Transcript Highlights:

• </c> which I believe funds about um 2.2 staff which I believe funds about um 2.2 staff members.<00:31
• </c><00:56:30.799><c> aid</c><00:56:31.359><c> by</c> telecom equity aid by telecom equity aid by 750,000
• </c> from administrator to to staff. Okay. from administrator to to staff. Okay.
• </c> individual so there's an adult on staff individual so there's an adult on staff monitoring<01:09
• They they they don't have and equity.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We used to have a classification called staff or administrative officer two.
• It's now defined in our compensation philosophy: target pay, fiscal responsibility, internal equity.
• The internal equity, I think, is really important that you've pointed out. and the alignment for pay.
• for pay equity for their employees.
• We do not have enough staff. We have a two-person prevention staff serving a very large area."

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank the committee and the staff for the work. Thank you.
• It's about restoring equity.
• In a staff survey back in 2017, 35% of staff indicated they would leave the school district over the
• Our resident mix is approximately 60% certificated staff and 40% classified staff, all non-management
• staff.

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a long agenda of housing, water, and local finance bills, with the chair repeatedly reminding attendees about hearing rules and noting that several measures were being heard without a quorum at first. Early items included AB 407, which would broaden eligibility for state-run loan and financing programs to help small businesses fund environmental, seismic, and ADA upgrades, and AB 93, which would require data centers to estimate and report water use and follow state best practices. AB 93 drew support from water advocates and local government groups, while the Data Center Coalition opposed it, arguing the bill could be overly restrictive, difficult to retrofit, and raise trade secret or security concerns. The committee also heard AB 650 on housing element review, AB 1044 on creating a new Tulare County groundwater sustainability agency, and AB 523 on allowing proxy voting for single-representative member agencies on the Metropolitan Water District board; all drew broad support from local agencies and related stakeholders and no recorded opposition in the room. Several housing bills were presented as part of a broader fast-track housing package. AB 507 would streamline adaptive reuse of office buildings into housing, especially in downtowns with high vacancy; supporters said it would revive urban cores and help meet housing and climate goals, while the League of California Cities and a few cities opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about one-size-fits-all by-right approval and fee limitations. AB 1294 would create a universal housing application and limit early application requirements; it drew strong support from housing and business groups, with the American Planning Association and League of California Cities seeking more flexibility and input. AB 610 would require local governments to disclose housing constraints in their housing elements and limit new constraints after certification for three years unless disclosed; supporters said it would improve transparency and certainty, while opponents warned it could chill legitimate local policy choices and inclusionary housing requirements. Both AB 610 and AB 698, which would require analysis of the housing and property tax impacts of proposed transfer taxes, were moved out of committee on 7-0 votes after discussion and amendments. The committee also heard AB 1112, which would repeal an outdated Riverside County property tax provision affecting Rancho Mirage; the city argued it was the only qualifying no-low property tax city not receiving the standard minimum and sought equal treatment. After quorum was established, the bill was passed 6-0 with amendments and sent to Appropriations. AB 1021, heard later, would make it easier for school districts and other local education agencies to build employee housing, with the author citing teacher recruitment and retention problems and support from education stakeholders. Throughout the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized the need to balance housing production, local fiscal tools, and infrastructure needs, and several authors accepted committee amendments and committed to continued negotiations with opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• still young and evolving, and how we shape its future together will have lasting consequences for equity
• , which I have written, to educate your staff, your budtenders, your retail staff, on identifying people
• But, you know, it would make my staff and make their lives easier and make people want to come out.
• So it's really important that we consider social equity in terms of the workers themselves, the wages
• If you can't run a business without intimidating your own staff, then maybe you shouldn't be running

