Transcript Highlights:

• These projects are essential to preparing students for transfer, career pathways, and participation in
• California's evolving workforce. ...to preparing students for transfer, career pathways, and participation
• And when you bought the home, in the transfer details it did not disclose that there was a violation,

Transcript Highlights:

• ...exceed, gives more specific direction to economic analysis of factors to consider, clarifies transfer
• state would be better off if we didn’t have term limits, or if we extended them, as we have seen a transferred
• Transferred institutional knowledge and power to the lobby and to the executive branch.

Transcript Highlights:

• with the Department of Consumer Affairs and HCD to ensure that personnel and fiscal services have transferred
• And so our proposal also includes a net-zero transfer of 14 positions from HCD over to HDFC, so that
• concerned that the sustainable ag lands conservation, or Salk, program will become a victim of this transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• with the Department of Consumer Affairs and HCD to ensure that personnel and fiscal services have transferred
• And so our proposal also includes a net zero transfer of 14 positions from HCD over to HDFC, so that
• concerned that the sustainable ag lands conservation, or SALC, program will become a victim of this transfer

Summary: The subcommittee opened with remarks on the Senate’s budget plan for affordable housing and homelessness, including a proposed $2 billion housing investment and full funding for HHAP rounds 7 and 8. The first major item was the administration’s housing reorganization and trailer bill package, which would codify the new Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC), consolidate multifamily housing finance programs into a one-stop application and award process, and shift some authority over bonds, tax credits, and the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program. Administration officials said the goal was to reduce duplication, speed projects from award to construction, and improve accountability by aligning financing decisions. The LAO generally supported the streamlining concept but recommended changes to the proposed bond set-aside and earlier reallocation of unused bond authority, and suggested preserving flexibility for integrated applications and reporting back on the proposed 70/30 split for housing versus sustainable communities funding. Committee members, especially Senator Cabaldon, raised concerns that the new committee structure could add process and delay, and questioned whether the proposal was effectively repurposing the climate-oriented ASIC program into a housing finance tool without enough direct investment in core housing programs. Administration witnesses responded that the structure was meant to create transparency, public accountability, and simultaneous financing awards, and said the proposal was only a first step in a broader consolidation effort. Members also asked about specific programs such as the Joe Serna Farm Worker Housing Grant Program and the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program, and staff said those would remain within the broader streamlined framework or the flexible sustainable communities allocation. The committee then heard from CDLAC and TCAC on federal tax credit changes and state housing finance. Staff explained that H.R. 1 increased the federal 9% LIHTC allocation and, more importantly, lowered the bond-financing threshold for 4% credits from 50% to 25%, allowing California to finance many more projects. They reported emergency regulations were adopted quickly to implement the change, resulting in 195 projects and more than 25,000 units in the 4% program, while the 9% program funded 58 projects and nearly 3,000 units. Members asked about the value of the state low-income housing tax credit program and rehabilitation projects; staff said state credits remain important for filling financing gaps and that a portion of bond and credit resources is now set aside for acquisition and rehabilitation. Finally, the Civil Rights Department reported on the effects of federal civil rights rollbacks and on three limited-term or expiring programs: California vs. Hate, the Community Conflict Resolution Unit, and Investigations and Conciliation Enhancement. Director Kevin Kish said federal closures and funding cuts have increased demand on the department, which now has more than 12,000 open matters, up from 8,700 a year earlier, and a six-month wait for intake interviews despite overtime triage and early case screening. Members urged continued funding for the programs, arguing they are essential as federal protections weaken; department staff said California vs. Hate connects callers quickly to support services, the conflict resolution unit fills a gap left by the shuttered federal counterpart, and the limited-term investigators have helped reduce wait times even as filings continue to rise.

Transcript Highlights:

• 2015, the ACLU filed a lawsuit focused on the time that IST defendants were waiting in jail to be transferred
• And once again, these transfers out of the prudent reserve can be used... ...And once again, these transfers

