Transcript Highlights:

• Williams, Assembly Member Stacy Pheffer Amato, Assembly Member and Chair of the sitting committee Patrick
• And then I would like to also acknowledge the ranker, Assembly Member Ari Brown, as well as Assembly
• Services, General State Charges, the Office of Inspector General, Department of State, the Department
• >> Assembly Member Burdick. >> Thank you, Chair.
• Thank you, Assembly Member.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on General Government and Local Assistance held its first meeting on the 2026/2027 state budget, with opening remarks from Senate Co-Chair Senator James Skoufis and Assembly Co-Chair Assembly Member Michaelle Solages. They introduced members, designated secretaries, and identified the agencies and budget areas under the subcommittee’s purview, including tax and finance, the Division of Budget, ethics and lobbying, financial services, general services, state charges, inspector general, state, audit and control, tax appeals, IT services, aid to localities, statewide financial systems, the Board of Elections, alcohol beverage control, and miscellaneous general government. Discussion focused on affordability, local government aid, and the strain on municipalities from rising costs, aging infrastructure, and state mandates. Senator Walczyk emphasized lowering taxes, reducing regulations, and increasing support for local governments, including AIM and CHIPS funding, while criticizing high housing, energy, and insurance costs. Assembly Minority members echoed concerns about the 2 percent property tax cap, utility bills, mandated costs, and the need for more permanent aid rather than temporary assistance. Assembly Member Ari Brown argued that the proposals did not provide enough long-term certainty, noting differences among the Governor’s, Assembly’s, and Senate’s funding levels for municipal aid and related programs. Assembly Member Burdick also supported stronger funding for municipalities, drawing on his local government experience. The co-chairs noted that no table target had yet been received and that negotiations would continue on open issues in general government. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after brief closing remarks about ongoing budget talks among the Senate, Assembly, and Governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• File item five, AB 1954 by Assembly Member Ward, file item 13, ACR 210 by Assembly Member Jackson, file
• File item number 3, AB 1915 by Assembly Member Gabriel, presented by Assembly Member Berman.
• Assembly Member, would you like to close on behalf of Assembly Member Gabriel?
• item 13, ACR 210 by Assembly Member Jackson, and file item 14, AB 1767 by Assembly Member Berman.
• Assembly Business and Professions bill by Assembly Member Berman. Current vote is 2 to 0. Choi?

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Assembly Member Jackson.
• Assembly Member to bring this back.
• Thank you so much, Assembly Member.
• The only way we have to reach them is a general phone number, a general email address, and a general
• Assembly Member Irwin. Next, I see we have Assembly Member Patel in the audience.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Assembly Member Nadim, Mr.
• So, Assembly Member Nadim, Mr.
• Assembly Member Nadim, Mr.
• Assembly member, Nadim, Mr.
• Assembly Member Nadim, Mr.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Alvarez, are you fine with Assembly Member Alvarez going first?
• Assembly, or you're fine with Assembly Member Alvarez going first?
• Thank you, Assembly Member Gibson.
• Assembly Member Gips, my understanding is you're presenting AB 1860 for Assembly Member McKinner.
