Transcript Highlights:

• The bill allows AZ POST to select one Arizona nonprofit to develop and administer the pilot program and
• If so, this would be a pilot program which AZ POST would administer by hiring a nonprofit organization
• Chair, do you know any nonprofits that would do this kind of work? Mr.
• Chair, do you know any nonprofits that would do this kind of work?
• This idea was brought to my attention by a nonprofit.

Committee: House House Public Safety & Law Enforcement Committee of Reference

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety and Law Enforcement heard several public safety measures. SB 1520 would have required state agencies to share certain immigration-related data with the federal government and included a repeal date in 2029. Representative Abatia offered a strike-everything amendment to replace the bill with a firefighter support grant program to help pay for station food, supplies, and small appliances, but the committee rejected the amendment and then gave the underlying SB 1520 a due pass recommendation. SB 1216 would repeal the sunset on traumatic event counseling for public safety employees and expand coverage to crime scene and digital forensics technicians. Supporters said the program helps officers and firefighters cope with trauma and that utilization is relatively low, while members asked about costs and usage. The bill passed 12-0. SB 1391 would create an AZ POST pilot program for law enforcement stress management, funded at $950,000 and run through a nonprofit, with emphasis on prevention, peer support, and family impacts. Some members objected that it was too prescriptive and looked like a vendor bill, and the committee failed to give it a due pass recommendation. SB 1493 would require employers to pay taxable costs, attorney fees, and expert fees when a law enforcement officer wins a wrongful termination appeal and the employer still refuses reinstatement. Supporters argued it was a fairness and due process measure for officers who must appeal twice to be made whole, while members debated whether similar treatment should apply in criminal cases and whether the bill should also restore other lost compensation. After adopting a chairman’s amendment, the committee gave SB 1493 as amended a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a nonprofit advocacy organization. Director at Arkansas Appleseed Legal Justice Center.
• We're a nonprofit advocacy organization that works hard for strong schools and good government.
• That only deepens the deficit of his nonprofit provider, because passes will not reimburse overtime.
• His supported living nonprofit provider operated at an $8 million deficit in 2025. $8 million.
• I work for a nonprofit called the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese, and we serve the Marshallese community

Committee: All REVENUE & TAXATION- HOUSE SALES, USE, MISC. TAXES & EXEMPTIONS SUBCOM.

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1001, sponsored by Representative Les Eaves, which would lower the individual income tax rate to 3.7% retroactive to the current year and reduce the corporate rate to 4.1% beginning in 2027. Eaves argued the bill continues Arkansas’s recent tax-cut strategy, would provide broad relief to working families, and would keep the state competitive while preserving future surpluses rather than cutting existing services. He and Representative Bray emphasized that prior tax cuts have benefited taxpayers and supported economic growth. Several opponents testified against the bill, including representatives from Arkansas Appleseed, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, a pastor, and individuals speaking about disability services and food insecurity. They argued Arkansas cannot afford further revenue reductions given needs in public education, early childhood care, Medicaid and food assistance, rural hospitals, and supported living services. Witnesses said the tax cut would disproportionately benefit higher earners while providing little or no relief to lower- and middle-income families, and urged the committee to prioritize public investments over tax cuts. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to limit witness testimony to five minutes each. Representative Eaves closed on the bill and moved to pass it. Following discussion, the committee voted to pass HB 1001, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• RMAI is a nonprofit trade association that represents...
• RMAI is a nonprofit trade association that represents the debt collection industry.
• They're all nonprofits owned by the communities they serve, and those are the ratepayers.
• So I've had to do, along with CBE and my friends in the environmental community and nonprofits, to put
• And nonprofits to put information out from my own office in English and in Spanish.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions heard two bills. SB 1131, presented by Senator Jones’s staff, would update the Debt Collection Licensing Act by requiring DFPI to conduct examinations remotely unless an on-site review is needed for consumer protection, and allowing the department to rely on recent audits or examinations by other regulators or approved third parties to avoid duplicative work. Supporters from the California Association of Collectors and Receivables Management Association International said the bill would reduce examination costs and improve administrative efficiency while preserving consumer protections. A representative of the California Low-Income Consumer Coalition expressed concerns. Committee members noted the need to avoid unintended consequences for the consumer protection goals of the licensing program. The bill was moved on a due pass and re-refer motion to Appropriations and later received enough votes on call to pass out of committee. The committee also heard SB 1291, the “Shine Act,” by Senator Gonzalez, which would increase transparency and accountability for mutual water company boards by eliminating the 24-hour written notice requirement for board meetings, requiring websites with basic information and consumer confidence reports, and directing a comparative analysis of mutual water companies serving disadvantaged communities. Supporters, including community and public health advocates, described problems with water quality, inaccessible meetings, poor notice practices, and lack of information in communities such as Cudahy and Maywood. The California Association of Mutual Water Companies opposed the bill unless amended, arguing it imposes costly, one-size-fits-all requirements on small systems without dedicated funding and could be difficult for remote or low-capacity mutuals to meet. Committee members generally supported the transparency goals but raised concerns about scale and compliance burdens; the author said he would continue working with opponents. SB 1291 was moved on a due pass and re-refer motion to Environmental Quality and later passed out of committee on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• New Hampshire Lakes is a statewide nonprofit organization.
• New Hampshire Lakes is a statewide nonprofit organization.
• Uh our mission nonprofit organization.
• Uh, SMART itself is nonprofit.
• There are a number of nonprofit.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:25.320><c> community</c><00:31:25.679><c> development</c> nonprofit community development nonprofit
• NCF is a nonprofit organization based in St.
• NCF is a nonprofit organization based in St.
• HJC is a nonprofit public interest advocacy organization and legal nonprofit whose primary mission is
• </c><01:08:38.040><c> public</c> Center uh HJC is a nonprofit public Center uh HJC is a nonprofit public

