Transcript Highlights:

• A license may produce a valid AIA-approved digital... ...digital just simply inserting the word valid
• to ensure that it is uh the license is valid.
• </c><00:50:13.280><c> AIA</c><00:50:13.839><c> approved</c> license may produce a valid AIA approved
• license may produce a valid AIA approved digital<00:50:15.359><c> just</c><00:50:15.599><c> simply</c
• :16.559><c> word</c> digital just simply inserting the word digital just simply inserting the word valid

Bills: HB1 , HB198 , HB11 , HB32 , HB33 , HB34 , HB56 , HB68 , HB72 , HB101 , HB102 , HB110 , HB154 , HB166 , HB168 , HB274 , SB114 , HB1 , HB198 , HB11 , HB32 , HB33 , HB34 , HB56 , HB68 , HB72 , HB101 , HB102 , HB110 , HB154 , HB166 , HB168 , HB274 , SB114

Committee: House Public Safety and Homeland Security

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, ignition interlock, interlock device, driver license suspension, restricted license, motor vehicle, alcohol offense, first offense, repeat offender, blood alcohol concentration, BAC, license revocation, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, public safety, traffic safety, chemical dependency, substance abuse, court referral program

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, this bill requires employers to produce corroborating evidence to validate surveillance output
• I want to validate the comments by my colleague from Thousand Oaks, my colleagues from Simi Valley and
• Again, the bill in print today validates that stance.
• Transfer the ticket to another individual in validating their access to that ticket.
• But the bill puts the onus to determine the proof of purchase validity and connect it to an actual ticket

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took up multiple votes. AB 576, dealing with updates to California’s charitable fundraising platform registry after AB 488, was presented as a technical fix to help charities and platforms more quickly update eligible listings; there was no opposition testimony, and the measure was later moved on a due pass basis. AB 1160, on law enforcement drone programs, was presented with proposed amendments requiring U.S.-based data storage and limits on sharing or selling collected data; supporters said it would protect sensitive drone-collected information while preserving affordable drone use, while there was no opposition testimony, and it was also later passed out on a due pass as amended basis. AB 75, which would require insurers to give notice before collecting aerial images of homes and provide homeowners access to those images, drew support from the Department of Insurance and consumer advocates, while insurers opposed it unless amended, arguing aerial imaging is a cost-saving inspection tool and that the bill could worsen availability and affordability; the bill was moved to Appropriations on a due pass basis, with the roll held open for absent members. The committee spent the most time on AB 325, which would address algorithmic price-fixing and collusion. The author and supporters argued that competitors using the same pricing software or algorithm to set prices can function as collusion even when the agreement is hidden behind code, and cited examples involving housing, frozen potatoes, gas pricing, and other industries. Opponents, including apartment, business, hospital, retail, chamber, and tech groups, said the bill was too broad, could sweep in lawful software and public-data market research, and might chill legitimate pricing tools, especially for small businesses and housing providers. Committee members raised concerns about clarity, intent standards, and whether the bill should focus more narrowly on nonpublic competitor data; despite those concerns, AB 325 was moved to Appropriations on a due pass basis, with the roll held open. Later, AB 1221 was presented as a workplace surveillance bill that would prohibit certain invasive or discriminatory surveillance tools, require notice to workers, limit sharing of worker data, and require corroborating evidence before discipline based on surveillance outputs. Labor and consumer groups supported the bill, saying modern surveillance technologies can track speech, movement, emotion, and other sensitive traits and can be biased or abusive. The Security Industry Association opposed it, warning that the bill’s broad definitions could restrict legitimate security systems, emergency sharing with first responders, and employer responses to misconduct or unsafe behavior. The transcript cuts off before any final vote on AB 1221 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if the claim is valid, uh, the claim payment is initiated.
• And if the claim is valid, uh, the claim payment is initiated.
• </c> we've validated? we've validated?
• So using AI and putting in information that we trust and that's trusted and validated by our team so
• </c> programs and just the the validation programs and just the the validation that<01:29:16.239><c>

