Transcript Highlights:

• Responsible oversight is not the enemy of public safety. Responsible oversight of public safety.
• Public trust is part of public safety.
• Public safety is not a one-community issue. It's not a Black issue. It's a people issue.
• It's about public safety. And I will be a yes on this bill.
• How can we collectively define what is public safety?

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're basically looking at whether there's inherent safety problems in the plane, regulating the pilot
• won't overcome that inherent safety problem.
• </c><03:20:50.560><c> safety</c> if there's inherent safety safety if there's inherent safety safety
• :20:53.880><c> inherent</c> pilot won't overcome that inherent pilot won't overcome that inherent safety
• </c> safety problem. safety problem. Thank<03:20:56.480><c> you.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The $1 trillion in health care cuts will compound over time, devastating the health care safety net in
• 37:43.840><c> that</c><02:37:44.080><c> exceeds</c><02:37:44.640><c> federal</c><02:37:45.040><c> safety
• </c><02:37:45.439><c> limits</c> air that exceeds federal safety limits air that exceeds federal safety
• ><02:44:19.359><c> programs</c><02:44:19.840><c> so</c><02:44:20.080><c> that</c> public consumer safety
• programs so that public consumer safety programs so that corporations<02:44:21.279><c> can</c><02:44

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So part of being able to address the needs of people in the community, personal safety, public safety
• So part of being able to address the needs of people in the community, personal safety, public safety
• safety.
• </c> personal safety. personal safety.
• </c> ...also may impact public safety. And having the appropriate placement relative for that.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of resolutions and a few bills, with testimony largely in support across the agenda. Early measures included HCR 15/HR 17 supporting Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy, and HCR 22/HR 22 urging Congress to pass federal kidney disease legislation; both drew support and no opposition. The committee also heard HCR 146 HD1/HR 138 HD1 on “excited delirium,” with testimony from advocates urging the resolutions be broadened to include related terms such as hyperactive delirium and agitated delirium, and from family members and disability-rights advocates describing the issue as harmful pseudoscience tied to police-custody deaths and calling for a ban on the term and better mental-health responses. The committee then took up HCR 123/HR 115 on creating a coordinated support and stabilization task force for Native Hawaiians experiencing homelessness or extreme low income. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands testified in support, describing its transitional housing work and saying collaboration and data-sharing with the state homelessness office would help beneficiaries and others; members questioned whether existing entities already do similar work and whether the proposal would extend beyond beneficiaries. HCR 32/HR 32, which asks the governor’s senior advisor on mental health and the justice system to develop a plan to increase access to Hawaii State Hospital for certain criminal defendants, drew support from the Department of Health, the governor’s office, and disability-rights advocates, who emphasized coordinated planning, diversion from arrest when appropriate, and matching people to the right level of care. Additional resolutions addressed a range of policy issues: renaming Leeward Community College to Puloulou Community College (with no testimony), creating an ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi pathway under the Niʻihau dialect at UH (UH noted existing courses already cover the dialect but not a degree pathway), moving to a demerit-point driver licensing system (support only), and coordinating transportation infrastructure planning for Hawaiian home lands (DHHL supported the measure and said an expired DOT memorandum of understanding had covered related collaboration). The committee also heard support for expanding DHHL financial literacy and homeownership-preparedness programs, a resolution asking the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to examine algorithmic discrimination, and a resolution urging the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Advisory Committee to follow its rules, comply with the Sunshine Law, review its executive director, and strengthen accountability; the last measure drew 11 written supports and no opposition. No final votes or decisions were taken in the portion provided, as the hearing focused on testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• and create outpatient specialty care, closing a major gap in health care access and restoring the safety
• AND CREATE OUTPATIENT SPECIALTY CARE, CLOSING A MAJOR GAP IN HEALTH CARE ACCESS AND RESTORING THE SAFETY
• SAFETY NETWORKS TO A.I. ENABLED TOOLS USED BY LOCAL AGENCIES.
• There were a lot of holes in the safety net.
• MY STATE OF OHIO, BECAUSE THERE WERE A LOT OF GAPS IN THE SYSTEM, THERE WERE A LOT OF HOLES IN THE SAFETY

