Transcript Highlights:

• And the accountability piece It's great to hear how there's additional funding for English learners,
• This memorial is started because we keep hearing about, Mr.
• We keep hearing that the Bilingual Education Act doesn't have funding. So, what do we need to add?
• And you're gonna hear that again.
• But I didn't hear that in your presentation, so I wanted to hear your perspective on how this accreditation

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you hear me? Chair Whalen? Hear you and see you. Yes, sir. Thank you.
• I'd love to hear perspectives. Thanks. And it's not my bill, by the way.
• I'd love to hear of perspectives. Thanks. And it's not my bill. opinion.
• I'd love to hear of perspectives. Thanks. And it's not my bill, by the way.
• When will we hear from you again? Eva, do you?

Summary: The committee heard a work session on earthquake insurance, beginning with background from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. OIC staff explained that earthquake and earth movement are generally excluded from standard property policies, that earthquake coverage is usually purchased through endorsements or standalone policies with high deductibles and relatively high premiums, and that surplus lines are a limited backstop market not covered by the state guarantee fund. They also described parametric insurance and captive insurance as more specialized products generally suited to commercial or governmental buyers rather than ordinary consumers. A second panel of insurance and banking experts focused on commercial earthquake exposure, especially for older buildings, collateralized loans, and potential knock-on effects to banks and consumers if a major quake caused widespread damage. Members asked about consumer impacts, mitigation incentives, inventories of vulnerable buildings, and whether legislation such as prior work on unreinforced masonry could help reduce risk. The Washington Bankers Association said earthquake insurance is expensive and that affordability is a major concern, while also noting banks participate in disaster-recovery planning and would be affected by major regional losses. No votes or formal actions were taken. The committee then received a presentation from the Washington State Institute for Public Policy on its cannabis and Initiative 502 research. WSIPP staff described the agency as a nonpartisan research institute that conducts legislative-directed studies and explained that its long-term I-502 assignment includes periodic reports leading to a final benefit-cost evaluation in 2032. Staff summarized findings from a 2023 report showing that cannabis possession convictions fell sharply after legalization, though some racial disproportionalities persisted, and that closer retail access was associated with higher reported adult cannabis use, more fatal traffic crashes involving drivers from nearby areas, and higher rates of cannabis use disorder diagnoses among Medicaid enrollees. A 2023 youth-focused report found that students attending schools near retailers were more likely to report cannabis use, had more unexcused absences, and were less likely to graduate on time. In the newest 2025 Medicaid study, staff said retail access was associated with higher probabilities of cannabis use disorder diagnoses, related hospitalizations, inpatient treatment, and co-occurring mental health diagnoses, with event-study analysis suggesting the increases appeared after retailers opened rather than before. Members asked about racial disproportionality, the meaning of cannabis use disorder diagnoses, THC and impairment, whether the findings reflected medical versus recreational use, and how the results should be interpreted in light of broader trends and data limitations. No formal committee action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• As is customary, I will maintain decorum throughout today's hearing.
• As is customary, I will maintain decorum throughout today's hearing.
• As a reminder, we will hear from two primary witnesses in support and two in opposition.
• And I, and Madam Chair, remember, I hear that concern.
• All right, seeing and hearing no additional members wishing to speak.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility rates, wildfire safety, carbon capture, methane reduction, large energy users, low-income energy programs, and clean energy supply chains. Early items included SB 613, which would direct state agencies to prioritize reducing methane emissions from imported fossil fuels, and SB 614, which would allow California to move forward with carbon dioxide pipeline safety rules and potentially lift the state’s moratorium on new CO2 pipelines. Both bills drew support from advocates and industry-related witnesses, with no opposition registered at the time they were presented, and the committee indicated it would vote once quorum was established. After quorum was called, the committee took up SB 57, which would require the Public Utilities Commission to establish tariffs for large energy users such as data centers to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers and address stranded infrastructure costs. Supporters argued the bill would protect affordability and encourage clean energy use, while opponents, including utilities and business groups, warned it could create uncertainty and interfere with existing regulatory processes. The committee also heard SB 256 on wildfire mitigation and emergency response, including undergrounding, PSPS communication, and removal of abandoned lines; supporters emphasized the need for stronger action after recent fires, while utilities raised concerns about duplicative requirements and public disclosure of sensitive infrastructure information. Both SB 57 and SB 256 were approved on roll calls. The committee then heard SB 647, which would expand and standardize oversight of low-income energy savings programs and performance metrics, with strong support from community advocates and some neutral or “tweener” positions from utilities that sought further work on data collection and implementation. SB 787 followed, proposing a state strategy to coordinate supply chains and workforce development for clean energy industries including EVs, building decarbonization, and offshore wind; it received broad support and no opposition. The committee also considered SB 332, a study bill on utility ownership models and affordability reforms, which drew strong support from consumer and climate advocates but opposition from utilities and business groups concerned about bias, investor signals, and executive compensation provisions. The consent calendar was later approved, and several bills were reported out with votes or held open for absent members to add on.

Transcript Highlights:

• I didn't hear if there was coffee. I didn't hear if there was anything I was supposed to bring you.
• </c><00:08:38.640><c> here</c><00:08:38.800><c> in</c> previous uh committee hearing here in previous
• uh committee hearing here in the<00:08:39.200><c> finance</c><00:08:39.599><c> committee.
• the Department of Administration and DHS, Children and Families, and DHS, and I think you've been hearing
• Motion prevails. think um you've been hearing from them think um you've been hearing from them as<00:

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you hear me? Sorry. So I'm Alexandra Hayes.
• Can you hear me? Sorry. So I'm Alexander Hayes.
• I really appreciate you hearing this bill.
• I guess I can't hear me. You can adjust the microphone.
• Because Senator, can you hear me? Hi. Yes, hi.

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The committee heard and acted on a long agenda of environmental and natural resources bills. It reported favorably SB 1784 on sewer collection systems, allowing municipal sewer revenues to be used for expansion; SB 1388 on vessels, which prohibits random vessel inspections without probable cause, creates a five-year safety decal, bars local fuel-type boat bans, and expands funding options for boat ramps and marinas; and SB 880, which designates the American flamingo as Florida’s state bird and the Florida scrub jay as the state songbird. SB 946, as amended, was also reported favorably; it restricts certain waste facilities and incinerators near the Everglades, with the amendment narrowing the focus to the Broward/Miami-Dade area near the C-9 impoundment project. SB 1792 on dry sandy beaches was reported favorably after amendment, creating a pilot and process to inventory beaches and explore voluntary public access or conservation arrangements with private owners. SB 866 on anchoring limitation areas was reported favorably despite opposition from cruisers and boaters who argued existing law should be used instead of new county-specific restrictions. SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands was reported favorably with amendments that removed language about the necessity of phosphate mining and clarified that landowners requesting a radiation study must pay for it. The committee also reported favorably SB 1326 on hurricane evacuation clearance times and permit allocations in the Keys, and SB 1580, after a delete-all amendment, which authorizes DEP to use public-private partnerships for coastal resiliency projects. Finally, SB 1300 on oil and gas drilling permits was introduced to require DEP to consider potential harm from accidents or blowouts to natural resources when reviewing drilling permits, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill. The committee also took up confirmations, temporarily postponing the vote on Rodney Barreto’s FWC reappointment after public criticism of his leadership, while recommending favorably the other listed appointments.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Chair Assemblymember Alvarez, and I welcome you all to our hearing, which will be focused on community
• In this hearing, particularly today, I think we want to really focus in on this.
• If any others have public comment, you're welcome to come up at the end of today's hearing.
• So I'm not speaking specifically to you, but that's concerning to hear. I'll turn it over.
• The more I hear questions, the more I want to know.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I guess what I'm hearing you say is that in this bill, when you say promote 988, it's really just
• So I guess what I'm hearing you say is that in this bill, when you say promote 988, it's really just
• So I guess what I'm hearing you say is that in this bill, when you say promote 988, it's really just
• So I guess what I'm hearing you say is that in this bill, when you say promote 988, it's really just
• Just want to jump on the team of saying 988 again in the microphone so people hear it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair hears none. House Bill 22 is left pending. Thank you. Thank you.
• I'm not hearing thanks. This is a lot of money. This is a lot of money.
• If you would like to hear from Mr. Kavanaugh, we can call him up as well.
• Chair hears none. House resolution is pending. Thank you.
• Hearing none.

Bills: HB8 , HB9 , HJR1 , HB22 , HB8 , HB9 , HJR1 , HB22

Committee: House Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• I hear those. I also know records. I hear those.
• That closes the hearing.
• Open the hearing you ready? All right.
• So, I think we hear recommendations.
• </c><02:05:13.760><c> from</c> professionals but we can hear from professionals but we can hear from

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• That said, given what happened at the previous hearing, we understand the committee may be inclined to
• Ganaden's question from last committee hearing and same issue with HB 118, the AG's so, thank you.
• the lawsuit, but as I understand it, last I checked the docket, there were I think the court was hearing
• ,</c><00:16:53.720><c> you</c><00:16:53.800><c> know,</c><00:16:53.880><c> we</c> in the last hearing
• , you know, we in the last hearing, you know, we understand<00:16:54.360><c> the</c><00:16:54.400><c>

Bills: SCR118 , SCR173

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection heard two resolutions. SCR 118 SD1 would urge the Insurance Division and the Attorney General to convene a working group on climate change impacts on insurance availability and affordability. The Insurance Division deferred to written testimony, while the Attorney General opposed the measure because of an ongoing lawsuit, asking that references to legal recovery and the AG’s role in convening the group be removed. Members questioned how the resolution might relate to the state’s climate damages litigation and whether it could inform damages calculations. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including removing the Attorney General as co-convener and changing certain membership references to board chairs; the motion passed unanimously with one excused member. The committee also heard SCR 173 SD1, which would create a task force on event ticket scalping. The Office of Consumer Protection supported the concept but asked to be added as a task force member and said the draft left its role unclear. Supporters, including the National Independent Venue Association and D-BAT, described high resale prices, fraudulent or speculative tickets, and harm to consumers and local businesses. StubHub and the Ticket Policy Forum supported the task force but urged broader scope to include the primary ticket market and ticket sellers, and StubHub also sought inclusion on the task force. Members discussed whether the task force should focus on the secondary market or the broader ticketing ecosystem, and whether the Office of Consumer Protection should be part of the task force or only consulted. The vice chair recommended passage with amendments adding the Office of Consumer Protection as a member and clarifying the consultation language, and the committee adopted that recommendation unanimously with one excused member.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we'll hear for opposition witnesses, I'm sorry, folks in opposition to this bill.
• How do I bring that machine into a scully hearing? Sure.
• They came up with a way to hold a machine accountable in a disciplinary hearing.
• Now we'll hear from me-toos in support of the bill.
• The hearing is adjourned.

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Summary: The committee heard several labor-related bills focused on workplace technology, data centers, staffing agencies, and environmental health. SB 947, the “No Robo Bosses Act,” would require human review before automated systems can be used in discipline, termination, or deactivation decisions and would ban predictive behavior analysis; labor groups and worker advocates supported it, while business and industry groups opposed it as overbroad and litigation-prone. After extended discussion about due process, human oversight, and private rights of action, the bill passed 3-1 and was sent to the Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee. SB 978, the Data Center Community Accountability Act, would require data centers to pay for new infrastructure costs, create a separate rate structure to protect other ratepayers, and impose skilled-and-trained labor standards for construction. Supporters said it would prevent cost shifts to households and ensure good jobs, while opponents argued the CPUC already has ongoing proceedings and that the bill unfairly singles out one industry. The committee discussed balancing economic growth with labor and ratepayer protections, and the bill passed 3-1 to Senate Appropriations. SB 951, the California Worker Technological Displacement Act, would expand WARN-style notice requirements for AI-related layoffs and require reporting on displaced jobs and first consideration for openings; supporters said it would improve transparency and help policymakers respond to AI-driven job loss, while opponents warned it was too broad and conflicted with existing WARN law. It passed 3-1 to Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection. The committee also considered SB 1032, which would create a licensing and registration framework for temporary staffing agencies. Supporters said it would curb fraud and protect workers from illicit staffing operators, while opponents—many from the staffing industry—said the bill was vague, burdensome, and could hinder small and minority-owned businesses. The bill passed 3-1 to Senate Judiciary. Finally, SB 1046, dealing with protections for lifeguards and park rangers exposed to transboundary pollution in the Tijuana River Valley, would direct Cal/OSHA to develop standards for exposure, PPE, training, and incident reporting. With support from park workers and community groups and no opposition, it passed unanimously 4-0 to Senate Appropriations. The committee also approved a consent calendar item and adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think there were some recent industry news that you hear that basically folks aren't interested in
• It feels like that because that is usually the face, like that's what people hear about.
• So we're— We hear that concern. We have a shared interest in that.
• I think, in fact, every, you know, I hear, you know, It could be a challenge.
• I think, in fact, every, you know, I hear, you know, sometimes I question things.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several gubernatorial appointments and procedural items. It unanimously approved three appointments not required to appear: Frank Damrow Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edger to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission. The committee also approved bill referrals, a rule waiver to allow SB 1447 (Health) to be heard past the policy deadline, and floor acknowledgments, all by 4-0 votes. The committee then heard testimony from Clint Kellam, nominee to lead the Department of Cannabis Control. Senators focused on illicit cannabis activity, consumer education, youth protection, labeling, and packaging that may be attractive to children. Kellam said the department’s goal is to shift consumption from illicit to legal sources, not increase use, and described efforts including the Real California Cannabis campaign, the SB 540 pamphlet, inspections, a package-review team, and an AI image analyzer for licensees. He also discussed enforcement against illicit cultivation, coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, and the department’s role in helping bring legal market compliance and access into balance. The committee voted 4-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate. The committee next heard from Jennifer Osborne, nominee to direct the Department of Industrial Relations. Questions centered on Cal/OSHA audit findings, workplace safety, PAGA-related litigation, case backlogs, staffing shortages, and how her administrative background would help manage the department. Osborne said she would focus on fixing systemic issues, improving staffing and classification rules, modernizing IT systems, adding intake and investigative capacity, and addressing the Cal/OSHA audit recommendations. She also said DIR would continue working on worker safety, compensation, and apprenticeship programs, and would follow up on some questions about natural-disaster-related enforcement and backlog metrics. Public commenters from employer groups and labor organizations spoke in support, and the committee approved her appointment 4-0 for consideration by the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• And putting all of those pieces together, I think there were some recent industry news that you hear
• It feels like that because that is usually the face, like that’s what people hear about.
• So we're hearing that concern. We have a shared interest in that.
• I think, in fact, every, you know, I hear, you know, sometimes I question things.
• We're going to close the public portion of this hearing to move into closed session. a session.

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• We did have this argument during the budget hearing on the floor.
• All right, now we'll hear testimony.
• I'll make sure it's emailed to the chairman here right after the hearing.
• Thank you for taking time to hear and discuss this legislation.
• We will hear witnesses first in support.

Committee: House Higher Education and Workforce Development

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development heard two bills. House Bill 3221, sponsored by Rep. Castile, would bar state funds from supporting higher education degree programs that the federal government designates as low-earning, with the Coordinating Board for Higher Education reviewing the federal list and reporting impacts. The sponsor framed it as taxpayer accountability and return on investment, while many committee members and witnesses argued it was premature, lacked data, and could harm essential but lower-paid fields such as education, social work, early childhood education, counseling, and the arts. Supporters said the bill would mirror federal policy and affect only a small number of programs; opponents warned it could discourage universities from offering needed programs and would not account for long-term career outcomes or transferable skills. No vote was taken, and the sponsor said the bill was still a work in progress. Testimony in support of HB 3221 came from a lobbyist for FGA Action and others who said federal law is already moving in this direction and cited a small number of affected programs. Opposition came from representatives of independent colleges, community colleges, and other witnesses who said the federal rules are still being developed, the earnings test is based on a limited snapshot, and some low-wage programs serve important workforce needs or lead to later advancement. Several members asked for more information on the federal list, the number and demographics of affected students, and possible unintended consequences for rural schools and workforce development. The committee then heard House Bill 3416, sponsored by Rep. Bosley, which would create the Strengthening HBCUs Fund and direct a portion of gaming and classroom trust revenues to Lincoln University and Harris-Stowe State University for capital improvements and related support. The sponsor said the bill is intended to address historic underfunding of HBCUs and align Missouri with similar efforts in other states and at the federal level. Lincoln University President John Mosley testified in support, describing recent growth, major campus projects, and the need for additional infrastructure funding without increasing debt. Committee members asked about the funding amounts, whether Lincoln receives any special state support, and how the money would be distributed. No opposition testimony was heard, and the committee adjourned after the HB 3416 hearing without taking a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will be discussing S. 325 relating to rural regional planning and Act 250 tier jurisdiction and hear
• We will be hearing from community nurses. Thank you. Member from Charlotte.
• But also... hosting a listening session to hear from hosting a listening session to hear from rural<00
• We will be hearing from noon in room 10. We will be hearing from community<00:16:13.720><c> nurses.
• </c><00:35:16.000><c> on</c> clear desks due to the public hearing on clear desks due to the public hearing

