Transcript Highlights:

• The rules for today's hearing include no talking or loud noises from the audience.
• Oh, can you hear me now? Yes. To speak in support of AB 1359.
• We've had a—can you hear me okay? No, I guess my ears are all plugged up.
• So, I mean, I hear you, and you, first of all, thank you for doing this.
• I know this is the first committee hearing.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• That's good to hear.
• Chair hears none. So ordered. Members, we're waiting on an amendment.
• The chair hears none; the amendment to the amendment is adopted.
• The chair hears none; the amendment is adopted.
• Chair hears none.

Bills: HB8 , HB12 , SB 3 , HJR1 , SB 11 , SB 16 , SB 14 , HB8 , HB 12 , SB3 , HJR1 , SB11 , SB16 , SB14

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to facilitate the goal of hearing as much from the public within the limits of our time, we
• Thank you, Chair Wilson, for hearing our bill today. And thank you to the author, Senator McNerney.
• Thank you, Chair Wilson, for hearing our bill today. And thank you to the author, Senator McNerney.
• But I hear you, and I don't, I don't, I find, I, I...
• So it's, while I would say, you know, I can hear your concern about...

Committee: House Transportation

Summary: The committee heard several transportation and economic bills. SB 86 would extend and expand the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority sales and use tax exclusion program through 2031, raise the annual cap, and add fusion energy. The author, Treasurer Fiona Ma, and a Cepheid representative said the program has supported billions in clean-tech investment, thousands of jobs, and environmental benefits; local government groups opposed over revenue-loss concerns. The bill passed on a 12-aye vote and was held open for additional members to add on. SB 545 would direct Go-Biz to study economic development opportunities along the high-speed rail corridor, including land value, development incentives, and public-private partnerships. Supporters from labor and Fresno described the bill as a way to spur transit-oriented development and local investment. The committee approved it on a 9-aye, 1-no vote, with some members urging broader funding and development options. SB 63 would authorize a regional revenue measure to help stabilize Bay Area transit operations, with testimony from transit agencies, business groups, labor, and local governments describing severe fiscal cliffs and potential service cuts. Members discussed the need for more flexibility in revenue options, the counties that may participate, and the need for a detailed expenditure plan; the author said negotiations were ongoing. The bill passed on a 9-aye, 3-no vote and was held open. The committee also heard SB 263, which would require a state study of the impacts of tariffs on California’s economy, ports, workers, and consumers; supporters from shipping, retail, ports, and trucking backed the measure, and members discussed the need for timely data and possible broader supply-chain impacts. SB 661 would redirect existing jet fuel sales tax revenue back to airports for aviation purposes and to address FAA compliance; testimony focused on airport infrastructure, rural access, and how funds should be allocated among large and small airports. Both bills received unanimous or near-unanimous support and were advanced to their next committees. The committee also began hearing SB 274 on automated license plate readers, with the author warning about privacy and civil-liberty concerns from widespread data collection, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we have our hearing primarily on the UC, the University of California.
• I'd actually like to hear the UC system response to that and then at the campus level.
• So what I’m hearing is there’s uncertainty with deferrals.
• I wanted to hear from the University of California.
• Thank you for the hearing and your advocacy for higher education in California.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held an extended hearing focused primarily on University of California budget issues, enrollment, housing, and Title IX. Chair David Alvarez opened by noting the governor’s proposed 8% ongoing General Fund reduction to UC, the deferral of compact funding, and the College of the Law budget item, while emphasizing that no votes would be taken that day. Public commenters, including UC Davis employees and lecturers, urged restoration of UC funding and opposed the hiring freeze, saying cuts would worsen staffing shortages, reduce research capacity, and harm students and patients. On UC core operations, the Department of Finance said the governor’s budget maintains the compact but defers $240.8 million in ongoing support and continues a planned 7.95% reduction, while the LAO recommended rejecting the deferrals and instead making any changes in the budget year. UC San Diego’s chancellor and UC Office of the President argued the cuts and deferrals would create major campus shortfalls, force hiring freezes, larger class sizes, fewer course offerings, delayed projects, and possible layoffs. Committee members questioned whether cuts could be shifted away from students and toward administration, discussed UCOP reserves and bond debt, and noted that UC’s budget structure makes the campus-level impact larger than the headline reduction. The committee also reviewed enrollment trends and nonresident replacement. The LAO said UC resident enrollment has grown and recommended revisiting 2026-27 targets and pausing the nonresident replacement plan if state funding does not improve. UC said it has exceeded California undergraduate enrollment and nonresident replacement goals, but warned that continued growth without funding would force enrollment reductions and harm quality. Members discussed the role of nonresident and international students, tuition rates, and the value of UC as a pathway for California students and a source of talent for the state. A separate housing item covered the state’s Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program. UC reported that recent bond savings could support additional affordable beds at UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara, but the LAO and Finance noted the Legislature would need to decide how to use the $6.2 million in savings from the original projects. The committee also heard a Title IX update from UC’s systemwide civil rights office, which described campus Title IX structures, training, and policy enforcement, and said the system has been working to improve confidentiality guidance and streamline complaint processes after survey feedback showed confusion and lengthy procedures.

