Transcript Highlights:

• put into the record that schools are already required to celebrate civics through Civics Instruction Day
• Madam Chair, we already have Sandra Day O'Connor Day, and this is not different than what's already happening
• Conversations related to the health care, the insurance? Well, I did.
• I was not part of that, never felt pressured to be, didn't care to be part of it.
• I was not part of that, never felt pressured to be, didn't care to be part of it.

Bills: SB1004 , SB1424 , SB1497 , SB1507 , SB1572 , SB1684 , SB1711 , SB1741 , SB1754 , SB1763 , SB1798 , SCR1012 , SCR1041 , SCR1051

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Keywords: sex offender registration, sex offender registry, A.R.S. 13-3821, sexual offenses, public safety, GPS monitoring, electronic monitoring, transient offender, homeless registrant, online identifiers, internet identifiers, sheriff notification, Department of Public Safety, DPS, DNA collection, juvenile adjudication, kidnapping of a minor, unlawful imprisonment of a minor, lifetime registration, community notification

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's not because I said so; nobody cares what I think.
• So that was 20, 27 days ago? No, Mr.
• Thank you for the groups that's working on the child care. So we're trying to do that.
• Thank you for the groups that's working on the child care.
• Scylorn and there, you're now off the child care committee and Senator Tobiassen on. Yeah.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• And we've also started to look at it slightly differently to make sure that day-to-day usage is also
• Whereas a couple years ago it was days or weeks to exploit, now it's minutes. Thank you.
• And then also, as traffic is flowing, right, Zscaler sees 500 billion actions a day.
• Every day we're seeing 60 billion events, 30 of those are actual attacks.
• Well, we're debating whether or not we can adopt AI in our business day today.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Cybersecurity and the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management held a joint informational hearing focused on maximizing the value of state cybersecurity investments, especially by fully using security features already included in existing vendor contracts. The first panel included representatives from Microsoft, Zscaler, and Palo Alto Networks, who described the products and services they provide to California and generally agreed that agencies often have strong adoption in some areas but still face challenges from tool overlap, limited staff, lack of awareness of available features, and the need for ongoing training and configuration support. They also discussed major threats such as ransomware, data loss, attack-surface exposure, IoT/OT vulnerabilities, and the growing role of AI in both attacks and defenses. Members pressed the vendors on whether state departments underuse purchased cybersecurity tools, how to improve utilization, and how to address the cybersecurity workforce shortage. The vendors said utilization is often constrained by staffing, procurement complexity, and the need to align tools with agency missions and maturity levels, but emphasized that training, leadership buy-in, and regular vendor-agency collaboration can improve results. They also discussed how AI can help with phishing triage, data-loss prevention, and security operations, while warning that agencies must manage AI safely and with human oversight. The second panel featured officials from the Department of Technology, Cal OES/CalSIC, and the California Military Department. They described statewide oversight efforts including audits, independent security assessments, continuous monitoring, advisory services, vulnerability disclosure programs, and workforce development initiatives such as the Information Security Leadership Academy and Cybersecurity Education Summit. Officials said some underutilization is real, but it is often tied to differing agency maturity, overlapping tools, and deliberate feature restrictions to reduce attack surface and complexity; they emphasized a balanced approach using people, process, and technology, with plans of action and milestones to hold departments accountable. They also noted federal uncertainty around MS-ISAC and the state and local cybersecurity grant program, saying California is advocating through federal partners and monitoring the impact. The hearing ended after public comment and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It generated safety inspection results within 43 days, which is below the national average of 56 days
• 68 days.
• 68 days.
• 68 days.
• Are you in some days out, some days, or a number of them now back in the office every day?

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• Watch over each of them this day, in Jesus' name. Amen.
• and Administration, report that we have read and approved the House Journal of the 29th legislative day
• Historical Society for providing us with history we can rely on, grounded in evidence, preserved with care
• I think you've got to be careful in what you say with what the intent is with a red light here.
• So we've got to be careful not to impugn someone's motives if they choose to vote red on this issue.

