Transcript Highlights:

• I will be supporting it at the appropriate time.
• And also Ashley Blackow on behalf of Oceana at the appropriate time.
• The motion is due pass to appropriations. Please call the roll.
• File item 2, SB 1021 by Choi, due pass as amended to appropriations.
• Do pass as amended to appropriations. Please call the absent member.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh so we also request um a portion.
• burden to the requesting individual.
• One concern that we would request to.
• They call themselves like the legislative<00:35:16.720><c> action</c> legislative action legislative
• </c> members in small business legislation. members in small business legislation.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several housing, landlord-tenant, and condominium-related measures. Senate Bill 62, relating to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, would allow HPHA-owned parcels and related areas such as parking lots to be closed to the public with posted signage; HPHA strongly supported the bill, saying it would help reduce loitering, drinking, and other problems, and no further testimony was offered. Senate Bill 822, relating to the landlord tenant code, would create a three-year working group in the Department of the Attorney General to study and improve the residential landlord-tenant code. The Judiciary supported the measure but said the scope should be narrowed; the Attorney General opposed leading the group and suggested another agency should do so; Hawaii Realtors and the Hawaii Worker Center supported the concept and suggested moving the chairmanship to the Judiciary and including Legal Aid participation. The Judiciary said it could chair the group if the bill were narrowed to matters within the court’s purview. Senate Bill 38, relating to housing, would limit counties from imposing stricter conditions, AMI requirements, or fee-waiver reductions on certain affordable housing proposals if those changes would increase project costs. HHFDC supported the bill, saying county changes after state approval create uncertainty for developers, while the Hawaii State Association of Counties opposed it as an intrusion on local authority and a restriction on county safety and infrastructure conditions. Members asked about whether existing county review periods were sufficient, and the county association said the main concern was the bill’s language limiting counties from making cost-increasing conditions. Senate Bill 146, relating to condominiums, would revise alternative dispute resolution procedures for condo disputes, including evaluative mediation and binding arbitration. The Hawaii Real Estate Commission said it took no position overall but supported a $150 mediation fee and asked for a similar arbitration fee; Community Associations Institute supported the bill with suggested amendments; however, most testimony was strongly opposed by condominium owners and advocates, who said the bill had been changed to the detriment of owners and would increase costs and reduce protections. The committee noted 44 testimonies on the bill, with 2 in support, 37 in opposition, and 2 with comments. Senate Bill 253, relating to condominium reserves, would require a detailed budget summary to stand on its own, remove a good-faith defense for certain noncompliant budgets, and clarify standing and the association’s burden regarding substantial compliance. Hawaii Realtors and Community Associations Institute supported the measure as improving transparency and giving owners and buyers a clearer picture of association finances. Greg Msakian also supported it, arguing it would help owners and describing problems he experienced with budget committee exclusion and budget noncompliance in his own association. The discussion ended while testimony on the bill was still underway, with additional witnesses expected.

Transcript Highlights:

• On House Appropriations and Finance Committee substitute for House Bill 371. Senate bill.
• We stand in support of this legislation.
• We stand in support of this legislation. Energy demand is going to continue to go up.
• But I just know as legislators, we're always looking for unbiased data.
• Madam Chair and Representative, the memorial is requesting that the Legislative Finance Committee...

Summary: The committee first took up SB 96, which would reduce local zoning, fee, parking, HOA, and sprinkler-related barriers for child care operators and home-based child care facilities. The sponsor and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department said the bill is intended to expand child care access, especially in rural areas and child care deserts, while maintaining safety standards. Firefighters, child care advocates, and other supporters testified in favor, while one member objected to the bill’s limits on local control. The committee asked about “stacking spaces” and parking rules, then approved SB 96 on a 7-4 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 303, as amended, dealing with utility construction and certificate of convenience and necessity timing. Utility representatives from El Paso Electric, Xcel Energy, and PNM, along with consumer and energy groups, supported the bill, saying it would let utilities begin construction before the CCN process is complete, with the utility bearing the risk and no cost recovery if approval is later denied. Members questioned impacts on ratepayers, PRC oversight, co-ops, and the bill’s policy rationale. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 303 as amended unanimously, 11-0. Finally, the committee heard House Memorial 6, as substituted, which asked for a study of private equity involvement in critical utilities and whether the state should consider a direct equity stake in utilities. Supporters argued the memorial would provide independent data before major ownership decisions, citing concerns about private equity acquisitions and the need to protect ratepayers and public interests. Opponents, including utility and business representatives, argued the PRC already has authority and expertise, warned about due process and conflict-of-interest concerns, and said the memorial could create uncertainty for investment. After extensive debate, the committee first tabled the committee substitute and then tabled HM 6 itself on an 8-3 vote, ending consideration of the memorial.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bonds may not be offered for sale without prior legislative appropriation of the net proceeds.
• The bonds may also not be offered for sale without prior legislative appropriation.
• Bonds may not be offered for sale without prior legislative appropriation of the net proceeds.
• The bonds may also not be offered for sale without prior legislative appropriation.
• In conclusion, I respectfully request a vote in support of this legislation, but I'm happy to answer