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, November 17, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Safety issues is a thing there. It's a straight stretch and people fly.
• Safety issues is a thing there. It's a straight stretch and people fly.
• I'd really like to see a turn lane for safety purposes for people, including myself.
• I'd really like to see a turn lane for safety purposes for people, including myself.
• I'd really like to see a turn lane for safety purposes for people, including myself.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:24 Approval of September 18, 2025 Minutes: 00:02:03 Discussion on the Condemnation of Agricultural Land: 00:03:12 Discussion on the Kentucky Urban Youth Agriculture Initiative: 00:50:00 Adjournment: 01:19:10, 958, all

Summary: The Joint Agriculture Committee met in October with a quorum present and approved the September minutes. The main presentation focused on condemnation of agricultural land and eminent domain, featuring testimony from Stephanie Barnett of a family-run livestock and farming business in Todd County, with support from Kentucky Farm Bureau. Barnett described a state road project that would take about 29 feet of frontage and affect entrances, fencing, a sign, drainage, a water well, and parking, saying the process involved poor communication, correspondence sent to the wrong address, and limited opportunity to negotiate changes such as a turning lane or relocated entrances. She said the business was not opposed to progress, but wanted the property restored and fairly compensated for the full impact on the operation, not just the land value. Committee members broadly agreed that eminent domain is sometimes necessary but should be handled with more transparency, communication, and fairness. Several members said the issue affects both rural and urban property owners and raised concerns about fair market value, compensation for agricultural infrastructure improvements, long-term impacts on farm operations, and the cost and delay of litigation. One member asked about the firm involved and suggested hearing from the people responsible for the correspondence problems; Barnett said she would share names after negotiations conclude. Another member noted that the maps had already been drawn before the landowner was brought in and said local meetings and clearer public input could reduce conflict. Chairman Dossett said he was interested in pursuing legislation for the upcoming session focused on property owner protection, fair treatment, and fair compensation, not just for agricultural land but for all Kentucky property owners. Members discussed possible ideas such as requiring better notice, more public transparency, and accounting for related costs like wells, fencing, drainage, and access changes. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond the approval of minutes and the discussion of potential future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Safety net clinics such as FQHCs make up only a small minority of the 340B program.
• </c><01:05:35.200><c> net</c> program's original intent safety net program's original intent safety net
• Patient safety is our number one, and we appreciate the intent of this measure.
• Patient safety is our number one, and we appreciate the intent of this measure.
• Patient safety is our number one, and we appreciate the intent of this measure.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology committee heard testimony on SB 447, a Department of Health pilot program related to recruitment, and SB 1043, a tax measure. On SB 447, the Department of Health said the pilot had streamlined hiring by delaying minimum-qualification review until later in the process, while the Department of Human Resources Development objected that parts of the bill could conflict with civil service rules, due process rights, and equal pay requirements. Several labor and employee groups testified, with some supporting the pilot as a way to address vacancies and others warning about merit-system concerns. The committee later voted to pass SB 447 as is. On SB 1043, testimony was mixed but largely focused on the bill’s tax changes, especially the proposed increase to the general excise tax and exemptions or credits for lower-income households. Supporters, including labor groups and housing/worker advocates, argued the bill would reduce burdens on working families, help with food insecurity, and keep residents in Hawaiʻi. Opponents, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and some community witnesses, said the general excise tax is regressive and would raise costs across the state. The committee voted to advance SB 1043 with substantial amendments, deleting most of the bill except section two and setting a far-future effective date, while noting the fiscal impact had not been provided. The committee also deferred SB 633 and later deferred SB 1633 for further decision-making, scheduling continued consideration for February 12, 2025, in Room 225. The hearing included standard instructions on one-minute testimony, written testimony, and Zoom procedures, and the committee adjourned after taking the above actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The issues we're trying to solve around public safety and behavioral health are significant.
• We'll have a public safety work group.
• Anyway, so we're asking for our security to get beefed up for the safety of the people and for the safety
• another public work group around public safety on Monday.
• Again, we're going to add one public working group around public safety on Monday.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• current patchwork of 100 local ordinances with a single statewide framework that improves the public safety
• ,</c><00:02:38.400><c> supports</c><00:02:38.720><c> the</c><00:02:38.959><c> small</c> public safety
• , supports the small public safety, supports the small businesses,<00:02:39.760><c> and</c><00:02:40.000
• . safety. safety.
• </c> and complying with health and safety and complying with health and safety laws<02:16:56.399><c>

