Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I move the amendment. Second. Mr. Chairman, I've moved the amendment. Second.
• Any other amendments for 1623? Mr. Chairman. Senator Cleary? I move due pass as amended. Second.
• Chair, I would move the amendment as proposed. Second. The second was from Representative Bosch.
• I move a do not pass on House Bill 1624 as amended. Second. The second came from...
• We have a second on the motion to amend, seconded by Munson, from the motion by Bosch to accept the amendment

Bills: HB1623

Keywords: HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 1624, the “Universal Lunch Bill,” from Rep. Mike Nathie. He argued the proposal should be placed in Century Code rather than the Constitution so future legislatures can adjust it if state finances tighten, and said the bill would start the program a year earlier with a $65 million appropriation for one school year. DPI testified that the estimate did not include nonpublic schools that do not participate, and members questioned the impact on Title I, free-and-reduced applications, private-school accountability, breakfast mandates for schools that do not currently serve breakfast, and whether the funding could come from the DPI budget or other sources. Supporters, including North Dakota United, the North Dakota Catholic Conference, a pediatrician, and the American Heart Association, said universal meals improve student health and learning, reduce family costs, and are better handled in statute than by constitutional amendment. No opposition testimony was offered, and the chair closed the hearing for later work-session action. The committee then took up House Bill 1627, introduced by Rep. Tye Dressler, which would raise the income threshold for the state-funded school lunch program from 225% to 300% of poverty, with an estimated cost of about $7 million for 2026-27. Dressler said the bill is intended as a targeted, budget-friendly alternative to the ballot measure and emphasized that the state should maximize federal meal dollars while improving participation in the current program. Members questioned whether raising the threshold would actually increase utilization, whether a dollar amount would be clearer than a percentage, and how the change would affect federal reimbursements and application rates. DPI said it could quickly calculate additional percentage levels, and the chair closed the hearing, directing DPI to prepare more numbers for the work session. Finally, the committee opened Senate Bill 2403, presented by Sen. Schiable, to create a short-term bridge-loan program for financially distressed hospitals, centered on Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin. The bill would authorize up to $5 million per loan, with a $10 million appropriation available on a first-come, first-served basis, and would run only through June 30, 2027. Schiable said the hospital’s debt and operating problems threaten local health care, ambulance service, and the community’s economy, and that the proposal was designed narrowly with Bank of North Dakota review to avoid creating a broad precedent. Committee members asked whether the appropriation could be reduced and whether the bank would still apply commercial feasibility and repayment standards; Schiable said yes, the bank would still evaluate the loan and could reject it if it was not sound.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill as amended is a lot different than that.
• the bill as amended is a lot different than that.
• Got a motion and a second on the consent calendar.
• Did we have a motion and a second already? We've got a motion and a second.
• We'll give the secretary a second to get settled. We'll give the secretary a second to get settled.

