Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:08:29.199><c> has</c> appropriations and revenue committee has appropriations and revenue committee
• And had children been appropriately.
• </c><00:14:00.560><c> Uh,</c> they're appropriately inspected. Uh, they're appropriately inspected.
• </c><00:34:47.599><c> and</c> 25th, 2026 to appropriations and 25th, 2026 to appropriations and revenue
• </c> judiciary, Senate Bills 131 and 193. judiciary, Senate Bills 131 and 193.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, we are the Committee on Judiciary, Rules and Administration, and report that we have read and
• House Bill 688 by Judiciary, Rules, and Administration Committee regarding motor vehicles.
• House Bill 697 by Judiciary, Rules, and Administration Committee regarding elections.
• Senate Bill 1248 by Judiciary Rules Committee regarding State Appellate Public Defenders.
• Senate Bill 1249 by Judiciary and Rules Committee regarding juvenile corrections.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> gone to Judiciary, but it didn't. gone to Judiciary, but it didn't.
• </c> request by Judiciary request by Judiciary to<01:08:26.520><c> hear</c><01:08:26.759><c> it?
• </c> that normally Judiciary would consider. that normally Judiciary would consider.
• That's part of what the Judiciary Committee exists to do.
• </c> the Judiciary Committee exists to do. the Judiciary Committee exists to do.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We would like to call the annual State of the Judiciary to order.
• The role of a thoughtful, independent judiciary is vital, vital to a free democratic republic that this
• Our state's judiciary, the third branch of our state government, is the largest in the nation, serving
• Thank you for the opportunity to deliver my State of the Judiciary address to a joint session of the
• We are grateful that you attended the 2025 State of the Judiciary.

Summary: The California Legislature met in joint convention for the annual State of the Judiciary address, with judges and justices from across the state in attendance along with Governor Newsom and other statewide officials. The opening included prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the formal introduction of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and the California Supreme Court justices. Speakers emphasized the importance of judicial independence, the courts’ role in protecting rights and democracy, and the value of collaboration between the legislative and judicial branches. Chief Justice Guerrero focused on the state of the judicial branch, beginning with budget pressures from prior cuts and noting partial restoration in the governor’s proposed budget, while urging continued stable funding for courts, court-appointed counsel, and judgeships in high-need counties. She highlighted the expansion and benefits of remote proceedings, ongoing judicial vacancies, workload growth, and efforts to improve data collection and case-weighting. She also discussed implementation of the CARE Act, the court interpreter workforce pilot, CASA and kin-first child welfare efforts, courthouse security and facilities projects, and the judiciary’s work on generative AI guardrails. A major portion of the address addressed the recent problems with the California bar exam and broader State Bar oversight. Guerrero said the court would pursue remedies for examinees harmed by the failures and would strengthen admissions oversight, including the role of the Committee of Bar Examiners. She also reiterated support for pro bono legal services and discussed immigration-related courthouse access, citing state laws limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement in courthouses. The convention concluded after remarks thanking the judiciary and Legislature, and the joint session adjourned without any recorded votes or formal legislative action.

Transcript Highlights:

• We initially were in Judiciary.
• And then we would be sending this back to Judiciary.
• I did promise we would bring judiciary.
• </c> for Judiciary if that's needed. for Judiciary if that's needed. Thank<00:07:31.680><c> you.
• Amended be, um, recommended to pass and sent to the Judiciary Committee. That's correct.

