Transcript Highlights:

• The next bill on today's agenda is Senate Bill 568 by Senator May: An act to amend the Election Law in
• That's a good question, but I'd refer you to the bill sponsor, Senator May.
• I believe we had a motion to move the bill from Senator Myrie, a second from Senator May.
• A second from Senator May. All in favor? Aye. All opposed? No without recommendation.
• One comment from Senator May.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Elections Committee met on January 12 at 3:48 p.m. with Chair Kristen Gonzalez presiding and a quorum present. Seven bills were on the agenda, and the committee moved through them quickly, generally with motions, seconds, and voice votes. Most bills were reported to the Rules Committee, with some members voting no or no recommendation on certain measures. The committee advanced S.324, the Democracy Preservation Act; S.568, establishing portable polling locations for early voting, which Senator Walczyk questioned because the Assembly has not advanced a companion bill; S.1035, requiring mandatory training for election commissioners and key staff, which Senator Borrello opposed as an unfunded mandate and staffing burden for counties; S.10306, allowing voter registration at any residence with which a voter maintains a continuous connection and intent to remain; and S.1085, prohibiting voter suppression, with Senator May noting it addressed conduct she said occurred in the 2006 elections and had been introduced years earlier by Senator Cousins. The committee also reported S.8604, moving the presidential primary to the first Tuesday in March, and S.8646A, a new bill sponsored by Chair Gonzalez on New York Election Officer Protection. Gonzalez said S.8646A had been developed recently with advocates, including the Brennan Center for Justice, and amended to align more closely with a model Peace Act. After the final bill was approved, the chair thanked members for a quick and productive meeting and adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• may they may gate the access and and<01:27:44.639> it<01:27:44.800> may<01:27:44.960>
• May I follow up? Yes, you may.
• >> May I follow up? >> May I follow up?
• It may low impact? It may make noise.
• questions you may have. questions you may have.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And do we have any primary witnesses in opposition? Anyone from the public in opposition? Okay.
• My name is Kelly May Douglas, and I'm representing the Department of Defense.
• Anyone in opposition, primary witnesses, members of the public? Good afternoon.
• Danny May Santiago. Afternoon, Chair and members.
• Any primary witnesses in opposition? Anyone from the public in opposition?

