Transcript Highlights:

• and the microorganisms consuming their waste and improving our soil and water quality and water retention
• and the microorganisms consuming their waste and improving our soil and water quality and water retention
• and the microorganisms consuming their waste and improving our soil and water quality and water retention
• and the microorganisms consuming their waste and improving our soil and water quality and water retention
• and the microorganisms consuming their waste and improving our soil and water quality and water retention

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> um is collected and goes to storm water um is collected and goes to storm water collection<01:11
• </c> they obviously are concerned about water they obviously are concerned about water and<03:12:00.760
• He said it is a very diverse group, and that its members represent diverse knowledge and diverse perspectives
• </c><04:19:11.439><c> which</c> group the uh food waste diversion which group the uh food waste diversion
• this would actually help push us toward those diversion goals?

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a hearing on HB 566, which would require permit applications for new landfills to include a detailed leachate management plan. Representative German introduced the bill and explained that it was prompted by recent reporting on leachate management problems at New Hampshire landfills, including alleged violations and deficiency letters from DES. He said the bill was intended to address public health concerns, PFAS contamination, and increased leachate volumes tied to more severe rainstorms, while still allowing innovation in treatment and transportation methods. He also described a set of proposed amendments developed after discussions with DES and a landfill operator, including changing “permit for construction” to “operating approval,” applying the bill to landfill expansions, moving contract-related language into the planning section, and removing a proposed new subparagraph. Committee members asked whether the bill would limit operator flexibility or duplicate existing DES rules. Representative German said the bill would not dictate specific treatment methods or lock operators into long-term contracts, but would require a plan showing how leachate will be managed, transported, and disposed of, with later contract changes reported to DES. Several members and the BIA representative questioned whether the bill was necessary given existing Env 806 rules and DES enforcement authority. The Business and Industry Association opposed the bill as introduced, arguing that DES already has rules and technical expertise, that the issue is better handled through rulemaking, and that moving requirements into statute could freeze the framework and make future adjustments harder. Supporters countered that a statute would provide a stronger, more durable policy commitment in response to ongoing problems. No vote or final committee action was taken during the hearing. The discussion ended with the bill still under consideration and with the sponsor indicating that a revised amendment would likely be brought forward for later work session or executive session review.

Transcript Highlights:

• water quality testing for the state of Wisconsin.
• Think back to what to land and water.
• Um, so I am a water quality certified farm.
• </c> human health, ecosystems, and water human health, ecosystems, and water quality<00:56:28.240><c>
• </c> the white water in 2022. the white water in 2022.

Bills: HF3965 , HF3704 , HF3260 , HF3718

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: pesticide, agriculture, environmental protection, health risks, chemical safety, local agriculture, insecticides, pollinators, seeds, environmental health, neonicotinoids, systemic insecticides, civil penalties, pest management, land trends, report, appropriation, farmers, veterinary medicine, veterinary technology

Transcript Highlights:

• goal for state agencies, and AB 1392, which requires hospitals to report their spend with small and diverse
• We have a lot of work to do in San Diego, especially when you reflect on the diversity of the region
• Although the GEZ Board of Directors already includes a diverse array of stakeholders, Although the GEZ
• We know that our roads need work, our water systems are outdated, our housing shortage continues, and
• We know that our roads need work, our water systems are outdated, our housing shortage continues, and

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact met on July 11, 2025, and heard six measures focused on small business contracting, ports and trade, local economic development, clean energy transition, tariff impacts, and infrastructure finance. SB 70 would raise the Small Business Procurement and Contract Act contract cap from $250,000 to $350,000 and index it to inflation; supporters said it would reflect current economic conditions, while opponents argued it could reduce transparency, favor larger firms, and strain small businesses’ ability to carry inventory and wait for payment. The bill was approved 7-0 to Appropriations. AJR 14 urged federal agencies to consider the effects of tariff policy on California ports, with testimony emphasizing impacts on cargo volumes, jobs, supply chains, and infrastructure needs; it passed 7-0. SB 781 would require cities and counties to adopt small business utilization plans and strengthen the California Small Business Technical Assistance Program; chambers of commerce and committee members supported it as a way to expand procurement opportunities and technical assistance, and it passed 7-0 to Local Government. SB 227 would extend and expand the Green Empowerment Zone in Contra Costa County, add environmental justice representatives, and extend authorization to 2040; it passed 7-0 to the floor. SB 263 would direct the California Transportation Agency to study the statewide impacts of tariffs, with supporters from the ports, retail, and trucking sectors arguing that better data is needed to guide budgeting and policy responses; it passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 769 would create the Golden State Infrastructure Fund to finance major infrastructure projects through a revolving public-private investment model; supporters said it would help address long-term infrastructure needs and prepare for major events, and the bill passed 6-0 to Appropriations after opposition was withdrawn. All measures were reported out of committee, and the meeting adjourned at 10:39 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:48.399><c> views</c> you know states have um diverse views you know states have um diverse
• The convention represent that diversity.
• ><c> from</c><00:52:54.720><c> the</c> select waters, six members from the select waters, six members
• </c><00:53:51.200><c> can</c> Some committees like select water can Some committees like select water
• </c> the agriculture, public lands and water the agriculture, public lands and water resources<00:54:

Bills: HB0108 , HB0039 , HB0091 , HB0070

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Our Nelson Association of California Water Agencies respectfully... Okay, anybody else?
• Weirs are water-impounding structures intended to control the depth of water channels to aid in water
• levels to enable water diversions.
• I'm a water resources engineer with GEI Consultants here in Sacramento.
• They just store water.

Committees: House Water, Parks and Wildlife , House Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on wildlife, water, parks, and transparency. AB 764 would expand the list of exotic non-game birds that can be legally managed, with the author and California Waterfowl arguing it would help control rapidly growing mute swan populations that threaten native species and wetlands. The bill passed to Appropriations with no opposition. The committee also adopted its 2025-26 rules and approved the consent calendar, which included AB 14 and AB 581; AB 514 had been pulled by the author. AB 616, dubbed “Parks for All,” would allow state parks day-use passes to be transferred to the State Library free of charge to preserve the library pass program and improve access to state parks for low-income families and first-time visitors. Supporters said the program has been highly successful and equitable, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 293 would require groundwater sustainability agencies to post board membership and link to Form 700 filings online; supporters emphasized transparency and public trust, while some members raised concerns about redundancy and added burdens. The bill passed to Appropriations on a split vote. AB 639 would create a narrow exception in the Water Code so certain weirs used for irrigation would not be treated as dams, with the author and district representatives saying the structures pose no safety risk and should not face unnecessary regulation. Members urged the bill be narrowed to the Kings River area, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 679 would streamline land transfers for Big Basin Redwoods, Año Nuevo, and Butano State Parks after the CZU fire, with conservation groups supporting faster acquisitions and one member opposing on budget and state-management grounds; it also passed to Appropriations. AB 454 would remove the sunset on California’s Migratory Bird Protection Act to keep state protections for migratory birds in place despite federal changes, and it passed to Appropriations. Later, the committee took add-on votes for members who arrived late, and the meeting adjourned after all listed items were acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. 2,000 breaths versus a couple of liters of water, and usually filter your water before you
• Imperial Beach deserves clean water.
• invested $12 billion in the state of California in wastewater, water quality projects, drinking water
• Wastewater, water quality project, drinking water, stormwater capture.
• And within six months, we had really clean water. We had the cleanest water we could have.

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly Environmental committees held an informational hearing on the Tijuana River Valley pollution crisis, with members from both parties emphasizing that the problem is decades old, cross-border, and requires federal, state, local, and binational action. Opening remarks described the crisis as a major environmental and public health emergency affecting San Diego County beaches, air quality, marine life, tourism, and nearby communities. Assembly Member Boerner and Senator Jones both stressed the need for continued funding and cooperation, while Supervisor Paloma Aguirre outlined county efforts and called for urgent action on localized fixes and health protections. Aguirre described the scale of sewage flows from Tijuana, the long beach closures, and the county’s response, including warning signs, an air purifier distribution program, a planned epidemiological study, soil testing, and an economic impact study. She highlighted a “hot spot” near Saturn Boulevard where wastewater becomes airborne, citing elevated hydrogen sulfide levels, community illness reports, and proximity to schools and homes. Congressional staff reported that the federal delegation has secured more than $650 million for infrastructure and cleanup, supported legislation to strengthen federal watershed and IBWC programs, and pressed federal agencies for health investigations, air monitoring, and emergency declarations. Scripps scientists Dr. Sarah Giddings and Dr. Kimberly Prather presented research on water and air transport of pollution. Giddings described a five-day coastal water quality forecast model, supported by state funding, that tracks wastewater movement and helps predict beach closure risk; she said the model has about 72% accuracy and is being refined with ongoing measurements. Prather explained that polluted surf-zone spray and aerosols can carry bacteria, viruses, and gases into the air, and said her team’s measurements showed strong links between river flow, odor complaints, and hydrogen sulfide spikes, with a major drop after river diversion. She also said the team has identified thousands of airborne compounds and is studying their health implications. Dr. Paula Stigler Granados summarized public health findings, saying surveys and monitoring show nighttime exposure, sleep disruption, headaches, respiratory symptoms, anxiety, and other impacts, especially for children, workers, and older adults. She reported chemical analyses finding hundreds of contaminants in river water and a distinct chemical fingerprint at the Saturn hot spot, including evidence that pollutants infiltrate nearby homes. Sergio Dondina of Wild Coast focused on ecological and economic damage, beach loss, tire and trash pollution, and the community’s sense of being ignored. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the informational hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, our state legislature more closely reflects California's diversity.
• to the California Legislature, she was followed by trailblazing leaders like Teresa Hughes, Maxine Waters
• to the California Legislature, she was followed by trailblazing leaders like Teresa Hughes, Maxine Waters
• California celebrates women across this country, across this state, and takes a stand that our diversity
• By designating March as Irish Heritage Month, we are able to take a moment to highlight the diversity

