Transcript Highlights:

• If they want to provide that service for free, they can do that. In San Jose, it's not working.
• Or there's better sewer service over here.
• remotely or virtually.
• And that includes for in-person comment and remote comment.
• Just on the particular part of remote in perpetuity, the A.G.'

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The committee began with housekeeping and then took up SB 753 by Senator Cortese, a bill to update California’s shopping cart recovery law. The author and supporters from San Jose, the League of California Cities, counties, and water districts argued the bill would let local governments retrieve abandoned carts immediately, return them directly to retailers, and recover documented costs, rather than storing carts for 30 days. Retail groups and grocers opposed the measure, saying carts are stolen property, that the bill could create a new revenue stream for cities, and that retailers should retain a first right of retrieval without added fees. Members debated notice periods, cost caps, and local control, and the author agreed to continue working on amendments. The committee adopted the bill as amended and passed it 6-0. The committee then heard SB 445 by Senator Wiener, which would speed up third-party permits and approvals for high-speed rail projects. The author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier broader transit proposal and now focuses on requiring early engagement, clear rules, and binding arbitration to prevent utilities, cities, and other entities from delaying a state-approved project. Supporters said permitting delays add major costs and can hold projects hostage; opponents from utilities, cities, counties, telecoms, and special districts said they were concerned about impacts on safety, reliability, affordability, and local authority, though many said they were willing to keep working on amendments. The committee sent SB 445 to the Utilities and Energy Committee on an 8-1 vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 9 by Senator Wiener, a narrower housing bill dealing with accessory dwelling units. The bill would require local ADU ordinances to be submitted to HCD for review and would make state standards apply if a local agency fails to submit a compliant ordinance or respond to HCD findings within the required time. Supporters from housing and YIMBY groups said the measure would improve enforcement of state ADU law and prevent local barriers from slowing housing production. There was no opposition testimony, and the committee passed the bill 6-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we do have two on remote, Susanna Johnson and David Ellis.
• Missing or injured in remote or inaccessible locations.
• Today, King County delivers these services on its own dime.
• Forest Service, and the Department of the Interior to fight fire.
• Forest Service, and the Department of the Interior to fight fire.

Bills: SB6084 , SB6044 , SB5950 , SB6046 , SB5763 , SB5784

Committee: Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections

Keywords: elections, double voting, voting twice, multiple voting, same-day election, primary election, general election, special election, cross-state voting, ballot fraud, election fraud, voter misconduct, RCW 29A.84.660, State v. Padilla, civil infraction, class C felony, Secretary of State, Washington elections, election law, voter eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• Members voting remote or participating remotely: Gander. Gander. Gander present. Hicks.
• The clerk will call the names of the members voting remotely. Gander. Yes. Go ahead, Steve.
• The clerk will call the names of the members voting remotely. Gander. Gander votes aye.
• The Clerk will call the vote of the members participating remotely. Gander [member_20717].
• The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely. Gander votes aye.

Transcript Highlights:

• , House Bill 311 was passed by the Idaho Legislature, which created a new license type, the video remote
• This license type allows businesses to be licensed as video remote interpreting providers so that not
• every individual performing this service out of business would need their own individual license.
• Why remote interpreters? It's three times the base fee here.
• I think we should be maybe encouraging remote tech, so I'm wondering why this fee is so high.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• services.
• Thank you so much for letting me participate remotely.
• I think we also expanded the, you know, remote access and monitoring of certain illnesses.
• Dental, especially pediatric dental services, is always a struggle.
• In other cases, they're the ones providing something else that helps with that service.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, it would allow a fire protection district service authority to contract with the city for services
• And ultimately, again, fire and emergency services are our top line.
• They'll be followed by remote testimony from Jeff Gunn and Allison Mosier, who are remote.
• They'll be followed by remote testimony by Jeff Gunn and Allison Mosier, who are remote.
• And now we'll move to remote testimony from Dylan. Please proceed.

Summary: House Finance heard testimony on several tax and local government bills. HB 2278 would remove the July 1, 2027 expiration on the additional $3-per-room-night tourism promotion area lodging charge; supporters from destination marketing organizations said the revenue has produced strong returns for tourism and events, while questions were raised about how the local ordinances would continue. HB 2583 would lower the population threshold for cities to impose a higher lodging tax and expand authority for public facilities districts; the sponsor and Vancouver supporters said it would help fund a proposed performing arts center and other tourism investments, while hospitality, short-term rental, and some local advocates raised concerns about stakeholder input, equity, and whether the bill was too broad. HB 2224 would change how a city forming a single-city fire protection district handles levy reductions and would exempt part of one levy from the local tax limit; city and firefighter groups supported it as a needed tool for fire and EMS funding, while hospital districts and tax opponents warned about prorationing, governance, and higher taxes. HB 2325 would create a statewide tourism self-supported assessment program funded by participating tourism businesses; supporters from tourism, hospitality, wine, and brewing groups said it would provide a competitive, industry-driven statewide marketing program, while members questioned impacts on specific communities and the need for broader local benefits. HB 2431 would expand from 15 to 50 days the amount of fundraising activity allowed in nonprofit public assembly halls and meeting places, and the Grange supported it as a practical way to keep community halls open. After public testimony, the committee moved into executive session and advanced three bills. HB 2584, a sales and use tax exemption for qualifying farm equipment sold to eligible farmers, passed 14-0 with one excused. HB 2610, which modifies the property tax exemption for nonprofit homeownership development, also passed 14-0 with one excused. HB 2615, which codifies the voluntary disclosure tax program and authorizes temporary tax amnesty, likewise passed 14-0 with one excused. The chair also announced a deadline for amendments on items to be acted on the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for your public service to our state. for your public service to our state.
• Those two will be, um, remote.
• </c> who is remote. Then Curt Stumpf. who is remote. Then Curt Stumpf.
• Um uh uh remote and then if Yep.
• Yet Minnesota financial services.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a concern, you know, having an adequate service with the ferries.
• It's a concern, you know, having an adequate service with the ferries.
• It’s how people access medical service, food, and the like.
• So we'll go with the remote testifier, Michael Oaks.
• The final testifier, Catherine Sheldon, remotely. Please proceed.

Bills: SB5839 , SB5824 , SB5864 , SB6032

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: county authority, transportation, ferry district, infrastructure, government powers, fifth-wheel, travel trailers, vehicle regulation, state law, motor vehicle, insurance verification, automobile regulation, state compliance, traffic safety, highway safety, load limits

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we're hearing SB 1190 by Senator Grove relating to transport escort services.
• It requires transport services to use trustline registered staff, It requires transport services to use
• Those are just to name a few of the critical services our networks enable in rural California.
• Emergency personnel were left on hold for 53 minutes as remote operations were overwhelmed.
• drivers, their own remote assistance.

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:

• And a big piece of that is having that career-connected service.
• Following that, we have some remote testifiers that we will go to. Thank you.
• So, Chair, we have three remote testifiers. We have Dave...
• So, Chair, we have three remote testifiers.
• We have Dave Larson, Michelle Scott, and Megan Larkin, who are remote.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several education bills. SB 5841 would require students’ high school and beyond plans to show completion of at least one FAFSA or WASFA application, or a parent/guardian opt-out. The sponsor and supporters said it would reduce barriers to postsecondary education, improve financial aid completion, and bring more students and federal dollars into the state. School groups opposed it, warning it would add an unfunded administrative burden and create verification challenges, especially for small districts and families with undocumented students. Senators discussed data-sharing from the Washington Student Achievement Council and noted the bill’s connection to existing FAFSA outreach efforts. The committee then took testimony on SB 5922, which would let districts petition OSPI to transfer money from transportation vehicle funds to other district uses if they reduce their fleet because of enrollment declines. The sponsor said the bill would free up unused bus funds for other pressing needs. Members asked about whether districts could shift to smaller vehicles and how the funds could be used. The committee also heard SB 5858, which would move the pupil transportation safety net for special passengers into statute. Supporters from OSPI, districts, school directors, and PTA said the program is essential for transporting students with disabilities, homelessness, or foster care needs, and that current funding is far below demonstrated need. No votes were taken on these bills. Finally, the committee heard SB 5943, which would allow limited use of school impact fees for modernization and, in districts under binding conditions or enhanced financial oversight, for up to 25% of operations and maintenance. The sponsor and one superintendent argued it would help districts with aging buildings and new state mandates like safety and energy-efficiency requirements. Builders, business groups, and school coalition representatives opposed the bill, saying impact fees should remain tied to growth-related capital costs and warning it could worsen housing affordability and weaken the nexus required for impact fees. The chair closed by noting the session’s budget constraints and the committee adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is Barnsville County Sheriff Donna Buckley with us remotely? Sheriff, are you with us? Yes, I am.
• I'd like to invite Joe Belial from Easter Seals, Massachusetts, to testify next remotely.
• Now I'd like to invite Megan Corno to testify remotely. Megan, are you with us?
• Now I'd like to invite Megan Corno to testify remotely. Megan, are you with us?
• The State's Department of Youth Services provides six hours per day of education.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security heard testimony on several bills affecting correctional facilities, disability access, public health, youth education, parole, and vehicle noise. Early testimony focused on H. 2736/S. 1762, “Matt’s Law,” which would permanently ban free weights in medium- and maximum-security correctional facilities and require exercise equipment to be secured. The bill was supported by the Tidman family, Rep. Wells, and the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union, who described the assault on Corrections Officer Matthew Tidman and argued the measure would prevent similar attacks. Committee members expressed sympathy and asked whether the Department of Correction could make the change administratively; witnesses said free weights had already been removed but that codifying the policy in law was needed. The committee also heard S. 1753 on synthetic drugs in correctional facilities, which would make possession, distribution, and use of Class C synthetic substances in prisons and jails a felony with a mandatory minimum sentence. Senator O’Connor and MCOFU said synthetic drugs like K2 are being smuggled in through mail and are causing violence and medical emergencies among inmates and staff. H. 4123, filed by Rep. Donahue and Chair Vargas, would require correctional facilities to offer two doses of naloxone to people upon direct release; Donahue cited overdose risk after incarceration and her personal loss of a son to overdose. Sheriff Donna Buckley also testified in support of a commission to study sentencing jurisdiction and whether more people should be sentenced to county houses of correction rather than DOC facilities. A large portion of the hearing was devoted to S. 1733, “An Act Building a More Accessible Massachusetts,” which would expand the Architectural Access Board’s authority over older buildings, workplace areas, and adaptable housing units. Chris Ho, disability advocates, and people with disabilities testified that the bill would help close gaps in accessibility for employment and housing, reduce long waits for accessible units, and support aging in place and independent living. The committee also heard S. 1721 on educational rights for incarcerated youth, with Avery Farmer arguing that 18- to 21-year-olds in DOC and houses of correction should receive the same educational services and disability supports as youth in DYS custody. Additional testimony supported S. 1716 regulating illegal exhaust systems, with one witness citing public health harms from vehicle noise and another opposing the bill as overbroad and harmful to classic car owners. Finally, Claire Massington testified for H. 2694 on equitable access to parole, calling for a more transparent, best-practices-based parole system with a revised board composition and a presumption of parole unless the board shows otherwise. The hearing ended with the chair adjourning the meeting due to a roll call in the House and Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate everybody for bringing it forward and all your support for the fire service.
• I know the joys and the difficulties that come with the EMS and the fire service.
• The clerk will call the name of the member voting remotely. Senator Moore votes no.
• The clerk will call the name of the member participating remotely. Senator Murrah.
• The clerk will call the name of the member participating remotely. Senator Moorlach, yes.

Transcript Highlights:

• My question is about remote work.
• Those that need to be in the office or they're servicing clients or providing direct services.
• </c> either um hybrid or completely remote. either um hybrid or completely remote.
• </c> Um the only time we don't allow remote Um the only time we don't allow remote work<00:29:08.159>
• </c> remote work up to two days a week. remote work up to two days a week.

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not require full-time remote work.
• to service alongside them.
• to service alongside them.
• service.
• Today, service members may be deployed overseas, activated, service members may be deployed overseas,

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely. Go ahead, Hussain, aye.
• My question for you, first, I want to thank you for your service.
• You and I have had discussions about that service.
• service to country in the legislature?
• The chief clerk will call the names of the members voting remotely. Green. Green, yes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Business services supported residential services.
• for your phone service.
• , not just to voice service.
• service standards, right?
• or improve their service.

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Transcript Highlights:

• Ridgecrest is a regional service center that provides hospital care, medical services, lodging, restaurants
• Thank you for your service. And the veterans in the room, thank you for your service.
• To standardize these remote operations, SB 1246 requires remote drivers and assistance to be based in
• , private ambulance services.
• , private ambulance services.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills focused on local transportation funding, roadway safety, e-bike regulation, veterans’ parking access, high-speed rail reporting, autonomous vehicle oversight, and wildlife-vehicle collision planning. SB 1408 would authorize Contra Costa County to place a countywide transportation sales tax measure on the ballot; supporters said it would continue funding highways, transit, bike/pedestrian projects, and paratransit, while CalTax opposed it over affordability and tax burden concerns. SB 990 would allow targeted Caltrans business-logo signage for Ridgecrest along Highway 395; supporters framed it as a rural safety and economic access measure, and there was no opposition. SB 1167 would tighten consumer protections by clarifying what qualifies as a legal e-bike and requiring clearer labeling and disclosures; supporters included bicycle advocates, medical groups, local governments, and auto clubs, while no opposition testified. SB 1034 would make it easier for disabled veterans rated permanent and total by the VA to obtain disabled parking placards, with strong support from veterans’ organizations and no opposition. SB 1177 would require the High-Speed Rail Project Update report to continue including additional information on revenue options, timelines, and international comparisons; the City of Burbank opposed, while the sponsor argued the bill preserves a historical record and transparency. SB 1246 would impose new remote-operations, response-time, and manual override requirements on autonomous vehicles; first responders and labor groups supported it, industry and business groups opposed it as duplicative of recently enacted law and DMV rules, and the committee discussed possible amendments and coordination issues. The committee also considered SB 1279, which would extend Long Beach’s speed camera pilot to Pacific Coast Highway; supporters cited fatal crash data and pedestrian safety, while the CHP association moved from opposition to neutral after discussions. The committee then took up SB 1250, a planning bill to integrate wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation into transportation planning, with the author emphasizing targeted crossings and fencing at known hotspots. Several consent items were approved on a 10-0 vote, and SB 1246 was reported out 7-2, while other bills were held on call pending quorum or later action.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next panel remote: Allison Schrader, Randy Munn, and Paul Katovich.
• We have Jeff Pack, are you online remotely? I am. I will surrender my time.
• , is not in the remote room, and Council Member Sarah Dixon from Spokane.
• Is this person in person or remote? They are not available.
• Let's go to Council Member Sarah Dixon remote. We hear you.

Bills: SB6045 , SB6188 , SB6053 , SB5852

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: agriculture, collective bargaining, labor relations, public employment, agricultural employees, SB 6188, asbestos, asbestos training, asbestos certification, asbestos worker, asbestos supervisor, Department of Labor and Industries, L&I, rulemaking authority, occupational safety, workplace safety, hazardous materials, abatement, encapsulation, removal

Transcript Highlights:

• Another issue is that carriers' retrospective denial of services, despite the service having received
• versus the services that were actually authorized.
• , including trauma-related services at Harborview.
• We have a remote panel.
• Is everybody remote? It looks like everybody's remote. Oh, come on up.

Bills: SB5915 , SB5988 , SB6025 , SJM8002

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: SB 5915, health technology assessment, HTA, clinical committee, medical technology review, coverage determination, state-purchased health care, Washington health care, RCW, evidence-based medicine, cost-effectiveness, safety and efficacy, Medicare coverage, national coverage determination, clinical guidelines, patient advocacy, public comment, medical necessity, rare disease, life-threatening disease

Transcript Highlights:

• We thank you for your dedicated service and your partnership in upholding American democracy.
• First, remote proceedings.
• Since March 2022, over 6 million proceedings have been conducted with remote technology.
• for remote proceedings is scheduled to expire at the end of the year.
• , Thank you. or a court order plan or other referrals for services.

Summary: The Legislature convened in joint convention for the 2026 State of the Judiciary, escorting Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and the Associate Justices to the rostrum and recognizing statewide constitutional officers in attendance. Legislative leaders welcomed the court and framed the address around the importance of judicial independence, equal justice, and the judiciary’s role in California’s democracy. Chief Justice Guerrero reported on several major judicial branch priorities. She emphasized rising threats to judges and court security, the need to extend authority for remote proceedings beyond its current sunset, and the ongoing implementation of the CARE Act in all 58 counties, including data on petitions, agreements, and plans. She also discussed trial court funding and persistent judgeship shortages, especially in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, where congested calendars have led to case dismissals and heavy use of temporary assigned judges. The Chief Justice also addressed the judiciary’s response to artificial intelligence, including guidance on generative AI, deepfakes, and evidence issues, as well as concerns about federal immigration enforcement at courthouses and its effect on access to justice. She reviewed corrective actions after the February 2025 bar exam problems, including scoring adjustments, a return to in-person testing, and rule changes for attorney admissions. She closed by noting judicial salary concerns, the 100th anniversary of the Judicial Council, and the need for continued collaboration with the Governor and Legislature. No votes were taken. The joint convention ordered the State of the Judiciary address printed in the Journal as a separate appendix and then adjourned, with an invitation extended to a reception with the Chief Justice later that evening.