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held its fourth hearing, with opening remarks from Senate Chair Adam Gómez and House Chair Dan Donahue emphasizing the committee’s broad agenda, including retail modernization, labor protections, advertising rules, sustainability, and financial resources. Testimony began with public health advocates supporting H.157/S.9 to ban cannabis billboard advertising, arguing that billboards normalize use for youth and are linked to cannabis-related harms such as psychosis, addiction, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Witnesses cited research, family stories, and court decisions in Mississippi and Virginia upholding similar restrictions, while committee members questioned the scope of the state’s authority to regulate billboards on private property and the relevance of federal highway funding and federal cannabis law. The committee also heard testimony on H.175, a proposal to allow cannabis drive-through sales. A dispensary operator argued drive-throughs would improve access, especially for disabled customers and veterans, and said security and ID checks could be handled with cameras and staff screening. Committee members pressed him on how employees would assess impairment, whether drive-throughs could increase access for minors, and whether the industry should be treated like alcohol, with the witness responding that staff already refuse service to intoxicated customers and that education, not prohibition, is the better approach. Another bill, H.3982, would apply the bottle deposit law to carbonated hemp- or THC-infused beverages; the sponsor said the measure would standardize recycling requirements for products already sold in dispensaries and other markets, and members asked about container types and recycling compatibility. A major portion of the hearing focused on labor peace agreements, with UFCW representatives, cannabis workers, and Sen. Lydia Edwards supporting S.77/H.161. They said the bill would require cannabis businesses to remain neutral when workers seek to organize, arguing that unions improve safety, wages, benefits, and job stability in an industry they described as underregulated and prone to retaliation. Witnesses cited workplace hazards, wage theft, and the death of a worker at a Holyoke facility as examples of why stronger worker protections are needed. Committee members asked how the proposal differs from existing labor law, whether tying LPAs to licensing and renewal could create legal or administrative problems, and how other states handle similar requirements. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Senator Warren's staff, the gentlelady from Somerville, and we listened to their pain.
• Jim, Senate Clerk, and the Senate Counsel, and all of the Senate Counsel staff.
• Now, of course, I would be remiss if I did not thank my staff.
• Thank you to each and every member of the Ways and Means staff.
• And I'd like to thank my staff. I feel like I can never do this enough. They make me...

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate met on the FY27 budget and began with several ceremonial introductions and brief amendment withdrawals. Senator Collins withdrew amendments related to restoring DCF social worker funding and educator pay. The chamber then ruled a package of tax-related amendments offered by Senator Tarr out of order on constitutional grounds, finding they would create money-bill provisions that must originate in the House; the Senate upheld that ruling by a vote of 35-4. Senator Tarr later offered amendments on a gas tax suspension and related tax relief themes, but those were not adopted. The Senate considered and rejected several other amendments, including proposals on commemorating Commonwealth history, naming a bridge, repeat offenders, and no-cost calls. One amendment by Senator Fattman to extend domestic violence leave protections to contract employees was adopted unanimously, with 39 votes in favor and none opposed. The chamber also adopted an amendment creating a special commission to study the adequacy, reliability, and distribution of unrestricted general government aid (UGA), after extended debate about inequities in municipal aid and local budget pressures. Members from across the chamber supported the commission, while some emphasized that adequacy of funding, not just redistribution, remains a concern. The Senate then took up Chapter 90, passing the municipal roads and bridges bill to be engrossed. It also adopted a community programming amendment and a Senate Ways and Means amendment, then adopted the Ways and Means budget amendment as amended and ordered the underlying FY27 appropriations bill to a third reading. After lengthy closing remarks from the Ways and Means chair, minority leader, and the Senate President praising the budget process and highlighting investments in local aid, education, public safety, and other priorities, the Senate voted 40-0 to pass the FY27 budget bill to be engrossed. The chamber then adopted an order to reconvene the following Tuesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of Trooper Kevin Thomas Traynor.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to begin by thanking you and your staff for the thoughtful work and conversations we've had around
• We'll continue to work with the author's office and the committee staff, as we have been, to try to find
• We are also concerned about the bill and expressed initial opposition to the staff.
• The Farmer Equity Act passed in 2017 by my colleague and a member of this committee, Assembly Member
• include all of our farmers, and I'm really proud to support this, and I'll continue the push for equity

