Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome, and thank you for your service to the people of California and Los Angeles.
• Let us commit to a day of service.
• King's legacy with special services and observances.
• His service helped sustain freedom at a pivotal moment in world history.
• His service helped sustain freedom at a pivotal moment in world history.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And let us, Haley and Kelly, maybe if you want to introduce our Senate Committee Services staff.
• We were very excited to be able to restore domestic service.
• But increasingly unpredictable ferry service is testing those limits.
• But increasingly unpredictable ferry service is testing those limits.
• When ferries are broken and service is reduced, residents miss medical appointments.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met on January 13, 2026, for a work session on Governor Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental transportation budget and a public hearing on Senate Bill 6005, which makes supplemental transportation appropriations for the 2025–27 biennium. Committee staff reviewed the transportation budget outlook, noting that the 2025 session had balanced the transportation budget over four years with significant new revenues, but that recent fuel-tax and Climate Commitment Act forecasts had softened the long-term outlook. Staff and the governor’s budget team said the proposal still leaves the budget in positive shape while addressing major needs such as preservation, ferry replacement, maintenance, and the state self-insurance account. The governor’s office described a $16.8 billion transportation budget proposal centered on preservation and maintenance, including $3.1 billion in bonding for eligible preservation projects, $1.1 billion for three new ferries, additional ferry preservation funding, pavement and bridge work, maintenance funding, County Road Administration Board startup money, State Patrol communications upgrades, DOL service access improvements, dredging for the Lower Columbia River, and restored regional mobility grant funding. Committee members asked about ferry capacity, DOL mobile offices, self-insurance costs, and whether additional preservation money could be used in 2026. Testifiers from cities, counties, labor, ports, construction, business, and environmental groups generally supported the emphasis on preservation, ferry reliability, local road funding, and freight projects, while some urged broader transit and rail investment and one witness criticized the budget’s spending approach. During public testimony on SB 6005, speakers from Bainbridge Island and ferry communities supported ferry investments and reliability improvements; local government and labor representatives backed preservation funding and better working conditions for transportation workers; business and construction groups endorsed maintenance, paving, bridge repair, and the Lower Columbia dredging item; and port and environmental advocates supported freight, port electrification, and rail funding. One witness raised concerns about the cost and long-term implications of hybrid-electric ferry maintenance, and another urged restraint in spending. The hearing ended after testimony, with the chair noting the sign-in tally and adjourning the committee without a vote on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we want to appreciate what their service is that we that they do.
• So, we want to appreciate what<00:07:50.160><c> their</c><00:07:50.400><c> service</c><00:07:50.720><
• House Bill 3, an act relating to reimbursements for pharmacist services. Representative Neighbors.
• </c> reimbursements for pharmacist services. reimbursements for pharmacist services.
• Medical services and care were provided by emergency medical services crews from Louisville Metro, Anchorage

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 00:55 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 11:09 Motion to Act on HR 21 15:13 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 23:52 ConC and Rules Report 29:29 Adjournment 31:04, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We call it the men's service challenge. We're calling on 10,000... Creates a new service challenge.
• We call it the men's service challenge.
• It's also service that extends through our larger Service Corps initiative in California.
• And what we ask for in return is 450 hours of service. Service. I'm a Sargent Shriver guy.
• Service, he said, is the heart and soul.

Summary: The joint convention convened to receive Governor Gavin Newsom’s final State of the State address, with legislative leaders introducing the Governor and welcoming constitutional officers, judges, and other guests. The proceedings opened with a moment of silence honoring Renee Nicole Good and other immigrants affected by detention and due process concerns. After introductory remarks from the Speaker, Senate President pro Tem Monique Limón, and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Governor Newsom delivered a wide-ranging address reflecting on his administration and California’s response to recent crises. The Governor highlighted California’s economic performance, tax structure, minimum wage increases, education funding, child care and school meal investments, housing reforms, apprenticeships, infrastructure projects, clean energy progress, and efforts on homelessness, mental health, and public safety. He also discussed state action on artificial intelligence regulation, climate resilience, insurance reform, and wildfire recovery, while sharply criticizing the federal government and President Trump on immigration, health care, food aid, disaster response, and other issues. He announced that his upcoming budget would include major education spending, a five-year extension of the CalCompete tax credit, additional community school funding, a rebuilding fund for fire survivors, and other policy proposals. At the close of the address, the Legislature formally ordered the Governor’s State of the State speech printed in the journal as a special appendix. The joint convention then adjourned sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are convening the House Human Services and Homelessness Committee.
• I'm with the Department of Accounting and General Services, Central Services Division.
• <00:12:59.040><c> central</c><00:12:59.440><c> services</c><00:12:59.920><c> division.
• </c><00:13:00.880><c> Uh</c> services central services division.
• Uh services central services division.

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard STR 73 SD1, which requests the Office of Wellness and Resilience to develop a report on the developmental needs of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Wellness and Resilience testified in support, saying it was eager to work with local researchers on evidence-based, community-informed recommendations. Support also came from a Zoom testifier, the Department of Education, and the Hawaii Community Foundation. The testifier emphasized the need for trauma-informed supports for children who were ages zero to five during COVID, especially in communities also affected by the Kilauea eruption and the Maui wildfires. Members discussed the long-term impacts of the pandemic and natural disasters on children, and one member said they would support the measure but vote with reservations because they wanted the phrase “climate crisis” changed to “natural disasters.” The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the resolution as is, with some members noting reservations. The committee then took up SCR 239 SD1, which asks DAGS, DLNR, and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation to provide universal changing accommodations in state and county facilities and parks. DAGS submitted comments, DLNR State Parks testified that it supported the intent but raised concerns about the cost and feasibility of retrofitting existing facilities, noting it has 73 comfort stations statewide, ongoing vandalism and maintenance issues, and possible ADA space conflicts. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the measure, with testimony stressing that accessible changing facilities are important for independence and equity for people with disabilities. In response to questions, DLNR said it had not received complaints about the lack of such infrastructure and that any future installations should be considered in new designs rather than existing facilities. After discussion, the chair moved to defer the resolution, citing budget and implementation concerns and suggesting the issue be revisited in the future with a revised approach and possible needs assessment. The committee agreed to defer SCR 239 SD1 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the second meeting of the Health Services Committee, the Standing Committee on Health Services
• Emergency medical services is the fourth.
• Emergency medical services is the fourth.
• So we'll target it where we services.
• cabinet for health and family services. cabinet for health and family services.

Committee: House Health Services

Keywords: 00:00:20 - Call to Order/Roll Call 00:02:00 - Update on Rural Health Transformation Program 00:29:20 - Discussion of 26RS HB 134 00:36:35 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 134 00:37:41 - Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 01:09:44 - Adjournment, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We get the services that they need, the chance for suicide goes down.
• So looking at Meals on Wheels and Lutheran Social Services.
• We get the services that they need.
• Um I think some of my services.
• County um service officers, the CVSOs um County um service officers, the CVSOs um to<00:30:51.520><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an environmental services worker for UC Davis.
• My name is Marta Aguado, and I'm a principal food service worker at UC Santa Cruz.
• We frequently engage the services of 211.
• When it's already very, very, social services can be hard to navigate, right?
• like food, clothing, mental health services, and health care.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1157, the Affordable Rent Act, which would lower California’s annual rent cap, remove the single-family home exemption, and eliminate the sunset on existing tenant protections. The author and supporters argued that renters are facing severe affordability pressures, especially in single-family rentals, and that stronger statewide rent stabilization is needed to prevent displacement and homelessness. Opponents, including apartment, building, and property-owner groups, said the bill would discourage housing production, harm small landlords, and override a deal they said was intended to be temporary while the state focused on building more housing. Public testimony on AB 1157 was extensive, with many renters, tenant advocates, labor groups, and community organizations speaking in support, while many landlords, business groups, and property-owner representatives spoke in opposition. Committee members were split: some praised the bill as a necessary response to the rent crisis, while others warned it could reduce investment and worsen the housing shortage. The committee ultimately voted 7-5 to pass AB 1157 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The committee then approved the consent calendar, including AB 413, AB 1152, and AB 1275, on a 9-0 vote. It also heard ACA 3, which would require the University of California to make available a limited number of down payment loans for eligible long-term support staff who are first-time homebuyers. Supporters said the measure would help lower-wage UC workers afford homeownership and improve retention, while UC and other opponents argued the proposal was duplicative of existing state programs, unnecessary, and potentially harmful to UC finances. The discussion focused on financing mechanics and the relationship to CalHFA, but no final vote on ACA 3 was included in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> two with no disruption to our services two with no disruption to our services uh<00:24:30.480><c
• > that</c><00:24:30.640><c> service</c><00:24:31.080><c> all</c><00:24:31.240><c> of</c><00:24:31.399
• ><c> northern</c> uh that service all of northern uh that service all of northern Minnesota<00:24:32.799
• I just thank you for your service.
• “Well, thank you for presenting, and thank you for your service as well. Appreciate that.”

