Transcript Highlights:

• than<00:21:17.120><c> the</c><00:21:17.280><c> senator</c><00:21:17.919><c> to</c><00:21:18.159><c> lead
• </c><00:21:18.320><c> us</c><00:21:18.480><c> in</c><00:21:18.640><c> the</c> than the senator to lead
• us in the than the senator to lead us in the pledge<00:21:19.039><c> of</c><00:21:19.200><c> allegiance
• /c><00:21:28.720><c> the</c><00:21:28.880><c> senator</c><00:21:29.120><c> to</c><00:21:29.280><c> lead
• </c> lead us in the pledge of allegiance. lead us in the pledge of allegiance.

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and suspended Senate Rule 1B to allow Senator Sullivan’s granddaughter, daughter, and wife to lead the chamber in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Senate then approved the January 26, 2026 journal as corrected and received routine administrative notices, including that several bills and resolutions were correctly engrossed or revised. Members made a series of announcements and personal privilege remarks recognizing guests and upcoming events. The chamber welcomed representatives from Summit Stone Health Partners, who were praised for their behavioral health and crisis services in Northern Colorado, including crisis intervention, detox, outpatient treatment, mobile crisis response, and peer support. Senators also highlighted an upcoming higher education reception, a Forest Health Council breakfast, a State Affairs Committee hearing on Senate Bill 4, and a Colorado Airport Operators Association reception. Additional announcements noted that the Joint Budget Committee would meet on supplemental budget requests from the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, and that the Joint Health and Human Services Committee would hold its SMART Act hearing after adjournment. Senator Bridges promoted the Great Colorado Payback and National Unclaimed Property Day. The Senate then adopted a motion to recess until 11 a.m. later that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The $1.8 million request for childhood lead poisoning prevention program reflects a growing caseload.
• More California children are meeting the CDC's definition of lead poisoning.
• More California children are meeting the CDC's definition of lead poisoning.
• And I forget which page it is in the actual report, but the leading causes of death based on years of
• I think I'll be leading off again.

Transcript Highlights:

• thirdparty research company that leading thirdparty research company that focuses<00:10:05.360><c> on
• industry is helping lead the way the<00:11:51.079><c> 1%</c><00:11:51.600><c> funds</c><00:11:51.959
• </c><00:25:28.640><c> with</c><00:25:28.799><c> bourbon</c> the European market we lead with bourbon
• </c><00:26:03.640><c> that</c><00:26:03.799><c> way</c> apart and bourbon is is leads that way apart
• The Commonwealth Office of Technology is the lead on these projects.

Summary: The committee met for its second Budget Review on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy and first approved the minutes from the prior meeting. Members then heard a presentation from the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Tourism on the 1% tourism marketing fund. Witnesses explained that the fund supports statewide tourism promotion, advertising, research, regional marketing, and matching grants to local tourism commissions, and that it cannot be used for capital construction. They reported that the General Assembly and governor increased appropriations in the 2024 session, adding $3 million in FY25 and $7 million in FY26, and set aside funding for the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority, the National Quilt Museum, and the Southern Kentucky Tourism Initiative. Tourism officials emphasized that Kentucky tourism is a major economic driver, citing 2023 figures of $13.8 billion in economic impact, 79.3 million visitors, $9.7 billion in direct spending, more than 95,000 jobs supported, and nearly $1 billion in state and local tax revenue. They said the department now uses targeted digital and over-the-top advertising in selected domestic and international markets, with 62% of media placements digital and 80% of the budget spent out of state. Members asked about market selection, how the department measures return on investment, and what attracts visitors from places such as Dallas, Orlando, Toronto, and Washington, D.C.; officials said research shows a mix of family visits, outdoor recreation, and varied Kentucky offerings, and that 81% of overnight visitors are repeat visitors. They also discussed the potential impact of tariffs and trade tensions on bourbon-related tourism and international visitation, especially from Canada, and officials said they were monitoring the situation with U.S. Travel Association and Brand USA. The committee then heard from Kentucky State Parks officials on capital projects funded through HJR 76, HJR 56, and House Bill 6. They said they are providing quarterly project reports and have been meeting regularly with the Finance Cabinet’s engineering and contract staff. The presentation focused on campground utilities, broadband, and structural upgrades, including $40 million for campground improvements across the park system, with completed bathhouse renovations at Barren River and Nolin Lake and additional projects underway or in planning. Officials said the work is based on camper survey feedback, such as requests for better Wi-Fi, sewer and electric upgrades, frost-free spigots, and improved site layouts, and noted that the My Old Kentucky Home campground project is under construction and expected to be completed by spring 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a leading developer of technologies, the EERC has spent decades performing applied research in CCUS
• The EERC leads the PCOR Partnership, one of DOE's regional Sequestration partnership programs.
• America is leading the way, and the future, as always, is a policy choice.
• The long lead times, which has led to probably some confusion.
• On the pipelines and long lead times. How does direct air capture work into this?

Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Our first panel features representatives from leading frontier AI developers who are at the forefront
• That could be very significant, maybe not lead to a billion dollars in damage.
• Four of the five leading open-weight models globally now come from Chinese labs.
• China is not ambivalent about this space; they are very deliberately leading.
• They are very deliberately leading.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on how frontier AI is changing cybersecurity, with testimony from OpenAI, Anthropic, Palo Alto Networks, California OES/Cal-CSIC, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Witnesses said AI is making attacks faster, cheaper, and more scalable, while also giving defenders new tools for vulnerability discovery, incident response, and patching. Several recent incidents were discussed, including AI systems autonomously reaching real production systems during testing, and AI-assisted cyber activity against critical infrastructure, especially water systems and operational technology. OpenAI and Anthropic described their internal safety and evaluation processes, including pre-release testing, layered safeguards, monitoring, and restricted access programs for vetted defenders. They discussed the recent Hugging Face and related incidents as lessons in safer testing, stronger isolation, and the need for independent review. Both companies emphasized that the same capabilities that can find vulnerabilities can also be used offensively, and said they are working to put advanced cyber tools into the hands of trusted defenders, including California agencies and utilities. State officials from Cal OES said California is expanding its cyber posture through CalSecure 2.0, the California Cybersecurity Collaboration Playbook, MS-ISAC membership, and a secure portal for reporting under SB 53. They said the state is working with CDT, local governments, and critical infrastructure partners to improve cyber hygiene, information sharing, and incident response, especially for water districts and other resource-strapped entities. Palo Alto Networks described the scale of current threats and the value of machine-speed defense, virtual patching, and attack-surface monitoring. Lawrence Livermore warned that open-weight models pose distinct risks because they can be downloaded, modified, and used without developer oversight, and argued that the U.S. should not cede leadership in that space to China. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with calls for continued collaboration and follow-up briefings.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a lead witness? Another lead witness? This one? Okay, great. Just step up.
• Do we have a lead opposition witness or anyone who wants to register opposition?
• Do we have a lead opposition witness? Good afternoon, Chair Becker and members.
• She's the lead coordinator for UC Davis's Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center.
• Any lead witness opposition? Any opposition? I see none. Thank you. Any lead witness opposition?

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• California is home, as we just heard from the Chancellor, to one of the largest and leading agriculture
• We already have so many of the basic ingredients and components that you really need to lead.
• We already have so many of the basic ingredients and components that you really need to lead.
• We also have a leading concentration of very large-scale manufacturing.
• We have approximately 45 to 50 lead We have approximately 45 to 50 lead researchers, depending on how

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation was held at UC Davis and focused on how alternative proteins can support California agriculture, the bioeconomy, and farmers. Opening remarks from UC Davis leaders and committee members emphasized the university’s food science, fermentation, and sustainability strengths, and the state’s prior investments of $5 million for UC alternative protein research and an additional $1 million for ICAMP. Members framed the topic as a way to grow new markets, keep more value in-state, and address climate, food security, and commercialization challenges. The first panel featured Sana Beg of the Plant-Based Foods Institute, who argued that California agriculture and alternative proteins are complementary, not competing, and stressed that farmers are essential to the sector. She highlighted the need for ingredient processing capacity, technical assistance for growers, and predictable demand through public procurement, including schools, hospitals, and state facilities. Committee members asked about financing and market development, and Beg said guaranteed loans, grants, and state- and USDA-backed support could help de-risk investment and build the supply chain. The second panel focused on research and development. Beam Circular described the circular bioeconomy in the San Joaquin Valley, including efforts to turn agricultural residues into higher-value products, build shared infrastructure, and expand workforce training. ICAMP and UC ANR described UC Davis-centered research, pilot facilities, and a proposed plant innovation center to bridge lab-scale work to commercial manufacturing. USDA researchers discussed using byproducts such as brewer’s spent grain, tomato pomace, lima beans, and chickpeas for new food ingredients. Members repeatedly emphasized the importance of public R&D funding, consumer acceptance, and food-grade scale-up facilities. The final panel highlighted company perspectives from Optimized Foods and Blue Diamond Growers. Optimized Foods described using fungi fermentation to convert almond hulls, cocoa waste, and tomato pomace into protein-rich ingredients and stabilized nutrients. Blue Diamond outlined its grower cooperative model, sustainability practices, almond ingredient portfolio, and the Sacramento almond innovation center. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with discussion centered on research, commercialization, infrastructure, and market-building for California-grown alternative protein products.

Transcript Highlights:

• That leads to better diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
• Lyca is part of a company called Danaher, which is a leading U.S.
• And that situation can lead to diagnostic errors and misdiagnosis, which can in turn lead to misaligned
• And this leads, for patients who are in those communities, leads to delays in diagnosis, which in turn
• And that situation can lead to diagnostic errors and misdiagnosis, which can in turn lead to misaligned

Transcript Highlights:

• Once we get the majority back, he'll still be the lead, but the spirit of working together, the spirit
• </c> much more more closely with our GOP lead much more more closely with our GOP lead who<00:07:32.120
• still be the lead but the spirit<00:07:41.840><c> of</c><00:07:41.960><c> working</c><00:07:42.440><
• Co-committee chairs, co-leaders—I just think it's an opportunity for us to lead in the Senate.
• in the Senate um the Senate has to lead in the Senate um the Senate has a<00:12:07.200><c> a</c><00:

Transcript Highlights:

• We agree with the lead author and the lead witnesses' amendments. Thank you.
• We agree with the lead author, the lead witnesses amendments.
• Thank you. unless amended, we agree with the lead author, the lead witnesses amendments. Thank you.
• Lowenthal has been leading the charge on that I support.
• Thank you for leading this fight. Thank you.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Cork Silva will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
• We're leading the way in this space. It's how we're shaping the future.
• California is leading in that space.
• I'm proud of California's leadership, leading the nation in kids' online safety.
• But I'd probably lead with those two.

Summary: The Assembly met, initially lacking a quorum, and the Clerk called the roll until a quorum was established. The chamber then proceeded through routine opening business, including prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, recognition of Native lands, approval of procedural motions, and several unanimous-consent actions to re-refer bills and allow committees to notice bills pending re-referral. The Assembly also recessed regular session to convene a joint convention for the Governor’s State of the State address. In the joint convention, Governor Gavin Newsom delivered his final State of the State speech, focusing on California’s economic performance, education investments, housing reforms, public safety, homelessness, climate policy, insurance issues, and the state’s response to federal actions. He highlighted budget plans, including a proposed $248.3 billion general fund, increased reserves, major education funding, child care and after-school investments, housing and affordability measures, mental health and homelessness funding, infrastructure projects, clean energy goals, and wildfire recovery efforts. He also praised legislative collaboration on AI regulation, tax credits, and other policy areas while criticizing federal policies and calling for continued state action. After the address, the Governor’s speech was ordered printed in the journal, the joint convention adjourned sine die, and the Assembly returned to regular session. The Speaker announced the desk would remain open for introduction of the budget bill, noted the next floor session would be Monday, January 12 at 1 p.m., and the House adjourned on motion of the Majority Leader.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Cork Silva will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
• We're leading the way in this space. It's how we're shaping the future.
• It also is a budget that continues our nation-leading investments.
• California is leading in that space.
• But I'd probably lead with those two.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill requires DCF and each community-based care lead agency to coordinate with organizations that
• The bill requires DCF and CBC lead agencies to regularly meet with such organizations and publish the
• Tirelessly advocating for our needs and communicating our feelings, just for it to lead to no change,
• The bill requires the DCF and each community-based care lead agency to coordinate with organizations
• The bill requires the DCF and CBC lead agencies to regularly meet with such organizations and publish