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:19:26.240><c> a</c> a tail night that's out they have a a a tail night that's out they have a a valid
• Massachusetts driver's license and valid Massachusetts driver's license and you're<00:19:29.200><c>
• aliens are not valid if enacted s<00:37:19.160><c> sp13</c><00:37:19.760><c> will</c><00:37:20.000><
• driver's licenses given to validating driver's licenses given to illegal<00:39:56.800><c> aliens</c>
• license are responsible for 20% of valid license are responsible for 20% of all<00:42:27.440><c> of<

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• possibly having an actual building, first they gave a certain amount of money that I think we put some stickers
• possibly having an actual building, first they gave a certain amount of money that I think we put some stickers

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Secretary of State right now to validate Secretary of State right now to validate that<01:13:10.719
• Members, validate the vote. It's not too much to ask.
• </c><01:54:23.440><c> Members,</c> validated the voter roles. Members, validated the voter roles.
• Members, validate<01:54:25.679><c> the</c><01:54:25.920><c> vote.
• It's not too much to validate the vote. It's not too much to ask. ask. ask.

Transcript Highlights:

• If they have valid insurance, completely dismiss, no fines, no cost.
• So they had a valid CDL license? They had a valid CDL, yes, ma'am, from another state.
• They had a valid CDL license. They had a valid CDL, yes, ma'am, from another state.
• He did produce to troopers a valid CDL license issued by the state of Minnesota.

Committee: House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I think those are incredibly valid points.
• But on the other hand, I think those are incredibly valid points.
• that non-monetary support, including below-market land, leases, and pre-development assistance, is a valid
• I think you are bringing out a valid point about possible wordsmithing that needs to be done to make
• I think you are bringing out a valid point about possible wordsmithing that needs to be done to make

Committee: Senate Housing

Summary: The committee opened its first Senate Housing hearing of 2026 by establishing quorum and explaining that several two-year bills and bond measures would be heard, with witnesses limited to two minutes and “me too” testimony grouped together. The first bill, SB 222 by Senator Wiener, would streamline permitting for heat pumps, water heaters, and HVAC installations and limit HOA barriers. Supporters said it would lower costs, speed replacements, reduce pollution, and help Californians switch to efficient electric appliances. The League of California Cities opposed unless amended, raising concerns about a permit-fee cap and the feasibility of virtual inspections. Committee members largely supported the policy but flagged fee recovery, inspection liability, HOA authority, and possible electrical panel upgrade costs; the bill passed to Local Government on a roll call vote. The committee then heard SB 677, also by Senator Wiener, which was narrowed to two remaining changes related to commuter rail definitions and mobile home exemption language, with a separate future cleanup bill for SB 79 promised later in the session. Local governments and counties said the amended bill still needed clearer definitions and implementation guidance, while several groups shifted to support after the amendments. The committee approved the bill 10-1 and sent it to Local Government. Next, SB 417 by Senator Cabaldon proposed a $10 billion 2026 affordable housing bond to fund construction, preservation, rehabilitation, supportive housing, and homeownership opportunities. Supporters emphasized the need to replace exhausted housing funds, leverage federal tax credits, and keep shovel-ready projects moving; opponents and some members raised concerns about state debt, the lack of a dedicated CalHome share, and whether the bond should include more homeownership or higher-education allocations. After extensive debate over bond indebtedness and housing need, the bill passed to Appropriations on an 8-1 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 492, a youth housing and youth center bond proposal. Senator Reyes described it as a way to fund transitional housing and youth centers for transition-age youth up to age 25, arguing that early intervention could prevent future homelessness and reduce long-term public costs. Witnesses from Covenant House California and the California Coalition for Youth supported the measure, citing the needs of foster youth and homeless young people, the benefits of transitional housing, and the high success rate of youth exiting to stable housing. The transcript cuts off during additional testimony, so no final action on SB 492 is shown in the provided excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We should evaluate, test, and validate rigorously before we ultimately deploy the clinical applications
• And so we felt a commitment to actually test and validate the technology in a wide range of settings.
• identified and defined trustworthy AI as having five elements: that it would be fair, appropriate, valid
• Third is insufficient validation in the real world and monitoring.
• recent Health Affairs study that found that more than half of U.S. hospitals using AI tools have not validated

