Transcript Highlights:

• Mitch Steiger with CFT, a union of educators and classified professionals, were processing a support
• Mitch Steiger with CFT, a union of educators and classified professionals, were processing the support
• , Mitch Steiger with CFT, a union of educators and classified professionals were processing a support
• County on board is because there's a recognition that ultimately... ...on board is because there's a
• recognition that ultimately it's a cost saver that doesn't diminish the instruction of the students,

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee met for its first hearing of the session, adopted its committee rules on a 6-0 vote, and then heard several bills. AB 347, which would require written notice to students about the right to opt out of animal dissection and receive a comparable assignment, drew strong support from the author, a student, and multiple advocacy and education groups, while opponents argued it would burden teachers and duplicate existing law. The committee approved AB 347 on a 7-0 vote and sent it to Appropriations. AB 281, which would expand parent access to sex education materials and require disclosure of outside consultants’ credentials, drew mixed testimony. Supporters framed it as a transparency and parent-rights measure, while school administrators and county education officials said current law already allows inspection and that the bill would create an unfunded administrative burden. After extended member discussion, the bill failed on a 4-3 vote with one abstention, though reconsideration was granted. AB 65, which would provide paid pregnancy leave for educators without requiring them to exhaust sick leave first, was supported by teachers, CTA, and the State Treasurer, but opposed by school administrators and business officials over cost concerns; it passed 6-0 to Higher Education. The committee also approved AB 361, which would extend and expand LAUSD’s best-value procurement authority for school construction to all school districts for five years, on a 5-0 vote with one abstention. AB 86, which would require the State Board of Education to adopt standardized K-8 health education instructional materials, passed 5-0. Finally, AB 228, the Zaki Fast Act, was introduced to clarify that schools may stock any federally approved epinephrine delivery system, including newer devices beyond auto-injectors, and was presented with testimony from the bill’s young namesake and his family; the transcript cuts off before the committee vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• had expressed on the tourism aspects, families being able to travel around the state and bringing recognition
• Question: Yes, what I'll tell you is the union pipefitters and plumbers are really not in favor of this

Bills: HB2929 , HB2956 , HB2955 , HB3128 , HB3880 , HB4294 , HB2970 , HB3338 , HB3443 , HB3783 , HB3800 , HB3818

Committee: House Commerce & Economic Development Oversight

Keywords: homeowner insurance, insurance premium, claim history, insurance regulation, at-fault claims, flood insurance, state law, consumer protection, appraisal management, Real Estate Appraiser Board, appraiser registration, background checks, ownership requirements, captive insurance, protected cell, sponsored captive, captive insurer, insurance commissioner, premium tax, dormant captive

Transcript Highlights:

• to repeal the constitutional provision providing that marriage in this state consists only of the union
• Written to the recognition of a handgun license issued by another state to state affairs.

