Transcript Highlights:

• fees for wine or spirits bag-in-a-box beverage containers when the department determines that the forecasted
• know that over the years of this program, CalRecycle doesn't have a really good track record on forecasting
• mostly not my district, it's other parts of the state, that because CalRecycle is not great at forecasting
• It's other parts of the state, but that because caliber cycle is not great of forecasting or we haven't

Summary: The committee heard presentations on several energy, environmental, and consumer protection bills while operating at times without a quorum. Senator McNerney presented SB 925, which would direct the California Energy Commission to develop a statewide roadmap for fusion energy, and SB 1350, which would expand the use of green hydrogen in the power sector by allowing renewable portfolio standard credit for power plants using hydrogen. Supporters said both bills would help California maintain leadership in emerging clean-energy industries, attract investment, and create jobs. Opponents of SB 1350 raised concerns about greenwashing, resource shuffling, and increased NOx emissions from hydrogen combustion, while supporters said committee amendments added guardrails against those outcomes. Senator Ashby presented SB 1010, a manufacturer-funded extended producer responsibility program for refrigerants in appliances; supporters said it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve recovery, while opponents argued existing laws already regulate refrigerants and that the bill could raise costs and disrupt recycling markets. Senator Grayson presented SB 1145 to streamline CEQA and federal reuse procedures for qualifying projects in the Concord Reuse Project Area, which supporters said would help deliver long-planned housing, jobs, and open space, while one housing group sought stronger affordable-housing guarantees. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 1341, which would give CalRecycle authority to reduce processing fees for wine and spirits bag-in-a-box containers when fee collections exceed program needs; supporters said the current fee increase was abrupt and excessive, while opponents warned against giving the agency too much discretion. Senator Padilla presented SGR 13, urging the U.S. to secure enforceable commitments to eliminate transboundary sewage pollution in the Tijuana and New River watersheds during the 2026 USMCA review, and SB 1033, which would require testing and disclosure of heavy metals in protein products; SGR 13 drew strong support from border and environmental justice advocates, while SB 1033 drew support from consumer and health groups and opposition from industry groups concerned about labeling burdens and scope. Senator Caballero presented SB 1183, requiring a state study of the environmental, land-use, and economic impacts of industrial solar in the Central Valley; farm and land-use advocates supported the bill, while solar industry groups opposed unless amended, saying it should better reflect solar’s benefits and existing state analysis. After testimony, the committee took roll and adopted several measures on a 4-0 or 3-0 basis, with bills including SJR 13, SB 925, SB 1350, SB 1145, SB 1341, SB 1033, and SB 1010 advanced on call to Appropriations or, in the case of SB 1010, already voted with a 3-1 result before being held on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• about basic data entry here, but high-level legal research, contract analysis, and financial trend forecasting
• trend<00:19:24.880> uh analysis and financial trend uh analysis and financial trend uh forecasting
• 26.480> tasks<00:19:26.960> that<00:19:27.520> used<00:19:27.840> to forecasting
• So tasks that used to forecasting.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the crystal ball is not great if a design-builder wants to try to forecast out what things will look
• And the crystal ball is not great if a design-builder wants to try to forecast out what things will look
• This is a 26% increase based on the latest statewide forecast.
• This is a 26% increase based on the latest statewide forecast.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from WSDOT on balancing uncertainty in capital program estimates and cash flow management. WSDOT explained the differences between design-bid-build and design-build delivery, its tiered risk-assessment process by project size, and how it uses base estimates, inflation, and risk modeling to set budgets. Staff said design-bid-build estimates are generally accurate within about 1% across the program, while design-build projects carry much wider uncertainty and are better communicated as ranges; they cited a P85 budget approach and noted that large, complex projects can be affected by market competition and long procurement timelines. Members asked about the Columbia River Bridge cost growth and about value engineering, and WSDOT said it uses value engineering but has limited scope to cut costs because of project requirements and policy mandates. Troy Swing also discussed cash flow, noting that a few large projects can significantly affect biennial funding needs, and said a risk pool would not reduce overall program risk but could help manage timing if paired with appropriation and cash-flow controls. The committee then received the final presentation in the WSDOT Project Delivery and Innovative Practices study from HKA Global. The consultant said WSDOT’s estimating practices are generally robust and recommended improving transparency by presenting budget authorizations as ranges or estimate classes, better tracking estimate growth over time, and adjusting advertisement timing to avoid competing lettings. The report also discussed surety bonding, suggesting the legislature consider restoring authority for reduced bonding on select large design-build projects or using phased bonding and alternative securities. On indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting, the consultant said current job order contract rules are restrictive and recommended legislative changes to make such tools more usable, especially for smaller tasks and to help use unspent funds more flexibly. The committee also heard a follow-up presentation on transit-oriented development policy recommendations tied to HB 1491. The Urban Institute’s Yona Freemark said Washington has been a national leader on TOD but that housing construction, especially in the Puget Sound, has slowed sharply since 2022. He said rising construction costs, high financing costs, and local tax and rent conditions are making many TOD projects infeasible, and recommended that the state fill infrastructure funding gaps around stations, revisit MFTE affordability requirements, consider minimum rather than average density requirements near transit, and create a statewide system to track TOD outcomes such as affordability, gentrification, and transit access. Members questioned the study’s developer interviews, the role of rent control and crime, property tax assumptions, and parking needs; the presenter said the study included five private developers, that rent control was not part of the study scope, and that parking was included in the model assumptions. Finally, the committee began a presentation on regulating emissions from ocean-going vessels at berth. Staff and consultants described California-style at-berth rules, which require shore power or equivalent emissions controls so ships can shut off diesel auxiliary engines while docked. The study is examining vessel traffic, emissions reductions, implementation costs, labor and operational needs, and possible effects on port competitiveness and cargo diversion. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because we forecast, remember, four years ahead of time, five years, because when we hire, when we take
• Because we forecast, remember four years ahead time, five years, because when we hire, when we take an
• disasters in a way that helps to address not just the urgent and immediate need, but what we're going to forecast
• disasters in a way that helps to address not just the urgent and immediate need, but what we're going to forecast

