Transcript Highlights:

• No two animal species are the same, and each has unique behavior patterns, territories, and comfort levels
• SB 1250 integrates connectivity into routine transportation planning, allowing solutions to be built
• We believe integrating wildlife connectivity into that prioritization will ensure that Caltrans is not
• It could create a statewide network and framework to integrate wildlife connectivity into transportation

Summary: The committee heard several wildlife and water-related bills. SB 872, by Senator McNerney, would create a Delta Levees and Canal Subsidence Fund and allow waiver of local cost-sharing for Delta levee repairs to protect the State Water Project and Delta infrastructure. Supporters from water agencies, environmental groups, counties, and agricultural interests said the bill is needed to address levee failure and canal subsidence; there was no opposition, and the bill was held open until a quorum was present, with broad support expressed. SB 1108, by Senator Caballero, would establish the Grasslands Ecological Area Conservancy in the Central Valley to coordinate conservation, habitat restoration, public access, and voluntary easements in a region described as the largest remaining wetland/grasslands complex west of the Mississippi. Support came from the Grasslands Water District, Audubon, conservation groups, and local stakeholders, who emphasized the area’s importance to migratory birds, wildlife corridors, and land-use transition under groundwater sustainability. There was no opposition, and the bill received favorable committee support. SB 1135, by Senator Blakespear, would reestablish and strengthen the statewide wildlife coexistence program to reduce human-wildlife conflict through nonlethal deterrence, education, and compensation for livestock losses. Supporters cited rising wildlife incidents, wolf depredation, and the need for proactive tools; opponents and some committee members raised concerns about rural impacts, funding, and the absence of law enforcement/public safety as a specifically named advisory role. After discussion and amendments that moved the cattlemen and Farm Bureau to neutral, the bill passed out of committee on a due-pass motion, though some members voted no or abstained. SB 1305, by Senator Richardson, would direct CDFW to study the feasibility of grizzly bear reintroduction and prepare a roadmap, with tribal consultation and stakeholder engagement, but would not itself authorize reintroduction. Tribal sponsors and conservation groups supported the bill as a planning and cultural restoration effort, while hunting, ranching, and county groups opposed it, arguing California already faces major wildlife-management and funding challenges and that the proposal would create new conflicts. Committee members debated costs, appropriations, and whether the study should include funding estimates; the bill was amended and passed on a due-pass motion. The committee also heard SB 1250, by Senator Cortese, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning; supporters said it would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity, and the bill was presented in support as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• distribution system, so it would not be affected whether Missouri is restructured or vertically integrated
• However, if you look... ...be affected, whether Missouri is restructured or vertically integrated.
• Some of the utilities in the vertically integrated states have hedged and purchased a portion from the
• The default offer right now in my home service territory is 9.7 cents. That's lower than Missouri.

Committee: House General Laws

Transcript Highlights:

• This isn't new territory here. This happens throughout the nation.
• It's the spirit and intent of the constitutional rights and the integrity of this process.
• A judge should personally observe those standards so that the integrity and independence of A judge shall
• comply with the law and should act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence and integrity

Bills: SB9 , SB1047 , SB1048 , SJR17 , SJR49 , SB40 , SJR1 , SJR5 , SB 9 , SB 40 , SJR 1

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the 54 states and territories, there's probably about 110 partnerships right now.
• Of the 54 states and territories, there's probably about 110 partnerships right now.
• </c> access them through our Integrated access them through our Integrated Network<02:02:20.960><c> at
• </c><02:02:28.159><c> academic</c> be the premier integrated academic be the premier integrated academic
• </c><04:19:08.479><c> have</c> of the 54 states in territories have of the 54 states in territories have