Transcript Highlights:

• One day I had an opportunity... I, every time I'm in there, I'm just fascinated.
• And one day I had an opportunity to be there with the lieutenant governor.
• And they don't care if they're going to go take somebody's other business.
• And they don't care if they're going to go take somebody else's business.
• I think this is the first time at all of my health care career that I've ever heard Americans eating

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• , her health care, and long-term care at her center.
• Let's take care of them. Let's honor them.
• We have a rural health care system currently on the ropes and federally qualified health care centers
• We have a rural health care system currently on the ropes and federally qualified health care centers
• Be careful here.

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The committee heard several tax and revenue measures. SB 1277, by Senator Grove, proposed a California Cost of Living Tax Credit modeled on the 2022 middle-class tax refund to provide direct relief to low- and middle-income Californians facing high housing, gas, energy, and general living costs. Supporters said it would help working families, farmworkers, teachers, and others; opponents, including the California Tax Reform Association and the California Teachers Association, argued California already has a progressive tax system, that refundable credits are costly and can be difficult to administer, and that the bill would reduce General Fund revenues and Proposition 98 funding. The bill was held on call after extensive debate and no motion was made at that time. The committee then heard SB 1287, which would create a targeted tax credit to encourage private investment in short-line railroad infrastructure. The author and rail industry witnesses said the credit would support safety, bridge and track upgrades, emissions reductions, freight efficiency, and rural and agricultural supply chains, while opponents argued a direct grant program would be preferable to a tax credit. The bill was accepted with committee amendments and placed on call after a motion to move it forward. SB 1407 would exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits from state income tax, with the author, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and veterans’ groups arguing it would help retain veterans in California, support second careers, and keep federal retirement dollars in the state. The California Teachers Association and California Tax Reform Association opposed it as another tax expenditure that would reduce General Fund revenue. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended vote to the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, with several members voting aye and others not voting, and the bill was placed on call. The committee also heard SB 1349, which directs the Legislative Analyst’s Office to review major tax expenditures and evaluate their costs, beneficiaries, and effectiveness. Supporters, including CTA, AFSCME, cities, counties, and many teachers, said the state needs more accountability for roughly $94 billion in annual tax expenditures and their impact on schools and the budget. The bill was moved with committee amendments and placed on call. Additional measures discussed included SB 1078, authorizing Santa Cruz County to seek voter approval for a temporary local sales tax increase to fund health care and safety-net services; SB 1120, extending the California Competes Tax Credit through 2035 and making it refundable for certain strategic industries; and SB 1275, which would convert the state sales tax on vehicle purchases into a deductible vehicle license fee to reduce Californians’ federal tax burden. SB 1120 and SB 1275 both received support from business and industry witnesses, with no opposition testimony noted, and were moved on call or with a due pass as amended vote as the committee continued through the file.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the 2023-24 academic year, CSU campuses conferred 29,000 degrees in health care, representing 46%
• Hyman, and Vice President Day. Thank you for your leadership and efforts.
• Our academic alignment has progressed with care and intention.
• Our academic alignment has progressed with care and intention.
• So employers are telling us, you know, our folks cannot get the health care they need.

Summary: The joint Assembly Higher Education and Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the California State University system’s enrollment trends, fiscal pressures, and how state funding should be allocated across campuses. Chairs and members emphasized CSU’s importance to California’s workforce and economy, but also raised concerns about declining enrollment at some campuses, unmet enrollment targets, and whether funding is aligned with student demand. The hearing was framed as preparation for the 2026 budget, with particular attention to campuses such as Humboldt, Sonoma, San Francisco, Channel Islands, and others that have received significant state support or are below target enrollment. In the first panel, CSU Academic Senate Chair Dr. Elizabeth Boyd urged the Legislature to protect academic freedom, strengthen faculty governance, provide stable ongoing funding, end unfunded mandates, support student food and housing security, expand flexible scheduling, improve transfer systems, and maintain regional access rather than over-centralizing programs. Cal State Student Association Vice President Katie Karam said students are feeling the effects of budget shortfalls through fewer course sections, reduced advising and services, longer time to degree, and rising tuition, and she called for transparency, meaningful student involvement in budget decisions, and sustained state investment rather than one-time fixes. In the enrollment panel, CSU Chancellor’s Office and campus administrators described a systemwide strategic enrollment plan under CSU Forward, with efforts to expand access, improve recruitment, and better align programs with workforce needs. Dr. Delcy Perez said systemwide resident enrollment and applications are up, and highlighted direct admissions and outreach partnerships. Campus representatives from Chico State, Cal State L.A., and San Diego State described local recruitment, transfer partnerships, and retention strategies. Members pressed CSU officials on discrepancies between reported enrollment growth and public data, the per-student funding formula, and the use of reserves and reallocation to shift money from lower-enrollment campuses to high-demand campuses. CSU officials said they are reviewing all campuses’ fiscal health, developing turnaround plans, and expect to provide reports to the Legislature in the spring, while also acknowledging the need for longer-term changes to enrollment management and academic program alignment.