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, but special education services.
• ><c> services</c><00:32:04.559><c> for</c><00:32:04.880><c> all</c> the dyslexia screening services for
• ,</c> the the bus come, the bus service, the the bus come, the bus service, um,<01:14:18.159><c> all<
• Um, aren't getting the services.
• </c> administrative services administrative services um<01:52:15.280><c> including</c><01:52:15.760><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the October 15 minutes and a brief discussion of the committee’s report process, including the likelihood of a minority report and a deadline of November 1 for any separate report. Members then heard from Jod Adams of the New Hampshire Alliance for Public Charter Schools, who gave an overview of charter schools in the state: there are 37 charter schools, with 6,034 students last year, and schools are formed by certified teachers, parents, or nonprofit organizations. She said charter schools receive about $9,180 per pupil in adequacy aid and charter school grant funding, must fundraise for additional money, and are governed by their own boards under their charters and bylaws. Members asked about admissions, governance, transportation, and special education. Adams said charter schools are open enrollment, not geographically based, and may use lotteries when applications exceed available seats. She explained that districts and charter schools coordinate on special education and busing, with the sending district responsible for special education coordination and certain transportation obligations depending on where the student lives and attends. She also said charter schools are public schools, not selective, and that each school’s board operates independently of the local district school board, though some schools may have special arrangements. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on funding and statutory obligations. Adams and members discussed how special education aid follows the student, while charter schools do not receive some district-level aid such as catastrophic aid; free and reduced lunch funding and Title funds can go to charter schools. Members also raised concerns that some state laws and administrative rules do not clearly specify whether they apply to charter schools, creating confusion and, in some cases, causing districts to perform services such as dyslexia screening for charter students without additional funding. Adams agreed that clearer statutory language would help and noted that charter schools are subject to many state requirements, including testing and reporting, even though not every public-school rule applies to them.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to welcome all to the 22nd hearing of the Joint Committee on Public Service in the 194th General
• This meeting is live streamed and will be posted publicly on the Joint Committee on Public Service web
• support of Senate Bill 3165, for the opportunity to testify before the Joint Committee on Public Service
• appointment to the Holbrook Fire Department from the Massachusetts Human Resources Division civil service
• from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 22nd hearing of the 194th General Court to consider late-file bills, with the chairs outlining testimony limits and instructions for submitting written testimony. The committee heard testimony on several local bills, including H.5520, which would allow George Petrinos of Dudley to continue serving as a call firefighter past age 65 until age 70. Representative John Moran said the bill had town support, would have no pension or fiscal impact, and was intended to let Petrinos continue a long record of service. The committee also heard testimony on H.4499 concerning the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership. Witnesses Colleen Curran and Matthew Brunell said the bill would correct an oversight so certain employees of the zone could participate in the public retirement system. They described the organization as a public body subject to open meeting and procurement laws, performing functions similar to a public school district, and said a prior administrative decision had recognized it as a public entity but not extended retirement eligibility to its employees. Finally, the committee took testimony on Senate Bill 3165 for the town of Holbrook, which would authorize the appointment of Patrick Daugherty as a firefighter despite the maximum age requirement. Holbrook Fire Chief Luke McFadden and Senators John Keenan and Representative Mark Cusack said the department needs paramedic-qualified firefighters, Daugherty is already known to the town and fully qualified aside from the age issue, and the exemption would help address staffing shortages. No questions were raised after the testimony, and the committee then moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's not just directly to the internet service providers; it's also to nations, pueblos, and tribes
• services, offering their services.
• Offering, you know, as a vendor, offering their service that way and becoming self-sustaining in very
• For a grant-making or subsidized affordable rates that companies are already providing that service,
• I just don't want to have unfair competition with our one service that has already been allowed in a

