Video & Transcript : 'junior accessory dwelling unit' :

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FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Criminal Justice Apr 1st, 2025

Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • dwelling?
  • I think if your intention is to have an occupancy dwelling, then you're served by putting that into your
  • Of course, if the dwelling is someone's home, they would be entitled to due process, which would first
  • Your point about most hoteliers are only owned two or three units is the same argument I made during
  • If they had young kids in the units, just the way we were, because he thought we were lucky and blessed
Summary: The committee heard and voted on a long series of criminal justice, public safety, victim protection, and regulatory bills. Several measures were reported favorably, including SB 1374 on school district reporting requirements, SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of a crash, SB 1072 creating an expedited DNA testing grant program, SB 1140 establishing a Hillsborough County criminal offender substance abuse pilot program, SB 1266 revising public records protections for crime victims and certain law enforcement identities, SB 1546 delaying and refining background screening requirements for athletic coaches, SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings related to terrorism victims, SB 1444 making a broad set of criminal justice changes, SB 240 on domestic and dating violence protections, SB 606 clarifying public lodging and food service removal procedures for nonpaying guests, SB 1450 giving law enforcement discretion in arrests involving people with significant medical conditions, SB 44 increasing penalties for impersonating law enforcement with unauthorized red or blue lights, SB 1000 expanding court-ordered sealing options, SB 1400 requiring platforms to remove altered sexual depictions, and SB 1696 addressing rideshare impersonation and transit service rules. Many of these bills were amended before final passage, often with strike-all amendments or technical changes, and several had support from law enforcement, advocacy groups, or industry representatives. Testimony was generally supportive on the public safety and victim-protection bills, with speakers emphasizing faster DNA testing, better protections for domestic violence survivors, clearer rules for hotel and motel operators, and stronger tools against fraud, impersonation, and trafficking. Some bills drew notable concerns or opposition. SB 1266 prompted questions about whether a 72-hour cooling-off period for officer identities could be extended too broadly, while SB 606 drew concerns that the bill could affect families living in hotels or extended stays during the housing affordability crisis. SB 1444 generated discussion about false reporting language, off-duty carry for prosecutors and judges, and the scope of automatic sealing changes. SB 1000’s expanded sealing relief received broad support but was narrowed by amendments excluding certain offenses such as DUI and indecent exposure. The most contentious measure was SB 1804, which would create a capital offense for trafficking a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation. The sponsor argued it targets the most severe trafficking cases and includes safeguards such as excluding minors from capital punishment and preserving life imprisonment if the capital procedure is invalidated. Opponents, including the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, argued the death penalty is unconstitutional for non-homicide crimes, costly, and ineffective, and committee members raised concerns about whether the bill would incentivize traffickers to kill victims to avoid identification. Debate also touched on broader concerns about the death penalty’s constitutionality and whether life imprisonment is a more severe punishment. The transcript ends during that debate, without a final vote on SB 1804 included in the excerpt.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-11 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • An original or certified copy of a United States birth certificate, a valid, unexpired United States
  • United States passport, a naturalization certificate issued by the United States Department of Homeland
  • States citizenship, an order from federal court granting United States citizenship. ...indicates United
  • for a veteran for up to 45 days and to cover property loss at a dwelling unit caused by a veteran that
  • The United States is number one in terms of oil production.
Summary: The Florida Senate convened with a quorum, heard an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of introductions recognizing guests, interns, public servants, and a Senate resolution honoring Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza for winning the Heisman Trophy. The chamber then proceeded to the special order calendar, with several measures temporarily postponed before debate began on the day’s bills. The Senate passed CS/CS/HB 355 on health care patient protection, requiring hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, coordinators, and readiness assessments for children. It also passed CS/HB 1113 on public records, which narrows and clarifies confidentiality protections for victims and law enforcement officers who become victims, and CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, creating a state-administered program through Florida Digital Service to help local governments obtain cybersecurity services and data-sharing support. The chamber also approved CS/HB 925 on clerks of court, allowing clerks to retain all revenue above annual projections and revising related fee distributions, and CS/HB 679 modernizing trademark registration by moving to the federal classification system and creating an online filing portal. The Senate also passed CS/CS/CS/HB 589 on septic system permits, aligning the bill with Senate language and clarifying liability if construction begins before a permit is issued. CS/HB 679 and the other noncontroversial measures passed unanimously or with broad support, while CS/HB 1113 passed 33-4 and CS/HB 1085 passed 37-0 after amendments. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on land use and clerks of court. The most extensive debate came on the elections bill, CS/CS/HB 991, which would use DHSMV Real ID data to verify citizenship, change candidate-qualifying rules, alter acceptable photo IDs, and revise election administration procedures. Numerous amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to protect voters who cannot afford citizenship documents, exempt older long-time voters, preserve student and retirement-center IDs, and delay the effective date. The Senate adopted an amendment that retained the citizenship-verification framework and added provisions on candidate disclosures, but the bill remained under debate at the end of the transcript, with senators arguing over voter access, fraud prevention, and the practical impact on students and seniors.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Appropriations Committee, February 13, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:09:21.120><c> And</c><00:09:21.360><c> so</c><00:09:21.519><c> we</c> ammunition, and accessories
  • And so we ammunition, and accessories.
  • </c><00:17:05.360><c> And</c> um person in in the United States.
  • And um person in in the United States.
  • I also know how we power the United States and supply critical energy, whether it's... ...and supply
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session May 19th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Thank you all.
  • dwelling units, also known as backyard cottages.
  • SJR 13 urges the United States to secure enforceable, measurable commitments to eliminate transboundary
  • He was attached to a Marine Force unit, providing medical care and support to fellow service members.
  • A Marine Force unit providing medical care and support to fellow service members.
Summary: The Senate began with a roll call, a moment of silence for the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The body then moved through gubernatorial appointments, confirming Julia Montgomery as General Counsel for the Agricultural Labor Relations Board and reappointing Dr. Cynthia Glover Woods, Dr. Brenda Lewis, and Gabriela Orozco Gonzalez to the State Board of Education, and George Cardona as Chief Trial Counsel for the State Bar. The Senate also heard a guest introduction welcoming Cal Lutheran University students, faculty, and staff to the gallery. The chamber then took up several resolutions, including SR 111 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Phobia, and Transphobia; SCR 129 designating part of Highway 152 as the Rusty Arraes Highway; SCR 169 proclaiming October 2026 as Women's Small Business Month; and SCR 173 designating May 2026 as California Fairgrounds Appreciation Month. All of these resolutions passed, with members speaking in support of Arraes, women-owned businesses, and the public safety and community roles of fairgrounds. The Senate also passed a series of policy bills. These included SB 1154 on best-value procurement for community college public works, SB 1369 on judicial recall safeguards, SB 1106 shortening the data broker deletion timeline under the Delete Act, SB 1417 increasing transparency for mutual water companies, SB 1408 authorizing a future Contra Costa transportation sales tax measure, SB 1172 adding guardrails to local tax sharing agreements, SB 1383 protecting locally adopted labor standards in density bonus projects, SB 1371 barring waste haulers from suspending service during lawful labor disputes, SB 908 streamlining residential window replacement permits, SB 1361 limiting actions taken solely to avoid transit-oriented housing standards, SB 1014 requiring early fee and improvement estimates for housing projects, SB 1272 giving homeowners more time to fix preexisting code violations, SB 1406 targeting the Montana tax loophole, SB 1238 increasing HOA transparency and oversight, and SB 868 creating a plug-in solar framework. Most passed on largely party-line votes, with some Republican members objecting to labor-related or regulatory measures. Later in the day, the Senate approved additional health, education, privacy, and AI measures, including SB 950 on early-onset Alzheimer’s treatment coverage, SB 874 on Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment oversight, SB 1049 on correcting health plan claims, SB 1067 on early math screening, SB 1202 on Medi-Cal outreach amid federal changes, SB 944 on acupuncture coverage, SB 957 on notice for federal subpoenas to social media companies, SB 998 on discrimination prevention coordinators, and SB 1000 on AI content transparency. The final item shown, SB 1056 on protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims, was introduced with the author noting ongoing work on amendments, but the transcript cuts off before final action is shown.
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York State Senate Session - 04/20/2026