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Agriculture met as a subcommittee and heard several bills, with extensive discussion focused on balancing agricultural land preservation, water scarcity, renewable energy, and farm equity. AB 1156 by Assembly Member Wicks would update the solar use easement program to allow certain Williamson Act lands facing water constraints to be used for solar projects through a suspension rather than cancellation of contracts. Supporters said the bill could help landowners and local governments adapt to falling water supplies and meet clean energy goals, while opponents, including the Farm Bureau, warned it could weaken Williamson Act protections, expand solar development onto prime farmland, and eliminate cancellation fees that help preserve agricultural land. RCRC said its concerns had largely been addressed through amendments and moved from opposition to support once changes are in print, though committee members continued to raise concerns about prime farmland, community benefits, and definitions of commercial viability and water constraints. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass-as-amended motion, with a later roll call recording six votes in favor and one absent member voting aye. AB 524 by Assembly Member Wilson would create a new state land access program for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, using Proposition 4 funding to provide financial and technical assistance for land acquisition, protection, and long-term leases. Testimony emphasized the lack of secure land tenure for small and underserved farmers, the loss of farmland statewide, and the difficulty of investing in sustainable practices without stable access to land. Committee members strongly supported the measure, with several noting the importance of land access for family farms and equity in agriculture. The bill passed unanimously on an 8-0 vote. The committee also approved AB 675 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which would codify California’s Farm to School program in statute. Supporters said the program connects students to healthy local food, creates stable markets for farmers, and supports agricultural and nutrition education, while helping direct school meal dollars to California producers. Witnesses from the Center for Ecoliteracy and CAFF described the program’s statewide reach and benefits for small farms and high-need schools. The bill passed on an 8-0 vote. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, approving AB 1322 and AB 1505 on an 8-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Senator Warren's staff, the gentlelady from Somerville, and we listened to their pain.
• Jim, Senate Clerk, and the Senate Counsel, and all of the Senate Counsel staff.
• Now, of course, I would be remiss if I did not thank my staff.
• Thank you to each and every member of the Ways and Means staff.
• And I'd like to thank my staff. I feel like I can never do this enough.

Summary: The Senate continued debate on the FY27 state budget, with several distinguished introductions and a series of amendment actions. Early amendments from Senator Collins on restoring DCF social worker funding and educator pay were withdrawn without objection. The Chair then sustained a point of order that a group of tax-related amendments, including proposals on teacher tax relief, tips, overtime, estate tax, and income tax rates, were out of order because they would create money bills that must originate in the House; the Senate voted 35-4 to uphold that ruling. Senator Tarr’s gas tax suspension amendment and several other amendments were defeated, while Senator Fattman’s amendment extending domestic violence leave protections to contract employees was adopted unanimously, 39-0. The Senate also adopted Senator Fernandes’ amendment creating a commission to study the adequacy, reliability, and distribution of unrestricted general government aid (UGA), after debate focused on inequities in local aid distribution and the need for a modern formula. The chamber then took up House No. 5375, the Chapter 90 municipal roads and bridges bill, and passed it to be engrossed. Additional amendments were considered on the budget, including a community programming amendment and a Senate Ways and Means amendment, both adopted, after which the Ways and Means amendment as amended was adopted and the underlying budget was ordered to a third reading. The Senate also handled several procedural matters, including concurrence in a House referral for a bill on poverty-related legislation and ordering a sick leave bank bill for Carla Johnson to a third reading. After extensive closing remarks from the Ways and Means chair, minority leader, and others praising the collaborative budget process and highlighting investments in local aid, education, public safety, and other priorities, the Senate voted on final passage of House No. 5501, the FY27 appropriations bill. The roll call showed 40-0 in favor, and the bill was passed to be engrossed. The Senate then adopted an order to reconvene the following Tuesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of Trooper Kevin Thomas Traynor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ways and Means staff, thank you so very much for your work. I appreciate that very much.
• Jim, Senate Clerk, and the Senate Counsel, and all of the Senate Counsel staff.
• Now, of course, I would be remiss if I did not thank my staff.
• Thank you to each and every member of the Ways and Means staff.
• And I'd like to thank my staff. I feel like I can never do this enough.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to start by thanking the committee and staff for their work on this bill.
• I would also like to thank committee staff for working with us on these amendments.
• with the EQ staff and my staff and staff of the City of San Diego.
• I also want to acknowledge the senator's personal staff and committee staff for their time and expertise
• Staff from Teamsters Joint Council 42, in strong support. Okay. Any opposition witness?