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs heard four bills after briefly opening as a subcommittee due to a lack of quorum. AB 571 by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva proposed a targeted CEQA exemption and urgency clause to help move forward the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim. Supporters, including the Orange County Board of Supervisors, veterans organizations, and county veterans service officers, said the project has broad local backing, significant funding, and has been delayed for more than a decade; there was no opposition testimony. The committee later voted the bill out on a unanimous 8-0 vote to Appropriations. AB 1412 by Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez would require school districts to implement a transferring special education student’s IEP within 30 days of receiving records from out of state, coordinate with parents and prior schools, and accept unofficial records pending validation. The author and a Department of Defense witness said military-connected children with special needs often face harmful delays when families move, while the Association of California School Administrators registered opposition and said it was working with the author on clarifying concerns. The bill passed 8-0 to Appropriations. AB 1433 by Assembly Member Sharp-Collins sought to expand eligibility for student support funding at non-credit centers and stand-alone community college institutions, especially those serving veterans and other non-traditional students. Support came from San Diego College of Continuing Education, Calbright College, the Department of Defense, and several students and staff who described non-credit programs as important pathways to jobs, certifications, and veteran transition support; there was no opposition. The committee approved the bill 8-0 to Appropriations. The consent item, AB 1346 by Assembly Member DeMaio, was also moved out on a unanimous vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• that the vendor they may know something that the vendor may<00:09:33.200> be<00:09:33.279>
• What I'm getting at is if we have 10,000 primary care physicians, but we actually need 20,000 primary
• adequate number of primary care adequate number of primary care physicians<00:45:14.079> in<00
• ><01:14:50.560> through<01:14:50.719> the that may be available through the that may be
• And it it may be And it it may be we<01:32:27.199> need<01:32:27.360> to<01:32:27.520><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Government Contract Committee met with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for Representative McCool after the death of his sister, and approved the April 14 minutes. The committee then reviewed a large agenda of contracts and amendments, beginning with a deferred Office of the Controller procurement involving broker services. Members questioned why a contract that had previously been handled for about $300,000 annually was now priced at about $1 million, and why the procurement was limited to one year. Office of the Controller staff said the prior vendor had held the work for more than 20 years, the work had previously been treated as not practical to bid, and the new RFP was intended to increase competition. They said the technical evaluation was scored before cost was considered, that past performance was not scored because it was seen as unreliable, and that AON received the highest technical score despite not being the lowest bidder. After discussion, the committee voted to take no action and let the contract proceed to the Finance Cabinet, with members noting continuing concerns about the pricing and process. The committee next considered a DCBS memorandum of agreement amendment for language services. DCBS representatives said the additional funding did not come from a new cut elsewhere, but from reduced spending on interpreter services because commonly used forms had been translated into other languages, freeing up funds for the contract. The committee approved the item unanimously. The final major item discussed was an initial contract for the Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists for legal services. Board staff said the board had been without a permanent general counsel since March 2024 and had relied on special and conflict counsel because of unusually heavy litigation, including 11 active cases, plus broader disciplinary and licensing changes tied to recent legislation and an oversight report. They said the contract was a not-to-exceed amount funded entirely by agency fees and that the board was currently running a surplus. Senator Thomas urged support, citing prior legislation and oversight findings about problems at the board and saying the contract was needed to help the board address ongoing litigation and corrective work. The committee approved the contract and then approved the remaining agenda items without objection, sending them forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any individual who is disruptive may be removed from the room.
• primary witnesses in opposition.
• May I give a response, please? Yes, please.
• May I briefly? I'm briefly. I'm super quick.
• Seeing no other members excited to ask questions, you may close.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy convened with a quorum and first heard SB 254, a major utility affordability and wildfire package authored by Senator Becker and coauthored by Assemblymember Petrie-Norris. The bill was described as combining wildfire mitigation reforms, $6 billion in securitized financing for future fire-mitigation capital spending, a public ownership/transmission financing program, tighter scrutiny of utility profits, clean energy permitting streamlining, stronger customer connection timelines, and a successor wildfire fund/continuation account to replace the current fund. Supporters, including the Governor’s office, TURN, labor, clean energy groups, utilities, and public advocates, said the measure would lower bills, stabilize utilities, protect fire victims, and reduce wildfire-related bankruptcy risk. Opponents and some local government groups raised concerns about affordability impacts, the volumetric wildfire fee, strict liability, and provisions they said could affect local control. After discussion, the committee approved SB 254 on a 16-0 vote and sent it to the floor. The committee then held an informational hearing on AB 825, which would enable California to participate in a West-wide electricity market. The authors said the proposal could save ratepayers up to $1 billion annually, improve reliability by allowing California to draw on a larger regional supply, reduce curtailment of renewable power, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Support came from environmental organizations, labor, utilities, community choice aggregators, large energy users, and the Public Advocates Office, all emphasizing cost savings, reliability, and cleaner energy integration. TURN opposed the measure, warning that last-minute amendments removed safeguards against subsidizing out-of-state fossil generation and could expose California ratepayers to unwanted costs. Members questioned governance, exit rights, CPUC oversight, and local control, and the authors responded that the bill includes multiple safeguards, legislative reporting, the ability to exit without penalty, and continued local consultation. No vote was taken because the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• May the testifiers come forth. Uh Mr. Mark White from the Office of School Trust Fund and uh Mr.
• And removes also include restriction on the parties that SWCD may cooperate with.
• And also restriction on who may provide certain equipment and supplies.
• And remove restriction on who may provide certain technical or financial assistance.
• uh SCW may uh SCW may cooperate<00:32:09.120> with.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And also, I never know what humans I may encounter or what dangers I may face out in the woods.
• Our primary concern is that we Our primary concern is that we start to draw a line regarding how dangerous
• It's another promulgate by rules, and they may or may not be in the future.
• It's another promulgate by rules, and they may or may not be in the future.
• So I understand there may be alternatives, Madam Chair, but it may not be ones that the consumer really