Summary: The subcommittee heard budget and policy updates from the Department of State Hospitals, the Commission for Behavioral Health, and the Department of Health Care Services. DSH described its proposed 2026-27 budget of $3.2 billion, including savings tied to IST solutions, higher patient-driven operating costs, and a small increase in caseload projections. Officials said the department has met court-ordered IST treatment benchmarks, with wait times reduced from a pandemic peak of 1,953 pending placements to about 250, and average treatment initiation now around five days. Members asked about the effects of Proposition 36 and SB 1323, rising outside hospitalization costs, Medicare enrollment, and whether IST solution funding was being overbudgeted; DSH said referrals are slightly down overall, aging and medically complex patients are driving outside care costs, and the IST solution savings reflect slower-than-expected program activation rather than a service gap. The department also outlined proposed funding for CONREP cost increases, a new county-by-county LPS bed allocation model, electrical infrastructure upgrades at Napa and Patton, SB 380 transitional housing feasibility work, and additional dental staffing and space at Metropolitan and Patton. The Commission for Behavioral Health reviewed its role in the Behavioral Health Services Act transition and its new Innovation Partnership Fund. Staff said the commission is shifting from county-level innovation oversight to a statewide grant strategy, with the first $20 million RFA drawing strong interest and awards expected in mid-June. Members asked how “innovation” would be defined, whether grants could be renewed after the initial three-year contracts, and how the state would ensure the money supports real service delivery rather than general outreach or training. The commission also sought a liquidation deadline extension for the Alcove youth drop-in center grants so remaining funds can be spent before they revert, allowing sites to finish implementation and support the final evaluation. DHCS provided an overview of CalAIM and BH Connect implementation, including updated specialty mental health access criteria, new ASAM-based substance use treatment standards, contingency management, traditional health care practices for tribal members, workforce investments, evidence-based practice expansion, IMD participation, and transitional rent services. The department also addressed BHSA implementation, saying it does not track specific local program cuts but will monitor county three-year plans, performance measures, and outcomes as counties shift to the new funding structure. On H.R. 1, DHCS said it is preparing outreach, eligibility simplification, and exemption strategies to reduce Medi-Cal coverage losses, including clinic navigators, a statewide outreach campaign, and possible employment supports through a future waiver. The department also reported that BH-CHIP bond funds have supported 437 infrastructure projects, creating 546 facilities and more than 9,500 residential beds, with additional outpatient capacity and tribal investments. Finally, DHCS outlined a proposed 988 trailer bill to create a statewide designation process for 988 centers and mobile crisis teams, with implementation no earlier than October 1, 2027.

Transcript Highlights:

• :03:16.600><c> they're</c> They either net to zero or they're They either net to zero or they're transfers
• 17.800><c> so</c><00:03:17.920><c> they</c><00:03:18.040><c> don't</c><00:03:18.240><c> affect</c> transfers
• , so they don't affect transfers, so they don't affect appropriation<00:03:19.160><c> level</c><00:03

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a liability transfer bill. That's evident in the language from supporters.
• quantity of toxic produced water needing to be dealt with, it is not justified to risk its disposal to transfer
• And what happens if they transfer into our food chain?

Committee: House House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Summary: The committee met to hear House Bill 207, as amended, which would direct the Water Quality Control Commission to adopt rules for permits allowing certain beneficial uses of treated produced water, including industrial, commercial, energy-related, infrastructure, pilot project, and other approved uses. Representative Brown presented the bill as a science-driven response to New Mexico’s water scarcity, citing the state’s 50-year water plan and research from the New Mexico Produced Water Research Consortium. The committee adopted an amendment requiring the rules to be informed by credible scientific data and other evidence, including consortium research, before moving to public comment. Supporters argued the bill would create a regulated framework for reuse of treated produced water, preserve scarce freshwater, and support economic development, construction, and energy-related uses. Testimony in favor came from the bill sponsor, the consortium’s Dr. Zach Stoll, the chair of the Water Quality Control Commission, business and industry representatives, local economic development officials, and some residents. They emphasized recent peer-reviewed studies, pilot projects, and the need for the commission to act on updated science. State agencies, including the Environment Department, said the amended bill addressed some of their concerns and kept the focus on science-based rulemaking. Opponents said the bill would override the Water Quality Control Commission’s prior findings and force approval of uses that remain scientifically unproven and potentially harmful. Many speakers from environmental groups, acequia and agricultural organizations, faith groups, and local residents warned about unknown contaminants, risks to groundwater, crops, roads, and human health, and the possibility of spills or long-term environmental damage. Several argued the bill would politicize a technical process and create liability or cleanup burdens for the public. No vote on final passage was taken in the portion provided; the committee recessed briefly after public comment and then returned to sponsor remarks and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• a major concern with the extension of existing provisions to lease assignments, subjecting these transfers
• In fact, the County of Santa Barbara's Board of Supervisors did not approve the transfer of this permit
• CARB's regulatory authority, allowing it to impose fees without legislative oversight, effectively transferring

