Transcript Highlights:

• today by Renata Simrell, Fernando Ramirez, and James Lopez of LA-84 Foundation, along with lead researcher
• Shakare Barley with along with lead researcher, Dr.
• Additionally, research consistently shows that LGBTQ+ youth face higher rates of bullying, rejection,

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and opened with a prayer and pledge, then held a ceremonial observance for Jewish American Heritage Month. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 195 by Assembly Member Gabriel was presented with extensive remarks from members of multiple caucuses highlighting Jewish Californians’ contributions, the importance of solidarity amid rising antisemitism, and themes of tikkun olam and tzedakah. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 67 co-authors were added, and the chamber then recognized 14 honorees for their service in public life, philanthropy, media, faith leadership, education, and civic engagement. The floor also featured guest introductions and a procedural vote on Assembly Constitutional Amendment 9 by Assembly Member Borrero, which would add affordability as a required consideration in CPUC rate-making, remove telecommunications from the commission’s portfolio, create an office of broadband, and expand legislative appointments. The amendment was adopted. The Assembly then moved through a long third-reading file, passing measures including AB 1697 delaying implementation of a 2025 employment law, AB 2322 on stormwater permit definitions, AB 1653 on hearing-illness education, AB 2274 closing a loophole involving secrecy in trafficking cases, AB 2512 on Anaheim Angels naming language tied to a land exemption, AB 1956 prioritizing young men and boys in suicide prevention, and AB 2273 addressing prosecutorial handling of a local sexual abuse case. Additional bills passed included AB 1809 extending job order contracting for school and community college districts, AB 1970 banning step therapy for serious mental illness and substance use disorder medications, AB 1973 expanding practice authority for advanced practice clinicians, AB 2055 updating vessel law, and AB 2059 narrowing CEQA vehicle-mile-traveled mitigation for certain rural highway projects. The Assembly also adopted ACR 186 designating May 2026 as California Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being Month and H.R. 11 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after a lengthy debate that included support from several caucuses and some disagreement over the resolution’s framing of current threats to LGBTQ+ communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• which is about to begin, will re-engage a subset of groups from previous rounds to validate the research
• So where we're headed: The research team is expected to conduct the last round of public engagement with
• We look forward to sharing what we learn from research and resident and practitioner engagement.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• which is about to begin, will re-engage a subset of groups from previous rounds to validate the research
• So, where we’re headed: the research team is expected to conduct the last round of public engagement
• We look forward to sharing what we learn from research and resident and practitioner engagement.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-related proposals and policy ideas. One speaker urged changes to the welfare property tax exemption for affordable housing, arguing that annual income recertifications are outdated and burdensome, and proposing a one-time qualification at move-in, streamlined monitoring through TCAC or HCD, and continued exemption protection for projects that remain in compliance. The witness said rising insurance costs and administrative burdens are hurting cash flow and threatening the viability of affordable housing operations. A major portion of the meeting focused on social housing and the SB 555 study. HCD described its ongoing study process, including public engagement with residents, practitioners, and experts, and noted that California already has many building blocks for social housing, such as public land tools, long-term affordability mechanisms, community land trusts, and tenant protections. Community land trust and housing policy witnesses argued that social housing will require legislative action, expanded public subsidy, tax abatements, public land, and simplified financing, and they emphasized the need to reframe the concept for the “missing middle” and middle-class households to build broader political support. Committee members discussed stigma around “social housing,” the need for a rebrand, and the possibility of a pilot program, especially on excess public land. The committee also heard a proposal for a certified professional plan-check system modeled on Vancouver, Canada. The presenter said California’s permitting delays, inconsistent reviews, and staffing shortages add cost and uncertainty even for streamlined projects, and proposed allowing state-certified private professionals to perform plan checks and inspections under state oversight while local governments retain zoning and enforcement authority. Members discussed local control concerns, infrastructure costs, and the need to reduce delays and uncertainty in the entitlement process. Finally, the committee heard testimony supporting changes to HCD loan disbursement so funds can be used during construction rather than only after completion. Witnesses said this would reduce interest costs, improve feasibility, and could produce additional affordable homes with existing funding. The discussion also referenced AB 1053 as the vehicle for implementing that approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• Perez's leadership, Chico State continues to strengthen its commitment to hands-on learning, applied research
• Agriculture supports thousands of jobs, from transportation and food processing to research and technology
• Because if you did the research, you'd find out that tariffs have contributed 0.7% to inflation in this