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Only Alaska, Hawaii, and the territories got it.
• So we are working with the integration of the two together.
• So we are working with the integration of the two together.
• Fifty states and territories support it.
• Let's states, territories support it.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, it cost $47,000 on average in Wright-Hennepin's service territory.
• In 2024, it cost $47,000 on average in Wright-Hennepin's service territory.
• In 2024, it cost $47,000 on average in Wright-Hennepin's service territory.
• Candiy Co-op is in my territory. Their fees, just base fees, are $49.
• The overwhelming majority of utilities have less than 100 solar arrays in their territory.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment removes the previous anti-vertical integration language on PBMs and retail pharmacies and
• because we don't know exactly how much chain pharmacies make, as they are frequently vertically integrated
• If you don't think I have integrity, vote no.
• of the House and Green of the Senate, an act relating to the retail electric supplier certified territory
• But that affirmation is very integral to them staying alive long enough to get any other treatments or

Bills: HB4420 , HB3974 , HB3016 , HB3062 , HB3021 , HB3145 , HB4128 , HB3131 , HB3015 , HB3472 , HB3453 , HB1638 , HB4126 , HB2696 , HB2710 , HB3552 , HB3031 , HB3544 , HB3521 , HB4490 , HB4488 , HB1746 , HJR1069 , HB4428 , HB4429 , HB1170 , HB3538 , HB4124 , HB3904 , HB4106 , HB2999 , HB3982 , HJR1077 , HB3464 , HB2588 , HB3462 , HB4440 , HB3674 , HB3345 , HJR1067 , HB4326 , HB4331 , HB4337 , HB4338 , HB4359 , HB4392 , HB3557 , HJR1076 , HB4003 , HB3495 , HB3497 , HB3501 , HB3505 , HB3749 , HB3011 , HB4336 , HB4346 , HJR1087 , HB3240 , HB3647 , HB3796 , HB3969 , HB3972 , HB3983 , HB3984 , HB3989 , HB3383 , HB3130 , HB4358 , HB3327 , HJR1055 , HB3386 , HJR1089 , HB3087 , HB2970 , HB3314 , HB4129 , HB4199

Keywords: reading, intervention, literacy, education, third grade retention, teacher training, funding, Strong Readers Act, tort claims, inmate housing, government immunity, public trust, private prison, emergency legislation, vision screening, binocular vision, kindergarten, elementary education, health, firearm rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Any chance that we get to remove any of that testing, but still keep the integrity of the instruction
• but still remove uh any of that testing, but still keep<00:38:02.000><c> the</c><00:38:02.240><c> integrity
• of of the instruction keep the integrity of of the instruction that<00:38:04.160><c> we're</c><00:38
• This is kind of uncharted territory.
• This is kind of uncharted territory.

Committee: House Primary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2793, an act relating to annexation of territory.
• House Bill 2793, an act relating to annexation of territory.
• But, you know, I think the intent here is to speed up annexation of territory.
• You know, the intent here to speed up annexation of territory might in some cases be one where we're

