Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Financial crimes and administer the auto Financial crimes and administer the auto theft<00:05:26.440
• for a statewide strategy to combat auto theft.
• for a statewide strategy to combat auto theft.
• for a statewide strategy to combat auto theft.
• for a statewide strategy to combat auto theft.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• And we'll charge you more for auto insurance because your auto is more likely.
• Because your auto is more likely.
• What we haven't talked about so much is auto insurance: auto body repair inflation has gone up about
• And auto insurance, it'd be about 5.5%.
• And increasingly, auto, since auto has become more catastrophe driven than it has been previously because

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• If we're for lowering carbon emissions, that should be a yes vote.
• If we're for lowering carbon emissions, that should be a yes vote.
• ,</c><00:43:07.920><c> utility</c> on greenhouse gas emissions, utility on greenhouse gas emissions,
• The question is what causes the least emissions to go into our air. We have alternatives.
• </c> the least emissions to go into our air. the least emissions to go into our air.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• California has set ambitious zero-emission goals for our public transit systems, which transit agencies
• can continue to provide reliable and quality public transportation while working toward our zero-emission
• CARB adopted the ICT regulation, requiring transit agencies to convert their bus fleets to zero-emission
• Technology continues to advance quickly, and though zero-emission transit bus weights have not declined
• I appreciate that this bill provides flexibility for transit agencies to acquire zero-emission transit

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard six bills. AB 1837 (Gonzalez) would remove the sunset on transit agencies’ authority to use forward-facing cameras to enforce parking violations in bus lanes and at bus stops. The author and supporters from transit agencies, Streets for All, and the California Police Chiefs Association said the program improves bus reliability, safety, and access for riders, especially seniors and people with disabilities. Some members raised concerns about automated enforcement error rates and due process, but the bill was advanced on a due pass motion to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 1944 (Lee), presented by Assemblymember Arreguín, would delay implementation of declining axle-weight limits for zero-emission buses while keeping the existing final cap in place. Supporters, including the California Transit Association and several transit agencies, said heavier batteries are needed for longer-range zero-emission buses and the delay would help agencies comply with clean transit goals. The bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1599 (Arreguín) would require Caltrans to create a centralized statewide transit stop registry with standardized stop information. Move LA, AARP, Streets for All, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve trip planning, data consistency, and accessibility for riders; the bill also passed to Appropriations. AB 1608 (Wilson) would expand the California High-Speed Rail Office of the Inspector General’s authority, including hiring and contracting flexibility and a requirement to publish reports with limited confidentiality protections. The author, the Inspector General, and the First Amendment Coalition said the bill would improve oversight and transparency while protecting sensitive information; it passed to Judiciary. AB 1613 (Wilson) would create a mandatory off-highway vehicle safety and stewardship course for access to off-highway lands starting in 2029. Supporters from the off-road community said the bill was developed through stakeholder safety summits and would reduce accidents and protect public lands; it passed to Water, Parks, and Wildlife. AB 1662 (Wilson) would require DMV points for certain offenses that are dismissed through diversion programs, which supporters framed as a needed accountability measure for dangerous driving and opponents from ACLU Cal Action criticized as undermining diversion and harming low-income drivers. The bill passed to Appropriations. Final roll calls showed each bill advancing, with AB 1662 receiving the strongest support and the other measures also moving forward despite some no votes on AB 1837, AB 1944, AB 1608, and AB 1613.

Transcript Highlights:

• because we definitely want auto manufacturers to be able to opt out of the provisions in SB 1755, and
• as you know from last year we were part of a large coalition of consumer and auto safety groups who
• opposed SB 1755, so we would love to see every auto manufacturer opt out.
• takeaways in AB 1755, the shorter statute of limitations, the shorter statute of repose, allowing auto
• During that period, auto manufacturers recalled millions of cars with serious safety defects.

