Video & Transcript Research : 'LA FIRST'
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NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Jul 14th, 2025
Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2008, the first standards-based funding awards were granted based on these rankings.
- It's that one light that first appears on the fire alarm panel.
- But we're excited to see that, for the first time ever, just this year we awarded the very first school
- First, just a real quick follow-up. Do they put out the national rankings?
- It's that first glance that you're thinking about. Finding a person to do this.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Jun 6th, 2025
Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- map of how we, um, are going to cruise through the rest of this interim session, um, and, um, but first
- I'm Representative Joanne Ferrari in House District 37 in Las Cruces.
- This will be my first interim committee at all.
- Um, so, uh, go ahead and, uh, Senator Cedillo Lopez, you can go ahead and go first.
- Representative Murphy, but I do want you to look over it first.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Imelda De La Rosa and Val Acre. If you would want to come up, please.
- Imelda De La Rosa and Val Acre.
- And who would like to go first? Ma'am? Ladies first. Doctor first. Hello? All right.
- My first name is Brandon, did everyone here? Yeah, yeah. I was a senator.
- The first name is Brandon, to everyone here does that, yeah, yeah. I'm not a senator.
Bills:
HB2
Keywords:
disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license, volunteer management system, volunteer registration, criminal history check, background check, Texas Division of Emergency Management
Summary:
The Senate Education K-16 Committee met to consider HB 2, the major school finance bill, with the chair explaining that the committee substitute would provide about $8 billion in new public education funding. The bill was described as including permanent teacher compensation increases, expanded teacher incentive allotment funding, support for early literacy and numeracy, teacher certification and residency pathways, special education funding, career and technical education, school safety dollars, and facilities support for charter schools. The committee adopted the committee substitute without objection after roll was called and a quorum was present.
Members questioned the bill’s structure, especially the balance between across-the-board teacher pay and the teacher incentive allotment, the treatment of uncertified teachers, and differences in requirements between traditional public schools and charter schools. Senator Menendez and Senator West raised concerns about equity, charter-school parity, facilities funding, inflation, and whether the bill should include more support for fine arts and extracurricular programs. The chair responded that the bill was designed to direct most new money to traditional public schools while also preserving flexibility and that charter-school and public-school alignment would need further work.
Invited witnesses Dr. Imelda De La Rosa and Val Acri testified in support of the bill, emphasizing that the Teacher Incentive Allotment helps recruit and retain teachers in rural districts and supports mentorship and certification pathways. Public witnesses also supported the bill but urged more funding for fine arts, local flexibility, and full restoration of House-proposed funding levels. Dr. Josh Jones supported year-long teacher residencies, Dr. Philip Morgan asked for more local control and restoration of fine arts funding, Rich Saina supported the bill but warned about hold-harmless reductions, and Dr. Greg Poole supported the bill while asking for flexibility for high-performing districts that already pay high salaries. After the invited testimony and some public testimony, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair so members could attend the Senate floor.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Mar 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- First, I want to thank the committee for your work on this bill, and Mr.
- So, presenting first is Dr. Catherine Brinkley.
- So, presenting first is Dr. Catherine Brinkley.
- We built the first statewide database of comprehensive general plans.
- The first statewide database of comprehensive general plans.
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.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-09 (1:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Read the first amendment.
- Read the first amendment.
- Read the first amendment.
- Be the first amendment.
- That's the first piece.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Lee County Judge John Carlin, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Officer Cody Popple of the FSU Police Department for his actions during the April campus shooting. The Speaker also outlined the final week of session, noting the chamber had passed 253 House bills and 149 Senate bills to date, with budget negotiations still unresolved and the 2026-27 budget not expected to be completed that week. The special order report was adopted, setting the day’s calendar and debate times.
The chamber then took up several Senate bills, mostly technical or open-government sunset review measures, and passed them with little or no opposition: SB 100, SB 104, and SB 102 on Florida statutes; SB 7006, SB 7014, SB 7002, SB 7012, SB 7024, SB 7016, SB 7026, SB 7008, SB 7000, and SB 7004 on public-records or meeting exemptions; and SB 7022 on public records related to exams. Members asked questions on a few of these bills, especially the exam-records bill and the military and gaming-related exemptions, but the measures generally advanced without amendment. Votes ranged from unanimous to modest opposition, with SB 7026 passing 106-3 and SB 7022 passing 101-8.