Transcript Highlights:

• [Music] Hello and welcome to the hearing with the Senate Committees on Economic Development and our good
• This hearing is being streamed live on YouTube.
• This hearing is being streamed live on YouTube.
• Can you hear me? Yes. Okay. Thank Hi. Can you hear me? Yes. Okay.
• Senator, for um hearing this this measure. measure. measure.

Committee: Senate Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs briefly met and adjourned after noting that GM 574, a nomination on its agenda, had been withdrawn, leaving the committee with no business to consider. A separate joint hearing of the Senate Committees on Economic Development and Hawaiian Affairs then took up HCR 192, a resolution to convene a tourism and gaming working group. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including representatives from the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Nation of Hawaii, and CARES, said the measure would allow Hawaiians to have a seat at the table, learn from Native nations with gaming experience, and make informed decisions about whether and how gaming should be approached. Some supporters emphasized that the working group was about research and self-determination, not immediate legalization, and suggested the state should focus on broader economic development options as well. Opponents, including the Honolulu prosecuting attorney and several community members and faith leaders, warned that gambling would increase addiction, crime, family breakdown, debt, and exploitation of low-income and vulnerable residents. They argued that online sports betting and other forms of gaming would be especially harmful, with some citing examples from other states and concerns about problem gambling, domestic violence, and illegal activity. Committee members questioned witnesses about the purpose of the working group and whether it could provide enough data to make an informed decision, while supporters and opponents alike acknowledged the need for Hawaiians to be involved in any future discussion. No vote or final action on HCR 192 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I often hear that my district. really advocating for a higher basic allotment.
• And I hear, and I do hear what you're saying and I know.
• We will now hear testimony from the Texas Permanent School Fund Corporation.
• You did hear from me last week, however, and so I don't want to be repetitive.
• And we just hear from the providers as well, they know that that would have helped them.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> no opposition at the committee hearing. no opposition at the committee hearing.
• Park and planning was at the hearing, and a few others were at the hearing.
• Hearing<01:07:46.559><c> none.
• Hearing<01:18:07.040><c> none.</c> Hearing none. Hearing none. &gt;&gt; House<01:18:09.360><c> N.
• </c> you're hearing it. Thank you. you're hearing it. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> today, but just, you know, when you hear today, but just, you know, when you hear the<00:19:26.080
• Are you Did you hear kids being honest?
• I I I hear that. safety and and so on. I I I hear that.
• </c> particular thing we heard in the hearing particular thing we heard in the hearing because<04:36:
• ,</c><04:46:24.160><c> sending</c> committee, scheduling hearings, sending committee, scheduling hearings

Transcript Highlights:

• They have been called to an education hearing, so that's where they are.
• Good to hear that.
• Chair: That's important to hear.
• So, I also hear what you're saying.
• Next, we’ll hear from Angel Carroll.