Summary: The Assembly convened after a delayed quorum call, then moved through routine procedural actions, including unanimous-consent requests on guest seating and committee referrals. A motion by Assembly Member DeMaio to withdraw AB 2624 from committee failed on a roll call vote, 14-44. The chamber also heard multiple guest introductions and held an Armenian Genocide Remembrance ceremony with a prayer, pledge, and moment of silence. The main floor action centered on H.R. 97, commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Assembly Member Schultz and numerous colleagues spoke in support, emphasizing historical recognition, solidarity with Armenian Californians, and opposition to denial. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added. Later, H.R. 99 recognizing California Agriculture Day also drew extensive support from members highlighting the state’s agricultural economy, farmworkers, and the need for continued investment in agriculture; it was adopted by voice vote after 65 co-authors were added. Several bills were also considered and passed: AB 1838 on contractor wage-and-hour disclosure for public works bids, AB 1562 authorizing counties to randomly select poll workers, AB 2297 standardizing restitution rules in diversion programs, AB 1659 improving school re-enrollment support for justice-impacted youth, AB 1974 creating an optional temporary firearm storage program for law enforcement, AB 2402 updating health studio fee rules, and AB 1607 extending the Maddy Emergency Medical Services Fund. AB 1607 drew sharp opposition over fee funding and broader policy concerns, but passed 66-1. The Assembly also adopted ACR 129 establishing a sister-state relationship with Lagos State, Nigeria, and considered a Senate joint resolution on tariffs, with members split over whether tariffs or state policies were the main driver of higher costs; the transcript ends during debate on that resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• General Counsel, and Director of the Center for Investigative Oversight, and Quentin Claibon, senior research
• the final signed and executed contract with Data Recognition Corporation for all activities and research
• and its evaluation, the convening of the workshops, and any other meetings, calls, services, or research

Committee: House Assembly Committee on Government Operations, Accountability, and Transparency

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Beginning perhaps with the famed Whitehall studies that were conducted in London in the 1980s, research
• I know today you'll hear from top researchers.
• The insight that inequality is a drag on economic growth is actually supported by the research, and it's

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Beginning perhaps with the famed Whitehall studies that were conducted in London in the 1980s, research
• He noted that today the committee will hear from top researchers, including two of his favorites, as
• The insight that inequality is a drag on economic growth is actually supported by the research, and it's

Summary: The hearing focused on inclusive economic development in California’s Central Valley, with the chair describing prior state and federal investments in Fresno and the region, including Transformative Climate Communities funding, the Southwest Fresno Community College campus, affordable housing and infrastructure projects, medical education pathways, F3 Farm Food Future, and high-speed rail-related jobs. The chair emphasized that rural and historically disinvested communities often face complex application processes and limited technical capacity, and said the committee’s goal was to learn from successful local models and identify ways to better direct resources to communities that need them most. The first panel featured representatives from the Sierra Health Foundation, the James Irvine Foundation, and UC Merced. Chet Hewitt argued that health and economic opportunity are inseparable and described Sierra Health’s economic development portfolio, including the San Joaquin Valley Health Fund, the Impact Investment Fund, and the Community Economic Mobilization Initiative (CEMI), which together support healthier workplaces, microbusiness financing, and nonprofit capacity. Jessica Kaksmarik said Irvine’s place-based grantmaking in inland regions aims to strengthen worker and community power, support community-led development, and expand equitable pathways to mobility, while stressing that philanthropy must partner with government because it cannot meet the scale of need alone. Dr. Manuel Pastor and Dr. Ed Flores both argued that inequality and extractive development weaken long-term growth, and that community organizations need both power-building and technical expertise to influence regional planning; Flores also described the Valley Seed project and high-road economic development models that link labor, climate, and community benefits. The second panel highlighted community-based programs and the effects of unstable funding. Yolanda Randalls described the Sweet Potato Project at West Fresno Family Resource Center, a youth agriculture and entrepreneurship program that combines hands-on farming, business training, and mental health support; she said participants improved from a 1.9 GPA to a 3.3 GPA and that the program is seeking long-term support as its funding nears expiration. Addie Carr of Neighborhood Industries described a second-chance employment model that provides job training, case management, literacy and life coaching, and small no-interest loans, and said CEMI helped the organization open a second store and create more jobs. Maria Redoubt Orozco of Community Alliance with Family Farmers said small farmers are central to the Valley’s economy but face land, water, climate, and market barriers, and warned that federal cuts to programs like Local Food Purchasing Assistance threaten local food systems. Daniela Rodriguez of Immigrants Rising described entrepreneurship and technical assistance for undocumented and mixed-status entrepreneurs, including the SEED initiative, and said policy uncertainty and access-to-capital barriers continue to constrain immigrant economic mobility. In closing discussion, panelists repeatedly called for longer-term, braided, and flexible funding rather than one-time grants, and the chair noted the need to continue supporting community-defined practices and public-private partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I did some research on it. I didn't doubt it, but they're right.
• So did some research on it. I didn't doubt it, but they're right.
• In my research, I did talk to one of the reps from back then who said it still regrets, after knowing

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The committee began with routine business, approving the March 12 and March 17, 2026 minutes. It then heard House Bill 927, which would restore consequences for unpaid moving violations by requiring the DMV to notify drivers with delinquent traffic fines and giving them 60 days to pay, while preserving limited driving privileges for work and medical emergencies and excluding parking, cycling, and jaywalking violations. The sponsor and supporters, including the Idaho Fraternal Order of Police and AAA, argued the bill would improve public safety and accountability and help address more than $23 million in unpaid traffic debt; opponents said collection agencies and existing tools were preferable and raised concerns about license-related penalties. After debate, a substitute motion to hold the bill in committee passed, so HB 927 was not advanced. The committee next considered House Bill 508, a follow-up to prior bicycle/pedestrian facility legislation. The bill would clarify that federal grants or funds may be used for highway projects involving bike or pedestrian improvements and would limit a violation provision to elected officials rather than consultants. After questions about how the underlying law works, the committee rejected a motion to hold the bill and instead voted to send HB 508 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Senate Bill 1424 followed, a measure to close Idaho’s direct-to-consumer vehicle sales model to new manufacturers while grandfathering existing manufacturer-owned dealerships. Supporters framed it as a response to Chinese economic and national security threats and argued it would protect Idaho’s franchise dealer system; opponents, including Scout Motors and the Electrification Coalition, said it would harm American startups and consumer choice. Despite concerns about federal preemption and impacts on future direct-sales companies, the committee voted to send SB 1424 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee took up House Bills 666 and 717, both aimed at requiring new Idaho residents to register vehicles and obtain Idaho licenses within a set time. HB 666 would have imposed a 30-day deadline, but members raised enforcement and fairness concerns and moved it to the 14th order for possible amendment. HB 717, an amended version, was also sent to the 14th order for possible amendment, but the roll call failed, leaving the bill held in committee. The meeting ended with thanks to members and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so what we've learned from research and in talking with other states, and why we put together this
• Um, so what we've learned from research and in talking with other states, and why we put together this
• > googling</c><00:21:40.000><c> and</c><00:21:40.159><c> and</c> ...own, you know, googling and researching

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• other $94 million is funded through the cannabis excise tax, including $10 million for academic research
• other $94 million is funded through the cannabis excise tax, including $10 million for academic research
• This significantly increases the level of research, analysis, and drafting that is required for each

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a lot of research indicating that the child support program is an incredibly effective anti-poverty
• guess what I'm struggling with in this bill, and then I also read online, because I had to do some research
• people into this program to start paying fees... ...and then my understanding, according to my online research

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is how I started doing a lot of research on it.
• Like I said in my presentation, we've been going through this for a couple years now... ...research on
• To commit the crime, you have to research Missouri law and its processes.