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Judiciary and Rules Committee reports that the Senate Journal, proceedings of January 29, 2006, was
• Senate Resolution 113 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for printing.
• The Judiciary and Rules Committee reports that Senate Joint Memorial 108, Senate Concurrent Resolutions
• Senate Bills 1244, 1245, 1246, and 1247 will all be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for
• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1226 by the Judiciary and Rules Committee.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Motion is due pass to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
• Motion is due pass to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
• Motion is due pass to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
• Let's just make it appropriate accountability.
• Motion is do pass to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several education-related bills, beginning with AB 65 on paid pregnancy leave for public school employees. The bill drew strong support from teachers, school employees, unions, and education groups, who argued it would provide up to 14 weeks of paid leave, reduce financial penalties tied to sick leave use, and help recruit and retain educators. Some witnesses and members raised concerns about funding, district eligibility, and implementation, but the bill was advanced on a do-pass recommendation to the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee, with one member not voting and the bill placed on call for absent members. Members then heard AB 673 on an unaccompanied youth support grant program for homeless 16- and 17-year-olds, AB 1552 on reporting recommendations to strengthen civic engagement in higher education, AB 1572 on annual CIF review and qualification standards for sports officials, and AB 1586 on opioid overdose response training and naloxone access for school resource officers. AB 673 and AB 1552 received support from education, youth, and advocacy organizations; AB 673 also drew questions about overlap with existing homeless and foster-care-related programs, while supporters said the bill targets a vulnerable subpopulation that is often missed. AB 1552 and AB 1572 were broadly supported and advanced, and AB 1586 was backed by treatment providers, school nurses, and education groups as a practical student-safety measure; all were moved forward with do-pass recommendations and placed on call. The committee also considered AB 1721, which would create a work group to review and streamline school safety plans, and AB 2060, which would establish a mentor teacher grant program and stipend to strengthen the teacher pipeline. Both bills were supported by administrators, educators, and school-related organizations, and both advanced to the Senate Appropriations Committee. AB 2440, aimed at clarifying Proposition 28 arts and music education funding rules and allowing small districts to pool resources, also received broad support and moved to Appropriations. AB 1784, which would extend pregnancy-related protections to undergraduate students and prohibit discrimination based on pregnancy or related conditions, passed to the Senate Judiciary Committee after support from higher education and women’s advocacy groups. Finally, AB 2660, which would codify the CalBridge STEM pathway program and related efforts to diversify the STEM workforce, was supported by higher education and workforce advocates and advanced to Appropriations after questions about the related EnLACE program and its funding sources.

Transcript Highlights:

• That now is the appropriate time.
• That now is the appropriate time.
• The motion is do pass to the Committee on Judiciary.
• The motion is do pass to the Committee on Appropriations.
• The motion is due pass to the Committee on Judiciary.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Motion is do pass to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
• Motion is do pass to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
• Let's just make it appropriate accountability.
• Motion is do pass to the Judiciary Committee.
• Motion is do pass to the Judiciary Committee.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> appropriate nonopioid prescription drug. appropriate nonopioid prescription drug.
• I move Senate Bill 15, the Judiciary Committee report and the Appropriations Committee report. >> Very
• . >> That was Judiciary.
• The Judiciary report has been adopted to the Appropriations Committee report.
• </c> substantial amendment in uh judiciary. substantial amendment in uh judiciary.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have Amendment Number 986 proposed by the Senate Committee on Judiciary. Senator Scheible.
• Add $17,359,038,000 to our $10 million appropriation already in the bill as introduced.
• Amendment 985 to Assembly Bill 515 clarifies the appropriated but unspent state general fund appropriations
• Amendment 985 to Assembly Bill 515 clarifies the appropriated but unspent state general fund appropriations
• This makes an appropriation to the Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a special House Judiciary Committee meeting. The topic is assisted outpatient treatment.
• So, a very large lift since you all appropriated the.
• A contract or is it the appropriation that ends at the end of the month?
• law, whether that is an appropriate limitation.
• if it's not appropriate for that particular person.

Committee: House House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Your House Judiciary Committee is called to order.
• 234010.1 Senate Judiciary Committee substitute.
• I just wonder if Senate Judiciary reads its amendments or bills.
• it appropriately done by any sheriff that I've talked to even today.
• Is that appropriate?

Bills: SB38 , SB17 , SB41 , SB264

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks, sexual crimes, statute of limitations

Transcript Highlights:

• So that would be an example of a clinically appropriate exam.
• </c> infringing on appropriate medical care. infringing on appropriate medical care.
• </c> appropriate exam. appropriate exam.
• But I I would the judiciary committee.
• </c> data before we go into judiciary data before we go into judiciary committee.<00:20:43.760><c> So