• Assembly Member Pellerin and Assembly Member Koloza. We also have Senator Cortese's SCA-5.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard AB 402, which would increase Cal Grant award amounts for students attending private nonprofit colleges and allow community college transfer entitlement awards to be used at those institutions. The author and supporters said the bill would restore award levels to their 2001 value and improve access for low- and middle-income, working, military, and transfer students. Several witnesses from private nonprofit universities, community college districts, and advocacy groups supported the measure. Senators raised concerns about the prior Cal Grant agreement tied to Associate Degree for Transfer participation and about the need to fund broader Cal Grant reforms, but the bill advanced on a unanimous due-pass vote to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. The committee then took up AB 2067, a sunset extension for lease-lease-back authority for TK-12 school construction through July 1, 2032. The author and supporters from school housing and contractor groups said the method provides flexibility, early collaboration, cost control, and legal certainty for school construction projects. Senators asked how often lease-lease-back and other alternative delivery methods are used, and whether the skilled-and-trained workforce provisions limit competition. Some members objected to the skilled-and-trained requirement, while others said the bill simply preserves an existing tool without changing labor rules. The bill passed on a 6-1 vote, with Senator Ochoa Bogh voting no, and was placed on call. AB 1204, which would revise the Local Control Funding Formula by increasing supplemental and concentration grants, lowering the concentration threshold, adding regional cost adjustments, and setting a minimum annual COLA floor, drew extensive testimony on both sides. Supporters said the bill better reflects regional costs, inflation, and student need, especially for low-income, multilingual, and unhoused students. Opponents, including several school district leaders, argued it would widen funding disparities and divert money from the LCFF base grant, which they said should be the priority. Committee members also questioned the fiscal impact, the proposed 4% COLA floor, and whether the bill had enough research and stakeholder consensus. Despite those concerns, the bill was advanced to Appropriations on a due-pass vote and placed on call. Finally, the committee heard AB 1235, which would require a skilled-and-trained workforce process for CSU design-build projects to align CSU with UC and community college construction rules. Supporters said it would improve training and project quality, while opponents from contractor groups argued it would reduce competition, increase costs, and impose mandates without evidence of better outcomes. Several senators objected to the skilled-and-trained requirement as limiting opportunities for contractors who comply with state law, while others noted the issue was already common in higher education construction. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final vote on AB 1235 was captured.

Transcript Highlights:

• The assembly is now in session.
• Assembly Chamber Sacramento, Thursday, March 6. The Assembly met at 9 AM.
• Assembly Concurrent Resolution, Assembly Bill 1389 by Assembly Member Blanco Rubio, an act relating to
• Assembly Bill 1393. Ayes. Ayes 66, noes 0. Assembly Bill 1392. Ayes 66, noes 0.
• Assembly Concurrent Resolution 57. Ayes 66, noes 0. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 61.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Hadwick. Assembly Member Hadwick. Assembly Member Hadwick.
• Assembly Bill 252 by Assembly Member Stephanie, an accolation.
• Assembly Bill 2782. Aye, 69, no 0. Assembly Bill 1689. Aye, no 0. Assembly Bill 1689.
• Assembly Bill 1689. Assembly Bill 1587. Assembly Bill 1736. Assembly Bill 1760. Assembly Bill 1951.
• Assembly Bill 2502. Assembly Bill 2540. Assembly Bill 2502. Assembly Bill 2542. Assembly Bill 1781.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, dispensed with the reading of the prior journal, and handled a large number of procedural motions, including suspending rules for guest introductions and committee notice, withdrawing AB 2595 from Appropriations, and moving ACR 110 to the inactive file. Members also noted absences for maternity leave and personal business, and the chamber recognized several birthdays and numerous visiting city officials and community groups. On the floor file, the Assembly took up several measures. AB 1673 by Assembly Member Hadwick, dealing with fish and wildlife funding for wildlife-conflict prevention, passed 62-0. ACR 143 by Assembly Member Pacheco, declaring April 19-25 as California Cities Week, was adopted with 65 coauthors added. AB 1982 by Assembly Member Lowenthal, which removes sunsets from existing anti-drink-spiking requirements for bars and nightclubs, passed 68-0. ACR 158 by Assembly Member Solache, recognizing April 2026 as Donate Life Month, was adopted with 74 coauthors added, and AB 1908 by Assembly Member McKinnor, authorizing counties to establish victim compensation funds for survivors of abuse by public agencies, passed 71-0. The Assembly also approved AB 2052 by Assembly Member Stephanie, aimed at allowing continuity of prosecution for vulnerable victims, by a 62-0 vote, and ACR 178 by Leader Flora, recognizing April 21 as National Rendering Day, with 69 coauthors added and adopted by voice vote. The second-day consent calendar, including multiple bills and resolutions, was adopted 69-0, with several items receiving unanimous urgency or resolution votes. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Mary Dallas Armstrong, followed by announcements of committee meetings and the next floor session scheduled for Monday, April 27 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• > to of the General Assembly with respect to of the General Assembly with respect to the<01:25
• > inviolate, General Assembly shall remain inviolate, General Assembly shall remain inviolate, and
• General Assembly from any further General Assembly from any further proceedings<01:32:06.680>
• the the General Assembly to dismiss the the General Assembly to dismiss the impeachment<01:32
• General Assembly. General Assembly.