Bills: SB48, HB250, SB17

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, technology, innovation, advisory board, entrepreneurial support, stakeholder representation

Transcript Highlights:

• The charter school FTE is the primary driver for funds.
• The questioning may have seemed a little defensive, but it was not.
• The charter school FTE is the primary driver for funds.
• The charter school FTE is the primary driver for funding.
• The questioning may have seemed a little defensive, but it was not.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• may lose um as they learn to work again. may lose um as they learn to work again.
• They may not want to be hospitalized. They may not want to go to the hospital.
• financial burden may cause. financial burden may cause.
• <02:59:42.479> not<02:59:42.880> may transported by an ambulance may not may transported
• <05:06:41.360> Any that you may have. Thank you. Any that you may have. Thank you.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:44.040> urban Uh city of Albert Lea is a primary urban Uh city of Albert Lea is a primary
• I may be misspeaking as to what the intent was from our attorneys when they wrote this.
• I may be misspeaking as to what the intent was from our attorneys when they wrote this.
• May I suggest that the first band is Jefferson Starship?
• May I suggest that especially Vergas.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh this may be >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• <01:20:08.800> have "Look, in the past, you you may have "Look, in the past, you you may have
• We may rare earths that are up there.
• ><01:42:39.119> part<01:42:39.360> of<01:42:39.520> the um that may or may not be
• part of the um that may or may not be part of the programs<01:42:40.159> that<01:42:40.320>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the primary recommendations that came out from this effort...
• One of the primary recommendations that came out from this effort... ...across the state.
• And I'm happy to answer and look forward to answering any questions you may have. Thank you.
• Yes, thank you, and I may call up throughout the presentation if there's questions.
• The current funding will conclude in May 2025.

Summary: The subcommittee held an informational budget hearing covering several GovOps, CDT, CPPA, and DGS items. GovOps reported that most deliverables under the Governor’s generative AI executive order have been completed, including guidelines, procurement tools, community-impact guidance, and a new project delivery lifecycle for Gen AI projects; one workforce-related deliverable remains. Members and public commenters raised concerns about privacy, labor impacts, and how the state will explain and oversee Gen AI use. The committee also heard a proposal to create a California Education Interagency Council with $5 million ongoing and 16 positions to coordinate workforce and education systems; LAO questioned duplication and recommended limited-term funding, while supporters said a neutral convening body is needed to improve coordination and student outcomes. GoServe presented the College Corps budget proposals, describing the program as a paid service and career-development opportunity for undergraduate students that helps reduce college costs while supporting communities through tutoring, food insecurity work, climate and disaster response, and other service. The administration sought one-time and ongoing funding to expand the program to more campuses and students, while LAO objected to the high administrative costs and recommended rejection. Several students and alumni testified that College Corps provided financial support, professional experience, and career pathways. The committee also heard a $5 million proposal for a Belonging Campaign to address loneliness and social isolation through research, outreach, and local grants; LAO said the proposal lacked clear goals and measures, while supporters said the effort is needed for youth, seniors, and community resilience. The Department of Technology updated the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, saying construction is underway on the statewide open-access network and the project remains on track for the 2026 deadline, though LAO noted a required business plan had not yet been submitted. The California Privacy Protection Agency presented its Delete Act implementation request for the DROP platform, which will let consumers request deletion of personal information held by data brokers; LAO flagged oversight concerns because CDT is both developing the system and involved in project support. Public commenters from business groups urged caution on CPPA’s rulemakings, warning of compliance costs and job impacts. The Department of General Services then discussed implementation of Proposition 2 school facilities bonds, requesting staffing and administrative funding to manage the new bond program and continue school facility work. Officials said the program can also help districts affected by the January wildfires, including interim site funding and expedited assistance. Finally, DGS requested authority and positions to operate Building 18 for labor-agency tenants relocating from older Capitol Mall space; SEIU Local 1000 criticized the state’s four-day return-to-office policy and said telework has improved productivity and retention. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded after public testimony and member questions on each item.

