Transcript Highlights:

• Essentially, it creates a digital dollar, but not a Fed coin.
• Three years ago, there was a huge crash in digital currency and its value.
• We're still in the wild west phase of cryptocurrency and digital assets in the world.
• And two, what would prevent these digital tokens from being used by the government?
• What would prevent the value of these digital tokens from going down to zero?

Committee: House Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, it creates new restrictions on digital firearm manufacturing codes, including prohibiting the
• This bill isn't just about the use of 3D machines and digital codes to manufacture firearms.
• Digital firearm codes are speech protected by the First Amendment.
• It is the first native digital manufacturing process.
• legislating that an even unusable digital file solve the problem?

Summary: The committee first waived the five-day notice rule for five House bills, then held public hearings on several measures. On Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548, the committee heard staff and sponsor testimony on expanding health care merger notice requirements to the Attorney General, adding transactions involving majority ownership/control and asset sales, requiring public posting of notices, pausing closings until information requests are substantially complied with, and adding filing fees. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Attorney General’s Office, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, nurses, and patient advocates, said the bill would improve transparency and oversight of consolidation and private equity in health care; the Washington State Medical Association and Washington State Hospital Association were neutral after compromise language, though the hospital association raised concern about the added fees. The hearing closed with many people signed in pro and con but not testifying. The committee then heard Second Substitute House Bill 2333, which would allow candidates and elected officials to use campaign or surplus funds to reimburse personal security expenses related to threats tied to their public roles. The sponsor and several prosecutors described personal threats and argued the bill is needed to protect public servants, while public disclosure officials said current PDC processes and the state Address Confidentiality Program already provide some protections and cautioned against over-codifying agency discretion. Some testimony urged restoring earlier address-protection provisions, while county auditors said the revised bill removed operationally unworkable redaction language and was acceptable as amended. The bill had broad signed-in support and opposition, but no vote was taken. For Engrossed House Bill 1574, staff explained the bill would expand Good Samaritan-style protections for people seeking overdose help, bar arrest or conviction for possession in those circumstances, limit related penalties and forfeiture, and allow hospitals and other health facilities to distribute public health supplies without committing paraphernalia infractions. Supporters said it would save lives and improve access to drug checking and harm reduction services, while prosecutors and law enforcement groups said the bill was too broad, especially regarding arrest limits, protection-order violations, probation/parole, warrants, and civil forfeiture. The sponsor said the bill was intended to keep people alive and encourage calls for help. The committee also heard Engrossed House Bill 2156, which would let Attorney General investigators be designated limited authority peace officers to electronically serve search warrants in economic and financial crime cases; the AGO and retailers supported it as a tool against organized retail theft and wage theft, while sheriffs and police chiefs opposed it and urged added guardrails and deconfliction with local law enforcement. Finally, on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2320, the committee heard a bill to regulate 3D-printed and digitally manufactured firearms and digital firearm manufacturing code. The sponsor and supporters, including students, pediatricians, and a gun-violence survivor’s family member, said it was needed to address untraceable ghost guns and keep pace with technology, while opponents argued the bill was overbroad, raised constitutional concerns, and targeted files and speech rather than criminal conduct. No votes were taken in the hearing excerpts provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• That the digital experience platform services is exempt from public disclosure and copying under the
• WOTEC is the agency responsible for creating the State Unified Digital Experience Platform, wa.gov, a
• That the digital experience platform services is exempt from public disclosure and copying under the
• WOTEC is the agency responsible for creating the State Unified Digital Experience Platform Wai.gov, a
• In a likely scenario, an agency working with WOTEC to launch a statewide digital portal.