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on wildfire resilience, land use, and local government transparency. SB 911 by Senator Becker would require notification to fire enforcement agencies when a home in a high fire severity zone is sold with an agreement for the buyer to bring the property into defensible-space compliance; the California Association of Realtors said it would drop opposition if the bill is amended to use the preliminary change of ownership report, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 994 by Senator Cabaldon would bar local officials from signing nondisclosure agreements that prevent them from sharing information with the elected decision-makers of their jurisdiction; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, and it also passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1041 by Senator Riggins would expand PACE financing for wildfire home-hardening improvements and add consumer protections, but it drew strong opposition from homeowner advocates, county treasurers, bankers, and others over predatory lending and lien concerns; it passed 3-2 and remained on call. The committee also considered SB 1075 by Senator Reyes, which would require local governments in AB 617 communities to consider air-quality reduction measures in land-use approvals for industrial and commercial projects. Environmental justice groups supported the bill as a way to implement community air plans, while counties, cities, business groups, builders, trucking interests, and others opposed it as duplicative of CEQA and a barrier to investment and jobs. After debate over local control and environmental justice, the bill passed 3-2 and remained on call. SB 958 by Senator Cabaldon would advance the Midway Rising redevelopment project in San Diego, replacing a former arena and parking lots with housing, affordable units, parks, and a new entertainment venue; with no opposition voiced, it passed 3-0 to Appropriations. Another wildfire-related measure, SB 1182 by Senator Allen, would require local governments to consider insurance availability in safety planning for development in high fire hazard areas and direct state technical guidance on the issue. Supporters said insurance access is now a key indicator of risk, while some members questioned whether the bill would add useful information or burden local governments; the bill received a 1-1 vote and remained on call. The committee then began hearing SB 1116 by Senator Caballero, a starter-home/infill housing bill creating a streamlined ministerial path for small projects up to 10 units, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or a vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to start by thanking the committee and staff for their work on this bill.
• I would also like to thank committee staff for working with us on these amendments.
• Staff of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, sponsor of the measure.
• with the EQ staff and my staff and staff of the City of San Diego.
• I also want to acknowledge the Senator's personal staff and committee staff for their time and expertise

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Woodson Academy, Miss Nikesha Kart, and then one of our staff, Dr. Demarcus Hopson.
• I'm going to turn it over to our principal at this time. our staff, uh Dr. Demarcus Hopson.
• And our staff, uh Dr. Demarcus Hopson.
• </c> revise and foster inclusion and equity revise and foster inclusion and equity for<00:04:41.520><
• </c> right people, the the committed staff right people, the the committed staff and<00:31:06.480><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September meeting minutes, and heard presentations from Carter G. Woodson Academy in Lexington and related school programs in Fayette County Public Schools. School leaders described the academy as an all-male public school option focused on culture, belonging, and opportunity, with a mission to educate, empower, and equip young men academically, socially, and morally. They emphasized culturally responsive instruction, restorative practices, mentorship, brotherhood circles, and access to advanced coursework, dual enrollment, and career pathways. Student speakers highlighted school culture, leadership opportunities, and clubs such as SGA, Beta Club, FFA, and the Bow Tie Club, along with service and community engagement. Presenters said the academy began in 2012, is housed with Frederick Douglass High School, uses an application and lottery process, and can serve up to about 350 students but is intentionally kept near 300 because of space. They reported 302 enrolled students, about 38 seniors, a 100% graduation rate, 95% average attendance, 100% postsecondary success, and $1.8 million in scholarship offers last year. They also shared demographic and achievement data, noting growth in MAP scores, strengths in reading and writing, and math as an ongoing focus area. The school said 90% of high school scholars are taking at least one dual credit class this year, and some students have earned opportunities at selective programs such as Gatton Academy and Craft Academy. Committee members praised the school’s results and asked about enrollment, funding, and whether the model could be replicated statewide. School leaders said the program is fully funded through Fayette County Public Schools, could be replicated with committed staff and training, and that teachers receive preparation through the Gearing Institute to better understand how boys learn. They also noted that Fayette County has other specialized programs, including girls’ academies and other options for underrepresented students. Members expressed interest in long-term tracking of graduates, and the school said it is preparing to study outcomes as the first graduating class approaches its 10-year anniversary.

Transcript Highlights:

• But for my staff of 10 and my board, it creates an undue burden on staff time.
• Ethan Moreno, nonpartisan staff to the committee.
• Equity across school boards, school programs, facilities, and outcomes.
• I'm not on WSSDA staff, so I'm just testifying on behalf of WSSDA staff.
• Please reach out to our staff right now.