Transcript Highlights:

• I won't name specific ones. they were lacking in diversity because they had a diverse member and they
• We should be embracing and celebrating diversity, even diversity... to the ideas is not allowed.
• East Texas and take their water.
• The diverse parts of the old map were now drawn into the 33rd District.
• Their heads, clean water, security, and hope for tomorrow.

Bills: HB4

Committee: House Congressional Redistricting, Select

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is a chance to celebrate the diversity and strength and contributions that California's Native
• And we're still actively working to build up their water infrastructure.
• And often we did so in places where there is no water.
• And Native people didn't choose land without water when they had the opportunity to choose where to live
• For millennia, Native communities have been stewards of California's land and its waters.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of our municipalities lack universal water and sewer access, and our housing stock is shaped by
• In Berkshire and Hampshire towns, nearly half of the parcels lack either water or sewer.
• We're grateful to be here today with a diverse group of stakeholders, as Rep.
• They are a blunt instrument that failed to accommodate the vast diversity in actual parking needs.
• So the idea is to have a diverse opportunity for people to develop housing for everybody, correct?

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Housing

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on zoning, Chapter 40B, and related housing bills. Much of the testimony focused on the “Yes in My Backyard” bill (H. 1572/S. 962), which would expand by-right development of missing middle housing, reduce barriers such as minimum lot sizes and parking mandates, and support duplexes, triplexes, and other small-scale housing. Supporters included housing advocates, developers, local officials, and municipal leaders from places like Cambridge, Salem, and Braintree, who argued that state action is needed because local zoning often blocks needed housing and that the bill would help create more affordable, neighborhood-compatible homes. Several witnesses also backed a companion “Yes in God’s Backyard” bill (H. 2347), which would allow faith-based institutions to build housing on their property by right, with testimony emphasizing the potential for new units, added municipal tax revenue, and partnerships between religious organizations and housing developers. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 1021 to modernize Chapter 40R incentives. Senator Pavel Payano and others said the program’s payments have not kept pace with inflation since 2004 and should be increased to better encourage smart-growth zoning near transit and town centers. Another major topic was H. 2298 on site plan review, which would codify and standardize the process in state law. Rep. Kristin Kassner and witnesses from MAPC and NAIOP said current site plan review practices vary widely across the state, creating confusion, delays, and litigation, while a uniform framework would give municipalities clearer tools to review by-right projects without undermining local oversight. The hearing also included testimony on Chapter 40B reform, including S. 1005 and H. 1537. One witness supported further review of 40B and stronger regional planning, while another backed a proposal to allow certain pre-2010 40B condominium owners to sell at market value under a framework that would recapture some of the subsidy benefits. Committee members asked several questions about local zoning changes, housing goals by county, and how the proposed bills would affect communities. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs indicated that written testimony would be welcomed for technical details and additional comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• the tour ended in Puget Sound, where we were amazed as kids to look at the locks, separating fresh water
• from the ocean water.
• Sandison pointed out, the second most diverse agricultural economy in the Union. We deliver...
• and the importance of innovating around water availability in precision ag.
• But since there are a whole diversity of, or suite of, precision agricultural tools and technologies