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee met in a subcommittee format to hear SB 26, a follow-on bill to last year’s AB 1755 dealing with California’s Song-Beverly “lemon law” procedures. Senator Umberg explained that the measure was intended to implement a negotiated compromise by allowing automakers to opt into the new AB 1755 framework, which speeds discovery and changes certain lemon law procedures, while preserving an option for some manufacturers to remain under the prior law. He and the chair described the bill as a cleanup and compromise measure aimed at reducing court backlog and getting consumer claims resolved more quickly. Supporters included the Consumer Attorneys of California and multiple automakers and industry representatives, including Toyota, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Lucid, Tesla, Kia, Volkswagen, Mercedes, and Rivian. Toyota said the bill gives manufacturers a five-year opt-in choice and reflects the continued work of stakeholders and the Governor’s office. In soft opposition, Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety said it wanted manufacturers to be able to opt out but remained concerned about AB 1755’s reduced statute of limitations and repose, negative equity deductions, and the broader premise that lemon litigation is excessive. After quorum was established, the committee moved to a vote. Members discussed the bill as a compromise that could reduce litigation while still preserving consumer remedies, and noted that future technology issues in vehicles may require further review. The committee then adopted a do-pass motion, with members voting aye, and the bill was reported out. The chair noted that immediate referral would follow if the bill passes on the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a support-if-amended position due to remaining concerns about the requirements for zero-emission
• We have a support-if-amended position due to remaining concerns about the requirements for zero-emission
• Statewide public health costs associated with emissions from these generators are estimated to reach
• up to $266 million by 2028, and even modest emissions. $166 million by 2028, and even modest emissions
• Most of these emissions are caused by generating heat, often in the form of high-temperature steam that

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, which would streamline approvals for portable plug-in solar devices while setting safety standards. The author and supporters argued the bill would help renters and homeowners with high electricity bills by allowing low-cost balcony solar systems to reduce monthly costs, and they emphasized that the devices would not feed power back to the grid. Supporters included environmental and consumer groups, solar advocates, and many members of the public. Opponents, including electrical workers, firefighters, utilities, and PG&E, raised concerns about shock, fire, overloading, and the need for California-specific building standards. After discussion, the author agreed to committee amendments and later to add compliance with the California Electrical Code in addition to the National Electrical Code; several opponents said that change would move them to neutral. The committee then voted to pass SB 868 out as amended to Senate Judiciary, with some members expressing support while reserving concerns about safety as the bill moves forward. The committee then took up SB 886, dealing with data center electricity use and ratepayer protections. The author said the bill is intended to prevent large data centers from shifting grid and infrastructure costs onto other customers, citing rapid growth in data center demand and examples from other states. Supporters, including TURN and climate groups, said the bill would require data centers to pay for their own grid impacts, pre-fund long-term clean energy resources, participate in demand response, and cover related costs. Opponents from the data center industry, tech and business groups, utilities, and some energy users argued the bill was unnecessary, could duplicate CPUC processes, and could create discriminatory rate treatment or operational problems, especially around mandatory demand response and limits on backup generation. Committee staff described amendments narrowing the bill to large data centers, clarifying tariff and cost-allocation provisions, replacing a storage requirement with a long-term zero-carbon procurement mechanism, and exempting certain public and utility facilities. Members discussed the balance between affordability, reliability, and clean energy, with the bill framed as a way to protect ratepayers while allowing data center growth.

Transcript Highlights:

• The different colors represent different scenarios, low to high, depending on what the emissions are
• So we focus on mitigation, which is reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• So this may occur actually later than 2100, depending on our emission scenario that Dr.
• So this may occur actually later than 2100, depending on our emission scenario that Dr.
• That's like Mark showed earlier, more emissions, more sea level rise into the future.