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I really cannot hear the gentleman.
• Speaker, I really cannot hear the gentleman.
• Speaker, I really cannot hear the gentleman.
• A deaf-blind individual has dual sensory loss, both vision and hearing.
• I'm sorry, I cannot hear you. Go ahead. Are you able now? Yeah. Okay.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will be hearing it at some point this morning.
• Before I begin, can you hear me okay? Yes.
• It's really regrettable, but I'm sorry to hear that.
• Well, I just came, but I'm so glad that I got to hear your testimony.
• And I'm so sorry I only got to hear half of your testimony.

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard several bills focused largely on legal ethics, access to justice, public notice, water-rights notice, and protections for vulnerable people. AB 2305 would bar corporate investors such as private equity and hedge funds from directing or influencing litigation decisions; it was supported by the Consumer Attorneys of California and others, with the Civil Justice Association of California supporting if amended to add disclosure requirements. AB 2039 would tighten discipline for attorney misconduct, protect whistleblowers inside law firms, and restrict certain client-loan arrangements; it drew support from consumer attorneys and a support-if-amended position from CJA. AB 2109 would require the State Bar to adopt the National Conference of Bar Examiners’ Universal Bar Exam after the troubled February 2025 California bar exam; members discussed the need for broader review and possible reciprocity, but supported moving the bill forward. The committee also advanced AB 2115, which would issue a formal legislative apology to California Native peoples for the state’s role in historic violence and dispossession, with strong support from tribal leaders and Native organizations. Members spoke at length about the need for acknowledgment, healing, and a Capitol plaque memorializing the apology. AB 2179 would expand electronic filing and remote appearance options to workplace violence restraining orders, aligning them with other protective order procedures; it received support from local governments, prosecutors, labor groups, and advocacy organizations. AB 2534 would allow restraining orders based on forced marriage or attempts to compel marriage, and the committee heard powerful testimony from a survivor and support from family violence advocates. Two other measures addressed notice and transparency. AB 2323 would modernize public notice by keeping print publication as the legal standard while requiring online availability, with supporters emphasizing access, archival value, and the role of community newspapers; a special districts group opposed unless amended. AB 2125 would require courts in water-rights adjudications to consider proof of notice and receipts before proceeding, prompted by testimony from Ventura County farmers who said they lost water allocations without adequate notice. The committee approved the bills it heard, including several on consent, and later took roll-call votes to move the measures forward, generally sending them to Appropriations or to the floor as noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will be hearing it at some point this morning.
• Before I begin, can you hear me okay? Yes.
• Well, let's hear from them. I'm going to find out who they are also. Okay. Well, uh...
• It's really regrettable, but I'm sorry to hear that.
• Papin, well, I just came, but I'm so glad that I got to hear your testimony.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we are Today, we are going to have the second of our outcomes review hearing.
• This hearing focused mainly on AB 457.
• However, I believe you will hear testimony today from several of us working in this space that it does
• I also have a couple of administrative projects that are very closely tied to your hearing today.
• This hearing is adjourned.

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a work session, followed by a public hearing, followed by executive session.
• Our next step, and it's a big step, is an access hearing. We don't do a lot of access hearings.
• We are going to have that access hearing, hopefully in July.
• Can you hear me? Please proceed. Can you hear me? Okay. Hi, Larry Lane from Buckley, Washington.
• That concludes our public hearing on Engross Substitute House Bill 2711.

Bills: HB2495

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: vehicles, streetcar operation, public safety, urban regulation, transportation