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held an interim work session focused on Washington agriculture’s viability, competitiveness, and the effects of federal policy and trade. Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sanderson outlined the agency’s role in inspections, food assistance, pesticide and fertilizer oversight, disease control, and marketing, and described Washington agriculture as a diverse, export-oriented sector facing declining farm numbers, high labor and input costs, low commodity prices, trade barriers, drought, regulatory burdens, and pest and disease pressures. WSU CAHNRS Dean Raj Kosla emphasized the land-grant mission, extension network, education programs, and research capacity, highlighting precision agriculture, broadband needs in rural areas, and the importance of research and outreach to support growers and rural communities. Members asked about farm loss, workforce challenges, precision agriculture, and the cost of technology. Kosla said precision agriculture can help address labor shortages but is often cost-prohibitive and dependent on rural broadband; he described it as applying the right input, in the right amount, place, time, and manner. He also noted that WSU’s research and extension system supports crop development, soil health, forestry, youth programs, and agricultural training, and that the college is eager to partner with the legislature on priorities. Sanderson said the department is working on local food systems, farm-to-school grants, infrastructure, market development, pest and disease response, climate resilience, and access to land for new and underrepresented farmers. The committee then heard from WSU economist Randy Fortenberry on an agricultural competitiveness study and trade impacts. He said the study used producer surveys, case studies, and shift-share analysis for dairy, grapes, hops, potatoes, apples/tree fruit, wheat, and small/diversified farms, comparing Washington to national trends and peer states. His findings indicated that Washington’s competitiveness is declining in most sectors, with potatoes as the main exception; labor and regulatory compliance costs were especially significant in dairy, grapes, potatoes, and tree fruit, while small farms were more constrained by land access, capital, and profitability. On trade, he said Washington is highly export-dependent and vulnerable to retaliation, citing past losses in wheat, apples, pulses, and cherries when tariffs disrupted access to China and India, while noting current uncertainty around Canada, Mexico, Japan, China, and India. No votes were taken. The committee discussed next steps, including a December interim report on food security and agricultural viability and a final report expected by June 2026. Sanderson said the department had already held a stakeholder workshop and is continuing internal and external review, while the chair asked WSU to connect the committee with policy experts who could help identify practical solutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• the tour ended in Puget Sound, where we were amazed as kids to look at the locks, separating fresh water
• from the ocean water.
• Sandison pointed out, the second most diverse agricultural economy in the Union.
• and the importance of innovating around water availability in precision ag.
• But since there are a whole diversity of, or suite of, precision agricultural tools, technologies, and

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held an interim work session focused on Washington agriculture’s viability, workforce, and competitiveness. Director Derek Sanderson of the Washington State Department of Agriculture and WSU Dean Raj Kosla described the size and diversity of the state’s farm sector, declining farm numbers, major export markets, and pressures from labor costs, low commodity prices, trade barriers, drought, regulatory burdens, and pests and disease. Kosla emphasized WSU’s land-grant role in education, research, and extension, including precision agriculture, broadband needs in rural areas, and the need for state support to help producers adopt new technologies and train the next generation of agricultural workers. Members asked about retaining farmland, increasing workforce capacity, and the role of precision agriculture. Kosla said precision agriculture can help address labor shortages and water scarcity, but adoption is limited by cost and rural broadband gaps. He explained precision agriculture as tailoring inputs to the right place, time, amount, and manner, and said WSU is working on low-cost sensor technologies and other innovations. Members also asked about how widely precision agriculture is used and whether it improves farm bottom lines; Kosla said adoption varies by tool and that he would follow up with more data. The committee then heard from Dr. Randy Fortenberry of WSU’s Impact Center on an agricultural competitiveness study and the effects of tariffs and trade. He reported that Washington’s competitiveness has generally declined relative to peer states in dairy, grapes, hops, apples, and wheat, with potatoes as the main bright spot. Surveyed producers said a substantial share of revenue is tied to regulatory compliance, with labor-related costs a major driver, and small diversified farms reported land access, capital, and profitability as bigger barriers than regulation. On trade, Fortenberry said Washington agriculture is highly export-dependent and vulnerable to retaliation, citing past losses in wheat, apples, pulses, and cherries when tariffs disrupted markets, while noting current uncertainty around China and India. The committee asked follow-up questions about compliance time, peer-state comparisons, and regulatory burdens; no votes were taken, and the department said it plans an interim report by the end of the year and a final report by June 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> program we work with the Board of Water program we work with the Board of Water soil<00:24:28.799
• </c> our ators and protect clean water our ators and protect clean water through<00:26:00.279><c> native
• about they can't drink the water, they have to drink bottled water, and that could have its own issues
• bottled water, which has its own issues.
• ><c> have</c> drink bottled water and that could have drink bottled water and that could have its<01:

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• knew how to work with diverse people.
• implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• supply systems, to Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
• utilities, to Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
• or certain entities, to Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.