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Sea Level Rise and the California Economy focused on the impacts of rising seas on coastal infrastructure, pollution, public health, access, and local economies, with an emphasis on San Diego and broader statewide examples. Chair Tasha Boerner opened by describing sea level rise, flooding, bluff collapse, and the state’s sea level rise action planning, and noted her prior bills that helped launch a Scripps bluff-collapse early warning pilot. Panel one featured Dr. Mark Merrifield of Scripps and Dave Gibson of the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, who described accelerating sea level rise, groundwater rise, flooding, erosion, and risks to sewage, transportation, ports, and contaminated sites. Gibson stressed that agencies are already adapting through permits, climate resolutions, stormwater updates, and infrastructure planning, but said the work will require major funding, better mapping, and streamlined permitting. Members then discussed early warning systems, groundwater inundation, federal funding uncertainty, and how state authority might fill gaps left by changing federal clean water rules. Boerner and Assembly Members David Alvarez and Jessica Caloza highlighted that sea level rise affects inland communities too, and asked about local mapping, long-term planning, and the cost of protecting or relocating vulnerable infrastructure. Former Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina said the city had the maps and plans but needed money, and urged faster permitting and more investment in protective projects. The panel also discussed the tension between environmental mitigation and urgent adaptation, with Gibson suggesting expanded mitigation banks and state revolving fund support, while Boerner and others noted the need to prioritize projects that protect communities and public health over bureaucratic delay. Panel two shifted to public health, equitable access, and local economies. Ramon Chiras of Un Mar de Colores described outdoor equity work that introduces children and families, especially from historically excluded communities, to the ocean and teaches water safety and stewardship. He said sea level rise, pollution, and access restrictions threaten cultural continuity and free community programs, especially in places like Imperial Beach and the Tijuana River Valley. Jessica Fane of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission described how sea level rise threatens Bay Area tourism, airports, roads, ports, and neighborhoods built on fill, estimating roughly $96 billion in adaptation costs versus $230 billion in potential losses if no action is taken. She said BCDC is working under SB 272 on regional shoreline adaptation plans, local government coordination, and regulatory innovation, while emphasizing the need for sustained funding and science. In the final panel, the Port of San Diego’s Philip Gibbons began describing the port’s climate adaptation work, including vulnerabilities to king tides, storm drain backflow, and long-term inundation that could affect roads, buildings, terminals, and parks. He said the port is using climate planning to assess risks and prepare for sea level rise while maintaining maritime commerce, recreation, and environmental stewardship. The hearing ended with a shared call for more funding, better data, streamlined permitting, and coordinated state, local, and federal action to protect coastal communities and infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:35:35.560><c> from</c> that EPA must decide if emissions from that EPA must decide if emissions
• The overall finding itself states that even if the US cut its emissions to zero, global emissions would
• The overall finding itself states that even if the US cut its emissions to zero, global emissions would
• The overall finding itself states that even if the US cut its emissions to zero, global emissions would
• The overall finding itself states that even if the US cut its emissions to zero, global emissions would

Bills: HJR20

Keywords: energy conservation, gas-fired water heaters, Department of Energy, regulatory disapproval, energy standards

Transcript Highlights:

• Research and Development Authority to determine the feasibility of converting school buses to zero-emission
• we can do it in certain concentrated population areas where there's probably a bigger issue with emissions
• Where there's probably a bigger issue with emissions, quite frankly, and let those electric school buses
• An act to amend the Education Law in relation to delaying the zero-emission school bus mandate.
• An act to amend the Education Law in relation to delaying the zero-emission school bus mandate.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met on May 5, 2026, and considered a series of bills, several of them brought up through motions for committee consideration. Chair Shelley Mayer said she would allow brief remarks but stated her opposition to those motioned bills, emphasizing her general practice of giving minority members’ bills consideration. The committee first took up S-16 (Jacob’s Law, on bullying and related school safety issues), which was moved out of committee on a majority vote, with Senators Jackson and Bynoe recorded without recommendation. The committee then debated S-717, a local bill by Senator Rose to exempt the Wantagh Union Free School District from the state’s indigenous mascots/logos restrictions. Senator Rose argued Wantagh’s mascot and name are tied to local history and not intended to denigrate anyone. The bill was moved, but the committee vote was not favorable enough to advance it, and it was referred onward to the Investigations Committee. S-4496, Senator White’s bill to protect women’s sports from what supporters described as unfair competition by biological males, drew strong support from the sponsor and strong opposition from Chair Mayer, who said she opposed it as mean-spirited and unnecessary; the bill did not advance. The committee also considered several school bus and transportation bills. S-4748, by Senator Borrello, would repeal the electric school bus mandate and replace it with a feasibility study; he cited safety, cost, and operational problems with early adopters. S-8847, by Senator White, similarly sought to remove electric bus mandates and leave decisions to local districts, and S-9667, by Senator Ryan, would delay the zero-emission school bus mandate by five years. The committee advanced some of these measures to other committees or the floor, while others did not move. In addition, the committee approved S-7788 on special education reserve funds, S-8288A on reasonable rates for public school room use, S-8368 on records retention for Education Department proceedings, S-8370 on temporary resident placement of children with disabilities, S-8370 on release of student records to juvenile detention facilities, and S-1049 on updating the Dignity for All Students Act’s cyberbullying definition to include AI-related harassment.