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly labor committees held a hearing on the Los Angeles wildfires and their impact on workers, employers, and recovery efforts. Chairs and members emphasized that rebuilding should prioritize worker safety, equity, local hiring, and strong labor standards rather than simply moving quickly or relying on the lowest bidder. They also stressed the need to learn from past disasters and to create a more coordinated state response for future emergencies. Worker advocates described how domestic workers, day laborers, firefighters, and other frontline workers were affected by the fires. Testimony focused on workers being trapped in evacuation zones, lacking timely information in Spanish, losing jobs and income, and facing exposure to toxic debris without adequate PPE. Speakers called for expanded outreach and education, stronger Cal/OSHA enforcement, broader occupational safety coverage for domestic workers and day laborers, recall and transfer rights, childcare and transportation support, and a centralized disaster relief system that can quickly deliver cash aid and equipment regardless of immigration status. Firefighter Derek Irwin said California firefighters face serious carcinogenic exposure and urged continued funding for the firefighter cancer prevention and research program, along with a long-term state health monitoring and research effort similar to the World Trade Center Health Program. Building trades and labor representatives argued that cleanup and rebuilding should be done through community workforce agreements, prevailing wage, apprenticeship requirements, and local hire provisions, and said the state already has trained workers available. They also said federal debris-removal work through the Army Corps has limited the state’s ability to impose some standards, but that state and local funding or subsidies should trigger labor requirements. Employer and business representatives described major losses to property, inventory, revenue, and jobs, especially in Altadena and nearby areas. The Altadena Chamber said it is coordinating recovery resources, while a construction business owner said small local firms are being shut out of disaster contracts and proposed a more accessible procurement process for local and minority businesses. LAEDC presented preliminary estimates of billions in property damage and business disruption, tens of thousands of potential job losses, and a recovery timeline of five to ten years, warning that low-income communities will be disproportionately affected and that workforce retraining and upskilling will be needed alongside the broader economic recovery.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know it's real because I'm chairing Ways and Means and anxiously awaiting the February forecast that's
• <00:57:19.480> the<00:57:19.920> uh<00:57:20.559> February<00:57:21.079> forecast
• <00:57:21.599> that's awaiting the uh February forecast that's awaiting the uh February forecast

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• figure to determine inflation in an upcoming budget year, to actually monitor monthly trends and forecasts
• figure to determine inflation in an upcoming budget year, to actually monitor monthly trends and forecasts
• figure to determine inflation in an upcoming budget year, to actually monitor monthly trends and forecasts
• figure to determine inflation in an upcoming budget year, to actually monitor monthly trends and forecasts
• figure to determine inflation in an upcoming budget year, to actually monitor monthly trends and forecasts

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The total new spending above forecast is now just 31.762, but without the e-waste now that's right about
• <00:15:01.000> is<00:15:02.000> now total new spending above forecast is now total
• new spending above forecast is now just<00:15:02.639> it<00:15:02.880> was<00:15:03.199
• I know the budget forecast poses its own challenges, and I certainly will highlight MDH's priorities
• I know the budget forecast poses its own challenges, and I certainly will highlight MDH's priorities

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and if it'd be helpful for the committee for the numbers of those as of the February forecast.
• would make up 27% of the allocation of the TAA in fiscal year 2025, received about $11 million, is forecast
• 00:41:46.960> 11 uh about 11 uh about 11 million<00:41:48.880> is<00:41:49.200> forecast
• > to<00:41:49.920> receive<00:41:50.720> um<00:41:51.280> in million is forecast
• to receive um in million is forecast to receive um in 2026<00:41:53.280> um<00:41:53.760>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• stays somewhat close to the November forecast and we wind up having a substantial deficit, do you think
• With that, we would ask the Public Utilities Commission to come forward. look if the February forecast
• stays look if the February forecast stays somewhat<01:07:54.880> close<01:07:55.680> to
• ><01:07:55.880> the<01:07:56.160> November<01:07:56.599> forecast somewhat close
• to the November forecast somewhat close to the November forecast and<01:07:57.319> we<01:07:57.480

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the point that I'm trying to make is that when times change, businesses need to be able to forecast
• What I'm trying to make is that when times change, businesses need to be able to forecast.