Bills: SJR1 , SJR2 , SJR5 , SJR33 , SJR34 , SJR35 , SJR37 , SJR38 , SJR39 , SCR12 , SB4 , SB40 , SB701 , SB702 , SB703 , SB704 , SB705 , SB706 , SB707 , SB708 , SB709 , SB710 , SB711 , SB712 , SB713 , SB714 , SB715 , SB716 , SB717 , SB718 , SB719 , SB720 , SB721 , SB722 , SB723 , SB724 , SB725 , SB726 , SB727 , SB728 , SB729 , SB730 , SB731 , SB732 , SB733 , SB734 , SB735 , SB736 , SB737 , SB738 , SB739 , SB740 , SB741 , SB742 , SB743 , SB744 , SB745 , SB746 , SB747 , SB748 , SB749 , SB750 , SB751 , SB752 , SB753 , SB754 , SB755 , SB756 , SB757 , SB758 , SB759 , SB760 , SB761 , SB762 , SB763 , SB764 , SB765 , SB766 , SB767 , SB768 , SB769 , SB770 , SB771 , SB772 , SB773 , SB774 , SB775 , SB776 , SB777 , SB778 , SB779 , SB780 , SB781 , SB782 , SB783 , SB784 , SB785 , SB786 , SB787 , SB788 , SB789 , SB790 , SB791 , SB792 , SB793 , SB794 , SB795 , SB796 , SB797 , SB798 , SB799 , SB800 , SB801 , SB802 , SB803 , SB804 , SB805 , SB806 , SB807 , SB808 , SB809 , SB810 , SB811 , SB812 , SB813 , SB814 , SB815 , SB816 , SB817 , SB818 , SB819 , SB820 , SB821 , SB822 , SB823 , SB824 , SB825 , SJR1 , SJR2 , SJR5 , SJR33 , SJR34 , SJR35 , SJR37 , SJR38 , SJR39 , SCR12 , SB4 , SB40 , SB701 , SB702 , SB703 , SB704 , SB705 , SB706 , SB707 , SB708 , SB709 , SB710 , SB711 , SB712 , SB713 , SB714 , SB715 , SB716 , SB717 , SB718 , SB719 , SB720 , SB721 , SB722 , SB723 , SB724 , SB725 , SB726 , SB727 , SB728 , SB729 , SB730 , SB731 , SB732 , SB733 , SB734 , SB735 , SB736 , SB737 , SB738 , SB739 , SB740 , SB741 , SB742 , SB743 , SB744 , SB745 , SB746 , SB747 , SB748 , SB749 , SB750 , SB751 , SB752 , SB753 , SB754 , SB755 , SB756 , SB757 , SB758 , SB759 , SB760 , SB761 , SB762 , SB763 , SB764 , SB765 , SB766 , SB767 , SB768 , SB769 , SB770 , SB771 , SB772 , SB773 , SB774 , SB775 , SB776 , SB777 , SB778 , SB779 , SB780 , SB781 , SB782 , SB783 , SB784 , SB785 , SB786 , SB787 , SB788 , SB789 , SB790 , SB791 , SB792 , SB793 , SB794 , SB795 , SB796 , SB797 , SB798 , SB799 , SB800 , SB801 , SB802 , SB803 , SB804 , SB805 , SB806 , SB807 , SB808 , SB809 , SB810 , SB811 , SB812 , SB813 , SB814 , SB815 , SB816 , SB817 , SB818 , SB819 , SB820 , SB821 , SB822 , SB823 , SB824 , SB825

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to make sure that they receive some support and recognition of this work because it represents
• We want to make sure that they receive some support and recognition of this work because it represents
• about 15, ...and recognition of this work because it represents about $15 billion in services to the
• We believe that family caregivers deserve recognition, financial support, and legal protections.
• It's a recognition that hard work is not always enough.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing focused largely on tax-credit proposals tied to children, families, caregivers, child care, health care workforce development, and public health. A major portion of the hearing concerned bills to expand the state earned income tax credit and child and family tax credit, including H. 3073/S. 1957 and S. 1975. Testimony from advocacy groups, legal services, tax assistance organizations, and health providers supported increasing the EITC match from 40% to 50% of the federal credit, expanding eligibility to immigrant and mixed-status ITIN filers, larger families, younger and older workers, and SSI recipients, and raising the child and family tax credit to $600 per child with inflation adjustments and possible advance payments. Witnesses said these changes would reduce poverty, improve health and educational outcomes, and help families meet basic expenses; committee members asked questions about ITIN filers and expressed support for the policy goals. The committee also heard extensive testimony on S. 1938/H. 3159, An Act Supporting Family Caregivers. Speakers described the scale of unpaid caregiving in Massachusetts and supported a package that would create a refundable tax credit, respite vouchers, workplace and housing protections, unemployment insurance access for those who leave work to care for relatives, a permanent advisory council, and a provision allowing spouses to be paid caregivers under MassHealth. Several witnesses shared personal caregiving experiences, and committee members responded favorably, noting the emotional and financial strain on caregivers and the importance of supporting them as Medicaid and long-term care systems face pressure. Additional bills discussed included H. 3174 on a child and dependent care tax credit, which was presented as a way to offset the high cost of child care; H. 3197/S. 2019 to improve the financial security of family child care providers through a tax credit; H. 3218/S. 1960 to create tax credits for health care preceptors to address workforce shortages; S. 2064 to establish a living organ donor tax credit; S. 2034 to promote healthy alternatives to sugary drinks through a tiered tax; H. 3015 to create a tax-return checkoff for the YMCA Youth and Government Program; and several public testimony ideas including vaccination, literacy, and grade-improvement tax credits. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing, which ended after all testimony was heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• The following schools have been selected as 2025 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools in recognition of their
• of Delegates of Maryland offers a sincerest congratulations to the Maryland Municipal League in recognition
• </c><00:11:19.760><c> of</c><00:11:20.240><c> 90</c> Municipal League in recognition of 90 Municipal
• League in recognition of 90 years<00:11:20.800><c> of</c><00:11:20.959><c> dedicated</c><00:11:21.440
• </c> if it tries to lay off unionized if it tries to lay off unionized workers, workers, workers, they

