Transcript Highlights:

• According to the American Jewish Committee, 26% of Jews do not feel safe at Jewish institutions.
• Here for 30 years after, American Jewish Committee of Northern California, American Jewish Committee
• of Los Angeles... ...here for 30 years after, American Jewish Committee of Northern California, American
• Jewish Family Services Los Angeles, Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, the Jewish Federation of Greater
• California Jewish Labor Committee, Oakland Jewish Alliance, Jewish Federation of San Diego, Jewish Federation

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Only four days later, Jewish and non-Jewish parents of their Jewish school-age children answered an invitation
• You're Jewish here.
• Or expand Jewish resources.
• Jewish community.
• I am not Jewish, but I advocate for Jewish workers and Jewish patients the same way I do for all marginalized

Summary: The meeting was a special commission hearing on antisemitism held off-site at Kerem Shalom Synagogue in Concord, with commissioners approving prior minutes and noting a quorum, a rescheduled October 27 meeting, and the addition of a new commissioner. The co-chairs and host speakers emphasized the personal and communal significance of holding the hearing in a synagogue and the importance of confronting antisemitism while protecting free speech, academic freedom, and civil discourse. The commission heard from former SJC Justice and current UMass General Counsel David Lowy, who discussed the IHRA definition of antisemitism, said its use as nonbinding guidance does not raise First Amendment concerns, and described UMass’s response to a discriminatory academic conference policy. Commissioners also asked about campus speaker vetting, protest rights, and university practices for addressing antisemitism and protecting students’ access to education. District Attorney Marian Ryan testified about restorative justice as a tool for addressing hate incidents, saying it can help victims be heard, reduce reoffending, and be used in criminal, school, and community settings. She described local programs, online reporting forms, and the need for better statutory tools, including changes to restitution and education requirements in hate-crime cases. Commissioners asked whether restorative justice affects charging decisions, and Ryan said it should not alter whether a hate crime is investigated or charged. She also identified model programs and said the commission’s work aligns with the national strategy it is charged with implementing. Three rabbis then described the rise in antisemitic incidents in schools and communities, the emotional toll on Jewish families, and the need for stronger school responses, clearer language in incident communications, and better training for educators. Rabbi Brad David recounted repeated incidents in Acton-Boxborough and praised the district’s improved partnership and response, while Rabbi Tom Shah described parental anxiety, concerns about classroom materials lacking context, and the need for balanced instruction. The rabbis also discussed synagogue security costs and measures, including volunteer security teams, police support, grants, and physical protections. Commissioners said the testimony would inform forthcoming recommendations, and DESE staff noted they are developing instructional-materials guidance and a rubric for educators. The final witness, Professor Christina Miller, outlined hate-crime prosecution issues in Massachusetts, including mixed-motive cases, the need for clearer statutes and jury instructions, better training for police and clerk magistrates, guidance on sentencing and diversity-awareness programs, and the use of community impact statements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bay, Jewish Community Relations Council of Sacramento, Jewish Family Services of Los Angeles, Jewish
• Family Services of the Desert, Jewish Center for Justice, Jewish Coalition of Berkeley, Jewish Family
• , Jewish Family Services of Los Angeles, Jewish Family Services of the Desert, Jewish Center for Justice
• , Jewish Coalition of Berkeley, Jewish Family Services of the Silicon Valley, Jewish Federation of the
• Jewish Federation of the Bay Area, Jewish Democratic Club, Coalition of the Bay Area, Jewish Family and

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Black Americans and Jewish Americans share a history that runs deep.
• When anti-Semitism rises, it's not just a Jewish problem; it's all of our problem.
• California is home to over one million Jewish residents.
• Today on behalf of the Native American Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Today on behalf of the Native American Legislative Caucus, we stand with my colleagues in the Jewish