Summary: The committee heard several climate, environmental, and housing bills. AB 1425, dealing with pit dewatering near the San Joaquin River Parkway, drew extensive testimony. The author and supporters argued the bill was needed to protect the river, groundwater, floodplain conditions, tribal and cultural resources, and public access from a proposed mining project near the river. Opponents, including Cemex, labor representatives, and industry groups, said the bill would bypass the CEQA process before it was complete, threaten jobs, and create uncertainty for an existing operation. Members questioned both sides about hydrology, blasting, dewatering, and the adequacy of the ongoing environmental review. The bill was moved, but several members expressed concern about preempting CEQA and some did not vote or voted no. AB 881, which would allow California to move forward with carbon capture and sequestration pipelines, was presented as a way to advance state climate goals and capture federal funding. Supporters, including SMUD, labor, and industry groups, said the bill would help deploy carbon capture safely and preserve jobs. Environmental justice opponents supported stronger safety direction and warned that CO2 pipelines pose serious risks and that the state should not move ahead without clearer standards. The bill received a due-pass recommendation to Appropriations. AB 1207, on the cap-and-trade allowance price ceiling and the social cost of carbon, was presented as a science-based update to California’s climate policy. The author and EDF said the bill would keep the program aligned with current economic and climate data and protect it from federal political interference. It received broad support and a due-pass recommendation. AB 1106, creating a coordinated network of air quality incident response centers, was also approved after testimony about wildfire smoke, toxic emissions, and the need for better real-time monitoring during disasters. AB 28, the Landfill Fire Safety Act, focused on the Chiquita Canyon landfill fire and related health impacts in Castaic and Val Verde; residents described serious illnesses and contamination concerns, while landfill and county representatives warned about costs and asked for more study. The committee nonetheless advanced the bill with a due-pass recommendation. The committee also heard AB 357, which would speed Coastal Commission review of student and faculty housing projects, with supporters citing student homelessness and opponents urging caution but acknowledging the need for more housing; the bill was presented and discussed, with the committee emphasizing the need to balance housing production and coastal oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is the eligibility being transferred over?
• And all of them still have to do transfers of data into the state system of record.
• If federal oversight of vocational rehabilitation is transferred to a different agency, we may see shifts

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held a hearing on developmental services, rehabilitation, and related supports, with no votes taken. The first major topic was the Master Plan for Developmental Services. Administration officials described a year-long, community-driven process that included a steering committee, work groups, and statewide engagement sessions, and said the final draft would be released that Friday with about 170 recommendations. The Department of Developmental Services said the plan would inform future work, but did not offer a detailed implementation roadmap. The LAO said the plan contains significant policy and budget implications, may require statutory changes, and needs further analysis to turn recommendations into actionable proposals. Advocates and regional center representatives urged the Legislature and administration to avoid letting the plan sit on a shelf, called for prioritization and ongoing stakeholder oversight, and emphasized the need to address equity, workforce, service coordination, and cross-system collaboration. The chair said he wanted to work with the LAO on trailer bill language and future reporting to create a clearer path forward. The second topic was the Office of Employment First and competitive integrated employment. Administration witnesses said California has ended subminimum wage under SB 639, but that moving people into competitive integrated employment remains a major priority. They described existing efforts such as DDS’s coordinated career pathways pilot, paid internships, job development services, benefits counseling, and DOR’s career counseling and referral services, along with pilot projects in San Diego and Orange County. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities and advocates argued that employment outcomes have remained stuck at roughly 15% and that a dedicated Employment First Office is needed to coordinate across agencies, align goals, and improve outcomes. The LAO recommended regular legislative oversight on people transitioning out of subminimum wage and asked for technical assistance on coordinated career pathways. The chair criticized the administration’s decision to effectively eliminate funding for the office, requested a detailed implementation timeline and quarterly transition reports, and said the committee would continue pressing for the office to be implemented. The final issue was respite services, utilization trends, and access. DDS reported that in-home respite use and spending have risen sharply over several years, with about 150,000 people using respite in 2023-24 and expenditures reaching about $1 billion. Officials said access depends on families knowing the service exists, service coordinators identifying need, and having enough providers, especially in rural and linguistically diverse communities. The San Diego Regional Center said utilization generally mirrors statewide trends, but access is stronger in some areas, such as Imperial County, where families often prefer family-directed or agency-supported models that allow them to hire trusted workers. Committee members emphasized the importance of respite for family health and caregiver well-being, asked whether service coordinators are asking practical questions about sleep and stress, and discussed the need for better identification of complex behavioral and medical needs. DDS said a standardized family support tool and updated IPP process are intended to improve consistency, transparency, and person-centered assessment for respite and related services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Third reading of the bill: An act authorizing the town of Billerica to transfer control of certain land