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a recognition of service-connected injuries and loss of earning capacity.
• We have thousands of members that have transitioned from military service to join our union, skilled
• We have thousands of members that have transitioned from military service to join our union, skilled

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• recognized credential is foundational safety training for entry-level workers, covering hazard recognition
• Their efforts include, but are not limited to wheel trips to union halls, as well as bringing in representatives
• from the unions into our classrooms.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held an informational hearing at Quincy Public Schools focused on career and technical education (CTE) and related legislation. Committee members said the visit was intended to gather input for ongoing statewide efforts to expand awareness and access to CTE, especially in middle school, improve equipment and facilities, and strengthen coordination with workforce partners. Quincy administrators described the district’s CTE system, including 15 Chapter 74 programs at Quincy High School and four at North Quincy High School, enrollment of about 1,360 students, updated DESE-aligned frameworks, safety practices, business electives, and funding supported by the district budget plus state, federal, and local grants. Presenters highlighted work-based learning, industry credentials, and partnerships with employers, unions, Quincy College, MassHire, and advisory committees. Examples included co-op placements, internships, clinical placements, Military Mondays, Credit for Life, Skills Capital and Perkins-funded equipment upgrades, and a planned engineering Chapter 74 application at North Quincy. Assistant Superintendent Aaron Perkins also outlined the district’s MyCAP college-and-career planning initiative and its goal of creating a vertically aligned readiness model beginning in the middle grades. Students Ellie Crump, Emily Infantino, and Alexander Liu testified about their pathways in welding, early education and care, and healthcare technology, describing hands-on learning, certifications, clinical or shop experiences, and postsecondary plans. Committee members praised Quincy as a model for integrating CTE with general education and said the testimony would inform future legislation. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded with a motion to adjourn and unanimous agreement.

Transcript Highlights:

• federally recognized credential is foundational safety training for entry-level workers covering hazard recognition
• Their efforts include, but are not limited to, field trips to union halls as well as bringing in representatives
• from the unions into our classrooms.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, thank you for the recognition.
• We have other states in this Union that are capable of doing it... ...this Union that are capable of

Bills: HB194 , SB87 , SB237

Committee: Senate Healthcare

Keywords: healthcare, advanced practice nursing, nurse collaboration, medical board, nursing board, committee structure, midwifery, licensed midwives, State Board of Midwifery, licensure fees, professional liability insurance, complaints investigation, emergency care plan, out-of-hospital care, hemp, hemp beverages, psychoactive cannabinoids, psychoactive hemp products, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC

Transcript Highlights:

• where there have been unions before.
• , and all workers, union and non-union.
• How do we make California the best state in the union?
• It's a virtually non-union industry.
• I know the union members, the union leaders, are poo-pooing that because prevailing wage is too—two,