Keywords: In an effort to stave off issues that may occur with long format live streams, we have split this stream into two parts., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:17.120> Assembly presents to you and the General Assembly presents to you and the General
• <00:20:47.520> Assembly responsibility the General Assembly responsibility the General Assembly
• with members of the General Assembly. with members of the General Assembly.
• > General<00:37:53.359> Assembly Members of the General General Assembly Members of the General
• > has<00:39:24.480> no However, the General Assembly has no However, the General Assembly

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Member Celeste Rodriguez, and Assembly Member Rubia, who is filling in for Assembly Member Jackson.
• It was moved by Assembly Member Tangipa and seconded by Assembly Member Castillo.
• It was moved by Assembly Member Tangipa and seconded by Assembly Member Castillo.
• The bill was moved by Assembly Arons and seconded by Assembly Arroy.
• The bill was moved by Assembly Member Rubio, seconded by Assembly Member El-Huari.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard a long agenda focused largely on child welfare, child support, homelessness, and child care. Early items included AB 2083, which would authorize a regional child care special district for Marina Valley and Paris; AB 1579, which would expand the Children’s Crisis Continuum Pilot Program to allow additional CDSS-approved residential models; and AB 1628, which would extend California’s safe surrender window for infants from 72 hours to 30 days. AB 1579 drew strong support from county human services agencies and providers who said the current crisis residential model has been financially and operationally unworkable, and opposition from youth advocates who argued the bill would move away from the original small, community-based crisis model. AB 1628 was supported by fire chiefs and child abuse prevention advocates as a way to give parents more time to make safe decisions after childbirth. The committee also took up AB 1634 on the “Have a Heart, Be a Star, Help Our Kids” specialty license plate program, AB 1643 on automatic enrollment into child support services after a support order is finalized unless a parent opts out, and AB 1708 on the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program. AB 1634 sought to raise specialty plate fees and change the distribution formula to generate more funding for child safety and injury prevention; the chair raised concerns about reallocating money away from CDSS, and the bill received a no recommendation from the chair but still advanced on a 5-0 vote with some members not voting. AB 1643 was backed by child support agencies and anti-poverty advocates as a way to reduce barriers and increase participation, while opponents argued it could undermine parental choice and raise concerns for families with domestic violence or informal arrangements; it passed 6-0 as amended. AB 1708, supported by many cities, would require more meaningful engagement with smaller jurisdictions in HHAP planning and funding decisions; the committee emphasized that it does not guarantee funding but creates a process for smaller cities to be considered, and it passed 5-0. Later, the committee heard AB 2395, which would standardize and expand access to the state child support debt reduction program for low-income parents with government-owed arrears. Supporters said the current program is inconsistent across counties and leaves eligible parents unaware of relief options, while opponents, including receiving parents and child support officials, warned that reducing arrears could harm families who are owed support and that the program should remain case-by-case. Members discussed the tension between relieving uncollectible debt and protecting custodial parents; the bill advanced 4-0. The final item shown was AB 1914, which would require local governments to include child care in planning efforts, including general plans or separate child care plans. The author and witnesses argued that child care is essential infrastructure tied to workforce participation, economic development, and disaster planning, and the bill drew support from child care and planning advocates as the committee continued its hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Greetings, I'm Assembly Member Al Stirpe.
• I would like to introduce the following Assembly Members: Assembly Member Woerner, Buttenschon, Otis,
• Thank you, Assembly Member. Greetings.
• Assembly Member Buttenschon.