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:38.959><c> House</c> appreciate you agreeing to hear House appreciate you agreeing to hear
• You will hear from insurers who benefit.
• Thank you for the opportunity to hear my story today.
• </c> me the data on this that we're hearing me the data on this that we're hearing testifiers<00:34:45.200
• So to hear that we don't have money to So to hear that we don't have money to allow<00:51:15.280><c>

Bills: HF1758 , HF4437 , HF4353

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:47.840><c> and</c> options for all Senate hearings and options for all Senate hearings and
• You uncertainty, and you'll hear that.
• And that's what you're going to hear.
• You'll hear a lot from Amy groceries.
• We're hearing day Population is growing.

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on how federal policy changes, tariffs, funding cuts, the federal shutdown, and delays in the farm bill are affecting Hawaii agriculture and food access. Opening remarks emphasized Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported food and farm inputs, the state’s vulnerability to disruptions in USDA services, and the need for stronger state, county, and community coordination. Speakers also noted that immigration enforcement and broader global supply-chain pressures can affect local farm labor, production, and food availability. Sharon Herd, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, described both positive and negative federal impacts. She said Hawaii has benefited from some recurring grants and a large new $8.8 million federal grant, but also reported about $22 million in losses from suspended or terminated grants, including farm-to-school and water-related projects. She said some USDA programs, such as microgrants for food security and FISMIP, are currently suspended, while the specialty crop block grant remains active. She also said Hawaii farms declined from 7,328 to 6,569 between the 2017 and 2022 censuses and argued the state cannot rely on imports alone to feed its people. Amanda Shaw of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii presented findings from federal funding cut reports. She said the first report, in March, identified about $88 million in potential cuts, and the newer report found $64.7 million in confirmed cuts and about $175 million in potential cuts. She said federal shifts are creating uncertainty for farmers, food-system organizations, and school and community food programs, and noted that 4,000 to 5,000 Hawaii farmers could receive less money because of changes to payment-factor provisions for socially disadvantaged farmers. She also said Hawaii has lost 18% of local USDA staff since September 2024, with possible further national reductions expected. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair noted that any legal questions, including the reported SNAP changes, would be for the Judiciary Committee to assess later.

Transcript Highlights:

• We hear this constantly.
• We hear this constantly. about waivers. We hear this constantly.
• </c><01:18:59.679><c> administrative</c> administrative hearing. administrative administrative hearing
• </c><01:19:05.920><c> officer</c> appeal and they with the hearing officer appeal and they with the hearing
• </c> because we do hear that and we do hear because we do hear that and we do hear about<01:36:58.880

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first heard brief presentations on Kentucky’s 2025 Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant and Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant. Department for Public Health staff explained that the preventive health block grant provides about $2.3 million annually and supports programs such as accreditation and performance improvement, local health department grants, community health workers, prescription assistance, asthma and COPD programs, workforce development, and a sexual assault programs set-aside. They said the Title V block grant provides about $11.7 million, with 35% directed to children and youth with special health care needs and 65% to maternal and child health populations, largely through local health departments and a five-year needs assessment process. After no questions, a motion was made and seconded to approve both block grants. The roll call vote passed 19-0, and the two block grants were approved. The committee then approved the minutes from the prior meeting. The next item was a discussion of the child waiver created in House Bill 6. Committee members raised concerns that the proposed 1915(c) waiver did not match the legislature’s intent, which they said was to move children from the Michelle P. waiver to free slots for adults. Cabinet officials from DCBS, behavioral health, and Medicaid described the proposed “Community Health for Improved Lives and Development” waiver as a targeted home- and community-based program for children under 21 with severe behavioral health or developmental needs, including those stepping down from inpatient or residential care or at risk of out-of-home placement. They said the waiver is designed for about 100 slots, uses a standardized needs-based assessment, and includes case management, community living supports, home modifications, respite, supervised residential care, and clinical therapeutic services. Officials said the public comment period ended July 15, responses are being compiled for August submission to CMS, and the waiver is part of the broader Families First initiative.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:12.479><c> from</c> I am open to taking any uh hearing from I am open to taking any uh hearing
• I've seen hearing after hearing for a variety of bills, and we see big names like Amazon, Google, Meta
• I've seen hearing after hearing for a variety of bills, and we see big names like Amazon, Google, Meta
• I've seen hearing after hearing for a variety of bills, and we see big names like Amazon, Google, Meta
• Hello all, can you hear me? We hear you. Okay, fantastic.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• [Music] The Committee hearing will come to order.
• And the governor will hear from Met Council at some future date.
• </c><00:13:52.000><c> those</c> also have authority to hear those also have authority to hear those bills
• </c><01:10:57.679><c> and</c> that's that's interesting to hear and that's that's interesting to hear
• </c> the pack is uh you know wanting to hear the pack is uh you know wanting to hear from<01:19:17.360