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Sophia Ficova with the Coalition for Clean Air, and we are a statewide nonprofit working to protect
• FQHCs are nonprofit by law, and our mission and federal and state mandate is to deliver...
• As nonprofits, the federal and state government already have broad authority over them.
• Nonprofits are under attack right now from the federal administration.
• I, having been in the nonprofit sector, have probably reviewed over 1,000 990s and generated those in

Committee: House Health

Summary: The committee heard several health-related bills, with most testimony focused on access to care, patient safety, and health system costs. AB 554 (Prepare Act) would expand and clarify protections for HIV prevention medications, including PrEP and injectable PrEP, by limiting prior authorization and step therapy, extending no-cost coverage requirements, and improving reimbursement for small clinics. Supporters said the bill would protect access amid federal threats to HIV prevention, while insurers opposed it as an expensive mandate that could raise premiums and conflict with state affordability targets. The author argued the bill would prevent infections and preserve California’s existing public health protections. AB 577 would limit health plans and PBMs from restricting physicians’ ability to administer or dispense medications directly to patients when medically necessary. Supporters, including physicians and patient advocates, said the bill would improve continuity of care and prevent delays for vulnerable patients; opponents argued it was too broad, could increase drug costs, and could undermine specialty pharmacy networks. The author said amendments narrowed the bill to in-network providers, required patient consent and cost transparency, and exempted hospital outpatient facilities, but the measure still drew opposition over cost concerns. The committee also heard AB 546, which would require coverage of portable HEPA purifiers for vulnerable enrollees during wildfire emergencies, and AB 224, which would codify California’s updated essential health benefits benchmark plan to add infertility treatment, hearing aids, and expanded durable medical equipment coverage if approved by CMS. AB 1032 would require plans to reimburse additional behavioral health visits for wildfire survivors, and AB 849 would require trained chaperones for sensitive ultrasound exams after testimony about sexual abuse in a hospital setting. AB 1196 would update outdated rules requiring three surgeons for certain heart-lung bypass procedures, and AB 1113 would codify a right to wear a mask for health reasons. AB 1386 would add perinatal care as a required hospital service, but the author said the bill would be amended further to address hospital closures and workforce concerns. Several bills drew support from patient advocates, medical groups, and county officials, while insurers and hospital groups often opposed or sought amendments over staffing, cost, and implementation concerns. Some measures were held pending quorum or were scheduled for later action, and no final votes were taken on the bills discussed in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> about private individuals or nonprofit about private individuals or nonprofit entities<00:21:12.080
• It would ensure the committee is not just focusing narrowly on nonprofits, but also on entities that
• </c><00:25:27.360><c> uh</c> include way broader than nonprofits uh include way broader than nonprofits
• </c> individuals businesses nonprofits individuals businesses nonprofits whatever<00:54:10.160><c> those
• </c><00:59:25.640><c> to</c> businesses for the nonprofits to businesses for the nonprofits to essentially