Summary: The joint informational hearing by the Assembly Health and Privacy Committees focused on generative AI in health care, with opening remarks emphasizing both the promise of improved care and the risks around privacy, bias, workforce impacts, reimbursement, and liability. Members and witnesses repeatedly stressed that AI should augment clinicians rather than replace them, and that California has a role in shaping responsible adoption. The first panel featured health systems and developers describing current uses such as ambient scribes for physicians and nurses, imaging triage, maternal-fetal risk prediction, and administrative automation. Speakers from Cedars-Sinai, Kaiser Permanente, Penguin AI, and Google highlighted efficiency gains, reduced clinician burnout, faster treatment, and some reported patient-safety benefits, while also noting the need for human review, governance, and ongoing monitoring. Committee members pressed the panel on bias, especially for multilingual patients, women of color, and Medi-Cal populations, and on whether predictive tools could worsen disparities or drive unnecessary interventions such as C-sections. Witnesses said tools must be tested in real-world settings, with humans in the loop and outcomes tracked by demographic group. They also discussed the legal landscape, with concerns that liability may fall more on hospitals and physicians than on developers, and that clearer rules may be needed for clinical, clinical-adjacent, and administrative uses. Several speakers argued that administrative uses like prior authorization and coding are lower-risk and ripe for automation, while clinical applications require much stronger safeguards. The second panel shifted to broader policy and equity issues. The California Health Care Foundation described early AI adoption in the safety net, including a Los Angeles County homelessness-risk model and AI tools supporting community health workers, and said safety-net providers want guidance on privacy, liability, safety, bias, and workforce impacts. Dr. Ziad Obermeyer described research showing racial bias in widely used risk algorithms and argued for accountability, access to data under strong protections, public-sector leadership, and partnerships to steer AI toward better outcomes. Dr. Michelle Mello said most organizations lack strong governance, that monitoring is difficult and costly, and that states could require AI governance structures as a condition of licensure. The discussion closed with calls for clearer standards, better data access for evaluation, and policy approaches that protect patients while allowing beneficial AI to spread beyond large health systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• that our achievements are<00:09:37.360><c> somehow</c><00:09:38.160><c> less</c><00:09:38.560><c> valid
• <00:09:39.519><c> unless</c><00:09:40.200><c> we</c><00:09:40.519><c> exclude</c> are somehow less valid
• And so you are valid however you are, and it's not up for debate, period.
• And so you are valid however you are, and it's not up for debate, period.
• You are valid however you are, and it's not up for debate, period.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the main things in this piece of legislation is it applies only to entities that hold a valid
• One of the main things in this piece of legislation is it applies only to entities that hold a valid

Bills: HB375 , HB986 , HB1098 , SCR35 , SB97 , SB123 , SB466

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Keywords: liability, regional transit, streetcars, trolley cars, motor vehicles, HB986, vehicular homicide, child support, surviving child, minor child, parent killed in crash, criminal restitution, family law, Louisiana child support schedule, R.S. 9:315.48, R.S. 14:32.1, victim compensation, traffic fatality, wrongful death, sentencing enhancement

Transcript Highlights:

• underlying bill requires a response rate of 65% in each rate region for the survey to be considered valid
• This would also allow the survey results for that rate region to be valid for purposes of future rate

Bills: HB2487

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact

Transcript Highlights:

• underlying bill requires a response rate of 65% in each rate region for the survey to be considered valid
• This would also allow the survey results for that rate region to be valid for purposes of future rate

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met in executive session on March 10, 2026, and first reviewed engrossed House Bill 2487, which concerns taxes imposed on insurers. Staff explained the bill’s B&O tax exemption changes, the advanced computing surcharge adjustments, and the preliminary fiscal note. Amendment 1 had been withdrawn before action. The committee then considered and rejected Amendment 2, which would have further lowered the surcharge cap; Amendment 4, which would have removed retroactivity for tax payments; and Amendment 5, a striking amendment that would have conformed the B&O exemption to a court decision and removed the advanced computing surcharge provisions. The committee then advanced HB 2487 to the Rules Committee with a due pass recommendation. The committee next took up Substitute House Bill 2689 on the Working Connections Child Care Program. Staff described the bill’s changes to attendance-based reimbursement, rate-setting, and eligibility, with an estimated four-year savings of $565 million. Amendment 6, offered by Senator Wilson, was adopted and changed the market rate survey response threshold by delaying the 65% requirement and allowing validity with lower response rates under certain conditions. Amendment 7, offered by Senator Robinson, was also adopted and revised the attendance reimbursement tiers, with staff indicating it would increase projected savings to about $770 million over four years. The amended bill was then moved to the Rules Committee with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered engrossed House Bill 2681, which raises annual issuance and renewal fees for cannabis producer, processor, and retail licenses by $400. Staff said the bill would increase deposits to the dedicated cannabis account by about $866,000 per year, or $2.6 million over four years. With no amendments offered, the committee approved HB 2681 and sent it to the Rules Committee with a due pass recommendation. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The key to this is that this instrument is validated. That validation process is expensive.