Bills: S0996 , S1022 , S1462 , S1690

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Keywords: dependent children, child welfare, cash allowance, caregivers, community organizations, empowerment, foster care, out-of-home care, temporary cash assistance, eligibility, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Florida statutes

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs heard several child welfare and early childhood bills and reported each favorably. SB 1690 on early childhood education was amended with a delete-all amendment that would require public posting of child care inspection and safety data, change certain child care disclosure and insurance rules, and create the Florida Endowment for Early Learning; the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. SB 1022 would add two new Florida Children’s Initiatives programs in Bay County and Pompano in Broward County, and it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 996 on dependent children. Senator Rodriguez explained that the bill is intended to center lived experience in foster care policy and promote normalcy, including financial literacy and allowance-related supports. Multiple members of Florida Youth SHINE testified in strong support, describing the importance of youth voice, consistent allowances, and opportunities to build budgeting skills and confidence. Senator Sharief also voiced support, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered a bill on temporary cash assistance eligibility, presented with an amendment that narrowed a SNAP eligibility carve-out to people who were victims of human trafficking at the time of a drug conviction. The sponsor said the change recognizes coercion faced by trafficking victims and avoids a lifetime penalty tied to exploitation. After the amendment was adopted and several supporters waived in, the committee reported CS for SB 1462 favorably. The meeting then adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Financial issues lead to family issues, that sort of thing.
• Financial issues lead to family issues, that sort of thing.
• Perception of politicized hesitation among the operators you would lead. Thank you, Senator. Mr.
• That concerns me from leading the National Guard. God forbid.
• A leader, as we all know, is a different kind of person who leads, who inspires, who motivates.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Director Nominations held a confirmation hearing for John Connolly, the current Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). Connolly described his background in the Army, National Guard, and military law, and outlined DEMA’s dual mission of supporting the Arizona National Guard and emergency management. He emphasized readiness, modernization of aging aircraft and facilities, growth in capabilities such as drones and electronic warfare, partnerships to restore helicopter training at Silver Bell, and stewardship of resources. He also discussed DEMA’s border-related missions, including Task Force Safe at Nogales, counter-drug operations, and use of artificial intelligence to monitor drone activity and build a common operating picture for law enforcement. Committee members questioned Connolly about his interview and vetting process, his role in emergency management, disaster response in Gila County, support for rural counties and tribes, and services for Guard members and families through the Integrated Resilience Operations Center. Several members pressed him on military discipline, lawful orders, classified information, and the distinction between war and hostilities. Senator Rogers focused on chain of command, combat readiness, and whether Connolly’s JAG background prepared him to lead a combat-oriented force; Connolly responded that his role is to provide ready forces, follow civilian authority, and ensure troops have training, equipment, and family support. He also said he had experience advising commanders and teaching lawful versus unlawful orders. A major point of contention came when members questioned Connolly about the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination mandate for the Guard and whether he had treated it as unlawful or unconstitutional. Connolly said it was a lawful order at the time and that exemption processes existed under the regulations. The hearing also turned to immigration enforcement, emergency powers, and whether the Guard should support ICE; Connolly said the Guard is a support function and would respond to a direct request through the governor, but he could not identify a specific scenario in the abstract. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the committee appeared to continue its review after testimony and questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• All have been leads from the projects.
• My name is Betsy Hail, and I'm the CEO of Cheyenne LEADS.
• In my the CEO of Cheyenne Leads.
• </c><00:40:06.880><c> and</c> comments will be related to leads and comments will be related to leads
• </c> kind of legislation that's going to lead kind of legislation that's going to lead to<01:24:50.159

Bills: HB0150

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• And for years, our only line of defense has been a cumbersome 20- to 30-pound lead apron.
• Decades of wearing these lead aprons for 10, 12, 14 hours a day have left... ...wearing these lead aprons
• The lead aprons are very poor ionizing radiation barriers.
• Unlike the lead apron that we wear basically from our clavicle to our knee, this is a device.
• So in this... ...or the manufacturers a pass on wearing the lead apron.

Bills: SB1063 , SB1118 , SB1153 , SB1154 , SB1209 , SCM1001

Committee: Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology

Keywords: appropriation, transportation, safety improvements, Route 70, infrastructure, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, historic preservation, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, special license plate, special plate, license plate, vanity plate

Transcript Highlights:

• DEP is Florida's lead environmental management and stewardship agency.
• DEP is Florida's lead environmental management and stewardship agency.
• DEP is Florida's lead environmental management and stewardship agency.
• They are leading conservation efforts through the Florida Forever program.
• They are leading conservation efforts through the Florida Forever program.

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Committee met to organize for the session, confirm a quorum, and hear introductory remarks from members about their districts and interests. Chair Esposito outlined the committee’s jurisdiction and budget overview, noting a total budget of about $7.2 billion, with major funding tied to the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Citrus. She also described major cost drivers such as Everglades restoration, water quality, resiliency, land acquisition, and rural family lands, and asked members to review agency requests in small groups later in the process. Agency leaders then presented budget and program updates. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson emphasized department efficiency efforts, including IT modernization, staff reorganization, rural and family lands conservation, best management practices, Fresh From Florida marketing, hurricane recovery loans for farmers, and completion of the Connor Complex headquarters. DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert highlighted record investments in Everglades restoration, water quality projects, resilience grants, land acquisition, state parks, and enforcement. FWC Executive Director Roger Young discussed conservation research, fisheries and wildlife management, law enforcement, disaster response, and pressures from growth, boating, invasive species, and derelict vessels. Department of Citrus Executive Director Shannon Shep reviewed the industry’s decline due to hurricanes and citrus greening, current research and marketing efforts, and e-commerce campaigns to support Florida citrus sales. Members asked questions about citrus production declines, future replanting and therapies, rural family lands, PFOS cleanup, mangrove restoration, flooding and pump infrastructure, agricultural theft, and derelict vessel removal. Officials generally responded with updates, emphasized science-based management and enforcement, and in several cases said they would follow up with more detailed information later. No formal votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair directing members to provide feedback on agencies for further budget review and then adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we have any lead opposition witness? We do. Thank you. I'll turn to opposition.
• Do we have any lead opposition witness? We do. Let's see. Do you want to make room?
• And no lead witnesses. So I think we do have some, some, me too, add-on testimony.
• Do we have a lead opposition witness? Anyone else who hates science? I'm kidding.
• I want it to be here, and I want us to continue to lead.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Transcript Highlights:

• With the ongoing investment, the department will hire a CalFresh strategic plan lead.
• With the ongoing investment, the department will hire a CalFresh strategic plan lead who will report
• Once we've recruited our strategic plan lead, they will lead the design of a collaborative strategic
• These changes would lead to... ...whether from prior-year or new enrollments.
• We serve as the regional lead on the stop the hay Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing focused on the impacts of federal HR1 on CalFresh and Medi-Cal, along with related state mitigation efforts. CDSS, DHCS, DDS, county representatives, LAO, and Finance discussed automatic exemptions, data-sharing between departments, county workload, and the timing of implementation. CDSS said about two-thirds of adults ages 18 to 64 are already known to be exempt in CalFresh, and that administrative data matches could newly exempt about 200,000 of the roughly 955,000 adults potentially at risk. DHCS said Medi-Cal work requirements would begin in 2027 and the department is working to automate exemptions, including for IHSS recipients and some caregivers, while DDS said its population is expected to be covered by auto-exemptions. County welfare directors emphasized that individualized worker contact is critical, that counties need more staffing and stable funding, and that without it they expect delays, higher error rates, and reduced exemption screening capacity. Members pressed for written timelines, county-by-county impact data, and clearer guidance; the administration said it would provide follow-up materials and technical assistance. No votes were taken. The committee then heard a separate discussion on a proposed CFAP expansion or “CFAP Plus” concept to provide state-funded benefits to additional populations affected by HR1, including lawfully present non-citizens and ABODs. CDSS said implementation could not occur before October 1, 2027 because of policy and system-design constraints, and that adding unique eligibility rules would increase complexity and cost. Finance cautioned that any expansion would have General Fund impacts likely in the hundreds of millions to multiple billions. Members asked for cost estimates and technical feedback on trailer bill language, and CDSS said it would review the proposal and respond. The hearing also covered CDSS’s CalFresh strategic plan and mandated reporter training updates. CDSS said it is hiring a strategic plan lead to develop a long-term, data-informed CalFresh plan, and that the revised mandated reporter training is on track for launch in fall/winter 2026, ahead of the July 1, 2027 statutory deadline. The training will include updated content on structural racism, ICWA protections, implicit bias, and the distinction between reporting and supporting families. Members praised the work and asked for continued updates. Later panels focused on Promise Neighborhoods, Stop the Hate, and housing programs. Promise Neighborhood advocates and CDSS described the state’s prior $12 million investment, a positive evaluation showing roughly a 4-to-1 return, and a new proposal to support place-based partnerships and community schools through AB 1969. Stop the Hate grantees and CDSS reported that the program has provided direct services, prevention, and statewide coordination to millions of Californians, and urged reauthorization before funding expires; members asked for best-practice language and discussed focusing future funding on solidarity work, harm reduction, legal services, and education. Finally, CDSS presented on the CalWORKs Housing Support Program and Housing and Disability Advocacy Program, saying proposed General Fund investments of $105 million and $55 million would prevent funding cliffs and allow the programs to continue through 2026-27, while the absence of new funding would force reductions in housing assistance, subsidies, and enrollments.

Transcript Highlights:

• California is uniquely positioned, I think, to lead in this space.
• I think to lead in this space. You know, we have all the technology we can imagine.
• I work at Google, where I lead a global health solutions team for the company. We...
• I work at Google, where I lead a global health solutions team for the company.
• I think if you lead, the market will respond. Finally, partnership.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Health and Privacy Committees focused on generative AI in health care, with opening remarks emphasizing both its potential to improve care and its risks around privacy, bias, liability, workforce impacts, and unequal access. Chair Bauer-Kahan and Chair Bonta framed the discussion around how California can encourage beneficial innovation while protecting patients, especially given the sensitivity of health data and the possibility that AI could worsen existing disparities if not carefully governed. The first panel featured representatives from Cedars-Sinai, Kaiser Permanente, Penguin AI, and Google, who described current uses of AI such as ambient clinical scribes, nursing documentation tools, imaging triage, maternal-fetal risk prediction, and administrative automation. Speakers said these tools can reduce clinician burden, improve patient experience, speed treatment, and in some cases improve outcomes, including a reported mortality benefit from a Kaiser predictive model and faster thrombectomy times at Cedars-Sinai. Members raised concerns about accuracy with accents and multilingual visits, whether predictive tools could reinforce bias or lead to more interventions such as C-sections, and how to ensure a human remains in the loop for important decisions. The second panel, including representatives from the California Health Care Foundation, UC Berkeley, and Stanford, focused on policy and governance challenges. Testimony highlighted examples of AI supporting homelessness outreach and community health work, but also warned that biased algorithms can encode inequities, especially when trained on data that reflect under-treatment of Black, rural, or low-income patients. Witnesses urged clearer standards for trustworthy AI, stronger monitoring and governance structures, better data access for accountability, and attention to the safety net’s limited resources. Several speakers argued that states should require health systems to have AI governance processes, clarify liability between developers and deployers, and regulate downstream uses of AI while preserving access to data for lifesaving research and oversight.