Transcript Highlights:

• section shall be construed to permit the Department of Motor Vehicles to amend the rules relating to emissions
• <00:12:58.520><c> compliance</c><00:12:59.160><c> requirements,</c><00:13:00.000><c> unless</c> emission
• compliance requirements, unless emission compliance requirements, unless and<00:13:00.560><c> until<
• </c> for Vermonters while preserving emission for Vermonters while preserving emission oversight<00:13
• </c> federal approval for bi-annual emissions federal approval for bi-annual emissions inspection.<00

Transcript Highlights:

• So if we made a state policy to get to zero emissions, we should have added language like this to help
• So if we made a state policy to get to zero emissions, we should have added language like this to help
• </c><00:03:46.920><c> and</c><00:03:47.080><c> get</c><00:03:47.239><c> to</c> to limit carbon emissions
• and get to to limit carbon emissions and get to Zero<00:03:47.760><c> by</c><00:03:48.319><c> 2040</
• </c><00:03:52.000><c> we</c> policy to get to zero emissions we policy to get to zero emissions we should

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:28:20.840><c> network</c> to the auto network to the auto network provider<00:28:22.960><c> I
• I'm here today to advocate for House File 2215, a state-run low-cost auto insurance program, which is
• </c><01:29:19.760><c> insurance</c> is modeled on lowcost auto insurance is modeled on lowcost auto insurance
• insurance plan premium rates for auto insurance plan premium rates for the<01:29:34.800><c> program<
• </c> the medical pay provision of our auto the medical pay provision of our auto insurance<01:44:30.599

Bills: HF2228 , HF46 , HF856 , HF2149 , HF2215

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So any emission we speak of that you have, no matter what that emission is, if it's naturally occurring
• So that's a pretty broad scale when we talk about emissions.
• So any emission we speak of that you have, no matter what that emission is, if it's naturally occurring
• Just that I think that all emissions are subject or would be for sequestration. So any emissions.
• So any emission we speak of that you have, no matter what that emission is, if it's naturally occurring

Bills: HB489 , HB545 , HB555 , HB583 , HB670 , HB672 , HB797 , HB814 , HB913 , HB952

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Keywords: transfer on death, TOD, beneficiary designation, investment accounts, brokerage accounts, securities, nonprobate transfer, estate planning, succession, probate, community property, forced heirship, financial advisor, broker-dealer, custodian, transfer agent, banking, wealth transfer, inheritance, Louisiana Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• I would say that the state laws seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions play an indirect role and
• cases regarding projects to make sure that the traffic impact of projects reduces greenhouse gas emissions
• cases regarding projects to make sure that the traffic impact of projects reduces greenhouse gas emissions
• With a statutory emissions target and a lead agency, we can analogize that model to housing: a maximum
• Every four years, CARB evaluates progress meeting regional GHG emission reduction targets pursuant to