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> workers, too, and the work zone safety workers, too, and the work zone safety is<00:07:39.760><c
• </c> funding, road safety, and the like. funding, road safety, and the like.
• safety safety uh<00:28:50.360><c> on</c><00:28:50.520><c> the</c><00:28:50.600><c> state</c><00:28:50.919
• </c> elements of the traffic safety elements of the traffic safety crisis<00:35:15.640><c> really</c>
• It will also have safety improvements.

Committee: Joint Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill endangers veterans' safety.
• This bill endangers veterans' safety.
• Psychedelic therapies involve long-hour sessions with multiple therapists, additional safety issues,
• Psychedelic therapies involve long-hour sessions with multiple therapists, additional safety issues,
• </c> a generational investment in the safety a generational investment in the safety of<07:17:04.478>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• coastal resiliency, sustainability, and financial and economic stability, as well as the health, safety
• , postal resiliency, sustainability, and financial and economic stability, as well as the health, safety

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a public hearing with testimony limited to three minutes. Committee chairs Jack Lewis and Becker-Rouch opened the hearing, noted members present, and explained that only two people were signed up to testify. Rep. Sylvia testified in support of H. 5388 for the town of Marion. The bill would allow Marion to transfer a 2,900-square-foot parcel from the Open Space Acquisition Commission to the Select Board to help build the Marion shared-use pathway, while permanently protecting about 13.38 acres of town-owned land for passive recreation and conservation under Article 97. She said the measure complies with Article 97 and the Public Lands Preservation Act and noted it had unanimous local approval at a special town meeting. Maura O'Keefe, town counsel for Falmouth, testified in support of H. 5365, which would amend Falmouth’s home rule charter to create a licensing commission. She said the change was recommended by two charter review committees because the Select Board spends significant time handling alcohol, entertainment, and common victualer licenses and related disciplinary hearings, and that a separate commission would better fit the town’s licensing workload. No committee questions were asked, no other testimony was offered, and the hearing adjourned by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• development, unemployment insurance, fair wages, collective bargaining rights, paid leave, and workplace safety
• development, unemployment, insurance, fair wages, collective bargaining rights, paid leave, and workplace safety