The most substantial debate centered on SB 7040, which recreates the emergency preparedness and response trust fund in the Executive Office of the Governor. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment to let the fund expire, arguing the money had been misused and that the Legislature should retain control over spending; several members supported her position, while others said the fund is needed for rapid disaster response. A strike-all amendment from Rep. Griffiths was adopted instead, adding accountability provisions and expanding the fund to cover man-made emergencies as well as natural disasters. The bill then passed 82-25. The House also passed CS/CS/SB 302 on coastal resiliency, CS/CS/SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits, CS/SB 474 on military affairs, and SB 488 on Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issues, with SB 488 still under amendment debate when the transcript ends.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- UTA gets it first and then his, uh, his bill.
- El Paso, Juarez, Las Cruces has over 2.5 million people, but not a single law school.
- Um, uh, first, thanks to Representative Perez and the committee for this hearing.
- First, any further questions? Sure, thank you again for being here today. I really appreciate it.
- La Brea Owens. Dewey Marshall. And Becca Coggins.
Bills:
HB232
Keywords:
disaster recovery, natural disaster, weather disaster, emergency relief, flood relief, hurricane relief, storm damage, wildfire, tornado, hail, windstorm, extreme heat, ice storm, snowstorm, property damage, personal injury, temporary housing, relocation assistance, lost wages, state emergency management
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Mar 18th, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a single Latina mother of five, with my first grandchild due May 5th.
- The first announcement on awards from this fund was made last March.
- So first to Kerry Robin Brunder. Hello, Mr.
- The first is that it makes the fund non-reverting.
- So, you have to first meet one of the three primary objectives.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House debates moving bill to allow legal remedies for civil rights violations 2/25/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And first of all, that uh what Chair Scott said is just not accurate.
- And first of all, that uh what Chair Scott said is just not accurate.
- <00:14:58.320>
I committee room hearing LA last night. - I committee room hearing LA last night.
- And this isn't the first time mouth.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- First, I want to recognize and thank my co-chair, Representative Crighton, along with all the members
- First up, I'd like to welcome Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan. Welcome.
- The first thing they do is they go get high again.
- He was the first to reach the rank of gunnery sergeant in my unit.
- First, I want to express our gratitude for your son's service.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation held a public hearing on a wide range of bills and topics, including impaired driving, antique and collector vehicles, roadway maintenance, homelessness-related identification cards, a pedestrian tunnel for Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, a bridge naming in Sandwich, historic route designations, and litter prevention. The chairs outlined the hearing process, including three-minute limits for individuals and seven minutes for panels, and noted that elected officials would be taken out of turn. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and then adjourned.
On impaired driving, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan and tow lot operator Chris Nolan supported a bill creating a 12-hour tow-yard hold for vehicles involved in drug-impaired incidents, similar to the existing alcohol-related hold. On transportation infrastructure and road safety, Representative Howitt testified for several bills requiring reflective tape on temporary loads, restoring road markings after utility work, requiring roadway restoration after excavation, and improving reporting on roadway damage after crashes. AAA Northeast supported bills expanding the distracted driving law to cover video recording while driving, while noting it preferred the offense remain a primary offense.
Several witnesses testified in support of bills affecting vehicle enthusiasts, including restoring year-of-manufacture plates for antique vehicles, creating a single rear collector plate, and changing antique vehicle inspection rules. Another major topic was H. 3750/S. 2399, which would provide no-fee state IDs and flexible residency documentation for youth and adults experiencing homelessness; supporters included the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, social workers, city officials, and people with lived experience, all emphasizing that lack of ID blocks access to housing, jobs, health care, and other services. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2414, authorizing a tunnel connecting the north and south campuses of Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, with school leaders and students citing safety, accessibility, and traffic concerns. Finally, the committee heard emotional testimony for H. 4374 to name the Quaker Meeting House Road overpass in Sandwich for Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville, and testimony for a resolve creating a roadside litter prevention and cleanup task force.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 9th, 2026 at 11:18 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll do that first. And I do have ...four guests who are here for that.
- She's looking forward to stitching her first quilt this year.
- Michaela Kern is the first Eagle Scout female from Eddy County, New Mexico.
- for her being the first female in Eddy County to earn her Eagle Scout Award.
- First, up with you as the honorary lieutenant governor is Sophia Trujillo.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And House Memorial 4 is the first step in getting there.
- Health care has been a priority of ours since our first contract in December of '22.
- Representative Chatfield, first on my list, please. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr.
- I think Las Unas schools has one at every school. They have their own police force.
- This is the first time... that I'm hearing.