• Assembly Member Bendett? The Assembly, I will keep my comments brief. This is my first exercise.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The joint Economic Development budget subcommittee meeting opened with introductions, review of subcommittee rules, and identification of the agencies to be discussed, including the Department of Economic Development, Urban Development Corporation, Alcohol and Beverage Control, Cannabis Management, and the Gaming Commission. The chairs also outlined broad budget priorities, including support for innovation hotspots, incubators, minority- and women-owned businesses, biomedical research, centers of excellence, advanced technology, workforce development, and grants tied to tourism, cultural institutions, public safety equipment, and food retail subsidies. Most member comments focused on small business conditions and economic development policy. Senators Borrello and Chan emphasized that small businesses are the backbone of the economy and argued for reducing taxes, utility costs, fines, permits, and regulations; Chan suggested a possible one-year utility tax holiday. Assembly Member Slater similarly criticized New York’s tax and regulatory climate and promoted legislation to create a Department of Regulatory Review and Economic Growth. Assembly Member Buttenschon discussed one-house proposals such as changes to small business stock ownership rules and a hardship savings account, while Assembly Member Bendett said county infrastructure funding should be increased substantially. Several members highlighted sector-specific investments. Senator Addabbo and Assembly Member Woerner stressed the importance of racing and gaming, including addiction treatment and recovery, integrity in racing, and stronger drug testing. Assembly Member Otis pointed to science and technology initiatives such as Micron, Empire AI, quantum research at Stony Brook, and broadband/digital inclusion through ConnectALL. Assembly Member Cashman supported investment in the Cornell Center for Food and Agriculture, and Senator Hinchey praised tourism matching grants, restaurant and farm food donation tax credits, and incentives for heat pumps and clean energy retrofits. No formal votes were taken. The meeting ended with staff continuing consultations with members and the chairs concluding the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Assembly Member. Assembly Member Wilson. Thank you to the author.
• General thoughts.
• Hi, Josh Lieberman, general manager of August Hall in San Francisco, a recent constituent of Assembly
• Thank you, Assembly Member.
• Gold star for Assembly Member Lowenthal. Gold star for Assembly Member Lowenthal.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 56, which would require social media platforms to display a warning label about potential mental health harms from prolonged use, with amendments shortening the initial warning and allowing immediate access to the platform. The author and supporters, including a parent who lost a daughter to suicide and a therapist, argued that social media contributes to teen anxiety, self-harm, and other harms and that families need clearer public health information. Opponents from tech and civil liberties groups argued the bill would be ineffective, burdensome, and likely unconstitutional, saying it would create warning fatigue and should be replaced by more targeted tools and digital literacy measures. Several members discussed emergency access concerns, language access, and whether the warning should be more actionable; the bill was moved on a 9-0 vote to the Judiciary Committee. The committee then took up AB 358, which would amend CalECPA to allow law enforcement, with the victim’s consent, to inspect certain abandoned tracking or surveillance devices found in a victim’s home, vehicle, or personal property without first obtaining a warrant. The author and a San Diego prosecutor said the bill is narrowly tailored to devices used solely for spying and is intended to help stalking and domestic violence survivors act quickly before evidence is lost. Opponents from EFF and the ACLU warned the bill would weaken warrant protections, create a loophole around CalECPA, and reduce transparency and accountability. Members debated Fourth Amendment issues, abandonment, and the practical need for rapid access; the bill passed the committee on a 9-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1137, which builds on last year’s CSAM reporting law by allowing any user to report child sexual abuse material, requiring clearer reporting mechanisms, adding human review in some cases, and mandating third-party audits and public reporting. Supporters, including survivor advocates and a parent of a child victim, said the bill would reduce the burden on survivors and improve removal of abusive content. Tech industry opponents said they support the goal but objected to the human-review mandate, public audit disclosures, and enforcement provisions, arguing they could create security risks and compliance burdens. Members generally supported the bill’s intent but raised questions about audit frequency and human review; the bill was moved on call with seven votes at the time of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Hadwick. Assembly Member Hadwick. Assembly Member Hadwick.
• Assembly Bill 2782. Aye, 69, noes 0. Assembly Bill 1689. Aye, noes 0. Assembly Bill 1689.
• Assembly Bill 1689. Ayes 69, noes 0. Assembly Bill 1587. Ayes 69, noes 0. Assembly Bill 1736.
• Assembly Bill 1760. Ayes 69, noes 0. Assembly Bill 1951. Assembly Bill 1951 with urgency.