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, took a brief recess, and then proceeded through a series of routine actions. It adopted resolutions commending the New England chapter of the National Kidney Foundation for recognizing March 2026 as National Kidney Month and March 12, 2026 as World Kidney Day. The chamber then took final passage action on House 4272, an act authorizing the town of Hudson to grant an additional off-premises wine and malt beverage license; the bill passed to be enacted. The Senate also adopted committee reports suspending Senate Rule 36 and Joint Rule 12 to allow several Senate and House petitions to be referred to the appropriate committees, and it approved orders extending reporting deadlines for the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development (Senate No. 2785) and the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight (Senate No. 2941). In additional local matters, the Senate ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed House 4701, authorizing the town of Orange to increase the membership of its Board of Selectmen. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 for several House petitions, adopted an order to meet again the next day at 11 a.m. in formal session, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mark Delagall, Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, waiving in opposition.
• We have Katie Monnet, Alliance for Safety and Justice, who waives in support.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met and considered two bills. HB 145, by Rep. McFarland, would update sovereign immunity financial liability caps for claims against government entities, raising them to $500,000 per person and $1 million per incident, with a future automatic increase, aligning the statute of limitations with private claims, and allowing governments to settle valid claims above the cap without further legislative action. Several local government and related organizations waived in opposition. The bill passed on a 12-2 vote and was reported favorably. The committee then took up CS for HB 199, by Rep. Maney, which makes a short change to veterans treatment court law to align its procedures with mental health and drug courts and emphasize the state attorney’s role in the multidisciplinary review process. An amendment clarifying the state attorney’s role was adopted without objection. Public testimony on the bill was in support, and the committee reported the bill favorably as amended on a 14-0 vote. After completing both measures, the chair thanked members and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill happens to deal with workforce and safety. for a given sector, which is directed by the Department
• Hewitt moved that House File 122 be recalled from the Committee on Public Safety, Finance, and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Food safety, labor, and environmental rules all serve a very important purpose for the public good.
• I'd like to call your attention to the regulatory alignment study, which looked at food safety, water
• We learned pretty quickly it was food safety and water quality.
• of this, regulations that California has that nobody else has, and let me just talk about worker safety
• These threats can reduce production, quality, and, in some instances, create food safety concerns.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the state of agricultural production in California, with opening remarks from the Senate and Assembly Agriculture Committee chairs and Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry emphasizing agriculture’s economic importance and the need for stronger state investment. They highlighted concerns about water scarcity, labor shortages, rising costs, extreme weather, tariffs, pesticide and regulatory pressures, and the lack of agricultural funding in recent climate-related allocations. Aguiar-Curry also urged immediate action on the glassy-winged sharpshooter outbreak, which CDFA said would cost about $18.5 million annually to detect, monitor, and eradicate. The first panel featured CDFA and the Department of Water Resources. CDFA described California agriculture as a $61.2 billion industry producing more than 400 commodities, but also noted farm bankruptcies, rising input and compliance costs, climate stress, trade issues, and crop removals in vineyards and almonds. DWR focused on hydrologic variability, snowpack decline, groundwater overdraft, subsidence, and SGMA implementation, and discussed tools such as forecast-informed reservoir operations, groundwater recharge, basin characterization, and the 2028 water plan update. Members asked about immediate legislative priorities, flood response after 2023, Prop. 4 and greenhouse gas reduction funding, and regulatory alignment; officials pointed to pest control, science-based water management, affordability, infrastructure, and better coordination across agencies. The second panel examined water, climate, and resource sustainability. PPIC presented estimates that SGMA, climate change, and environmental regulations could reduce irrigation water in the San Joaquin Valley by about 20% by 2040, potentially requiring 500,000 to 900,000 acres of fallowing and affecting billions in agricultural GDP and tens of thousands of jobs. UC Merced discussed practical adaptation tools including FIRO, managed aquifer recharge, on-farm recharge, land repurposing, agrivoltaics, and crop flexibility. The Agricultural Energy Consumers Association argued that energy costs are unsustainable, that electricity and natural gas rates are rising sharply, and that state programs supporting climate-smart agriculture, biomass, and food processing need more funding and coordination. Members and witnesses discussed how limited Prop. 4 and GGRF dollars might be used for recharge, conveyance, subsidence mitigation, and regulatory improvements. The final panel addressed workforce innovation and the future of food production. Industry representatives said food and fiber processors cannot pass along rising costs from energy, labor, workers’ compensation, packaging rules, and compliance mandates, and warned that SGMA-driven land fallowing, pest pressure, and abandoned orchards threaten small farms and processing jobs. The Almond Alliance called for periodic review of regulations, stronger invasive species response, and targeted support for orchard removal, ag burn alternatives, and water efficiency. The California Farmworker Foundation described its work providing health, education, and civil assistance services to farmworkers in multiple counties, including health navigation, field-based clinics, and food support, and stressed the needs of an aging labor force and food insecurity in rural communities. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members and witnesses discussing possible future legislation and funding priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• So as Amy mentioned, in 20% to 40% of records for safety net programs may be missing race and ethnicity
• So as Amy mentioned, in 20% to 40% of records for safety debt programs may be missing race and ethnicity
• information. information. records for safety net programs may be missing race and ethnicity information
• And as we move down from there to the safety net programs—SNAP, TANF, and WIC—again, lower population
• And there are other types of institutions where, for safety and efficiency, it is most prudent to use