Summary: The committee first heard staff and sponsor testimony on House Joint Resolution 4210, which would remove constitutional limits on the length of regular legislative sessions and instead let the legislature set adjournment dates by statute. Rep. Breonna Thomas and supporters said the measure would give lawmakers flexibility to set a sustainable schedule and improve working conditions, while opponents argued it would concentrate more power in the legislature and could lead to a year-round session. No vote was taken on the resolution during the hearing. Members then heard House Bill 2520, which would clarify that county governing bodies may hold emergency special meetings outside the county seat or remotely during true emergencies and may act at such meetings even if the public cannot first listen in. Rep. Deborah Lekanoff said the bill was prompted by the Skagit Valley flooding and was meant to help local governments respond quickly in disasters. Testimony was split: counties and some others supported the clarification, while open government advocates urged tighter language defining “emergency” and limiting the bill to state or federally declared emergencies. The hearing was closed without a vote. The committee also took testimony on House Bill 2499, in proposed substitute form, concerning conservation district supervisors. The substitute would let conservation districts opt into the general election system under Title 29A, remove the landowner requirement, keep a farm-operator requirement for some seats, extend terms from three to four years, and require financial disclosure filings in some circumstances. Supporters argued the bill would modernize elections, increase transparency, and improve voter access; opponents warned it could be costly for small districts, reduce participation, and create unintended consequences. No final action was taken in the hearing portion shown. In executive session, the committee voted 7-0 to report House Bill 2408, a cleanup bill removing obsolete references to the Office of Financial Management, with a due pass recommendation. It also voted 5-2 to report House Bill 2435, creating a legislative office of Indian affairs, with a due pass recommendation; some members supported the bill as improving government-to-government relations with tribes, while others wanted a fiscal note before fully supporting it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we do it not only in print but in digital, and we have more digital readers across the state and
• It's mainly digital.
• All these digital postings that law enforcement does are fantastic.
• Our digital circulation is higher than it ever has been.
• The bill itself allows for both digital and print, does it not?

Bills: HB33 , HB45 , HB48 , HB 1261 , HB1465 , HB1778 , HB2596 , HB5238 , SB2969 , HB45 , HB48

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: HB 48, oilfield theft, organized theft, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, DPS, Department of Public Safety, Texas, Railroad Commission, criminal justice, energy resources, theft prevention, organized crime, border region, El Paso, law enforcement task force, asset recovery, pipeline theft, drilling equipment, equipment theft

Transcript Highlights:

• a digital dollar, digital currency—gets into this third entity and the identity is exposed.
• a digital dollar, digital currency—gets into this third entity and the identity is exposed.
• a digital dollar, digital currency—gets into this third entity and the identity is exposed.
• a digital dollar, digital currency—gets into this third entity and the identity is exposed.
• </c> a digital currency. a digital currency. uh<03:10:34.080><c> a</c><03:10:34.319><c> digital</c><03

Bills: SB4138 , HB4638

Keywords: SB4138, S. 4138, Public Law 119-80, Captain Cody Khork, Cody Khork, United States Army, Army promotion, posthumous promotion, honorary promotion, major, military honors, veterans, memorial recognition, 10 U.S.C. 1563a, notice requirement waiver, Congressional tribute

Transcript Highlights:

• Cards, apps, and digital payments are here to stay, and that's fine, but choice matters.
• Yes, they can still take digital.
• I know there's fees that typically are associated with the digital currency, but a lot of times those
• These are digital only, but here's one that will take cash.
• And my biggest concern, if we do go to no cash and it's all based upon digital, who controls that?