• Assembly Bill 2086. Ayes 69, noes 0. Assembly Bill 2502. Ayes 69, noes 0. Assembly Bill 2540.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then dispensed with reading the journal and moved through a large number of procedural items, including deeming 102 second-reading items read and amendments adopted. The body also approved several floor motions, including suspending rules for guest access and committee noticing, moving AB 2595 to second reading, and sending ACR 110 to the inactive file. Numerous local officials and community representatives were introduced from cities including South Pasadena, Isparia, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Palmdale, Holtville, and Lindsay. On the floor file, several measures were taken up and passed. AB 1673 by Hadwick, allowing county fish and game commissions more flexibility to use certain funds for wildlife conflict prevention, passed 62-0. ACR 143 by Pacheco, proclaiming April 19-25 as California Cities Week, was adopted with 65 co-authors added. AB 1982 by Lowenthal, removing sunsets from existing anti-drink-spiking requirements for certain establishments, passed 68-0. ACR 158 by Solache, recognizing April 2026 as Donate Life Month, was adopted with 74 co-authors added after testimony about organ donation and transplant needs. AB 1908 by McKinnor, authorizing counties to establish victim compensation funds for survivors of abuse involving public agencies, passed 71-0. AB 2052 by Stephanie, aimed at ensuring continuity for vulnerable victims in criminal cases by allowing the same prosecutor to remain on a case, passed 62-0. ACR 178 by Flora, recognizing April 21 as National Rendering Day, was also adopted with 69 co-authors added. The second-day consent calendar and remaining listed items were then approved, with all votes recorded at 69-0 and no items removed. The Assembly also heard an adjournment in memory from Assembly Member Haney for Mary Dallas Armstrong of San Francisco, followed by announcements of committee meetings and the next floor session. The House adjourned until Monday, April 27, at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Shava. Other questions, comments? Assembly Member Shava.
• Let's now go to Assembly Member Solache, Assembly Member Lee, and then Assembly Member Rogers.
• Thank you very much, Assembly Member Lee. Appreciate that. Let's now go to Assembly Member Bonta.
• Okay, Assembly Member Rogers. Assembly Member Muratsuchi. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
• We've done, Assembly Member.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee heard opening remarks on the 2025 Budget Act, which will be amended into AB 101 and SB 101 for floor consideration. Committee leaders described the budget as a difficult compromise shaped by a $12 billion deficit, federal funding uncertainty, wildfire impacts, and rising out-year costs, while emphasizing a balance between compassion and fiscal responsibility. Each budget subcommittee chair then summarized major actions in their areas, including health care, human services, education, climate and transportation, housing and state administration, public safety, and oversight/transparency. Key policy items included delaying or narrowing some of the Governor’s proposed cuts, especially in Medi-Cal and other safety-net programs; preserving funding for dental care, women’s health, family planning, hospice, long-term care, IHSS, and services for undocumented Californians; and maintaining or expanding child care, foster care, food banks, and CalWORKs-related supports. Education actions included additional Proposition 98 settle-up, reduced deferrals, support for TK-12, teacher recruitment, literacy, mental health, preschool slots, and restored funding for UC and CSU. Other major items included housing and homelessness investments, wildfire and disaster response funding, transit loans and greenhouse gas reduction fund support, Proposition 36 and VOCA-related public safety funding, and oversight measures on federal impacts and state efficiency. Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst staff said the package makes some of the same savings moves as the May Revision but relies more on internal borrowing and fewer reductions, leaving a smaller reserve than the administration’s plan but still maintaining roughly $11 billion in the rainy day fund. Members from both parties largely supported the package while raising concerns about long-term sustainability, Medi-Cal costs, reserve use, and the need for future revenue and program review. The committee adopted the subcommittee actions by roll call, 18-6, with the roll held open for absent members and additional comments continuing after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Messages from the Assembly. Messages from the Governor.
• Messages from the Assembly. >> Senator Bailey moves to discharge from the Committee on Rules, Assembly
• Senator Fernandez moves to discharge from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill 9453, and substitute
• Senator Bailey moves to discharge from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill 9492, and substitute the
• Senator Cleare moves to discharge from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill 9445, and substitute the

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on January 28, 2026, approved the prior day’s Journal, and then took up a series of messages from the Assembly to discharge bills from committee and substitute identical Senate bills for third reading. The chamber then proceeded through the calendar, considering measures in public health, business, labor, social services, economic development, agriculture and markets, education, county law, and general business law. Several senators briefly explained votes, including Senator Bailey, who spoke in support of Calendar 67 and asked to be recorded in the affirmative. Most bills passed with broad support, though some drew limited opposition. Notable negative votes included Calendar 64 (4 nays), Calendar 66 (1 nay), Calendar 70 (1 nay), Calendar 73 (2 nays), Calendar 77 (18 nays), Calendar 78 (2 nays), Calendar 80 (2 nays), and Calendar 92 (2 nays). At the end of the session, the Senate completed the reading of the day’s calendar, reported no further business at the desk, and moved to adjourn until Tuesday, February 3 at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated as legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Ward? Aye. Assembly Member Tye is not here. Assembly Member Wicks?
