Transcript Highlights:

• Individuals who violate California law should be prosecuted.
• Jennifer Green, Alameda, California, and I support this bill.
• I'm with California APG, and I oppose AB 928.
• I'm Major Entapia, Madero, California, and I oppose.
• And as I told you at the beginning, I'm from rural California.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with AB 928 on cockfighting drawing the most extensive debate. The author and supporters said the bill targets large-scale illegal trafficking of fighting birds by creating civil penalties for properties with more than 25 individually tethered or caged roosters, while exempting legitimate poultry, hobby, educational, and religious operations. Supporters, including animal control and veterinary witnesses, described cockfighting investigations and the burdens on local agencies. Opponents argued the measure could profile immigrant, rural, Latino, Asian, and Hmong communities and create unnecessary law enforcement and immigration consequences. After questions about exemptions, enforcement, and local ordinances, the committee approved the bill on a due pass motion, with some no votes and the bill placed on call. The committee also advanced AB 1199, which would align California hospital credentialing law with federal standards by allowing recredentialing and reappointment of medical staff every three years instead of every two. Supporters from the California Hospital Association said the change would reduce administrative burden while preserving patient safety oversight. The bill passed unanimously and was placed on call. AB 2537, a cannabis enforcement bill, was presented as a way to prioritize Department of Cannabis Control resources toward the most serious public health and safety violations rather than technical infractions. Supporters said it would improve enforcement efficiency without weakening authority; members asked about rulemaking and whether the bill focused on the legal market. The committee passed the measure on a due pass motion, with the bill also placed on call. AB 1349, dealing with speculative ticketing, would require ticket sellers to own or have a contractual right to tickets before listing them for resale. Supporters from independent venues and the music industry said speculative ticketing deceives consumers and harms artists and small venues, while opponents warned about effects on the secondary market and ongoing antitrust litigation. After late amendments and additional discussion, the committee moved the bill forward on a due pass motion, placing it on call. The committee also heard AB 1693 on speeding retail tenant-improvement permits through a qualified professional certifier process and shorter local review deadlines; members questioned whether the bill allowed self-certification, and the author said the city would still review the plans. That bill passed and was placed on call. Later, AB 1826, a cannabis due-process bill requiring more timely disclosure and procedures when products are embargoed or recalled, also passed after discussion about giving businesses a meaningful chance to respond. AB 2166, a factory-built housing bill creating a state financial backstop to help modular housing factories obtain insurance and stay in business, advanced despite concerns about whether the market risk was too high for state involvement. Finally, AB 2667 on deceptive vape products began testimony, with the author describing youth vaping and devices disguised as everyday items, but the transcript cuts off before further testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• California is now absorbing the consequences of this action.
• So I'm grateful that you're helping make sure that California steps up.
• ; AMVETS Department of California; the California State Commander's Veterans Council; the Military Officers
• Association of America, California Council of Chapters; and the Vietnam Veterans of America, California
• you, California loves you, and California will take care of you.

Summary: The Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee heard four bills, with AB 1616 (Davies) and AB 1638 (Ta) placed on consent and later approved unanimously. The committee then heard AB 1775 (Ward), which would provide state support for veterans affected by the federal executive order targeting transgender service members, including prioritizing them for discharge-upgrade assistance, housing support, and expedited professional licensing. Supporters described the bill as a response to abrupt separations, loss of benefits, housing instability, and employment harm; there was no formal opposition. Members raised questions about how the state would verify eligibility and avoid unintended coverage of discharges based on other reasons, and the author said applicants would need a DD-214 and supplemental documentation showing the discharge was solely due to the executive order. AB 1775 was passed on a due-pass motion and referred to the Committee on Business and Professions. The committee also heard AB 2022 (Gonzalez), which would provide a full property tax exemption for the primary residences of veterans who are 100% service-connected disabled, and extend the exemption to unmarried surviving spouses. The author and supporters said the bill is intended to prevent homelessness and help severely disabled veterans remain in their homes amid California’s high housing costs. Committee discussion focused on the size of the eligible population and the fiscal impact, with the author noting the measure applies to a much smaller group than all disabled veterans and that he would provide more cost information later. AB 2022 was approved as amended and referred to the Committee on Revenue and Taxation. By the end of the hearing, all bills on the agenda were reported out 8-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• California must protect our kids and end child marriage once and for all.
• Let's not have any more child brides in California, please.
• As of today, at age 14, I could be married in the state of California.
• Alex Zucco from the Junior Leagues of California, in support.
• If privately operated civil detention facilities operate in California, they must meet California standards