Summary: The Assembly convened without a quorum, then quorum was established and the chamber proceeded with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and a series of procedural motions. Members approved multiple unanimous-consent requests to suspend rules, re-refer bills to committees, and allow committees to notice bills pending re-referral. The day also included several guest introductions recognizing student leaders, public power executive Randy Howard, a family member of Assemblymember Gallagher, higher education leaders, Leadership Torrance, and the Vacaville PAL program. On the floor, the Assembly adopted several resolutions and heard extensive remarks in support of them. ACR 160, proclaiming April 2026 as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, was adopted by voice vote after co-authors were added. H.R. 98, designating California Holocaust Memorial Day, received broad bipartisan support and was adopted after 76 co-authors were added. H.R. 100, recognizing Vaisakhi, also passed by voice vote after 73 co-authors were added, with members highlighting Sikh history, service, and cultural contributions. The Assembly then took up several bills on the third-reading file. AB 1977, relating to online notarization and notaries public, passed 69-5. AB 1987, which would direct wildlife-area fees back to operation and maintenance of state wildlife areas, passed 69-0. Other items on the second- and third-reading files were passed and retained, continued, or placed on the consent calendar as noted by the presiding officer. The session concluded with adjournment-in-memory tributes for La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven, community organizer Cynthia Brantley Pierce, coach John Beam, and Ralph Cavallo. The Assembly then adjourned until Thursday, April 16, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Black Americans and Jewish Americans share a history that runs deep.
• California is home to over one million Jewish residents.
• Today on behalf of the Native American Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Today on behalf of the Native American Legislative Caucus, we stand with my colleagues in the Jewish
• I rise today as chair of the California Legislative Native American Caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• Almost half of Jewish college students hide signs of their Jewish identity in public, such as wearing
• Our Jewish students deserve no less. Thank you. Our Jewish students deserve no less. Thank you.
• America and built a life that was all about the American dream and living the American way.
• Nine out of ten American Jews feel less safe as Jewish people in the United States because of the attacks
• Same with the Jewish incident.

Summary: The House first established a quorum after introductions of special guests, then moved to bills for perfection. House Bill 2016, concerning anti-Semitism in Missouri schools, colleges, and universities, drew extensive debate. The sponsor said the bill would require educational institutions to adopt non-discriminatory policies protecting Jewish students from harassment and intimidation, use the IHRA definition as a guide, and preserve First Amendment rights. A Pulaski County member offered and secured adoption of an amendment clarifying that protected political, religious, and expressive speech would not be reported, cataloged, or used to create records. Supporters said the bill was needed because of rising anti-Semitic incidents and student safety concerns; opponents argued it singled out one group, could chill discussion of Israel and Palestine, and created a reporting hierarchy. The chamber ultimately adopted the amendment and then ordered the bill perfected and printed. House Bill 2384, a housing and building-code measure, was then taken up. The sponsor said it was aimed at reducing housing costs by rolling back energy-code mandates to 2009 standards, setting clearer permitting timelines, and allowing certain multifamily buildings to use a single staircase. Supporters framed it as a response to Missouri’s housing shortage and rising home prices, while opponents criticized the bill as preempting local control, especially in Kansas City and other municipalities that had adopted newer codes. A Pulaski County amendment was adopted to reduce the number of required hard copies of municipal ordinance books when ordinances are available online. After debate over energy efficiency, safety, and local authority, the House moved the previous question, then adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. House Bill 1766, dealing with personal property tax and Hancock limitations, was also perfected and printed. The sponsor said the bill would treat personal property tax growth more like real property under Hancock-style limits, arguing that rapid increases in vehicle values had created windfalls for political subdivisions. Members questioned whether the change would reduce local revenue needed for schools and other services, while supporters said it would protect taxpayers and still allow growth. The House then took up House Joint Resolution 154, which would place a Medicaid work requirement in the Missouri Constitution by mirroring federal policy. The sponsor said it would require able-bodied adults ages 19 to 64 to work, volunteer, attend school, or participate in a work program for 80 hours a month to remain eligible. Opponents raised concerns about administrative burden, documentation requirements, and the impact on vulnerable recipients, while supporters argued the measure should be made permanent through the constitution. The transcript cuts off during that debate, before final action on the resolution is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• were anti-Jewish bias.
• At combined Jewish philanthropies and other Jewish federations across the United States have invested
• Every year we serve about 50,000 people, both Jewish and non-Jewish through our early childhood centers
• And I think I am both a Jewish communal leader and also a participant in a synagogue and a Jewish day
• and staff we're not Jewish because other people hate us we're Jewish because it's awesome and this is