Transcript Highlights:

• And at its core, it asks insurers to do what they already promise: pay valid claims promptly and communicate
• And at its core, it asks insurers to do what they already promise: pay valid claims promptly and communicate
• And at its core, it asks insurers to do what they already promise: pay valid claims promptly and communicate
• And at its core, it asks insurers to do what they already promise: pay valid claims promptly and communicate
• And at its core, it asks insurers to do what they already promise: pay valid claims promptly and communicate

Bills: HB0117 , HB0126

Committee: Senate Labor, Health & Social Services

Transcript Highlights:

• investigations so it doesn't fall all in the LEOs to make a determination about whether there is a valid
• investigations so it doesn't fall all in the LEOs to make a determination about whether there is a valid
• </c><00:39:33.560><c> complaint</c><00:39:34.000><c> about</c> whether there is a valid complaint about
• whether there is a valid complaint about animal<00:39:34.760><c> cruelty</c><00:39:35.760><c> and</c
• That the bill is DOA, and that's not the case here, because there is a valid need for this, but there's

Summary: The subcommittee work session focused on HB 153, a bill intended to improve law enforcement response to animal cruelty cases. The bill’s sponsor explained that the proposal would require one sheriff or deputy and one state trooper in each county to receive specific training in animal cruelty laws so they could serve as knowledgeable resources. The sponsor described real-world examples where agencies were unclear about jurisdiction, veterinary involvement, and response protocols, arguing that better training was needed because animal cruelty cases can require quick action and many towns do not have animal control officers. Jerry Sorenson, a retired UNH professor and longtime animal cruelty instructor, described the existing training structure at Police Standards and Training. He said recruits receive a required two-hour introductory block at the academy, while additional animal cruelty materials and a more comprehensive online resource library are available through the Benchmark system for certified officers. He noted that the older two-day in-service course he taught was more detailed and guided, but the current online materials are more of a self-study resource and are not mandated for in-service officers. He also said the committee could track usage through Benchmark analytics. Kurt Arenberg of the Humane Society of the United States and Rob Johnson of the Farm Bureau both supported the goal of ensuring a trained law enforcement contact is available statewide, but they questioned whether assigning one trained officer per county would be the best way to achieve it. They emphasized the need for a real-time response and for officers to know where to find help and guidance, rather than expecting one person per county to handle all cases. Vincent Greco of State Police said the agency is willing to help and has handled animal cruelty matters, but he said one trooper per county would not realistically meet the goal given coverage demands and vacancy rates; he suggested broader access to resources and training may be more effective. Representative Freeman asked how cases are handled now and was told State Police responses generally follow standard criminal investigation steps, with assistance from animal control, veterinarians, and other resources when available. No vote or final action was taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Validate outcomes.
• Validate outcomes.
• At that moment, that's no more valid—or that's just as valid and valuable as me having to go through
• At that moment, that's no more valid or that that's just as valid and valuable as me having to go through
• company, not you directly, to validate her concerns, which is fine.