Transcript Highlights:

• For our bill hearing, we will take up to two primary witnesses in support and two primary witnesses in
• There's no secondary primary witness. Thank you. Any primary witnesses in opposition? See none?
• And you still may not get the best results. Who can update a general plan?
• And you may have to go in a completely different direction than what you started with.
• APRs may also inform modifications to our...

Summary: The committee first heard AB 253, by Assembly Member Ward and presented by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva, which would allow licensed third-party professionals to review certain post-entitlement permits if a local building department would take more than 30 days. Supporters, including California YIMBY, the California Chamber of Commerce, the Housing Action Coalition, the Bay Area Council, SPUR, and Abundant Housing LA, said the bill would reduce permitting delays and help housing production. League of Cities and the California State Association of Counties expressed concerns but were not formally opposed. Members voiced strong support, and the bill passed the committee 10-0 to Appropriations. The committee then held an informational hearing on California’s general plan. The first panel, led by UC Davis professor Catherine Brinkley, gave an overview of the general plan structure, required elements, update cycles, and the new PlanSearch database that makes adopted plans searchable statewide. She emphasized that general plans are long-term, locally tailored documents that integrate housing, transportation, safety, environmental justice, and other policy areas, and noted that many plans and elements are outdated. Members asked about update timelines, public participation, and whether AI tools could help with drafting and analysis. A second panel of local government representatives described the practical challenges of preparing and updating general plans, especially in rural and small jurisdictions. Speakers from Calaveras County, Sacramento, San Joaquin County, and Fountain Valley cited staffing shortages, consultant availability, funding constraints, CEQA and outreach costs, changing state mandates, and the difficulty of keeping plans aligned with local conditions and board turnover. They asked for more funding, more time, clearer prioritization, and more flexibility. A third panel from the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation explained its role in issuing general plan guidelines, technical advisories, and annual planning surveys, and said it is updating its guidance through 2027 to reflect recent housing, climate, safety, environmental justice, and open space laws. No public comment was offered, and the informational hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• to get those individuals who are living off Social Security, who have minimum income, retirees that may
• If it's a 60%, of my 60%, I may have a mix—not just all 60% units.
• This puts a huge disadvantage for people who may be in the hospital.
• Members, this requirement may have at one point been aimed at consumer protection.
• Well, you may be offering, say, there's an offer, a settlement offer.

Bills: HB1342, HB2889, HB3002, HB3254, HB4820, HJR40, HJR40

Keywords: private activity bonds, housing, residential rental projects, low-income, affordable housing, bond measures, funding equality, political subdivisions, public communications, election fairness, debt collection, consumer rights, disclosures, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, settlement agreements, State Board of Education, group benefits program, health insurance, state employees, dependents eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• are not maintained, the opportunity to identify and understand significant events involving a child may
• Now, that is the primary opposition that people bring up.
• that people bring the primary opposition that people bring up. up. up.
• And I'm wondering, you know, here you may be going through that process for the next two, three months
• you<00:20:45.840> know,<00:20:46.040> here<00:20:46.360> you<00:20:46.480> may