Transcript Highlights:

• They join us each opening day.
• These days, speaking truth automatically comes with being attacked.
• These days Dots jumping to conclusions. These days that's<00:38:37.839><c> automatic.
• The elections commission or health care system or the welfare system.
• </c> elections commission or health care elections commission or health care system<00:44:14.960><c>

Bills: HCR1 , HCR2 , SB2001 , SB2002 , SB2003 , SB2004 , SB2005 , SB2006 , SB2007 , SB2008 , SB2009 , SB2010 , SB2011 , SB2012 , SB2013 , SB2014 , SB2015 , SB2016 , SB2017 , SB2018 , SB2019 , SB2020 , SB2021 , SB2022 , SB2023 , SB2024 , SB2025 , SB2026 , SB2027 , SB2028 , SB2029 , SB2030 , SB2031 , SB2032 , SB2033 , SB2034 , SB2035 , SB2036 , SB2037 , SB2038 , SB2039 , SB2040 , SB2041 , SB2042 , SB2043 , SB2044 , SB2045 , SB2046 , SB2047 , SB2048 , SB2049 , SB2050 , SB2051 , SB2052 , SB2053 , SB2054 , SB2055 , SB2056 , SB2057 , SB2058 , SB2059 , SB2060 , SB2061 , SB2062 , SB2063 , SB2064 , SB2065 , SB2066 , SB2067 , SB2068 , SB2069 , SB2070 , SB2071 , SB2072 , SB2073 , SB2074 , SB2075 , SB2076 , SB2077 , SB2078 , SB2079 , SB2080 , SB2081 , SB2082 , SB2083 , SB2084 , SB2085 , SB2086 , SB2087 , SB2088 , SB2089 , SB2090 , SB2091 , SB2092 , SB2093 , SB2094 , SB2095 , SB2096 , SB2097 , SB2098 , SB2099 , SB2100

Transcript Highlights:

• Is this a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week excavation operation?
• Is this a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week, uh, 349 excavation operation?
• a week, five or six days a week.
• We don't really care who does the data, provides the data.
• We don't really care who does, you know, the, uh, data.

Bills: SB1757 , SB1758 , SB1898 , SB2050

Committee: House Environmental Regulation

Keywords: rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2203, relating to certification of discovery issues in TCEQ contested cases referred to SOAH. The chair noted the House had already passed the companion HB 3249, then moved SB 2203 without amendments. The motion prevailed on a 5-0 vote, and the bill was reported favorably to the full House. The committee then heard SB 1898, which would prohibit the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam for testing and training, while still allowing it in emergency firefighting. The sponsor described PFAS as “forever chemicals” and said the bill would protect firefighters, water supplies, and public health. Testimony in support came from Environment Texas, which cited contamination concerns and noted other states and federal actions restricting PFAS foams. No one testified against the bill, and after closing testimony the committee left SB 1898 pending. The remainder of the hearing focused on SB 1758, a Grayson County pilot program aimed at addressing potential conflicts between Global Wafers’ semiconductor wafer facility and a proposed Black Mountain Cement/aggregate operation. Supporters, including Global Wafers, Grayson County officials, and manufacturing groups, argued that vibration from mining or blasting could threaten a major national-security semiconductor investment and that an independent BEG study was needed to set safe parameters. Opponents from Black Mountain Cement and related industry groups argued the bill would improperly interfere with a lawful permitting process, pick winners and losers, and harm Texas’ pro-business climate; they also said they had already revised operations and removed blast mining. The discussion included extensive questioning about geology, vibration, the permitting timeline, and whether the issue was really about mining rather than the air permit. No vote was taken on SB 1758 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we're asking that Kentucky law be amended to extend that time from the present 30 days to 90 days
• So, we're asking that Kentucky law be amended to extend that time from the present 30 days to 90 days
• </c><00:10:03.280><c> Thank</c><00:10:03.480><c> you</c> present 30 days to 90 days.
• Thank you present 30 days to 90 days. Thank you very<00:10:03.720><c> much,</c><00:10:04.040><c> Mr.
• Well, well, Senator Berg, as you know in the health care space, we have something called managed care