Bills: SJR12 , SCR39 , SB27 , SB29 , SB241 , SB406 , SB414 , SB464 , SB568 , SB578 , SB609 , SB660 , SB689 , SB693 , SB785 , SB857 , SB879 , SB921 , SB922 , SB955 , SB985 , SB993 , SB996 , SB1008 , SB1035 , SB1036 , SB1059 , SB1098 , SB1120 , SB1122 , SB1147 , SB1188 , SB1197 , SB1209 , SB1227 , SB1245 , SB1267 , SB1307 , SB1321 , SB1332 , SB1386 , SB1396 , SB1453 , SB1484 , SB1494 , SB1536 , SB1537 , SB1596 , SB1610 , SB1664 , SB1741 , SB1814 , SB1822 , SB1841 , SB1948 , SB2065 , SB2155 , SB2188 , SB2230 , SB2406 , SB2407

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation, and approved the previous day’s journal. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 358 honoring the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on its 10th anniversary, with senators highlighting the university’s growth, medical school, research expansion, and role in serving South Texas. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 368 honoring outgoing Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, with numerous senators praising his long public career, leadership in higher education, and statewide impact. Senate Resolution 361 recognizing Texas HBCU Day and Senate Resolution 362 recognizing Denton County Days at the Capitol were also adopted, along with other routine recognitions and gubernatorial appointments being read into the record. The Senate then took up several bills. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 27, relating to rights and support for public school educators, was debated and amended to shorten vacancy posting requirements, allow bilingual certification candidates to retake only failed test sections, give teachers more flexibility with paid leave, clarify classroom removal procedures, and ensure parents are informed of appeal rights. The bill passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed unanimously. Senate Joint Resolution 12, proposing a constitutional amendment to establish a parent’s right to direct a child’s education, was also brought up and passed to engrossment after a contested suspension vote. The Senate next passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1741, which would require reporting of foreign funding at public universities, bar gifts from adversarial governments, and require training and reporting systems to prevent foreign influence and intellectual property theft in higher education. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 29, the so-called “Dexit” bill, was debated at length for its corporate governance changes, including codifying the business judgment rule and altering internal corporate litigation and records rules; it passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed by a 30-1 vote. Senate Bill 857, allowing law enforcement discretion to tow vehicles driven by unlicensed or uninsured drivers, passed after discussion of towing abuses during flooding and disaster conditions. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1536, requiring dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain guardians, passed with broad support, and Senate Bill 922, addressing delayed electronic disclosure of sensitive medical test results so physicians can discuss them first, was taken up and passed to engrossment as the chamber continued through its calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• The list of hate crime victims is as diverse as the population in L.A. County.
• We're swimming amongst this really, really toxic water right now.
• We're swimming amongst this really, really toxic water right now.
• Diversity is a strength. It's not a weakness.
• And that's what makes America amazing, is being diverse. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um so as simple as that water off.
• <00:27:10.039><c> infrastructure</c> original water and sewer infrastructure original water and sewer
• </c> public plaza, a playground, a water public plaza, a playground, a water features,<00:35:10.320><
• </c><01:26:52.080><c> These</c> public storm water pond. These public storm water pond.
• </c> Brooklyn Center is the most diverse Brooklyn Center is the most diverse community<01:27:13.600><

Bills: HF474 , HF218 , HF210 , HF441 , HF691 , HF720 , HF1068 , HF1314 , HF1465 , HF1860 , HF2046 , HF1389 , HF2404 , HF2854 , HF2985 , HF3128 , HF3103 , HF778 , HF3125

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• One way to know that is that the current Waters Edge election is a mess.
• Waters Edge election is any... ...ambiguity in the statute or a gap in a statute.
• Waters Edge election is anything but a gap in the California statute.
• unitary group, Waters Edge group, and those that are outside your Waters Edge group because they're
• What benefits does the Waters Edge give to California taxpayers?

Transcript Highlights:

• And the State Water Resources Control Board focuses on protecting our precious water resources, assessing
• , and monitoring for any risks to nearby water bodies.
• Hi, Mateo Kushner, Community Water Center, on behalf of Clean Water Action, Water Foundation Hi, Mateo
• Kushner, Community Water Center.
• On behalf of Clean Water Action, Water Foundation, Physicians for Social Responsibility, L.A., we just

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, in a twist of irony, I'll never forget, she offered me a bottle of water to make sure that
• The good member from the 17th District, Representative Waters. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Further remarks, the good member from the 17th District, Representative Waters. Thank you, Mr.
• The member from the 17th District, Representative Waters. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Amendment from the 17th, Representative Waters. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can I move Amendment 274?

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SCR8406 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB6278 , SB5831 , SB5915 , SB5963 , SB6025 , SB6046 , SB6084 , SB6134 , SB6136 , SB6137 , SB6188 , SB6291 , HB2689 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5957 , SB5988 , SB5994 , SB6011 , SB6065 , SB6103 , SB6151 , SB6244

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government, RCW 57, real property disposal, personal property, notice of intent to sell, public auction