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee met as a subcommittee without a quorum and heard two bills. AB 1267, by Assembly Member Pellerin, would set 18 as the minimum age for marriage in California. Supporters, including a child marriage survivor, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and several Girl Scouts, argued that child marriage is a form of abuse, can shield statutory rape and exploitation, and harms education, safety, and long-term opportunity. No opposition was presented. Committee members from both parties spoke in strong support, several asked to be added as coauthors, and the bill was moved on a motion to concur in Senate amendments; it passed with unanimous aye votes from members present and was declared out. The committee also heard SB 957 by Senator Perez, the Protecting Vulnerable Immigrant Detainees Model Act. The bill would direct the Attorney General to develop a comprehensive oversight plan for privately operated civil detention facilities, including immigration detention centers, to improve health, safety, and welfare standards. Supporters from CHIRLA described alleged poor conditions at facilities such as Adelanto, including uncooked food, inadequate medical care, and mismanagement of chronic illnesses, and cited prior Attorney General reports documenting serious deficiencies and deaths. No opposition testified. The committee voted to do pass the bill to the Health Committee, with several ayes and a few no votes, and later completed add-on votes before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would allow students at the University of California, California State University, and California
• This bill would allow students at the University of California, California State University, and California
• This bill would allow students at the University of California, California State University, and California
• That is the California dream.
• Let's welcome them to the California Senate. Welcome them to the California Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Marie Lopez with the California Nurses Association, in support.
• They want to stay in California.
• Paul Ramee with the Personal Insurance Federation of California.
• and our insurers in California.
• California is experiencing disasters of a scale... days.

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee met to consider several insurance-related bills, with SB 1301 by Senator Allen and SB 876 by Senator Padilla receiving the most discussion. SB 1301 would reform residential property insurance non-renewals by requiring clearer written explanations, giving policyholders a chance to fix identified issues, and limiting non-renewals based on unreasonable grounds. The bill was supported by consumer advocates, fire survivors, local officials, and several organizations, while insurers said they had worked extensively with the author and were moving to neutral, though they still raised implementation and proprietary-information concerns. The committee voted to pass SB 1301 as amended to Appropriations, with the roll left open briefly before the bill was declared out. SB 876 would overhaul wildfire and disaster claims handling by requiring updated replacement-cost estimates, stronger extended replacement-cost and building-code coverage options, faster status updates when adjusters change, and other consumer protections. Supporters included the Department of Insurance, United Policyholders, consumer groups, and local representatives, who argued the bill addresses underinsurance, delays, and inconsistent claims handling exposed by recent wildfires. Several industry groups said recent amendments resolved major concerns and moved them to neutral, while the California Fair Plan remained respectfully opposed pending further review. The committee approved SB 876 as amended to Judiciary, again leaving the roll open briefly before finalizing the vote. The committee also took up a consent item, SB 536 by Senator Archuleta, which was approved unanimously to Appropriations. Other bills listed at the start of the hearing, SB 555 and SB 795, were pulled at the request of the authors and were not heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, the California Legislative Black Caucus and the California Black Chamber of Commerce honored small
• Today, the California Legislative Black Caucus and the California Black Chamber of Commerce honored small
• The state of California has done its job.
• In rural California, these budget cuts sit differently.
• or anyone who may come outside of California.

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through privileges of the floor to recognize several guests, including the St. Mary’s High School football team from Stockton for winning the 2025 state championship, Black-owned businesses honored by the California Legislative Black Caucus and California Black Chamber of Commerce, and students and guests visiting the Capitol. The Rules Committee reported Senate Resolution 77 to third reading, and the Senate approved the journals and proceeded to the daily file. The chamber then confirmed Tyler Sadwith as Chief Deputy Director for Health Care Programs at the Department of Health Care Services by a 33-0 vote. The main floor action was on Senate Resolution 77, which condemned racist and dehumanizing imagery shared by President Donald Trump depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Numerous senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, framing the post as racist, dangerous, and part of a broader pattern of dehumanization; one Republican senator objected to the resolution’s language and process but said racism should be condemned. SR 77 was adopted on a 28-0 vote. The Senate then took up SB 106, a budget bill to create a one-time $90 million grant program to support family planning providers after federal cuts under H.R. 1 reduced reimbursements to Planned Parenthood and similar clinics. Supporters said the measure would preserve access to reproductive and preventive health care, especially in rural and underserved areas, while opponents criticized the bill for secrecy, no-bid contracting, and prioritizing abortion-related services over other budget needs such as rural hospitals and developmental disability services. After debate, the Assembly amendments were concurred in by a 26-9 vote. At the end of the session, the Senate moved to adjournment in memory, with Senator Choi offering a remembrance for Mitzi Ortiz, the city manager of Aliso Viejo, who died on December 22, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• , five of which are located in Northern California.
• , five of which are located in Northern California.
• Hello, I'm Connie Chana on behalf of California State Treasurer Fiona Ma.
• Mercedes with Sierra Club California and strong support.
• Mercedes with Sierra Club California and strong support.

Committee: Senate Emergency Management

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee heard several wildfire- and emergency-related bills. SB 1270 by Senator Richardson would expand the California Wildfire Mitigation Program to more counties and direct future funding toward areas with the greatest wildfire risk and social vulnerability; supporters included CSAC and the South Coast Air Quality Management District. SB 1079 by Senator Stern would create a permanent fire innovation unit within Cal Fire to identify operational needs, test new technologies, and speed deployment of successful tools; it drew support from Megafire Action, fire agencies, and several advocacy groups. SB 1020 by Senator Niello would require annual reporting on open gubernatorial states of emergency, including spending and lessons learned, to increase legislative oversight without limiting emergency powers; the LAO provided technical assistance on the bill. SB 894 by Senator Allen would establish a wildfire resilience loan program modeled on Go Green to help finance home hardening and defensible space improvements, with broad support from state, local, environmental, and credit union interests. Testimony on the bills emphasized wildfire risk, the need for broader home hardening access, and the value of innovation and oversight in emergency management. Supporters of SB 894 said grants alone cannot meet the scale of needed mitigation and that low-cost financing could leverage private capital. Supporters of SB 1079 argued California needs a more formal system to connect firefighters with innovators and scale proven technologies. On SB 1020, the author and committee discussed balancing executive emergency authority with transparency and accountability. There was no recorded opposition to the measures during testimony. After discussion, the committee accepted amendments on the bills and voted to pass SB 894, SB 973, SB 1020, SB 1270, and SB 1079 as amended to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The transcript shows multiple roll calls as quorum was established and absent members were called; each bill ultimately received unanimous support from members present and was reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise to welcome the winner of the 2025 California Wildlife Photo of the Year, Ms.
• He managed to shepherd ...of Fish and Wildlife in California history.
• Director's outstanding leadership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• I believe we won't see that in Southern California because of Chuck Bonham.
• Youngping Chen for appointment to the California Acupuncture Board. Dr.

Transcript Highlights:

• AFSCME, and it's also supported by other California unions.
• AFSCME, and it's also supported by other California unions.
• AFSCME, and it's also supported by other California unions.
• SJR 2 is sponsored by the California Federation of Teachers, with support from the California Labor Federation
• , the California School Employees Association, and SEIU California.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several retirement and school employment measures. SB 301 by Sen. Grayson would prevent CERL-covered cities and districts from amending retirement contracts to exclude certain employee groups, closing a loophole similar to one previously addressed for CalPERS. The bill was supported by California Professional Firefighters and received no opposition. SB 443 by Sen. Rubio would clarify that employees transferring into a joint powers authority can retain CalPERS classic status even when the JPA expands later; the city of La Verne, a flood management agency, and AFSCME supported the bill, and it also drew no opposition. Both bills were moved out of committee on unanimous votes and sent to Appropriations, with the consent calendar items SB 521, SB 581, and SB 853 also approved. The committee then heard SB 494 by Sen. Cortese, which would give classified school employees the right to have disciplinary appeals heard by an administrative law judge rather than by the school board. Supporters, including CSEA, AFSCME, and CFT, argued the bill would create parity with teachers and community college faculty and provide a fairer appeal process. Opponents, including the California School Boards Association, county superintendents, school business officials, and community college groups, argued it would remove local control, impose a one-size-fits-all process, and shift costs to districts. The bill was passed out of committee and referred to the Committee on Higher Education. The committee also considered SJR 2 by Sen. Cortese, a resolution urging Congress and the President to enact federal protections for classified school employees, including better wages, benefits, safety, and workplace rights. Support came from CFT, CSEA, and other labor groups, with no opposition. The resolution was adopted and moved forward. At the end of the hearing, the committee reopened the roll to add votes, and all listed measures ultimately passed unanimously or near-unanimously before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• AFSCME, and it's also supported by other California unions.
• SJR 2 is sponsored by the California Federation of Teachers, with support from the California Labor Federation
• , the California School Employees Association, and SEIU California.
• SGR2 is sponsored by the California Federation of Teachers with support from the California Labor Federation
• , the California School Employees Association, and SCIU, California.

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several measures dealing with public employee retirement and school employee rights. SB 301 would prevent CERL-contracting cities and districts from selectively excluding groups of employees from retirement membership, closing a loophole similar to one previously addressed in CalPERS law. SB 443 would clarify that employees moving into a joint powers authority can retain CalPERS classic status under the same rules whether the transfer occurs when the JPA is formed or later, with supporters citing regional dispatch and flood-management JPAs as examples. SB 494 would give classified school employees the right to have disciplinary appeals heard by an administrative law judge, similar to teachers and community college faculty, while opponents argued it would override local bargaining and school board authority. SJR 2 urged Congress and the President to enact federal protections for classified school employees, including better wages, benefits, leave, safety, and workplace voice. Support for the bills came primarily from the authors, California Professional Firefighters, the City of La Verne, Pajaro River Flood Management Agency, AFSCME, CSEA, and CFT. Opposition to SB 494 came from school boards, county superintendents, school business officials, community college administrators, and county education offices, who said the bill would impose a one-size-fits-all process and shift costs to districts. No opposition was voiced on the other measures. The committee initially voted to place SB 301, SB 443, SB 494, SJR 2, and the consent calendar items on hold, then later reopened the roll and advanced all of them. Final recorded votes were unanimous or near-unanimous: SB 301 passed 7-0, SB 443 passed 7-0 and was re-referred to Appropriations, SB 494 passed 5-0 and was re-referred to Higher Education, SJR 2 passed 5-0, and consent items SB 521, SB 581, and SB 853 passed 7-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• The women represent 91% of the trafficking victims in California.
• Let this not happen to not another child in. the state of California.
• That is what we have done through our. policies in the state of California.
• Working Regional Coordinator, Child and Family Policy Institute of California.
• I was elected to the California State Assembly.

Transcript Highlights:

• It authorizes the California State is the result of those negotiations.
• So the Bay Area is a significant... ...part of the California economy.
• California, we are not exempt or immune from the repercussions.
• California will not go backwards.
• communities that make California this great state that it is.

Summary: The Senate first took up two budget-related transportation bills. AB 107, a junior budget bill, was described as a technical measure that updates federal appropriations by about $15 million, exempts certain Proposition 4 funds from the Administrative Procedures Act to speed spending, and makes other technical corrections without adding new projects or General Fund spending. Some senators objected to the APA waiver as reducing transparency, but the bill passed 28-10. AB 117, an early-action trailer bill for Bay Area transit, authorizes a $590 million loan from the state’s transit and intercity rail capital program to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, which can then lend the money to Bay Area transit agencies for operating support, with repayment and interest secured by transit revenues. Supporters called it an emergency bridge to prevent major service cuts at BART, Muni, AC Transit, and Caltrain; opponents raised concerns about ridership recovery, accountability, and consolidation. The bill passed 28-9. The Senate then confirmed two California Air Resources Board appointees: Sonoma County Supervisor Linda Hopkins and Riverside Mayor Patricia Locke Dawson. Both were supported by colleagues who praised their experience and backgrounds, and both confirmations passed. The body also adopted SCR 89, a resolution by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas opposing federal attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Supporters argued DEI is essential to civil rights, education, public service, and equal opportunity, while criticizing the Trump administration for dismantling related federal offices and funding. The resolution passed on a largely party-line vote after extensive floor debate. Finally, the Senate adopted SCR 78, commemorating the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Senators from both parties spoke about the injustice of the internment, the resilience and military service of Japanese Americans, and the importance of remembering the history to guard against future abuses. The resolution passed unanimously, and the author then introduced survivors and guests in the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• California, in support.
• California, in support.
• California in support.
• As a California resident, I think California should pull the plug.
• of California.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• It's supported by First 5, Build Up California, the California Commission on the Status of Women and
• The California Fair Plan was established to step in when California faces a voluntary market failure.
• California, If this is a bill that's good for the entire state of California, then why was San Francisco
• . ...in rural California.
• This addresses the California Seed Law.

Summary: The Assembly met on May 7, 2026, after an initial delay caused by the absence of a quorum, then proceeded with prayer, a moment of silence for victims of a hate-motivated attack at the Islamic Center in San Diego, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Speaker pro tempore then moved through the daily file, repeatedly urging members to be on time and at their desks as the House of Origin deadline approached. Procedural actions included dispensing with the journal, deferring some items, and moving AB 1667 to the inactive file. The bulk of the session was devoted to floor consideration of many bills, most of which passed with little or no opposition. Measures approved included bills on artificial intelligence provenance information (AB 2713), community college trustee compensation (AB 2528), transit camera enforcement and privacy (AB 1837), excess proceeds claims in taxation (AB 2705), HOA technical cleanup (AB 1892), hepatitis C treatment access (AB 1843), child care planning in local general plans (AB 1914), greenhouse energy code flexibility (AB 2200), rent-now-pay-later consumer protections (AB 2350), housing cleanup and density bonus measures (including AB 2390, AB 2480, AB 1567, AB 1751, and others), spay/neuter access (AB 2010), workforce housing financing tools (AB 2110), supportive housing and homelessness-related changes (AB 2146), mental health and health plan notification measures (AB 1598, AB 2613), student aid and education bills (AB 1534, AB 1636, AB 1669, AB 1728, AB 1784, AB 1871), public safety and criminal justice bills (AB 1546, AB 1572, AB 1872, AB 1877, AB 1932), and several health and social services measures (AB 1602, AB 1628, AB 1680, AB 1825, AB 1845, AB 1906, AB 1907, AB 1925). Most bills were described as support measures, often with bipartisan backing and no opposition, and passed by wide margins. A few bills drew more discussion, especially AB 1751, a housing/townhome bill that sparked extended debate over wages, prevailing wage, stakeholder engagement, and whether the measure could depress pay for construction trades; despite concerns and an opposition speech, it ultimately passed 44-0. AB 1793, which would allow symmetrical rounding of cash transactions to the nearest nickel in light of the penny’s phaseout, also drew light debate and passed 47-1. AB 1932, an urgency measure expanding community-based crisis response, passed with one no vote on both the urgency and the bill. Several urgency or 54-vote bills, including AB 1534 and AB 1932, required later roll calls or calls to be lifted, but all measures described in the transcript were ultimately approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not sure. in the state of California?
• So yes, it has a tremendous impact from Northern California to Southern California with every activity
• to be able to cover the entire state of California.
• to be able to cover the entire state of California.
• Jennifer Fearing, on behalf of the California Wildlife Officers Foundation and the California Statewide

Transcript Highlights:

• , and in particular the California program.
• Jamie Pugh on behalf of NextGen California.
• and California Trout.
• Society, and California Trout.
• We will never do that in California.

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee No. 4 hearing focused on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and cap-and-trade reauthorization, with members and panelists discussing how to balance climate goals, affordability, and legislative oversight. The chair emphasized the hearing as a broad review of past GGRF spending and future options, while the LAO outlined how GGRF revenues are generated, how variable they have been, and the tradeoffs between continuous appropriations and annual budget control. Two academic panelists, Dr. Kyle Meng and Danny Cullen Ward, argued that cap-and-trade remains an effective climate policy, but stressed that future revenue will depend heavily on market design, allowance allocation, and price levels. They also raised the idea that GGRF could be used more directly for affordability, especially by lowering electricity costs, and for targeted investments in technologies that the market would not otherwise support. Committee members pressed the panelists on where revenues come from, how much has actually been spent, and whether continuous appropriations reduce oversight. CARB staff said more than $33 billion has been generated to date and a little over $11–12 billion has been spent, with the rest committed or in process, and noted that project timelines can be lengthy. Members also asked about ways to lower electricity rates, reduce wildfire-related utility liabilities, and support electrification. The panelists said transportation fuels are the largest source of GGRF revenue, that industrial emitters receive a smaller share of free allowances, and that reducing wildfire liability and investing in grid-scale batteries could help lower costs and speed decarbonization. Public commenters largely urged the Legislature to preserve or expand continuous appropriations for specific climate programs. Speakers supported funding for nature-based solutions, natural and working lands, urban greening, agricultural climate solutions, waste and composting programs, clean transportation, AB 617 community air protection, clean cars, transit, affordable housing near transit, and dairy digesters. Several groups argued these programs are cost-effective, provide public health and affordability benefits, and should receive dedicated shares of GGRF. Others urged reducing free allowances and using more GGRF revenue to directly lower energy costs for households. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Skyler Wanakkaa, on behalf of the Building Owners and Managers Association of California and NAIOP California
• Holly, from Lighthouse Public Affairs, on behalf of Circulate California, Habitat for Humanity California
• Natalie Spivak with Housing California in support.
• Tracy Ryan with Rural County Representatives of California, and on behalf of the California State Association
• I think it's very notable that we have the California Building Trades and California YIMBY coming together

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the legislative liaison for Gun Owners of California.
• As you are aware, California transit workers are essential.
• He's from the California Conference of ATU and the California Teamsters.
• Adam Wilson with Gun Owners of California, strong support.
• the state of California.