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• Most recently, in recognition of the tragic accidental death of Trooper Enrique Delgado Garcia, the department
• Bucci, mother of Trooper Tamar Bucci, says the Blue Star plate is more than just a symbol; it is a recognition
• It is a recognition of the deep sacrifices made not only by those who wear the uniform, but also by the
• We're not the Soviet Union. We don't have internal checkpoints or passports.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 31 bills covering driver privacy and data, distinctive license plates, public awareness signage, railroad safety, superload permitting, TNC/delivery data reporting, and MBTA safety measures. Chairs Jim Arciero and Brendan Crighton outlined the hearing process, and the committee heard testimony from state officials, advocates, family members of fallen officers and firefighters, transportation industry representatives, civil liberties groups, and others. No votes were taken during the hearing itself, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn. Several speakers supported bills creating a Blue Star Family license plate to honor families of fallen law enforcement officers, and a separate motorcycle plate for fallen firefighters. Colonel Jeffrey Noble and others from the Healey-Driscoll Administration and law enforcement groups said the plates would complement existing memorial practices and provide a lasting public tribute. Family members of officers killed in the line of duty gave emotional testimony in support, and Representative Steve Ultrino and Paul Jakes backed the firefighter memorial motorcycle plate as revenue-neutral, with proceeds supporting the fallen firefighter memorial. The committee also heard testimony on transportation policy and safety bills. Industry witnesses urged modernization of Massachusetts superload permitting rules, saying current requirements are slower and more expensive than neighboring states and delay public projects. Advocates supported a human trafficking awareness bill requiring hotline signage in transit facilities, a driver privacy bill limiting automatic license plate reader data retention and sharing, and a bill requiring two-person crews on freight trains and other railroad safety measures such as hotbox detectors and transportation for railroad employees. Senator John Keenan also testified for expanded naloxone availability in MBTA stations and said the MBTA had not fully complied with prior legislative directives.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yvonne Fernandez, California Federation of Labor Unions, proud co-sponsor of SB 7.
• Robert Wilson, California Credit Union League, here in opposition. Thank you. Good morning.
• Good morning, Chair and members, Robert Wilson, California Credit Union League here in opposition.
• SB 11 is not about broad sweeping recognition of AI technology itself.
• Naomi Padraud, on behalf of the California Credit Union League, respectfully opposed. Thank you.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Summary: The committee heard several bills on consumer protection, privacy, AI, and employment technology. SB 53 by Senator Wiener would require large AI developers to disclose safety and security protocols, report serious incidents quickly, and create CalCompute and whistleblower protections; supporters said it is a transparency-based, narrower follow-up to SB 1047, while industry groups opposed unless amended over concerns about size-based thresholds, trade secrets, and security. SB 766 by Senator Allen would codify FTC car-sales rules and create a three-day cooling-off period for certain used-car purchases; testimony was broadly supportive, and several dealer and industry groups moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. The committee also heard SB 7 by Senator McNerney, which would require notice and human oversight for automated decision-making in employment, and SB 833 by the same author, which would require human review and monitoring for AI use in critical infrastructure; both drew support from labor and consumer advocates and opposition or concerns from business and public-sector groups about scope and compliance. The committee also began hearing SB 11 on AI-generated voice/image/video cloning and nonconsensual deepfakes, with supporters backing consumer warnings and liability rules and opponents seeking narrower language and lower penalties. Members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized the need to balance innovation with safety, with supporters arguing California should act where Congress has not, and opponents urging narrower definitions, stronger trade-secret protections, and more limited enforcement. On SB 53, committee members praised the author’s outreach but noted the bill still needs work; the bill was moved out on a do-pass-as-amended motion with seven votes and held open for absent members. SB 766 received unanimous support after amendments and was reported out 9-0. SB 7 and SB 833 were both advanced on do-pass motions but were left open with only partial vote counts at the time of the hearing. The committee later recessed and returned to continue the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a certificate of recognition that is going to be read for the Santa Fe County Commission.
• Then we have a certificate of recognition for Soil and Water Conservation Day.
• Then we have a certificate of recognition for soil and water conservation day.
• The New Mexico State Senate does hereby extend its recognition and acknowledge February 13, 2026, as
• Senators, this is recognition for Soil and Water Conservation District Day. Senator Stefanics.