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed several guests and birthday celebrants, and adopted a resolution honoring the Jeller family for 100 years of service to Plymouth. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition authorizing a lease for Pilgrim Memorial Park in Plymouth. The chamber then took up Senate No. 3028, the omnibus animal welfare bill titled “An act promoting pet equity, treatment, and safety,” which Ways and Means recommended ought to pass with a House amendment and an emergency preamble. During debate on S. 3028, members described the bill as a package of animal welfare reforms covering veterinary technician regulation, expanded oversight of veterinary medicine, pet insurance disclosures and cancellation rights, changes to the Beagle Bill adoption process, a ban on animal testing for household products when alternatives exist, requirements for reporting found dogs to law enforcement, protections for service dogs in transportation, stronger kennel licensing enforcement, and limits on discrimination against companion animals in public and senior housing. Several members spoke in support, especially of Section 25, which creates a civil process for animal neglect cases so authorities can seek care or removal without relying solely on felony prosecution; supporters said it better balances animal protection with due process and human crises. The House rejected two proposed amendments, adopted two others, and then passed the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 151-1. The House also passed Senate No. 2577, increasing parking fees in the town of Scituate, and House No. 2250, dissolving the Whately Water District, by roll call vote of 150-0. In addition, the House declined to concur with Senate amendments to House No. 4361, a bill concerning benefits for teachers, and instead ordered a Committee of Conference, appointing Representatives Ryan of Boston, Gonzales of Springfield, and Ferguson of Holden. Finally, the House passed House No. 5492, authorizing Billerica to transfer land for the Yankee Doodle Bike Path, and then adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Third reading of the bill: An act authorizing the town of Bill Ricker to transfer control of certain

Transcript Highlights:

• If a voter's first choice loses, their vote is transferred to their second choice and so on.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws

Summary: The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on ranked choice voting, focusing primarily on Boston’s home rule petition (H. 4262) and Bedford’s petition (H. 4916). Committee chairs Dan Hunt and Senator Keenan opened the hearing, explained the three-minute testimony limit, and noted that written testimony would also be accepted. The hearing featured testimony from a wide range of supporters, including advocacy organizations, community leaders, Boston City Council members, and Bedford residents. Witnesses generally argued that ranked choice voting would produce majority-supported winners, reduce vote-splitting and negative campaigning, encourage coalition-building, and give voters more freedom to rank candidates without fear of wasting their vote. Several speakers emphasized local control and said Boston and Bedford should be allowed to decide for themselves whether to adopt the system. Others highlighted potential benefits for women, historically marginalized communities, and voter participation more broadly. Boston councilors and supporters also described the city’s local approval process and said the proposal would still require voter ratification if enacted by the legislature. No opposition testimony was presented in the excerpt. The committee took no substantive vote on the bills during the hearing; after testimony concluded, the chairs thanked participants and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• tax bill and then carried through to here is that last biennium we passed a change in the property transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Corrections for the total amount and whether action had been taken to ensure that she is transferred

Committee: All JBC-CLAIMS

Summary: The Joint Budget Committee’s Claims Review and Litigation Oversight Subcommittee met to consider two proposed litigation settlements from the Department of Corrections and one appealed claim from the Claims Commission. In the first settlement, Caroline Arnett v. Larry Norris, et al., members asked about the underlying sexual assault allegations, whether policies had changed, and whether PREA audits and other safeguards were in place. The department said audits were underway and that steps had been taken to prevent similar conduct. The committee approved the settlement by voice vote. In the second settlement, Latasha Ridgel v. Arkansas Department of Corrections, members raised concerns about the length of the case and the fact that it involved similar allegations. The department cited attorney turnover, COVID-related delays, and scheduling difficulties; the settlement was approved by voice vote. The committee then reviewed Sharon Greer and Deanna Hayes v. Commissioner of State Lands, an appeal of a Claims Commission dismissal involving a 2009 tax sale of family property in Crittenden County. The claimants said they did not learn of the sale or the $4,200 in excess proceeds until 2025, and argued that notice was inadequate and that the overage should not have gone to the county. The Commissioner of State Lands’ office responded that notice was sent to addresses on file, certified mail receipts were returned, and a post-sale notice explained the process for contesting the sale and claiming excess proceeds. The office also argued the claim was untimely, that the commission lacked jurisdiction, and that state law bars monetary damages against the commissioner for actions related to tax-delinquent land sales. Members discussed broader concerns about the tax-sale and excess-proceeds process, including whether excess proceeds should be held longer or routed differently, but noted those issues would require legislative changes rather than action in this case. The committee then voted to affirm the Claims Commission’s dismissal of the claim. The meeting adjourned after the motion passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• practices of an interscholastic athletic association, including those governing academic eligibility, transfers