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: State Representative Nolan West announced “Harvey’s Law,” a proposal to require child care centers that receive state funding through CCAP, early learning scholarships, or Great Start compensation to install cameras in infant and toddler rooms and retain footage for 28 days. West said the bill is an expansion of portions of House File 1915 passed last year, arguing that cameras are needed for transparency, accountability, and child safety, and that waiting for a maltreatment violation before requiring cameras is too late. He also said the measure is aimed at centers rather than family child care, and that he would like to see cameras more broadly but is focusing this bill on state-funded centers. West and Harvey’s parents, Catherine and Hunter Mucklebust, described Harvey’s death at daycare and said cameras could have revealed earlier abuse, prevented later harm, and led to stronger accountability. They said they believe Harvey would still be alive if cameras had been installed, and that even if the bill does not pass in full, any step toward cameras would be meaningful. A statement from Blaine Police Captain Mark Borboom was read, saying a 2024 child care abuse investigation showed how a 7-day retention period can cause critical evidence to be lost and that cameras are about transparency and protection, not surveillance. During questions, West addressed privacy and cybersecurity concerns, saying the bill uses closed-circuit systems, access controls, and audit logs, and that cybersecurity experts would testify at the committee hearing. He said the main opposition is the risk of hacking, but he believes child safety outweighs that concern. West also clarified that the bill discussed at a separate 3:00 hearing was a different measure related to CCAP fraud and attendance verification, not Harvey’s Law. The Mucklebusts said they expect a long legislative process but remain committed to pushing the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:26.360> need that the amount of water they may need that the amount of water they may
• It is essential that we protect Minnesota’s groundwater supply, and while House File 308’s primary goal
• It is essential that we protect Minnesota’s groundwater supply, and while House File 308’s primary goal
• <00:05:04.240> goal<00:05:04.440> is<00:05:04.560> to house file 308 primary
• goal is to house file 308 primary goal is to address<00:05:05.000> groundwater<00:05:05.639><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• on the need for the study the primary on the need for the study the primary reason<00:23:31.360>
• <00:24:50.640> foundation started that was the primary foundation started that was the primary
• May, Mr. Chair. Yeah, go ahead.
• based on uh whatever those changes may based on uh whatever those changes may be<01:21:32.000>
• May I ask this?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first reorganized by electing Representative Hart as House co-chair and Senator Douglas as Senate co-chair by acclamation, then approved the December 10 minutes. It then took up deferred and routine contract items, beginning with a Council on Postsecondary Education item that was withdrawn after staff explained the contract had been canceled and should not have come before the committee because the granting authority, not CPE, was issuing it. The committee next reviewed a Department for Local Government contract tied to an Eastern Kentucky flood recovery housing project in Jackson. Members questioned the high per-unit cost and whether renovation was more expensive than new construction. Staff explained the cost included acquisition of an existing downtown building and needed water and sewer infrastructure upgrades, and said developable land was limited in the area. With no motion to object, the contract was allowed to move forward. The committee then considered Kentucky Transportation Cabinet professional services contracts for highway design work. Members asked about the size of the contracts and how much of the available funding is typically used; staff said the contracts are two-year agreements, that the prior cycle reached close to $2 million per contract, and that this year’s limits were reduced because less money is available in the Highway Plan. The committee also approved a PSC amendment contract for the Bridging Kentucky program after staff explained the $150 hourly loaded rate was within the normal range for consultants. Both Transportation Cabinet items were approved without objection. Finally, the committee heard a Kentucky Communications Network Authority contract for an $85,000 study of the dark fiber market. Members asked what dark fiber is, why the study was needed, whether there was coordination with the Office of Broadband Development, and whether existing service meant there was already a market. KCNA said dark fiber is unused fiber that local providers can light to deliver service, that the study was needed because the contractor said no market existed while ISPs said demand exists, and that the report would help both KCNA oversight and broadband development planning. The contract was reviewed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Only committee members may ask questions.
• It's May through October.
• May I share some slides?
• But it may help my seven- and nine-year-old grandsons, or yours, or you.