Summary: The Senate convened, initially lacked a quorum, then established one and opened with prayer, pledges in English, Navajo, and Spanish, and the salute to the New Mexico flag. Members then moved through announcements and recognitions, including permission for cameras on the floor and gallery, and certificates honoring Santa Fe County Day and Soil and Water Conservation District Day. Senators spoke in support of both recognitions, emphasizing Santa Fe County’s history, cultural and economic contributions, and the conservation districts’ role in stewardship, agriculture, and conservation work across the state. The chamber also welcomed numerous guests, honorary lieutenant governors, student shadows, and seniors visiting the Capitol. The Senate confirmed two State Investment Council appointments. Mary Patricia Roman was confirmed 31-0 after debate highlighting her decades of global investment experience, leadership in private banking, and service on the SIC investment committee. John F. Bingaman was then confirmed 32-0 for reappointment, with senators citing his finance background, prior service as governor’s chief of staff, and role in state economic and early childhood policy. Members also discussed his leadership on the council and the importance of strong management of the state’s permanent funds. On legislation, Senate Memorial 3 passed 27-0. The memorial, developed with the Wild Friends civics and science program, invites state agencies to participate in an insect identification and education workshop with UNM’s Museum of Southwestern Biology and the Xerces Society. The Senate also received House messages and adopted several committee reports, including referrals and passage recommendations for multiple bills and memorials. Later, the chamber debated Senate Bill 145, which would consolidate certain federal audit reporting into a single submission and adjust audit requirements for smaller entities and acequias; supporters said it would streamline compliance without changing audit requirements, while opponents raised concerns about auditor business, oversight, and the risk of weakening scrutiny. The bill remained under debate in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in Sunderland and Frontier, we are a superintendency union, so we have separate teacher contracts
• for the Frontier Regional School and for the elementary schools in the union.
• I'm a teacher in April, Massachusetts, where I serve as the union president.
• I'm a teacher in April Massachusetts where I serve as the union president.
• Next up is Kim Barry and Catherine Anderson from the Lawrence Teachers Union.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education opened a hybrid public hearing on a large slate of bills related to school buildings, school finance, technology, data privacy, safety, and related education issues. Chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlined procedures for the hearing, including two-minute testimony limits and the plan to group similar bills together. Several bills drew no testimony and were closed without further discussion, while others drew extensive testimony from legislators, school officials, parents, advocates, and educators. A major theme was school safety and student well-being. Lori Al-Hadeth testified in support of bills on alert systems in public schools, describing the loss of her daughter in the Parkland shooting and urging adoption of Alyssa’s Law-style panic alert technology. Representative Gallagher and disability advocates also supported a bill authorizing, but not requiring, airway clearance devices in schools, arguing they could save lives in choking emergencies and provide an option for people who cannot use the Heimlich maneuver. Another bill on reducing cafeteria waste drew support from a legislator and a Lexington sustainability official, who said installing dishwashers during construction would reduce waste and long-term costs. Much of the hearing focused on Chapter 70 school funding and the inflation cap. Senator Pavel Payano, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Representative Senna, and multiple local officials and school committee members from Bridgewater, Chelsea, Groton-Dunstable, and other districts argued that the 4.5% cap on inflation adjustments has left schools underfunded during years of high inflation, forcing layoffs, larger class sizes, and cuts to programs and student supports. They urged bills to eliminate the cap, restore lost funding, increase the Commonwealth’s share of the foundation budget, or create commissions to study reforms. Testimony also highlighted the impact on special education, English learners, and low-income students, with Chelsea witnesses saying the cap has cost their district about $7 million annually. School construction and MSBA reform were the other major topic. AIA Massachusetts, Boston Public Schools, Lynn officials, and AFT Massachusetts described aging facilities, overcrowding, deferred maintenance, and the difficulty of financing new schools under current reimbursement rules. Boston officials said the district has many pre-World War II buildings and has only built a handful of new schools in decades, while Lynn leaders said reimbursement rates have fallen well below the statutory 80% because of caps and ineligible costs. Witnesses urged modernization of the MSBA program, higher reimbursement rates, and more resources for school construction. The committee also heard support for a bill to study the adequacy and equity of the school building program, and chairs indicated some bills would be closed after no one signed up to testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• Redlin. recognition for a for a 10-year term and recognition for a for a 10-year term and under<00:07
• has the egg water qualication Union has the egg water qualication program<00:14:14.839><c> so</c><00
• Burnhard, Minnesota Farmers Union, please present your testimony and state your name for the record.
• or was a Farmers Union member.
• The member replied that if you have the Farm Bureau and the Farmers Union on the same page, you might

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• animal, and lastly, that every society be governed by just and moral laws, which are based on the recognition
• This recognition of you, O God, is a bedrock of the value system of the United States of America.
• We the citizens of this blessed country proclaim this recognition in our Pledge of Allegiance.
• We proudly proclaim this recognition on our currency, 'In God We Trust,' which is proudly engraved on
• They would use union labor, but they can build them on a much faster timetable and they have a vested

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions, including students from Brooklyn and St. John’s University, followed by adoption of the resolution calendar with exceptions for two items. The chamber then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing Black Maternal Health Week, Workplace Violence Prevention Month, the one-year anniversary of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy in the Dominican Republic, New York Constitution Day, and the Month of the Military Child. Senators speaking on the maternal health resolution emphasized racial disparities in maternal mortality and the need for culturally competent care; the workplace violence resolution highlighted hospital safety programs; the Jet Set resolution was adopted in memory of the victims; and the Constitution Day speech reviewed New York’s delayed but eventual support for independence in 1776. The military child resolution stressed the sacrifices of military families and support for children of service members. All of these resolutions were adopted, and the resolutions were opened to co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved through the third reading calendar, passing several bills and laying others aside. Measures passed included bills on public health, environmental conservation, executive law, public authorities, and consumer protection. One notable debate involved a bill to require transparency from private arbitration organizations handling consumer cases; supporters argued it would provide basic public data and guard against conflicts of interest, while opponents said it would burden a useful dispute-resolution process and intrude on privacy. The bill passed after debate. Another debated bill would phase out number 4 heating oil statewide; supporters said cleaner alternatives exist and the fuel is harmful to public health, while opponents raised cost and transition concerns, especially for colder regions. That bill also passed. The chamber also considered a bill to create a rebate program for battery-powered landscaping equipment, funded through utility-related mechanisms administered by NYSERDA. Supporters said it would reduce air and noise pollution and help companies transition, while opponents argued ratepayers should not subsidize landscaping equipment. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar. Finally, the Senate began discussion of a housing-related bill aimed at preserving manufactured home parks by enabling nonprofits or municipalities to acquire development rights and keep the land dedicated to that use, with the sponsor explaining that the goal is to protect affordable housing and help residents remain in their homes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> second-ranked Harwood Union High School. second-ranked Harwood Union High School.
• Field for the season's ultimate Division One challenge against the second-seeded Champlain Valley Union
• Reiko Kida in recognition of Mr. and Mrs.
• Reiko Kida in recognition of Mr. and Mrs.
• recognition of Mr. and Mrs. Kida's recognition of Mr. and Mrs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, for the recognition.
• Thank you for the recognition, Mr. Speaker.
• the recognition, Mr.
• Speaker, for the recognition.
• Thank you for the recognition, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the recognition, Mr. Speaker.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the employers in HR and things like that is the value of a collective bargaining agreement and a union
• , but what is also affordable to everybody that has to participate, any members in either a public union
• </c> ago I had a number of different unions ago I had a number of different unions come<00:25:43.279>
• groups when I would ask them about Union groups when I would ask them about what<00:25:56.000><c> do
• </c><01:10:16.280><c> of</c> proof has been met and in recognition of proof has been met and in recognition