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Regulatory Authority held its first hearing to examine how California’s regulatory framework affects housing production, affordability, and timelines. Chair Pacheco and Assemblymember Haney framed the discussion around the state’s housing shortage and the need to reduce costs while maintaining environmental, safety, and community protections. The first panel featured housing experts and industry representatives who argued that state regulations, code complexity, utility constraints, and agency review processes add substantial cost and delay to development. Bill Fulton described overlapping state and local land-use authorities and the tension among housing, coastal protection, climate, and wildfire goals. CBIA’s Chris Ochoa and California Apartment Association representative Bob Raymer said building codes, energy mandates, and agency processes have materially increased per-home costs, and they urged more centralized affordability analysis and greater scrutiny of regulatory impacts. The Bay Area Council’s Louis Marante called for a statewide cost target for housing and stronger timelines and accountability for state agency reviews. The second panel brought in state agencies to explain their roles. HCD said its housing element enforcement, streamlining laws, and technical assistance have helped increase production, shorten entitlement timelines, and improve compliance by local governments. CARB said SB 375 is a planning law that does not directly regulate land use, and argued that regional housing assumptions in sustainable communities strategies are not being fully implemented on the ground. The Coastal Commission said it works with local governments to balance coastal protection, sea-level-rise risk, and housing, and noted recent guidance and pilot efforts to streamline housing approvals in the coastal zone. The Energy Commission said its building energy standards are designed to be cost-effective and save consumers money over time, though they can add some design and documentation complexity. Fish and Wildlife and DTSC both emphasized early engagement and collaboration to reduce delays while protecting natural resources and public health; DTSC said it is refining vapor intrusion guidance and using brownfield grants to support redevelopment. The State Water Resources Control Board said it uses general orders and basin planning to provide predictable permitting while balancing water quality, water rights, and housing needs, and noted billions in grants and loans for water infrastructure and site remediation that can support housing affordability. In response to questions from Assemblymember Haney, several agencies described ongoing coordination across departments, including regular meetings among HCD, CARB, the Coastal Commission, and transportation agencies, as well as broader interagency efforts to reduce redundancies and identify pinch points in project delivery. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; the main outcome was informational testimony and discussion of possible future reforms to improve coordination, predictability, and affordability in state regulatory processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Auto claims involve a very small percentage of auto claims.
• They'll be trained through the National Independent Auto Dealers Association.
• We've also worked closely with the independent auto dealers on the same issues.
• Rental car-related claims make up less than 0.5% of all auto claims.
• Rental car related claims make up less than 0.5% of all auto claims.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills covering motor vehicle sales, registration, title processing, dealer regulation, and several local matters. Chair Cyrro noted that Senate Bill 2414 had been postponed at the sponsor’s request, though public testimony would still be accepted. The hearing then heard testimony on measures including S. 2367, which would make an insurer primary for losses caused by an insured driver in a rental car; H. 3698 and related bills on codifying registration of 25-year-old imported Japanese kei vehicles; H. 3701 on requiring lienholders to release titles within seven days; H. 3690 on capping dealer documentation fees; and H. 3641 on requiring education for class two motor vehicle dealers. Testimony also addressed e-titling and e-signatures, peer-to-peer car sharing, temporary license plates, duplicate plates, general registration plates for motor vehicle distributors, and a bill to ban tinted license plate covers. Supporters of the rental-car insurance bill argued Massachusetts is an outlier compared with 47 other states and said the change would improve fairness, competition, and consumer understanding without raising premiums. Dealers and industry groups generally supported e-titling/e-signature modernization and the inspection-related bill, but urged safeguards to preserve title, registration, and insurance verification. The Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Association opposed the doc-fee cap, saying documentation fees are a disclosed cost-recovery tool that varies by dealership. Representatives and advocates for kei vehicles said the RMV’s 2024 reversal showed the need to codify the rules in law, while opponents of the RMV’s approach described it as arbitrary and harmful to owners and importers. Supporters of the dealer-education bill said it would curb unregulated “curbstoning” and help ensure proper title handling and consumer protection. Several local and specialty bills also drew testimony. Hatfield officials supported a local bill allowing golf carts on certain town roads under strict safety rules, and Representative Ayers testified for a bill banning tinted license plate covers to aid toll collection, law enforcement, and vehicle identification. Senator Lovely and other advocates supported the “Easy ID” license plate proposal, saying it would improve vehicle recognition in crime and child-abduction investigations. The committee took no votes during the hearing and adjourned after public testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• because we definitely want auto manufacturers to be able to opt out of the provisions in SB 1755, and
• as you know from last year, we were part of a large coalition of consumer and auto safety groups who
• opposed SB 1755, so we would love to see every auto manufacturer opt out.
• takeaways in AB 1755, the shorter statute of limitations, the shorter statute of repose, allowing auto
• During that period, auto manufacturers recalled millions of cars with serious safety defects.

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee met in a subcommittee setting to hear SB 26, a follow-on bill to last year’s AB 1755 dealing with California’s Song-Beverly “Lemon Law” process. Senator Umberg explained that the measure is intended to preserve the compromise reached last year while allowing automakers to opt out of the new framework and return to the prior law, with the goal of speeding up discovery and helping consumers resolve claims more quickly. Committee members and the author also noted the bill’s connection to concerns about court congestion and the need to revisit the law as vehicle technology evolves. Support came from Consumer Attorneys of California, Toyota, and several automakers and manufacturers, including General Motors, Rivian, Honda, Hyundai, Lucid, Tesla, Kia, Volkswagen Group, and Mercedes. Toyota said the bill gives automakers a five-year opt-in choice and reflects the negotiated deal. In soft opposition, Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety said it preferred more manufacturers opt out, but remained concerned about AB 1755’s reduced statute of limitations and repose, negative equity deductions, and the broader impact on consumers with defective vehicles. After quorum was established, the committee took up the motion and passed SB 26 on a roll call vote, with all members present voting aye. The chair thanked the stakeholders for reaching a compromise and indicated the bill would move forward, with immediate referral anticipated after floor action.