Transcript Highlights:

• So it kind of is confusing to me that when we're going after nonprofits, when we are talking about child
• So it kind of is confusing to me that when we're going after nonprofits, when we are talking about child
• We need to do our best to capture fraudsters whether they're working in nonprofit, but for-profits are
• and work work $1.4 billion in nonprofits and work work related<00:36:30.240><c> issues</c><00:36:30.720
• </c> before, nonprofits, profits. I like it. before, nonprofits, profits. I like it.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Philippe Jordi, and I'm here on behalf of the Island Housing Trust, a nonprofit dedicated
• Housing Nantucket is a nonprofit community development corporation.
• Housing Nantucket is a nonprofit community development corporation. We've been around for 30 years.
• So this proves what's possible when local, state, nonprofit, and philanthropic resources align.
• CDCs are nonprofit developers.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on a series of bills focused largely on local-option real estate transfer fees and housing funding tools for communities facing severe affordability pressures. Testimony strongly favored bills for Somerville, Concord, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Chatham, and a statewide local-option transfer fee, with speakers arguing that high-end real estate transactions should help fund affordable housing, anti-displacement efforts, workforce housing, and related capital improvements. Elected officials and local housing leaders described rising rents and home prices, investor activity, shrinking year-round housing stock, and difficulty recruiting or retaining teachers, police, health care workers, and other essential employees. Several witnesses emphasized that the proposals would be optional for municipalities, could include exemptions for first-time homebuyers or seniors, and would direct revenue into local affordable housing trust funds or housing banks. Committee members asked questions about who would pay the fee and whether it could make housing less affordable, and supporters responded that the fees would be targeted at higher-value transactions and designed with local flexibility. For Somerville, the delegation and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne backed both a local home rule petition and statewide enabling legislation, saying the city has already used zoning reform, inclusionary zoning, and local housing funds but still needs a new revenue source to address displacement and investor-driven purchases. For Concord, Representative Carmine Gentile and Concord housing advocates supported a home rule petition and the statewide bill, arguing that a modest fee on sales above $1 million could generate predictable revenue for affordable housing production and preservation. One committee exchange focused on whether the fee would affect most Concord sales and whether it would be passed on to buyers; supporters said the policy was intended to shift costs toward higher-value properties and help leverage other funding sources. The committee also heard testimony on House 4105, which would redirect a casino-related revenue stream to the Healthy Incentives Program. Farmers, advocates, and residents said the current funding was originally intended to support horse racing but has not met that goal, and that the money would be better used to support Massachusetts farmers and food-insecure residents through HIP. In a separate bill, Senator Becca Rausch testified in support of Senate 268, which would create a state-level hostile learning environment complaint process for higher education institutions and potentially strip tax exemptions from colleges or universities found to have such environments; she cited anti-Semitic and transphobic incidents on campuses and argued that existing federal protections should be mirrored in state law. The hearing also included testimony on college tuition debt reduction legislation from Senator Michael Moore, who said the bill would allow a deduction for tuition and fees paid to Massachusetts public colleges and universities to ease student debt and support the state’s workforce. A major portion of the hearing focused on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket housing bank proposals. Hospital, school, housing, planning, and municipal officials from Martha’s Vineyard said the island’s year-round housing shortage is harming health care, schools, and the local workforce, and urged approval of a housing bank funded by a local-option transfer fee. Nantucket witnesses made similar arguments, pointing to a very high median home price, a large seasonal housing stock, and the need for a dedicated revenue stream to preserve and create year-round housing. Supporters repeatedly cited the long-running success of the islands’ land banks as evidence that transfer fees can work without harming real estate markets. Senator Julian Cyr and Representative Thomas Moakley Luddy also backed the Cape and Islands transfer-fee bills, saying the region needs bold action and a sustainable local funding source to address its housing crisis.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are an environmental nonprofit based in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and our mission is to
• Thank you for giving me the opportunity to comment and support ...and nonprofit customers.
• We're a mission-driven trade group organization and nonprofit working to advance the just, equitable,
• We are a national trade association of about 120 community solar companies and nonprofits working to
• The Connecticut River Conservancy is a nonprofit citizen group established in 1952 to advocate for the