Summary: The Special Commission on Anti-Semitism met to focus on the role of law enforcement in responding to anti-Semitic incidents. After approving amended minutes, the chair opened with remarks emphasizing that the Commission would confront anti-Semitism from any political direction and outlined the day’s agenda: extremist activity trends, hate-crime statutes, intergovernmental coordination, and security funding. The first presentation came from Ben Pott of the ADL Center on Extremism, who described rising extremist propaganda and anti-Semitic incidents nationally and in Massachusetts, highlighting groups such as NSC-131, GDL, and Patriot Front. He said these groups increasingly use anti-Zionist language, public disruptions, and online platforms to spread hate, and recommended prosecution where possible, civil litigation, education about symbols and tactics, and community reporting to law enforcement and ADL. Assistant District Attorney David Solvin then reviewed federal and Massachusetts hate-crime laws, including federal civil-rights and hate-crime statutes and state provisions for civil-rights violations, assault and battery to intimidate, religious vandalism, terroristic threats, and criminal harassment. He explained that many of these laws enhance penalties based on bias motivation, but some do not create standalone offenses or qualify as dangerousness predicates under current law. Commissioners pressed him on hypothetical fact patterns involving anti-Semitic slurs, symbols, and attacks, as well as on the limits of existing law for pretrial detention and the need for better data collection. Solvin said more training, better reporting, and possible legislative updates could improve enforcement, and he noted pending bills that would require more regular hate-crime reporting and expand protected classes. Detective Lieutenant Ryan Cepiel of the State Police Anti-Terrorism Unit and HART described the unit’s creation in 2023, its role in implementing prior hate-crime task force recommendations, and its work with local, state, federal, and community partners. He said HART has trained civil-rights officers, developed recruit and in-service curricula, created resource pamphlets and a Teams page, and is building a GIS-based reporting portal to improve tracking and victim support. Cepiel reported a year-over-year rise in reported anti-Semitic hate crimes in Massachusetts, while noting that current numbers are incomplete because reporting is inconsistent and there is no mandate for local departments to notify HART. Commissioners discussed underreporting, rural versus eastern Massachusetts coverage, the need for more officers and training, and the importance of making victims feel safe coming forward. The meeting ended with agreement that better data, training, and coordination are needed to address the rise in anti-Semitic hate and bias incidents.

Transcript Highlights:

• Almost half of Jewish college students hide signs of their Jewish identity in public, such as wearing
• America and built a life that was all about the American dream and living the American way.
• Nine out of ten American Jews feel less safe as Jewish people in the United States because of the attacks
• on American Jews in the past year.
• Same with the Jewish incident.

Summary: The House first established a quorum after several members were absent, then moved into bills for perfection. House Bill 261, dealing with anti-Semitism in public schools and higher education, drew extensive debate. The sponsor described rising anti-Jewish incidents and said the bill would require educational institutions to adopt nondiscriminatory policies, use the IHRA definition as a guide, and treat failures to address harassment as Title VI issues. An amendment from the gentleman from Pulaski was adopted to clarify that protected First Amendment speech, religious expression, and political viewpoints would not be reported or cataloged. Supporters said the bill was needed to protect Jewish students; opponents argued it singled out one group, could chill speech about Israel and Palestine, and created unequal reporting requirements. The House ultimately ordered the bill perfected and printed as amended. The chamber then took up House Bill 2384 on housing affordability and building codes. The sponsor said the bill would lower housing costs by rolling back energy-code mandates to 2009 standards, setting clearer permitting timelines, and allowing certain multifamily buildings to use a single staircase. Supporters argued current codes raise costs, discourage builders, and contribute to Missouri’s housing shortage. Opponents raised concerns about local control, preemption of municipal energy standards, and public safety, especially the single-stair provision; the sponsor responded that the design has been used safely in other states and cities. A Pulaski amendment requiring municipalities with online ordinances to keep only one hard copy available was adopted, and after debate the previous question was moved and approved. The House then adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. House Bill 1766, addressing personal property tax, was also perfected and printed. The sponsor said the bill would apply Hancock/CPI-style tax limitations to personal property tax growth, arguing that rapidly rising vehicle values had created a windfall for political subdivisions and unfairly increased taxpayer burdens. Supporters said the bill would slow growth without eliminating it, while opponents argued local governments need revenue to keep up with inflation and that the measure would reduce resources for schools and other services. Finally, the House began consideration of House Joint Resolution 154, which would place into the Missouri Constitution a Medicaid work requirement mirroring federal policy. The sponsor said adults ages 19 to 64 would need to work, volunteer, participate in a work program, or attend school for 80 hours a month to remain eligible, and the discussion began with questions about whether the constitutional change was necessary and how documentation requirements would work.