Keywords:
graduate scholarship, higher education funding, New Mexico, appropriation, financial aid, education, documentary, historical figure, Padre Antonio Jose Martinez, Northern New Mexico State School, SB179, Senate Bill 179, UNM, University of New Mexico, medical Spanish, Spanish-language curriculum, health sciences, health professions education, language access, bilingual healthcare
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- First of all, your speed, but your written testimony.
- Well, we appreciate, first of all, your speed, but your written testimony.
- Okay, so we're going to call a digital witness first.
- I really don't have any problem with renewals or updates online, but for first-time applicants, first-time
- Cecilia Jimenez de la Fuente for the bill. Roxanne Jimenez for the bill.
Keywords:
voter registration, electronic, Texas election law, Signature verification, DPS, internet application, Texas Election Code, signature verification, online application, data security, electronic application, Department of Public Safety, information security, electronic voter registration, voting technology, voter access, state election laws, digital signature, election irregularities, audit
Summary:
The House Committee on Elections met with a quorum present and heard several election-related bills, with public testimony limited to two minutes per witness. The first measure, SB 447, would allow the City of Mission to move its municipal elections from May to November on a one-time, permanent basis. Supporters, including Mission’s mayor, said voters had already approved the change by a wide margin and argued it would improve turnout and reduce costs. The bill was left pending after no objection.
The committee then heard SB 2217, which was described as a transparency measure to standardize election data reporting and reconciliation across counties. Testimony focused on a technical issue involving discrepancy thresholds for electronic voting system reconciliation, with one witness urging the bill be aligned with existing law’s “more than 3” standard rather than a 1% threshold, and another suggesting a definition fix. The bill was left pending.
Members also heard SB 2753, a major proposal to create a continuous in-person voting period by combining early voting and election day into one uninterrupted period, with a committee substitute making it a pilot and permissive. Supporters said it could simplify administration and improve security, while opponents warned it would increase costs, require more staffing and equipment, delay results, and create logistical problems for counties. The committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 505 would let certain election stakeholders request explanations of irregularities from election officials and, if unresolved, escalate the matter to the Secretary of State for audit or possible conservatorship. Supporters framed it as a tool for accountability and transparency, while opponents called it overly broad and vulnerable to abuse. The bill was left pending.
The committee also took up HB 311, which would expand online voter registration to first-time registrants and direct state agencies to develop a pathway for Texans without a driver’s license to register online. Supporters argued it would modernize the process, reduce errors, and save money, while opponents said first-time applicants still need a wet signature and raised concerns about signature verification and implementation. Due to the late hour and floor deadline, testimony was cut off, the names of remaining witnesses were read into the record, and the bill was left pending before the committee adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Martinez also has a similar bill, but he said it was okay that we can go first and it's
- okay UTEP gets it first. than his bill.
- El Paso, Juarez, Las Cruces has over 2.5 million people but not a single law school.
- First, thanks to Representative Perez and the committee for this hearing.
- La Brea. Owens, Dewey Marshall, and Becca.
Bills:
HB1784, HB2088, HB3062, HB3475, HB3741, HB4279, HB4763, HB5154, HB5294, HB5508, SB1401, HB232, HB232
Keywords:
students, homeless, foster care, higher education, liaison officer, housing assistance, transition support, law school, Rio Grande Valley, legal education, public university, accreditation, fentanyl prevention, drug poisoning awareness, mental health resources, substance abuse education, El Paso, university system, funding, public education
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Cedar Port will be the first port in Chambridges County, Deepwater, deepwater port.
- First, state your name and whether you're for or against the bill.
- It's my first film. This morning. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- Are you, are you normally late on submitting your CS or just on your first bill?
- Are we one of the first to try to do this? Do you have any idea?
Bills:
HB 2065, HB 2462, HB 2621, HB 3187, HB 3539, HB 3563, HB 3726, HB 4164, HB 4207, HB 4368, HB 4706, HB 4916, HB 4950, HB 4967, HB 5177, HB 4429, HB 5597
Keywords:
commercial vehicles, parking regulations, residential areas, local governance, land use, traffic safety, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, regional transportation, mobility program, sales tax, public infrastructure, local government
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 4th, 2025
Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- First of all, we already have our own training program.
- This is not the first time this bill has been introduced.
- You did say, yeah, we're going to do 27 first. 27 first, and then we'll do 28. 28 is the one that we
- Hill, Lundstrom, and Chair De La Cruz, House Bill 145.
- I direct you first to your FIR on the back.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, first bill of Senate Bill 2031 relating to consumer protection. Our first testifier, DCCA.