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on the Census

Summary: The hearing focused on census data privacy, administrative data sharing, and the role of state and local governments in improving census accuracy, especially for the 2030 census. Dr. Philip Rocco testified first, arguing that the census is increasingly intergovernmental and that state and local investments in address list work, outreach, and complete count commissions can materially improve self-response and reduce undercounts. He emphasized that hard-to-count communities are most affected when states delay planning, politicize census work, or lack capacity, and he pointed to examples such as LUCA participation, outreach funding, and group quarters review as important tools. He also warned that recent federal actions and a broader climate of distrust could threaten 2030 operations, and urged Massachusetts to begin readiness planning now. Members then questioned Dr. Rocco about the use of administrative data such as DMV, TANF, SNAP, and WIC records, and about group quarters enumeration. He explained that those data-sharing efforts were voluntary agreements with the Census Bureau, unlike group quarters data, which are often provided by facility administrators and sometimes state agencies. He said the Trump-era effort to use DMV and other records was tied to Executive Order 13880 and was widely resisted because states had confidentiality and legal concerns, and because the stated purpose appeared to shift toward citizenship-related uses. On group quarters, he described e-response, paper response, in-person enumeration, and administrator-provided directory information, noting that privacy issues arise mainly from FERPA limits on university data and from missing demographic details in administrative records. A second panel, Beth Giroz and Amy O'Hara, then explained how administrative data are used by the Census Bureau and why data quality and privacy concerns matter. They described administrative data as records collected for operational purposes, useful for frame-building, nonresponse follow-up, enumeration, and post-enumeration evaluation, but often incomplete or mismatched on key census variables such as race, ethnicity, household relationships, and residence timing. They highlighted that some sources, like IRS, Medicare, USPS, SSA, and Bureau of Prisons records, are especially valuable, while others such as SNAP, TANF, WIC, Medicaid, CHIP, foster care, and driver’s license data vary in completeness and sharing. They stressed that privacy means collecting only what is needed, and that the Bureau typically uses limited header or roster data rather than full records. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing, and the committee recessed briefly before continuing testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I think what the distinction you'd make is we agree that Cal Fire services are a core public safety
• suppression costs, reduced disaster impacts, improved insurance accessibility, and enhanced public safety
• Thank you for your time to do. improved insurance accessibility and also enhanced public safety.
• We find that this proposal addresses near-term and significant health and safety concerns, which was
• mentioned, and the funding for Cal Fire in consultation with the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview from the California Conservation Corps on its 50-year history, current operations, and budget proposals. Director J.P. Patton described the CCC’s work in conservation, disaster response, education, and workforce development, noting 26 facilities, about 3,000 Corps members annually, and a funding mix of roughly 55% General Fund and 45% reimbursements. Members praised the program and asked about revenue sources, recruitment, retention, and post-service tracking. The CCC said it has a 5,000-person waitlist, uses first-come, first-served admissions with minimal eligibility requirements, and is working to improve data on outcomes. The committee also discussed the Greenwood Residential Center, where the CCC seeks staffing and operating funds to reopen a rebuilt facility in El Dorado County; the LAO suggested considering fewer new members or a delayed opening to reduce General Fund pressure, but no vote was taken and the item was held open. The committee then considered a CCC wildfire readiness proposal to move hand crews to a seven-day operational schedule. CCC and Cal Fire representatives said the change is needed because wildfire is now year-round and because the current model leaves crews unavailable in many months due to staffing gaps. They said the proposal would improve reliability for Cal Fire, preserve training opportunities for Corps members, and better align the CCC with Cal Fire’s 66-hour workweek. The LAO supported the concept but recommended considering lower-cost alternatives, such as relief staffing or partial reimbursement. Members also discussed the decline in incarcerated fire crews, with Cal Fire explaining that reforms and eligibility changes have reduced the pool of incarcerated people who qualify for camp and fire work. One member raised the use of goats and grazing for fuel reduction, and staff responded that such methods can help with prevention but cannot replace hand crews for suppression. The item was held open. Cal Fire then presented its department overview, emphasizing its expanded workforce, year-round wildfire response, vegetation management, community preparedness, and partnerships with federal, local, tribal, and private entities. Members asked about contract counties such as Orange County, reforestation and seedling capacity, federal reimbursement, and the 66-hour workweek rollout. Cal Fire said it is still below the seedling capacity needed for post-fire reforestation and relies heavily on public-private partnerships. The committee also reviewed a proposal for permanent funding for defensible space inspections. Cal Fire said it needs 31 positions and ongoing General Fund support to replace temporary funding that expires in 2027 and to maintain a goal of 250,000 inspections per year. The LAO said the proposal has merit but suggested alternatives such as a different General Fund/GGRF mix, reinstating an SRA fee, or approving the positions on a one-time basis. Members generally supported the work but raised budget concerns, and the proposal was held open. Finally, Cal Fire began presenting a fixed-wing pilot and mechanics contract increase, explaining that its aviation fleet has grown and become more complex, requiring more pilots and maintainers for year-round operations. The department said labor market pressures have increased contractor costs and that the contract is needed to support continuous aerial firefighting readiness. The transcript cuts off before further discussion or any action on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee heard from the following witnesses: general counsel from the Department of Public Safety
• Department of Public Safety, a superior Department of Public Safety, a superior court<00:12:04.480><c
• professor from Northwestern University, the ACLU, and general counsel from the Department of Public Safety
• professor from Northwestern University, the ACLU, and general counsel from the Department of Public Safety
• The consequences are wide-ranging, impacting survivors' safety, reputation, relationships, job prospects

