Transcript Highlights:

• To the flag of the United States of America.
• , but also in the southern region of our state.
• So there's zero risk to the state, zero risk to the state, zero risk to the state.
• to us and what the state means to this country.
• to us and what the state means to this country.

Summary: The Senate first took up two budget-related transportation bills. AB 107, a junior budget bill, was described as a technical measure that updates federal appropriations by about $15 million, exempts certain Proposition 4 funds from the Administrative Procedures Act to speed spending, and makes other technical corrections without adding new projects or General Fund spending. Some senators objected to the APA waiver as reducing transparency, but the bill passed 28-10. AB 117, an early-action trailer bill for Bay Area transit, authorizes a $590 million loan from the state’s transit and intercity rail capital program to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, which can then lend the money to Bay Area transit agencies for operating support, with repayment and interest secured by transit revenues. Supporters called it an emergency bridge to prevent major service cuts at BART, Muni, AC Transit, and Caltrain; opponents raised concerns about ridership recovery, accountability, and consolidation. The bill passed 28-9. The Senate then confirmed two California Air Resources Board appointees: Sonoma County Supervisor Linda Hopkins and Riverside Mayor Patricia Locke Dawson. Both were supported by colleagues who praised their experience and backgrounds, and both confirmations passed. The body also adopted SCR 89, a resolution by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas opposing federal attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Supporters argued DEI is essential to civil rights, education, public service, and equal opportunity, while criticizing the Trump administration for dismantling related federal offices and funding. The resolution passed on a largely party-line vote after extensive floor debate. Finally, the Senate adopted SCR 78, commemorating the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Senators from both parties spoke about the injustice of the internment, the resilience and military service of Japanese Americans, and the importance of remembering the history to guard against future abuses. The resolution passed unanimously, and the author then introduced survivors and guests in the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• This budget supports our efforts to bring more energy into the state and lower costs, expand emergency
• This budget supports our efforts to bring more energy into the state and lower cost, expand emergency
• food assistance and tax. energy into the state and lower cost, expand emergency food assistance and
• Now, the Governor said in her State of the Commonwealth address that the mission was to bring more energy
• Because it does take a while to get new energy into the state.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fourth, we have narrowed the specific provisions of a section of code that applies to ed prep providers
• and certification bill that happened to pass and there was a conflict between those policies in the code
• and certification bill that happened to pass and there was a conflict between those policies in the code
• And they ...between those policies in the code.
• And so I know how, I know that you have given this important piece of legislation a tireless energy and

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 met to consider House Bill 2, the major public education and school finance bill. The committee first reconsidered and withdrew the prior committee substitute, then took up a new substitute. Senator Creighton explained several changes, including a correction to the golden penny yield weight, an increase in the special education evaluation incentive cap from $45 million to $67 million, timing changes to avoid a funding gap for Bluebonnet curriculum training grants, narrowed language affecting educator preparation providers, added facility-usage reporting language, incorporation of bilingual allotment language from Senate Bill 2185, removal of the $20 million annual cap on JROTC funding, and a prevailing-clause provision to make HB 2 controlling over conflicting measures. Members generally praised the bill’s historic funding level but raised concerns about details and future floor debate. Senator Menendez said he appreciated the special education, safety, and teacher pay funding but was not ready to fully support the bill because of inflationary pressures, facilities funding, and district-specific impacts, and indicated he might vote present. Senator Parker strongly supported the bill, emphasizing historic funding, teacher pay, and the need to continue refining the package. Senator Witt also said he would vote present while seeking more refinement, especially on certification issues for public and charter schools. Senator Bettencourt highlighted the bill’s scale, including about $8 billion in new funding and $1.3 billion for special education, while Senator Hinojosa asked for more flexibility in the basic allotment and thanked the author for bilingual education and coastal-area provisions. The committee then adopted the new committee substitute and voted to report HB 2 favorably to the full Senate. The motion passed 9 ayes and 2 present not voting, with the bill reported as committee substitute do pass and be printed.

Transcript Highlights:

• We did not see the state or the city come to our state. start shutting down.
• different state-only services.
• in the United States.
• And so we're going to re-divered this energy to 0.000. that kind of energy.
• in the United States.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You state your name.
• Many customers across the state will experience significantly lower energy bills.
• It's also kind of the connection with state priorities around the clean energy trends.
• And maybe it is the state energy plan.
• as stated.