- Um first bill of mul. So let's start.
- Uh first up Development, and Tourism.
- Today's a la moon la kukahi, and our ancestors tell us that this is the moon for planting tall-growing
- now cuz you're not first. now cuz you're not first.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard seven bills on consumer protection, DBEDT-related matters, and tourism/creative industry issues. On SB 2031, DCCA supported aligning state law with the FTC’s 2025 rule on hidden fees and pricing misrepresentations in live event ticketing and short-term lodging; hotel and financial industry witnesses also testified, and senators asked for complaint and enforcement data. On SB 2129, DBEDT and business groups supported a study of minimum wage impacts, with testimony emphasizing effects on hours, employment, prices, and business viability; a senator asked whether the study could also examine the gig economy and business closures, and DBEDT said that may be possible but would require more research and data access.
On SB 2259, which would promote dementia-friendly businesses, DBEDT said the measure fit better with another agency and lacked the department’s expertise, while the Executive Office on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association supported the intent and offered to help with curriculum, branding, and training. Testifiers described dementia as a spectrum and said businesses should be trained to communicate effectively with customers and employees living with the disease; suggested amendments included changing the branding language and requiring at least 85% of employees to complete training rather than all employees. A senator also raised concerns about stigma and whether early-stage dementia should affect a person’s ability to function, and the witness responded that people can often function well in early stages.
The committee also heard SB 2577 on sports tourism, which DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported as a way to better understand which events draw visitors and economic benefits. SB 2578, creating a film commission, drew broad support from DBEDT, Creative Industries, SAG-AFTRA, the Hawaii Film Alliance, the Hawaii Film Office, and others, but several witnesses urged changes to the commission’s composition and authority, including more labor representation and limits on the commission’s ability to adjust the production cap. Senators questioned staffing, costs, and whether current film office employees should transfer to the new commission, and one senator proposed a friendly amendment to add musicians, SAG, IATSE, and Teamsters, though the department cautioned that too many members could make the commission difficult to manage. The transcript ends during discussion of the film bill, with no final votes or committee actions stated for the measures heard.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (3-10-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- phase for the first year uh that<00:09:57.000>
will'll <00:09:57.120>need <00:09:57.279 - is addressed my objective for until Las is addressed my objective for the<00:14:58.079>
district< - The first original estimate in 2023 was 3.6 million, and due to the...
- So as a first step toward realizing this goal of building a high school and to relieve our immediate
- So as a first step toward realizing this goal of building a high school and to relieve our immediate
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:05
HB 537 Discussion 00:00:40
HB 537 Vote 00:02:45
HJR 34 Discussion 00:03:30
HJR 34 Vote 00:07:45
HJR 30 Discussion 00:08:30
HJR 30 Vote 00:10:25
HJR 32 Discussion 00:11:00
HJR 32 Vote 00:41:00, 958, all
Summary:
The committee took up several measures related to appropriations and school facilities. House Bill 537 was explained as a technical fix to Kentucky’s opioid abatement settlement framework so the state can accept funds from national bankruptcy settlements under the allocation structure now used by the courts; the bill was supported by the Attorney General’s office and local government groups and received a favorable recommendation. House Joint Resolution 34 authorized release of previously appropriated KCTCS funds for three projects, and members discussed whether KCTCS facilities could be used more broadly for community needs such as public health, workforce, and other services. KCTCS officials said they were open to that idea, and the resolution also received a favorable recommendation. House Joint Resolution 30, concerning the Waters program and release of funds for projects that had remained in design, was adopted by committee substitute and passed favorably.
The committee then heard extensive testimony on House Joint Resolution 32, which concerns school facility gap funding for districts with low bonding capacity. The chair and sponsor explained that the General Assembly had previously asked the auditor and Blue & Co. to analyze district data because of disputes over project costs and bonding capacity. Superintendents from Marion County, Augusta Independent, Williamstown, and Walton Verona described their projects and financial constraints. Marion County and Augusta argued that full gap funding is necessary for new school or multipurpose facility projects that cannot be phased in; Augusta emphasized its old building stock, high poverty rate, and the need for a gymnasium/multipurpose space used for school and community functions. Williamstown described a STEM center and field expansion, saying the project would be delayed for years without full funding. Walton Verona described rapid growth, overcrowding, and an intermediate school project that had risen sharply in cost from the original estimate.