• For example, I'm the primary author of the first mattress recycling EPR bill.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a heavily attended hybrid hearing focused primarily on plastics reduction bills, along with a few local and related waste-management measures. Chair Rauch and Chair Barber outlined strict testimony rules because of the large number of speakers. Before the plastics docket, the committee heard support for a local Sharon sewer-extension bill for a Sunrise Senior Living project, and the bill’s proponents said the project would help address senior housing needs and would still require MWRA and local approvals. The chairs also noted a separate local matter involving Sharon and the MWRA. A major portion of the hearing centered on the Plastics Reduction Act and related bills addressing single-use plastics, including plastic bags, polystyrene, black plastic, plastic beverage bottles, non-flushable wipes, skip-the-stuff provisions, and truth-in-labeling. Sponsors and supporters said the bills would reduce litter, microplastics, greenhouse gas emissions, and municipal waste costs, while creating statewide consistency and supporting environmental justice communities. Several speakers cited local bans already adopted by many Massachusetts cities and towns, and many urged the committee to advance comprehensive statewide action. The committee also heard testimony on a boat wrap recycling bill, a mattress recycling bill, and a bill to prohibit hotels from providing small plastic toiletries. Municipal officials and waste professionals supported extended producer responsibility for paint and labeling for non-flushable wipes, saying these measures would shift costs away from cities and towns and reduce strain on wastewater systems. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, Mayor Ruth Ann Fuller of Newton, and a Franklin County waste official all backed paint EPR and wipes labeling. Fire Chief Brian Nardelli testified for the Fire Chiefs Association in support of lithium-ion battery legislation, citing fire safety and disposal concerns. Other speakers, including environmental groups, local activists, and business representatives, supported bag and polystyrene bans, though the Retailers Association of Massachusetts urged any bag policy to be truly statewide and said any bag fee should be retained by retailers. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, we may need you, so thank you.
• All right, we may need you, so thank you.
• I'd like to place a motion, if I may, Mr.
• , but I may not.
• You may.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that may jeopardize the health, wellness, or safety of the testifiers or others.
• Please note that the chairs, at their discretion, may further limit the time of testimony.
• May I continue? I just have about—yes, you can. Sorry.
• I've heard from primary care doctors saying, we need more, we need more.
• You know, I may not be able to know what matters most to somebody, but they know.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing focused largely on senior long-term care issues, family caregiving, post-acute care access, and direct care workforce pay. Testimony strongly supported bills to raise the personal needs allowance for nursing home and rest home residents (including H. 1411, S. 482, and related bills), with speakers from Mass Senior Action, Dignity Alliance, nursing home residents, providers, and former state officials arguing that the current $72.80 monthly allowance has been unchanged since 2008 and is inadequate for basic items like clothing, toiletries, haircuts, and transportation. Witnesses also backed bills to increase MassHealth asset and income limits for seniors and to stop counting life insurance as cash, describing the current rules as outdated and harmful to low-income elders. The committee also heard testimony on bills allowing family members, including spouses and guardians, to be paid caregivers (H. 1394/S. 886), with supporters saying this would help families keep loved ones at home and reduce reliance on costly institutional care. Another set of bills (H. 1412/S. 903) drew support from a physician who said clearer MassHealth communication and improved post-acute care determination processes would help reduce delays and backlogs for patients awaiting skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or other post-acute placement. Several speakers emphasized that better home- and community-based care can prevent hospital readmissions and support independence. A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 877, which would establish an enhanced care worker minimum wage of $25 per hour, indexed to inflation, for certain home care and human services workers. Union representatives and direct care workers from SEIU Local 509, 1199 SEIU, and the AFL-CIO described severe staffing shortages, burnout, low wages, and high turnover across home care, mental health, disability services, and crisis response. They argued that higher pay is necessary to recruit and retain workers and to stabilize services for vulnerable residents. Committee members asked about costs, comparisons with other states, and whether non-wage incentives could help, but witnesses repeatedly said wages were the central issue. The hearing concluded after all registered testimony was heard, with the committee noting it would continue accepting written testimony and then adjourning.