Transcript Highlights:

• They're low carb, low calorie, and... Low carb, low calorie, and...

Bills: HB521

Committees: House Tourism , House Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: HB521, mixed spirit beverages, ready-to-drink cocktails, RTD alcohol, alcoholic beverages, liquor, spirits, ABC Board, Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control, wholesaler license, retail license, distribution agreement, exclusive territory, three-tier system, excise tax, alcohol tax, liquor regulation, alcohol labeling, minors, package store

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's OCI Plus, but the numbers that I'm mentioning before are from CARB. Thank you.
• First, under the bill, CARB must assess how to accelerate and incentivize decarbonized gaseous fuels.
• And by biasing the assessment toward these fuels, CARB cannot be objective.
• For example, CARB is already assessing decarbonization within the scoping plan.
• integrity standards streamlines and clarifies compliance for buyers and judges, as the bill requires CARB

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills focused on environmental policy, public infrastructure, housing, and energy. AB 1812, dealing with compostable plastics and compost contamination, drew strong support from farmers, composters, counties, cities, and waste companies, while manufacturers and compostable-product companies opposed it unless amended, arguing it would undermine compostable packaging and SB 54 goals. AB 2216 to expand the Delta Conservancy’s service area also received broad support and no opposition. AB 2481, which would allow leftover glass quality incentive funds to support recycled glass used in fiberglass insulation and other products, was supported by insulation manufacturers, recyclers, and waste advocates and passed with no opposition. AB 2152, streamlining fire station construction and tying CEQA relief to project labor agreement requirements, was supported by firefighters and construction trades but opposed by contractors and wildlife groups over the PLA mandate and environmental review provisions; the committee discussed amendments and sent it forward. AB 1536, the Save Our Shores Act, aimed at offshore oil and gas safety and decommissioning, was supported by coastal and environmental groups and opposed by the petroleum industry, with members debating pipeline safety, drilling risks, and carbon intensity before advancing the bill. AB 1849, a study bill on decarbonized gaseous fuels, split supporters from hydrogen, bioenergy, and propane interests against environmental and justice groups who said it favored biomethane and hydrogen without clear definitions; the author said it was only a study measure, and it moved ahead. AB 1732, which would expand CEQA streamlining for public university and community college housing projects, was backed by students, UC representatives, housing advocates, and labor, with no opposition heard; members raised concerns about environmental impacts and evacuation planning, but the bill was approved. Several measures were taken on consent and others were held open for absent members or quorum issues, with multiple bills receiving due pass recommendations as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• rulemaking, And then also the May Revision does not account for CARB's proposed rulemaking, which CARB
• If we assume that next week CARB is going to issue her ruling based upon what they said in April, then
• And notably, CARB is only proposing to make those allowance allocations... Revenues in the future.
• And notably, CARB is only proposing to make those allowance allocations through 2030.
• is proposing to do with its new proposal that we... ...emissions reductions as what CARB is proposing

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview of the May Revision from the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst’s Office, focused on resources, environmental protection, energy, and related budget issues. Finance said the May Revision keeps the budget balanced in 2026-27 and 2027-28, narrows the structural deficit, and proposes major investments in natural resources, including Proposition 4 bond funding for the Golden Gate Fields acquisition, wildlife refuge and wetland projects, Fort Ord Dunes campground operations, Healthy Rivers and Landscapes, wildfire-human coexistence, and beverage container recycling. The LAO praised stronger-than-expected revenues but argued the state still has a structural deficit and is relying too heavily on reserves, recommending more reserve deposits and fewer new discretionary expenditures. Members questioned several proposals, especially the Golden Gate Fields purchase and the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program. Agency officials said the Golden Gate Fields site is a time-limited opportunity, would be remediated by the current owner, transferred to East Bay Regional Park District after closing, and restricted to park/open-space uses rather than commercial development. On Healthy Rivers and Landscapes, Finance and the Natural Resources Agency said the $25 million request would help launch year one of the program, support scientific monitoring, and maintain commitments to environmental flows and habitat restoration; the LAO said the request was premature because the Bay-Delta plan has not yet been formally adopted and the state’s total funding commitment remains unclear. Officials also discussed water storage, subsidence, and the need for ongoing investments in aquifer recharge, aqueduct repairs, and recycling. The committee also reviewed a proposed $1 million shift for the Coexisting with Wildlife Initiative. Fish and Wildlife and the Cattlemen’s Association said the money would support limited-term staffing, deterrence tools, and livestock-loss compensation, while acknowledging the amount is modest compared with the need. Members emphasized the growing human-wildlife conflict problem and the importance of nonlethal deterrence and public education. The discussion then turned to greenhouse gas reduction fund revenues and transit; members warned that lower auction revenues and possible CARB rule changes could leave little or nothing for Tier 3 programs such as transit, clean water, and air-quality programs. Finance and the LAO said the Legislature should plan for multiple revenue scenarios and consider whether the existing cap-and-invest spending framework still matches current revenue expectations and priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so CARB, as was mentioned, has a 30 ppb standard. OEHHA has a chronic standard.
• indirectly addressed, and we’ve had an issue with the standing ambient air quality standards that CARB
• These are Teledyne T-101, so they're reference-grade monitors approved by CARB.
• And as you can see, that red line is the standard that we've talked about—that's the CARB odor nuisance
• And CARB bases its ambient air quality standard on the OEHHA results, the public health research they

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

Transcript Highlights:

• A recent CARB-funded study measured air quality at the existing coal terminal in Richmond, California
• Instead, it simply requires CARB to publicly post the landfill temperature and monitoring data that it
• Instead, it simply requires CARB to publicly post the landfill temperature and monitoring data that it

Bills: AB40 , AB2674 , SB328 , SB344

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: AB 2674, financial abuse, financial deception, elder financial abuse, bank fraud, scam prevention, consumer protection, depository institution, bank, credit union, suspicious transaction, fraud hotline, trusted third party, power of attorney, guardianship, conservatorship, elder abuse, senior citizen, treble damages, civil action

Summary: The Assembly Natural Resources Committee heard several measures, led by AB 40, which would require a full CEQA environmental impact report before approval of any new or expanded large coal terminal and require updated review if the project changes significantly. The author and supporters, including West Oakland community advocates and environmental groups, argued the bill was needed because an outdated environmental review did not analyze coal at the scale now proposed for the Oakland terminal and because West Oakland already bears heavy pollution burdens. Opponents, including business and terminal representatives, argued the project had already undergone extensive review and litigation and warned the bill would set a precedent for reopening settled approvals. Members questioned whether the air district had already approved the project and whether the bill was targeting a single facility. The author responded that the air district still had to issue a discretionary permit and that the bill was narrowly tailored to large coal terminals. The committee ultimately concurred in the Senate amendments to AB 40 on a recorded vote, with the bill passing out of committee. The committee also heard SB 344, which creates a project-specific pathway for San Diego’s Midway Rising redevelopment, a large mixed-use project with thousands of housing units, including affordable housing, parks, and a new arena. Support came from labor, the city, and business groups, while members raised questions about whether the bill was effectively insulating the project from CEQA litigation. The author said the bill does not exempt the project from CEQA but confirms the final EIR’s sufficiency once certified. SB 344 received a due pass recommendation and passed the committee. Finally, the committee heard SB 328 for the Concord Reuse Project Area, which would streamline implementation of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station reuse plan by creating an exemption within the Surplus Land Act and related disposition process for qualifying projects. The author and supporters emphasized decades of planning, extensive environmental review, a project labor agreement, and commitments to 25% affordable housing and open space. After questions about enforcement of affordability and tribal consultation, the bill received a due pass recommendation and passed. The committee also adopted a consent resolution and passed AB 2674, a transparency measure requiring CARB to post landfill temperature and monitoring data it already receives.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, just last month, legislators on both sides of the aisle called for CARB to redraft proposed
• There are so many different times when I have direct complaints about decisions that CARB is making for
• That includes, for example, SB 54, the plastics economy, CARB, and the low-carbon fuel standard.
• Notably, SB 1161, Valderas, passed out of Senate EQ on a bipartisan vote and would require CARB in future
• When we pass a law and direct an agency, it could be the Water Board, it could be CARB, it could be any

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused largely on regulatory oversight, food insecurity, state symbols, immigration-related funding, and ethnic media outreach. SB 885 and SB 986 would require major regulations with estimated economic impacts over $50 million to come back to the Legislature for review; supporters said this would restore accountability and help address affordability, while opponents warned it would delay health, safety, and worker protections. SB 1025 would create an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate food programs across state departments, expand outreach, run a hunger hotline, and analyze service gaps; members generally supported the goal but urged stronger reporting and oversight language. SB 1214 would designate the Western monarch as California’s state butterfly, and SB 1178 would designate the California yellow jacket as the state wasp, with testimony emphasizing conservation, ecology, and agricultural benefits. SB 1286 would recognize the California sea lion as the state pinniped, with supporters citing its role as a sentinel species and conservation success story. SB 1171 would make private entities that contract with ICE ineligible for state-funded grants or loans; supporters framed it as a response to ICE conduct, while opponents raised concerns about unintended impacts on contractors providing essential services and possible federal retaliation. SB 1358 would create the Ethnic and Community Media Equity Act to improve state advertising and outreach to ethnic and community media through a database and contracting requirements, with supporters arguing it would improve effectiveness and reach underserved communities. Several bills were advanced on committee votes, many with roll calls held open for absent members. SB 885, SB 986, SB 1025, SB 1214, SB 1178, SB 1286, and SB 1171 all received motions to do pass, with some members noting support but also urging amendments or guardrails, especially on timing, reporting, and oversight. The committee also took up a consent calendar of multiple items after quorum was established.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then also the May Revision does not account for CARB's proposed rulemaking, which CARB is expected
• And then also the May revision does not account for CARB's proposed rulemaking, which CARB is expected
• If we assume that next week CARB is going to issue a ruling based upon what they said in April, then
• And notably, CARB is only proposing to make those allowance allocations... ...revenues in the future.
• And notably, CARB is only proposing to make those allowance allocations through 2030.

Transcript Highlights:

• The main way is to use a CARB-approved emission control strategy, which we call CACS for short.
• We spoke to CARB about what it took to write and implement this regulation, and they told us that they
• We spoke to CARB about what it took to write and implement this regulation, and they told us that they
• And this doesn't answer your question about the timeline, but I will say that we talked to CARB and the
• And this doesn't answer your question about like the timeline, but I will say that we talk to CARB and