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee heard several bills and adopted a consent calendar of six measures, including bills on background checks, female offender prison facilities, a juvenile justice hunger survey, protective orders and firearms, a youth offender camp pilot, and peace officer behavioral health training. AB 710 and AB 848 were pulled by the authors. The committee also took up AB 458, AB 394, AB 1094, AB 1092, and AB 1036, with extensive testimony on each. AB 458, by Assembly Member Stephanie, would require state agencies buying firearms, ammunition, or accessories for law enforcement to vet vendors for compliance with firearms laws and procurement standards. Supporters, including Brady and the California Police Chiefs Association, said it would prevent taxpayer dollars from going to irresponsible dealers; opponents argued it imposed unnecessary bureaucracy and vague standards. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations. AB 394, by Assembly Member Wilson, would expand protections for transit workers and riders by clarifying battery penalties, allowing restraining orders in the transit context, and making those orders system-wide. Transit agencies, labor groups, police chiefs, and other supporters backed the measure, while public defenders and civil liberties groups raised concerns about clarity, judicial discretion, and impacts on riders who rely on transit. The bill passed unanimously to Judiciary. AB 1094, by Assembly Member Baines, would raise the minimum parole eligibility term for child torture cases from seven to 20 years; supporters emphasized the severity of the abuse and the need for stronger accountability, while opponents argued the parole system already screens risk and that prevention would be more effective. It passed to Appropriations. AB 1092, which would extend concealed carry permit renewals from two to four years, drew support from gun rights groups and sheriffs but was opposed by the chair, who called it a solution in search of a problem; the bill failed. AB 1036, by the chair, would expand post-conviction discovery access for people serving felony sentences of one year or more, including Brady material and jury selection notes; innocence organizations supported it, while district attorneys objected that it was too broad and burdensome. It passed to Appropriations, with members noting ongoing negotiations over amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• happening in California at all.
• Other portions of the globe maybe, not here in California.
• Molly Colton, on behalf of Sierra Club California, in opposition.
• On behalf of Sierra Club California, in opposition. We're a tweener.
• Sophie Marin with the Association of California Water Agencies in support.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of natural resources and water bills, beginning without a quorum and then proceeding after quorum was established. AB 706, by Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry, would create a fund to support projects that use forest biomass from wildfire mitigation in environmentally beneficial ways. Supporters said it would help reduce wildfire risk, avoid open burning, improve air quality, and support energy reliability; opponents from environmental groups raised concerns about biomass impacts and sustainability. The bill passed the committee 5-0 and was sent to Energy, Utilities and Communications. The committee then took up AB 2026, also by Aguiar-Curry, which would streamline permitting for groundwater recharge and allow more flexible diversion permits during wet periods. Support came from local water agencies, counties, and water associations, which argued the bill would help capture flood flows, reduce costs, and improve groundwater sustainability. Opponents, including Defenders of Wildlife, salmon and environmental groups, and several irrigation districts, argued the bill could harm fish, public trust resources, and downstream users by allowing diversions based on broad wet-year criteria. Members discussed the bill at length, with some supportive of the recharge goals but urging more safeguards; it passed 4-0 and was sent to Environmental Quality. Other measures included AB 2216 to expand the Delta Conservancy’s service area to additional portions of several counties and add Lake County, which supporters said would improve habitat, climate resilience, and watershed-scale conservation; it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. AB 2075 would clarify fire-safety equipment requirements for land-clearing operations and make employers responsible for compliance; farm and cattle groups sought more flexibility for rangeland, and the bill passed 3-0 to Appropriations. AB 1960 would allow Cal Fire wildfire prevention grants to fund community-level home-hardening projects and was sent to Emergency Management. AB 1808, dealing with Western Joshua tree conservation and local permitting/fee issues, drew support after opposition groups withdrew concerns and passed 3-0 to Environmental Quality. The committee also heard AB 550 on incidental take permits for species not yet listed, aimed at reducing delays for clean energy projects, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• California is the fourth-largest economy in the world, yet...
• I'm with the California Association of Food Banks.
• This is about making sure we have healthy, vibrant communities in California.
• This is about making sure we have healthy, vibrant communities in California.
• This is about making sure we have healthy, vibrant communities in California.

Committee: House Human Services

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services met and heard two measures after announcing that SB 792 had been pulled from the agenda. The first bill, SB 412, would require affiliated home care aides to receive training in Alzheimer’s and dementia care as part of their preparation. The author and supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, and the Home Care Association of America, said the bill would help ensure more consistent and compassionate care for people living with dementia at home. A witness described personal experiences with inadequate home care for a spouse with Alzheimer’s, while committee members expressed support and personal connections to the issue. SB 412 was moved as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee and passed the committee on a 7-0 vote. The committee then heard SJR 3, a resolution urging Congress to avoid cuts to SNAP and related CalFresh benefits. The author and supporters from food banks and child poverty organizations argued that CalFresh is essential to reducing hunger, supporting children and families, and sustaining the food economy, and warned that proposed federal cuts would be devastating. Several public witnesses and committee members spoke in support, including members who shared personal experiences with food assistance. SJR 3 was adopted on a 7-0 vote. After the votes, the committee completed its business and adjourned.