Transcript Highlights:

• They go much faster than a standard bicycle, and children that young just do not have the cognitive skills
• have and children that young just do not have the<00:44:38.920><c> cognitive</c><00:44:39.680><c> skills
• be</c><00:44:40.319><c> able</c><00:44:40.520><c> to</c><00:44:40.640><c> make</c> the cognitive skills
• to be able to make the cognitive skills to be able to make driving<00:44:41.240><c> decisions</c><00

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard several bills on March 11, including measures on harbor vessel requirements, transportation funding, clean fuels, water carriers, parking enforcement, and electric mobility. For SB 1402 SD1 on vessels in state commercial harbors, testimony was split: the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Longline Association supported it, while Hol Holo Charters and one individual opposed it, saying the bill should be more specific about tourboat operators. For SB 1473 on central services assessments, SB 321 on privately owned roads, and SB 419 on insurance coverage for child passenger restraint systems, the committee heard brief testimony with no noted objections or actions beyond moving through the agenda. For SB 1009 SD2 on parking, the bill would create fines for misuse of disability and EV parking spaces and direct the revenue to the Safe Routes to School special fund. Support came from Ulupono Initiative, Climate Protectors Hawaii, the Disability Communication Access Board, and others, while the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported the bill’s intent but questioned using the fines for Safe Routes to School, and Hawaiian Electric suggested directing EV-related fines to the EV charging system subaccount instead. Hawaii Appleseed supported the measure but raised concerns about the size of the fines and possible impacts on low-income residents. The committee asked questions about enforcement when EV chargers are inoperable; DAGS indicated the stalls could be used and would not be enforced in that situation. For SB 1120 on a clean fuel standard, the Department of Transportation supported the measure but asked for the implementation date to be delayed by one year and requested an independent Hawaii-specific economic impact study due before the next session. Support also came from several transportation, airline, and industry groups, while Tim Rhymer and Frank Schultz opposed it. The committee then heard SB 21 on water carriers, which would authorize a PUC inflationary cost index adjustment mechanism and exemptions; DOT, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbors Users Group supported it, while Frank Schultz opposed. Finally, the committee heard SB 117 on electric mobility, which would expand and rename the rebate program, set age limits and operating rules for e-bikes and electric motorcycles, require insurance for electric motorcycle operators, and make conforming changes. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DOT, the Hawaii Bicycling League, the Queen’s pediatric trauma center, and Ulupono Initiative, though one testifier warned that the bill’s wattage definition could unintentionally capture some pedal-assist e-bikes. No votes were taken on the individual bills in the portions shown, and the transcript ended with the committee continuing its hearing agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's certain areas in advanced manufacturing that we're not really skilled up to be, so we use national
• manufacturing that we're not um advanced manufacturing that we're not um really<00:54:52.040><c> skilled
• 52.760><c> be</c><00:54:52.920><c> so</c><00:54:53.079><c> we</c><00:54:53.240><c> use</c> really skilled
• up to be so we use really skilled up to be so we use National<00:54:54.319><c> um</c><00:54:54.520><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard testimony on several bills, with much of the discussion focused on Enterprise Zones and related economic development measures. On SB 125, the committee heard support from DBEDT, the Department of Taxation, the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, and the Farmers Union. Members questioned how the bill would affect job-creation requirements and learned that existing companies and new companies are treated differently under the program, with existing companies generally subject to a 15% annual employment increase and new companies to a 10% increase, while the bill would extend the program period from seven to nine years. DBEDT also said the program has been effective, citing 1,162 jobs created or maintained at a cost of about $1.2 million, and noted that agriculture, manufacturing, and wholesaling are the main sectors involved. The committee then took up SB 729, also relating to Enterprise Zones, which would expand eligibility to better accommodate local manufacturers and value-added businesses that sell directly to retail rather than only wholesale. Testifiers from the Holua Collaborative and Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau supported the measure, saying it would help small manufacturers and agricultural producers add value and adapt to internet-era sales patterns. A committee discussion clarified that the bill would add value-added processing as an allowable activity within the zones, and DBEDT explained that the current rules were written for a wholesale-dominated market. The Attorney General’s office also testified, raising a supremacy clause concern and recommending language changes to avoid conflict with federal law. On SB 129, relating to labeling requirements for fish, the Attorney General and the Department of Agriculture both raised concerns about federal preemption and enforcement. The AG explained that federal law governs fish labeling but includes an exception for processed fish, and recommended narrowing the bill to processed fish and defining that term to fit the federal carve-out. The Hawaii Longline Association supported the bill but suggested excluding canned tuna while including products such as poke, sashimi, and sushi. The Department of Agriculture said it does not currently enforce this kind of labeling requirement and would need to determine whether another agency should handle enforcement. The committee also heard SB 581, which would establish an aerospace and aeronautics development program within DBEDT. Testimony was generally supportive, but members pressed for a fiscal estimate, and the bill’s sponsor said a prior version of the office had operated on about $400,000 annually with a small staff. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, April Sims, President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO.
• There are also things that are more like hazards to the economy, to your labor market, and to your supply
• There are also things that are more like hazards to the economy, to your labor market, to your supply
• chains. like hazards to the economy, to your labor market, to your supply chains.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• element of the amendment, it relieves the Department of Education of the requirement and associated labor
• </c> Education of the requirement and Education of the requirement and associated<00:16:38.959><c> labor
• </c><00:16:39.280><c> with</c><00:16:39.520><c> supplying</c><00:16:40.000><c> the</c> associated labor
• with supplying the associated labor with supplying the Secretary<00:16:40.720><c> of</c><00:16:41.240