Summary: The committee heard briefings and public testimony on three transportation bills. Substitute Senate Bill 6170 would raise WSDOT monetary thresholds for doing repairs in-house and for contracting work intended to support small, veteran-, minority-, and women-owned businesses, increasing the regular repair limit from $60,000 to $100,000, the emergency repair limit from $100,000 to $160,000 with annual inflation adjustment, and the contracting threshold from $100,000 to $160,000. The sponsor and WSDOT supported the bill as an efficiency measure; the fiscal note indicated no fiscal impact. Washington Federation of State Employees also supported it, saying the higher limits would let highway maintenance crews do more work in-house while preserving the existing work split with contractors. Substitute Senate Bill 6225 would authorize new and expanded transportation general obligation bonds, including $1.1 billion for highway projects in the Move Ahead Washington account, $400 million for listed highway projects with cost increases, and a $500 million increase to the SR 520 bond authorization, while also ending issuance of certain older unissued bond authorizations after June 30, 2026. Committee members asked about debt service, bond capacity, and how the money would be allocated; staff said the projects would be handled through the budget process and that the bill was intended to provide flexibility. Labor and business groups supported the bill as a way to fund preservation and maintenance and provide predictability, while Transportation Choices Coalition said any bonding should be limited and paired with broader transportation funding reforms and protection for multimodal programs. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6354 would allow certain qualifying U.S.-based battery electric vehicle manufacturers that have Washington service facilities and no prior franchise agreements to own and operate dealer licenses and sell directly, while also raising the dealer documentary service fee from $200 to $250 until the end of 2026 and directing part of the increase to an EV rebate program and the multimodal transportation account. Rivian and Lucid supported the bill as a compromise that would expand EV access and direct-sale options; Climate Solutions and the Port of Seattle also supported it, citing emissions reduction and affordability goals. Washington State Auto Dealers Association supported the compromise, saying it strengthens franchise protections while allowing limited direct sales. Honda, Toyota, Ford, GM, and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposed the bill, arguing it creates special treatment and weakens the franchise system, and some urged added consumer protections, service requirements, or bonding. The committee took no final action and closed the public hearings after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would say any way we can get this piece of legislation passed, if that's in other pieces of legislation
• Other states have enacted similar legislation.
• request.
• It is not something that is appropriate.
• It is not something that is appropriate.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Joel Anderson, and I'm Associate Director of Legislative and External Affairs at the Student
• This legislation also eliminates the requirement for the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating
• So as I mentioned earlier, this board cannot appropriate or allocate any sort of funding.
• ... ...is that particularly for appropriations that are going to agencies on a carry-forward basis.
• So these are appropriations made 5, 10, 15 years ago that are recurring.

Bills: SB5963

Committee: House Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Keywords: SB 5963, passport to careers, Washington College Grant, financial aid, higher education, student aid, need-based aid, college affordability, postsecondary education, workforce development, apprenticeship, foster youth, homeless students, unaccompanied youth, low-income students, public assistance, state financial aid account, scholarships, Washington student grants, grant eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to watch and then pass the legislation. to watch and then pass the legislation.
• </c> whenever it's appropriate, certainly. whenever it's appropriate, certainly.
• </c><00:26:35.039><c> uh</c> of stations up uh an appropriation uh of stations up uh an appropriation
• </c> I believe that that's an appropriate I believe that that's an appropriate interpretation<00:43:45.040
• </c> mean the so the original legislation mean the so the original legislation um<00:57:06.640><c> is

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Dave Paul, representing the 10th Legislative District.
• But we do offer these small rebates as long as they are requested at the time of the voucher request.
• Opening and taking voucher requests, and that day we got $35 million in requests.
• A third of the funding already requested, $42 million in requests as of the 1st of June.
• So we expect to see more and more voucher requests.