Committee: House Special Committee on Tax Reform

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 3256, sponsored by Rep. Lisa Dernel, which would require businesses to accept U.S. cash and prohibit cashless-only establishments, with exceptions such as unattended fuel pumps, card security deposits, and businesses that convert cash to a no-fee prepaid card for on-site use. Dernel argued the bill protects seniors, veterans, children, and unbanked or underbanked consumers who may be excluded by cashless policies, and said cash is legal tender and important for privacy and access. She also said she would remove an outdated subsection referencing banks or credit unions. Members raised concerns about whether the bill improperly limits business discretion, whether cashless policies can improve safety and reduce costs, and whether the bill’s definitions were too broad or unclear. Questions focused on what counts as a “retail establishment,” whether the bill would apply to schools, doctors, apps, and event venues, and who would be liable for violations. One member noted possible conflict with existing Missouri law on legal tender and suggested the bill may need clearer definitions and revisions. Testimony was mixed. The Missouri Petroleum and Convenience Association supported the bill, saying cashless trends and credit card fees hurt gas stations and convenience stores, though they asked for practical exceptions. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry opposed the bill, arguing businesses should decide their own payment policies, especially for safety and operational reasons, and objected to the proposed Class D misdemeanor penalty, which they said is harsher than penalties in other states. Additional witnesses from consumer and advocacy groups spoke in favor, emphasizing consumer choice and the continued need for cash. No final vote was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• In closing, I implore you to support HB37 so we can work together to create a safer digital world for
• But in the digital space, it seems that our children's privacy can be compromised with little oversight
• Everyone agrees that keeping children safe in the digital world or in the physical world is one of the
• This raises important questions about how age verification should be handled in the digital environment
• I'm with the Digital Childhood Alliance, a grassroots organization with over 50 groups of concerned moms

Bills: HB285 , HB317

Committee: House Children and Senior Advocacy

Keywords: HB285, TJ's Law, traffic infraction, traffic ticket, uniform traffic ticket and complaint, minor driver, juvenile driver, parent notification, guardian notification, emergency contact, law enforcement, citing agency, traffic citation, driver safety, youth safety, Alabama traffic law, Section 12-12-56, Children and Senior Advocacy, House Judiciary, reasonable effort

Transcript Highlights:

• By cutting off access to the digital public square, we don't, quote unquote, protect youth.
• This is a heated topic because everybody cares deeply about our children's digital futures.
• Vulnerable youth deserve safe digital spaces.
• AB 1921 protects video game users against premature shutdowns of digital games.
• off the servers that did digital rights management could be a deceptive or unfair practice.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• We digitally archive all of these state documents.
• </c><01:03:45.960><c> Library</c> year the Minnesota Digital Library year the Minnesota Digital Library
• </c> cataloging and digital cataloging and digital preservation<01:04:40.000><c> they</c><01:04:40.200
• </c><01:15:43.320><c> citizenship</c> Minnesota teach digital citizenship Minnesota teach digital citizenship
• </c> of computer science and digital of computer science and digital citizenship<01:18:47.280><c> and

Bills: HF56 , HF780

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: HF56, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Hutchinson Area Transportation Services, Hutchinson, McLeod County, transportation facility, vehicle storage, equipment storage, fueling facility, temperate storage, local infrastructure, public works, general obligation bonds, education finance, school funding, state aid, appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> guide</c> digital digital voter information guide digital digital voter information guide no<00:
• A digital voter guide.
• </c><00:24:11.919><c> And</c> Correct. a digital voter guide. And Correct. a digital voter guide.
• </c><01:07:26.079><c> And</c><01:07:26.319><c> we'll</c> digital voter information.
• And we'll digital voter information.

Bills: SB2444 , SB2446 , SB2450 , SB2453 , SB2461 , SB2457 , SB2462 , SB2313 , SB2528 , SB2532 , SB2571 , SB2678 , SB2529