Transcript Highlights:

• American Heritage Month.
• My family, every single Jewish and Israeli-American person that I know, wants the Palestinian people
• The American Jewish Committee The American Jewish Committee does an annual survey of Jewish opinion.
• And it's not just a Jewish issue. It's a threat to the value. And it's not just a Jewish issue.
• We have a wide range of views, certainly among our Jewish members of the community— Among our Jewish

Summary: The Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism met to review and discuss draft preliminary recommendations, with the co-chairs explaining that the draft had been released publicly and that the meeting was intended for open discussion and edits rather than a final vote. They emphasized the urgency of addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts, especially in K-12 schools, while noting that the recommendations are preliminary, may be revised, and will be supplemented by further testimony and a final report later. Several members also referenced recent allegations and incidents in local schools as examples of why the commission’s work is needed. Commissioners broadly supported the draft but proposed numerous refinements. Common themes included clarifying the distinction between antisemitic incidents and hate crimes; strengthening reporting systems and privacy protections; adding clearer guidance from DESE and the Attorney General on First Amendment issues, curriculum, and investigations; expanding Holocaust and genocide education; and improving professional development for educators, school committees, and administrators. Several members urged better links to mental health and victim services, more support for the Genocide Education Trust, and stronger language on bystander training, digital literacy, and the role of school committees in addressing bias. There was also discussion of how to frame antisemitism as a distinct form of hate, how to address antisemitism related to Israel and Zionism without restricting legitimate political speech, and how to avoid unfunded mandates for school districts and municipalities. Some commissioners suggested adding timeframes, a centralized reporting or investigative mechanism, and more explicit model policies for schools. The meeting ended with the chairs thanking participants and the public for their input, and the commission then moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the Jewish community, Juneteenth carries special meaning.
• For the Jewish community, Juneteenth carries special meaning.
• Not when liberty and freedom are continuously denied to Black Americans today.
• They tell a more complete American story, a story of imperfect people a more complete American story,
• I wanted the African American population to know that I cared about them.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved procedural motions, and recognized several guests and honorees, including CAUSE leadership academy participants, retiring FCMAT CEO Michael Fine, a Capitol intern, environmental leaders celebrating Black Conservation Week, family members of members, and NASA astronaut Captain Victor Glover Jr. The body also took up a number of routine file items and committee referral requests, with several bills referred to committees by unanimous consent and multiple items passed or retained on file. The main floor debate centered on ACR 214, the Juneteenth resolution. Members from the Black Caucus and other caucuses spoke in support, describing Juneteenth as both a celebration of emancipation and a reminder that freedom and equality remain unfinished work. Speakers emphasized Black history, civil rights, solidarity across communities, and ongoing issues such as education, housing, health, incarceration, and economic inequality. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 coauthors were added. The Assembly also considered AB 2285 on blockchain staking and crypto regulation. The author argued the bill would provide consumer protections and clear rules for banks, credit unions, and crypto exchanges, while an opponent warned it could weaken securities oversight and consumer safeguards. The bill passed 45-1, and the author requested immediate transmission to the Senate. Later, SB 1036 on mitigation fee credits for redevelopment passed 55-0 after brief support for clarifying fee rules and reducing duplicative costs. The chamber then adopted the second-day consent calendar, including resolutions for Women’s Equality Day and the International Day of Yoga, along with several Senate bills, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The Assembly announced it would not meet on Friday, June 19, would reconvene Monday, June 22 at 1 p.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jewish California, formerly J-PAC, the nation's largest statewide coalition of Jewish organizations,
• Not every person who's Jewish wants to identify as Jewish, and they don't need to.
• You can be seen as you see yourself and as others see you as Jewish, just like a Cambodian American might
• me on a Jewish list.
• out of form saying I'm Jewish and let you put me on a Jewish list.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• San Luis Obispo Bay Area, JCRC Bay Area, JCRC Jewish Long Beach, Jewish Center for Justice, Jewish Community
• Action Network, Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara, Jewish Federation of Orange County, Jewish
• of Silicon Valley, Jewish Federation of Sacramento, Jewish Federation of the Bay Area, Jewish Federation
• California Jewish Democratic Clubs, Northern California Jewish Labor Committee, Oakland Jewish Alliance
• Services in Long Beach and Orange County, Jewish Family and Children's Services of East Bay, Jewish