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on offshore wind, battery storage, solar, nuclear study proposals, and a bill to redefine clean energy. Several Barnstable-area legislators and witnesses raised concerns about offshore wind transmission infrastructure near neighborhoods, beaches, and drinking water supplies, and supported bills to create a special commission and increase local input and oversight. In contrast, environmental, consumer, labor, and clean energy groups strongly backed offshore wind expansion bills, arguing that offshore wind lowers long-term costs, improves winter reliability, reduces fossil fuel dependence, supports jobs and local supply chains, and should include wildlife protections, labor standards, and community benefits. Some witnesses and committee members noted that parts of the offshore wind legislation overlap with the Governor’s energy affordability bill, and asked for clarification on which provisions were new versus duplicative. The committee also heard testimony on battery storage and solar legislation. Two student witnesses and several industry representatives supported a bill to study grid battery storage, saying storage can reduce outages, lower peak prices, and improve grid resilience during extreme weather. Witnesses from solar and storage companies supported a broader clean energy transition bill that would expand storage procurement, create a retail-style storage program for distributed batteries, set a 10-gigawatt solar target by 2035, and streamline siting and interconnection. Committee members pressed witnesses on whether these provisions were already included in the Governor’s affordability bill and asked for a section-by-section breakdown of what was new. One witness also urged allowing developers to bond interconnection payments to reduce financing costs. Another major topic was a bill defining clean energy, especially whether existing pumped-storage hydropower should qualify for subsidies or be excluded. Supporters of the bill argued that existing pumped storage should not receive additional ratepayer subsidies because it is already built, can have environmental impacts on rivers and ecosystems, and could cost ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Opponents said pumped storage is an important reliability resource and should remain eligible. The committee also heard testimony on nuclear-energy study bills: some witnesses supported creating a commission to examine nuclear power as a reliable, carbon-free option, while others opposed nuclear study bills and argued that nuclear is costly, unsafe, and inconsistent with the state’s clean energy goals. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a nonprofit. So only for-profit? That's correct. Okay, so if I may...
• If you're a nonprofit, it does not cover a school, nonprofit, or government.
• I would think that we would want that regardless of whether it's a nonprofit, a for-profit, and I would
• And to your point, I think if we can exclude nonprofits, we could probably make an exclusion for small
• And we have worked with three groups coming up to hearing today: Louisiana bankers, nonprofit advisory

Bills: HB220 , HB259 , HB463 , HB536 , HB750 , HB830 , HB950

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Keywords: child exploitation, online reporting, platforms, cyber crime, PROTECT Act, excavation, demolition, infrastructure repair, BEAD Program, utility damage, construction coordination, contact point, emergency services, telephone charge, wireless service, reporting requirements, communications district, wireless communication, school safety, community permits

Transcript Highlights:

• And also please know, as Representative Fulio stated, we are not the only nonprofit organization who
• benefits throughout the state by playing our own bingo games that puts money back into our nonprofits
• And also please know, as Representative Fulio stated, we are not the only nonprofit organization who
• benefits throughout the state by playing our own bingo games that puts money back into our nonprofits
• to help us be able to provide more services to our service. to our nonprofits to help us be able to

