to the committee hearing room, Room 1100.
• Well, this is the first hearing for this bill. It's a complex subject.
• And so I keep hearing the word fee, but it will be a tax.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on AB 2672 (Hart), which would require the California Energy Commission to set parameters for using an existing waiver process to allow non-CARBOB gasoline during fuel supply shocks, with fees used to offset emissions and help fund cleaner vehicles. Supporters said the bill would reduce gas price spikes and provide needed flexibility in emergencies; opponents, including the Western States Petroleum Association and union refinery representatives, argued it would function as a tax, create market uncertainty, and could undermine in-state refining and fuel-system compliance. Members raised concerns about affordability, refinery impacts, and delegation of authority to CARB/CEC, while the author said the bill was intended to be cost-neutral and protect consumers. The committee initially held the bill open and later advanced it on a divided vote. AB 2761 (Petrie-Norris) was heard next and would modernize California crash data reporting by creating a single statewide electronic system for fatal and injury crash reports. The author and AAA supported the measure, saying current paper-based reporting is slow, fragmented, and outdated, delaying safety improvements and federal funding opportunities. There was no registered opposition, and the bill moved forward unanimously to Appropriations. AB 1874 (Wilson) would prevent people convicted of certain serious driving offenses from serving a license suspension while incarcerated, so the suspension would begin when they are actually back on the road. Supporters, including law enforcement and roadway safety groups, said current practice makes suspensions meaningless and weakens accountability for dangerous drivers. Some members questioned whether the bill creates a double penalty, but the author argued the measure is limited to the most serious offenses and ensures the suspension has real public safety effect. The committee approved the bill on a strong vote. The committee also passed its consent calendar bills, and several measures were held open for later vote tallying before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will be hearing five measures today, with one measure on consent.
• So file item one that we're excited to hear about, Assembly Member Arambula, come on up to present.
• When we hear about protecting families from unnecessary concerns...
• Often in this committee, we hear bills that ban things and we hear bills that give consumers power.
• And what I am hearing from parents is deeply concerning. They do not know what to do.

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, all in favor say aye. Any opposed? Thank you.
• I didn't hear a question in there anywhere, but okay. Thank you very much.
• And I'd like to thank the chairman for allowing this hearing today.
• I didn't hear a question in there. If you'd like to respond, I guess.
• I hear, you know, what you're after here.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs