Transcript Highlights:

• Some have a very secure fence around the campus, some don't.
• So, a project, new construction site, security, and then also always to lock it up when they leave.
• So I think this is, you know, obviously construction management has to secure that the construction..
• So, a project, new construction site, security, and then also always to lock it up when they leave.
• , construction management has to secure that construction site.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard several bills focused on school nutrition, campus safety, college affordability, and UC contracting ethics. SB 1058 by Senator McNerney would remove price as the primary factor in school nutrition procurement, allowing districts more flexibility to prioritize meal quality, cultural appropriateness, local sourcing, and sustainability. Support came from school nutrition officials, education agencies, and school business groups; there was no opposition. Members raised questions about vendor selection and safeguards against favoritism, and the bill was ultimately moved forward on a due pass motion. SB 1140 by Senator Ashby, sponsored by the California Federation of Teachers, would require school safety plans to address access control during construction, maintenance, and repair projects by limiting unattended entry points such as open doors and gates. Supporters included Brady Campaign, Moms Demand Action, school employees, labor groups, and Prism. Members discussed how the bill would apply to both new construction and ongoing maintenance, and the measure advanced on a due pass motion. SB 959 was taken up on consent and also moved forward. SB 1006 by Senator Padilla would raise the Cal Grant B Access Award to a new minimum and tie future increases to inflation, with related supplemental awards for student parents and former foster youth also indexed. Support came from higher education advocates, CSU, student groups, and public advocacy organizations, with testimony from a Sac State student describing housing, transportation, and food insecurity. Members generally supported the bill, though questions were raised about fiscal impact; the author estimated about $21 million in first-year costs. The bill passed the committee on a due pass motion. SB 1141 by Senator Wahab would bar businesses from contracting with the University of California if a UC executive is paid by, or has been paid by, that business within the prior year, aiming to address conflicts of interest in UC contracting. AFSCME and UC workers supported the bill, citing examples of executives serving on corporate boards while their institutions contract with those companies. UC and business groups opposed it, arguing it was overly broad, could capture ordinary dividends or unpaid advisory roles, and could disrupt essential contracts and operations. After extensive debate over existing conflict-of-interest laws and whether the bill would create practical problems, the committee approved SB 1141 on a 4-3 vote and then reported the remaining bills out 7-0 as calls were lifted, concluding the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Habitat for Humanity and our nonprofit Habitat for Humanity and our nonprofit partners<00:13:55.680
• </c> money through the through the nonprofit money through the through the nonprofit partners<00:14:24.880
• From the nonprofit thank you so much.
• /c><00:22:34.480><c> the</c><00:22:34.720><c> capital</c> securing those mortgages and the capital securing
• </c> close on theou with our nonprofit close on theou with our nonprofit partners<00:23:21.360><c> and

Summary: The committee met without a quorum and began informally, with members noting this was the final information-gathering meeting on housing before a November meeting to discuss findings and report back to the LRC. The main presentation focused on the Lexington Affordable Housing Partnership, a public-private effort supported by a $10 million state allocation. Presenters described Fayette County’s housing shortage, citing a gap of more than 22,000 units, rising home prices, and the challenge of assembling land and capital for affordable projects. The partnership explained that five local banks created a $3 million capital investment fund to buy and hold land at no interest, with deed restrictions keeping the site at 80% or below area median income and allowing the banks to seek Community Reinvestment Act credit. The first project is a 12.5-acre former Transylvania University baseball field, planned for about 242 units, including detached homes, townhouses, garden-style apartments, and senior housing. Speakers said the project required extensive neighborhood engagement and zoning/development approvals, but that the planning phase is now largely complete and infrastructure work should begin soon. Financing details included roughly $64 million in additional funding through tax credit equity, market-rate loans, city support, Kentucky Housing Corporation resources, and donations from nonprofit partners. Developers said the multifamily bond applications are due to Kentucky Housing Corporation the next day, and they expect the land purchase to be repaid into the revolving fund once the property is entitled and closed, allowing the original $3 million to be redeployed for future projects. They estimated rental units could be filled within about six months of completion, while for-sale units would come online over 12 to 36 months. In discussion, members asked about regulatory barriers and project timelines. Presenters pointed to rising construction costs tied to new federal and state requirements, and one member highlighted the need to continue reviewing planning and zoning reforms to speed development plan approvals and reduce delays. The group also endorsed a possible statewide $20 million housing fund, a residential infrastructure fund, and efforts to avoid additional regulatory burdens on housing development.

Transcript Highlights:

• We manage 1,441 ECAP spaces in Snohomish County, located in schools, child care centers, private nonprofits
• We believe the state intent is to provide the lowest or even no cost to nonprofits when it awards funds
• The centers are run by nonprofit senior citizen organizations.
• We are a nonprofit association of property and casualty insurance companies—home, auto, business—and
• new taxes, raising costs for retirement savers and damaging their hopes for long-term financial security

Bills: SB5872 , SB5879 , SB6047 , SB5988 , SB5923 , SB5832 , SB5970 , SB5994 , SB5949

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: preK promise account, early childhood education, child care, preschool, pre-kindergarten, DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, state treasury, trust fund, investment earnings, gift grants donations, dedicated account, general fund, nonreverting balance, appropriation, treasurer, Washington early learning, school readiness, education assistance program, legislative audit

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing other peers enrolled in CalFresh in the beginning of my degree program created a wave of security
• I'm the clinical manager at the Black Wellness and Prosperity Center, and we are a nonprofit founded
• In 2023, only 9.7% of law graduates secured public interest jobs.
• In 2023, only 9.7% of law graduates secured public interest jobs.
• The bill would allow San Jose State and the nonprofit...

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several Senate measures focused on student access, workforce needs, and institutional stability. Senator Laird presented SJR 4, which urges the federal government to restore NIH funding cuts and protect California’s research universities; UC testified in support and there was no opposition. Senator Ashby presented SB 761, the CalFresh for Students Act, to connect Cal Grant applicants with potential CalFresh eligibility and expand qualifying programs; the bill drew broad support from higher education, student, anti-hunger, and county groups, with members sharing personal experiences with food insecurity and no opposition. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 520 to create a California Nurse Midwifery Education Fund for a new master’s-level nurse midwifery program, citing maternal health disparities and provider shortages, especially in rural and Central Valley communities. Supporters from the California Nurse Midwives Association and the Black Wellness and Prosperity Center emphasized workforce shortages and maternal mortality; one member raised concerns about the bill’s use of inclusive language, but the bill was otherwise well received. Cabaldon also presented SB 640, which would create a statewide direct admissions process to CSU for eligible high school seniors using existing data systems; supporters said it would reduce barriers, improve equity, and help declining-enrollment campuses, while members raised questions about special education students, rural access, dual enrollment, and measuring effectiveness. The committee voted SB 640 out on a 6-0 roll call. Cabaldon’s SB 744 would preserve California students’ access to enrollment and financial aid if a federally recognized accrediting agency loses approval, by treating affected institutions as accredited for state purposes; the bill drew no public testimony and advanced on a 4-2 roll call. Senator Cortese’s SB 494 would require classified school employees’ disciplinary appeals to be heard by an administrative law judge, matching protections already available to teachers and community college faculty; labor groups supported the bill, while school districts and administrators opposed it over cost, local control, and implementation concerns. The committee also heard SB 550, a revised pilot to allow San Jose State and a nonprofit, state-accredited law school to jointly develop a public law school pathway; supporters argued it would expand affordable legal education and public-interest careers, while UC and independent colleges opposed it as inconsistent with the Master Plan. Members debated access, jurisdiction, funding, and bar pass rates, and the bill advanced on a 4-2 roll call to the Judiciary Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• The program has already secured $4.6 million in student debt relief for borrowers.
• been administering that program to, I believe, about 13 organizations, a mix of community-based nonprofits
• been administering that program to, I believe, about 13 organizations, a mix of community-based nonprofits
• This combination presents high risk and security issues for the department and challenges the ability
• We support a practice of artistic quality and equity for California's over 16,000 varied nonprofit arts

Transcript Highlights:

• Housing Nantucket is a nonprofit community development corporation.
• So this proves what's possible when local, state, nonprofit, and philanthropic resources align.
• It provided us with a much-needed sense of security.
• That home gave us security. It gave us a future.
• CDCs are nonprofit developers.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on a series of bills focused largely on local-option real estate transfer fees and housing funding tools for communities facing severe affordability pressures. Testimony strongly favored bills for Somerville, Concord, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Chatham, and a statewide local-option transfer fee, with speakers arguing that high-end real estate transactions should help fund affordable housing, anti-displacement efforts, workforce housing, and related capital improvements. Elected officials and local housing leaders described rising rents and home prices, investor activity, shrinking year-round housing stock, and difficulty recruiting or retaining teachers, police, health care workers, and other essential employees. Several witnesses emphasized that the proposals would be optional for municipalities, could include exemptions for first-time homebuyers or seniors, and would direct revenue into local affordable housing trust funds or housing banks. Committee members asked questions about who would pay the fee and whether it could make housing less affordable, and supporters responded that the fees would be targeted at higher-value transactions and designed with local flexibility. For Somerville, the delegation and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne backed both a local home rule petition and statewide enabling legislation, saying the city has already used zoning reform, inclusionary zoning, and local housing funds but still needs a new revenue source to address displacement and investor-driven purchases. For Concord, Representative Carmine Gentile and Concord housing advocates supported a home rule petition and the statewide bill, arguing that a modest fee on sales above $1 million could generate predictable revenue for affordable housing production and preservation. One committee exchange focused on whether the fee would affect most Concord sales and whether it would be passed on to buyers; supporters said the policy was intended to shift costs toward higher-value properties and help leverage other funding sources. The committee also heard testimony on House 4105, which would redirect a casino-related revenue stream to the Healthy Incentives Program. Farmers, advocates, and residents said the current funding was originally intended to support horse racing but has not met that goal, and that the money would be better used to support Massachusetts farmers and food-insecure residents through HIP. In a separate bill, Senator Becca Rausch testified in support of Senate 268, which would create a state-level hostile learning environment complaint process for higher education institutions and potentially strip tax exemptions from colleges or universities found to have such environments; she cited anti-Semitic and transphobic incidents on campuses and argued that existing federal protections should be mirrored in state law. The hearing also included testimony on college tuition debt reduction legislation from Senator Michael Moore, who said the bill would allow a deduction for tuition and fees paid to Massachusetts public colleges and universities to ease student debt and support the state’s workforce. A major portion of the hearing focused on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket housing bank proposals. Hospital, school, housing, planning, and municipal officials from Martha’s Vineyard said the island’s year-round housing shortage is harming health care, schools, and the local workforce, and urged approval of a housing bank funded by a local-option transfer fee. Nantucket witnesses made similar arguments, pointing to a very high median home price, a large seasonal housing stock, and the need for a dedicated revenue stream to preserve and create year-round housing. Supporters repeatedly cited the long-running success of the islands’ land banks as evidence that transfer fees can work without harming real estate markets. Senator Julian Cyr and Representative Thomas Moakley Luddy also backed the Cape and Islands transfer-fee bills, saying the region needs bold action and a sustainable local funding source to address its housing crisis.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE COMMITTEE OF MILITARY VETERANS AFFAIRS SPACE AND DOMESTIC SECURITY WILL NOW COME TO ORDER.
• I WANT TO SUGGEST TO THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS THAT OUR NAME BE MILITARY VETERANS SPACE AND DOMESTIC SECURITY
• THIS ALSO RESULTED IN A SECURING $386 MILLION IN OBLIGATED PUBLIC ASSISTANCE MONEY.
• I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DID NOT MENTION THE NONPROFITS. GREAT POLICIES. JUST TO NAME A FEW.
• CHOICE DO I WANTED TO BE EASIER TO GET TO YOU OR DO I WANTED TO BE A MORE SECURE ENVIRONMENT.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> But we were already working to um secure But we were already working to um secure that<00:50:32.800
• It's a nonprofit Americans Initiative.
• </c> that is what our nonprofit focuses on. that is what our nonprofit focuses on.
• it's</c><01:26:25.760><c> only</c><01:26:26.000><c> for</c> security number, so it's only for security
• </c><01:26:45.040><c> number,</c> you don't have a social security number, you don't have a social security