Summary: The Senate met in floor session, began with prayer and the Pledge, approved the journal, received communications, and handled a return of Senate Bill 1456 from the House for reconsideration. Members then moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars, considering and amending bills on court fees, information technology, environmental quality, agricultural property inspections, property tax notices, veterans services, zoning and electric generation siting, fuel and gas resilience, and disturbing religious services. Several amendments were adopted, including changes to HB 2265 on criminal court fees, HB 2311 on conversational AI disclosures and privacy limits, HB 2986 on environmental quality/fuel resilience, HB 2104 and HB 2105 on agricultural property inspection rules, HB 2406 on veterans services, HB 2494 on electric generation siting and environmental compatibility, HB 2696 on fuel and gas prices, and HB 4117 on interference with religious services. Most of these bills were reported out of committee with do pass recommendations, though members raised concerns on HB 2311 and HB 4117 about privacy, free speech, and prosecutorial discretion. The chamber then took up a long series of third readings and final votes. Bills passed included HB 2015 on single-audit compliance, HB 2041 on child neglect and poverty factors, HB 2048 on AHCCCS prescription drug coverage, HB 2417 on excessive speed, HB 2611 on child welfare, HB 2793 on annexation, HB 2950 on special districts, HB 2995 on family law, HB 4018 on county officers, HB 2404 on mental health services, HB 2279 on limitations of actions, HB 2502 on the state retirement system, HB 2733 and HB 2953 on pharmacy regulation, HB 2979 on credit unions, HB 4042 on parent-child relationship determinations, HB 4010 on health professional regulatory boards, HB 4043 on public schools, HB 4049 on the Attorney General, HB 2265 on court fees, HB 2311 on information technology, and HB 2986 on environmental quality. HB 2601 on state highways and routes failed. Several members explained votes on bills involving fiscal impacts, child welfare, road safety, annexation, and criminal justice concerns. The Senate also adopted a group concurrence motion on several conference committee reports, including HB 2003, HB 2010, HB 2133, and HB 2874, and then voted on those measures. HB 2003 on driver’s license instruction permits, HB 2010 on advertising, HB 2133 on disclosure of sexual material and synthetic depictions, and HB 2874 on campaign committees and termination statements were all advanced after conference committee action, with debate on HB 2133 focusing on First Amendment and content-moderation concerns. The session ended with introduction of a large package of transportation-related appropriations bills and a motion to suspend certain committee notice rules for Appropriations to hear legislation and strike-everything amendments on short notice.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2793, an act amending section 9-471.01 relating to annexation of territory. Thank you.
• House Bill 2793, an act amending section 9-471.01 relating to annexation of territory.
• But I think the intent here is to speed up annexation of territory.
• You know, the intent here to speed up annexation of territory might in some cases be one where we're

Transcript Highlights:

• Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, which the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is firmly in our ceded territory
• Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, which the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is firmly in our ceded territory
• that ends up getting footed off the backs of state, local, and tribal governments. in our ceded territory
• of the 1854, in our ceded territory of the 1854, uh<00:03:13.880><c> which</c><00:03:14.160><c> my</

Transcript Highlights:

• It ensures consistent food-to-alcohol revenue requirements across wet and moist territories and removes
• requirements across wet and moist requirements across wet and moist territories<00:02:22.879><c> and<
• /c><00:02:23.120><c> removes</c><00:02:23.599><c> unnecessary</c> territories and removes unnecessary
• territories and removes unnecessary administrative<00:02:25.040><c> barriers</c><00:02:25.840><c> that

Committee: House Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> I know that they have their issues with being in federal highway territory, certain standards, but
• :31:07.440><c> in</c><00:31:07.760><c> federal</c><00:31:08.240><c> highway</c><00:31:09.440><c> territory
• </c> being in federal highway territory being in federal highway territory certain<00:31:11.039><c> standards

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• And there are some agencies that our members are, or have a service territory within, where we don't
• And there are some agencies that our members are, or have a service territory within, where we don't
• We do have our own service territories that we get authorized by the PSC, and there's some regulations
• different in the communications world because we don't have franchise agreements, we don't have territorial

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met with a quorum present and first heard HB 11 from Representative Robinson. The bill would address an unintended consequence in Florida’s municipal utility surcharge law by requiring the same water/utility rate for residents when a utility facility is physically located within one municipality but owned by another, rather than allowing the owning municipality to impose a 25% surcharge. The sponsor and several members described it as a fairness issue affecting residents who do not receive local tax support for the facility but still bear the surcharge. Public testimony included support from AARP and Miami-Dade County and opposition from North Miami Beach. The bill was reported favorably on an 18-0 vote. The committee then held a panel discussion on utility use of public rights-of-way and utility relocation. Panelists from FDOT, county government, gas, water, electric, and communications sectors described the permitting process, noting that FDOT uses a detailed utility accommodation manual and that local governments may use permits, franchise agreements, or ordinances depending on the utility type. They emphasized that utilities often must coordinate early with agencies using long-range work programs and project plans, and that the process differs by utility and jurisdiction. Communications witnesses discussed Chapter 337 and the 60-day local permitting shot clock, while others noted the role of Sunshine State One Call in locating facilities before excavation. A major focus was who pays for relocations when road or infrastructure projects require utilities to move. FDOT and several panelists said utilities generally bear the cost when they are in public right-of-way, with exceptions such as certain interstate/interchange projects and easement impacts. Utility representatives said relocations are often effectively new builds, can be costly, and are ultimately reflected in rates or customer costs. Members also asked about easements versus right-of-way, damage and disputes during construction, broadband workforce needs, and whether legislation could improve coordination. Panelists largely said the existing process works best when agencies, contractors, and utilities communicate early and continuously, and that more legislation may not be necessary compared with better planning, staffing, and use of technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• If removing a system would undermine the integrity of an underlying structure, then that can be closed
• But Mike Whimsat is; he knows that territory too. Good morning, Director Whimsat. >> Good morning.
• of an underlying underlying integrity of an underlying underlying structure<02:10:00.079><c> then</c
• This bill protects the honest farmer with integrity who uses and trains these animals properly while
• who uses and trains these with integrity who uses and trains these animals<04:17:26.640><c> properly

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Summary: The subcommittee held an open work session on HB 1766-FN, a bill addressing cruelty to livestock, and focused on proposed language changes from the Department of Agriculture. Assistant State Veterinarian Nathan Harvey, speaking for the commissioner, explained concerns about the term “imminent danger,” arguing that the bill should allow seizure based on probable cause when an animal is starving or has a life-threatening condition, rather than tying action too closely to whether the owner is arrested. The department also proposed language on “extreme suffering” that would require euthanasia if the cost of treatment would exceed the allowable reimbursement amount under AGR rules, though members immediately raised concerns about using a dollar limit to require euthanasia. The department further suggested clarifying who may participate in investigations by allowing the state veterinarian or a designate, and noted that the current draft could be read too narrowly. Members discussed the $5,000 emergency care cap in the rules, with Josh Marshall confirming it is an aggregate emergency veterinary care limit. Several legislators said they were uncomfortable changing the bill from “may” to “shall” euthanize, arguing that treatment costs vary widely by species and condition and that a fixed monetary threshold could be too rigid. Representative Bixby also raised a separate concern that the bill’s language may be broader than intended and could apply to all animals rather than livestock only. The department agreed the bill should be limited to livestock and suggested using existing statutory definitions or adding a new section to make that clear. The discussion also turned to humane societies and other organizations that might investigate complaints or board seized animals. A representative from a humane organization said the groups with expertise in care often also have expertise useful to investigations, and that removing them entirely could be impractical because only a few facilities in the state can provide boarding. Members and witnesses explored alternative language that would allow for-profit and nonprofit organizations to participate in either the investigation or the care of livestock, but not both, to avoid conflicts of interest while preserving needed expertise. No votes were taken; the work session ended with agreement to consult the Office of Legislative Services and the department to refine the bill before the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Johnson added an exemption for those marshal's offices that have a territorial
• So, again, it says the marshal shall pay from fees collected by the court of his territorial jurisdiction
• insurance and relationships they have for their employees through working with the courts in their territorial
• legislation very seriously and that these elected officials already are seeking approval from their territorial
• councils, or whether it is the mayor's office, or whether it is their police juries, from their territorial

Committee: Senate Judiciary B

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas today, nearly 2,600 YMCAs serve more than 10,000 communities across each state and territory,
• Whereas today, nearly 2,600 YMCAs serve more than 10,000 communities across each state and territory
• across<00:40:59.280><c> each</c><00:40:59.520><c> state</c><00:40:59.760><c> and</c><00:41:00.079><c> territory
• </c><00:41:00.880><c> with</c> across each state and territory with across each state and territory with