Bills: SB342 , SB342 , SB159

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: land bank, land bank authority, local land bank authority, Alabama Land Bank Authority, tax delinquent property, tax sale, tax lien, redemption period, quiet title, blight remediation, vacant property, foreclosure, ad valorem tax, property tax exemption, intergovernmental agreement, county government, municipal government, redevelopment, brownfields, floodplain management

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you feel that that's a fair use of our financial resources to have someone from Texas transfer

Bills: SB2026 , SB1376 , SB1355 , SB2115 , SB1533

Committee: Senate Veterans and Military Affairs

Summary: The Veterans and Military Affairs Committee met and advanced several bills related to veterans records, National Guard benefits, burial honors, and veterans home operations. Senate Bill 2026 would allow grandchildren, with proof of lineage, to access a veteran’s DD-214 filed with a county clerk; it passed 9-0. Senate Bill 1376, amended to be named the CW5 Chris Rowe Act, would revise National Guard retirement and pay provisions, including a five-year Oklahoma Guard service minimum for retirement eligibility and language intended to ensure full-time Guard members are paid at their rank; despite concerns raised about the five-year threshold and out-of-state members, it passed 9-0. Senate Bill 1355 would create a program and funds to provide memorial headstones, markers, or medallions for eligible veterans and National Guard veterans; it also passed 9-0. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2115, a broad measure affecting Oklahoma veterans homes and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill would allow more flexible hiring of part-time health care staff, create revolving funds for quicker purchasing of supplies, and exclude certain purchases from the state Purchasing Act. Members questioned the canceled warrant fund, the scope of the purchasing exemption, and how donations and federal funds would be handled. The author and ODVA representatives said the bill was still a work in progress and emphasized the need for flexibility and safeguards. The bill passed 9-0. Finally, Senate Bill 1533, described as cleanup language for the Dignity and Burial Act, would change eligibility to require a veteran to have been a resident of Oklahoma rather than dying in the state. It also passed 9-0. Near the end of the meeting, Chair Stanley noted plans for another committee meeting the following week and Senator Peterson mentioned an upcoming floor substitute related to the Strategic Military Planning Commission sunset issue.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, members, House Bill 2752 transfers the responsibility of establishing and supervising trade offices

Committee: House House International Trade Committee of Reference

Summary: The Committee on International Trade heard a presentation from Alan Renteria, a Puerto Peñasco council member and chamber president, who promoted Rocky Point as a major tourism destination and binational partner for Arizona. He highlighted tourism, cross-border visitation, safety coordination, and possible commercial opportunities, including discussion of a future cruise port or cargo port, border improvements, and the continued importance of fishing and shrimp to the local economy. Members responded with personal comments about travel, student field work, and medical volunteer clinics in Puerto Peñasco, and Renteria offered to serve as a liaison for Arizona offices dealing with visitor or property issues. The committee then considered a series of Arizona Commerce Authority oversight bills. HB 2746 was removed from the agenda. HB 2751 would continue the Arizona Competes fund and subject its use to legislative appropriations; supporters said it would add balance and oversight, while an Arizona Free Enterprise Club representative opposed it, arguing the fund lacked accountability and should be repealed or tightly restricted. The bill passed on a due-pass recommendation. HB 2752 would move authority over trade offices from the ACA board to legislative appropriation and require annual reporting to JLBC; it also passed, with several members saying the legislature needed a stronger role in trade-office decisions. Finally, HB 2753, as amended, would add ex-officio members to the ACA board, including the chairs of the Senate Finance Committee and House International Trade Committee, plus ranking minority members or their designees. The committee adopted an amendment expanding minority-party participation and then passed the bill as amended. Throughout the debate, members emphasized that the measures were intended to increase legislative oversight and communication with the Commerce Authority rather than oppose the agency outright. The committee adjourned after approving HB 2751, HB 2752, and HB 2753 as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• This would transfer the responsibility for collecting the health plan members' co-payment and deductible