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• We upped it to a whole $80 a day.
• This is property tax relief at the end of the day.
• If we're going to start paying $120 a day versus the $80 a day that we just passed through legislation
• The issue to me is I don't consider it a rainy day fund.
• We'd be careful about disparaging our colleagues.

Transcript Highlights:

• They provide comprehensive health care, including confidential reproductive health care, to students
• who would otherwise face significant barriers to accessing care.
• Sorry for the day. Seeing no further comment in opposition, I will bring it back to the dais.
• Seeing none, I'll bring it back to the dais.
• Seeing no other comments from the dais, there was—do we have a motion and a second?

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard several Senate bills focused on student health, access, equity, and career preparation. SB 608 by Sen. Menjivar would expand access to condoms and related sexual health resources for students in grades 7–12 and direct the Department of Education to align with the California Healthy Youth Act. Supporters argued the bill would help address high STI rates among youth and remove barriers to access, while opponents raised concerns about parental authority, local control, and encouraging early sexual activity. The bill was approved on a 6-1 vote and sent to the Health Committee. SB 965 by Sen. Blakespear would prohibit libraries from requiring a parent to be physically present for a 16- or 17-year-old to obtain a library card, while still allowing libraries to require parental consent or signature. Supporters said the current rule creates unnecessary barriers for teens and school research projects, and the California Library Association said it was now neutral after amendments. The committee passed the bill 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 998 by Sen. Gonzalez would define and expand the duties of discrimination prevention coordinators in the state’s Office of Civil Rights, including adding a disability coordinator and deputy coordinators focused on anti-Black, anti-Asian, anti-Latino, and anti-Native American discrimination. Testimony emphasized the need to address rising hate incidents and discrimination in schools, especially for Black, LGBTQ+, AAPI, and other marginalized students. The bill was approved and sent to Judiciary with amendments to be processed there. SB 845 by Sen. Perez, which expands work-based learning and youth apprenticeship opportunities, also received broad support from education, workforce, and industry groups and passed unanimously to Labor and Employment. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills and adjourned after all items were acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said he does not care how many miles you drove in a day; he is just looking for the total amount.
• if you drove 5 miles a day or 25 miles a day.<00:24:40.240><c> We</c><00:24:40.640><c> we</c><00:24:41.039
• And so I I think days that you did it.
• 00:25:01.919><c> unless</c> how many miles you drive in a day unless how many miles you drive in a day
• </c> You know, I think the days You know, I think the days of<00:49:19.359><c> we</c><00:49:19.680><c

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Um this takes care of the if we this.
• </c> booming during the the Jonah field days booming during the the Jonah field days and<00:30:51.440
• President, they said rainy day fund. Mr. President, they said rainy day fund.
• </c> light of day. Thank you. light of day. Thank you. &gt;&gt; Anybody<01:52:59.920><c> else?
• These are uh extend day markets.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Madam Chair, there's not an emergency clause, so 90 days after it gets signed, yeah.
• So once 90 days happens, then the governor will be able to, according to the bill, appoint these three
• And so, with New Mexicans dying every day from these preventable deaths, we must use all of the tools
• FQHC, which could be close by, but not really anymore, federally qualified health care center, or also
• on Providers, what's being reported to those who are doing the work and seeing rising increases on a day-to-day