Summary: The House Transportation Committee held a work session focused on Climate Commitment Act transportation spending and electrification programs. Staff first reviewed overall CCA transportation allocations, saying about $2.2 billion has been allocated over three biennia, with major categories including public transportation, active transportation, ferry electrification, zero-emission vehicle programs, rail/ports, and planning. Members asked for additional breakdowns comparing CCA dollars with total program costs across categories. The Department of Ecology presented on the zero-emission school bus grant program. Ecology said the program was codified in 2024 and supports the transition from diesel to electric school buses, including buses, charging infrastructure, and training. For 2025-27, Ecology received $38.3 million in CCA funding; $21.4 million is already obligated or spent, replacing 91 diesel buses in 28 districts, with the rest to be awarded by the end of the biennium. Members asked about cost parity, exemptions for rural and extracurricular routes, health data, and whether the funding covers chargers as well as buses. Ecology said OSPI is developing the parity formula and exemptions are available when electric buses cannot meet district needs. The Department of Commerce described its clean transportation role, including EV rebates, tribal charging and electric boat projects, and the EV Coordinating Council. Commerce said its rebate program was designed to lower monthly costs and prioritize low-income households, with 89% of recipients saying the rebate was essential to their purchase. It also reported strong demand for charging grants, progress on tribal projects, and concerns about utility interconnection timelines, vandalism, and range anxiety. The Department of Enterprise Services reported on state agency EVSE projects, saying it has completed 82 sites with 567 Level 2 ports and 46 DC fast chargers, and that current projects will add 152 more Level 2 ports; members asked about replacing aging chargers and the state’s EV fleet purchasing mix. WSDOT closed with updates on charging, transit, and port electrification. It said its corridor charging program has awarded 23 sites this biennium, with 13 in overburdened communities and five tribal sites, and that the Washington Zero Emission Incentive Program opened with $112 million for vouchers for zero-emission commercial vehicles and equipment. WSDOT also described transit grants, including bus and bus facility funding, commute trip reduction, paratransit, tribal transit, and zero-emissions access car-share projects. The rail freight and ports division reported $89.8 million for port electrification projects, including shore power and drayage trucks, but noted only about 10% has been spent so far because projects are still in design and permitting. Members raised concerns about funding gaps, supply-chain delays, utility capacity, and whether the programs are sufficient to meet broader electrification needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> state legislative districts. state legislative districts.
• </c> what the intent of the legislation is. what the intent of the legislation is.
• And they are legislative process.
• . appropriately. appropriately.
• </c> to state legislative districts. to state legislative districts.

Keywords: House streaming session for Saturday, April 11, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation mirrors Florida's legislation that's named Brooks Law.
• A good piece of legislation bring back. Representative Weber. Okay.
• So how is that happening, and then we need to do this legislation?
• So how is that happening, and then we need to do this legislation?
• HB 717 appropriately centered...

Committee: House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and voted do pass on House Bill 3037, House Bill 2760, House Bill 1778, and House Bill 2830, each by recorded roll call. HB 3037, HB 2760, and HB 1778 all passed 8-4, while HB 2830 passed unanimously 12-0. The committee also said it would not take up HB 1746 and HB 1769 yet, because more work was needed on an amendment. The public hearing began with House Bill 3005, sponsored by Representative Justice, which would require public and school libraries to adopt and post reconsideration policies for challenged materials, limit requests to local residents or parents/guardians, extend the process to digital materials, and prohibit tracking or retaining personalized user data from digital library resources. Justice said the bill was developed with the Secretary of State’s office and library groups and was intended to add transparency, local control, and privacy protections. Testimony from EBSCO Information Services and the Missouri Library Association supported the bill as a codification of existing library practices and a way to create clearer procedures. The committee then heard a group of similar bills on AI-generated or digitally altered depictions, including measures by Representatives Lucas, Farnan, Gallick, Schmidt, Williams, Houseman, and Dolan. The sponsors described the bills as closing loopholes in child pornography, revenge-porn, and digital impersonation laws, creating civil remedies, criminal penalties, and in some versions platform takedown requirements for nonconsensual altered images. Members raised questions about how to combine the bills, whether sunsets should be included, and how the proposals relate to existing revenge-porn law. No votes were taken on these bills during the hearing. Finally, the committee heard House Bills 2817 and 2961 on ibogaine research for veterans and other trauma-affected populations, followed by House Bills 1717 and 1643 on psilocybin and other alternative therapies. Supporters, including veterans, first responders, clinicians, and family members, described severe PTSD, TBI, addiction, and suicide crises and said these treatments had helped them when conventional care had not. Opponents, including the Missouri State Medical Association, said they did not support non-FDA-approved drugs. Members questioned the cost and structure of the proposed studies, the role of the FDA, and whether similar research is already underway. The hearing ended without a vote on these bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2435 creates the Legislative Office on Indian Affairs.
• House Bill 2435 would create the Legislative Office on Indian Affairs as an agency of the legislative
• legislative staff.
• House Bill 2435 would create the Legislative Office on Indian Affairs as an agency of the legislative
• legislative staff.

Summary: The committee heard several bill presentations and took executive action on three measures. House Bill 2249 would remove a civil service exemption for Washington Technology Solutions cybersecurity employees, allowing those workers to be covered by state civil service law; the prime sponsor and a Washington Federation of State Employees representative said the bill would correct an unintended statutory discrepancy and let similarly classified IT security staff organize like counterparts in other agencies. House Bill 2475 would direct the Office of Equity to develop uniform language-access guidelines for state agencies and address interpreter and translator shortages; supporters from the Latino Community Fund, WFSE, and the Office of Equity said the bill would improve access to public services for limited-English-proficiency residents. House Bill 2237 would require deputy state fire marshal salaries to be competitive with comparable local fire agencies and direct a report on whether the State Fire Marshal’s Office should be made independent of the State Patrol; supporters said current pay is too low and hurts recruitment and retention. House Bill 2408 was described as a cleanup bill removing expired provisions and obsolete references to the Department of Personnel and other outdated statutes, and OFM supported it. In executive session, the committee adopted amendments and reported out three bills. Substitute House Bill 2281, concerning tribal traditional cultural places and consultation, was amended to narrow consultation scope, remove a reference to “contemporary” lands, and add a three-year statute of limitations; a proposed amendment to remove the cause of action was rejected, and the bill passed 4-3. House Bill 2309, which limits OFM from treating a postgraduate degree as the only way to show qualifications unless required by law, was reported out unanimously. House Bill 2244, a Sunshine Committee cleanup bill on ethics and public disclosure, was amended to restore exemptions for certain donor records and driver case records and then passed unanimously. The committee also heard House Bill 2352, which would lower the ownership threshold for state ethics conflicts from 10% to 1% to align state law with municipal ethics rules. Representative Paulette argued the current 10% standard is too lax and weakens public trust, but no vote was taken on the bill during the meeting. The hearing on House Bill 2435, which would create a Legislative Office on Indian Affairs to provide training and resources for legislators and staff on tribal affairs, featured strong support from Representative Lekanoff, who said it would strengthen the legislature’s government-to-government relationship with tribes. The committee then recessed and later adjourned after completing the remaining hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Optometrists cite a need for change based on lack of access in rural communities, the appropriateness
• To answer that, the epinephrine delivery devices was something that was requested to be added.
• To answer that, the epinephrine delivery devices was something that was requested to be added.
• The wise legislators passed the bill, allowed us to use those drugs.
• So I just think that it’s at their request and they should be able to answer that for you.

Committee: House Professional Registration and Licensing

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• during the last legislative session.
• This year, Senator Aaron Grohl and Representative Danny Alvarez have requested a continuation of the
• funding for the 2025-26 school year by filing appropriation request number 2788 in the Florida Senate
• The bill appropriates $2 million, allocated from the general revenue fund, for testing.
• The bill appropriates $2 million from the general revenue fund for testing equipment to support FDLE's

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture heard a presentation from Florida FFA state officers Gabby Howell and Macy Jordan, who described FFA and agricultural education as a three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development. They highlighted FFA membership growth, Florida’s more than 60,000 members, industry certifications, and state funding that allows all agriculture education students to participate at no cost. Members praised the students and the organization’s role in developing future agricultural leaders. The committee then took up SB 438, which would regulate hemp and hemp extract products, including THC-infused beverages, by adding testing, labeling, retail location, age, and event restrictions, along with penalties and $2 million for testing equipment. Senator Burton said the bill is intended to address public safety, prevent products with illegal THC levels from reaching consumers, and respond to the governor’s prior veto concerns, especially store location and regulation. An amendment clarifying final batch testing was adopted without objection. Testimony was mixed. Supporters, including beverage distributors, law enforcement, and some hemp beverage businesses, backed regulation and said the bill would improve safety and clarity, though some asked for changes to avoid treating specialty beverage retailers like liquor stores. Opponents and some hemp industry representatives argued the bill was too restrictive, would hurt small businesses, and could push products into the black market; they also objected to THC limits, event restrictions, and the proposed regulatory structure. After debate, the committee voted 6-0 to report CS for SB 438 favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any requests for leave at this time? Senator Hammer, you're recognized.
• Any other requests for leave? Senator Mark Johnson. Thank you, Madam President.
• Any other requests for leave? Oh, I'm sorry, Senator Blake Johnson. Leave you in and Craig.
• An act for the Department of Health appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
• An act for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock appropriation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The purpose of the subcommittee of the Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee is to hear performance
• I can't speak to those specific hotline requests.
• I highlight Scott Nelson, who is the director of our legislative and policy affairs office.
• So I just want to make sure that legislators know that this process is open.
• The school had posted a QR code that the kids could scan to request help.