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• John Shrek, with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. We're in support.
• Specific recognition of surf reserves will allow local communities to identify and plan for ecological
• Specific recognition of surf reserves will allow local communities to identify and plan for ecological
• Specific recognition of surf reserves will allow local communities to identify and plan for ecological
• Specific recognition of surf reserves will allow local communities to identify and plan for ecological

Committee: House Natural Resources

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of natural resources and related bills, with several measures receiving broad support and due-pass recommendations. AB 80 on carpet recycling would require CalRecycle to implement prior reforms, expand collection sites, and improve reporting and backstamping; it drew support from the author, carpet industry representatives, labor, environmental groups, and no opposition. AB 452 would create a voluntary process for local governments to designate state surf reserves as part of 30 by 30 conservation goals; supporters included Save the Waves Coalition, tourism and environmental groups, and several members praised the bill, while the League of California Cities sought clarifying amendments. AB 823 would ban sale of certain personal care and cleaning products containing intentionally added plastic microbeads, but it generated significant debate over scope and ambiguity, with environmental groups supporting stronger restrictions and industry groups warning the bill could unintentionally affect sunscreens, cosmetics, fragrance encapsulation, and other products; the committee ultimately passed it 13-2 to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials as amended. The committee also advanced AB 1046, which creates a narrow exemption from SB 1383 organic waste requirements for crop preparers and tree nut processors that do not send organic waste to landfills; agricultural groups and rural county representatives supported it, and it passed with no opposition. AB 252, the “Stop Laying Off Firefighters Act,” would require Cal Fire to maintain year-round staffing; the author and Cal Fire labor representatives argued wildfire conditions are now year-round and staffing gaps are unsafe, and the bill passed unanimously to Appropriations. AB 571 would provide a targeted CEQA exemption and urgency clause for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon; veterans, county officials, and supporters emphasized the long delay and need for a dignified burial site, and it passed unanimously to Military and Veterans Affairs. Later, the committee approved AB 1455, which would authorize the Board of Forestry to adopt emergency regulations and streamline future rulemaking for ember-resistant standards after recent Los Angeles County fires; it passed without opposition. AB 687, which would allow public agencies to use forest practice rules and timber harvest plans for certain fuel reduction projects, drew concerns from environmental groups about CEQA confusion and agency review, and while the author said it was not a CEQA exemption, the bill moved forward with some opposition and ongoing discussion. AB 652 would allow alternate members on the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District board to avoid quorum problems and passed with support from the City of San Diego. AB 317, the California First-Time Home Owner Dream Act, would exempt certain small, lower-cost homes from CEQA and defer property taxes to encourage affordable housing; it passed with support but also prompted concerns about guardrails against misuse in larger subdivisions. The committee also heard AB 900, which would require the Natural Resources Agency to develop a stewardship plan for current and future 30 by 30 lands; supporters from land trusts and conservation groups said stewardship funding and management are essential to make conservation durable, and the bill passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 738 would let certain wildfire-disaster survivors rebuild under the solar standards in place when their homes were originally built, rather than newer requirements; the author and county representatives framed it as limited relief for underinsured homeowners, and the committee began discussion with questions about what other rebuilding requirements might be affected.