Summary: The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity met in September 2025, established a quorum, introduced new member Larry Forester, and approved the minutes from the August 26 meeting. The main presentation came from Warren County Public Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton and Assistant Superintendent Sarah Johnson, who discussed the district’s work serving English language learners and multilingual students, including immigrant and refugee families. They said Warren County now serves roughly 5,500 multilingual students out of about 19,000 total, representing about 92 languages and 90 countries, with 57 certified multilingual teachers, a GO Center, migrant and refugee advocates, and the state’s first international high school. The presenters emphasized that the district welcomes immigrant families and that students and parents generally value public education, but they described major challenges tied to accountability and funding. They explained that multilingual students are tested after one year in the system, even though many need more time to become proficient in English and grade-level standards, and they argued that current graduation-rate rules can unfairly penalize schools when transient students enroll briefly and then leave. They also said the cost of serving this population has risen sharply, with special revenue and especially general-fund spending increasing substantially over the past decade, prompting the district to reallocate resources from EL teacher assistants toward translation technology and additional certified staff. Committee members asked questions about how long-term multilingual students compare with the general student body and whether the district’s data show similar graduation outcomes. Clayton said he did not have the specific comparison data at hand but believed students who stay K-12 generally reach proficiency. He and Johnson asked legislators to consider giving students more time before accountability measures apply and to shift some graduation accountability from individual schools to the district level for highly transient populations, while still maintaining accountability. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We worked to secure the $54 million of funding necessary to take the project forward.
• In 2021, we successfully secured $5.5 million from the City of Elk Grove.
• We could no longer extend the funding awards we had secured, and the church was no longer willing to
• We are a nonprofit affordable housing developer across two states.
• The Nonprofit Housing Association of Northern California represents nonprofit affordable housing developers

Summary: The joint hearing focused on the Governor’s 2025 reorganization plan to split the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into two new agencies: a Business and Consumer Services Agency and a California Housing and Homelessness Agency. Administration officials said the change would give each side more focused leadership, improve consumer protection and regulatory oversight, and better align housing and homelessness policy with the state’s broader housing goals. Leaders from the Department of Consumer Affairs, Cannabis Control, Alcoholic Beverage Control, and Financial Protection and Innovation all voiced support for the business-side reorganization, while housing officials emphasized that the new housing agency would help streamline funding, compliance, and coordination across programs. Members raised concerns about timing, budget impacts, office space, and whether the split would actually reduce bureaucracy. The administration said the plan would be included in the May Revision, was intended to be cost-neutral, and would not require fee increases for licensees or additional office space. On the housing side, officials said the new Housing Development and Finance Committee would work toward a single application and more coordinated award process for affordable housing funding, while preserving CalHFA’s statutory and financial independence. They also said the reorganization would improve compliance monitoring, data collection, and coordination with local governments, including Los Angeles homelessness programs. Public testimony was largely supportive. Industry groups representing beverage distributors, craft brewers, wine, mortgage lenders, and housing organizations backed the business-side split, and housing advocates such as Housing California, the California Housing Partnership, and the California Housing Consortium supported the housing agency concept and the proposed one-stop-shop approach. Several witnesses urged that tax credits, bonds, and other funding sources be better coordinated, and some said the plan should be paired with additional state investment and implementation resources. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• nonprofits to rent or lease the property for certain community-serving purposes and to transfer the
• property to another nonprofit for any tax-exempt purpose.
• property to another nonprofit for any tax-exempt purpose.
• House Bill 2610, ensuring nonprofit housing providers qualify for a property tax exemption.
• We were able to secure equipment and expand facilities with their help.

Summary: The committee took up executive action on the capital budget, Proposed Substitute Senate Bill 6003, and several policy bills. Staff described amendments to the capital budget that shifted funding among behavioral health, local/community projects, irrigation projects, and juvenile rehabilitation capacity, plus a technical fix to the water pollution control revolving program. The committee adopted Senator Dozier’s budget-neutral amendment and a technical amendment, then advanced the amended capital budget to the Rules Committee. It also moved House Bills 2441, 2124, 2471, 2133, 2610, and 2338 forward with due-pass recommendations, and advanced Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2251 on Climate Commitment Act accounts to the Transportation Committee after adopting two amendments and withdrawing three others. A major public hearing focused on Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034, which would terminate and restate LEOFF Plan 1 in 2029, transfer surplus assets, and direct portions to the Climate Commitment Account and the pension funding stabilization account. Staff said the plan is currently about 160% funded and explained the bill’s IRS-review process, statute of limitations, and estimated implementation costs. Testimony was sharply divided: some retirees, firefighters, counties, and cities opposed the bill as an improper use of pension assets and urged benefit enhancements or protection of local medical obligations, while others supported using the surplus for broader public purposes. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 2179 on PERS coverage for certain port workers, with ports and the Washington Public Ports Association supporting clarification for railroad employees covered by the federal railroad retirement system. House Bill 1069, allowing Department of Corrections employees to bargain over supplemental retirement benefits, drew support from Teamsters and corrections workers, while House Bill 2091, expanding employee-information sharing with bargaining representatives, drew union support and privacy objections from Washington Policy Center. Finally, Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1210 on targeted urban area tax preferences drew support from labor, local governments, and project proponents, and opposition from contractor groups and environmental advocates over project labor agreement requirements and nuclear-related concerns; Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408 on community preservation and development authorities and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1974 on land bank authorities for affordable housing were also heard, with both receiving supportive testimony from community and housing advocates.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that, you know, this provides some safety and security not only for the community, but for
• We're making sure that people who are formerly unhoused have access to safe and secure housing.
• And if we can get nonprofits, they can help them, and they can't have 24-7 staffing, but maybe 12 hours
• So I'm definitely committed to doing that, even though I am a no on this amendment. ...secure housing
• And if we can get nonprofits, they can help them, and they can't have 24-7 staffing, but maybe 12 hours

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee met in executive session on several housing-related House bills. Staff briefed bills expanding affordable housing on religious-organization property (HB 1859), requiring cities and counties to allow various forms of supportive and emergency housing in certain zones (ESHB 2266), making changes to common interest community law and WUCIOA (SHB 2354), changing service requirements for rent-increase notices and unlawful detainer notices (SHB 2452 and HB 2664), and exempting limited equity cooperatives from WUCIOA (2SHB 2590). The committee also reviewed fiscal notes and noted that most bills had no state fiscal impact, while the limited equity cooperative bill had a small Department of Revenue cost that would be absorbed. The most extensive discussion centered on ESHB 2266. Senator Gildon offered amendments to require step housing to be near transit, allow local review of operational plans, require 24-hour on-site supervision unless otherwise justified, and limit new requirements for smaller cities; Senator Gaynor offered a population-based amendment for cities under 10,000. Supporters of the underlying bill argued it would reduce barriers and expand needed shelter and housing, while opponents raised concerns about local control, neighborhood impacts, and operational oversight. None of the amendments were adopted, and the committee advanced the striker and underlying bill. The committee then voted to send HB 1859, SHB 2354, SHB 2452, 2SHB 2590, and HB 2664 forward with due-pass recommendations, with HB 1859 and ESHB 2266 sent to the Rules Committee and 2SHB 2590 sent to Ways and Means. Members generally expressed support for expanding housing options, though some noted concerns about implementation, local impacts, and the need for further work on WUCIOA-related issues. The meeting concluded with the chair thanking members and staff and adjourning the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We extend this liability to election workers and volunteers, as well as the nonprofits who are hosting
• Then, in some, ...as well as the nonprofits who are hosting those polling place locations.
• It's unfortunate now that we're having to secure our schools and it's changed.
• It's unfortunate now that we're having to secure our Thank you, Representative Church.
• It's unfortunate now that we're having to secure our schools and it's changed.

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill will provide housing security. ...with the local planning department and follow other land use
• The bill will provide housing security for countless community college students, staff, and faculty.
• Members, nonprofits need us.
• Members, nonprofits need us.
• Nonprofits are currently defined through the Welfare and Institutions Code as organizations that have

Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then moved through guest introductions, including students and fellows from California Lutheran University, UC Merced’s CAPE program, the Maddy Institute, and Madera High School’s Madtown Robotics Team 1323, which was recognized for multiple robotics world championships. The chamber also adopted an adjournment in memory and took up the daily file. Several bills and resolutions were considered and passed, including AB 1390 on school board compensation thresholds, AB 1338 on air district cost recovery for fence-line air monitoring, AB 648 on community college housing, AB 1207 on cap-and-trade price ceilings, ACR 66 recognizing Skin Cancer Awareness Month, AB 49 on keeping ICE out of public schools, AB 317 on a CEQA exemption for certain single-family homes, AB 527 on geothermal exploratory wells, AB 665 on the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation ombudsman report, AB 940 creating quantum innovation zones, AB 1021 on workforce housing for education agencies, AB 1112 on property tax apportionment in Rancho Mirage, AB 1318 on nonprofit eligibility for public funding, and AB 1470 on using student housing loan funds for affordable housing in downtowns and commercial districts. Most measures passed with broad support; AB 49 and AB 1318 were urgency bills and passed with the required higher vote threshold. The floor also adopted H.R. 40, declaring May 25 as Rosenda’s Day to honor a teen killed by a drunk driver, and H.R. 42, recognizing May as Behavioral Health Awareness Month. Both drew extensive personal testimony from members about mental health, suicide, substance use, and the need to reduce stigma and expand access to care. Additional health-related bills passed, including AB 408 creating a physician health and wellness program, AB 546 requiring coverage for HEPA purifiers for certain enrollees after wildfire disasters, AB 967 expediting licenses for out-of-state physicians, and AB 968 expanding pharmacist authority to provide non-hormonal contraception. The Assembly also debated AB 1056 on phasing out gill net fishing and AB 1376 on limiting juvenile probation terms, with supporters framing both as conservation or rehabilitation measures and opponents warning about economic harm or public safety concerns. Both bills ultimately passed. Throughout the session, members repeatedly emphasized public safety, education, housing, climate, health care access, and support for immigrant and youth communities, with recorded roll-call votes and voice votes taken on each measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:00.720><c> could</c> process together which nonprofits could process together which nonprofits
• 03.359><c> to</c><00:54:03.680><c> nonprofits</c> would terminate payments to nonprofits would terminate
• for</c><01:11:51.199><c> those</c> provided economic security for those provided economic security for
• ESPs are essential for student success, and we cannot afford to not give them economic security.
• We should ensure more economic security for all workers, not less.

Transcript Highlights:

• after-school care provided in person and on-site by elementary schools and presentations given by nonprofits
• ...school care provided in person and on-site by elementary schools and presentations given by nonprofits
• And this is that opportunity that they stay in their homes with dignity and financial security.
• In Section 2 of 6113, the same exemption for nonprofits that was in Section 2 of the House Companion
• When the House companion was in this committee, you adopted an amendment to exempt nonprofits, and we

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm on the town council in Queen Creek, but I also work for a nonprofit called Arizona Anti-Trafficking
• I'd rather have a Democrat do stuff about AI and the border security.
• It’s a nonprofit. You’d still be a vendor. You can say yes or no, or I don’t care.
• The plate funds itself, and the money is distributed to a nonprofit fund.
• The money goes to a nonprofit organization. There’s one in mind, somebody tell us.

Summary: The committee met to hear and vote on a series of appropriations and transportation-related bills, beginning with SB 1550, which would fund a Queen Creek police pilot program focused on runaway youth prevention, at-risk youth protection, and anti-trafficking work. Supporters said the town and local facilities already contribute personnel and administrative support, while some members urged Queen Creek to add local matching funds. The bill received a due pass recommendation on a 7-2 vote. The committee then considered SB 1156 and SB 1157, both $20 million border-related reimbursement bills sponsored by Senator Rogers. SB 1156 would reimburse cities, towns, and counties for short-term detention hold costs for unauthorized non-citizens, and SB 1157 would reimburse local governments for supplemental fencing or bollard walls in high-crossing border areas. Both bills drew strong opposition from public commenters who described them as funding detention and border enforcement at the expense of other needs, while supporters framed them as backfilling local costs already incurred. SB 1156 passed 5-3, and SB 1157 passed 5-3. The committee also approved SB 1245, which would fund pavement replacement on Rodeo Road in Williams, and SB 1707, which would provide $5 million for AI-related border security at DPS. SB 1245 passed 6-3, with some members objecting that the state highway user revenue fund is underfunded and local contributions should be required. SB 1707 passed 6-4 after testimony split between supporters who favored using AI and surveillance tools for border security and opponents who said the bill was too vague, too expensive, or inappropriate given other state priorities. Later, the committee advanced SB 1273, funding pavement rehabilitation on Ogle Frontage Road between Bowie and San Simon, and SB 1811, which would clarify that school districts and charter schools may allow wireless device use in the case of an emergency rather than during an emergency. SB 1273 passed 6-4 amid debate over state versus local funding responsibility, and SB 1811 passed 8-1 after testimony that the change would give schools more flexibility and avoid practical problems during emergencies. The committee also heard SB 1088, a cybersecurity appropriation for DHS, and SB 1332, which would require ADOT to study light rail expansion in Maricopa County versus autonomous or semi-autonomous transit options. SB 1088 passed 6-4 despite concerns that the appropriation was vendor-driven and not requested by the department. SB 1332 drew extensive testimony from small business owners along Indian School Road who said light rail construction had harmed access and sales, while Phoenix/Valley Metro opposed the bill and questioned ADOT’s role; the discussion continued as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• It could be city or local government, nonprofit organization, or others that will be eligible for this
• I'm a researcher at the nonpartisan nonprofit Public Policy Institute of California.
• I'm on Social Security, and my disability comes with a lot of dietary restrictions.
• We're talking about addressing food security. So this is a program that reduces hunger.
• And I think, to Andrew's point, you know, the entire ecosystem of food security...

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on food insecurity in California and how state and federal nutrition programs, agricultural production, and food distribution systems intersect. Assemblymembers emphasized that many Californians, including farmworkers, seniors, children, and communities of color, remain food insecure despite California’s agricultural abundance. Panelists and members discussed CalFresh, WIC, school meals, Sun Bucks, food banks, and the impact of federal policy changes, including possible nutrition cuts, tariffs, and immigration enforcement, on access to food and the agricultural workforce. Secretary Karen Ross described CDFA programs aimed at improving access to fresh food and supporting local agriculture, including the senior farmers’ market program, California Nutrition Incentive Program, Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program, Community Food Hubs, Farm to School, urban agriculture, and a proposed tribal food sovereignty program. She said these efforts help connect local producers to consumers, expand healthy food access, and build infrastructure such as refrigeration, mobile markets, and aggregation hubs. Department of Social Services Deputy Director Alexis Fernandez Garcia outlined CalFresh, CFAP, Sun Bucks, CACFP, emergency food programs, and tribal nutrition assistance, noting that CalFresh and related programs significantly reduce poverty and food insecurity, but participation gaps remain for non-English speakers, some Asian American communities, and undocumented households. PPIC researcher Tess Thorman presented data showing that 13% of California households experienced food insecurity in 2023, with higher rates among households with children and Latino, Black, and other households. She said nutrition programs reduce poverty and food hardship, but federal rules, income thresholds, immigration restrictions, and high living costs limit their reach. Members asked about simplifying applications, improving call center access, increasing outreach in multiple languages, and adjusting benefits for inflation. Officials said the state has used available federal options to streamline enrollment, improve customer service, and target outreach, but many core rules and benefit levels are set federally. The second panel shifted to food production and market access. A farmer, a UC food systems leader, and a produce distributor described efforts to connect small and medium farms with food banks, schools, universities, and Medi-Cal food-as-medicine programs. They highlighted programs such as Farms Together, the USDA Southwest Regional Food Business Center, Farm to School, food hubs, and climate-smart infrastructure grants as ways to create stable markets for local growers while improving food access. Speakers also raised concerns about land tenure, consolidation, regulatory burdens, labor constraints, and the loss of federal funding, and members discussed whether state investments and Prop. 4 funds could help sustain and expand these efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a very secure person. That's what I do for a living; I work in security.
• You can have security there. You can also have.
• All of a sudden, a lawsuit comes up that you're not providing a secure situation.
• My intent is to add another level of security for people.
• So we would want to allow a nonprofit to handle the oversight of the process.

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Count-on-profits represents 10,000 nonprofit organizations as a policy alliance.
• So I just think it's an opportunity for, number one, nonprofits to make sure they're applying for these
• So I just think it's an opportunity for, number one, nonprofits to make sure they're applying for these
• I do hear the speaker who is just concerned that it's benefiting the nonprofits.
• My line of questioning is making sure the nonprofits and our communities are benefiting, so that's where

Summary: The Governmental Organization Committee met as a subcommittee before quorum was established, then heard three measures. AB 770 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez would authorize the City of Los Angeles to create a flexible signage framework at the Los Angeles Convention Center to generate revenue for renovation and modernization tied to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Support came from labor, business, and SEIU representatives, who cited jobs, tourism, and financing benefits; there was no opposition testimony. Members asked about the job estimates and the connection between signage revenue and convention center expansion. SB 451, presented by Senator Archuleta, would clarify that a 50-50 charitable raffle may be conducted at a championship game held at a designated venue where an affiliated sports team plays home games, addressing a Super Bowl-related ambiguity. Supporters from the NFL and the 49ers said the change would preserve charitable fundraising for Super Bowls 60 and 61 and would not alter other raffle rules. CalNonprofits raised concerns about fairness, gambling expansion, and the special treatment of pro sports raffles, while members discussed how charities receive funds and the program’s audit process. AB 831 by Assemblymember Valencia would prohibit online sweepstakes using dual-currency models that allow cash payouts, while leaving non-cash social sweepstakes untouched. Supporters, including several tribes, the Sports Betting Alliance, the California Chamber of Commerce, and other stakeholders, argued the bill closes a loophole, protects consumers, and preserves tribal gaming sovereignty; opponents, including the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance and numerous tribal members and representatives, argued it would eliminate a legal industry, harm smaller and less advantaged tribes, and was advanced without sufficient consultation. After extensive debate about consumer protection, tribal equity, and online gaming regulation, all three bills were approved, and the committee adjourned at 9:55 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The program has already secured $4.6 million in student debt relief for borrowers.
• been administering that program to, I believe, about 13 organizations, a mix of community-based nonprofits
• This combination presents high risk and security issues for the department and challenges the ability
• We support a practice of artistic quality and equity for California's over 16,000 varied nonprofit arts
• This investment would in fact double the number of grants to community-based nonprofits the agency is

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration heard a series of budget change proposals and trailer bill items, beginning with Housing and Community Development (HCD) requests. HCD sought permanent authority for seven existing temporary positions to support the HCD Connect IT system, and a separate proposal to fund implementation of eight 2025 housing-related laws with $4.2 million General Fund and 16 positions, plus $470,000 one-time General Fund. Members asked about how HCD Connect would interact with programs moving to the new Housing Development Finance Committee, and HCD also explained that the estimated cost to implement AB 1053 had been revised downward from about $6 million to $1.9 million because of shared implementation with CalHFA and the new committee structure. The committee also heard a Cal ICH proposal for $339,000 one-time General Fund to implement AB 678 on LGBTQ+ inclusive and culturally competent homelessness services, with testimony emphasizing data gaps and the need for a contract-based approach because HMIS cannot be changed unilaterally. The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented three continuation proposals: $15.34 million and 53 positions for the California Consumer Financial Protection Law program, $13.5 million and 51 positions for the Debt Collector Licensing Act program, and $49,000 ongoing for two positions in the broker-dealer/investment adviser education program. Members and the public raised concerns about the size and fairness of debt collector assessments and licensing fees, while DFPI explained the pro rata fee structure, the current license count, and how larger assessments fall on larger firms. Public testimony also supported retaining funding for the Student Loan Empowerment Network and requested funding for a franchise broker registration program. The committee also considered a mandate item involving suspension of a disclosure requirement related to property taxation, and trailer bill language from the Government Operations Agency to amend AB 91 on MENA demographic data collection, with the administration emphasizing data nondisclosure, protection of federal funding, and delayed implementation. The Secretary of State’s office then presented Help America Vote Act funding requests: $10.3 million for VoteCal maintenance and operations and $4.492 million for HAVA spending plans supporting voter education, training, accessibility, auditing, and county assistance. The office also requested $660,000 General Fund to implement AB 1392, which would make voter registration information for elected officials and candidates confidential, and explained the need to modify VoteCal and county election systems. The committee also heard requests to continue the Cal-Access Replacement System with $11.8 million General Fund and to continue the Notary Automation Program Replacement Project with $9.75 million from the Business Fees Fund. Members asked about total project costs, testing, data migration, and the expected November 2026 go-live date for Cal-Access replacement. Votes were taken on the vote-only items once quorum was established, and the committee approved the items considered. The final informational item was an overview from the California Arts Council, which highlighted the agency’s 50th anniversary, its statewide grantmaking, and the economic impact of arts funding. Council staff described Creative Corps, cultural districts, and the role of arts funding in local economies, while members and public witnesses urged increased support, including a request to raise local assistance grant funding to $50 million and to provide additional funding for cultural districts. Testimony emphasized the arts as economic infrastructure, community infrastructure, and a source of civic and cultural vitality across California.