Summary: The committee heard several election and democracy-related bills. AB 1116 would expand California’s online voter registration system to allow eligible voters without a DMV-issued ID to register using the last four digits of their Social Security number and an uploaded signature image. Supporters said it would improve access, reduce paper processing, and save money; opponents, including the Secretary of State’s office and county officials, raised concerns about cybersecurity, implementation, and identity verification. The bill was moved on a 2-1 vote to the Committee on Appropriations. AB 1539 would require political party representatives to certify, under penalty of perjury, that presidential and vice presidential nominees meet constitutional term-limit requirements. Supporters framed it as a safeguard against attempts to place ineligible candidates on the ballot, while opponents called it unnecessary and politically motivated. The committee voted 2-1 to send the bill to the Committee on Public Safety. The committee also approved AB 1562, which would let counties randomly select registered voters to serve as poll workers if their board of supervisors approves, and AB 1664, which would require prompt notice to the Secretary of State and Attorney General when election records or voting systems are subject to warrants, subpoenas, or investigations. AB 1562 passed 2-0 to the Committee on Transportation, and AB 1664 passed 2-1 to the Committee on Public Safety despite opposition from sheriffs’ representatives who argued it raised separation-of-powers concerns. Later, AB 1853, which would restrict candidate statements in voter information guides to factual background and qualifications and bar hateful or misleading content, passed 2-1 to the Committee on Rules for further consideration in Judiciary. AB 1919, allowing voters in the Santa Cruz Metro district to decide on transit funding procedures, and AB 2484, allowing San Diego MTS voters to authorize a local transit tax through initiative, also advanced on 3-1 votes to the Committee on Transportation. The committee additionally approved a consent agenda containing AB 1789, AB 2592, AB 2655, and AB 2785.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a generational shift in American politics and American foreign policy.
• Americans are counting on you.
• The department must champion core American interests. and always put America and American citizens first
• Hutchinson to American companies. Again, thank you.
• Will it be on top of the Israeli-Jewish state?

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Keywords: Israel, Hamas, Panama Canal, U.S. foreign policy, terrorism, diplomacy, Chinese influence

Summary: The committee meeting was focused on various key issues, including the implications of recent violence in the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy in relation to Israel and Panama. Members discussed the need for diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Israeli officials following the recent attack by Hamas. Governor Huckabee emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and reiterated the need for accountability for terrorist organizations involved in violent acts against civilians. Senators shared their concerns regarding the ramifications of U.S. actions in Panama and the presence of Chinese influence, highlighting the significance of the Panama Canal in terms of trade and security.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bay, Jewish Community Relations Council of Sacramento, Jewish Family Services, Jewish Family and Community
• , Jewish Family Services of the Desert, Jewish Center for Justice, Jewish Coalition of Berkeley, Jewish
• counties, Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara, Jewish Community
• Relations, Jewish Family Services of Los Angeles, Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara, Jewish
• County, Jewish Silicon Valley, Northern California Jewish Labor Committee, Oakland Jewish Alliance,

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on domestic violence protections, pay equity enforcement, Jewish demographic data collection, court transparency, auto glass insurance practices, pet policy disclosure for renters, and civil rights accountability for federal officers. SB 99 would require courts and law enforcement to better recognize military protective orders in domestic violence cases; supporters from the Department of Defense and military organizations said it would close jurisdictional gaps for military families, and the bill passed to Public Safety. SB 1237 would increase penalties for repeat noncompliance with California pay data reporting laws; supporters said stronger enforcement is needed to address persistent wage gaps, and the bill passed to Appropriations. SB 1387 would allow Jewish identity to be reported as an ethnic category in state demographic data; supporters said better data would improve policy and anti-discrimination efforts, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary or divisive, and it passed to Privacy. SB 932 would require assignees filing civil actions to identify the original party in the case caption; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, and it passed to Judiciary/Appropriations on call. The committee also took up SB 98, which would regulate auto glass insurance claims by restricting assignment of benefits, requiring clearer estimates and invoices, and limiting inducements to consumers. The sponsor and NICB said the bill would curb fraud and unsafe repairs, while independent glass shops and industry groups argued it could reduce consumer choice and favor insurer-aligned networks; the bill passed to Appropriations. SB 1296 would require landlords to disclose pet policies before collecting application fees and provide refunds if nondisclosure materially affected an applicant’s decision; supporters said it would save renters time and money, while rental housing representatives objected to a provision limiting eviction based solely on failure to sign a pet addendum. The bill passed to Appropriations. Finally, SB 747, the No Kings Act, would create a California cause of action allowing people to sue federal officers for constitutional violations using standards similar to Section 1983. Senator Wiener and a witness who said he was unlawfully detained by Border Patrol argued the bill is needed because federal officers currently lack comparable accountability after the Supreme Court narrowed Bivens remedies. Law enforcement groups opposed the bill, warning that the qualified immunity language is unclear, could create a separate California standard, and might expose officers and governments to retroactive litigation; members discussed possible amendments on qualified immunity and retroactivity, and the bill was moved forward with an urgency amendment while negotiations continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nancy Gold, virtual, Jewish Voice for Peace. Nancy Gold, virtual, Jewish Voice for Peace.
• Next up is Julia Soszini, Jewish Voice for Peace. Jewish Voice for Peace.
• But my mother is Jewish. English. War II in the Japanese American internment camps in Arizona.
• But my mother is Jewish, and I hold Jewish values very close to my heart.
• Next is Jill Charny, Jewish Voice for Peace. I'm Jill Charnie. I live in Newton. I am Jewish.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing focused first on teacher retirement legislation, especially H. 2932 and S. 1884, which would give long-serving educators a one-time opportunity to enroll in Retirement Plus after the program’s 2001 rollout was described as confusing and inconsistently communicated. Legislators, union leaders, and many teachers testified that some educators missed the opt-in window because of faulty notices, leave status, transfers, or misinformation about payroll deductions, and that many have had to work several extra years as a result. Supporters said the bills would correct an unfair administrative error, provide a buyback option with interest, and could also save local school districts money by allowing earlier retirements. Representative Mark Sylvia also testified for H. 4234, a Fairhaven-specific bill to raise the age limit for special police officers from 65 to 70 and clarify appointing authority, citing experience and budget needs. The committee then heard testimony on several pension investment and divestment bills. Supporters of H. 2811 and related climate-risk measures argued that PRIM should assess, disclose, and address climate-related financial risk in the state pension fund, warning that fossil fuel investments could threaten long-term returns and public finances. Environmental advocates and financial experts said climate risk is systemic and urged transparency, divestment planning, and alignment with the Commonwealth’s climate goals. Another set of speakers supported H. 2984, which would divest pension investments from companies selling weapons to Israel; they argued the state should not be complicit in violence in Gaza and cited humanitarian and human rights concerns. Additional testimony supported H. 2900 and S. 1869 to divest from the firearm industry, with speakers saying pension investments should not undermine Massachusetts gun laws. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs repeatedly thanked speakers, limited testimony time, and noted that written testimony could be submitted later. The hearing concluded with the committee moving through the sign-up list and hearing extensive public testimony on the teacher retirement and divestment proposals.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jewish California, formerly J-PAC, the nation's largest statewide coalition of Jewish organizations,
• Not every person who's Jewish wants to identify as Jewish, and they don't need to.
• I told them that as a Jewish person, I'm not going to fill out a form saying I'm Jewish and let you put
• me on a Jewish list.
• .. out of form saying I'm Jewish and let you put me on a Jewish list.