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This campaign is a grassroots effort with over 30 nonprofit organizations and labor unions supporting
• guess I can say, we reported about $700,000 in in-kind donations from community organizations and labor
• working people in projects that are delayed or canceled: few jobs, few electricians working, coppers, laborers
• Few jobs, few electricians working, coppers, laborers, and it's just a slippery slope that has already

Bills: H5008

Keywords: rent control, housing stability, tenants rights, affordability crisis, consumer protection, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation
• There's been attempts to curtail civil rights, restrict labor protections, and restrict access to education
• The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor and Transportation
• Public safety, judiciary, labor and transportation is hereby adjourned.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation heard updates from the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Department of Justice. Cal OES Acting Director Tina Curry described the department’s proposed budget, disaster response and recovery work, Los Angeles wildfire recovery, FEMA reimbursement delays, hazard mitigation grant applications, planning for major events like the FIFA World Cup and LA28 Olympics, and the state’s next generation 911 priorities. Senators raised concerns about Operation Stonegarden, small-disaster recovery delays, FEMA reimbursement timing, VOCA funding, and the need for more detailed reporting on federal grants and recovery costs. The committee then focused on Next Generation 911. Cal OES staff said the current regional deployment encountered call-routing and transfer failures, leading the department to pause further rollout and propose a new phased plan centered on a statewide provider, followed by an open procurement for a long-term vendor. They said the plan is intended to improve reliability, simplify architecture, and support Los Angeles-area PSAPs ahead of the Olympics, with a target of full statewide transition by summer 2030. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to pause major changes until it receives more information, including a clearer explanation of the problems, alternatives considered, costs, cybersecurity and privacy issues, and oversight needs. Members expressed mixed views, with some supporting a joint oversight hearing and requesting quarterly fiscal reports and monthly progress updates. The Department of Justice then presented its overall workload, emphasizing public safety enforcement, fentanyl and human trafficking prosecutions, housing enforcement, civil rights work, and extensive federal litigation against the Trump administration. DOJ said the additional federal accountability work has significantly increased staffing and overtime demands, though it has hired 44 additional employees. The committee also heard DOJ’s firearms workload proposal, including funding for SB 704 implementation, continued firearms IT modernization, and a proposed shift of Bureau of Firearms costs to the General Fund. The LAO recommended using special funds and loans instead of ongoing General Fund support where possible, and asked DOJ to develop a framework by January 2027 for determining which firearms and ammunition workload should be supported by fee revenue. The Department of Finance largely agreed with the need for SB 704 funding but disagreed with the LAO’s proposed loan approach for the firearms account.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do view it as a labor bill and not just for the immediate jobs.
• do</c><00:30:55.440><c> view</c><00:30:55.600><c> it</c><00:30:55.720><c> as</c><00:30:55.920><c> labor
• We do view it as labor real quickly.
• We do view it as labor bill<00:30:56.480><c> and</c><00:30:56.600><c> not</c><00:30:56.840><c> just</