Bills: HB3794 , HB3796 , HB3928 , HB2955 , HB4453 , HB4460

Committee: House Insurance

Summary: The committee first took up HB 3794 and HB 3796, both Oklahoma Insurance Department request bills. Members adopted PCS drafts for each without objection, heard brief explanations that the measures cleaned up and clarified insurance licensing and other statutory provisions, and then advanced both bills on unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The committee then considered HB 3928, as amended, which would require optometrists to be reimbursed at Medicare/Medicaid levels and address payment parity for certain vision plans. Representative Tedford raised concerns about premium increases and interference with private contracts, while the author argued the bill would create a fairer level playing field and would not significantly raise consumer costs. The bill passed on a recorded vote and was recommended to the next committee. HB 2955, updating the Oklahoma Captive Insurance Company Act to make Oklahoma more competitive, also passed after OID confirmed a questioned travel reimbursement provision was current law and unchanged. HB 4453 proposed creating an all-payers claims database board to analyze health care spending, use the health information exchange, and make recommendations to OID. The author described changes to board appointments and reporting language, and members asked about consumer representation, fiscal impact, and the board’s advisory role. The bill passed and was recommended onward. HB 4460, which would shift collection of copays, deductibles, and other cost-sharing from providers to insurers, drew extensive testimony from an emergency physician supporting the measure as a way to reduce medical debt and simplify billing, but members raised concerns about ERISA preemption, premium impacts, implementation, and broader market effects. After discussion, the author laid HB 4460 over for later consideration, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Trade Tech as well, and she's on her way to transferring to a four-year university.

Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and dispensed with the reading of the previous day’s journal. Members handled routine procedural motions, including permission for guest seating and adjournment-in-memory remarks. A motion by Assemblymember Tangipa to suspend the rules so ACA 12, described as preventing double taxation on roads, could be taken up without reference to file failed on a roll call vote of 17 ayes to 46 noes. The floor then featured several guest introductions and recognitions. Assemblymember Elhawary honored Los Angeles Trade Technical College on its centennial, highlighting its role in accessible education, workforce training, and reentry programs. Assemblymember Addis recognized Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Maritime for Cal Poly’s 125th anniversary and its students and leadership. Assemblymember Haney welcomed representatives from Heel Palestine and six children from Gaza receiving medical care in California, describing the organization’s humanitarian work and the children’s resilience. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment-in-memory tributes. Members honored former Congressman Doug LaMalfa, emphasizing his long public service, rural advocacy, and work on agriculture, water, wildfire prevention, and local representation. The Assembly also remembered Alan Stewart Hammond IV for his civil rights and media policy work, and Rob and Michelle Reiner for their contributions to early childhood programs, equality, and public service. The House then adopted the adjournment motion and recessed until Thursday, February 5 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Fowler, that's the case that is based on the plans two to three transfer from, I guess it's been 20

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Summary: The Select Committee on Pension Policy executive committee met to approve the November minutes, which were adopted by voice vote. The committee then received an update from the Attorney General’s Office on two ongoing cases, Fowler and Joel Lynn, with briefing and oral argument timelines still pending. Michael Harbour of the Office of the State Actuary provided an actuarial update focused on ESSB 5357, explaining that the bill raised the assumed investment return from 7% to 7.25%, suspended UAL contribution rates for four years, and changed amortization for past benefit improvements; members asked for clarification on how those changes would affect long-term funding and contribution rates, especially for Plan 1 systems. A substantial portion of the meeting was devoted to committee discussion of interim priorities and the need for more analysis of recent pension legislation. Members emphasized the importance of understanding the fiscal impacts of ESSB 5357 and related pension changes before the September economic experience study, and several asked staff to provide a more preliminary walkthrough of the bill’s effects. The committee also discussed the LEOFF 1 study and broader questions about overfunding, including when a plan should be considered overfunded and whether overfunding should be addressed through merger or closure proposals. One member suggested reviewing the operating budget’s excess compensation proviso during the interim as well. Staff reviewed the draft 2025 interim work plan, proposing June topics including election of officers, a presentation on SB 5357 and its actuarial implications, and an initial LEOFF 1 study kickoff based on SB 5085 and HB 2034. The committee also placed excess compensation and demographic experience study items in a parking lot for possible later scheduling. The June agenda was adopted by roll call vote, with three ayes and three members absent or excused, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.