Transcript Highlights:

• This is an option that districts can use when they're trying to protect This is an option that districts
• It's uniting our P.K. or TK-12 districts, along with our community college districts and schools.
• with Title I schools, small and rural districts, and districts serving English learners.
• CSEA supports SB1262 because it allows districts to build a robust reserve, but ensures that districts
• And for our district, as a small district, that equates to roughly $14 million.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills. SB 1154 would allow community college districts to use best-value procurement for public works projects over $1 million. The author and community college supporters argued it would give colleges flexibility similar to K-12, UC, and CSU and help avoid delays and costly change orders. Contractors and electrical subcontractors opposed the bill, saying its skilled-and-trained workforce requirement and safety provisions would narrow competition and disadvantage small and nonunion firms. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass vote and was placed on call. SB 1347 would clarify that stock albuterol may be stocked in all public schools, including preschool programs. The author and a physician testified that the bill would remove confusion in existing law and improve access to emergency asthma medication for students. School nurses, respiratory care advocates, and small school districts supported the measure, and there was no opposition. The bill passed unanimously on a due-pass to the floor vote and was placed on call. SB 1222 would create a pilot program to designate a lead county office to help regions struggling with career technical education implementation. Supporters said many students remain disconnected from school and work and that the bill would spread proven regional CTE practices. Some committee members questioned whether another pilot was needed, arguing existing CTE programs need more funding and fewer new structures, while the author and sponsor said the bill would build regional capacity and share successful models. The bill passed to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. SB 1378 would create a California Excellence in Service Learning Designation Program to recognize schools and districts with strong service-learning programs. Supporters said it would validate existing work and encourage civic engagement, while one member raised concerns about adding more designations and workload for schools. The bill passed as amended to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. SB 1048 would create a Seal of Climate Literacy for high school students demonstrating climate science knowledge through coursework and hands-on learning. Supporters, including the Department of Education and climate education groups, said it would align students with growing clean-energy careers; some members cautioned against adding more curriculum-related seals and noted equity and implementation concerns. The bill passed to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. Later, SB 1101, the Higher Education Data Sharing Transparency Act, was presented. It would require CSU, community colleges, independent colleges, and request UC to notify students, faculty, and staff when their personal information is shared with federal agencies such as the Office for Civil Rights, and to limit disclosure to what is legally required. Supporters said recent federal investigations and subpoenas have created fear and a lack of transparency on campuses. Committee discussion focused on subpoena authority, constitutional limits, and whether notice should be required; one member said she would abstain because of legal concerns, while another said the bill would continue to be examined in the next committee. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 1101 before a final vote is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had over 500 emails, but only three, four, and three against in my district.
• I get 500, but really only six in my district. Thank you. Thank you.
• I understand it, like a district—could a district say, no, we don't want to do that in our district,
• The district said, no, we don't want to do that in our district, or is this a requirement for the state
• , and this entity wanted to do it, and the district said, no, we don't want to do that in our district

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1079 by Rep. Boudreaux, which would allow charter schools to give enrollment preference to children who attended a licensed early learning center operated by the charter school or under an articulation agreement. An amendment expanded the preference to include children of active-duty military members, foster children, and children in court-ordered custody situations, and a second amendment clarified that the preference is permissive. Supporters said the bill would improve continuity from preschool to kindergarten and encourage more early learning centers. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 1079 as amended. The committee then took up HB 737 by Vice Chair Amedee, which would remove the state requirement that students show proof of meningococcal vaccination for school or post-secondary entry. The author argued the bill aligns state law with updated CDC guidance and preserves parental choice and physician consultation, while opponents, including pediatricians, public health advocates, and meningitis survivors, warned that removing the requirement would lower vaccination rates and increase the risk of severe illness or death. After extensive testimony and questions, the committee voted 4-8 against the motion to report the bill, so HB 737 failed. Next, the committee considered HB 628 by Rep. Landry, as substituted, to allow school boards and the Department of Education to work with licensed early learning centers to operate micro centers at schools, including dual licensing at one location. Supporters said it would expand access for three-year-olds, improve school readiness, and help families and the workforce. The substitute was adopted, and the bill was reported by substitute without objection. Finally, the committee heard HB 1008 by Rep. Owen, which would prohibit public post-secondary institutions from retaliating against faculty for disclosing certain violations or exercising academic freedom and free speech. The author and a professor witness said the bill would protect open inquiry and reduce self-censorship in higher education. The committee adopted two amendments to clarify academic freedom and tighten remedies; the transcript cuts off before any final vote on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• them approximately $2.7 million. metropolitan school districts and the metropolitan school districts
• </c><00:26:16.679><c> in</c> all School dist districts in all School dist districts in Minnesota<00:26
• </c><00:26:26.679><c> as</c> in fact our school districts as in fact our school districts as employers
• </c> 330 31 districts are currently making 330 31 districts are currently making Staffing<00:27:00.440
• </c> Business counties and school districts Business counties and school districts to<01:20:58.600><c

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Sanford's point, the lack of federal guidance, grocers and other retailers are navigating inconsistent
• But I do think this gives folks who may be in your district—I mean, we don't know where the next one
• Reveau, I represent a neighboring district to you.
• I've heard it time and time again in my district.
• It's a nonprofit that helps borrowers navigate through the red tape because it is a confusing process

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• People are a little bit hesitant about those until they learn how to navigate them.
• But we've actually built some videos to help people feel more comfortable navigating those roundabouts
• People are a little bit hesitant about those until they learn how to navigate them.
• That'll be being a safe bus rider, knowing how to navigate and when to cross the street, things like
• And I think when we see that taking root in some school districts, that's where it's finding itself in

Committee: All ALC-HIGHWAY COMMISSION REVIEW AND ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The Highway Commission Review and Advisory Subcommittee received a quarterly update from ARDOT Director Jared Wiley on major highway projects, federal funding, land conveyances, and agency safety outreach. Members asked about the status of numerous projects, including Jonesboro area work, the Townsend Avenue project in Fort Smith, the I-40/Highway 59 interchange in Van Buren, the I-55 bridge replacement at Memphis, the I-40/I-55 interchange congestion near Memphis, the Mountain Home Bypass, and other local road and drainage concerns. Wiley said most large projects are progressing well, though some are delayed by utilities, change orders, or sharply rising costs; he noted the Townsend Avenue project is being paused because costs grew from an estimated $12–15 million to more than $60 million, with funding to be redirected to other area projects. He also said the I-55 bridge project is about 60% designed and could begin construction in 2027, and that the Van Buren interchange should be completed before year’s end. The committee also reviewed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding report and quarterly land conveyances. Wiley explained that the federal project list reflects state oversight on some jobs, that federal aid agreements must be submitted before expenditures, and that ARDOT uses biennial appropriations to front project costs and seek reimbursement. On land conveyances, he described three surplus-property transactions: a drainage easement near I-40 sold back to a landowner, a Paragould Bypass-related tract sold after it became landlocked, and a small Highway 112 parcel in northwest Arkansas sold back for development after plans changed. Wiley then highlighted ARDOT outreach and safety efforts, including the Street Smart education program for middle and high school students, with online lesson plans, videos, quizzes, and materials available through StreetSmartAR.org. He also discussed the agency’s litter campaign, saying ARDOT collected 14,000 bags of trash in one day this year, has issued warnings and citations for unsecured loads, and spent nearly $11 million on litter cleanup last year. He reported that all ARDOT staff have completed human trafficking awareness training, and he described ongoing campaigns on work zone safety, “Slow Down, Phone Down,” move-over awareness, and a new podcast to answer public questions. The meeting ended with thanks to the director and a note that the committee may not meet again until November unless needed sooner.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> District 34. District 34.
• So, we have a telehealth access point and navigator project.
• Again, this was and navigator project.
• </c> navigators, but it was very successful. navigators, but it was very successful.
• </c><00:27:04.240><c> We</c> navigators. So, we'll expand on that. We navigators.