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:25 HB 667 Discussion 01:21 HB 667 Roll Call Vote 03:56 HB 677 Discussion 05:01 HB 677 Roll Call Vote 11:51 HB 535 Discussion 13:33 HB 535 Roll Call Vote 34:46 HJR 77 Discussion 38:33 HJR 77 Roll Call Vote 44:23, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution 120, recognizing February 25th, 2026, as Labor Lobby Day at the State Capitol.
• February<00:50:16.800><c> 25th,</c><00:50:17.760><c> 2026</c><00:50:19.040><c> as</c><00:50:19.760><c> Labor
• </c><00:50:20.400><c> lobby</c><00:50:20.800><c> day</c> February 25th, 2026 as Labor lobby day February
• 25th, 2026 as Labor lobby day at<00:50:21.440><c> the</c><00:50:21.680><c> state</c><00:50:21.920><c

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Government, Labor, and Elections. >> Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• &gt;&gt; Government,<00:31:48.960><c> Labor,</c><00:31:49.200><c> and</c><00:31:49.360><c> Elections.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Government, Labor, and Elections. &gt;&gt; Government, Labor, and Elections.

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, February 20, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please support nurses, patients, and labor by opposing HF 1925. Thank you for your time, Mr.
• Please support nurses, patients, and labor by opposing HF 1925. Thank you for your time, Mr.
• Please support nurses, patients, and labor by opposing HF 1925. Thank you for your time, Mr.
• Please support nurses, patients, and labor by opposing HF 1925. Thank you for your time, Mr.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Yvonne Fernandez with the California Federation of Labor Unions.
• The Labor Federation is supportive of ways of generating revenue and holding corporations accountable
• Yvonne Fernandez with the California Federation of Labor Unions.
• The Labor Federation is supportive of ways of generating revenue and holding corporations accountable

Summary: The joint informational hearing examined California’s taxation of multinational corporations, especially the Water’s Edge election versus worldwide combined reporting. Chairs opened by framing the issue as a review of whether current rules fairly and sufficiently tax foreign subsidiary income, given profit shifting concerns, budget pressures, and the long history since Water’s Edge was adopted in the 1980s. The first panel from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and Franchise Tax Board explained the mechanics of unitary taxation, apportionment, and the Water’s Edge election, and provided filing data showing Water’s Edge filers are a small share of returns but account for a large share of corporate tax liability. FTB witnesses said the agency already administers both methods and could handle a shift to mandatory worldwide reporting with education and outreach, though revenue estimates are difficult because foreign affiliate information is not directly available. Committee members asked about foreign government pushback, administrative burden, industries with more profit shifting, revenue uncertainty, and whether companies would leave California. LAO and FTB witnesses said pushback from foreign governments was plausible, but they did not expect major business flight because California’s tax is largely based on sales rather than physical presence. They also said worldwide reporting could reduce profit shifting but might increase revenue volatility and litigation risk. A second panel of academic and tax policy witnesses argued that Water’s Edge is a loophole that rewards aggressive tax planning, that worldwide combined reporting would better capture income tied to California, and that modern federal and international rules such as NCTI/GILTI, CAMT, and Pillar Two reduce compliance concerns and make a return to worldwide reporting more feasible. They also said California’s current system can create selection effects and may under-tax large multinationals. In the next panel, a California Budget and Policy Center witness urged eliminating the Water’s Edge election, calling it a costly loophole that benefits large global corporations over smaller domestic businesses and deprives the state of billions in revenue that could support health care and other services. A Silicon Valley Leadership Group witness gave historical context for why Water’s Edge was adopted and began outlining concerns about compliance, double taxation, and the risk of overreaching beyond income truly connected to California. No bill was voted on or advanced; the hearing was informational only, with members using the testimony to weigh the policy trade-offs and possible transition periods if the Legislature were to change the current rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yvonne Fernandez with the California Federation of Labor Unions.
• The Labor Federation is supportive of ways of generating revenue and holding corporations accountable
• Chair and staff, Yvonne Fernandez with the California Federation of Labor Unions.
• The Labor Federation is supportive of ways of generating revenue and holding corporations accountable

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yvonne Fernandez with the California Federation of Labor Unions.
• The Labor Federation is supportive of ways of generating revenue and holding corporations accountable
• Yvonne Fernandez with the California Federation of Labor Unions.
• The Labor Federation is supportive of ways of generating revenue and holding corporations accountable

Summary: The joint informational hearing examined California’s taxation of multinational corporations, especially the state’s water’s-edge election versus worldwide combined reporting. The LAO and Franchise Tax Board explained the basic mechanics of unitary taxation, apportionment, and how water’s-edge generally excludes most foreign subsidiaries while worldwide reporting includes the full unitary group. FTB officials said water’s-edge filers are a small share of corporate filers but account for a large share of tax liability, and they described filing trends, industry mix, and the administrative steps needed to administer either system. Members and witnesses debated the policy trade-offs. Supporters of moving away from water’s-edge argued that it enables profit shifting, especially for large multinational and IP-heavy firms, and that eliminating it could raise significant revenue and improve fairness for smaller domestic businesses. They cited estimates of billions in potential revenue and said California already has the audit and reporting infrastructure to handle worldwide reporting, though some transition time would be needed. Opponents argued that worldwide reporting would tax foreign activity unrelated to California, create double taxation, increase compliance burdens and litigation, and could be difficult for foreign-based multinationals to document. They also warned that some of the revenue estimates are highly uncertain because foreign affiliate income is not directly observable. Committee members asked about foreign government pushback, the risk of companies leaving California, the effect on intellectual property shifting, and whether federal or Supreme Court action could block a change. Witnesses generally said major firms would be unlikely to leave because California taxes sales rather than physical presence, but some costs could be passed on to consumers. The panel also discussed alternatives such as conforming to federal international tax rules like NCTI/GILTI and adding anti-abuse rules. No vote or bill action was taken; the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the interim Business and Labor Committee. What is it? Business and Labor Committee.
• We're just going to stick with Business and Labor. So we're going to go ahead and get started.
• Appreciate the approach that we're taking here in Business and Labor. Thank you.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Would that be uh labor?
• ; Would<00:53:36.800><c> that</c><00:53:37.200><c> be</c><00:53:37.920><c> uh</c><00:53:38.079><c> labor
• </c> &gt;&gt; Would that be uh labor? &gt;&gt; Would that be uh labor?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the September 24 and September 27 meetings unanimously. It then reviewed a spreadsheet and draft report tracking the status of various dedicated funds, with members deciding which items should be kept active, removed, or flagged for follow-up next year. Several funds were identified as no longer needing action because they had been repealed, terminated, or were already handled elsewhere, including mosquito-related funding, child care licensing, and the prescription drug affordability board item. In other cases, members agreed to keep the fund on the list but remove question marks and add notes for future review or for another committee to address. A number of funds drew more detailed discussion. Members agreed that the Fish and Game fee increase issue should not be handled by this committee directly, but that staff should notify the relevant sponsor/department that a legislative change would be needed. They also discussed a medical cannabis fund that was running down significantly; the committee agreed to keep it active, note the concern, and send a letter to the department and Representative McDonald suggesting that HHS review whether fees or another revenue source should be changed, with the possibility of a late bill if needed. The lead poisoning prevention fund was also kept, with a note that the department should take action if it wants changes, and the committee discussed a grants-and-aid escrow-related item, concluding it should remain active and be kept on the list. Members also discussed several legacy or special-purpose funds. They agreed to recommend deleting the broodstock reference, to keep the emergency fund while asking for a better explanation of its funding source, and to retain the building maintenance fund as active. The Recovery Monument fund was identified as inactive and likely eligible for transfer of its remaining $1,000 to the addiction treatment and prevention fund. The Matthew Elliott Trust Fund prompted the most extended discussion; members concluded it should not continue as-is and agreed to draft a letter to the Attorney General recommending that the fund be closed through probate court and the remaining $5,657 transferred to Fund 122, or otherwise handled as unclaimed property if appropriate. The committee also discussed a firemen’s association-related transfer and agreed it should remain, while noting that any broader change would require legislation and a sponsor in the relevant policy committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• you know, by either using existing resources that exist in the state, or why is it so expensive and labor-intensive
• And so my question is, how can we make these programs less expensive or less labor-intensive to have
• Governor Pat Brown with the goal of bringing together a diverse set of stakeholders, public agencies, labor
• Governor Pat Brown with the goal of bringing together a diverse set of stakeholders, public agencies, labor

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on DTSC’s implementation of SB 158 reforms, including enforcement, community engagement, fee stability, the hazardous waste management plan, permitting backlogs, and the Safer Consumer Products program. Senators and Assembly members emphasized protecting overburdened communities and asked how DTSC and the Board of Environmental Safety are using their authority to improve accountability, reduce delays, and address hazardous waste facilities and consumer product chemicals. The hearing also included discussion of extended producer responsibility programs and whether DTSC can support them more efficiently, including through coordination with CalRecycle. DTSC Director Katie Butler said the department is now more transparent, accountable, and fiscally stable, citing stronger enforcement actions, an interactive inspections map, expanded community outreach, and emergency response work on the Los Angeles wildfire cleanup. She said DTSC has made progress on fee reform, the hazardous waste management plan, cleanup grants, permit renewals, and safer consumer products rulemaking, including adding microplastics to the candidate chemical list. Board Chair Andrew Rakestraw said the board has held multiple public meetings and hearings, is working on fee rates and performance metrics, and is revising the hazardous waste management plan after public comment, including removing a proposal to send certain contaminated soil to municipal landfills. He also noted remaining concerns about fee structure, permit delays, and the pace of the safer consumer products program. Public witnesses offered sharply different views. A representative of the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance said SB 158 reforms have improved permitting and transparency, but urged more attention to risk-based decision-making, reduced duplication, and possible General Fund support for plan implementation rather than relying only on fees. Earthjustice argued DTSC remains too slow and that communities continue to suffer from long-delayed permits and weak protections, urging the Legislature to take a more active role and to prioritize eliminating hazardous substances rather than minimizing costs. Committee members pressed the witnesses on permit renewals, community impacts, and the pace of the safer consumer products program, while DTSC defended its progress and said further legislative collaboration may be needed on hazardous waste management and emerging waste streams.

Transcript Highlights:

• but that still really isn't cost-benefit analysis, which is the gold standard, and it's extremely labor-intensive
• We're trying again, but it is very labor-intensive.
• Labor costs are high. Everything's high. Interest rates are high.
• that means that the cost-benefit analysis that is out there in the future, because it's complex and labor-intensive

Transcript Highlights:

• reason for the significant property premium increase is due to the 43% increase for higher material and labor
• increase for higher due to the 43% increase for higher material<00:54:15.359><c> and</c><00:54:15.839><c> labor
• </c><00:54:17.680><c> So,</c><00:54:17.839><c> I</c><00:54:18.079><c> checked</c> material and labor
• So, I checked material and labor costs."

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: At a joint Senate hearing on SCR 198 and SR 178, the committees considered resolutions urging Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to seek subrogation claims against polluters linked to worsening climate impacts and higher insurance costs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with 47 written testimonies in support and additional oral support from former Honolulu chief resilience officer Josh Tamro. The committees recommended passage with amendments, narrowing the language to refer specifically to polluters who knowingly engaged in misleading and deceptive practices about the connection between their products and climate change, along with technical non-substantive edits. Both committees adopted the amended resolutions by vote. At a separate joint hearing on STR 226 and SR 201, which urged changes to Medicaid 1915 home and community-based services waiver eligibility criteria, supporters argued the current rules and administrative guidance were inconsistent and left some people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with mental health dual diagnoses, without proper access. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the intent but noted factual issues and said a memo from the department addressed only part of the problem, not the mental health-related concerns. After discussion, the chair concluded the resolution was not the best vehicle and deferred it, suggesting a more comprehensive bill would be needed. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee also took up HB 799 HD2 SD1 on healthcare and recommended passage with amendments, including striking a written transfer-agreement requirement, shortening the sunset to June 30, 2028, removing a related timeline, and making technical corrections. In another joint hearing, SCR 222 and SR 197, which would have urged towing companies to have on-site ATMs for vehicle owners, drew opposition from the Office of Consumer Protection, which said Act 60 already requires credit and debit card acceptance and that ATMs could let companies evade the law. Members noted ongoing complaints and weak enforcement, and the chair recommended turning the issue into a task force for further study, with decision-making deferred because of quorum issues. The committee also heard several other resolutions: STR 57 and SR 41, urging Congress to create a national reinsurance program, received only supportive testimony; STR 70 and SR 54, calling for a pharmacy reimbursement working group, also drew support; and STR 123, proposing an attorney general-led landlord-tenant working group, received comments from the Attorney General’s Office suggesting a more appropriate lead agency and noting the Legislative Reference Bureau may be better suited to assist. No final adverse action was taken on those measures during the hearing segment described.

Transcript Highlights:

• Economically, this bill threatens key industries that rely on immigrant labor, from agriculture to construction
• They want us to reduce the labor shortage. They want us to lower costs.
• On all of those fronts, higher costs, more expensive groceries, a worsened labor shortage, all of that
• , said, and characterized as someone who has a per se inherent conflict because they exploit cheap labor

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a moment of silence honoring former Senator and Judge Thomas Gallen. The chamber then moved to special order items focused on immigration and related enforcement measures. Senate Memorial 6C, urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements, passed by voice vote. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 4C, an immigration measure that would impose a mandatory death penalty for unauthorized aliens convicted of capital felonies and create state crimes for illegal entry and re-entry. Senators Pizzo, Polsky, and Sharief raised concerns about constitutional issues, plea bargaining, trial and penalty-phase procedures, prosecutorial discretion, and the effect on victims’ families. Supporters, including Senators Fine and Gruters, argued the bill was a strong deterrent and a response to serious crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. The bill passed 25-11. The chamber next debated Senate Bill 2C, a broader immigration enforcement package. The bill would create a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, expand local-federal cooperation, fund detention and enforcement efforts, strengthen pretrial detention rules for unauthorized aliens, and end in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. Senators Davis and Pizzo questioned enforcement mechanics, jurisdiction, bond procedures, and whether local agencies were actually mandated to participate; supporters said the bill was designed to maximize cooperation with federal authorities and the Trump administration. A late-filed amendment by Senator Pizzo to preserve tuition waivers for current students failed 14-22, and a second amendment was withdrawn after discussion. Debate then continued on the bill, with opponents arguing it was costly, federal in nature, and harmful to Dreamers and other students, while supporters said it was necessary to crack down on illegal immigration and align state policy with federal enforcement priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• , public works informant, due pass as amended to provide that all penalty revenues received by the Labor
• , public works informant, due pass as amended to provide that all penalty revenues received by the Labor

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held its August 13, 2026 suspense-file hearing on Senate bills, with the chair opening by thanking staff and recognizing consultant Jennifer Swenson’s retirement after 30 years in the Legislature. The committee explained that it was weighing the fiscal impact of 293 bills and that some would move forward while others would be held because of cost, duplication, or competing budget priorities. The committee then took up the suspense file in alphabetical order and acted on a large number of measures, sending many to the Assembly floor as due pass or due pass with amendments. Examples included bills on battery recycling, wildfire resilience loans, mobile home park disaster assistance, price gouging, veterans’ property tax exemptions, housing and insurance issues, energy and utility regulation, election procedures, criminal justice, health care, education, housing, environmental protection, and artificial intelligence. Many bills were amended to narrow scope, delay implementation, add reporting requirements, clarify definitions, or reduce costs; others were held in committee. Among the notable actions, several bills were advanced on roll calls while others were held, including measures related to water quality, utility rate information, juvenile detention, CARE Court, and various housing and energy proposals. The committee also moved a number of sunset and technical cleanup bills, and several members requested to be added as principal or joint authors on amended measures. At the end of the hearing, the chair noted that the committee had moved a large number of bills to the Assembly floor, usually with amended language, and that the amended versions would be posted online. The hearing then adjourned.