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have much more robust data integrity and standardization of data this time around.
• Current technology has evolved significantly since the system was created, thus integration of the legacy
• Current technology has evolved significantly since a system was created, thus integration of the legacy
• also talk about whether there is a partnership, whether there is a way of sort of doing more to integrate
• This money is integral for good union jobs and services. Thank you. Thank you.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard an item on the vehicle license fee backfill for counties, focused largely on San Mateo County and the related excess ERAF calculation. Department of Finance staff said the administration does not propose the requested $119 million backfill, arguing the payment is discretionary and that the existing statutory formula should continue to operate as written. Senators and public witnesses, including Senator Becker and former Senator Jackie Speier, argued the state has a longstanding obligation to local governments and that San Mateo County faces severe service cuts without the funds; they also discussed whether the issue could be solved through local school district boundary changes or other structural fixes. The chair held the item open after testimony. The committee then reviewed Secretary of State budget proposals. The department presented SB 851 implementation funding of $1.1 million General Fund in 2026-27 and $807,000 ongoing for four positions and software to track election-related litigation, update voting system standards, and expand vendor notice requirements. Members asked about election security, the impact of recent federal court decisions, the end of federal HAVA funds in 2027-28, and the staffing and timeline needed to implement the law. The committee also heard a $11.8 million General Fund request for the Cal Access Replacement System, intended to replace the outdated campaign finance and lobbying disclosure platform; staff said the project is on track for a November 2026 go-live with a stabilization period afterward. A separate item sought $9.795 million Business Fees Fund for the Notary Automation Program replacement, with the department explaining delays were due to more planning, a 2025 special election, and the need to secure a contractor, with go-live now projected for 2029. All three items were held open. The Department of Veterans Affairs presented its overall status and then its Yountville skilled nursing facility project. CalVet described progress on veterans homes, home loans, housing programs, and mental health initiatives, while noting higher-acuity needs among older veterans and continued support for underserved groups. For Yountville, the department said the new 240-bed skilled nursing facility is nearing completion and will replace the aging Holderman Hospital building, though some functions will remain in the old building and other campus projects, including roof and steam system work, are still underway. Members also raised concerns about retroactive tax liabilities for employees whose housing fringe benefits had not been reported, and CalVet said it has corrected the reporting, retrained staff, and is working with employees on repayment and lease adjustments. The committee also discussed a proposal to eliminate vacant positions under Control Section 4.12; CalVet said the positions were long vacant and could be given back without harming operations, while the LAO noted the Legislature had not concurred and keeping them would increase General Fund costs. The item was held open. Finally, the California Arts Council gave an informational update on its work and the cultural districts program. The director described the council’s grantmaking, technical assistance, and support for 24 cultural districts statewide, while members emphasized the economic and preservation value of arts funding and urged more investment, including a proposed $50 million General Fund augmentation and a $10 million carve-out for cultural districts. Staff explained that the original cultural district funding was reduced and that the program is currently unfunded and lacks dedicated staff, limiting its ability to expand beyond a small share of applications. Members from different regions noted that many parts of the state still lack cultural district designations and pressed the council to broaden access beyond major urban areas. The item was informational only, with no vote taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• She's been an integral member of winning campaigns locally and statewide.
• Corbett's leadership and character were integral in the F&M County Board.
• </c><01:08:25.120><c> accountability</c><01:08:25.920><c> and</c> integrity and accountability and integrity
• </c><01:09:00.000><c> He</c> integral in the F&amp;M county board.
• He integral in the F&amp;M county board.

Bills: HJR89 , HJR87 , HJR88

Keywords: EPA, pollution control, California emissions standards, NOX regulation, congressional disapproval, HJR87, H.J.Res. 87, Congressional Review Act, CRA, EPA waiver, California waiver, preemption, vehicle emissions, heavy-duty trucks, engine emissions, Advanced Clean Trucks, zero-emission vehicles, ZEV, zero-emission airport shuttle, powertrain certification

Transcript Highlights:

• And we will start with Integrated Community Collaborative. Good afternoon, Chairman Dr.
• And it's on us then to figure out how do we better integrate behavioral health into it.
• Not all 2,000-plus individuals we were tracking achieved competitive integrated employment.
• Phase two is getting people into competitive integrated employment.
• And to this, Should transition into competitive integrated employment.

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