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a lengthy agenda of Senate bills, with most measures ultimately advancing on party-line or broad bipartisan votes after substantial testimony and several amendments. Early in the hearing, SB 418 by Sen. Menjivar was presented as a health access bill to codify ACA nondiscrimination protections in state law and require coverage for up to a 12-month supply of medically approved hormone therapy; supporters framed it as protecting continuity of care amid federal threats, while there was no opposition testimony. The committee later also took up SB 456, which would exempt muralists from contractor licensing requirements for commissioned fine art murals; supporters said recent enforcement had chilled mural projects and harmed artists and communities, and the bill passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 641, part of the wildfire response package, and SB 774, a sunset review bill for the Department of Real Estate and Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers, also advanced with support and no opposition. SB 775 and SB 776, sunset extensions for the behavioral sciences, psychology, and optometry boards, passed after witnesses described technical changes and the need to keep the boards operating. SB 777, dealing with abandoned cemeteries, drew testimony from local governments, industry, and counties; after amendments removed a local takeover mandate and shifted the bill toward a stakeholder working group and study process, opposition softened or was withdrawn and the bill moved forward to Local Government. SB 790, on interstate reciprocity for online higher education, generated the most debate, with supporters arguing California students and institutions need stronger consumer protections and access to the national reciprocity framework, while opponents said the bill’s terms conflicted with the existing compact; it passed as amended to Appropriations after committee members emphasized continued work on student protections. The consent calendar, including SB 389 and SB 861, was also approved, and the committee adjourned after additional vote changes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• We took amendments, and we greatly appreciate the amendments in this committee, too.
• Oh, second, it was my slot.
• We have a motion and a second.
• Certainly the 22nd Amendment to the U.S.
• Second. We have a motion by Vice Chair Johnson, seconded by Ellis. No other questions or comments.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on July 1, 2026, heard a full agenda of election-related measures, and took final votes on several bills and one resolution. The committee also adopted two consent items, SB 1429 and SB 1430, without opposition. Members and the chair repeatedly noted committee membership changes and the final meeting of the session, and the chair emphasized the committee’s focus on protecting democracy and election integrity. Among the bills heard, SB 1369 would shorten the signature-gathering period for judicial recalls in larger counties and require paid gatherers to disclose they are compensated; supporters argued it would protect judicial independence, while the chair and some members noted the need to balance recall rights with county differences. SB 900 would reformat campaign disclosure language on large print ads and billboards to improve readability while preserving transparency, with broad support from outdoor advertising, clean money, and good-government groups. SJR 18, which condemns Citizens United and urges action against corporate spending in elections, drew support from reform advocates but also concerns about the resolution’s focus and scope; it was advanced on a party-line split with some members voting no. The committee also advanced SB 1164, a major voting-rights measure expanding California protections against vote dilution and voter suppression, adding preclearance-style review for some jurisdictions, and directing courts to interpret election laws in favor of voting access. Local government representatives opposed it unless amended, citing uncertainty, loss of safe-harbor protections, and implementation concerns, while civil-rights and labor groups strongly supported it. SB 1360, which expands language-access requirements for voters with limited English proficiency and lowers coverage thresholds, was supported by voting-rights and immigrant-advocacy groups but opposed by elections officials unless amended; the committee acknowledged the need for further work on county-level implementation and data standards. The committee also approved SB 1418, which extends protections against seizure of election records and voting systems beyond voted ballots, and SB 884, which creates a buffer zone around polling places and vote-by-mail drop locations to prevent interference with voting and ballot custody, though sheriffs and police groups opposed the arrest restrictions. SB 46, which would give the Secretary of State clearer authority to remove constitutionally ineligible presidential and vice-presidential candidates from the ballot, and SB 715, which moves candidate ballot-designation challenge deadlines earlier, also advanced. Most measures were sent to Appropriations or otherwise held on call for absent members, and the meeting ended with final roll calls and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And all this amendment does is remove that whole second section about temporary licensure.
• >> I >> and I'll move to pass as amended. >> Senator Mcu seconded. Any further discussion?
• So, I am going to move on to pass, and then I offer this amendment once I'm second floor.
• We have a second on our pass. All right. Then I want to offer Amendment 0667S. Do I have a second?
• Senator Ra second. >> Further discussion on the bill as amended. >> Hearing none. All in favor?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll be supporting the bill with those amendments. We have a motion by Ta, seconded by Alanis.
• We'll be supporting the bill with those amendments. We have a motion by TAS, seconded by Alanis.
• With the amendments, we will be supporting the bill. We have a motion by Pacheco, second by Wilson.
• We need a motion and a second. Assembly Member Pacheco, we need a second.
• Motion or second? Motion by Catherine Stephanie, seconded by my phone. Seconded by my phone.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to make sure you have a second on his amendment. Representative Bridal: Yes.
• So we have a motion and seconded. Would you like to speak on the amendment?
• Now I'd like to make a motion of ought to pass as amended. Representative Bridal: Oh, second that.
• Okay, Representative Sergeant, you're okay seconding that amendment. you front of you front of you you
• So we have a motion made and seconded to pass as amended. Do you wish to speak on that motion?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with housekeeping about report deadlines and bill scheduling, noting that reports should be submitted as soon as possible, ideally by Friday night, so they can be reviewed and filed on time. The chair explained the process for Democratic and Republican reports, reviewed the timing sheet for early bills, and said the committee was trying to stay on schedule to avoid hearings during vacation week. He also shared his contact information for questions. The committee then moved into executive session on 10 bills. On HB 13, relative to OHRV operation on certain highways in Windsor, the committee voted unanimously to retain the bill after the prime sponsor asked that it be held for possible local action. On HB 127, extending the closing date of OHRV trails on the Connecticut River headquarters property from September 30 to Columbus Day, members debated economic benefits for Pittsburgh versus concerns about local control, conservation easements, and hunting impacts. The committee voted 11-5 ought to pass; the chair noted it would not go on consent and would have a fiscal note. On HB 174, increasing the maximum weight of a utility terrain vehicle to 3,500 pounds unladen dry weight, supporters argued the change could help accommodate electric vehicles and heavier equipment, while opponents raised concerns about undefined terms, enforcement, private landowner rights, and unintended consequences. The committee voted 8-7 ought to pass. On HB 203, requiring C-COT approved personal flotation devices while on New Hampshire state waters, the committee heard a split between members who emphasized personal responsibility and those who said the bill would improve safety and education and could reduce drowning deaths. The motion to ITL failed 11-5, meaning the committee rejected the motion to kill the bill and advanced it instead. The transcript then moved on to HB 332, allowing for the establishment of a village district, but the discussion of that bill was not included in the provided excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• . amended. amended.
• . amendment. amendment.
• is the A5 amendment. is the A5 amendment.
• 4 second thing? 4 second thing?
• If there are no amendments, amendments?