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on March 24, 2026, and heard a series of bills, with members generally expressing support for measures aimed at public safety, corrections, and criminal procedure. The committee first amended and reported HB 957, which removes the 72-hour advance notice requirement for sheriffs transferring prisoners, while adding notice to the prosecuting authority as well as the court. Testimony from the Louisiana Sheriffs Association said the change would help with overcrowding and security-related inmate moves, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then heard HB 106, which prohibits giving children non-prescription melatonin without parental consent. After debate over whether consent should be written, the committee rejected an amendment requiring prior written consent, but adopted a broader amendment making the bill apply to any person rather than only child care centers. Testimony from Gretna Police Chief Brett Lawson described a case involving a nanny and a one-year-old child, and child care representatives said licensed centers already require parental consent forms. HB 106 was reported favorably as amended. The committee also reported HB 111, which adds associate’s degrees to the existing sentence-reduction credits for incarcerated people who complete higher education programs; DOC said the programs are accredited and monitored, and supporters framed the bill as part of workforce reentry. Several other bills were advanced. HB 64 clarifies that judges may recall arrest warrants and requires notice to law enforcement when a warrant is recalled; former Rep. Joe Marino testified in support, describing problems with old or mistaken warrants remaining active. HB 53 adds certain gambling offenses as predicate acts under Louisiana’s racketeering law, with the Attorney General’s office citing illegal gambling operations and prison-based gambling rings. HB 152 updates the state controlled dangerous substances schedules to match federal changes, adding 13 opioids. HB 102 creates second-degree cruelty to elderly persons and persons with infirmities, with amendments adding the offense as a predicate felony and refining the penalty and affirmative-defense language; the bill drew emotional testimony from advocates and family members describing abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults, and it was reported favorably as amended. The committee also reported HB 137, which strengthens penalties for threats against schools and adds a civil cost component for false threats; the Speaker Pro Tem said the bill is meant to deter school threats and reduce disruption and emergency response costs. HB 57 was reported favorably to clarify that courts may consider criminal histories in ex parte temporary restraining order proceedings. HB 337 increases from two to four the number of special charitable bingo events allowed each year for licensed nonprofits. Finally, HB 100 was substantially amended so that driving 100 mph or more is treated as reckless operation rather than a new felony speeding offense, and HB 155 expands the prohibition on unlawful drone use to additional Capitol grounds locations; both were reported favorably as amended. The committee adjourned after reporting all measures favorably, with several bills supported by law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocacy groups and a few receiving limited opposition or informational cards.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Amendment 285 by Representative Abel provides an exemption for any nonprofit corporation from being
• Our nonprofits are frequently going to be not in a position to do so.
• And so, in order to protect our nonprofits and the good work that they do, I ask that the amendment be
• RCW 24.03A.952 of the Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act already gives the AGO CID authority for nonprofits
• And we've seen that there are nonprofits that have engaged in direct unlawful conduct that really do

Summary: The committee heard Substitute Senate Bill 5520, which revises Washington’s wrongful conviction compensation law. Staff said the bill changes the proof standard for filing claims, expands treatment of Alford pleas, requires the Attorney General to concede qualifying claims in most cases, includes civil detention in compensation calculations, changes attorney fee provisions, and extends filing deadlines. The prime sponsor and supporters from the Washington Innocence Project and exonerees said the bill would reduce unnecessary relitigation and improve access to compensation, while one witness argued it would broaden eligibility and state costs. The bill was not acted on in the excerpt, but testimony was taken and questions focused on the term “actually innocent.” The committee then heard Senate Bill 5536 on property division in dissolution and legal separation cases, which would direct courts to consider real-estate sale costs, homelessness risk, and housing needs when dividing property and liabilities, and would clarify enforcement of real property orders. The sponsor said the bill is meant to make property divisions more equitable when one spouse must keep and later sell the family home. No public testimony was taken on the bill in the excerpt. In executive session, the committee considered Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5925 on Attorney General civil investigative demands. Members debated and voted on many amendments; most Republican-sponsored amendments were rejected, but Amendment 279, limiting use by the Criminal Justice Division, and Amendment 273, requiring consultation with local law enforcement in matters that may involve criminal violations, were adopted. The committee then passed the bill out with a do pass as amended recommendation by a 7-5 vote. The committee also heard and advanced Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6002 on automated license plate readers, adopting a striker and then passing the bill out 7-5 as amended, with members emphasizing privacy protections, retention limits, and limited law-enforcement uses while some members urged broader operational flexibility. Later, the committee took brief public testimony on Gross Substitute Senate Bill 6086, which would let Administrative Office of the Courts security staff conduct threat assessments and expand Supreme Court bailiff authority; witnesses described rising threats to judges and court personnel. It also heard Senate Bill 5868 to add one superior court judge each in Skagit and Yakima counties, with local officials citing caseload growth and budget strain. Senate Joint Memorial 8006, urging restoration and expansion of the limited license legal technician program, drew support from a paralegal and victim advocate who said it would improve access to justice for domestic violence survivors. Finally, the committee considered Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5993 on medical debt interest rates, which would lower the interest cap on new medical debt and prohibit interest in certain circumstances; the bill was moved out of committee with a do pass recommendation in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• By way of background, the Secretary of State assists businesses and nonprofit entities under the Uniform
• Businesses and nonprofit entities are required to file certain reports with the Secretary of State's
• There are annual license fees: $70 for for-profit entities and $10 for nonprofit entities.
• It does enact several changes to all of these areas for nonprofits and corporations that are required
• This is a clarification with no cost or change to businesses or nonprofits.