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I call this hearing of the Assembly Committee on Human Services to order.
• This hearing of the Assembly Committee on Human Services is now in order.
• AB 673 helps close that gap by strengthening coordination between schools and the human services systems
• and coordinate with a variety of housing and social service partners.
• Business before the Assembly Human Services Committee is complete. The hearing is now adjourned.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services met for its first bill hearing of the 2026 legislative year and heard two measures. The chair opened with remarks about protecting safety net programs and noted limits on testimony and rules for disruptions. The committee first heard AB 673, by Assembly Member Corey Jackson, which would create the Unaccompanied Youth Support Grant Program to help homeless 16- and 17-year-olds who are not in a parent or guardian’s custody by funding referrals to housing, basic needs, educational support, and employment readiness through five-year competitive grants administered by the Department of Education. The California Department of Education supported the bill, citing the scale of student homelessness and poor outcomes for unaccompanied youth. One public witness testified in support, and there was no opposition. Members discussed budget concerns and the need to prioritize services for vulnerable youth, then moved the bill forward to the Assembly Appropriations Committee on a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard AB 277, by Assembly Member Rowelleece, which would require background checks for employees providing behavioral health treatment before hiring. The author said current law covers many other categories of workers but not behavioral health employees such as registered behavioral technicians, and argued the bill would better protect children with disabilities who may be more vulnerable to abuse and less able to report it. The author said the bill had been amended in consultation with the committee to preserve employer hiring discretion while adding the background check requirement. There was no public testimony in opposition, and members expressed support. AB 277 was moved on a due pass recommendation to the Assembly Appropriations Committee and later recorded as passing 6-0. AB 673 was also recorded as passing 4-0 after the roll was left open for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> well as Barb Dah, um social services well as Barb Dah, um social services director<00:01:53.119>
• human services director with Scott County.
• </c> hearing, I asked my social services hearing, I asked my social services director<00:04:24.560><c
• <c> at</c><00:31:57.120><c> Second</c> services operations manager at Second services operations manager
• We're not normally services on Saturday.

Bills: HF45 , HF1148 , HF3624 , HF3586 , HF777

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF45, Lake Benton, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Public Facilities Authority, public infrastructure, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, utility replacement, U.S. Highway 75, road reconstruction, municipal infrastructure, local government grant, Minnesota bonding, capital appropriation, food insecurity, prepared meals

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:01.680><c> and</c> fire, thank you for your service and fire, thank you for your service and
• We are witnessing a decline in service.
• </c> of service. of service.
• ><c> their</c><01:25:52.800><c> community</c> provides service to their community provides service to
• </c> the cost of unfunded past service the cost of unfunded past service benefits<01:27:20.880><c> are

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . service. service.
• ><00:36:36.600><c> for</c><00:36:36.760><c> purchase</c> the service is eligible for purchase the service
• Paul cop after 30 years of service.
• I'm here today to years of service.
• ,</c> uh law enforcement labor services, uh law enforcement labor services, Minnesota<00:59:35.760><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was not until I went to neighborhood legal services.
• It was not until I went to neighborhood legal services that an attorney told me about the program.
• We want to make sure that we are inviting the public to use the services that they're entitled to.
• And the need for immigration legal services has never been more urgent.
• Motion is due pass as amended to Human Services. Calra? Aye. Calra? Aye. Macito Lee? Lee?