• Assembly Member Ward, aye. Assembly Member Tye is not here. Assembly Member Weeks, aye.
• Assembly Member Wilson, aye. That is 10 to 1. Item number 3, SB 904. Assembly Member Ward? No.
• Assembly Member Weeks? No. Assembly Member Ward, no. Assembly Member Weeks? Aye. Wicks, aye.
• Item number 6, Assembly Member Ward? Aye. Item number 6, Assembly Member Ward? Aye.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills, with most of the discussion focused on streamlining housing production, preserving affordable housing, and reducing barriers to ADUs and EV charging in HOAs. SB 457 would direct HCD to develop statistical formulas based on historical development data to help cities complete housing element site inventories; supporters said it would replace costly parcel-by-parcel analysis with a more realistic, data-driven approach, while the California Building Industry Association raised concerns. SB 1091 would create a Community Anti-Displacement and Preservation Program to help acquire and preserve unsubsidized affordable rental housing; it drew broad support from housing nonprofits, local governments, and committee members who emphasized prevention and preservation, and it was advanced with a motion and second. SB 1117 would clarify that ADU impact fees above 750 square feet are charged only on the portion above that threshold; supporters said current practice creates a fee cliff that discourages ADUs, while cities, counties, special districts, and fire groups opposed it over infrastructure and service funding concerns. The committee members were split, but the bill ultimately advanced on a 10-0 vote with two not voting. The committee also considered SB 904, which would codify and expand reporting and coordination practices used after wildfire disasters to speed rebuilding and identify permitting or code barriers. The author and supporters argued that future wildfire recoveries should not depend on ad hoc executive orders, while some members questioned whether the bill was duplicative of existing streamlining laws; it passed on a roll call after discussion. SB 1267 would require EV charger installers in HOAs to indemnify associations during installation and make homeowners liable for costs arising from use of a privately owned charger; HOA representatives and EV advocates supported it, the California Association of Realtors said it would remove opposition once amendments were in print, and the bill advanced unanimously. SB 1361 would prevent local governments from taking actions to avoid SB 79 transit-oriented housing requirements at existing or planned transit stops; L.A. Metro, labor groups, and housing advocates supported it as protecting transit investments and jobs, while the City of Burbank opposed it, and it was approved on a 9-0 vote. The committee also took up consent items SB 722 and SB 1426, which were approved without controversy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey are pleased to honor Scott Riccardi
• Whereas the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey are pleased to congratulate Jamie
• Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey, that this
• and Assembly Speaker and attested by the Senate Secretary and Assembly Clerk be transmitted to Jamie
• Just some general announcements.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Mike Fong will be substituting for Assembly Member Ash Kalra, and Assembly Member Jose
• Welcome. be substituting for Assembly Member Ash Kalra and Assembly Member Jose Salachi will be substituting
• for Assembly Member Nick Schultz.
• Assembly Member. Okay. We are going to move to file item number one, Assembly Member Burr.
• Assembly Member Gonzalez.