Summary: The committee began as a subcommittee due to the lack of a quorum and heard several privacy- and technology-related measures. The first item was H.R. 117, a resolution urging Congress to reform Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. The author and supporters argued the law is outdated and shields platforms from accountability for harms such as harassment, exploitation, scams, and other online abuse. Witnesses, including a survivor parent and a gender justice advocate, described harms to children, women, and LGBTQ people and urged a two-year sunset to force federal reform. Some members supported the resolution as a call for federal action, while one member said he could not support it because the resolution was too general and lacked specificity about the reforms being sought. No vote was taken because the committee lacked a quorum. The committee then heard SB 898, which would require manufacturers of connected consumer products to disclose how long they will support the software and to notify consumers when products approach end of life. The author said consumers deserve transparency about security updates and continued functionality, and supporters from Consumer Reports and PIRG emphasized cybersecurity risks, consumer confusion, and electronic waste from unsupported devices. Opponents, including business and industry groups, raised concerns about enforcement through the unfair competition law, notice burdens, labeling issues, and compliance challenges, especially for products with long support windows or third-party dependencies. One member expressed support, noting the cybersecurity risks of end-of-life devices, but again no vote was taken because there was no quorum. The committee also heard SB 435, which would narrow the CCPA definition of publicly available information to limit how businesses classify data as public. The author and supporters said the bill would close a loophole that allows data brokers and others to monetize personal information without meaningful consent and could help prevent surveillance and misuse of data, including by government agencies. Opponents argued the bill would upset the balance between privacy and the free flow of information, create compliance uncertainty, and retroactively reclassify information that businesses reasonably believed was public. Some members said they supported the goal of stronger privacy protections, while others said the bill was too broad. The committee again could not vote due to the lack of a quorum. Later, the committee heard SB 923, which would expand Californians’ right to delete personal information to cover data obtained from third parties and require online businesses to offer a web form or similar method for deletion requests. Supporters, including the California Privacy Protection Agency and consumer advocates, said the bill would make deletion rights meaningful and better address data broker practices. Opponents sought an opt-out-of-processing alternative and raised operational and legal concerns, but supporters said deletion is not the same as retention or processing limits. Members largely spoke in favor of the bill’s privacy goals, but no action was taken. The committee also heard SB 947, the “No Robo Bosses Act,” which would require human review for certain automated employment decisions and limit predictive analysis in workplace discipline and termination. Labor groups supported the bill as a safeguard against biased or erroneous AI-driven decisions, while business, public employer, and local government groups opposed it as overbroad and burdensome. Members voiced support for human oversight in employment decisions, but the item was not voted on because the committee still lacked a quorum. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1114, the SOGI Data Privacy Act, which would restrict disclosure of sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex data to federal agencies absent a court order or legal requirement; the author and witness framed it as a response to federal efforts to obtain sensitive LGBTQ-related data.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and robbi scho litzen Kentucky Jewish and robbi scho litzen Kentucky Jewish [Music] [Music] [Music
• Emissary the foremost Jewish leader of Emissary the foremost Jewish leader of the<00:03:35.400><c> modern
• </c><00:03:46.879><c> Council</c> chairman of the Kentucky Jewish Council chairman of the Kentucky Jewish
• </c> Kentucky Jewish Kentucky Jewish Council<00:24:51.559><c> Senator</c><00:24:52.039><c> we</c><00:
• She would go quietly from Jewish student to Jewish student to invite them to synagogue.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 19, which would require a daily moment of silence or reflection in Kentucky public schools and clarify that students may use the time as they choose without coercion or religious direction. The sponsor and supporters, including representatives of the Kentucky Jewish Council, argued the bill is nonsectarian, intended to promote calm and focus, and supported by research and prior bipartisan backing. Opponents from the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass said they supported the anti-coercion language but objected to making the moment of silence mandatory rather than permissive, citing concerns about the statute’s interaction with the Lord’s Prayer language already in law. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 19 unanimously with favorable expression. The committee then considered SB 83, which revises the KEES scholarship program so homeschool and non-certified school students can receive awards using an ACT-to-GPA conversion and be treated more comparably to public school students. The sponsor described the bill as a recurring measure and walked through how the award amounts would be calculated under the substitute. There was no opposition raised during the hearing, and the committee adopted the substitute and passed SB 83 unanimously with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard Senate Joint Resolution 55, directing Kentucky public postsecondary institutions to combat anti-Semitism. The resolution would require campuses to adopt policies using the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, notify students of Title VI and state-law complaint rights, recognize Jewish organizations as community resources on the same basis as other religious organizations, take action against student groups supporting designated terrorist organizations, and collect and report campus anti-Semitism data. The presenters and supporters described a sharp rise in anti-Semitic incidents on campuses after October 7 and said schools have not responded adequately. The committee adopted the substitute and began hearing testimony on the resolution, but the transcript cuts off before any final vote on SJR 55.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Jewish American Heritage Months. Jewish American Heritage Months. Favorable. Favorable.
• <c> in</c> Jewish American Heritage Month in Jewish American Heritage Month in recognition<00:47:45.359
• /c> Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage<00:47:56.079><c> Month
• </c> Jewish American Heritage Month in May. Jewish American Heritage Month in May.
• But Muslim and Jewish American heritage.