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened under call, received a prayer and pledge, and then proceeded through routine business including roll call, quorum, and messages from the House. The chamber concurred in House amendments to Senate File 3210, a human rights bill concerning disability accommodations, and then passed the bill on final passage by a vote of 42-22. The Senate also received several House messages on conference committees and returned bills, including SF 4476, SF 4612, and SF 4760, and agreed to conference committees on House File 3426 (Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund appropriations) and House File 4252 (higher education student aid reporting). The Senate adopted committee reports and moved several bills through second reading and introduction stages. In motions and resolutions, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 86, which governs Senate business during the interim between sessions; the sponsor explained that most changes were cleanup and modernization, with one substantive change allowing the Secretary of the Senate to appoint someone to fill a vacancy in an elected officer position for the remainder of the interim. The resolution passed 57-0. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 87, commemorating deceased senators Bruce Anderson, Carrie Dietick, Alice Johnson, Bob Kurlin, Don Samuelson, James Yuland, and Ray Vander, followed by a moment of silence. The Senate then took up confirmations of three Minnesota Tax Court judges: Jane Bowman, Bradford Deopena, and Beverly Luther Quest. Supporters cited their combined public- and private-sector tax law experience, and the appointments were confirmed. Later, the chamber designated special orders and debated Senate File 3891, which would allow eggs to be donated up to 30 days past their quality assurance date to food shelves; supporters emphasized food insecurity, food waste reduction, and the bill’s support from food shelves and retailers. The bill passed 65-0. The Senate also considered House File 4240 on election administration, adopting an amendment that replaced House language with Senate language, including polling-place requirements for certain school district elections, a ban on candidates betting on their own elections, and an effective date for Three Rivers Park District reporting; the bill then passed 36-28. The chamber then began consideration of House File 4239, another elections-related bill, taking it from the table and offering an A5 amendment, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• as follows and as so 114 be amended as follows and as so amended<00:29:57.920> be<00:29:58.040
• General Orders Second Reading of Bills. General Orders Second Reading of Bills.
• 261107 on second reading. 261107 on second reading.
• of House amendments to Senate bills. Mr. of House amendments to Senate bills. Mr.
• Uh, the second piece is it made sure that the bill did not impact Amendment 64.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, approved the journal, and received several committee reports. Health and Human Services reported appointments to the Commission on Aging and the Solid and Hazardous Waste Commission for consent-calendar confirmation, and also advanced or killed several bills, including favorable recommendations on SB 140, HB 1229, and HB 1244, while postponing indefinitely HB 1096 and SB 8. Business, Labor, and Technology reported SB 114 with amendments and a favorable recommendation to Appropriations. The chamber also adopted a motion to proceed out of order for resolutions and later for selected bills. The Senate adopted SJR 19, which celebrates Colorado’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan, supports stronger trade and academic ties, backs a double-taxation agreement, and urges Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. The resolution was adopted 35-0, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. The Senate also passed consent-calendar HB 1234 on access to child abuse or neglect records unanimously. On third reading, HB 1186 on bail bonding agents passed 34-1, and HB 1044 on maternal health equity passed 30-5. In Committee of the Whole, the Senate advanced a large consent calendar of technical and policy bills, including HB 1303, 1297, 1296, 1295, 1294, 1293, 1220, 1219, 1218, 1217, 1216, 1215, 1135, 1238, and 1079, all of which were adopted and ordered to third reading. The committee report was adopted 35-0. Later, the Senate took up several House-amended Senate bills and concurred or re-passed them, including SB 77 on epilepsy-related mortality awareness, SB 31 on lawful use of a prescription drug product containing a Schedule I substance, SB 9 on charitable organizations for sales and use tax, SB 126 on teacher licensure for out-of-state applicants, and SB 53 on eligible mortgage borrowers. The chamber also passed HB 1311 on using a bond in lieu of retainage in construction contracts, HB 1107 on standardized information for medical-care facilities, and HB 1101 on adding critical-infrastructure-related offenses to commodity-metals crimes. The remainder of the calendar was laid over to April 7, 2026, and the Committee of the Whole report reflecting those actions was adopted 35-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• second the motion. second the motion.
• <00:20:29.600> Any second the motion. Any second the motion. Any discussion?
• <00:24:33.520> Any Speaker, I second the motion. Any Speaker, I second the motion.
• <00:41:27.520> Any second the motion. Any second the motion. Any discussion?
• crossover filing deadline for the second crossover filing deadline for amended<00:45:27.839> Senate

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you can imagine, there are a lot of police chiefs that have firm Second Amendment beliefs.
• The Supreme Court has affirmed that the Second Amendment protects the right to keep arms in functioning
• Is there a second? I will second. Senator Wiener. Mr. Gonzalez, is there a second? I will second.
• James Adamick, Second Amendment, I urge you to oppose. I urge you to oppose.
• The second point, you're a hundred percent right, and I haven't received a single amendment from opposition

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, with extensive testimony on firearms regulation, disability and sexual assault, mental health diversion, emergency response, and law enforcement masking. SB 704 by Senator Arreguín would require firearm barrels to be purchased through licensed dealers with a background check, as a response to the rise in ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms; supporters said barrels are a key component of untraceable guns, while opponents argued the bill burdens lawful gun owners and does little to stop criminals. SB 258 by Senator Wahab would eliminate the remaining spousal rape exception for victims unable to consent because of disability; supporters called it a needed closure of an archaic loophole, while disability-rights advocates opposed it unless amended, warning it could worsen misunderstandings about capacity to consent and harm disabled people’s autonomy. After debate, SB 258 passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the bill held on call. Senator Umberg presented SB 398, which closes a loophole in the law prohibiting paying or offering money or other value to induce someone to vote or register to vote; there was little opposition, and the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations and was held on call. He also presented SB 27, a CARE Court cleanup measure that would allow certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial to be routed into CARE Court and would expand eligibility to some people with mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would improve access to treatment and reduce unnecessary incarceration, while county behavioral health directors and disability advocates warned it could blur the line between voluntary civil treatment and coercive criminal proceedings and expand CARE Court beyond its intended scope. SB 27 passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 36 from Senator Umberg, a price-gouging measure tied to wildfire-related emergency conditions that also expands search-warrant authority for certain misdemeanor investigations. Public defenders opposed the search-warrant expansion as unnecessary, while a late supporter from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spoke in favor; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and held on call. SB 571 by Senator Arreguín would increase penalties for impersonating emergency personnel and related conduct during disasters; supporters cited post-fire looting and impersonation, while opponents argued longer sentences do not deter crime and that existing law is sufficient. The bill passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and was held on call. Finally, Senator Wiener presented SB 627, which would prohibit law enforcement from wearing extreme masks except in limited circumstances, aimed largely at masked federal immigration enforcement operations. Supporters said masked, unidentified officers create fear and undermine trust, while law enforcement groups argued the bill wrongly sweeps in local officers, is too broad, and should instead target federal agents or impersonators. Testimony was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SB 627 is shown here.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I second the motion. It's been moved and seconded. Is there any discussion?
• <00:03:00.800> Any seconded. Is there any discussion? Any seconded.
• President, I second the motion. It's President, I second the motion.
• President, I second the motion. It's been moved and seconded.
• President, I second the motion. It's been moved and seconded.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I would like to make a motion to amend this bill with the amendment 20252219H.
• Do I hear a second? I will second that. Thank you, Representative Bixby.
• in another amendment because we couldn't address a Senate amendment.
• So I amended that amendment with that language.
• :02.720> that amended that amendment with that amended that amendment with that language. language

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session on SB 302, a bill requiring background checks for solid waste and hazardous waste facility owners. Members discussed and adopted amendment 2025-2219H, which incorporated language from prior Senate and House amendments, including provisions related to the siting evaluation committee and changes affecting landfill expansions and additional cells. The amendment also folded in language from HB 616, the animal cruelty/due process bill, which members said clarifies probable cause, imminent danger, temporary protective custody, and the role of the state veterinarian or designee in animal seizure decisions. Several members emphasized that the bill does not bar seizure of animals in emergencies or prevent nonprofits from fundraising, and that the changes are intended to strengthen due process and reduce conflicts of interest. The committee voted 12-0 to adopt the amendment. It then voted 12-0 to give SB 302 an OTPA recommendation with the amendment included. After the vote, the director raised a concern that the amendment appeared to eliminate the waste management council and related appeal provisions in the governing statutes; members acknowledged the issue and said it was intentional or at least acceptable to address later in committee of conference, where they expected further changes. The committee then agreed to place the bill on the consent calendar. After concluding the executive session, the committee discussed an afternoon field trip to research farms in Lee and Durham. They also accepted an invitation to visit a farm in Fremont on May 30 at 10:00 a.m., with the address provided as 63 South Road, Fremont, New Hampshire.

Transcript Highlights:

• and recommended Senate Bill 6 as amended, and Senate Bill 15 as amended, passed on second reading and
• Senate Bill 6 was amended, and Senate Bill 15 was amended and passed on second reading.
• Second, let me now tell you why I rise in objection to this amendment.
• Second, let me now tell you why I rise in objection to this amendment.
• Second, let me now tell you why I rise in objection to this amendment.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a long list of bill status reports and enrollments. It also introduced Senate Bill 168, concerning reporting of money handled by legislative caucuses, and Senate Bill 169, a non-substantive revision bill for the Colorado Revised Statutes. The chamber then agreed to proceed out of order for moments of personal privilege and recognized the Denver and Colorado Springs chapters of The Links, Incorporated for Lynx Day at the Capitol. The Senate next took up a special-order consent calendar containing House Bill 1110, Senate Bill 78, and Senate Bill 151. All three committee reports and the bills themselves were adopted without objection, and the Committee of the Whole report was later adopted by a 35-0 vote. As reported, Senate Bill 78 was amended, Senate Bill 151 passed second reading and was ordered engrossed, and House Bill 1110 was amended, passed second reading, and ordered revised for third reading and final passage. The chamber then moved to special orders on Senate Bill 6 and Senate Bill 15, and the transcript focuses mainly on Senate Bill 6, which would require health insurers to offer at least one non-opioid pain medication option. Supporters argued the bill would expand access to safer pain-management alternatives, reduce opioid addiction, and encourage innovation; several members shared personal or professional experiences with opioid harms. Opponents argued the bill would mandate newer, more expensive drugs when less costly alternatives already exist and could raise health care costs. The debate continued in the excerpt, but no final vote on Senate Bill 6 is shown here.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second? Do we have a second? Second. Moved and seconded.
• Senator Al seconded. Further discussion on the bill as amended?
• Senator Al seconded. Further discussion on the bill as amended?
• Do we have a second? Second. And Senator, you have an amendment you'd like to offer? I do.
• All right, Senator MCU, you're moving on to pass as amended. Do you want a second?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, second by Representative Bayer. Discussion on amendments. File 121. File 121.
• Uh second by Representative Bayer.<00:46:04.240> Discussion<00:46:04.880> amendments.
• Additional discussion or amendments? amendments? amendments?
• Is there a second? Second. Second by Representative Wasserburger. Discussion on the amendment.
• but amend the amendment with a strike. but amend the amendment with a strike.

Bills: SF0122, SJ0006, SF0121, SF0106

Keywords: medical necessity, insurance, healthcare policy, independent review, claim processing, shared parenting, family law, joint custody, child well-being, parental rights, pharmacy, collaborative care, healthcare, prescriptions, patient safety, Wyoming Pharmacy Act, welfare, Medicaid, employment, eligibility verification

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that sufficiently<01:20:11.199> seconded? sufficiently seconded? sufficiently seconded?
• The amendment is pass with amendment.
• The amendment is adopted. The amendment is adopted.
• The amendment >> We're on to the amendment.
• Is that sufficiently<05:30:44.080> seconded? sufficiently seconded? sufficiently seconded?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:48:33.040> um amendment and has to be duly seconded um amendment and has to be duly seconded
• Representative Walker seconds the acceptance of the amendment. second<05:30:03.600> just<05:30
• is there a ought to pass as amendment is there a second<05:32:36.200> second<05:32:37.200>
• Then, if you get a second, you can speak to your amendment.
• Then, if you get a second, you can speak to your amendment.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the amendment offered by Representative Baker. Do I have a second on...
• We have a motion to adopt the amendment by Representative Baker and a second by Representative Fincher
• Okay, I hear a motion to adopt an amendment on line 66. Do I hear a second?
• Second by Representative Fincher. Is there any discussion about this amendment?
• So the second amendment clarifies that local school boards or districts have the authority to make a

Bills: HB298, HB342, HB332, HB344

Keywords: athletic classification, public high schools, English language learners, state education policy, athletic associations, religious instruction, elective credit, released time, public education, school policy, educational intervention, State Superintendent, local boards of education, subpoena, accountability, state control, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With the amendments, I will be voting aye. The motion is due pass as amended.
• The first and a second. Thank you. The first and a second. Would you like to close?
• I do accept the amendments.
• Do we have a motion or a second? Do you have a motion? Is there a second? Second, I'm sorry.
• A second? First and a second. I was holding on to your pen.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda focused heavily on housing, local government, Brown Act teleconferencing, and public agency administration. Early bills included AB 39, which would require larger cities and counties to adopt electrification planning for EV charging and building decarbonization; AB 76, which clarifies Chula Vista’s university innovation district housing requirements; AB 259, AB 409, and AB 467, which extend or modernize Brown Act teleconferencing provisions for local agencies, community college student bodies, and Los Angeles neighborhood councils; and AB 428, which would let water corporations join joint powers authorities for pooled insurance. Supporters emphasized climate planning, housing access, public participation, safety, and cost savings, while several bills were amended to address stakeholder concerns. Most of these measures advanced on bipartisan votes, generally 6-1 or 7-0, and were left open for additional members to add on later. The committee also heard AB 632, which would strengthen local enforcement tools for serious code violations, fire hazards, illegal cannabis operations, and unsafe housing by allowing unpaid administrative fines to be converted into money judgments and liens. Local government and code enforcement groups supported the bill as a way to improve compliance and reduce costly litigation. AB 670 would let local governments count investments in preserving naturally occurring affordable housing toward housing element reporting and require broader reporting of demolitions and replacement housing compliance; supporters argued preservation is essential because many unsubsidized affordable homes are at risk. AB 761 would allow Monterey-Salinas Transit to place a future sales tax measure on the ballot with approval from two-thirds of its board, rather than separate approval from each member jurisdiction, to preserve transit funding for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. These measures also moved forward, with the committee noting amendments and sending them to the next committees of referral. Another major item was AB 810, which would require special districts and joint powers authorities to migrate public-facing websites and email addresses to .gov or CA.gov domains by 2031. The author argued the change would reduce fraud and improve public trust, especially after emergency-related scams, while opponents from special districts and IT organizations said the transition would be costly and difficult for smaller agencies. Several school-related opponents withdrew after amendments, and committee members discussed possible aliases and tribal-government language. The bill passed 7-1 to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. Finally, AB 1206 proposed a pre-approved design catalog for single-family homes and small multifamily developments, modeled on a prior ADU bill, to speed rebuilding and reduce design costs; supporters from Habitat for Humanity and housing advocates said it would help both wildfire recovery and broader housing production, and the bill drew at least one opposed-unless-amended position as the committee moved into further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do I have a second for this bill? Yes, second.
• Do I have a second? I'll make a second. And seconded by Assembly Member Stephanie.
• Now that this amendment is included, Now that this amendment is included in the excellent committee amendments
• Second. Okay. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any of the comments and questions? Second.
• Do you have a second? We have a second by Assembly Member Salachi.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on April 30, 2025, beginning as a subcommittee until a quorum was established. The committee first approved six bills on consent, including AB 950, AB 953, AB 1214, and three committee bills. It then heard several measures dealing with election administration, ballot transparency, and campaign finance, with most authors accepting committee amendments and several bills being held on call for absent members. AB 930 by Assembly Member Ward would extend the deadline for counting timely postmarked vote-by-mail ballots from three to seven days after Election Day and update recount procedures, including online posting of recount results and clearer rules for recount requests. The bill was supported by county election officials and passed out of committee with a due-pass recommendation, though it was initially held on call. AB 459 by Assembly Member DeMaio proposed allowing electronic signatures for initiatives, referenda, and recalls; the Secretary of State and labor groups opposed it over security, implementation, and cost concerns, and the committee ultimately rejected the bill after reconsideration. AB 699 by Assembly Member Stephanie would change how local tiered tax and bond measures are described on ballots by allowing more detail to be placed in the voter guide; housing, school, and local government groups supported it, while taxpayer and realtor groups opposed it as reducing ballot transparency. AB 1188, presented on behalf of Assembly Member Ortega, would list the top three funders supporting and opposing statewide initiatives and referenda directly on the ballot; transparency advocates and labor supported it, while county election officials and business groups raised concerns about ballot length and processing costs. Both AB 699 and AB 1188 passed out of committee with amendments and were held on call. The committee also heard AB 827 by Assembly Member Berman, which would standardize and extend the deadline for curing vote-by-mail signature problems, add a link to cure forms in ballot-tracking notifications, and make other changes to improve ballot curing. It drew no opposition in the hearing and passed with a due-pass recommendation. AB 351 by Assembly Member McKenna would raise the Levine Act contribution threshold for local officials to $1,500 and add CPI adjustments; supporters said it would reduce administrative burdens and reflect modern campaign finance realities, while good-government groups and the League of Women Voters opposed it as weakening anti-corruption protections. The committee initially failed AB 351, then granted reconsideration, but the transcript ends before a final disposition is clearly completed. Finally, AB 1079 by Assembly Member Farías would eliminate the automatic appellate stay in California Voting Rights Act and Fair Maps Act cases; it was supported as a way to prevent delayed remedies in voting rights cases, opposed by the City of Santa Monica over impacts on ongoing litigation, and passed with amendments. After taking up the held items, the committee recorded final votes on the bills, including passage of AB 930, AB 699, AB 1188, AB 827, and AB 1079, and rejection of AB 459.