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2444 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution, which the Attorney General said could create vague retroactivity language and litigation risk; the committee noted the exemption had last been adjusted around 1978. SB 2446 would add a seventh associate judge to the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Judiciary staff testified in opposition, saying recent internal restructuring and a pending vacancy had improved output and that it would be prudent to wait and see the effect before adding another judge. The Public Defender supported the goal of faster appellate resolution but said it would defer to the court’s assessment and had no objection to revisiting the issue later. The committee also discussed current appellate timelines, with staff saying at least 225 days is built into the process before a case reaches a merit panel, and that a two-year delay from panel assignment was realistic under the current structure. The committee then heard SB 2450, which would establish a presidential preference primary for the 2028 cycle. The Chief Election Officer said the election would cost about $4 million, less if combined with the regular primary. Several opponents argued the bill would add bureaucracy, duplicate or undermine party-run processes, and waste taxpayer money; one speaker estimated the total cost could be closer to $6 million when county costs are included. Supporters and committee members discussed that the measure would not require parties to use the results and that Hawaii remains one of the few states still using caucuses. The committee also asked whether counties could staff the election and whether the results would be useful given Hawaii’s current primary timing. SB 2453 would require the Office of Elections to include a notice with each ballot that a digital and printed voter information guide is available, with the notice in 32-point font as a separate insert. The Chief Election Officer said the insert would cost about $90,000 and asked for an effective date of January 1, 2027 because mailing preparations for the primary would already be underway. The Disability and Communications Access Board, League of Women Voters, National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, and others supported the bill. The committee also began hearing SB 2461, which would have the Office of Elections prepare a questionnaire for candidates and publish responses online and in the voter guide; the Chief Election Officer said the office did not think it should be the agency to shape campaign questions, though he said it could work if the questions were specified in statute. Finally, the committee heard SB 2457, which would require a criminal conviction before seized property could be forfeited. The Attorney General and Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill, arguing it would prolong cases, increase storage costs, and make forfeiture less effective against crime, especially where owners flee, die, or hide assets through shell companies. The Public Defender strongly supported the measure, saying forfeiture should be tied to convictions and that people challenging forfeiture often lack counsel. The Honolulu Prosecutor also opposed the bill, but said it supported transparency, due process, and even a right to counsel; it argued conviction-only forfeiture would fail in cases involving fugitives, deceased suspects, or hidden ownership structures. The committee questioned what would happen to property if an owner could not be found, and the prosecutor said the outcome would depend on the type of property and could involve abandonment or interpleader proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we're going to move over to Tab 4, SB 1536 on digital voyeurism by Senator Pizzo.
• Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to amend a reasonable expectation of privacy as it relates to digital
• voyeurism in Florida statutes to include a privately fenced yard, or as Maggie in my office calls it, the digital
• Now we're going to move over to Tab 4, SB 1536 on digital voyeurism by Senator Pizzo.
• Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to amend a reasonable expectation of privacy as it relates to digital

Bills: S0760 , S1012 , S1536 , S1582 , S1792

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, today, more than 1.6 million people in California rely upon digital payment platforms for
• straightforward consumer protection measure that strengthens the security for Californians who use digital
• wallets and money transmission The security for Californians who use digital wallets and money transmission
• Number one, SB 505 requires digital wallet providers and money transmitters operating in California to
• the legislative process to work collaboratively on clarifying language, such as the definition of digital

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions met to consider three bills, including two on consent. The consent calendar items, SB 546 and SB 700, were adopted by roll call. The committee then heard SB 505 by Senator Richardson, which would require digital wallet providers and money transmitters operating in California to use two-factor or multi-factor authentication at login, with a delayed operative date of January 1, 2028. The author said the bill was narrowly tailored to address consumer protection and account takeover risks, and noted ongoing discussions about self-hosted crypto wallets and possible clarifying amendments. Support testimony came from Rise Economy, while representatives from the California Blockchain Advocacy Coalition, Andreessen Horowitz, and TechNet described themselves as “tweeners” or re-evaluating their positions, citing the author’s and staff’s work on definitions and amendments. No formal opposition was registered. Vice Chair Nilo said he supported the bill but raised concerns about technology changing over time and the need to avoid locking the state into one security approach; the author responded that the bill was intentionally narrow and that he would return with updated policy if needed. The committee moved SB 505 on a due pass and re-refer to Appropriations motion, and the bill received enough votes to pass out of committee. The chair also noted the broader concern about fraud and scams affecting consumers. The committee then completed the consent calendar and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, today, more than 1.6 million people in California rely upon digital payment platforms for
• straightforward consumer protection measure that strengthens the security for Californians who use digital
• wallets and money transmission... the security for Californians who use digital wallets and money transmission
• Number one, SB 505 requires digital wallet providers and money transmitters operating in California to
• the legislative process to work collaboratively on clarifying language, such as the definition of digital