Bills: HB20 , HB276 , HB644 , HB812 , HB816 , HB916 , HB1131 , HB1247 , HB1518 , HB1525 , HB1537 , HB1541 , HB1546 , HB1553 , HB1562 , HB1565 , HB1566 , HB1576 , HB1577 , HB1591 , HB1605 , HB1612 , HB1613 , HB1614 , HB1618 , HB1620 , HB1650 , HB1656 , HB1658 , HB1661 , HB1664 , HB1668 , HB1676 , HB1707 , HB1711 , HB1713 , HB1715 , HB1718 , HB1727 , HB1749 , HB1756 , HB1774 , HB1776 , HB1801 , HB1802 , HB1805 , HB1813 , HB1815 , HB1831 , HB1838 , HB1853 , HB1854 , HB1859 , HB1863 , HB1871 , HB1872 , HB1918 , HB1920 , HB1952 , HB1965 , HB1966 , HB1967 , HB1969 , HB1972 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB1975 , HB1980 , HB1985 , HB2005 , HB2023 , HB2031 , HB2033 , HB2062 , HB2113 , HB2114 , HB2116 , HB2138 , HB2139 , HB2156 , HB2158 , HB2159 , HB2171 , HB2208 , HB2268 , HB2270 , HB2272 , HB2273 , HB2276 , HB2289 , HB2310 , HB2315 , HB2335 , HB2338 , HB2339 , HB2340 , HB2343 , HB2361 , HB2384 , HB2387 , SB2338 , SB2431 , SB2438 , SB2593 , SB2907 , SB2671 , SB2321 , SB3084 , SB2401 , SB3033 , SB2972 , SB3032 , SB2806 , SB3014 , SB2108 , SB2981 , SB2973 , SB2423 , SB2078 , SB2322 , SB2397 , SB2896 , SB2088 , SB2347 , SB2408 , SB2970 , SB2851 , SB2713 , SB2697 , SB2312 , SB2192 , SB2363 , SB2530 , SB3028 , SB2024 , SB3007 , SB2599 , SB2596 , SB2662 , SB2930 , SB3334 , SB2378 , SB3019 , SB3231 , SB2240 , SB2372 , SB2175 , SB2046 , SB2298 , SB2922 , SB2835 , SB3263 , SB2174 , SB2128 , SB2006 , SB2489 , SB3134 , SB2982 , SB2425 , SB2849 , SB2797 , SB2795 , SB2575 , SB2521 , SB2765 , SB2386 , SB2852 , SB2022 , SB2117 , SB2277 , SB2387 , SB2688 , SB2885 , SB3132 , SB3219 , SB2169 , SB2591 , SB2090 , SB2983 , SB888 , SB3249 , SB2611 , SB2429 , SB2463 , SB3154 , SB3131 , SB3152 , SB3315 , SB2448 , SB2054 , SB2140 , SB2520 , SB2377 , SB2986 , SB2010 , SB2189 , SB2026 , SB3010 , SB2818 , SB2002

Transcript Highlights:

• I'M VERY PROUD OF MY HOPE NAVIGATORS AND STATE VETERAN SERVICE OFFICERS.
• WHATEVER THE NEED TO GET THIS EFFICIENCY, THAT IS WHAT HOPE NAVIGATORS DO.
• THERE ARE NINE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPRESENTED THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN DISTRICTS.
• THAT'S WHY OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS BEEN COMMITTED TO FUNDING VETERAN SERVICE NAVIGATORS.
• THEY HAD A PRESENCE FROM THE VETERAN FLORIDA HEALTH NAVIGATORS WHICH WAS INCREDIBLY VALUABLE.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act to amend the Navigation Law in relation to providing an exemption from certain laws for operators
• laws for operators of law enforcement and fire department vessels responding to emergencies on the navigable
• Affairs Law in relation to authorizing the Council on the Arts to designate Little Gamut as a cultural district
• Affairs Law in relation to authorizing the Council on the Arts to designate Little Gamut as a cultural district

Committee: Senate Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks And Recreation

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks, and Recreation met on March 17, 2026, with a quorum present and several members participating, including Chair José Serrano, Ranking Member James Tedisco, Senator Pamela Helming, and later Senators Michelle Hinchey and April Baskin. The committee took up a six-bill agenda focused on parks, cultural institutions, and related public safety issues. The committee reported several bills: S.1057, requiring reporting on the alienation of useful parkland; S.1378A, providing financial assistance to museums, zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, and other cultural institutions in low-income communities or serving students there; S.1380A, addressing cleaning of playground equipment after pesticide exposure; S.5400, creating an emergency-response exemption for law enforcement and fire department vessels; and S.6487C, authorizing the Council on the Arts to designate Little Gamut as a cultural district. Senator Helming recorded a “without recommendation” vote on some measures, but none were opposed. The final bill, S.9301, which would establish a new state park, was moved and seconded but was referred to the Civil Service Committee rather than reported from the committee. After completing the agenda, Chair Serrano adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• They shared with me confidentially that they're navigating the child welfare system.
• I still counsel them and have given them the ability to navigate the system.
• We need an office that can work with school districts, K-12.
• In San Francisco's Mission District, 23 families now have affordable housing.
• They will do housing navigation. They will assist with landlord-tenant issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 461 ensures that families navigating school attendance challenges are met with support, not punishment
• A 2013 Attorney General truancy report found most district attorneys rarely prosecuted these cases, as
• The bright spot is that California school districts Support over sanction works.
• The bright spot is that California school districts are adopting supportive approaches to addressing
• They're happening in our districts, in our schools, in our streets.

Committee: House Human Services

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard a long agenda of bills focused largely on child welfare, CalWORKs, child care, mandated reporting, and related family-support programs. Early items included AB 890, which would ease county transfer rules for nonminor dependents in foster care; AB 461, which would eliminate punitive truancy-related penalties and sanctions in favor of supportive services; AB 753, which would create an interim associate teacher pathway to help address the child care staffing shortage; and AB 926, which would presume foster care visitation is unsupervised unless supervision is needed for safety. Testimony on these measures generally emphasized reducing barriers, supporting family reunification, and addressing workforce shortages or inequities, with some county welfare opposition or concerns on a few bills but no opposition witnesses on most items. The committee also heard and passed AB 563 and AB 601, both from Assembly Member Jackson, on early childhood planning and mandated reporter reform. AB 563 would require the Early Childhood Education Planning Council to provide more detailed annual reporting and policy/budget recommendations, while AB 601 would standardize mandated reporter training statewide and create advisory committees to support longer-term reform. AB 970 proposed a Los Angeles County pilot to improve mandated reporter training and decision-making tools to reduce overreporting and underreporting; AB 822 would extend the sunset of the Commission on the State of Hate; and AB 1074 would clarify and expand the CalWORKs family reunification program so parents can keep aid and services while working toward reunification. All of these measures received supportive testimony and were advanced by committee votes. Later, the committee approved AB 1161, which would automatically preserve or reinstate public benefits for people affected by declared disasters for up to 90 days, and AB 1172, which would allow trained staff in community care licensed day programs and adult residential facilities to administer emergency inhalable anti-seizure medication. AB 363 would expand the CalWORKs recipient education program by easing work-study matching requirements and broadening access to direct aid; AB 1211 would protect CalFresh benefit levels from federal cuts and direct a feasibility study on increasing benefits and eligibility; and AB 969 began the final portion of the hearing by proposing broader domestic violence waivers and improved notice and reassessment rules for CalWORKs survivors. Most bills were reported out on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, often with committee amendments accepted and several measures placed on call pending final procedural steps.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's why I have a budget request for navigators.
• That's why I have a budget request for navigators.
• The burden of this proposal will fall on those least able to navigate the system.
• Consider the role that community health workers can play as system navigators.
• Consider the role that community health workers can play as system navigators.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we heard from so many school districts across the state, um, they do not take safety of the people
• c><00:18:28.560><c> school</c> And we heard from so many school And we heard from so many school districts
• across the state, um districts across the state, um they<00:18:31.400><c> do</c><00:18:31.520><c> not
• and, and, um, about the testimony that we heard, about all of the rationale behind uh why these districts
• </c> stakeholders are trying to navigate stakeholders are trying to navigate through<00:35:11.480><c>

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• Once the district court makes that ruling, then things can proceed from there.
• in my district that that bills continue to be used against.
• How am I going to navigate these things that are really hard?
• So I just wonder how we navigate that from a policy perspective, and how do you know?
• So I just wonder how we navigate that from a policy perspective, and how do you know?

Transcript Highlights:

• Joining me today are Christine Soto-DeBerry, board member of the South Marin Fire Protection District
• I had to figure it out myself navigating the application.
• I had to figure out myself navigating the application. ...forward.
• With me today are two representatives of charter schools in my district to offer comments and support
• That mirrors traditional district processes to designate positions subject to CalSTRS membership.