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:41.040><c> for</c> been looking forward to this hearing for been looking forward to this hearing
• </c> they would do that and because you hear they would do that and because you hear the<00:14:52.639
• Hear me now? Perfect. Good morning. Thank you for convening this hearing.
• </c> last thing I think you guys want to hear last thing I think you guys want to hear is<00:27:48.799
• </c> Mr chair um I would would love to hear Mr chair um I would would love to hear your<02:11:14.400>

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Transcript Highlights:

• “So we look forward to hearing back from you in August.
• Heart of hearing and have hearing differences or are visually impaired.
• And we did hear that.
• And I would just like to say, I hear your research.
• And I would just like to say, I hear your research.

Summary: The committee first heard an update on North Dakota’s Interagency Council on Homelessness and Continuum of Care funding. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported that homelessness remains driven by tight housing markets, low incomes, rising rents, and barriers to rental assistance, public benefits, and disability determinations. She said the state’s one-time North Dakota Homeless Grant is serving all regions but reaches far fewer households than the former Rent Help program, and that aging homelessness, shelter staffing shortages, and limited affordable units are growing concerns. Members discussed the need for more housing supply, better coordination with Health and Human Services, landlord engagement, reentry housing, and possible continued one-time funding for the $10 million Homeless Grant and $25 million Housing Incentive Fund. Henderson also warned that federal Continuum of Care funding is uncertain, with HUD expected to issue a new notice June 1 and possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing toward transitional housing and other models. The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described the school’s services for infants, children, and adults, including screenings, mobility training, assistive technology, and outreach across the state. He said the agency works closely with Vocational Rehabilitation and is also involved in improving website and document accessibility, especially for PDF materials. Public testimony highlighted barriers such as inaccessible CAPTCHA systems, online forms, driver’s license requirements on job applications, and limited transportation in rural areas. A deaf resident urged broader use of video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training so people know how to use them effectively. Finally, Kay Larson presented the final report on the child care provider licensing study. The report recommended streamlining North Dakota’s child care licensing structure into three provider types plus a preschool designation, while preserving health and safety standards and maintaining eligibility for child care assistance. The committee discussed simplifying training and qualification rules, revising ratio and group-size requirements, and adjusting age bands for infants and toddlers. The report also noted that some changes would require statutory amendments and later administrative rule changes, with a transition period likely extending through 2029. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, but the committee accepted the updates and scheduled follow-up presentations for a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• maintaining the quorum and civility throughout this hearing.
• Signs and placards are not permitted in the hearing room.
• We did hear that in committee.
• We did hear rights isn't in this bill.
• We did hear that<00:12:50.760><c> in</c><00:12:50.880><c> committee.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• And oftentimes what we hear, we come to these types of hearings, and you’ve heard these complaints, but
• And oftentimes what we hear, we come to these types of hearings, and you’ve heard these complaints.
• Oh, I'm quickly—so sorry, I didn't hear you.
• It is about time, especially considering that oversight hearing after oversight hearing, informational
• hearing, you name it.