Bills: HB1662, HB1683

Keywords: education agencies, administrative independence, superintendent, education reform, agency authority, education, school boards, district adjustments, administrative boundaries, educational governance, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To follow up with John Clark, in the discussions we had with LFC staff, the economists and LFC staff,
• Great getting staff in place, and again, this also comes with.
• We now currently have a staff of three, and thanks to this new innovation office, we have a staff of
• She's going to introduce our staff that are in the room.
• , and your external staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have no equity.
• I have no equity.
• So again, I end up trying to personally guarantee something with which I have no equity.
• So again, I end up trying to personally guarantee something with which I have no equity.
• um so each with which I have no equity um so each one<00:40:30.880><c> of</c><00:40:31.040><c> these

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The work session focused on HB 54, which would allow New Hampshire’s alternative treatment centers to operate for profit. Chair David Nagel opened by identifying the main concerns: whether members agreed with the bill conceptually, whether the proposal could be shaped to avoid a gubernatorial veto, and whether it could lead to “big cannabis” taking over. He also emphasized that the bill would not change the existing oversight structure, which remained under RSA 126-X. Representative Wendy Thomas said the governor’s objections in past sessions appeared to center on the state’s preference for a state-run model and broader policy concerns, but no one present knew the current governor’s position. Several speakers argued the bill was primarily about financing and access, not expanding the number of dispensaries. Matt Simon of Granite Leaf Cannabis said the current nonprofit structure makes it difficult to raise capital, pay down debt, and open additional access points, and that the bill would be a corporate restructuring rather than a change in day-to-day regulation. Brandon Pollock of TASCAL Wellness said medical cannabis programs in most other states are for-profit, and that New Hampshire’s nonprofit requirement has left ATCs burdened with high-interest debt and higher prices that push patients to Maine, Vermont, or the street market. He said converting to for-profit status could allow conventional financing, lower prices, and help keep patients in the regulated program. Members also discussed whether for-profit ownership would invite outside corporate control. Witnesses said the bill would not open the market to new operators, would not change advertising rules, and would include restrictions on ownership transfers for a period of time; “foreign corporation” was explained as an out-of-state entity. One speaker noted that the bill is similar to earlier versions that passed both chambers with strong support but never became law. No vote was taken during the work session; the discussion was informational and aimed at addressing concerns before the bill moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that fiscal staff walked you through. that fiscal staff walked you through.
• </c> staff for your hours and hours of work. staff for your hours and hours of work.
• staff, first of all.
• staff, first of all.
• staff, first of all.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Equity equivalent investment into the green bank.
• For instance, agriculture is not a sector where there are equity private venture funds in New Mexico
• We have some flexible debt, along with some non-traditional equity programs.
• That it wasn't just we had one good person on staff, and if that person left, our program fell apart.
• Madam Chair, we have two debt programs in here, and the rest are all equity investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know the president and the pros are here I want to acknowledge that we have the chief of staff
• Counter American Affairs where I lead the Economic Equity Committee and I'm happy to say that Senator
• So there's a big push in this region around equity and opportunity from procurement to multi-lingual.
• I do have one on that, similar to AB 2019, the equity procurement.
• I have a wonderful staff here in the local district. I am happy to engage.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Calm anxious hearts and minds and souls, and give these senators and their staffs what they need for
• </c><00:31:50.559><c> and</c> want to welcome members and staff and want to welcome members and staff
• I have to say that Carrie had the utmost respect for our staff.
• I have to say that Carrie had the utmost respect for our staff.
• </c> workplaces into spaces of e Equity workplaces into spaces of e Equity compassion compassion compassion

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I don't know if I will just introduce the new staff or have the new staff introduce themselves.
• And welcome to our staff and then we're going to go over to our partisan staff.
• from an equity lens of districts.
• from an equity lens of districts.
• </c> our students and staff. our students and staff.

Bills: HF3492, HF3493, HF3494, HF3495, HF3602

Keywords: school safety, grants, education funding, Northern Lights Express, security improvements, rural schools, safe schools, charter schools, nonpublic schools, Tribal education, funding increase, safe schools aid, school security, mental health support, Tribal schools, cybersecurity, funding, mental health, evidence-based plans, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Today I rise to present AB 1957, which protects homeowners from losing their hard-earned equity during
• Today I rise to present AB 1957, which protects homeowners from losing their hard-earned equity during
• California's local agencies face extreme plan-checking delays due to a combination of staff shortages
• California repeat doxing of staff and volunteers at immigration legal aid organizations, coordinated
• our... ...staff are also trained to administer naloxone.

Keywords: 988, house, all