Committee: Senate Banking and Financial Institutions

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions met to hear two-year bills that had not advanced the prior spring. The committee first adopted the consent calendar, which included SB 546 and SB 700, on a roll call vote. The committee then heard SB 505 from Senator Richardson, a consumer protection bill aimed at digital wallets and money transmitters. SB 505 would require digital wallet providers and money transmitters operating in California to use two-factor or multi-factor authentication at login, with a delayed operative date of January 1, 2028. The author said the bill was narrowly focused on authentication, not transactions, fees, or data collection, and noted ongoing discussions with stakeholders about self-hosted crypto wallets and possible definitional amendments. Support came from Rise Economy, while representatives from the California Blockchain Advocacy Coalition, Andreessen Horowitz, and TechNet described themselves as neutral or “tweener,” citing appreciation for the author’s work and the revised language. Committee members generally supported the bill while raising concerns about fraud, phishing, and the possibility that technology could change over time. Vice Chair Niello said he had some trepidation about mandating a specific technology but supported the bill as a practical anti-fraud measure. The chair also noted the bill’s narrow scope and the need for continued conversation. SB 505 was given a do pass and re-refer recommendation to Appropriations and passed the committee on a 5-0 vote; the consent calendar also passed with five votes. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, today, more than 1.6 million people in California rely upon digital payment platforms for
• straightforward consumer protection measure that strengthens the security for Californians who use digital
• wallets and money transmission... ...the security for Californians who use digital wallets and money
• Number one, SB 505 requires digital wallet providers and money transmitters operating in California to
• the legislative process to work collaboratively on clarifying language, such as the definition of digital

Committee: Senate Banking and Financial Institutions

Transcript Highlights:

• There may need to be duplicates of digital copies, perhaps. Okay.
• There may need to be duplicates of digital copies, perhaps. Okay.
• So are you just contemplating digital then, mainly digital, and then walk-ins, you know, for the hard
• If we're back to, your intent was the digital, right? The digital information. Yes, yeah.
• If we're talking digital only, and Kanawha County has over 30 years of digital, so there are no real

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 4198, which would require employers to use E-Verify to confirm new hires’ work authorization and impose escalating penalties for violations, including warnings, debarment from state contracts, loss of business licenses, and other sanctions. Counsel and senators raised extensive drafting concerns, including circular language, conflicts with existing record-retention provisions, unclear references to “seeks to employ,” possible application to babysitters, lawn care, and other casual or household arrangements, and uncertainty about how the bill would work for employers who never actually complete a hire. The bill sponsor defended the measure as a way to strengthen compliance with existing law, protect employers who use E-Verify in good faith, and deter illegal hiring. After debate, a motion to table the bill failed on a roll call vote, 6 in favor and 10 opposed, and the chair then announced the bill would be sent to a subcommittee to be cleaned up, with instructions to resolve the drafting conflicts and other ambiguities. The committee then turned to House Bill 4710, with an amendment, which would require a person to be registered with a political party or as an independent 210 days before filing a certificate of candidacy. Counsel explained that the change would lengthen the current 60-day requirement and would affect both party-switching and independent candidacies, making it harder for candidates to change affiliation shortly before an election. Senators asked about how the 210-day period would work relative to the primary and general election filing deadlines, and counsel clarified that it would be measured backward from the relevant filing dates. The discussion focused on the practical effect of the bill as a “sore loser” measure and on the timing rules for candidacy filings.

Transcript Highlights:

• There may need to be duplicates of digital copies, perhaps. Okay.
• So are you just contemplating digital then mainly digital and then walk-ins, you know, for the hard-copy
• If we’re back to your intent, it was the digital, right? The digital information.”
• “We’re back to your intent was the digital, right? The digital information.” “Yes, yeah.
• If we’re talking digital only and Kanawha County has over 30 years of digital—so there are no real documents

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an act addressing challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections.
• Lucier continued: “Digital collections are a game changer in providing equitable access for our most
• Libraries must rent the e-book for $60, or the digital audiobook for $130, five times the cost of the
• We can continue to do so under a more reasonable model for digital lending.
• According to what she said, that would be $650 for the 10 years of the digital product.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development