Committees: Joint Transportation , Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee first heard from WSDOT on capital program estimating, risk management, and cash flow. WSDOT explained the differences between design-bid-build and design-build delivery, how estimates are built from base cost, risk, inflation, and unknowns, and how risk reviews scale up by project size. Staff said design-bid-build estimates are generally accurate within about 1% across the program, while design-build projects have much wider uncertainty and are better communicated as ranges; WSDOT cited a P85 budget approach for legislative funding and a lower P45 management target. Members asked about the large cost growth on the I-5 Columbia River Bridge project and about value engineering; WSDOT said the project is unusually complex and that cost containment is limited by project requirements and policy mandates. Troy Swing also discussed the idea of a risk pool, saying it would not reduce overall program risk and would still require appropriation, while emphasizing the need for more realistic early budgeting and cash flow assumptions. The committee then received the final presentation in the WSDOT Project Delivery and Innovative Practices study from HKA Global. The consultant said WSDOT already uses a robust estimating process, but recommended improving transparency by presenting budget authorizations as ranges or estimate classes, better tracking award growth and cost growth over time, and monitoring market conditions and letting schedules to improve competition. The report also discussed surety bonding, recommending that the legislature consider restoring authority for reduced bonding on select large design-build projects or allowing phased or alternative securities, and reviewed indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting, including job order contracts and multiple-award task order contracts. The consultant said these tools could help with smaller work packages and competition, but current Washington law is restrictive and would need changes for broader use. Next, the committee heard a follow-up report on transit-oriented development policy from the Urban Institute. The consultant said Washington’s HB 1491 is nationally notable, but warned that housing construction has slowed sharply, especially in the Puget Sound, due to high construction costs, financing costs, and other market pressures. The report recommended filling the infrastructure-funding gap created by reduced impact fees, revisiting MFTE affordability requirements so they better match local market conditions, considering minimum rather than averaged density requirements near transit, expanding public land and public development options, and creating a state system to track TOD outcomes such as affordability, gentrification, and transit access. Members questioned the study’s developer interviews, the role of rent stabilization, property tax assumptions, and parking needs; the consultant said only five private developers were interviewed and offered to provide the question framework and additional follow-up materials. Finally, the committee began a study on regulating emissions from ocean-going vessels at berth. Staff and consultants explained how shore power lets ships plug into the electrical grid and shut off auxiliary diesel engines, reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, reactive organic compounds, and greenhouse gases near ports. The presentation reviewed California’s at-berth regulation, which Washington could only mirror if it acts under federal preemption limits, and outlined the study’s phases on vessel traffic, emissions reductions, implementation costs, and competitiveness impacts. No votes were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• As Paul just reminded folks, CARB adopted this regulation in 2007 and began enforcement in 2014.
• The main way is to use a CARB-approved emission control strategy, which we call CACS for short.
• We spoke to CARB about what it took to write and implement this regulation, and they told us that they
• We spoke to CARB about what it took to write and implement this regulation, and they told us that they
• And this doesn't answer your question about like the timeline, but I will say that we talk to CARB and

Committee: Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from WSDOT on balancing uncertainty in capital program estimates and cash flow management. WSDOT explained the differences between design-bid-build and design-build delivery, its tiered risk-assessment process by project size, and how it uses base estimates, inflation, and risk modeling to set budgets. Staff said design-bid-build estimates are generally accurate within about 1% across the program, while design-build projects carry much wider uncertainty and are better communicated as ranges; they cited a P85 budget approach and noted that large, complex projects can be affected by market competition and long procurement timelines. Members asked about the Columbia River Bridge cost growth and about value engineering, and WSDOT said it uses value engineering but has limited scope to cut costs because of project requirements and policy mandates. Troy Swing also discussed cash flow, noting that a few large projects can significantly affect biennial funding needs, and said a risk pool would not reduce overall program risk but could help manage timing if paired with appropriation and cash-flow controls. The committee then received the final presentation in the WSDOT Project Delivery and Innovative Practices study from HKA Global. The consultant said WSDOT’s estimating practices are generally robust and recommended improving transparency by presenting budget authorizations as ranges or estimate classes, better tracking estimate growth over time, and adjusting advertisement timing to avoid competing lettings. The report also discussed surety bonding, suggesting the legislature consider restoring authority for reduced bonding on select large design-build projects or using phased bonding and alternative securities. On indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting, the consultant said current job order contract rules are restrictive and recommended legislative changes to make such tools more usable, especially for smaller tasks and to help use unspent funds more flexibly. The committee also heard a follow-up presentation on transit-oriented development policy recommendations tied to HB 1491. The Urban Institute’s Yona Freemark said Washington has been a national leader on TOD but that housing construction, especially in the Puget Sound, has slowed sharply since 2022. He said rising construction costs, high financing costs, and local tax and rent conditions are making many TOD projects infeasible, and recommended that the state fill infrastructure funding gaps around stations, revisit MFTE affordability requirements, consider minimum rather than average density requirements near transit, and create a statewide system to track TOD outcomes such as affordability, gentrification, and transit access. Members questioned the study’s developer interviews, the role of rent control and crime, property tax assumptions, and parking needs; the presenter said the study included five private developers, that rent control was not part of the study scope, and that parking was included in the model assumptions. Finally, the committee began a presentation on regulating emissions from ocean-going vessels at berth. Staff and consultants described California-style at-berth rules, which require shore power or equivalent emissions controls so ships can shut off diesel auxiliary engines while docked. The study is examining vessel traffic, emissions reductions, implementation costs, labor and operational needs, and possible effects on port competitiveness and cargo diversion. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• CARB has already committed to racial equity. Now it needs the infrastructure to deliver.
• CARB passed Resolution 2033 in 2020, establishing a zero-tolerance racism policy and developed tools
• I'm actually on the CARB website right now.
• So would you get rid of this civil rights office, or would there be multiple within CARB?
• That would be up to CARB to make that decision.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on transparency, public health, labor enforcement, health privacy, high-speed rail oversight, and antitrust policy. AB 1544, by Assemblymember Crowell, would strengthen transparency and access to courthouses; the author said it was aimed at protecting press and public access, and the bill was pulled pending quorum. AB 1604, by Assemblymember Stephanie, would ban BPA and other bisphenols in thermal receipt paper by 2027-2028; supporters from Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Californians Against Waste, and a broad coalition argued receipts are a major source of toxic exposure and recycling contamination, while the author said she would continue working with opposition. AB 1859, by Assemblymember Jackson, would let Joint Labor Management Committees visit public works sites to help identify wage and safety violations; labor groups supported it as a low-cost enforcement tool amid a large wage-theft backlog, while contractors and local government groups opposed it as creating private enforcement, liability, and safety concerns. The committee later took up AB 1930, by Assemblymember Burr and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta and Equality California, which would require notice to the Attorney General before certain entities respond to subpoenas or inquiries involving legally protected reproductive or gender-affirming care; supporters framed it as a patient privacy and anti-intimidation measure, while opponents said it would shield providers from scrutiny and interfere with lawful investigations. The bill was approved on a 6-2 vote and placed on call. The consent calendar, including several unrelated bills, was also approved. The committee also heard AB 1584, by Assemblymember Jackson, which would create an Office of Civil Rights within the California Air Resources Board to provide training, language access, and compliance oversight. Supporters said CARB needs a stronger legal framework and dedicated office to enforce civil rights commitments, while an opponent argued CARB already has a civil rights office and should expand existing structures instead of creating a new one. The bill was moved to Appropriations after a roll call vote. AB 1608, by Assemblymember Wilson, would expand the powers and staffing tools of the High-Speed Rail Office of the Inspector General, including public reporting requirements and authority over classifications and purchasing; supporters said stronger independent oversight is needed for the costly project, while opponents criticized the project itself and raised concerns about confidentiality and who should receive reports. The bill was also passed to Appropriations after extended discussion. Finally, AB 1776, by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, would revise California antitrust law to address single-firm conduct under the Cartwright Act. Supporters, including small business and labor advocates, argued dominant firms can harm competition and that the bill would protect small businesses and workers; opponents from business, biotech, retail, housing, and other sectors warned it would create legal uncertainty, expand litigation, and chill investment. The transcript ended during that bill’s testimony and debate, before a final vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Office of Civil Rights within CARB would provide civil rights training, language access services
• CARB has already committed to racial equity; now it needs the infrastructure to deliver.
• CARB passed Resolution 2033 in 2020, establishing a zero-tolerance racism policy and developed tools
• So would you get rid of this civil rights office, or would there be multiple within CARB?
• That would be up to CARB to make that decision.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• We procured these trains because we were looking out at, especially when CARB had the in-use locomotive
• We procured these trains because we were looking out at, especially when CARB had the in-use locomotive
• And I know that the Energy Commission and CARB and others are working with the research sector and having
• And I know that the Energy Commission and CARB and others are working with the research sector and having

Transcript Highlights:

• compliance clause that an entity like Kern Energy has, that is under the jurisdiction of a sister agency, CARB
• thinking through two specific reports that were released: both the transition plan, which was led by CARB
• So that's how the CPUC, the Energy Commission, CARB are all planning.
• I do not track the specific incentive programs, and I know that CARB is kind of the lead on this issue
• So that required CAISO, CARB, CEC, and PUC to be a single unit as we plan these things.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules first handled several routine actions, including approving three governor’s appointments not required to appear: Anthony Surich as Executive Director of the California Housing Finance Agency, Craig Snelling J.D. to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, and Nicholas Mueller to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission. The committee also approved referral of bills to committees, all by 4-0 votes. It then took up appointments requiring testimony, beginning with Jereen DiAdamo to the State Water Resources Control Board. DiAdamo focused her remarks on safe drinking water, groundwater sustainability, conservation, and Bay-Delta restoration. She said the number of Californians without safe drinking water has fallen from 1.6 million to 800,000 since 2019, credited the SAFER program, technical assistance, and mandatory consolidation authority, and described ongoing work on failing and at-risk systems, domestic well mitigation, SGMA implementation, and the Bay-Delta Plan. Senators pressed her on audit follow-up, measurable goals for reducing the remaining unsafe systems, funding uncertainty, and concerns from environmental and tribal groups that the board has favored water users over ecosystem protections. Supporters from water, agriculture, business, and local agencies praised her collaborative style and consensus-building, while opponents argued she had not done enough to protect the Delta and called for new leadership. The committee ultimately voted 4-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate. The committee then heard from Sivagunda Gunda for reappointment to the California Energy Commission. He highlighted progress on grid reliability, zero-carbon generation, and planning for California’s energy transition, including transportation fuels, building electrification, and the eventual retirement of Diablo Canyon. Senators questioned him about the future of Kern Energy and small refineries, the state’s transportation fuels plan, fuel imports and costs, and whether California can retire Diablo Canyon by 2030 without harming reliability. Gunda said the state is planning as if Diablo Canyon retires in 2030, that current resource additions make reliability manageable, and that affordability and market coordination remain key issues. The committee then voted 4-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate, and the hearing recessed afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• compliance clause that an entity like Kern Energy has, that is under the jurisdiction of a sister agency, CARB
• thinking through two specific reports that were released, both the transition plan, which was led by CARB
• So that's how the CPUC, the Energy Commission, Kaiser, CARB are all planning.
• I do not track the specific incentive programs, and I know that CARB is kind of the lead on this issue
• So that required CAISO, CARB, CEC, and PUC to be a single unit as we plan these things.

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• to reach neutrality, this bill establishes the carbon dioxide removal purchase pilot project under CARB
• And then when selecting the projects, CARB must prioritize the potential to accelerate the strategy the
• project's CARB must prioritize the potential to accelerate the strategies, make sure the distribution
• You just heard about the CDR targets that CARB included in the scoping plan.
• I do appreciate that what we've tried to do is create an alternative for the CARB to be able to look