Summary: The Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several bills, beginning with AB 2483, which would create a permanent pathway for formerly incarcerated Cal Fire fire crew members to receive certification and pursue firefighting jobs after release. The author and supporters described incarcerated firefighters as highly trained workers who perform dangerous frontline fire suppression work but often leave without credentials or a clear hiring path. The chair strongly supported the bill, and there was no opposition. The committee then considered AB 1619, which would raise trustee stipend limits for retirement board members from $100 to $320 per meeting for county retirement systems, CalSTRS, and CalPERS, subject to local approval. Supporters argued the current stipend is nearly 40 years old and no longer reflects the complexity and fiduciary responsibility of overseeing large pension systems, and that higher stipends could improve diversity and participation. The bill was passed on a 7-0 vote and sent to Appropriations. The committee also passed its cleanup bill, AB 2780, making technical and conforming changes to retirement laws, and AB 2519, which corrects an unintended consequence of prior CalSTRS legislation so certain charter school employees can remain eligible for CalSTRS membership; both bills advanced unanimously to Appropriations. AB 2017, the California Eid State Holiday Act, was heard next. The bill would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in California and provide excused absences for students observing the holidays. Supporters, including Muslim students, educators, and advocacy organizations, said the measure would promote inclusion and help Muslim Californians feel seen and respected. Members spoke in favor, and the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2656 would require public employers to give employee organizations 45 days’ written notice before developing or using generative AI in represented job classifications. Supporters said the bill would ensure transparency and labor input, while county and special district groups raised concerns about scope and implementation but expressed willingness to keep working on the measure. It also passed 7-0 to Appropriations, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• AND THOSE PROGRAMS WERE EVER THEY WERE SITUATED THE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS PROVIDED
• THE EDUCATION MEANING IF YOU ARE AT EVERGLADES DOWN IN OKEECHOBEE THEN THE OKEECHOBEE SCHOOL DISTRICT
• WE WERE AT THE MERCY OF LOCAL DISTRICTS THAT HAD THEIR OWN TEACHERS AND OWN LOCAL DATA AND WE DIDN'T
• THE DISTRICTS THAT DID NOT HAVE A STATUTORY OPPORTUNITY OTHER THAN OWN EDUCATION I HAD SUPERINTENDENTS
• THESE ARE INDIVIDUAL PROBLEMS AND NUANCES WE HAVE TO NAVIGATE.

Transcript Highlights:

• I proudly represent the 40th Legislative District.
• I can't imagine trying to navigate this world as a 19-year-old, finding housing, finding a job, doing
• trying... ...50 students or 50 young people is a small sample, especially when you're trying to navigate
• Without it, many are left to navigate one of the most critical transitions in their lives, leaving care
• Navigating housing, financial assistance, and job support and mental health services as a youth currently

Summary: The Early Learning and Human Services Committee held public hearings on three bills. HB 2468 would update the Revised Code of Washington to match DSHS’s 2025 reorganization, replacing references to eliminated administrations with the new Home and Community Living Administration and Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration, and also removing a 2028 sunset on the Dementia Action Collaborative, adjusting advisory committee membership, and eliminating a staffing mandate tied to no-paid-services caseloads. The sponsor and DSHS testified in support as a technical cleanup bill, while members raised questions about possible amendments, including whether to keep or remove the Dementia Action Collaborative sunset. DSHS said it was open to changes and noted some statutory references still need correction. No vote was taken. HB 2529 would rename the DCYF Oversight Board as the DCYF Accountability Board, move it to OFM for administrative purposes, narrow some duties, require at least twice-yearly engagement with affected communities, allow the board to request ombuds reports, broaden some membership qualifications, and change the annual report to an every-other-year report starting in 2027. Representative Dent, a board member, said the changes were intended to make the board less political, improve attendance and membership flexibility, and focus the report on more useful recommendations. A union representative asked for language ensuring a DCYF caseworker board member can attend meetings as part of job duties rather than using personal leave. Members also questioned whether the reduced reporting frequency was appropriate given recent fatalities and near-fatalities at the agency. No action was taken. HB 2455 would create a two-year pilot program providing rental assistance and related housing fees for 50 youth in extended foster care who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, beginning January 1, 2027, with a report due in 2029 and transition planning required before youth age out at 21. The sponsor and multiple youth advocates testified strongly in support, describing homelessness, instability, and barriers such as “double-dipping” restrictions that prevent youth from combining housing supports. Testifiers said the bill would help youth focus on school, work, and healing, and urged the committee to expand the program if possible. Members asked about the pilot timeline and whether an interim review might be useful. The hearing closed with no vote on the bill, followed by committee announcements about Friday’s 8:30 a.m. meeting and an agenda change removing HB 2200 from Friday executive session and moving it to possible executive session next week.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Honorable Juan Alonese, Assembly Member, 22nd District, presiding. Chief Clerk, Supervisor.
• Even as they navigate complicated permitting processes, processes that for small business owners can
• Last year, the San Francisco Unified School District maintained a resource library for teachers that
• In Santa Ana, the school district purposely tried to hide the adoption of course materials.
• It is complex, and it can feel impossible when we're navigating pain.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long daily file with numerous guest introductions and recognitions, including tributes to outgoing University of California President Michael Drake, student and community advocates, and visitors connected to foster care, military appreciation, and college savings. The chamber also took up several procedural items, including concurrence in Senate amendments to ACR 75 on California Farm Week, which passed 59-0. Members then adopted AJR 7 on protecting federal special education funding and services for students with disabilities, with broad bipartisan support and a 65-0 vote after 63 co-authors were added. The Assembly also adopted ACR 82 recognizing Foster Care Month and ACR 85 recognizing 529 College Savings Day by voice vote after adding co-authors, and ACR 89 recognizing Military Appreciation Month, also adopted by voice vote after co-authors were added. These resolutions featured testimony and remarks emphasizing support for vulnerable children, foster youth, military families, and access to higher education. On policy bills, the Assembly passed AB 929 on groundwater and managed wetlands (41-14), AB 1026 on utility connection timelines for housing projects (52-0), AB 1332 on direct shipment of medicinal cannabis under specified conditions (55-0), AB 1356 on follow-up reporting in DHCS death investigations at treatment facilities (54-0), and AB 671 on streamlining restaurant openings through self-certification of certain plans (62-0). The chamber also approved AB 715 on anti-Semitism and school climate after extensive debate and cross-caucus support, 64-0, and AB 33 on autonomous vehicle deliveries requiring a human safety operator, 52-6. Later, AB 5 on election ballot-counting timelines passed 66-0, AB 27 and AB 28 addressing the Chiquita Canyon landfill disaster passed 61-0 and 44-6 respectively, and the Assembly began consideration of AB 43 to extend state authority over wild and scenic rivers.