Summary: The committee heard several energy and utilities bills, with testimony largely focused on wildfire mitigation, affordability, clean energy planning, and utility accountability. AB 706, by Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry, would create a fund to support projects that use forest biomass waste from wildfire mitigation and forest restoration; supporters said it would reduce open burning and emissions while providing reliable renewable power, and the bill later passed 13-0. AB 39, by Assembly Member Zbur, would require larger cities and counties to adopt electrification planning strategies for transportation and buildings; it drew broad support from clean energy, labor, environmental, and local government advocates and passed 9-0. AB 1167, by Assembly Member Berman, would restrict investor-owned utilities from charging ratepayers for lobbying, promotional advertising, and similar shareholder-benefit expenses; supporters framed it as an affordability and transparency measure, while utilities argued the bill was overly broad and already covered by existing rules. It passed 7-0, with some members not voting and the roll left open. The committee also considered AB 1417 on offshore wind community funding transparency, which was amended to remove new fees and instead require reporting on developer support for local and tribal community capacity-building; opposition was withdrawn and the bill passed 9-0. AB 367, by Assembly Member Bennett, would require water districts in high fire-risk areas of Ventura County to have backup power, full tanks during red flag warnings, and hardened facilities; water agencies opposed unless amended due to cost and liability concerns, but the bill passed 10-0. The consent calendar, including multiple additional measures, was approved 11-0. Other bills drew more divided testimony. AB 745 would allow securitization to finance utility undergrounding and prohibit a return on equity for undergrounding projects; supporters said it would lower ratepayer costs, while utilities warned it would effectively discourage undergrounding and could raise other rates. The bill passed 7-4 and was left on call. AB 1423 would apply reliability standards to publicly funded EV chargers installed before 2024; supporters said taxpayers should get functioning chargers, while charging-network representatives objected to retroactive requirements and possible conflicts with existing agreements. It passed 13-0. AB 388 would create a narrow exception to utility regulation to facilitate green hydrogen projects using private power lines; supporters said it would unlock low-cost renewable hydrogen and jobs, while utilities raised concerns about customer protections and grid planning. It passed 12-0. The committee also began hearing AB 825, which the author said would address the high cost of financing major transmission and generation buildout, but the transcript cuts off before the full presentation and action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The joint session of the 103rd General Assembly of the 103rd General Assembly, The joint session of the
• 103rd General Assembly, second regular session, will come to order.
• They will recommend solutions to both my office and the General Assembly, you, the General Assembly,
• I urge the General Assembly to continue modernizing the tools available to law enforcement.
• I'm asking the General Assembly to support these new decision items.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome, Assembly Bill 977.
• We ignite a ripple effect across generations.
• As the assembly member said, I'm Naomi Castro.
• Thank you so much, Assembly Member Mercerich.
• Assembly Bill 1093. File item number 10, AB 1093.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee met with a quorum and first approved a consent calendar containing AB 341, AB 1098, and AB 1316, sending those measures to the Human Services, Judiciary, and Appropriations Committees respectively. The committee then heard AB 977, which would require CSU to audit surplus land and work with California tribes to identify three regional burial sites for Native American remains that cannot yet be repatriated. Supporters, including tribal leaders and archaeology groups, said the bill is needed to honor ancestors and address the large number of remains still held by CSU; CSU said it is committed to repatriation but had no formal position. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. Members also heard AB 1093, creating a California-Mexico higher education exchange program, and AB 1035, expanding the California College Promise to cover tuition for students pursuing community college bachelor’s degrees. AB 1093 drew support for strengthening cross-border educational and economic ties, but some members raised concerns about border-region sewage problems and the bill’s budget implications; it was held for later consideration. AB 1035 received strong support from community college leaders and faculty who said it would help low-income and first-generation students complete workforce-focused bachelor’s degrees, but several members questioned whether it would stretch Prop. 98 funding and whether the state should prioritize broader affordability concerns. AB 1035 passed to Appropriations on a 3-2 vote. The committee next approved AB 922, which would let the University of California keep access to federal criminal-history information for hiring background checks, avoiding delays and added costs if statutory authority is required. UC said the bill is needed to maintain safety and hiring operations, and it passed to Public Safety on a 5-0 vote. AB 1346, protecting military dependents from losing in-state residency status because of family travel, also passed unanimously to Military and Veterans Affairs. AB 1212, allowing UC to use low-income housing tax credits to build affordable housing for faculty and staff on UC land, drew support from UC and labor groups but opposition from members concerned about preferential access to public resources; it was held for later action. Finally, the committee approved AB 500 and AB 684, both aimed at increasing transparency around UC admissions policy changes and UC BOARS decision-making, sending AB 500 to Education and AB 684 to Governmental Organization, each on 5-0 votes. The hearing then moved on to AB 1122 on dual enrollment, with the author and witnesses presenting the bill as a way to expand college access for high school students.