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We directed large amounts of new money to competitive grant programs rather than direct appropriations
• This amendment is certainly germane to the Public Safety and Judiciary Bill.
• This bill is also part of the judiciary bill.
• Now, the Judiciary Bill that We're going to pass here, led by Co-Chairs Liebling and Scott.
• We have to defend our judiciary. That is our job as a legislative branch.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act making an appropriation to the Board of Regents of the University of New Mexico to develop and
• It's making an appropriation to construct, equip, and furnish a new school of medicine facility.
• . professionals in underserved areas, making an appropriation.
• Making an appropriation. Senate Bill 14.
• Then, Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee, then Senate Judiciary Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there also an amount of appropriations that you're requesting, and what is that?
• , and it does appear as if the judiciary does want to maintain that discretion.
• , and it does appear as if the judiciary does want to maintain that discretion.
• </c><01:11:38.239><c> noted</c> responding to what the judiciary noted responding to what the judiciary
• </c> assuming a a committee on judiciary assuming a a committee on judiciary agrees<01:47:45.840><c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with SB 1442, which would update the statute governing the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division and clarify its role as the state Medicaid provider of intensive mental health services for children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbance. The Department of Health testified in strong support, saying the current statute is outdated and warning against any unfunded mandate because the division relies on federal funding and faces uncertainty about future resources. Written testimony from several organizations also supported the bill. The committees took no immediate action and said they would hold decision-making until later. The hearing then moved to SB 479 on ABLE savings accounts. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the measure, arguing that ABLE accounts help people with disabilities save money without losing benefits and that the state needs more outreach and staffing to expand participation. A testifier with a disability said the bill would help people keep Social Security and housing stability. The chair indicated an intention to move the bill forward, and asked about funding; the discussion settled on a requested appropriation of about $75,000 for incentives. Next, SB 1245 on reimbursement of pharmacists drew broad support from the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, rural pharmacies, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, and others, who said the bill would improve access to care, especially on neighbor islands and in rural communities, and help pharmacies participate in 340B-related services. The Insurance Division and HMSA raised concerns about bill language, saying it could be read to cover pharmacists outside an insurer’s network and that the scope of reimbursable services needed clarification; the pharmacists’ association said the bill is intended to apply only to in-network pharmacists and should continue to reference existing scope-of-practice law. The hearing also took up SB 1279, which would allow pharmacists to authorize medications via telehealth under certain circumstances. The State Board of Pharmacy opposed the bill, citing patient safety, a pilot project with reported errors, concerns about controlled substances and unregulated technicians, and the view that in-person pharmacist services are safer and already available on the affected islands. Several pharmacies and health care groups supported the measure as a way to preserve 340B access and improve service on Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi, while some local pharmacies said they already provide in-person service and opposed remote dispensing. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1550, appropriation Queen Creek. PSLE and appropriations. SB 1580, appropriation fire incident.
• PSLE and appropriations. SB 1582, appropriation school safety. Education and appropriations.
• PSLE and appropriations. SB 1582, appropriation school safety. Education and appropriations.
• SB 1170, narcotics; judiciary. SB 1234, juvenile safety and appropriations.
• SB 1544, probation; judiciary and appropriations. SB 1709, dangerous... judiciary.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Kai Sun. Members also welcomed newly sworn Representative Cody Rhyme and congratulated Sergeant-at-Arms Chuck Fitzgerald on his recent wedding. Several members introduced guests and visiting groups, including pharmacists at Pharmacy Day at the Capitol, the Arizona Education Association, the Well-Being Collaborative of Arizona, and local officials and constituents from around the state. The chamber then took up House Resolution 2001, which designated March 18, 2026 as Health Workforce Well-Being Day in Arizona. The resolution cited burnout and workforce shortages among physicians, nurses, medical students, residents, pharmacists, and other health professionals, and urged state officials and health organizations to prioritize workforce well-being. It was adopted without objection to waive first and second reading, and Representative Bliss introduced guests connected to the Well-Being Collaborative. The House also considered several bills on third reading. House Bill 2375, relating to housing and historic neighborhoods, drew extensive debate over local control, historic preservation, housing shortages, and concerns about exclusion and segregation; it passed 31-24, but without the required two-thirds vote for its emergency clause. House Bill 2931, concerning the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board, passed 36-19, and House Bill 2992, creating a child sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention pilot program, passed 35-20 after debate over whether funds should instead support broader sex education. Senate Bill 1010, substituted for House Bill 4027 and relating to historic names, passed 33-22. The House also handled committee assignments, referrals, and first readings of additional Senate bills before adjourning until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Michelle Costa here on behalf of the Judiciary.
• First up, we have the Judiciary.
• Judiciary uh with comments you uh oh Judiciary uh with comments you uh oh please please please I<00:28
• </c><00:48:15.480><c> on</c> recommendation from the Judiciary on recommendation from the Judiciary on
• </c> modify the bill to allow the Judiciary modify the bill to allow the Judiciary to<00:48:26.280><c

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several transportation and public safety measures on March 28, 2025. SB 1195 would prohibit parking within certain distances of crosswalks and intersections, direct parking fine revenue to the Safe Routes to School special fund, and remove the need for signs or curb markings in some cases. The Department of Transportation, Department of Health, and Ulupono Initiative supported the bill, emphasizing improved visibility, pedestrian safety, and funding for school-route improvements; written testimony included both support and one opposition. No vote was taken during the hearing segment provided. The committee also heard SB 1102 on the aircraft rescue firefighting unit chief, which would set term-based appointment provisions for the airport division’s fire chief. DOT supported the measure, saying it would give the director flexibility to select leadership and adapt to changing needs, while a member asked about current removal procedures for underperforming employees. The bill was presented as a management and leadership measure, with no action taken in the excerpt. SB 1216, addressing noisy mufflers and safety inspection requirements, drew DOT support in principle but concern that existing rules already cover inspection standards and that enforcement after inspection remains difficult; DOT also described a planned noise-detection camera pilot on Oʻahu. Testimony included support from neighborhood and advocacy groups and opposition from three individuals. For SB 30, which would require helmets for moped riders under 21, DOT and HPD supported the bill, citing crash data and injury prevention; testimony was evenly split overall, with six in support and six in opposition. SB 344 would require helmets for skateboard users under 18; DOT supported it, and a DOT witness explained current helmet rules for other devices such as e-bikes, scooters, and motorcycles. SB 1095, increasing decal size limits for special number plates, drew DOT concerns that larger decals could interfere with plate readability and automated enforcement. SB 1522 would make proof of filing required vehicle-transfer notice forms a complete defense to actions arising from the vehicle’s later use or abandonment; the Judiciary said it had no position on the bill’s merits but objected to language requiring new court forms and raised access and legal-advice concerns, while Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services supported the measure. The committee then heard SB 597, extending the deadline for the Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office to issue written review decisions. The Attorney General and DOT supported the extension, citing limited toxicology capacity and shipping delays for testing, and several law enforcement and public health entities also supported it. In contrast, the ADLRO hearing officer testified with serious concerns about due process, warning that eliminating or delaying the review process could create constitutional problems, disproportionately burden people without attorneys, and jeopardize thousands of cases. Finally, SB 1285 proposed a tiered revocation system for DUI arrests; ADLRO strongly opposed it on due process grounds, while DOT supported it as a safety measure and the Hawaii Public Health Institute commented that evidence is lacking for standalone mandatory revocation and suggested stronger impaired-driving standards instead. The committee had not yet taken final action in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the appropriate time, I would like to request that we move this favorably.
• And that's not appropriate. All right.
• And that's not appropriate. All right.
• That's all we're trying to accomplish at the appropriate time.
• I sat on Appropriations since I've been here.

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Summary: The committee took up several House bills dealing mainly with ethics, elections, and legislative procedure. HB 858 by Rep. Riser, creating a public records exception for GPS data on wildlife and aquatic life held by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, was reported favorably without objection. HB 661, which expands existing nepotism exceptions to allow school board members and superintendents to hire immediate family members as paraprofessionals and janitors, drew support from members concerned about staffing shortages in schools; the Ethics Administrator noted the board’s concern that repeated exceptions erode the nepotism rules, but the bill was still reported favorably without objection. HB 359, a cleanup bill on the death of a non-major-party primary candidate, was also reported favorably without objection. HB 258, which clarifies that volunteer firefighters are not subject to dual office-holding restrictions and allows retired judges to serve on certain boards while still being available for ad hoc judicial service, passed on an 8-4 roll call vote. Rep. Newell’s HB 705, which would strengthen contempt of the legislature penalties and add provisions addressing disorderly conduct and interference with legislative proceedings, generated the most debate. Members raised concerns about the proposed jump in fines from $1,000 to $50,000, due process, and the breadth of language that could be read to cover ordinary advocacy or passionate testimony. After discussion, the author agreed the bill needed more work, and it was voluntarily deferred in committee. The committee also heard HB 177, allowing retired court reporters to return on a contractual basis to address shortages, which was amended and then reported favorably without objection. HB 238, which would remove a waiting period and population-based restriction for former school board members or certified psychologists to return to work in school districts, prompted a lengthy debate about the judiciary and per diem rules because of related ethics concerns raised in the discussion; the author ultimately asked to voluntarily defer the bill, and the committee agreed. Finally, HB 398, which would cap lodging, meal, and incidental expense reimbursements for state officials and employees at GSA rates and limit emergency exceptions, drew sharp opposition from several members and a retired judge who argued the current judicial per diem is reasonable and tied to safety and travel needs. The author said he would work on amendments and voluntarily deferred HB 398. The committee then began discussion of HB 752, which would move the timing of regular legislative sessions into joint rule and change the session start/end dates, with the author explaining it was intended to give the Legislature more flexibility without needing constitutional amendments.