Transcript Highlights:

• They find rural water supply districts.
• </c> something that we have been navigating something that we have been navigating the<00:19:27.280><
• And I with that I think we'll navigate.
• </c> members, a large section of my district members, a large section of my district is<00:26:27.120>
• </c><00:51:02.800><c> and</c> Creek, the soil and water district and Creek, the soil and water district

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• As I talk with people in the district I represent, we had a town hall right before the holiday, or across
• I represent we people in the district I represent we had<00:04:04.480><c> a</c><00:04:04.599><c> town
• </c> one we've seen before last June District one we've seen before last June District 45<00:08:41.880
• What's helping you and your team navigate these unknowns?
• </c><00:14:20.079><c> away</c><00:14:20.279><c> from</c> so we were able to to navigate away from so

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate District 9, which happens to be the area that I represent.
• And I just want to say, in my own district along those lines, we're proud to honor her in 2020.
• And I just want to say, in my own district, along those lines, we're proud to honor her in 2021 with
• I've helped them try and navigate the system that too often feels like it wasn't built.
• I've helped them try to navigate the system that too often feels like it wasn't built for them.

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through several gubernatorial confirmations. The chamber confirmed Irena Ortega to the Public Employment Relations Board, Monica Erickson as director of the Department of Human Services, Armin Mayor as senior deputy commissioner in the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, and Uca Dunkay to the California State Lottery Commission. All four appointments were approved overwhelmingly, with final confirmation votes taken after the calls were lifted. The main floor debate centered on SCR 152, designating April 10, 2026 as Dolores Huerta Day. Senators spoke at length about Huerta’s leadership in the farmworker movement, civil rights advocacy, nonviolent organizing, and ongoing influence, with several members sharing personal reflections and noting the role of Filipino farmworkers and Larry Itliong in the broader movement. The resolution passed unanimously. The Senate also adopted SR 91 recognizing Cambodian Genocide Memorial Week, SCR 149 marking World Autism Awareness Day, SCR 150 honoring National Librarian Day, and SR 98 designating Heat Pump Week in California. The chamber also passed SB 1078, an urgency tax measure giving Santa Cruz County voters the opportunity to approve a local tax above the 2% combined rate to help fund services, including medical services. The bill passed 29-9 on both the urgency and the bill itself. Later, the Senate approved the consent calendar and special consent calendar without objection, and members made committee announcements about upcoming budget subcommittee hearings. The session ended with an adjournment in memory of Deanna Mooney, a longtime San Francisco nurse, labor advocate, and community figure. The Senate announced it would reconvene on Monday, April 20, 2026.