New York Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
  • It is the third-largest population of Arab Americans in the United States.
  • IT IS THE THIRD LARGEST POPULATION OF ARAB AMERICANS IN THE UNITED STATES.
  • This is trying to meet that standard and that gap for multi-dwellings.
  • THIS IS TRYING TO MEET THAT STANDARD AND THAT GAP FOR MULTI-DWELLINGS.
Summary: The Senate opened with routine formalities, approved the journal, welcomed a SkillsUSA student delegation, and then moved into budget and policy business. The chamber accepted a Rules Committee report and took up a supplemental budget extender, Senate Print 9963, which would extend state operations through April 22 and authorize $12.7 billion, including about $5.1 billion in new funding for Medicaid, payroll, and school aid. Senator O’Mara questioned the delay in the budget, the lack of public detail, and unresolved issues such as CLCPA changes, auto insurance, and SEQR reforms; the sponsor said negotiations were ongoing and that school aid would likely build on the executive budget. The extender passed 57-1, with Senator Weik voting no. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 1887, sponsored by Senator Brisport, memorializing the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month. Senators Brisport, Fahy, Salazar, and Gounardes spoke in support, emphasizing Arab Americans’ cultural, civic, and economic contributions in New York and condemning anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias. The resolution was adopted by voice vote and opened for co-sponsorship. The chamber next considered several bills on the calendar, including a bill by Senator Cleare to prohibit state-chartered financial institutions from investing in private correctional facilities. Supporters framed it as a moral response to private prisons and rising federal use of detention facilities, while opponents argued it would overregulate state-chartered banks and affect private investment decisions. The bill passed 36-22. The Senate also passed a bill by Senator Krueger raising the nonprofit lobbying disclosure threshold from $5,000 to $10,000, after debate over transparency and whether the change would reduce oversight; it passed 35-23. Finally, the Senate passed Senator May’s bill on advanced transmission technologies and utility planning, after extensive debate over ratepayer costs, battery storage, and data center growth; supporters said it could lower energy costs through more efficient grid use, while opponents said it would raise rates and duplicate existing studies. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar.
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Government Finance Committee Mar 19th, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Government Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The vast majority of those new units are going to serve as a primary residence.
  • I talked about new units, but there's 7,000 to 8,000 real estate transactions a year.
  • It includes your accessory items to the machine. So there's monitors. There's a keyboard with that.
  • It includes your accessory items to the machine. So there's monitors. There's a keyboard with that.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Insurance Committee Apr 8th, 2026

Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • here today is the Honorable Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, as well, joined by Amy Bach with United
  • Our organization works very closely with the complaint handling unit. Mr.
  • So you get it as a calculation of a percentage based off your total dwelling coverage number.
  • That's dwelling and contents... Additional coverage over that—that's dwelling and contents.
  • Well, no, it's mostly dwelling.
Committee: Senate Insurance
Summary: The committee first heard SB 1315 by Senator Cabaldon, the “Drive My Car Act,” which was described as a forward-looking bill aimed at ensuring that owners of vehicles with advanced autonomous or software-driven features retain the right to drive their own cars. Cabaldon explained that, after discussions with stakeholders, the bill would likely be redirected out of the insurance space and into transportation to address concerns about mandatory software updates disabling human driving. Members broadly praised the concept as a timely response to emerging technology, and there was no opposition testimony. The committee voted the bill out on a due pass motion to the Transportation Committee, with members voting aye and the bill held on call until all votes were recorded. The committee then took up SB 876, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, presented by the Insurance Commissioner and supported by the committee chair. The bill was framed as a comprehensive response to wildfire disaster claims problems, especially after the Los Angeles-area fires, and would require more accurate replacement-cost estimates, stronger optional extended replacement-cost coverage, improved building code upgrade coverage, faster claim payments, clearer adjuster communication, pre-disaster emergency response plans, and stronger penalties and restitution for unfair claims handling. Supporters, including United Policyholders, California Environmental Voters, the Los Angeles Mayor’s office, AARP California, and consumer advocates, said the bill would help survivors avoid underinsurance, delays, and repeated trauma in the claims process. Opposition came from several insurance and industry groups, including APCIA, the Personal Insurance Federation of California, the Pacific Association of Domestic Insurance Companies, the Civil Justice Association of California, and the California Building Industry Association. They argued the bill remained too broad, would raise premiums, reduce flexibility, and could worsen availability in an already fragile market, especially because of mandatory coverage expansions and faster payout requirements. Committee members questioned both sides extensively about cost, optional versus mandatory provisions, contents coverage, ALE limits, building code upgrades, and rate-setting timelines. The committee ultimately passed SB 876 as amended to the Judiciary Committee on a due pass motion, with one no vote from Vice Chair Niello and the remaining recorded members voting aye; the bill was held open briefly to add a missing vote before the committee adjourned.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Health and Welfare Apr 8th, 2026

Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, respectfully, we would like the same accommodations that you would have as a single-use dwelling,
  • or a single-family dwelling.
  • So, respectfully, we would like the same accommodations that you would have as a single-use dwelling,
  • or a single-family dwelling.
  • in Louisiana. and ...have to do an annual inspection of every residential unit in Louisiana in order
Summary: The committee first heard HB 1076, which would repeal the sunset date for the Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board. The bill was presented as a simple continuation measure, and Rep. Stagney moved to report it favorably; the motion passed without objection. The committee then took up HB 475 on artificial intelligence in health care. The author explained that the bill was intended to require disclosure when AI or recording software is used to transcribe patient encounters, and an amendment changed the proposal from patient consent/opt-out to disclosure only. The amendment was adopted, and HB 475 was reported favorably with amendments. HB 740, dealing with Medicaid managed care, was amended with technical changes and then presented as a way to let providers in the coordinated system of care appeal claim denials through the same independent review process used by Medicaid managed care plans. The Louisiana Hospital Association supported the bill, and it was reported favorably with amendments. HB 926, which would have barred public facilities from restricting access based on vaccination status and related medical decisions, drew testimony from supporters who framed it as a medical autonomy and informed-consent measure. After questions about public versus private facilities and whether the bill could affect hospitals or disease-based restrictions, Rep. Cruz moved to voluntarily defer the bill, and it was deferred without objection. The committee then considered HB 457 on housing standards for organizations serving people experiencing homelessness. The author said the bill was prompted by concerns about unsafe and unsanitary group homes and would direct LDH and the Fire Marshal to establish minimum standards for safety, sanitation, privacy, and habitability. Supporters said the bill would protect vulnerable residents, while opponents, including Oxford House and the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center, warned it could conflict with federal fair housing protections and impose burdens that could reduce recovery housing and other services. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably with amendments by a recorded vote. Finally, HB 616, which would give the legislative auditor oversight of publicly funded homeless service providers, was heard with testimony from homeless service organizations that argued the bill was duplicative, costly, and could expose sensitive HMIS data; the bill remained under discussion at the end of the transcript.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

House Chamber - Wed Mar 12, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 30

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • unit revolving fund.
  • unit revolving fund.
  • unit revolving fund.
  • unit revolving fund.
  • unit revolving fund.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 16th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Even if they are not lawfully admitted into the United States. For example...
  • Versus Board of Education decision that desegregated schools in the United States.
  • number one in the United States in a 10-year period, isn't that a?
  • to be when our American founders instituted public education in the United States.
  • people from across the state, but unites Democrats. with Republicans, even MAGA moms.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Special Committee on Property Tax Reform Apr 2nd, 2026 at 08:30 am

Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Transcript Highlights:
  • units.
  • However, that does not include units in a hotel, motel, or other establishment where Units in a hotel
  • And you might see some places just here in Jefferson City where you have, you know, a commercial unit
  • Up above it, you might have a residential unit.
  • It's a house in which others simply stay, dwell, sleep, and eat. That's a house.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Special Committee on Property Tax Reform Apr 2nd, 2026

Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Transcript Highlights:
  • units.
  • However, that does not include units in a hotel, motel, or other establishment where units in a hotel
  • And you might see some places just here in Jefferson City where you have, you know, a commercial unit
  • Up above it, you might have a residential unit.
  • It's a house in which others simply stay, dwell, sleep, and eat. That's a house.
Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bills 1066 and 1088, sponsored by Sen. Ben Brown, dealing with the property tax classification of single-family short-term rental homes. Brown argued the bills would stop counties from reclassifying short-term rentals as commercial property and taxing them at the higher commercial rate, saying such homes remain residential in use under Missouri case law, IRS guidance, and zoning principles. He said the substitute language was narrowed to single-family homes owned by individuals, partnerships, or LLCs, and further limited to owners with 15 or fewer short-term rental properties. Members questioned how the bill would affect local zoning and assessor practices, including mixed-use buildings and the requirement that assessors conduct an in-person consultation before reclassifying property. Several lawmakers said the bill should preserve local control over zoning while preventing inconsistent tax treatment. Some members also raised concerns that the consultation language could interfere with assessors’ work, and Brown said he was open to revisiting that provision because it was added by another senator and was not central to the bill’s intent. Supporters testified that short-term rentals are often family homes used to generate needed income, not commercial enterprises, and that higher commercial taxation could be financially devastating. One witness described using a family home as a short-term rental to help pay for a mother’s care and support a granddaughter with special needs. Opponents, including the Missouri Hotel Lodging Association, argued that short-term rentals function as businesses because they collect sales tax and compete with lodging providers, and they said the 15-property limit was ineffective because owners can place homes in separate LLCs. The association said it could suggest alternative language to better target large-scale operators. No vote was taken, and the hearing concluded after testimony.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/05/2025)

Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • <03:50:02.159><c> contain</c><03:50:02.560><c> lead</c> dwelling or unit does not contain lead dwelling
  • units.
  • is identified as being poisoned, that all other units in the dwelling should be inspected regardless
  • is identified as being poisoned, that all other units in the dwelling should be inspected regardless
  • is identified as being poisoned, that all other units in the dwelling should be inspected regardless
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Housing Feb 18th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Housing

Transcript Highlights:
  • unit.
  • These include things like the user's name, dwelling unit number, preferred contact method, et cetera.
  • And I was supposed to download an app to be able to access my unit. ...which was a big change.
  • You'll lose units.
  • A lot of them tend to worry that they won't be able to rent units or sell units above the third floor
Committee: House Housing
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Room 224 Conference AM - 04-22-2025

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • and</c><00:09:02.000><c> then</c><00:09:02.160><c> we'll</c> Next bill is SB 1229 relating to the dwelling
  • unit revolving fund.
  • SB 1229 relating to the dwelling unit SB 1229 relating to the dwelling unit revolving<00:09:20.240><c
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 14th, 2025

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • We, the United States of America, would be the safest country on the earth.
  • Except for your most elite police units.
  • And I've got pictures from our cases and cases around the United States.
  • I go to Santa Fe Junior High.
  • You know, I was, like I said so many times now, commander of a small arms training unit.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • It authorizes the corporation to deploy monies from the dwelling unit revolving fund for pre-development
  • </c><00:32:41.440><c> unit</c> deploy monies from the dwelling unit deploy monies from the dwelling unit
  • Any use of monies from the dwelling<01:21:22.480><c> unit</c><01:21:22.719><c> revolving</c><01:21:23.199
  • ><c> fund</c><01:21:23.520><c> including</c> dwelling unit revolving fund including dwelling unit revolving
  • will</c> dwelling unit revolving fund will dwelling unit revolving fund will further<01:21:33.600><c>
Summary: The committees heard testimony on five housing-related measures. SB 2232 would create a three-year tiny home grant pilot program within HHFDC, with annual reporting to HHFDC and the Legislature; testimony was mixed, and the bill was later recommended for passage with amendments, including a full-time housing development specialist, a residential-use-only restriction for the tiny homes, and a blanked appropriation. SB 2192 would bar county down-zoning that reduces housing capacity unless equivalent capacity is added elsewhere in the county; it drew support from housing advocates and comments from planning officials, and was also recommended for passage with amendments. SB 2378 would clarify insurance requirements for single- and multifamily projects seeking expedited county permitting; engineers and housing groups supported it, while one testifier opposed it, and it was recommended for passage with a technical amendment. SB 2524 would appropriate funds to the City and County of Honolulu for housing-related departments to comply with prior acts; the Honolulu department supported it, and members asked about prior spending and funding sources. SB 2398 would require residential housing utility availability maps; the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed the bill as written, citing infrastructure security, accuracy, liability, and administrative burden concerns, while supporters said it would improve transparency for developers. The chair proposed amendments to make the maps broad and geographic rather than parcel-specific, remove contested-case and reliance provisions, allow disclaimer language, and change the date; the bill was then recommended for passage with amendments, with one member noting reservations. All five measures were ultimately passed out of committee with amendments, with votes recorded and some members excused.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Executive Departments and Administration (03/26/2025)

Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • structures where a permit is accessory structures where a permit is necessary<00:27:24.080><c> and</
  • This got out of sync somewhere in the 2021 cycle, and it picked up all accessory structures rather than
  • States comes under attack I United States comes under attack I believe<01:02:36.640><c> that</c><01:
  • </c><01:11:49.199><c> States</c><01:11:49.920><c> or</c> shall exist within the United States or shall
  • exist within the United States or any<01:11:50.480><c> place</c><01:11:50.800><c> subject</c><01:11:
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Judiciary Committee Feb 11th, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • year actually there were a few things that were added, like discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling
  • Uh I am junior. Uh Jerome Senior is the professor. >> Okay.
  • </c><00:57:57.680><c> Uh</c><00:57:58.079><c> I</c><00:57:58.319><c> am</c><00:57:58.880><c> junior.
  • Uh I am junior. Uh Jerome law. Correct. Uh I am junior.
Committee: House Judiciary
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Insurance Committee Apr 8th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • here today is the Honorable Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, as well, joined by Amy Bach with United
  • Our organization works very closely with the complaint handling unit. Mr.
  • That’s dwelling and contents.” “Well, no, it’s mostly dwelling.
  • That's dwelling and contents. additional coverage over that that's dwelling and contents well no it's
  • it's mostly dwelling there are a few companies that do offer it across the board for all the different
Summary: The committee first heard SB 1315, the “Drive My Car Act,” from Senator Cabaldon. The author explained that the bill was intended to address the overlap between autonomous features and human driving, with a focus on preventing software updates from disabling a purchaser’s ability to drive a vehicle they bought for that purpose. He said the bill would be redirected to the Transportation Committee and amended to remove insurance provisions. Members broadly supported the concept as a forward-looking issue, and the committee voted due pass to Transportation on a roll call vote, with the bill held on call until all members were recorded. The committee then took up SB 876, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, presented by the Insurance Commissioner and the committee chair. The bill would make a broad set of changes to disaster claims handling and coverage after declared wildfires, including stronger replacement-cost and contents coverage, higher additional living expense limits, building code upgrade coverage, faster claim payment timelines, adjuster status updates, insurer emergency response plans, and stronger penalties and restitution for unfair claims practices. Supporters, including United Policyholders, California Environmental Voters, the Los Angeles Mayor’s office, AARP California, and the Consumer Federation of California, said the measure would help wildfire survivors avoid underinsurance, delays, and repeated trauma in the claims process. Opposition came from insurance industry and related groups, including APCIA, the Personal Insurance Federation of California, the Pacific Association of Domestic Insurance Companies, the Civil Justice Association of California, and the California Building Industry Association. They argued the bill remained too broad even after amendments, would raise premiums, increase claim severity, reduce flexibility, and potentially worsen availability in an already fragile market. Committee members questioned several provisions, especially the cost and feasibility of mandatory coverage expansions and faster timelines. The commissioner and author said the bill was about disaster recovery rather than rates, that many provisions were optional or limited to declared disasters, and that any cost impacts could be reflected in future rate filings. The committee ultimately passed SB 876 as amended to Judiciary on a due pass vote, with one member absent and the bill held open briefly for additional votes.