Summary: The House met after a quorum call and several members introduced job shadows, interns, and 4-H guests. Once 93 members were present, the chamber moved to House Bills for Perfection. House Bill 1707 was taken up first and amended with a title change; sponsors said it would stop the Department of Revenue from taxing credit card processing fees charged to vendors. Members described it as a small-business measure, and the bill was ordered perfected and printed as amended. The House then considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2819, which would authorize rounding cash sales to the nearest five cents in light of the penny’s elimination. Supporters said it would give businesses clear authority to round and avoid compliance problems or lawsuits. The substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2103 followed, a property-fraud and notary-fraud bill that would require warning signs in recorder offices, increase penalties for false filings and notary-related fraud, and raise fines for notary seal vendors. Supporters said it was aimed at deterring deed fraud and protecting homeowners; some members questioned whether it went far enough or whether it could burden honest notaries. The substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Bill 1800, dealing with the Hancock Amendment inflationary growth factor for property tax assessments, drew the most debate. An amendment changed the title and another amendment lowered the cap on revenue growth from 5% to 3% when inflation exceeds that level. Supporters argued it would help taxpayers keep more of their money; opponents warned it would reduce funding for schools, fire districts, ambulance districts, libraries, and community colleges and could force more frequent ballot measures. The amendment and the bill were both adopted, and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2600, which would create a clearer process for ambulance district consolidation and improve rural EMS access, was also amended to preserve county commission authority over subdistricts, allow at-large districts in some cases, require voter approval for mergers, and tighten timing and election procedures. Members said the changes would help struggling ambulance districts while keeping local control, and the substitute was adopted and ordered perfected and printed. The House then adjourned after announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this bill came to me as I was doing research on teen suicide, and I was looking up information online
• It is currently a Class 3 felony, but as I was doing research on this, the purpose is to establish an
• When juvenile fees were removed with SB 1197 in 2023, researchers estimated that it was actually a cost

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee heard and advanced several House bills dealing with criminal law, victims’ rights, and court fees. HB 2131 would remove the financial-gain requirement from weapons and explosives trafficking and make trafficking three or more weapons or explosives in one offense ineligible for probation, pardon, commutation, or early release until the sentence is served; it passed 6-1. HB 2132 lowered the fentanyl trafficking threshold from 200 grams to 100 grams and adjusted related sentencing language; supporters said it would help law enforcement and prosecutors, while opponents argued it would sweep in heavy users and lacked data on current enforcement; it passed 4-3. HB 2223 requires sex offenders seeking a name change to notify prosecutors and victims, and to register under the new name if granted; it passed 6-1. The committee also passed HB 2411, which creates the crime of coerced abortion for secretly or forcibly administering an abortion-inducing drug with intent to cause an abortion, as a class 2 felony. Supporters described cases of covert or forced abortion drug use and said existing laws do not clearly cover situations where the drug is given but no death occurs; opponents argued current assault, manslaughter, homicide, and food-contamination statutes already address the conduct and that the bill is unnecessary. HB 2043, which adds unborn children to the felony-murder statute, also passed 4-3 after testimony from prosecutors and advocates on both sides; supporters called it a cleanup measure, while opponents warned it advances fetal personhood and could have broader reproductive-health consequences. HB 2046, requiring victims to be notified of pre-hearings in probation review proceedings for certain sex offenders, passed unanimously after emotional testimony from a victim’s family and county prosecutors. The committee then approved HB 2666, which increases penalties for sexual extortion involving 15-, 16-, and 17-year-olds when the offender is an adult and knew or should have known the victim’s age. Finally, HB 2265, which eliminates court-imposed fees and assessments on criminal defendants for public defense, jury trials, and appeals, passed 7-0 despite county opposition over lost revenue and shifting costs to taxpayers. The last bill, HB 2133, would require commercial websites hosting sexual material to verify the age and consent of depicted persons, retain records, and treat synthetic depictions like AI-generated images similarly to existing revenge-porn laws; it drew support from adult-industry representatives on some implementation issues but also significant constitutional and privacy concerns, and the committee adopted an amendment before passing the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do the segments conduct any kind of research that follows our students in a very general sense, not down
• It's kind of out of my wheelhouse, but happy to do some research and then get back to you guys on that
• They were excited about all the research they did by being allowed to freethink and not being so worried

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• then we're required to submit additional documentation to the Office of Economic and Demographic Research
• We're required to submit additional documentation to the Office of Economic and Demographic Research,
• There's other projects that can be done based on all the research and everything that we've done over

Bills: S0598 , S0934 , S1260 , S1300 , S1452 , S1510 , S1566 , S1580 , S1668 , S7034

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Keywords: funeral homes, cemetery law, cremation, embalmer, funeral director, preneed contract, preneed funeral, human remains, unclaimed cremated remains, disposition of remains, hospice, palliative care, end-of-life care, direct disposal, mortuary science, funeral service arts, licensure by endorsement, cemetery license, contiguous acres, consumer services

Summary: The committee first took up appointments, recommending confirmation of James Patrick Grambling and Brian J. Aungst on a single favorable vote. It then heard and approved several committee bills, including CS/CS/SB 1260 on building code inspections, which directs the Department of Management Services to contract with private providers for plan review and inspections; CS/SB 1668 on NICA, which updates benefits, oversight, funding, and immunity language; SB 1300 on a workforce/CDL training program for selected nonviolent inmates; CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services; CS/SB 1580 on illegal gaming enforcement; CS/SB 934 on Florida Keys affordable housing tax exemptions; and CS/CS/SB 1452, an agency bill updating DFS programs and licensing rules. Each of those bills was reported favorably after committee debate and, in several cases, amendments were adopted. The committee spent substantial time on CS/CS/SB 1510, the DEP package, which reorganizes environmental rulemaking and land acquisition authority, expands septic-to-sewer and nutrient-reduction requirements in sensitive areas, updates stormwater and resilience provisions, and revises related permitting and grant programs. Two amendments were adopted, including one adding solar-energy and stormwater-related provisions and another removing septic disclosure reporting language. Testimony included support from DEP and concerns from environmental advocates about septic timelines and implementation. The bill was ultimately reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/CS/SB 1566 on local government budget transparency, requiring counties and municipalities to post budgets and related materials online for extended periods in a standardized format. The League of Cities opposed the bill as an unfunded mandate, while the sponsor argued it would improve taxpayer access and accountability; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 7034, a rule ratification for minimum flows and levels for the lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers and priority springs, with testimony focused on the proposed Water First restoration strategy, conservation measures, and concerns about water quality, funding, and local opposition. The transcript ends during closing remarks on that ratification bill, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• His inventions continue to be the basis of research by modern-day inventors and engineers.
• Speaker. of research by modern-day inventors and of research by modern-day inventors and engineers. engineers

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But worse is that more than $300 million in diversity and gender research funding connected to California
• We know, based on copious amounts of research, that...
• We know, based on copious amounts of research, that diversity, equity, and inclusion programs lead to

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:

• it's written, in creating the policy, the district or charter school shall consider and document research
• it's written, in creating the policy, the district or charter school shall consider and document research
• First, clear coordination with federal special education and research. consideration.