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation by Rabbi Ari Goldstein, whose remarks were journalized at the request of the senator from District 33. The chamber then recognized the doctor of the day, Dr. Maryann Lamont, for her 50 years in medicine and her work in neurology and stroke care, and also thanked a legislative aide, Samantha Briggs, who is leaving for law school. The presiding officer noted a quorum was present and moved into the day’s floor work. The Senate handled several messages and committee reports, including a conference committee appointment on Senate Bill 18, which concerns provisional social work licensure. In Finance, the chamber advanced Senate Bill 246 on Health Services Cost Review Commission member terms, Senate Bill 370 on acupuncture board revisions, Senate Bill 564 creating a Division of Data Protection in the Attorney General’s office and a related work group, Senate Bill 782 on telecommunications infrastructure protections, Senate Bill 808 on health insurance provider panel requirements, Senate Bill 849 on agricultural equipment warranties, Senate Bill 867 on the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission, and Senate Bill 982 on mutual insurance holding companies converting back to mutual insurers. Most of these bills were reported favorably with technical or conforming amendments, which were adopted without objection, and each was ordered printed for third reading. The committee also considered several House bills with Senate cross-files or identical measures. These included House Bill 118 on money transmitter licensing, House Bills 339 and 512 on Anne Arundel County Board of License Commissioners compensation, House Bill 1100 on telecommunications infrastructure protections, House Bill 1395 on agricultural equipment warranties, House Bill 1473 creating Maryland’s Future Board, House Bill 226 on Department of Disabilities housing programs, House Bill 278 codifying the Longevity Ready Maryland plan, and House Bill 746 on collaborative care model coverage and cost-sharing limits. In each case, the committee reports were adopted, amendments were approved where offered, and the bills were advanced to third reading or passed for third reading, with no recorded opposition on the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Antisemitism and violence against the Jewish community is on the rise.
• I'd like to read, permission to read, a little bit of background of the Jewish American community, thank
• Thank you, and how they supported many of us in the African American community.
• Today we pause to remember the six million Jewish lives lost in the Holocaust, six million Jewish people
• The Jewish community has faced the burden of carrying this for generations.

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum call, prayer, pledge, and several guest introductions recognizing visitors including Leadership Torrance participants, former Assembly Member Hector de la Torre, University of the Pacific President Christopher Callahan, and other higher education leaders. The body then approved the Senate journals and moved through the daily file and gubernatorial appointments. Three appointments to the Board of Behavioral Sciences were considered and confirmed, and a confirmation for the California Community Colleges Board of Governors was also approved. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 140, designating April as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, with members speaking about research, advocacy, and the personal impact of the disease. Senate Resolution 92, marking California Holocaust Memorial Day, drew extensive floor remarks from multiple senators emphasizing remembrance, Holocaust education, antisemitism, and the need to confront hate and denial; the resolution was adopted unanimously. On third reading, the Senate passed AB 1389, an urgency measure ratifying a tribal-state gaming compact amendment with the Yurok Tribe, with no opposition and immediate effect. The chamber also received committee announcements about upcoming meetings of the Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee and the Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee. The session concluded with adjournment in memory motions honoring John Bean, Cynthia Brantley Pierce, and Detective Armando “Mando” Santana, each described as a significant community leader or public servant whose work and legacy were recognized by the Senate. The Pro Tem then announced the Senate would recess briefly and return for the next floor session on Thursday, April 16 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Antisemitism and violence against the Jewish community is on the rise.
• I'd like to read, permission to read, a little bit of background of the Jewish American community, thank
• Thank you, and how they supported many of us in the African American community.
• Today we pause to remember the six million Jewish lives lost in the Holocaust, six million Jewish people
• And the Jewish community has faced the burden of carrying this for generations.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayers and the pledge, and spent much of the early portion of the session on guest introductions recognizing visitors from Leadership Torrance, former Assembly Member Hector de la Torre, and several university presidents and academic leaders. The body then moved through routine business, including approval of the Senate journals and reading of several bills on the second reading file, before taking up gubernatorial appointments. Three appointments to the Board of Behavioral Sciences were confirmed: Justin Hufft, Cali Rana Singhe, and Dr. Annette Walker. The Senate also confirmed Villian Corral to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. In each case, the appointing committee recommendation was noted and roll calls were taken, with the confirmations approved by the required vote margins. On third reading, the Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 140, designating April as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, with supportive remarks from several senators and advocates emphasizing research, awareness, and the lived experience of Parkinson’s disease. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 92, marking California Holocaust Memorial Day, with extensive floor statements from multiple senators on remembrance, education, antisemitism, and the importance of teaching Holocaust history. Finally, the Senate passed Assembly Bill 1389, an urgency measure ratifying a tribal-state gaming compact amendment with the Yurok Tribe; the measure and urgency clause both received unanimous support. The session concluded with committee announcements and several adjournment-in-memory tributes, including honors for coach John Bean, Cynthia Brantley Pierce, and Detective Armando “Mando” Santana. The Pro Tem then announced the next floor session and the Senate recessed.