Members asked questions about the accuracy of cost estimates and the scope of the projects, including why some estimates differed from the auditor’s figures and whether the funding requests covered only parts of larger phased plans. The testimony generally supported full funding for the listed districts, with the districts arguing that the projects are necessary for safe, modern learning environments and that local tax effort has already been substantial. Each of the measures considered during the meeting was reported out favorably, with the chair voting no on the resolutions and bills before the committee.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- First, the legislation will maintain a standard of care in Florida and establish access for enrollees
- Actually, you want to do Senator Jones's bill first? You want to do your bill? Senator Jones first.
- Actually, you want to do Senator Jones's bill first? You want to do your bill? Senator Jones first.
- That's the first one? We want the substitute, 584482.
- First, this bill will strengthen oversight of behavioral health managing entities.
Summary:
The committee met to consider a large agenda of health and human services bills, moving quickly because of a two-hour time limit. Early measures reported favorably included SB 976 on challenges to court-appointed psychologists in family law cases, SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access and after-hours availability, and SB 584 on housing supports for college students and youth in extended foster care. SB 1412 on home health regulation modernization also passed, with one support appearance from the Home Care Association.
Members then approved several bills focused on research and care delivery, including SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF with an adopted amendment adding academic medical centers, SB 524 adding Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening, SB 1156 revising a Medicaid home health aide program for medically fragile children, and SB 1490 transferring and redesigning the managed care program for critically ill children. SB 1174 on foster home licensure transfers, SB 1620 implementing mental health and substance use commission recommendations, SB 1568 revising e-prescribing exemptions, and SB 788 on veterans nursing home beds were also reported favorably.
The committee had more extensive debate on SB 1270, the Department of Health agency package, which included provisions on vaccination status, medical marijuana background screening, licensing and compact issues, and sovereign immunity for volunteer dental workers; it passed after an amendment and several members voiced concerns about patient treatment and “voting power” language. SB 1606 on patient access to records drew strong opposition from providers and health information professionals over privacy, HIPAA, and administrative burdens; it was initially reported unfavorably, then reconsidered and ultimately passed after a motion to reconsider. Other bills reported favorably included SB 1736 on insulin administration by direct support professionals and relatives, SB 1808 on patient refunds from providers, SB 1842 on referral disclosure of network status, SB 1354 on behavioral health managing entity oversight, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies with informed consent requirements, and SPB 7032 on presumptive Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals, which was submitted and reported as a committee bill. The meeting ended after all agenda items were handled and the committee adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- First, I want to introduce my NGSC students from ASU. They're shadowing me today.
- Minority Leader De La Santos wants to speak. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Chair recognizes Minority Leader De La Cento. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- If you could move the bill first...
- The clerk will read the first bill on the calendar: HB 2601. Thank you, sir.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Sep 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- First, it does not... 237 does not shore up the state's setback rules.
- Mario De La Torre, Northern California District Council of Laborers, and I'm in support.
- No, you go first. Sorry.
- It's not the final step, but it is an important first step.
- It was the first... I do have witnesses here in support of the bill.
Summary:
The Assembly Natural Resources Committee heard three major bills. SB 237, by Senator Grayson, proposed a package of fuel-supply and permitting changes aimed at stabilizing gasoline prices during California’s energy transition. Supporters, including state officials, Kern County representatives, labor groups, and industry groups, said it would help retain in-state refining and drilling capacity, reduce price spikes, and protect jobs. Opponents, including environmental justice and conservation groups, argued it would expand oil drilling without enough community protections and would not meaningfully address climate goals. After extensive testimony and questions about emissions, sunsets, and long-term strategy, the committee passed SB 237 on a due pass vote, with some members voting no or not voting.
SB 352, by Senator Reyes, sought to strengthen implementation of AB 617, the community air protection program, by codifying the Environmental Justice Bureau in the Department of Justice, extending monitoring requirements, and requiring annual legislative reporting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and ensure that funding for impacted communities actually produces emissions reductions. Some environmental justice advocates were neutral or not fully supportive because they wanted stronger language, while business and industry groups opposed the bill, arguing it was added late and duplicated existing processes. The committee approved SB 352 on a due pass vote.
SB 840, by Senator Limon, was the cap-and-invest reauthorization package. It would update offset protocols, adjust how revenues are spent, and continue funding for key climate, housing, transit, and community programs, including AB 617. Support came from environmental groups, labor, local governments, housing advocates, and clean transportation organizations, while some agricultural interests objected that the package did not sufficiently prioritize climate-smart agriculture and methane reduction programs. The committee passed SB 840 on a due pass vote as well. All three measures were later confirmed out of committee after calls were lifted.