Bills: SB238 , HJR1 , SM21 , SM22

Committee: Senate House Rules & Order Of Business

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 238, which would rename the governor’s residence advisory commission as a governor’s residence management committee and clarify its duties, membership, and authority over furnishings, maintenance, inventories, and hospitality functions at the governor’s residence. Senator Worth and Secretary Designate Anna Silva said the change was needed to remove ambiguity during the transition to a new administration and to improve transparency around the residence, the General Services Department fund, and the separate Mansion Foundation fundraising role. Several senators questioned whether the bill concentrated too much authority in the governor and whether it could enable a large renovation project without sufficient legislative oversight; supporters said major renovations would still require legislative appropriations. The committee ultimately advanced the Senate Rules Committee substitute for SB 238 on a 5-2 vote. The committee then approved House Joint Resolution 1, which would create bipartisan nominating commissions to vet and recommend university and special school regents to the governor, rather than leaving appointments entirely to the governor’s discretion. Senator Steinborn said the resolution would improve qualifications and reduce conflicts of interest, including by changing the student regent selection process. After brief discussion about party-affiliation restrictions, the resolution received a due pass with no objection. Two memorials followed. Senate Memorial 21, presented by Senator Stephanics for Senator Bergman, calls for a Department of Health study of overdose prevention tools, including overdose prevention centers and other harm-reduction strategies, in response to New Mexico’s high and rising overdose death rates. Supporters cited rural access challenges and the need to explore all available tools; one senator asked for more accurate county and demographic data in the memorial’s background. The committee gave SM 21 a due pass. Senate Memorial 22, presented by Senator Charlie and the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence, asks the Legislative Finance Committee to convene a working group to map how domestic-violence funding flows through CYFD and related agencies, with an emphasis on transparency, accountability, and provider input. Witnesses said funding streams are fragmented and sometimes unclear, and senators discussed whether the work should remain within CYFD or be overseen elsewhere. The committee also gave SM 22 a due pass. The chair then announced that the committee would hear SB 264 and SB 261 at its next meeting and recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it really makes a difference when we think about the work that we do every day and the way that we
• They ask questions such as, do you provide health care? Have you ever been debarred?
• Seeing no more witnesses, we'll bring it up to the dais. Assembly Member Boerner.
• And I do appreciate your careful consideration of policy.
• And I do appreciate your careful consideration of policy.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard two bills. AB 1054 by Assemblymember Gibson would create a Deferred Retirement Option Program for eligible CHP officers and CAL FIRE firefighters, allowing them to work up to five additional years while their retirement benefits accrue in an interest-bearing account. Supporters, including representatives of CHP and CAL FIRE, said the bill would help retain experienced public safety personnel, address staffing strain, and remain cost-neutral to the state. Members generally supported the measure, and the committee passed it 7-0 and referred it to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 1439 by Assemblymember Garcia, sponsored by the State Building and Construction Trades Council. The bill would require public pension and retirement systems to apply stronger labor standards when investing in California development projects, including prevailing wage, skilled-and-trained workforce, and labor neutrality provisions. Supporters argued that public pension investments should not back projects with wage theft, unsafe conditions, or poor labor practices, and that stronger standards improve project quality and returns. Opponents, including county retirement systems, builders, housing groups, and local government associations, warned the bill could interfere with fiduciary duties, increase costs, create litigation risk, and reduce housing and development activity. Committee members raised concerns about the bill’s scope, definitions, and possible impacts on housing and pension stability, but several said they were willing to give the author a chance to continue working on amendments. The author committed to further revisions and said the bill was still in early stages. The committee approved AB 1439 5-0, with one member not voting, and sent it to Appropriations. The meeting ended with brief farewell remarks for a committee consultant who is leaving for the Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any questions from the dais, from the members? Yes, Assembly Member. Good morning.
• Seeing no more witnesses, we'll bring it up to the dais. Assembly Member Boerner.
• And I do appreciate your careful consideration of policy.
• You're careful consideration of policy.
• And with that, we'll adjourn this meeting. you're careful consideration of policy.

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• how many days folks have spent outside.
• care about the<00:23:58.799><c> numbers.
• </c> responsibility for things like tree care responsibility for things like tree care and<00:48:04.960
• At the end of the day, it's about fairness.
• Uh 3% of the day, it's about fairness.

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• But the timing will be really key on this, and it's really day-to-day as we look at this.
• And so, uh, this is kind of a day-to-day piece. This is kind of a day-to-day, you know, piece.
• </c> and so uh this is kind of a day-to-day and so uh this is kind of a day-to-day you<00:35:06.160><
• Um, I really feel for you to have one day this and one day that.
• Growers Day on the Hill.

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