Committee: Senate Housing

Summary: The committee opened its first Senate Housing hearing of 2026 by taking up several two-year bills and bond measures. SB 222 by Senator Wiener, the Heat Pump Access Act, would streamline permitting for heat pump water heaters and HVAC systems, allow video/phone participation by contractors during inspections, and limit HOA barriers. Supporters said the bill would cut costs, speed replacements, reduce pollution, and help Californians lower energy bills; the League of California Cities opposed unless amended, citing concerns about a permit fee cap and virtual inspections. After questions about fees, inspection liability, HOA authority, and electrical panel upgrades, the bill passed 10-0 to Senate Local Government. The committee then considered SB 677, a follow-up to SB 79. The author announced the bill would be narrowed to two definition changes and that broader SB 79 cleanup would come in a new bill later in 2026. Testimony reflected both support and concern: some local governments and counties said more clarity was needed on implementation, transit-related definitions, and timing, while housing and transit advocates supported the cleanup and the removal of the ferry-stop provision. The committee approved the amended bill 10-1 to Local Government. SB 417, the Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, proposed a $10 billion general obligation bond for affordable rental housing, supportive housing, homeownership, and preservation. Supporters argued that state housing funds had been exhausted, that thousands of shovel-ready units were waiting for financing, and that the bond would leverage federal tax credits and create jobs. Opponents, including Habitat for Humanity, asked for a dedicated CalHome set-aside for homeownership. Members debated state debt levels, bond repayment, and whether the state should rely more on direct appropriations, but the bill passed 8-1 to Appropriations. The committee also began hearing SB 492, the Youth Housing and Youth Center bond, which the author said was intended to be folded into a larger housing bond package. The bill would authorize bonds for youth housing and youth centers for transition-age youth up to age 25, with the author arguing that early intervention could prevent future homelessness. The transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on SB 492.

Transcript Highlights:

• , within the state, moving out of state.
• , within the state, moving out of state.
• We analyze that to the election code because the election code is We intake information.
• We analyze that to the election code because the election code is complex.
• Washington State and other states mail out ballots to everyone, whether they come in to vote or not.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met to hear a lengthy presentation from Secretary of State Cord Byrd on Florida election administration, with a focus on how elections are handled during natural disasters, election security, and preparations for the 2026 cycle. Byrd described Florida’s response to hurricanes in 2022 and 2024, saying the state works directly with county supervisors of elections to tailor executive orders to local conditions, add or relocate polling sites, extend deadlines, and help displaced voters and emergency workers cast ballots. Members from affected areas echoed that local supervisors had managed storm disruptions well and that turnout remained strong despite major damage. A large portion of the meeting covered election integrity and security. Byrd emphasized Florida’s use of paper ballots, pre-election logic and accuracy testing, post-election audits, public canvassing, standardized voter-intent rules, and strict vote-by-mail request and signature-match requirements. He said the Department of State’s Office of Election Crimes and Security investigates complaints and refers matters to law enforcement, and that Florida has expanded access to the federal SAVE database to verify citizenship. Members asked about threats to election workers, staffing vacancies, cybersecurity, ballot design, vote-by-mail address changes, and how the state coordinates with county supervisors, emergency management, and other agencies. Several members raised questions about voter eligibility and returning citizens, and Byrd said the department provides free information to help people determine whether their rights have been restored, while noting that court and clerk reporting practices still create challenges. He also said the department is considering additional legislative proposals, including more safeguards tied to driver’s license and citizenship verification and a possible statewide 100% audit of races before certification. The meeting ended with the chair encouraging members to visit supervisors of elections offices and submit specific ideas for future elections legislation; no votes were taken and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And um the traffic um enforcement code.
• Our legislature is supposed state have?"
• </c><00:39:00.680><c> monies,</c> to be the steward of all state monies, to be the steward of all state
• I love the effort, the energy, and the engagement.
• </c> throughout our state. throughout our state.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the state senator from the largest and most rural district in the state.
• I'm the state senator from the largest and most rural district in the state.
• I'm the state senator from the largest and most rural district in the state.
• I'm the state senator from the largest and most rural district in the state.
• I'm the state senator from the largest and most rural district in the state.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting focused on the financial and workforce crisis facing Minnesota emergency medical services, especially ground ambulance providers in rural areas. Michael Johnson of the Minnesota Ambulance Association said EMS serves more than 600,000 Minnesotans a year and argued that reimbursement rates do not cover the cost of readiness, staffing, and 24/7 response. He and others called for ongoing EMS sustainability funding of about $50 million, higher Medicaid reimbursement, and continued support for EMT/paramedic scholarships, first responder training, and high school EMS programs. Senator Grant Hoschild and Representative Jeff Backer echoed the urgency, describing EMS as a moral imperative and emphasizing that rural communities cannot wait for ambulances when lives are at risk. Backer, who also volunteers as an EMT, described staffing shortages, reliance on volunteers, and a recent cardiac arrest response to illustrate the importance of local EMS coverage. Becca Hitch of PUM Area EMS said rural services are paid only when patients are transported, not for responding or treating on scene, and that one-time aid helped but did not solve underlying deficits. Bradley Peterson of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities said local governments that hold ambulance licenses are being forced to absorb unrecovered costs through property taxes, and that state support is needed to prevent service failures and rising local burdens. In response to questions, speakers said a 2023 statewide study found about $120 million in need, with roughly half tied to operational deficits and half to volunteer support; last year’s aid included about $24 million for rural services and some improvements in volunteer call pay and equipment needs. They also discussed a proposed 10% Medicaid increase, possible special tax district ideas, and the need to target any new funding toward rural services most at risk.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a second-year political science major at Sac State.
• scandal-baiting accusations emanating from Washington, D.C.
• , as stated by the opposition.
• Because it seems like you already have lots of code in, or a lot of statutes in code already, so I'm
• That's current state law.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard several bills focused on school nutrition, campus safety, college affordability, and UC contracting ethics. SB 1058 by Senator McNerney would remove price as the primary factor in school nutrition procurement, allowing districts more flexibility to prioritize meal quality, cultural appropriateness, local sourcing, and sustainability. Support came from school nutrition officials, education agencies, and school business groups; there was no opposition. Members raised questions about vendor selection and safeguards against favoritism, and the bill was ultimately moved forward on a due pass motion. SB 1140 by Senator Ashby, sponsored by the California Federation of Teachers, would require school safety plans to address access control during construction, maintenance, and repair projects by limiting unattended entry points such as open doors and gates. Supporters included Brady Campaign, Moms Demand Action, school employees, labor groups, and Prism. Members discussed how the bill would apply to both new construction and ongoing maintenance, and the measure advanced on a due pass motion. SB 959 was taken up on consent and also moved forward. SB 1006 by Senator Padilla would raise the Cal Grant B Access Award to a new minimum and tie future increases to inflation, with related supplemental awards for student parents and former foster youth also indexed. Support came from higher education advocates, CSU, student groups, and public advocacy organizations, with testimony from a Sac State student describing housing, transportation, and food insecurity. Members generally supported the bill, though questions were raised about fiscal impact; the author estimated about $21 million in first-year costs. The bill passed the committee on a due pass motion. SB 1141 by Senator Wahab would bar businesses from contracting with the University of California if a UC executive is paid by, or has been paid by, that business within the prior year, aiming to address conflicts of interest in UC contracting. AFSCME and UC workers supported the bill, citing examples of executives serving on corporate boards while their institutions contract with those companies. UC and business groups opposed it, arguing it was overly broad, could capture ordinary dividends or unpaid advisory roles, and could disrupt essential contracts and operations. After extensive debate over existing conflict-of-interest laws and whether the bill would create practical problems, the committee approved SB 1141 on a 4-3 vote and then reported the remaining bills out 7-0 as calls were lifted, concluding the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> requiring adherence to the state requiring adherence to the state building<01:10:53.800><c> code
• There are other appendixes that go to the code standards, but the state of New Hampshire has adopted
• state building code and regulated by the state building code and we<01:37:08.960><c> would</c><01:37
• Part B reads, "another approved agency in accordance with the state building code."
• </c> accordance with the state building code. accordance with the state building code.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of all uh assets managed by state of all uh assets managed by state agencies<00:03:59.079><c> 33%
• The affordability criteria that we apply is state-set in state statute, and it's based on the average
• </c><00:44:28.119><c> match</c> 2023 uh the PF a received State match 2023 uh the PF a received State
• state state statute and established in state state statute and provides<00:46:27.920><c> grants</c><00
• </c><00:48:20.319><c> and</c><00:48:20.440><c> it's</c> State set in State Statute and it's State set

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes. consistent across our state. So, I'm in consistent across our state.
• level, nor do other states.
• </c> state law? state law?
• </c> application across the state. application across the state.
• </c> Granite State. Granite State.