Summary: The hearing focused on several bills related to access to library materials, including measures addressing book bans and censorship in public and school libraries, as well as legislation on digital library collections and e-book licensing. Committee leaders said testimony would be limited to three minutes and encouraged written submissions. Early testimony from Chair Brian Murray highlighted H. 3595, which would address challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections by limiting restrictive publisher-library contract terms, protecting patron confidentiality, and creating a special legislative commission to study the issue. A large number of legislators, librarians, authors, students, publishers, and advocacy groups testified in support of the free expression bills, including H. 3594 and S. 2328, arguing that book challenges in Massachusetts disproportionately target LGBTQ+ and BIPOC titles and that librarians and educators need protection from retaliation and harassment. Witnesses described local incidents of book removals, threats, and pressure campaigns, and several said the bills would create transparent challenge procedures, keep materials available during reviews, and ensure decisions are made by trained professionals rather than political actors. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s office also submitted support, and multiple speakers cited national trends and Massachusetts-specific censorship attempts. Testimony on the digital access bills emphasized that e-books and audiobooks are essential for readers with disabilities, homebound patrons, students, and others who rely on accessible formats, but that current licensing terms are far more expensive and restrictive than print purchasing. Library representatives said libraries spend millions on digital content, face long wait times for popular titles, and often must repeatedly re-rent the same materials. Legal and library experts supported the proposed commission as a practical step toward fairer licensing and stronger bargaining power for libraries. The hearing ended after extensive testimony; no votes or final committee action were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> or investment in central bank digital or investment in central bank digital currencies<01:02:39.920
• </c><01:03:30.400><c> asset</c> does the same thing for digital asset does the same thing for digital
• </c><01:04:51.480><c> currencies</c> prohibit central bank digital currencies prohibit central bank digital
• </c><01:08:25.680><c> currency,</c> bank digital currency, bank digital currency, a<01:08:26.960><c>
• </c> Central Bank digital currency. Central Bank digital currency.