Bills: HB2107, HB2588, HB2946, HB2950

Keywords: SNAP, nutrition assistance, fast food, vitamins, waiver, food policy, municipal planning, homeowner association, building permits, single-family home, property rights, design standards, development fees, municipalities, infrastructure, public services, annual reporting, property development, tourism improvement area, TIA

Summary: The Rural Economic Development Committee first took up HB 2950, which would allow governing bodies to approve tourism improvement areas to promote lodging and tourism as an economic development tool. Supporters from the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, Visit Yuma, and Visit Phoenix said tourism is a major economic driver, especially in rural communities, and argued the bill would give local areas a voluntary, industry-led way to market themselves, attract visitors, and support jobs without raising taxes on residents. Members discussed tourism in places such as Yuma and other rural destinations, and the committee voted 7-0 to give HB 2950 a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard a presentation on rural economic development centered on Lucid Motors’ investment in Pinal County and its partnership with Central Arizona College. Speakers from the Arizona Commerce Authority, Central Arizona College, and Lucid described workforce training programs, including the Drive48 accelerator, which they said has helped train workers for advanced manufacturing jobs and raised local incomes. The committee read proclamations recognizing both Lucid Motors and Central Arizona College for their contributions to job creation, workforce development, and economic growth in rural Arizona. Finally, the committee considered HB 2946, which would revise development fee requirements, including changes affecting the timing and administration of fees and a prohibition on charging development fees for accessory dwelling units. The sponsor and housing advocates said the bill was intended to help address housing affordability and give developers more predictable costs, while city and league representatives opposed it, arguing it would shift costs from growth to existing taxpayers and interfere with local infrastructure planning. After adopting an amendment that removed county-related provisions and made clarifying changes, the committee passed HB 2946 on a 4-1 vote with two members present, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will see those impacts in the upcoming forecasts, and you should know that we are going to be like
• caucus, and we're not going to play games. >> I thought it was really nice during MMB's November forecast

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Forecast growth for the next several years through I think 2030 is an increase of something like 800
• Geothermal just to support that increase in demand, and the load forecast just continues to go up after

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But I'm a little curious to know, do we have maybe a longer-term forecast, or is there a plan to look
• And some sort of forecasting around the need for projects too, and not just basing that on the 10 districts

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 44, Schultz, electrical demand forecast: do pass on an A roll call.
• AB 44, Schultz, electrical demand forecast: do pass on an A roll call.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held its May 23, 2025 suspense hearing and opened by emphasizing the difficult budget environment, rising costs for constituents, and the need to make tough choices. The chair said many bills would be held, amended to reduce costs, or made two-year bills because the state could not afford broad program expansions this year. The committee also noted the agenda was organized alphabetically by author and that results would be posted later that day. The committee then acted on a large suspense file, taking up hundreds of Assembly bills across topics including housing, health care, education, labor, public safety, climate, water, transportation, elections, and technology. Many bills were held in committee, while many others were approved with cost-saving, clarifying, or author’s amendments. Examples included measures on CalABLE, Covered California enrollment, wildfire and insurance issues, reproductive health, school and college programs, prison and juvenile justice matters, AI and data privacy, and local government and utility regulation. Several bills were converted to two-year bills to continue discussion. Throughout the hearing, the committee repeatedly voted on bills by A roll call or B roll call, often with Republicans not voting on amended measures. Some bills were advanced with notable amendments, such as narrowing scope, removing appropriations, delaying implementation, or striking costly provisions. The committee also approved a number of committee bills and omnibus measures, including emergency management, judiciary, insurance, and water-related bills. At the end of the hearing, the chair stated that the committee had moved 435 bills to the Assembly floor, either as do pass or do pass as amended, and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• There'll be mosquito and tick forecasts.
• There'll be mosquito and tick forecasts.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Labor Workforce Development and EDD related to data accuracy and forecasting.
• So we've embraced AI at every level from looking at Forecasting our product, we're able to look deeper

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think before we do anything else, we'll get the budget forecast.
• have those appropriations blank until we have a little bit better idea about what the state budget forecast

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Included in the state's revenue forecasts due to the unpredictability and volatility of disasters.
• with regard to the timing and this not being included in the budget. itself as far as our revenue forecasts

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• date we have expended $325 million of the appropriated funds. currently scheduled, based on current forecasts
• Yeah, I'll speak for myself on that forecasted and projected is that the same as an executed contract

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The narrative on page 129 is a forecast, and it is the deviation. >> Okay.
• But as I look at the long-term forecast with the potential of being in deficit spending on education,
• But as I look at the<01:31:38.560> long-term<01:31:39.199> forecast<01:31:40.239> with
• <01:31:40.480> the the long-term forecast with the the long-term forecast with the potential
• for today, it showed a cliff, a forecast for today, it showed a cliff, a financial<01:35:30.000>

Keywords: 916, all