Bills: HB2543

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: county clerk, fees, local government, administrative costs, revenue generation

Transcript Highlights:

• By way of background, the Secretary of State assists businesses and nonprofit entities under the Uniform
• Businesses and nonprofit entities are required to file certain reports with the Secretary of State's
• There are annual license fees: $70 for for-profit entities and $10 for nonprofit entities.
• What this bill does is enact several changes to all of these areas for nonprofits and corporations that
• This is a clarification with no cost or change to businesses or nonprofits.

Summary: The committee began by waiving the five-day notice rule for engrossed substitute House Bill 2095 so it could be heard that day. It then took public testimony on House Bill 2248, a technical cleanup bill affecting Secretary of State corporate and nonprofit filings, trademarks, foreign entities, and apostille procedures. The prime sponsor said the bill makes no policy changes or fee increases, while the Secretary of State’s office supported it as a clarification measure. One testifier raised concerns about multiple LLCs and transparency in manufactured home communities, asking for stronger oversight and verification. The committee then heard engrossed substitute House Bill 2508, which expands the Office of Independent Investigations’ jurisdiction over deadly-force and related non-deadly-force incidents, broadens notification and records access requirements, and exempts certain records from disclosure. The sponsor and OII testified in support, emphasizing that the bill clarifies authority and procedures; members asked about how far back investigations could go, and staff confirmed there was no time limit for deadly-force cases under the bill. The committee also heard Substitute House Bill 2203, creating the offense of reckless interference with emergency operations for driving around closures on hazardous roadways. The sponsor described it as a response to flood and disaster rescues, and fire chiefs supported it as a safety and accountability measure. Defense attorneys opposed it as unnecessary and disproportionate, warning of criminal penalties, license suspensions, restitution, and fiscal costs for conduct they viewed as more appropriately handled civilly. Next, Second Substitute House Bill 1909 proposed a Court Unification Task Force to study inefficiencies and inequities in Washington’s fragmented court system; the sponsor and a legal aid attorney supported it as an access-to-justice reform, while the committee noted a large number of signed-in opponents. Finally, engrossed substitute House Bill 2095 would create a rebuttable presumption of negligence for drivers who injure or kill vulnerable road users in designated areas, along with education requirements and damages provisions. Supporters, including a widow, bicycling advocates, and a bike commuter, said it would improve accountability and help injured people who cannot easily prove fault; opponents from cities, trucking, and defense groups argued it would expand litigation, create liability and fee-shifting problems, and go beyond existing negligence law. After public hearings, the committee moved into executive session and advanced several bills. Substitute House Bill 2158 received a do pass recommendation. Substitute House Bill 2239, concerning family burial grounds on private property, was amended to increase a setback from public rights-of-way and easements and then received a do pass recommendation as amended. Substitute House Bill 2178 on court rules and procedures also received a do pass recommendation. House Bill 2543 on county clerk fees was advanced despite concerns about fee increases. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2165 on false identification as a peace officer was amended to clarify intent and then passed out of committee. The committee also adopted an amendment to Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2320 on firearm manufacturing, including a change allowing certain digital code and manufacturing activity for repair purposes, and discussed another amendment removing some possession prohibitions for personal use.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to speak about SB 324 and the importance of prioritizing local nonprofit
• I'm a senior assistant director at a local nonprofit called East Bay Innovations.
• As a nonprofit working with clients in the same communities that we work and live in, our services are
• Jennifer Fearing here on behalf of California Association of Nonprofits, CalNonprofits, a proud member
• We're a nonprofit community-based organization.