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please state your name, who you represent. Time is yours.
• And so that's really clear in the code.
• If it's a foster, it's the state. And we put a timeline on that.
• Representative Erickson: And it would be the state in that case because the state is their guardian.
• And it would be, it would be the state in that case because the state is their guardian.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are five other states that have created portals, and the waiver of all There are five other states
• You mentioned other states, and I forgot what you said. How many other states do this?
• Each state that has one, as well as Louisiana, has worked with the National Center for State Courts,
• , has worked with the National Center for State Courts.
• Please state your name and who you represent. I'm Mariah Wineski.

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first took up SCR 30 by Senator Connick, which memorializes Congress to compel the Department of Justice to release unclassified Epstein-related records. Senator Connick gave personal remarks about child sexual abuse and the need to hold powerful people accountable. Representative Newell supported the resolution, and the committee reported it favorably without opposition. Next, the committee considered SCR 40 by Senator Selders, urging Congress to timely pass defense appropriations that fully fund and align with the National Defense Authorization Act. The measure was briefly explained as a statement of support for military readiness and proper appropriations, and it was moved favorably with no opposition. The main substantive discussion centered on SB 259 by Senator Barrow, which would authorize an online portal for civil protective order applications. A Supreme Court protective order registry representative explained that the portal would let domestic and dating violence survivors complete petitions online, with the same judicial review, service, and hearing process that exists now; the bill would not eliminate manual filing. Members asked about fees, guidance for applicants, verification, judicial review, public access, and the risk of false filings. The witness and several members emphasized that the process remains temporary and ex parte at the outset, that final orders are issued by judges, and that the registry is not public. A domestic violence coalition representative also testified in support. Representative Newell moved favorable, Representative Edmondson objected, and the committee reported the bill favorably by a 10-1 vote. Finally, Representative Baham presented HR 245 condemning political violence in the United States. He cited recent and historical examples of political attacks and argued that violence against public figures and activists is harmful regardless of party. Members voiced support, no one objected, and the resolution was adopted before the committee adjourned, with the chair noting it was the last meeting of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'd like to welcome you once again to the New Mexico State Senate, and I yield to Senate Majority Floor
• From New Mexico State University, I have Yesenia Palma.
• board of finance approval on sales, trades, or leases of property by state agencies and local public
• The Honorable Mimi Stewart, President Pro Tempore. and members of the New Mexico State Senate.
• Jeremy Lewis for reappointment to the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority for a term.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please state your name, organization, and position on the bill.
• This bill is based on existing state law that restricts the use of kinetic energy projectiles and chemical
• In the state of California.
• There's the law around someone in a state of undress.
• . ...fundamental principles in our state.

Summary: The committee met first as a subcommittee because a quorum was not initially present, and it heard several bill presentations. SB 1056 by Senator Grayson would require courts to issue protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims in criminal cases, limiting copying and dissemination while preserving discovery and trial rights. Supporters, including Aaron and Denise Heskins-Quinn and the California District Attorneys Association, said the bill would prevent retraumatization and close a privacy gap; opponents, including public defenders and criminal defense groups, argued it was overbroad, vague, and could interfere with defense preparation. The committee adopted amendments narrowing the bill’s scope and sent it to Appropriations on a due pass as amended vote, with the bill held on call. SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez would restrict law enforcement use of flashbang devices for crowd control and ban their use in immigration enforcement. Supporters described injuries and fear caused by flashbangs and explosive breaching charges, including incidents involving protests and a home entry in Huntington Park; opponents from sheriffs’ and police groups argued the bill’s definitions were vague, could limit tactical discretion, and might conflict with existing law and task force operations. Members expressed both support and concern about definitions and exigent circumstances, and the bill was moved due pass to Appropriations on a vote, with the final roll held on call. SB 1070 by Senator Grove would make intentional disruptions of worship services a wobbler offense, allowing felony charges in more serious cases. Faith leaders and supporters said the bill was needed to deter coordinated disruptions and protect religious exercise, while opponents including the Friends Committee on Legislation, ACLU California Action, and public defenders argued it would criminalize speech, rely on a content-based statute, and impose disproportionate felony penalties. Several committee members raised constitutional and restorative-justice concerns, and the bill failed on the roll call, though reconsideration was granted. SB 1130 by Senator Reyes would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses, limiting surreptitious recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and restricting technologies that disable recording indicators. Supporters said the bill responds to emerging surveillance risks; opponents from TechNet and industry groups warned it could create liability for manufacturers and businesses beyond the actual wrongdoers. The committee accepted amendments reducing penalties, removing manufacturer provisions from the bill’s core criminal section, and creating civil penalties in the Business and Professions Code; the bill was moved due pass as amended to Rules, with the vote held on call. The committee also heard SCA 2 by Senator Troy, which would bar governors from pardoning themselves or immediate family members; there was no public opposition, but some members questioned the need for a constitutional amendment given the lack of evidence of abuse, and discussion was ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please state your name, organization, and position on the bill.
• This bill builds on existing state law that restricts the use of kinetic energy projectiles and chemical
• This bill has strong support from faith communities across our state.
• If you can please come forward and state your name and organization.
• Fundamental principles in our state. Thank you very much, Senator.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As you all recall, when the governor gave a State of the State, he said, "Send me an OIG bill, and I'll
• Over state government programs and what I call providers, which are the recipients of state funds, is
• Governor Walz expresses his support for the idea in his state-of-the-state address, and then here we
• Not balancing our state budget.
• That is occurring within our state.

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington. Senator Morris? Monroe, Louisiana. What parish is that? Washington.
• Now, you know, this office was set up by state government. State government can abolish it.
• we bring to the state.
• I come from a state that's probably just as bad as this state.
• United States.

Bills: SB256

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: court consolidation, judicial administrative, Orleans Parish, civil district court, criminal district court, court clerk, judicial funding

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Bill 256, which would combine the Orleans Parish clerks of criminal district court and civil district court into one office, with the bill taking effect upon gubernatorial signature. Senator Jay Morris said the change would align Orleans with other parishes, improve efficiency, and eventually help consolidate funding and operations, noting that Orleans is the only parish with two clerks and that the criminal side lacks the civil-side revenue streams used elsewhere. Committee members questioned the timing because the election for the next term had already been held and certified, and repeatedly raised concerns that the bill would effectively eliminate an office after voters had already chosen Calvin Duncan as criminal clerk. Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill would be constitutional or fair if enacted before the new term began. Opponents argued it would disenfranchise voters, target Duncan personally, and set a dangerous precedent by abolishing an office after an election. Supporters and witnesses for Duncan said the bill was rushed, lacked a fiscal note, and would create confusion about staffing, records, training, and the transition between the two court systems. Several witnesses also argued that the criminal clerk’s office is essential to access to justice and that the data and efficiency rationale did not justify the timing or effect of the bill. Calvin Duncan testified that he ran to improve access to court records after his own wrongful conviction and incarceration, and said the bill sends the message that votes do not count. Other witnesses, including teachers, voters, attorneys, former officials, and advocacy representatives, echoed that the measure undermines democracy and appears aimed at preventing Duncan from taking office. Senator Morris denied personal targeting and said the bill was about abolishing an unnecessary office, but acknowledged litigation was likely. The committee also adopted a three-minute rule for testimony by a 10-3 vote, then began hearing public testimony, with the first witnesses overwhelmingly opposing the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• State. Mr. State, Mr. State. Mr. Sergeant at Arms, for what purpose?
• of State Cole Jester.
• of State John Thurston, and Secretary of State Cole Jester.
• We live in the best state in the greatest country in the world, and the state of our state has never
• Trooper Bowers started in law enforcement as a state trooper in his home state of Michigan.

Keywords: 1204, all