Summary: The committee heard several energy and water affordability bills, with extensive testimony on SB 254 by Senator Becker, SB 541 by Senator Becker, SB 453 by Senator Stern, SB 292 by Senator Caballero, and SB 473 by Senator Padilla. SB 254 was presented as a broad utility affordability package addressing short-term climate credits, a Power Fund, tighter scrutiny of rate increases and utility profits, wildfire spending, securitization of future utility costs, and streamlining. Supporters, including TURN and several environmental and public power groups, said it could lower bills and reduce long-term costs; opponents from investor-owned utilities, labor, business, and local government raised concerns about market impacts, insufficient analysis, and the breadth of the bill. The committee approved SB 254 on a 6-3 vote and placed it on call. SB 541 focused on load flexibility and using existing grid capacity more efficiently. Senator Becker described it as a transparency and planning measure to identify cost-effective load shifting and reduce peak demand, while supporters said it could improve resiliency and save money. Several CCAs and utilities opposed the bill in print or unless amended, arguing that some language implied a mandate and that the concept needed more cost-effectiveness analysis; the author said amendments would remove language dividing the state goal among retail suppliers and clarify that the bill is not a procurement mandate. The committee passed SB 541 as amended to Appropriations on a 9-1 vote and left it on call. SB 453 by Senator Stern would return unspent ratepayer-funded microgrid program dollars and was described as a way to keep the lights on and redirect unused funds. It drew support from local government and environmental groups, with PG&E expressing concern about how the bill would affect its ability to spend awarded funds. The committee passed SB 453 as amended to Appropriations on a 12-0 vote. SB 292 by Senator Caballero would require more granular outage and reliability reporting, including census-tract-level data, to better inform resilience planning after PSPS events; utilities opposed unless amended, citing duplicative reporting and regulatory overlap, but the bill passed 12-0 to Appropriations. SB 473 by Senator Padilla would require or expand water utility decoupling to promote conservation and affordability. Supporters, including water utilities, labor, business, and local government groups, argued decoupling stabilizes revenue, supports conservation, and can keep rates lower for low-use customers. The Public Advocates Office opposed, saying prior pilot data showed no conservation benefit and about $1 billion in added costs, and that the CPUC had already rejected similar requests. Committee members questioned the conservation and capital-investment effects of the different rate structures; the author and supporters argued decoupling helps utilities fund infrastructure while allowing lower fixed charges for low-use customers. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on SB 473 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• CARB data shows us that a 1982 passenger vehicle that passes the smog check program emits 123 times the
• CARB.
• the ports have already voluntarily done through their own action plans, and when you look at what CARB
• Now, I mean, I sit on CARB, and I know.”
• As a board member of CARB, you'll appreciate the recent actions on the revocation of the waivers and

Committee: House Transportation

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 712 by Senator Grove, which would expand the smog-check exemption for classic vehicles from model years 1976 to 1986, phased in over five years and sunset in 2032. Supporters, including lowrider and classic car advocates and the Specialty Equipment Market Association, said the bill would preserve car culture, reduce burdens on owners of rarely driven vehicles, and support related businesses. Opponents, including air district representatives, the American Lung Association, and environmental groups, argued the bill would increase pollution and weaken an important clean-air program. The committee ultimately passed SB 712 on a due-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations after adopting amendments and holding the roll open for additional votes. The committee then took up SB 800 by Senator Reyes, presented by Assemblymember Richardson, which would direct Caltrans and local governments to assess mitigation measures for suicides on locally owned overpasses crossing state highways. Support came from local officials, health organizations, and community groups, who described the measure as a needed suicide-prevention step and a way to identify high-risk locations for safety improvements. There was no organized opposition, and members spoke in favor of the bill before it was moved on a due-pass vote to Appropriations. Next, the committee considered SB 30 by Senator Cortese, as amended, to restrict California public entities from selling, donating, or transferring decommissioned diesel locomotives and railroad equipment with Tier 1 or older engines unless the engine is removed, while allowing some Tier 2 and newer transfers with approval. Supporters said the bill would prevent older diesel engines from continuing to pollute elsewhere and would reduce health and climate harms. Transit agencies opposed the measure, arguing it could limit useful transfers of locomotives and should instead allow case-by-case air-quality review. The bill passed out of committee on a 6-4 vote, with the roll held open. The committee also heard SB 791 by Senator Cortese, which would replace the flat $85 dealer document processing charge with a 1% fee capped at $350, along with new disclosure requirements. Dealers and industry groups supported the bill as a way to recover costs and modernize a fee that has lagged behind inflation, while consumer advocates opposed it as too high and burdensome for buyers. After extensive questioning about transparency, negotiability, and affordability, the committee passed SB 791 to Appropriations. The meeting also included the start of testimony on SB 34, a port-related air quality and anti-automation measure from Senator Richardson, with support from ILWU and allied groups and opposition from some transit and business interests, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And CARB was very clear that they do not believe, under the current statute, that they have the legislative
• It provides CARB with the authority to recalibrate the CMS targets in light of existing market conditions
• CARB can then more regularly reevaluate and adjust those targets based on future market conditions and

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee met with several bills on the agenda, beginning with SB 739 (Arreguín) on the Clean Miles Standard and Incentive Program for transportation network companies. The author and supporters from Lyft, Uber, and TechNet said the bill would update EV miles traveled and greenhouse gas targets to reflect current market conditions, add flexibility for CARB and the CPUC, and protect drivers from losing platform access while also creating a path for future electrification. Opponents including the American Lung Association, Sierra Club California, and NRDC argued the bill would weaken a program meant to accelerate EV adoption and should retain stronger targets. Members discussed affordability, charging infrastructure, and the need to balance climate goals with feasibility. The committee approved SB 739 as amended and re-referred it to Appropriations, later recording a 9-0 vote when the roll was completed. The committee then heard SB 1190 (Grove), the “Safe Passage for Youth Act,” which would regulate private youth transport services used for out-of-state residential placements. The author and sponsor testimony described abusive practices such as nighttime pickups, blindfolds, restraints, and emotional trauma, and said the bill would require CPUC permitting, TrustLine background checks, training, parental consent, and bans on certain practices. Support came from youth and disability advocates, with no opposition testimony. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended recommendation and later passed 9-0. SB 1191 (Ochoa Bogh) would extend the sunset for California High Cost Fund A and B universal service programs that help provide affordable telephone service in rural and high-cost areas. Supporters from rural telecom companies and industry groups said the funds are essential for maintaining service, 911 access, and emergency communications in remote communities. There was no opposition, and the committee advanced the bill on a due pass recommendation; it later passed 9-0. The consent item, SB 985 (Strickland) on the 911 emergency system, was also approved. Finally, the committee heard SB 1246 (Cortese) on autonomous vehicles and emergency response. The author and supporters from SEIU California and the California Professional Firefighters said the bill would require AV companies to provide incident response, notify local jurisdictions during system failures, ensure U.S.-based remote drivers, and prevent public safety workers from having to manage AV breakdowns. Industry opponents argued the bill intrudes on federal vehicle standards, gives local governments enforcement authority they should not have, and could create overly broad notification and response requirements. Members raised questions about local control, response times, and whether the bill was premature given existing DMV regulations. Despite those concerns, the committee passed SB 1246 on a due pass as amended recommendation, later recording a 7-1 vote. The committee then recessed and returned to complete roll calls before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion is do pass as amended per author to delete the CARB consultation requirement.
• The motion is due pass as amended per author to require CARB oversight in lieu of audit authority.
• The motion is due pass as amended per author to require CARB oversight in lieu of audit authority.

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee met for a suspense-file hearing and voted only on measures already heard previously, with no public testimony. The chair explained that bills were taken up quickly in author order, with amended bills to be followed by addendum analyses. The committee considered a very large slate of Senate bills and two Assembly measures covering wildfire resilience, housing, insurance, energy, transportation, public safety, elections, health care, labor, environmental regulation, and various administrative and tax issues. Most measures were approved, many on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, while a substantial number passed on 5-2 or 5-1 party-line votes with Republicans generally voting no. Several bills were amended before passage, including changes to funding contingencies, timelines, reporting requirements, definitions, and removal of certain enforcement or private-right-of-action provisions. A few members noted concerns on specific bills, including Senator Richardson on SB 1203 (private security training), though he said he would vote for it at this stage. Among the notable actions, the committee advanced bills on wildfire smoke, wildfire recovery, mobile home parks, insurance nonrenewals, AI transparency, data center energy issues, Medi-Cal and health coverage, criminal justice, election administration, housing, and labor/workforce standards. The committee also approved AB 46 and AB 736. No bills were held for testimony because the hearing was vote-only, and the meeting adjourned after all items on the agenda were disposed of.

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion is do pass as amended per author to delete the CARB consultation requirement.
• The motion is due pass as amended per author to require CARB oversight in lieu of audit authority.
• The motion is due pass as amended per author to require CARB oversight in lieu of audit authority.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• agreement with the American Diabetes Association that Idaho potatoes can be considered a healthy source of carbs
• We just have to convince people that have been told their whole lives that potatoes and the carbs in

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs