Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, members of the committee.
• Are there questions from the committee? Thank you all.
• Chair, members of the committee, yes, for literacy.
• In the past, we have revised that through rule.
• These are rules. No, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving to Assembly Rule 96, I request unanimous consent to re-refer AB 715 Zuber from the Judiciary Committee
• to the Education Committee.
• There is a rules committee resolution at the desk to suspend Joint Rule 61.
• Resolved, that Joint Rule 61A be suspended.
• Privilege is an exclusionary rule.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, please give our attention to Senator Reyes on behalf of the Rules Committee for file item 51
• He was approved by the Rules Committee on February 11th. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• He was approved by the Rules Committee on February 11th. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• She was approved by the Rules Committee on February 11th. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• She was approved by the Rules Committee on February 11th. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including students from Florence High School’s Law Academy, a fourth-grade class from Holy Spirit School, and Brigadier General Nick Brown of Marine Corps Installation West/Camp Pendleton. The chamber also handled routine business, including a motion to remove AB 1389 (Rubio) from the inactive file. The main floor action was on two gubernatorial appointments. Andrew Rakestra was confirmed to the Board of Environmental Safety by a vote of 28-0, and Indira Cameron Banks was confirmed to the Civil Rights Council by a vote of 28-8. Senators also announced upcoming budget subcommittee meetings on resources/environmental protection/energy, health and human services, judicial branch funding and court facilities, and state administration/general government. The Senate then took up adjourn-in-memory tributes. Senator Archuleta honored Yoshi Nakamura, a World War II veteran, educator, artist, and community activist whose life included service in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and decades of teaching in Whittier and at Rio Hondo College. Senator Blakespear honored Dr. Rosemary George Strayley, a longtime international development and women’s rights advocate who served in the Peace Corps, worked with major global institutions, and co-founded Run Women Run. The Senate expressed condolences and agreed to memorialize both individuals.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, members of the committee.
• submit it to the Rules Clerk.
• I think a committee, but anyway, whatever. Is it the House rules and House rules?
• but it is a question to all committee members.
• Well, I have a question for the committee, a research project for committee members.

Bills: SB1037 , SB1040 , SB1259 , SB1281

Committee: House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections

Keywords: elections, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security, internet connectivity, offline voting, chain of custody, polling place equipment, counting center, central counting center, election management system, EMS gateway, tabulation equipment, secretary of state, certification, decertification, HAVA, Help America Vote Act, ballot images, audit logs

Transcript Highlights:

• Does the committee have any questions?
• Thank you, Madam Chair, and members of the committee.
• Madam Chair, members of the State Affairs Committee.
• Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee.
• Is there any discussion by the committee on the motion?

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rule suspended.
• Your standing committee on rules begs leave to report that it has carefully examined the Journal of the
• The committee receives those reports.
• The Sunset Committee came with a...
• I'd love for our committee to stand if... if our... y'all saw most of the committee members.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the committee.
• Welcome to the committee.
• Welcome to the committee.
• Welcome to the committee. If you'd like Welcome to the committee.
• committee? committee?

Bills: SF1750 , HF704 , HF3479

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on a 5-0 vote on January 21st.
• He was approved by the Rules Committee on a 5-0 vote on January 21st, respectfully asked for your aye
• She was approved by the Rules Committee on January 21st on a unanimous vote.
• rules of the Senate to add the Emergency Management Committee as well as the Privacy Digital Technologies
• and Consumer Protection Committee.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized guests in the gallery. The body then took up several gubernatorial appointments: confirmation of Hampas to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Peter Stern to the California Horse Racing Board, and Diane White to the State Mining and Geology Board. Each appointment was presented by Senator Grove and approved by roll call, with later calls on the items lifted and the confirmations finalized by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The main floor debate centered on SCR 112, designating January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Senator Grove and several colleagues described human trafficking as modern-day slavery and emphasized survivor support, law enforcement tools, public awareness, and the vulnerability of foster youth, Indigenous women and girls, immigrants, and children targeted online or in hotels and other venues. Senators Rubio, Troy, Valadez, Arreguín, Wahab, and others spoke in strong support, citing local cases, online grooming, and the need for prevention and services. The resolution was adopted on a 38-0 vote. The Senate also adopted SR 74, which amended the Senate’s standing rules to create two new committees: Emergency Management, and Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection. Senator Ashby explained that the new committees would better address wildfire response, disaster preparedness, data privacy, artificial intelligence, and consumer protection. The chamber then approved a consent calendar containing SB 557, SB 57, SB 674, SB 623, and SB 837, all by 39-0 votes. The Pro Tem thanked members and staff for completing deadline-week work and announced the next floor session for February 2, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on a 5-0 vote on January 21st.
• He was approved by the Rules Committee on a 5-0 vote on January 21st.
• She was approved by the Rules Committee on January 21st on a unanimous vote.
• rules of the Senate to add the Emergency Management Committee as well as the Privacy Digital Technologies
• and Consumer Protection Committee.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate rules require that the committee must be in possession of the bill in order to hold a public hearing
• Good morning, Madam Chair, members of the committee. Ily Cato, committee staff.
• Thank you, Ily Cato, committee staff.
• Madam Chair and committee members.
• Chair Wellman and members of the committee.

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, we need to waive the five-day rule. First, we need to waive the five-day rule.
• Senate Rule 69 requires that your testimony before this committee be under oath or affirmation.
• Senate Rule 69 requires that your testimony before this committee be under oath or affirmation.
• Senate Rule 69 requires that your testimony before this committee be under oath or affirmation.
• Senate Rule 69 requires that your testimony before this committee be under oath or affirmation.

Summary: The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee first waived the five-day notice rule and held a public hearing on Substitute House Bill 2525, which would establish a Heritage Orchard Program at Washington State University. Staff explained the bill was narrowed from the original version and would require WSU to maintain a registry of heritage orchards and a list of rare and lost apple varieties, with a null and void clause and fiscal note available. Representative Gloria Mendoza testified in support, describing Washington’s apple history and the effort to identify and preserve old apple trees still found on farms and trails around the state. Members asked questions about how the program would locate trees and preserve historic varieties, but no vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then heard several gubernatorial appointments to higher education boards. Representative Deborah Inteman was nominated to the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, Bryce W. McKibben to the Pierce College Board of Trustees, former Senator David Frockt to the Western Washington University Board of Trustees, and former Senator Christine Rolfes to the Olympic College Board of Trustees. Each appointee described their background in higher education, public service, and community college or university advocacy, and members asked about attendance, board service, and how they would help bridge legislative and institutional priorities. The committee also held a work session on Central Washington University’s geothermal and decarbonization efforts, with staff explaining the university’s open-loop geothermal system, planned geo-eco plants, and climate action goals tied to state clean building and decarbonization mandates. CWU officials said the project is intended to reduce emissions, support campus heating and cooling, and serve as a living laboratory for students. In executive session, the committee moved to report a panel of gubernatorial appointments, including the higher education appointments heard that day, with a recommendation that they be confirmed. The motion passed by voice vote, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Rules Committee is called to order. Secretary, please call the roll. Pacheco? Here. Lackie?
• Motion passes, and the Rules Committee is now... Wait a minute, wait a minute.
• the Elections and Judiciary Committees.
• And this committee has a duty to refer SB 280 and ACA both to the Elections and Judiciary Committees.
• The Rules Committee is now adjourned. Thank you.

Summary: The Rules Committee met, called the roll, and established quorum. After a consent agenda was presented, one member requested that item 7 be removed for separate consideration, arguing that the urgency request did not meet the constitutional standard for immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety and was instead driven by political expediency. The remainder of the consent agenda was approved by roll call. The committee then took up item 7, an urgency clause request for SB 280 by Senator Cervantes. A point of order was raised that the amendments were not germane under Rule 92, but the chair ruled the motion was limited to the urgency clause and not the merits of the bill. The committee proceeded to a roll-call vote and the urgency clause request passed. After the vote, a member moved to refer item 7, along with ACA, to the Judiciary and Elections Committees, arguing the measures would significantly affect Californians and democracy and needed more time and hearings. The chair ruled that motion out of order because the matter before the committee was only the urgency clause request. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Edmonds moved adoption of the committee amendments, and under the rules, it is recommitted to
• And under the rules, it is recommitted to the Committee on Finance.
• Senator Connick moved adoption of the committee amendments, and under the rules, it is recommitted to
• Senator Connick moved adoption of the committee amendments, and under the rules, it is recommitted to
• Senator Connick moves adoption of the committee amendments, and under the rules it is recommitted to

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are now calling to order the Senate Committee on Environmental Quality.
• Committee on Environmental Quality.
• Thank you, committee and chair. My name is Samudan.
• Chair Blakespear, members of the committee.
• Chair members of the committee, my name is Cyrus Mojeeb.

Summary: The committee heard SB 872, which would direct $150 million annually each for Central Valley subsidence repairs and Delta levee work. Senator McNerney and supporters from Restore the Delta, the State Water Contractors, and many water agencies, labor groups, environmental organizations, and local governments argued the bill is urgent to protect water delivery for 27 million Californians, safeguard levees and state assets, and address climate-related flood risks. There was no opposition testimony, and members asked about the bill’s focus on state-owned conveyance; the author said the distinction reflects the separate state and federal water projects. The bill was held while the committee lacked a quorum, with no vote taken at that point. The committee then heard SB 981, which would require CARB to include cost-of-living impacts in its existing regulatory analysis for major rules. Senator Niello and supporters from agriculture, manufacturing, business, propane, restaurants, and commercial property groups said the bill would improve transparency about how regulations affect gasoline, electricity, food, housing, and business costs. Opponents, including Coalition for Clean Air and the Union of Concerned Scientists, argued it would add delay, cost, and redundant analysis to CARB rulemaking and could not reliably measure the effects the bill seeks to capture. Committee members raised concerns that CARB already estimates costs, that the bill is burdensome and narrow, and that it does not fully account for benefits or the role of other agencies. No vote was recorded in the transcript. SB 887, by Senator Padilla, would require data center projects to undergo CEQA review while creating a streamlined path for projects meeting strong environmental, labor, and community-benefit criteria, including zero-carbon electricity, on-site storage, recycled water or water-efficient cooling, and full cost responsibility for grid upgrades. Supporters said data centers are rapidly expanding, can strain energy and water resources, and should be held to clear standards while still allowing beneficial development; labor and environmental groups backed the measure. Opponents from the Data Center Coalition, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and business groups said the bill is overly prescriptive, discriminatory toward one industry, and could drive investment and jobs out of state. After discussion, the committee established a quorum and voted 3-1 to pass SB 887 as amended to the Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee, with the bill kept on call. The committee also heard SB 1008, which would renew a CEQA exemption for the closure of at-grade rail crossings ordered by the California Public Utilities Commission. Senator Ochoa Bogh and Union Pacific testified that the measure would help the state act quickly on rail safety by removing redundant environmental review for crossing closures, while still requiring collaboration with local jurisdictions and the PUC. There was support from railroad and business representatives and no opposition. The committee voted 4-0 to pass SB 1008 to the Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee, and the bill was kept on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; committee members here? Seeing none. &gt;&gt; committee members here? Seeing none.
• </c> &gt;&gt; questions from any other committee &gt;&gt; questions from any other committee members.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Any other questions by committee &gt;&gt; Any other questions by committee members?
• . rules. rules.
• </c> administrative rule. administrative rule. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the committee, I'm Representative Doug Pickett.
• Chairman, members of the committee.
• Welcome to committee, sir. Thank you.
• The committee will have before it House Bill 717. The committee will have before it House Bill 717.
• Committee, thank you for your work. We are adjourned." "Committee, thank you for your work.

Summary: The committee first approved minutes from February 16, 18, and 24, 2026. It then heard House Bill 664, which would remove differential speed limits for commercial vehicles and make truck speed limits consistent with posted limits for other vehicles. Representative Pickett argued the bill was about reducing speed variability and related crash risk, not setting a new speed limit. Trucking industry witnesses testified that heavier trucks need longer stopping distances, many fleets govern their trucks below posted limits, and the bill would not materially change truck speeds but could increase safety risks if some trucks went faster. Other members raised concerns about triples, urban-area language, and whether the bill could effectively open the door to higher truck speeds. After debate, the committee voted 10-6 to send HB 664 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee next considered House Bill 667, which would remove the statutory requirement that Idaho DMV offer non-domiciled CDLs and instead give the department discretion. Representative Handy said the bill was a response to recent crashes involving out-of-state CDL holders and would let Idaho step back while federal rules settle. With no opposing testimony, the committee quickly passed the bill to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. House Bill 717 followed, proposing a $75 fee for new residents who fail to register vehicles within 30 days and for vehicles not renewed after expiration, with an exemption for vehicles not in use. Representative Mickelsen said the bill would ensure new residents help pay for roads and infrastructure. The Idaho Association of Counties and Highway Districts asked for amendments so the fee would go to the highway distribution fund rather than the state highway fund and to clarify the exemption language to include local roads. The sponsor agreed to the amendment request, and the committee sent HB 717 to general orders. Finally, House Bill 716 was heard, which updates highway distribution account language and increases the local bridge inspection fund from $175,000 to $300,000 to match current costs and secure federal matching funds. After brief questions, the committee passed HB 716 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• called the Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds.
• </c> btla has had to make additional rulings btla has had to make additional rulings on<01:02:24.279>
• in committee.
• in committee.
• It went through the committee.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing and then an executive session on HB 650, a housekeeping-style bill from the Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds. Testimony explained that the bill would remove references to two already-repealed dedicated funds, split the state parks dedicated fund so Cannon Mountain winter activities would be tracked separately from the rest of the parks system, and place a $1 million cap on the robotics education fund so excess money would revert to the general fund. Supporters said the changes were mainly administrative but would improve accounting and avoid timing issues; committee members asked about a typographical error in the bill text and whether the measure was more than housekeeping. The committee later voted 16-0 to recommend HB 650 ought to pass, and then placed it on the consent calendar. The committee also opened a public hearing on HB 585, which would revise the property tax exemption for religious organizations. Representative John Janigian, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to help small churches and other religious groups that own parsonages or worship buildings but no longer have a resident pastor, allowing them to rent space or use property for church purposes without losing the exemption so long as the money is used for church operations, maintenance, or outreach. He described his Salem church’s parsonage being taxed after it was no longer occupied by a pastor, and said the bill would prevent similar burdens on small congregations. Former Representative Betty Gay testified in support, describing prior assessor actions in Salem that taxed church land and buildings very aggressively, while a Municipal Association representative testified in opposition. Committee members raised questions about how terms such as “regularly recognized and constituted denomination” would be defined, whether the bill could be applied consistently to larger denominations with multiple parishes, and whether legislative research should review past treatment of similar cases.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finance Committee to the Judiciary Committee, then back to the Banking and Finance Committee; and AB
• and Finance Committee.
• AB 418, Wilson, from the Appropriations Committee to the Judiciary Committee.
• and Finance Committee.
• I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 56 to allow the Appropriations Committee to notice

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through routine procedural business, including dispensing with the reading of the prior journal, re-referring several bills, and approving committee scheduling requests. There was also a point of order from Assemblymember DeMaio asking about a possible Governor’s message regarding Medi-Cal, but the chair said no formal message had been received at the desk. The main floor debate centered on AB 321 by Assemblymember Schultz, the Better Informed Decisions Act, which would allow courts to consider reducing certain “wobbler” offenses from felonies to misdemeanors later in the criminal process if new evidence emerges. Supporters argued it would improve fairness, transparency, and efficiency by letting judges make better-informed decisions; opponents said it would weaken felony accountability and conflict with voter intent on public safety. The bill passed on a 46-5 vote. The Assembly also adopted ACR 47 by Assemblymember Chen, declaring March 16–22 as National Surveyors Week, with 63 co-authors added and the resolution adopted by voice vote. AB 387 by Assemblymember Alanis, which expands jury duty exemptions to include probation officers, passed 64-0. On the consent calendar, ACR 46, HR 9, HR 22, and SCR 17 were adopted with unanimous votes, and the Assembly adjourned until Monday, March 17 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you wish to speak, we have a strict three-minute rule in this committee.
• Thank you, committee.
• Thank you, committee. Again, I ask for your favorable move of this bill...” “Thank you, committee.
• We're all played by the same rules. The rules that we have are set in place.
• of the committee.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The Committee on Criminal Justice met on April 14, 2026, and first handled several voluntary deferrals, including HB 343, HB 491, HB 523, HB 426, HB 439, HB 378, and later HB 1025. HB 676 by Rep. Spell, which creates the crime of fraudulent patient referrals or “body brokering,” was amended and reported favorably. Testimony from Louisiana Blue, Odyssey House, and others described the practice as exploiting vulnerable addiction and mental health patients for profit, while supporters said the bill targets organized fraud and protects patients, families, and insurers. The committee also reported HB 394 by Rep. Chenevert, which extends the conditional parole period from nine months to 24 months for offenders who must complete programming before release. Supporters, including the Louisiana Parole Project, said the change gives the parole board more flexibility and does not create new parole eligibility, while the bill was amended to remove some language tied to rehabilitation programming review. HB 622 by Rep. Coates, dealing with confidentiality and handling of criminal history records, was reported favorably after testimony that it is needed to align state law with federal FBI/CJIS requirements and tighten safeguards on background-check information. HB 396 by Rep. McMakin, concerning admissibility of autopsy photographs, was amended to apply to criminal proceedings generally and then reported favorably. HB 772 by Rep. Martinez, which modernizes notice requirements for arrest warrants by allowing electronic notice and clarifying mailing procedures, was also reported favorably despite concerns from Orleans Parish prosecutors about costs and surety liability. HB 1038 by Rep. Boyer, addressing marshal authority to issue deputy commissions and related liability/insurance issues, drew substantial testimony from marshals, city officials, and local government groups; after amendments requiring insurance coverage and clarifying funding and applicability, it was reported favorably on an 8-2 vote. HB 1025, which would have created an exception allowing reconciliation after a protective-order violation, drew strong opposition from domestic violence advocates and prosecutors and was voluntarily deferred by the author.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Vice Chair, and members of the committee.
• Chairman, Vice Chair, and members of the committee.
• So this is the first committee stop.
• Committee.
• Committee.

Bills: S0018 , S0028 , S0260 , S0848 , S0934 , S1014 , S1102 , S1264 , S1566 , S1622 , S1724

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Keywords: negligence, compensation, child welfare, law enforcement accountability, personal injury, police negligence, law enforcement, monetary compensation, civil rights, city liability, electric vehicle, EV, battery fire, lithium-ion battery, towing, wrecker service, vehicle storage, submerged vehicle, saltwater damage, fire marshal

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a wide range of bills focused on water safety, utilities, housing, transparency, and claims relief. CS/SB 848 on stormwater treatment was presented as a follow-up to prior water-quality legislation and reported favorably with one support waiver. SB 28, a claims bill for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland, was also reported favorably. CS/SB 658, a bipartisan child-drowning prevention bill for rental properties, drew extensive testimony from child advocacy and drowning-prevention groups in strong support; amendments required rental license applicants to certify compliance and removed local-government add-on authority, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 18, a claims bill involving the estate of a deceased minor and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, prompted questions about settlement and responsibility but was ultimately reported favorably despite opposition from a waiver form. Several utility and infrastructure measures were considered. CS/SB 1724 would regulate municipal utility service outside city limits, limit revenue transfers, require public meetings, and cap rate differences; an amendment added gas utilities, and the bill was reported favorably after testimony from municipal utility representatives and small-county advocates. CS/SB 1014 would require municipal utilities to extend water and wastewater service to certain nearby residential properties without conditioning service on annexation; an amendment narrowed the bill to residential uses and clarified capacity and grandfathering provisions, and it passed favorably. CS/SB 1102 would allow local infrastructure surtax revenue to fund body camera programs, with an amendment making the surtax authorization prospective and requiring a new referendum; it was reported favorably. CS/SB 260 on electric-vehicle storage in towing yards was amended to focus on storage only and to tie the higher fee to the period before fire-risk inspection, then reported favorably after testimony from insurers, fire officials, and EV industry representatives. The committee also advanced education, housing, and ethics-related bills. SB 1264 would ease zoning and code barriers for small private schools and micro-schools, with supporters arguing it would expand school choice and opponents raising implementation concerns; it was reported favorably. SB 934 on Florida Keys areas of critical state concern was amended to remove a tax-exemption section that conflicted with the Live Local Act, then reported favorably. SB 1622 would provide a one-time waiver of late financial-disclosure fines under specified conditions and was reported favorably. Finally, CS/SB 1566 on local government spending and transparency required online posting of budgets and related materials, and an amendment added utility revenue reinvestment and other changes while removing DEI spending restrictions; the bill drew support for transparency but concern from small cities and counties about cost and workload, and it was reported favorably. The meeting ended with adjournment after senators recorded votes on selected bills.