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 3239, which would make the Missouri Workforce Diploma Program permanent and move it into the MoCAP framework. Representative Hurlbert and supporters said the program has helped about 1,200 adults earn diplomas, mostly women with children, and that it improves employment and health coverage outcomes. Members raised concerns about funding, the use of the foundation formula, and how the program differs from existing adult education options. Supporters said it is tuition-free, pay-for-performance, and intended for adults with a short path to graduation; no vote was taken on the bill. The committee then took up House Bills 2335 and 2230/2978 in executive session. HB 2335, dealing with teacher training, was amended and then given a do pass recommendation by a 19-0 vote. HB 2230 and 2978, as amended, were also approved do pass by an 18-1 vote after extensive discussion of the Student Screen Time Standards Act, including limits on screen time, a new advisory council, and a related cursive-writing amendment. Members generally supported the direction of the substitute, while some raised questions about local control, implementation, and the role of experts. Later, Representatives Irwin and Steinhoff presented House Bills 2913 and 3228, which would provide legal protection for teachers who intervene in violent situations to protect students or themselves. Supporters said the bills would reduce fear of liability and encourage reasonable intervention, while committee members and witnesses discussed possible limits, training, whether the protection should extend to other school staff, and how the proposal interacts with existing discipline and restraint rules. Public testimony was largely supportive, with school and teacher groups asking for clearer definitions and coordination with federal law; no vote was taken. The committee also heard House Bill 2304, which would require parental consent before major changes to a child’s special education placement or services. The sponsor and advocates said it strengthens parent involvement and collaboration, while members questioned delays, due process, safety exceptions, and the effect on school operations. Testimony from advocates and parents supported the bill, and the hearing concluded without action.

Transcript Highlights:

• within the Directorate of Planning and Modal Programs, which also includes transportation planning, research
• within the directorate of planning and modal programs, which also includes transportation planning, research
• And I know that the Energy Commission and CARB and others are working with the research sector and having

Summary: The Senate LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency Subcommittee heard updates from CalSTA, Caltrans, Metrolink, and Caltrain on corridor performance, governance, funding, and long-term planning. Chair Lackey opened by saying the SB 1098 report on LOSSAN governance and performance was unfinished and overdue, and argued the corridor remains at a crossroads because ridership, on-time performance, fiscal solvency, and capital delivery are still lagging. Senator Archuleta echoed concerns about safety, maintenance, ridership recovery, and the need to avoid state subsidy if local revenues fall short. CalSTA and Caltrans said the state has made major investments, including $125 million for San Clemente emergency resiliency work, and that more than $25 billion in funded rail projects are moving toward construction. They said work on the SB 1098 report is underway, with a LOSSAN working group to be convened, and described a new Caltrans transit-and-rail reorganization with a deputy director to improve accountability. Caltrans also reported restoration of Surfliner service to 13 weekday round trips between Los Angeles and San Diego, planned service increases to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, fleet overhauls, and a new project-tracking and service-planning tool to prioritize capital projects by service outcomes. The panel also discussed zero-emission strategy, saying hydrogen fuel-cell trains are being procured for longer-distance service while battery-electric options are being pursued where feasible, and that San Clemente long-term planning is being scoped with local partners. Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said the agency has shifted from a commuter-only model to all-day regional service through its “Metrolink Reimagined” schedule, with improved transfers, more weekend and off-peak ridership, and a 25% increase in monthly pass sales under a new fare pilot. He warned, however, that Metrolink faces a fiscal cliff: member agencies now cover about 72% of operating costs while fares cover about 11%, and without a dedicated revenue source the agency may need to cut service, reduce stations, or end later-evening and weekend trips. He said Metrolink has limited ability to monetize stations or parking because it does not own most of the relevant property or rights. Caltrain’s Jason Baker described the success of electrified service, with ridership up 57% year over year and customer satisfaction at record highs, but said Caltrain also faces a projected $75 million annual operating deficit and may need to consider service cuts if stable funding is not found. He highlighted revenue efforts such as energy regeneration compensation, parking and concession reviews, station development, and a planned battery-electric pilot to extend zero-emission service south of San Jose.

Transcript Highlights:

• within the Directorate of Planning and Modal Programs, which also includes transportation planning, research
• And I know that the Energy Commission and CARB and others are working with the research sector and having
• And I know that the Energy Commission and CARB and others are working with the research sector and having

Keywords: 987, senate, all