Summary: The committee met in a special-called session of the Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance and first took up three Department of Insurance regulations tied to House Bill 256, the Strengthen Kentucky Homes program: 806 KAR 22:00, 22:10, and 22:20. Commissioner Sharon Clark said the program would provide $5 million in grants to help homeowners strengthen roofs, with regulations covering eligibility and operations, contractors and evaluators, and reinspections in cases of suspected fraud. A committee substitute to 806 KAR 22:10 was explained as a technical correction to conform to the statutory preference for in-state contractors and evaluators. Representative Hampton moved and Representative Rudy seconded approval of the substitute, and it was adopted by voice vote; the amended regulations were then reviewed. Clark also said the grant money would be distributed statewide rather than targeted to storm-prone areas. The committee then heard an update from Commissioner Clark on mental health parity in response to questions from Representative Pollock. Clark said the department reviews insurer filings and conducts market conduct examinations, but does not have authority over provider reimbursement rates or to require providers to join insurer networks. She said complaints are investigated and, when needed, teams review claims and data on site to check compliance with parity requirements. No action was taken on that discussion. After approving the November 4 meeting minutes, the committee heard testimony on a proposed PIP reform package from Representative Josh Bray, the Kentucky Hospital Association, the Kentucky Justice Association, and State Farm. Supporters said the bill would apply the workers’ compensation fee schedule to most PIP medical claims, keep the $10,000 PIP limit in place while stretching benefits further, reduce balance billing, modernize benefit amounts, and address fraud and delayed billing. They noted hospitals would be exempt from the fee schedule, while hospital-based physical therapy would be included, and said the compromise reflected negotiations among stakeholders. Some members questioned whether exempting hospitals undercut the bill’s purpose and asked about possible rate effects; proponents said they had not done a rate analysis and that the bill could lead to more treatments within the existing PIP limit. No vote was taken on the PIP proposal during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maryland's bill taxed all digital advertising.
• Maryland's bill taxed all digital advertising.
• We don't think that is relevant in the sense that it's digital advertising.
• crucial step in ensuring kids can explore the digital world more safely.
• It fights for a digital democracy that works for all.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 56, which would require social media platforms to display a warning label about potential mental health harms from prolonged use, with amendments shortening the initial warning and allowing immediate access to the platform. The author and supporters, including a parent who lost a daughter to suicide and a therapist, argued that social media contributes to teen anxiety, self-harm, and other harms and that families need clearer public health information. Opponents from tech and civil liberties groups argued the bill would be ineffective, burdensome, and likely unconstitutional, saying it would create warning fatigue and should be replaced by more targeted tools and digital literacy measures. Several members discussed emergency access concerns, language access, and whether the warning should be more actionable; the bill was moved on a 9-0 vote to the Judiciary Committee. The committee then took up AB 358, which would amend CalECPA to allow law enforcement, with the victim’s consent, to inspect certain abandoned tracking or surveillance devices found in a victim’s home, vehicle, or personal property without first obtaining a warrant. The author and a San Diego prosecutor said the bill is narrowly tailored to devices used solely for spying and is intended to help stalking and domestic violence survivors act quickly before evidence is lost. Opponents from EFF and the ACLU warned the bill would weaken warrant protections, create a loophole around CalECPA, and reduce transparency and accountability. Members debated Fourth Amendment issues, abandonment, and the practical need for rapid access; the bill passed the committee on a 9-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1137, which builds on last year’s CSAM reporting law by allowing any user to report child sexual abuse material, requiring clearer reporting mechanisms, adding human review in some cases, and mandating third-party audits and public reporting. Supporters, including survivor advocates and a parent of a child victim, said the bill would reduce the burden on survivors and improve removal of abusive content. Tech industry opponents said they support the goal but objected to the human-review mandate, public audit disclosures, and enforcement provisions, arguing they could create security risks and compliance burdens. Members generally supported the bill’s intent but raised questions about audit frequency and human review; the bill was moved on call with seven votes at the time of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the equivalent of that in the digital space. I don't think it would increase.
• They should have control over their own digital lives, not be locked into platforms.
• I'm Matthew Lipka with Project Liberty, sponsor of AB 2169, the Digital Choice Act.
• I'm here to urge you to pass the Digital Choice Act, AB 2169, for three reasons.
• I'm here to urge you to pass the Digital Choice Act, AB 2169, for three reasons.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on privacy, accessibility, labor, and public safety. AB 1798 by Assemblymember Wilson would bar life and disability insurers from using non-diagnostic genetic information, including direct-to-consumer test results, in underwriting. Supporters argued the bill would protect privacy and encourage genetic testing, while insurers opposed it as unnecessary and said genetic data should be treated like other predictive health information. The bill passed the committee on a 7-0 vote and was held open for absent members. AB 2190 by Assemblymember Wallace would create website accessibility standards based on WCAG guidelines and add affirmative defenses intended to reduce serial litigation while improving access for people with disabilities. Disability advocates supported the measure as a needed civil-rights update, while business groups warned it could increase liability and create unclear compliance obligations. The bill passed 9-0 and was sent to Appropriations. AB 2721 by Assemblymember Carrillo would require hotels to post notice when they know or should know that U.S. Customs and Border Protection or ICE are using the premises, with supporters saying workers and guests deserve transparency and safety. Hotel and business groups opposed it, citing privacy, liability, and concerns about interfering with federal operations. The committee voted 6-2 to pass the bill to Appropriations, with the roll left open. AB 2027 by Assemblymember Ward would restrict employers from using worker data to train AI systems that replace workers and limit sharing of worker data for automation; labor groups supported it and business and public-sector groups opposed it as too broad. The bill passed 7-2 to Appropriations, with the roll left open. The committee also heard AB 1837 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, which would extend and tighten privacy rules for transit agencies’ use of forward-facing cameras to enforce bus-lane violations; supporters said the cameras improve transit flow and safety, and the bill was presented with amendments, though no final vote is reflected in the transcript excerpt.