Summary: The committee heard several health-related bills, with extensive testimony on maternal health, prenatal safety, privacy, valley fever, Medi-Cal contracting, anti-discrimination protections, and health data sharing. SB 32 would require time-and-distance standards for labor and delivery units in health plan networks; the author and supporters said it would address maternity care deserts and improve access, while health plans opposed. SB 646 would require testing and public disclosure for toxic elements in prenatal vitamins; supporters emphasized fetal and maternal safety and transparency, while industry opponents warned it could confuse consumers or lead to reduced nutrient content. Both bills drew broad support from medical and public health groups, and both were advanced on party-line or near-unanimous votes after committee discussion. The committee also approved SB 313, which moves a parent’s birthplace on birth certificates into the confidential section to protect privacy, and SB 297, which directs CDPH to identify high-incidence valley fever regions and publish them for screening and awareness; valley fever experts and supporters stressed rising cases and the need for earlier diagnosis, while local health jurisdictions raised concerns about mandates. SB 324, dealing with Medi-Cal enhanced care management and community supports, would prioritize local community-based organizations and clarify contracting and data practices; it received strong support from nonprofits and community health advocates, with children’s hospitals and health plans seeking amendments, and it was sent forward after amendments were discussed. The committee then considered SB 418, which would codify ACA nondiscrimination protections in state law and allow up to a 12-month prescription supply for hormone therapy when medically necessary. Supporters framed it as protecting continuity of care for transgender patients and others using hormone therapy, including IVF and menopause patients, while opponents argued it would conflict with federal policy and promote harmful treatments. The bill passed to the next committee. Finally, SB 660 would strengthen the California Health and Human Services data exchange framework by creating governance and accountability for data sharing across health and social service entities; supporters said it would reduce duplication and improve care coordination, while some providers and hospital groups raised concerns. It was approved and sent to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. The consent calendar and the other measures were also voted out, with the committee recording the required roll-call votes and sending the bills onward.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a schooling show or a small nonprofit club, and we can't continue doing these shows any longer
• I might add that the majority of rescuers in California are not nonprofit organizations.
• The bill specifically states nonprofit, but there are many rescue groups in California that haven't taken
• The bill specifically states nonprofit, but there are many rescue groups in California that haven't taken
• . the expense for the time because there's no need to be a nonprofit in order to be a rooster rescue

Summary: The Assembly Agriculture Committee met as a subcommittee at first because a quorum was not yet present, then adopted its committee rules for the 2025-2026 legislative session by a 5-0 vote. The committee heard a series of agriculture-related bills, with most measures receiving broad support and moving forward. AB 1142 by Assemblymember Hoover would raise the fee thresholds for small public horse events that are exempt from equine medication monitoring rules; supporters said the current limits are outdated and hurt small riding clubs, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 411 by Assemblymember Papin would allow ranchers to compost livestock carcasses on-farm; supporters cited cost, environmental, and predator-control benefits, while rendering industry representatives asked for amendments to protect existing services and limit the bill’s scope. The bill passed to Natural Resources. AB 482 by Assemblymember Solache would modernize the California Table Grape Commission law and raise assessment caps without increasing assessments themselves; it passed to Appropriations. AB 312 by Vice Chair Alanis would shorten the holding period for ag theft property from six months to three months; it also passed to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 937 and AB 947 by Assemblymember Connolly. AB 937 would make technical changes to the Organic Transition Pilot Program to improve access to organic transition support, with testimony from a farmer who said the program helped him pursue organic certification; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 947 would expand and refine technical assistance under the Healthy Soils/Climate Smart Agriculture programs, including training, grant writing, matching funds coordination, equipment sharing, and outcome monitoring; supporters said the changes would help small and organic producers access state climate programs, and it also passed to Appropriations. AB 1486, presented by the chair, would use Proposition 4 funding to start grants for public postsecondary agricultural research farms focused on climate resiliency; members praised the role of CSU and UC research farms, and the bill passed to Natural Resources as amended. The most extensive discussion centered on AB 928 by Assemblymember Rogers, the California Cockfighting Cruelty Act. Supporters argued the bill would help law enforcement target cockfighting and rooster trafficking, reduce avian disease risks, and protect public health and animal welfare; opponents, including poultry hobbyists, breeders, and 4-H-related participants, said it would overreach into lawful poultry keeping and harm heritage-breed and youth programs, urging instead that cockfighting penalties be increased to a felony. Committee members echoed concerns about unintended impacts on legitimate poultry owners and requested continued work on exemptions and language. The bill passed to Judiciary on a 5-2-1 vote, with one no vote and one abstention, and the chair noted that further committee review would continue as the bill advances.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll give you just a bit of introduction to Housing Navigator Massachusetts, the nonprofit itself behind
• That is where Housing Navigator Massachusetts entered the picture, specifically as a nonprofit building
• And our mission as a nonprofit is to, at the highest level, connect people with a place to call home,
• At which point it was decided a nonprofit would be established to kind of tackle this piece of access
• So we were kind of made possible, of course, by the state, but also by a lot of other housing nonprofits