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on transparency, public health, labor enforcement, health privacy, high-speed rail oversight, and antitrust policy. AB 1544, by Assemblymember Crowell, would strengthen transparency and access to courthouses; the author said it was aimed at protecting press and public access, and the bill was pulled pending quorum. AB 1604, by Assemblymember Stephanie, would ban BPA and other bisphenols in thermal receipt paper by 2027-2028; supporters from Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Californians Against Waste, and a broad coalition argued receipts are a major source of toxic exposure and recycling contamination, while the author said she would continue working with opposition. AB 1859, by Assemblymember Jackson, would let Joint Labor Management Committees visit public works sites to help identify wage and safety violations; labor groups supported it as a low-cost enforcement tool amid a large wage-theft backlog, while contractors and local government groups opposed it as creating private enforcement, liability, and safety concerns. The committee later took up AB 1930, by Assemblymember Burr and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta and Equality California, which would require notice to the Attorney General before certain entities respond to subpoenas or inquiries involving legally protected reproductive or gender-affirming care; supporters framed it as a patient privacy and anti-intimidation measure, while opponents said it would shield providers from scrutiny and interfere with lawful investigations. The bill was approved on a 6-2 vote and placed on call. The consent calendar, including several unrelated bills, was also approved. The committee also heard AB 1584, by Assemblymember Jackson, which would create an Office of Civil Rights within the California Air Resources Board to provide training, language access, and compliance oversight. Supporters said CARB needs a stronger legal framework and dedicated office to enforce civil rights commitments, while an opponent argued CARB already has a civil rights office and should expand existing structures instead of creating a new one. The bill was moved to Appropriations after a roll call vote. AB 1608, by Assemblymember Wilson, would expand the powers and staffing tools of the High-Speed Rail Office of the Inspector General, including public reporting requirements and authority over classifications and purchasing; supporters said stronger independent oversight is needed for the costly project, while opponents criticized the project itself and raised concerns about confidentiality and who should receive reports. The bill was also passed to Appropriations after extended discussion. Finally, AB 1776, by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, would revise California antitrust law to address single-firm conduct under the Cartwright Act. Supporters, including small business and labor advocates, argued dominant firms can harm competition and that the bill would protect small businesses and workers; opponents from business, biotech, retail, housing, and other sectors warned it would create legal uncertainty, expand litigation, and chill investment. The transcript ended during that bill’s testimony and debate, before a final vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Fish and Wildlife Service had also— And not anything afterward.
• Fish and Wildlife Service, this was labeled B on the page 9 map.
• But what the Fish and Wildlife Service did is they reduced it to...
• And every step of the way, Fish and Wildlife Service ignored it.
• I'm with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Committee: Joint Agriculture and Water Management Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Postal Service?
• </c> they sent it via the US Postal Service. they sent it via the US Postal Service.
• </c> parties that aren't receiving service parties that aren't receiving service and<00:42:43.440><c>
• ><c> are</c><00:42:46.400><c> leaving</c> and if these services um are leaving and if these services
• </c> The comprehensive inventory of each service connection within the system to determine the service

Keywords: 0:00:07 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:47 Approval of Minutes 0:01:05 Correspondence and Information Items 0:54:15 Lease Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions 0:56:19 Project Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet 1:08:46 Lease Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet 1:13:00 Rpt from Office of Financial Mgmt - KIA 1:20:00 Office of Financial Management 1:35:50 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with routine business, including welcoming new committee member Senator Reginald Thomas, approving the minutes, and receiving a correspondence report on several information items. Those items included University of Kentucky research equipment funding, UK capital project funding using federal/private funds, debt issues from McGoffin County and Owen County school districts, lease modifications by the Division of Real Properties, asset preservation project revisions at Eastern Kentucky University and Northern Kentucky University, and Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) information on Kentucky Wired critical infrastructure. The main discussion focused on a dispute over the Kentucky Wired communication shelters, or “huts,” and related payments under KCNA’s agreement with Asellicom/Excel. Brad Kilby of Asellicom testified that KCNA had not paid for the huts, that Asellicom had not received the alleged $8 million or any later payment, and that Asellicom remained the legal owner. Committee members pressed him on whether payment had been received, whether anyone else might have received it, and whether the lawsuit or dispute resolution process clarified the issue. Kilby said no payment had been received and that the matter was part of ongoing litigation. KCNA Executive Director Doug Hendricks and General Counsel Adam Atkins then testified. They said a certified check for $8.5 million was mailed in July, based on the Finance and Administration Cabinet secretary’s determination that $8.5 million was due under the model procurement code, even though KCNA had initially requested about $12 million to cover a worst-case estimate. They said the contract allowed payment in full or in tranches, that the huts were completed and operational, and that KCNA had not received documentation supporting Asellicom’s higher $10.1 million claim. Members expressed frustration over the missing check and the broader implications for Kentucky Wired, and one member requested that the committee obtain all agency requests related to KCNA/Kentucky Wired since inception; the co-chairs said they would look into making that information available. No formal vote was taken on the dispute during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> receive special education services, receive special education services, making<00:13:28.800><c>
• Food service fund.
• </c> time to nonprofit food service account. time to nonprofit food service account. um<01:06:29.200>
• I mean, uh, services cuts to that.
• ,</c> cutting special education services, cutting special education services, you're<01:25:32.239><c>

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all