Transcript Highlights:

• , around the country, around the world are asking what are the ways we can reduce carbon emissions.
• , around the country, around the world are asking what are the ways we can reduce carbon emissions.
• Carbon emissions are the main reason that heat is being trapped.
• Carbon emissions are the main reason that heat is being trapped.
• Are the ways we can reduce carbon emissions.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the metro, meaning they will spend hours traveling to and from work, increasing their carbon emissions
• affordable homes and rental units so that workers can live close to their jobs and lower carbon emissions
• of the metro, meaning they will spend hours traveling to and from work, increasing their carbon emissions
• </c><00:09:50.560><c> and</c> increasing their carbon emissions and increasing their carbon emissions
• </c><00:10:37.600><c> more</c> jobs and lower carbon emissions more jobs and lower carbon emissions more

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><02:43:16.399><c> people</c> people who care about emissions, people people who care about emissions
• </c> Colorado had come up with these emission Colorado had come up with these emission goals<02:44:53.040
• </c><02:45:08.800><c> that</c> that, but what about the emissions that that, but what about the emissions
• The bill's emissions uh shortages.
• </c> AQC rulemaking or um emission AQC rulemaking or um emission requirements<03:29:20.800><c> here</

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the president of a company called Zero Emissions Northwest.
• The facility must receive 93% of its baseline emissions for emissions year 2027, and that... ...must
• receive 93% of its baseline emissions for emissions year 2027, and that percentage is reduced by an additional
• 7% each following emissions year through December 31, 2030.
• And so after running those, you know, that causes emissions.

Summary: The committee first suspended the five-day notice rule and then heard House Bill 2521 on firearm background check fees. Staff explained that the bill would remove the $18 fee cap and allow Washington State Patrol to set fees based on actual program costs, which could be about $33 to $35 per check. Supporters said the change was needed to keep the background check system operating and avoid delays and layoffs; opponents argued it would burden lawful gun owners and amount to an unconstitutional tax or barrier to a constitutional right. No vote was taken in the hearing. Members then heard Substitute House Bill 2475 on language-accessible public programs, which would direct the Office of Equity to develop uniform language-access guidelines, address interpreter and translator shortages, and require agency implementation reporting. Testimony was strongly supportive, emphasizing the need for consistent access for limited-English-proficient residents and the benefits for schools, families, and state services. The committee also heard Second Substitute House Bill 2479 on wage recovery, which would create a wage recovery fund to provide partial advance payments to low-wage workers with meritorious unpaid wage claims and adjust wage penalty provisions. Employers, labor advocates, and legal services representatives largely supported the bill as a bipartisan, worker-protection measure funded by penalties rather than the general fund. The committee next took up Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1960 on renewable energy tax incentives, which would replace existing property tax and excise tax provisions with a new state and local renewable energy excise tax structure and related grant programs for local governments and tribes. Counties, utilities, developers, and tribal representatives generally supported the bill’s goal of stabilizing tax treatment for renewable projects, though several witnesses said they wanted amendments to address rates, timing, and late-stage project impacts. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5932 on alternative jet fuel incentives, which would change the timing and duration of existing tax preferences; supporters said it would provide certainty for emerging sustainable aviation fuel projects, while one refinery sought clarification and a broader county threshold. Later, the committee heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2238 on statewide food security, directing the Department of Agriculture to monitor food system performance and develop a statewide food security strategy. Agricultural groups, grocers, anti-hunger advocates, and farmers supported the bill as a coordination effort to improve food access, affordability, and supply chain resilience. The committee then heard Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1903, which would create a statewide low-income energy assistance program through the Department of Commerce; supporters said it would address growing unmet need and complement existing utility programs, while opponents said it did not address the root causes of rising energy costs. Finally, the committee heard Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2416 on waste-to-energy facilities under the Climate Commitment Act and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2515 on large energy-use facilities (data centers), both of which drew mixed testimony centered on balancing emissions, ratepayer impacts, reliability, and environmental or tribal concerns. No final votes were taken in the hearing.