Summary: The Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee met with a presentation from Housing Navigator Massachusetts. Staff described the nonprofit’s mission to improve access to affordable housing through a free, 24/7 search tool and public data dashboards. They explained how the site distinguishes between rent-based-on-income units and fixed below-market rent units, how mobile vouchers such as AHVP and Section 8 interact with those listings, and what types of housing are included or excluded from the database. They also reviewed accessibility filters, supportive housing resources, and related state programs such as EOHLC resources and RAFT. Committee members asked about the organization’s funding, the availability of voucher programs, and whether the site tracks demand for accessible units or wait lists over time. Housing Navigator said it is primarily supported through the state, works closely with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and does not collect personal application data because it is not part of the application process. Staff said accessible units appear to be in high demand, but they do not have direct data on how many people are waiting or how many applications result from site visits. They also said they are working to improve data sharing, more frequent updates, and future research tools. Members discussed ways to increase public awareness of Housing Navigator, including sharing a one-page fact sheet or infographic through disability organizations, local disability commissions, independent living centers, and the Massachusetts Office on Disability. The subcommittee also briefly discussed future goals, including inviting MassHealth to a January meeting, seeking regular updates on federal Medicare and Medicaid developments, reviewing the annual report’s recommendations, and possibly planning a future health equity event. The meeting ended with the introduction of new commission member Victoria Gill and a motion to adjourn, which was approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill instead looks at the powers that are being granted to corporations and to LLCs, nonprofits,
• Now, I know you're hearing pushback on this from business, from nonprofits across the spectrum, from
• So if it's a business corporation, a nonprofit, a trust, California's got a long list of things, Business
• corporation, a nonprofit, a trust.
• It imposes a blanket prohibition on political participation by businesses and nonprofits, effectively

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• The Strengthen Alabama Homes program was broadly supported by agents and industry, academia, nonprofits
• Enterprise Community Partners is a national affordable housing nonprofit working toward increasing the
• Enterprise Community Partners is a national affordable housing nonprofit working toward increasing the
• My name is Natalie Spivak, and I’m a senior policy advocate at Housing California, a statewide nonprofit
• In South Los Angeles, a trusted nonprofit housing provider serving over 300 low-income families saw its

Committee: House Insurance

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee heard several bills focused on insurance affordability, wildfire resilience, and consumer protections. AB 888, the California Safe Homes Act, would create a grant program for home hardening and wildfire mitigation. Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and Alabama Insurance Commissioner Mark Fowler testified in strong support, describing Alabama’s Strengthen Alabama Homes program as a model that has fortified thousands of homes and helped stabilize insurance markets. Committee members from fire-affected and rural districts spoke in favor, and the bill passed on a do-pass motion to Appropriations. AB 290 would require the California FAIR Plan to offer automatic payments and address non-renewal issues tied to missed payments. The author described her own non-renewal and difficulty staying insured, while consumer advocates called the measure common-sense reform. The FAIR Plan opposed unless amended, citing operational demands and concern about a grace period for non-renewals, but the committee members largely supported the bill and it passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 1339 would direct the Department of Insurance to study insurance availability and pricing for affordable housing providers, who testified that premiums have risen sharply and are forcing cuts to reserves, maintenance, and services. Supporters said better data is needed to craft long-term solutions. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also approved AB 1531 on consent and AB 646, which relates to catalytic converter theft deterrence disclosures and consumer protections, both moving forward to Appropriations. The committee later held the roll open for additional members to add their votes, and all measures received further aye votes before the hearing adjourned.