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took action on a number of them. SB 1234 by Senator Alvarado-Gil would require fentanyl to be included in drug tests ordered by juvenile courts for parents or guardians in dependency cases; there was no opposition, a committee member confirmed it would apply to caregivers rather than children, and the bill was supported for moving forward. SB 1257 by Senator Arreguín would require the Attorney General to publish an annual public report on immigration enforcement incidents at designated safe locations such as schools, hospitals, courthouses, and places of worship; supporters from immigrant advocacy and health groups testified about fear and chilling effects in communities, while questions focused on how data would be collected and concerns were raised about sanctuary policies. SB 1176 by Senator Choi would bar foreign adversary entities from buying California agricultural land; supporters cited national security concerns, but committee members pressed on enforcement, straw buyers, and who would be responsible for identifying prohibited purchasers, and the bill was held on a 2-4 vote after debate. The committee also heard SB 1146 by Senator Gonzalez, which would require clear disclosure when AI-generated or altered images, audio, or video are used in health-related advertisements depicting health care providers. The California Medical Association and California Dental Association supported the bill, describing deepfake health ads as deceptive and harmful; it passed the committee 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 988 by Senator Grayson would regulate auto glass insurance practices by restricting assignment of benefits, requiring claim numbers and itemized estimates, and addressing steering and billing practices; supporters said it would curb fraud and stabilize premiums, while independent glass businesses worried about steering and market concentration. After discussion of consumer choice and small-business impacts, the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 1288, presented by Senator Grayson on behalf of Senator Laird, would require financial institutions to make a good-faith effort to notify beneficiaries of non-probate assets and would reduce barriers to claiming those assets, especially for nonprofits. Nonprofit witnesses described long delays and burdensome account-opening requirements, while SIFMA and bankers opposed the bill unless amended, citing conflicts with federal and industry obligations and concerns about retroactivity and verification. The bill passed 8-0 to call. The committee also heard SB 941 by Senator Padilla, which would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; the Attorney General’s office and immigrant advocates supported it as a response to exploitative pricing and poor conditions, and it passed 8-0 to call. Finally, SB 909 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would raise and index public works contractor fees and penalties and dedicate more penalty revenue to enforcement; labor supporters said stronger funding is needed to address wage theft and backlogs, while contractors opposed the fee and penalty structure as uncapped and costly. The bill was moved forward on a vote and remained on call after committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> were objections from folks you may hear were objections from folks you may hear from<00:03:56.880
• it and look forward to hearing about the progress.
• it and look forward to hearing about the progress.
• it and look forward to hearing about the progress.
• That's not the purpose of this hearing today.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of those committees, please report to those hearings immediately.
• Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly Member Wix, do you wish to close?
• Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly Member Lee, do you wish to close?
• Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly Member Lee, do you wish to close?
• Okay, members, seeing and hearing no further, thank you, members.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long floor session focused largely on concurrence votes on Senate amendments and a few budget-related motions. Early procedural actions included a failed motion to send AB 1207 to the inactive file, approval of motions to take up Senate amendments without reference to file, and recesses for dinner and committee meetings. The chamber also heard several guest introductions and brief ceremonial remarks, including birthday acknowledgments and recognition of interns and visitors. Members then considered and passed a series of measures on topics including armory property transfers (SB 855), data center electricity impacts (SB 57), carbon capture pipeline transport (SB 614), health budget trailer bills (AB 144 and AB 149), and a Black Caucus higher-education bill allowing institutions to consider descendants of enslaved people in admissions (AB 7). The Assembly also concurred in numerous Senate amendments on bills covering community college nursing programs (AB 1400), public health, signage for the Los Angeles Convention Center, gambling, social media warning labels for children, housing plan-check timelines, small business disaster recovery, wildfire mental health services, antitrust enforcement, foster care kinship placements, housing stability, AI cybersecurity, emergency services, and school nutrition standards. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, though a few drew dissenting votes or brief debate over policy details. The most extended debate came on SB 274, which would limit retention of automated license plate reader data to 60 days unless tied to an investigation. Supporters argued it was needed to protect privacy and prevent misuse of sensitive location data, while opponents said it would hinder law enforcement and crime-solving. The transcript cuts off during that debate, so no final vote is shown for SB 274 in the provided text. Earlier and later votes recorded in the session showed broad support for many bills, with several measures passing unanimously and others receiving modest no votes, and some urgency measures being sent immediately to the Governor or the Senate after concurrence.