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• railroad infrastructure, improving track, strengthening bridges, reducing emissions, and improving safety
• That leaves very little for improvements, such as rail improvements, bridge upgrades, and safety.
• Bills like Senate Bill 1287 will allow short lines to stretch every dollar further, improving safety,
• ongoing federal cuts, communities across the state are struggling to maintain access to critical safety-net
• The County of Santa Cruz is the safety net for those... Centers, which are at risk at this time.

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 1277, which would create a California Cost of Living Tax Credit modeled on the 2022 middle-class tax refund to provide refundable relief to low- and middle-income Californians facing high housing, fuel, energy, and general living costs. Senator Grove and supporters, including the California Policy Center and some local government representatives, argued the bill would put direct relief into the hands of working families. Opposition came from the California Tax Reform Association and the California Teachers Association, which said California already has progressive tax credits and that the proposal would be costly to the General Fund and reduce money for schools and other services. After extended debate, the bill was not advanced; a roll call vote on a motion to pass it to Appropriations failed 1-4, and the bill was held/fails on the floor with a request for reconsideration noted. The committee then heard SB 1287, which would create a capped tax credit to encourage private investment in short-line railroad infrastructure. The author and rail industry witnesses said the measure would improve safety, reliability, emissions, and freight movement, especially for rural communities and agriculture, and that it was a public-private partnership rather than a handout. Opposition from CTA and the California Tax Reform Association argued a direct grant program would be preferable to a tax credit. The bill was accepted with committee amendments and placed on call without a final vote in the transcript. Members also considered SB 1407, which would fully exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits from state income tax, increasing the prior partial exemption. The author, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and veterans’ groups said the change would help retain veterans in California, support local economies, and align California with most other states. CTA and CTRA opposed on General Fund grounds. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, with the roll call showing support and the bill placed on call. Later, the committee heard SB 1349, directing the Legislative Analyst’s Office to review major tax expenditures and evaluate their goals, beneficiaries, and effects on revenues and Proposition 98 funding. CTA, CTRA, and several local government and labor supporters backed the bill as a way to improve accountability for roughly $94 billion in annual tax expenditures. The bill was accepted with committee amendments and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 1078, authorizing Santa Cruz County to ask voters for a temporary half-cent sales tax to help fund health care and safety-net services amid federal cuts; it was placed on call. SB 1120, extending the California Competes Tax Credit through 2035 and making it refundable for certain strategic industries, received strong support from business and manufacturing groups and was passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1275, which would replace the state sales tax on vehicle purchases with a vehicle license fee structure intended to increase federal deductibility for Californians, was passed 4-0 as amended to the Committee on Transportation.