Summary: The committee meeting began with a brief explanation of the renamed Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee subcommittee, now called the Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits, and a presentation from the State Auditor’s Office on its current biennium performance audit work plan. The auditor described how topics are selected from a large pool of potential audits and highlighted several ongoing or planned audits, including the Liquor and Cannabis Board, oversight of authorized entities serving students with disabilities, the Quality Home Care Initiative, Medicaid managed care versus fee-for-service costs, the Housing Commission tenant ownership follow-up, DSHS vendor payment patterns, implementation of the Since Time Memorial curriculum, and the Washington State ferry system. Members asked about coordination with JLARC to avoid duplication, and the auditor said the offices exchange work plans, monthly updates, and quarterly coordination meetings. The committee then heard the State Auditor’s performance audit on how charter schools identify and support at-risk students. Auditors reviewed four charter schools—Catalyst Public Schools, Innovation High School, Pinnacles Prep, and Rainier Prep—and focused on English language learners, homeless students, and special education students. The audit found the schools met nearly all legal requirements reviewed, with only one area where two schools partially met a language-access requirement. The schools also used several promising practices, including small-group instruction, culturally responsive environments, and multi-tiered systems of support, though the auditors recommended better documentation of procedures to improve consistency. Families interviewed generally reported positive experiences, while noting resource constraints. Committee members asked about how the four schools were selected, whether the audit compared charter populations to home districts, and how MTSS requirements applied to the schools reviewed. The State Auditor’s Office said the sample was chosen for geographic diversity, student population characteristics, and representation from both authorizers, and that K-2 MTSS requirements were not evaluated because they applied to only one school. Representatives from the Charter School Commission and charter school advocates responded positively, emphasizing technical assistance, collaboration, and sharing best practices across schools. Two public testifiers also supported the report and said it highlighted effective practices that could be expanded across charter and traditional public schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have the within appropriations.
• Uh we don't have what's appropriated.
• </c><00:31:17.440><c> uh</c> us to stay within the appropriation uh us to stay within the appropriation
• </c> grant assistance program appropriation grant assistance program appropriation by<00:43:31.280><c
• Right now, those two appropriations do travel through the office.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a big difference between the ask and the appropriations, but that appropriation was above..
• There was a big difference between the ask and the appropriations, but that appropriation was above and
• And so that budget request was much more about stability and long thinking than it was just short term
• And so with the appropriations, which we appreciate, we will do that.
• And so with the appropriations, which we appreciate, we will do that.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee met to consider a series of gubernatorial nominations, first for several boards and commissions and then for key health-related executive positions. Early confirmations included Michael Vaughn to the Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors, Tina Frazier to the State Board of Licensed Social Workers, Dr. Kanya Martin and Dr. Edgar Boyd to the Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Dr. Christopher Thurman to the Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Samuel Haubrick and Robert Wipp Jr. to the Committee of Home Inspector Examiners, and Dr. Gabriel Pittman to the State Board of Health. Each nominee briefly described their background and qualifications, and committee members generally emphasized professional experience, public service, and rural health needs. All of these nominations advanced on unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The committee then considered Clayton Bullard for two roles: Cabinet Secretary of Health and Mental Health and Administrator of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Senators focused heavily on Medicaid managed care, provider payment delays, MCO oversight, and the short timeline before a new administration. Bullard said his priority would be stabilizing the agency, building a balanced budget, monitoring contractors and managed care organizations, and ensuring claims are paid promptly; he reported high rates of clean-claim payment within 14 days and said the agency would continue fining MCOs for noncompliance. Members also pressed him on legislative oversight and the need to keep lawmakers informed about policy changes. Both nominations were approved and sent to the full Senate. Sharon Schell Millington was then nominated to lead the Office of Juvenile Affairs. Senators asked about security concerns, staff safety, de-escalation training, pay for direct care staff, and coordination with local law enforcement. Millington said the agency had increased staff pay, adopted nationally recognized restraint/de-escalation training, and was working to improve communication with law enforcement. Her nomination also passed and moved to the Senate floor. At the end of the meeting, the chair answered a question about board membership requirements, clarified that the statute limits how many members may reside in one congressional district but does not require every district to be represented, and thanked committee staff for their work as the committee’s final HHS meeting of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The margins on roadway safety and in legislative decision-making are often very small.
• The margins on roadway safety and in legislative decision-making are often very small.
• So those dispatchers are sending out the appropriate units to whatever the 911 call responds to.
• But, you know, right now, innovation is kind of outpacing the legislation.
• For example, we took action against Cruise when it was appropriate to do so.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on autonomous vehicle technology in California, focusing on safety, regulation, first responder impacts, and the state’s evolving oversight framework. The chair said the committee would hear all panels before public comment, with witnesses limited to five minutes and public commenters to one minute. The first panel featured an industry representative, a safety academic, and victims/advocates who described sharply different views of AV safety and accountability. Ariel Wolf of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association argued that fully autonomous vehicles are distinct from driver-assist systems, said AVs are already reducing crashes and fatalities, and urged clear, uniform standards. Dr. Missy Cummings countered that remote operations and computer-vision failures show the technology still depends on human intervention and can be unsafe, especially when remote assistance is done from abroad. Robert O’Dowd and Dylan Angulo, both tied to Tesla crash cases, described fatal and serious injuries involving Autopilot/Full Self-Driving, criticized limited transparency and data access, and called for stronger disclosure, preservation of crash data, and mandatory fixes or disabling of defective software. Committee members questioned witnesses about data comparing AVs to human drivers, the role of remote operators, liability, and whether California should create clearer standards for the human element behind AV systems. Several members and witnesses discussed the need for “guardrails,” black-box-style data access, and accountability for the remaining crash risk. The hearing then shifted to first responders and road users: a San Francisco Fire Department representative described AVs blocking fire scenes, ambulances, and apparatus access during emergencies and urged a public safety manual override; a San Jose police representative said officers need clear enforcement authority, training, and reliable ways to stop or redirect AVs; a rideshare driver described near-collisions and congestion caused by robo-taxis; and a Teamsters representative opposed proposed heavy-duty AV truck rules as too reliant on manufacturer self-certification and lacking independent validation. In the final panel, DMV and CPUC officials defended California’s regulatory structure. DMV said it has regulated AVs since 2014, has issued multiple rulemakings and permit types, and is developing a fourth package that would add reporting, enforcement tools, emergency-response requirements, and rules for heavy-duty AVs. DMV said it has revoked or suspended permits when needed, including Cruise and Pony.ai actions. CPUC said its authority covers passenger service only, requires safety plans and ongoing reporting, and continues oversight after permits are issued. No votes or formal actions were taken, as the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• When at the appropriate time, we will go to the consent calendar.
• And I think that especially for folks who have At an appropriate time.
• We as legislators need to be responsible here.
• Legislation cannot at that point. Can you clarify your question?
• AB 2761, the motion is due pass to Appropriations. A.B. 2761.

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:35:00.440><c> and</c> it is important for legislators and it is important for legislators and
• legislative legislative session<00:35:36.520><c> the</c><00:35:36.640><c> Amendments</c><00:35:37.040
• </c> not actually seen any of these requests not actually seen any of these requests associated<00:58
• </c><00:59:21.119><c> that</c> right in line This legislation that right in line This legislation that
• </c><01:48:02.920><c> it</c> read this legislation it read this legislation it requires<01:48:04.840>

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all