Committee: House Labor & Industrial Relations

Summary: The committee first disposed of several measures without debate, including deferrals of House Bill 460, House Bill 561, Senate Bill 322, and another deferred Senate measure, before taking up House Bill 819 by Chairman Cruz. HB 819 would replace Louisiana’s current workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule with ODG by MCG, a private evidence-based guideline system used in other states. Cruz and Troy Prevo argued ODG is more comprehensive, updated more frequently, and could reduce claim duration, medical costs, and premium rates; Dr. Jason Picard said Louisiana already uses ODG as a secondary reference for gaps in the state schedule and that the bill would not change appeals or variance procedures. Opponents, including injured-worker advocates Joseph Jola St. and Robin Crumholt, argued Louisiana’s current guidelines are working, that ODG is more cost-cutting and insurer-driven, and that the bill could increase denials and delay care. Members discussed amendments to add a two-year sunset, allow tacit approval when treatment follows the schedule, require payment within 30 days, and raise the carrier’s burden to challenge care; the committee adopted the amendments and then reported HB 819 favorably by a 7-6 vote. The committee then began Senate Bill 409 by Senator Myers, the Louisiana Living Donor Leave Protection Act. The bill would provide paid leave protections for living organ donors, set eligibility and verification procedures, and prohibit forfeiture of leave in certain circumstances for private employers. Myers said the measure is intended to remove job and paycheck barriers for people willing to donate organs and to support better transplant outcomes. Technical amendments were adopted at the start of the presentation, and the bill was introduced for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And valid health care and identification by the right people about what's wrong with the child is necessary
• I have it validated. and to serve our existing traditional students and teachers with, who are struggling
• I have it validated. You know, on a lighter note, are there any that I may have overlooked?
• I have it validated. Okay, thank you, Madam Chair. Is that a motion, Rep. Carver? I would love to.
• Somebody's going to just stand up with a commitment that these schools, we're all validating that these

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first heard SB 206, which would require cardiovascular pre-screening and blood pressure testing for student athletes beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. Chairman Miller said the bill was prompted by concerns about undiagnosed hypertension and sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes, and Coach Marcus Scott testified about his own kidney transplant after years of untreated high blood pressure. Members asked about who would perform the screenings and how follow-up would work; the American Heart Association said existing athletic physical processes and referral networks could handle it. An amendment was adopted, and the committee reported SB 206 favorably as amended. The committee then took up SB 305, which would require a publicly available statewide career-alignment dashboard showing how degree programs connect to workforce outcomes, including completion, employment, wages, and high-demand jobs. Chairman Edmonds and student task force member Cruz Cassard said the goal was to help students understand job opportunities in Louisiana and reduce the number leaving the state after graduation. Workforce and higher education stakeholders supported the measure as a transparency and workforce-planning tool. The committee reported SB 305 favorably. Next, the committee considered HB 624, a school safety cleanup bill updating references from crisis management plans to emergency operations plans and aligning school emergency language with national standards. Representative Johnson and the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools said the bill would not create new mandates or costs, but would clarify existing requirements. The committee reported HB 624 favorably. The committee then heard HB 1022, as substituted, concerning school-based health care services. Representative Jackson said the bill was intended to clarify that medical decisions in school-based health centers should be made by licensed health professionals, not school staff, while preserving parental consent. Testimony from school-based health center providers supported the bill, but several members raised concerns about consent, parental authority, and whether the language shifted too much responsibility away from schools; the Charter School Association suggested adding more collaborative language. After discussion, the committee adopted the substitute and reported HB 1022 favorably by a 10-4 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do think that you brought up very valid points, and I will be supporting your request. Thank you.
• We think it is a perfectly valid subject for the state auditor and for this committee and the Legislature
• The case for an audit is now far stronger than in 2017, and the court case I mentioned on validation
• Moore noted, DWR's two pending validation actions are not a substitute for an audit.
• In fact, for example, the validation action will focus on issues of DWR's legal authority.

Committee: Senate Joint Legislative Audit

Summary: The committee began with a status report from the State Auditor on staffing and audit capacity, noting 14 audit supervisors, 14 audits in progress, several audits scheduled for release, and a planned high-risk review of state financial reporting. The committee then approved a consent calendar covering six audit requests, including topics such as kindergarten oral health assessments, prison infrastructure management, Los Angeles fires prevention and response, community college financial aid and enrollment, wildfire management at Chino Hills State Park, and the Chiquita Canyon landfill. The first major item was Assembly Member Gonzalez’s request for an audit of Coachella Valley Unified School District’s contract and fiscal management. Supporters described long-running fiscal mismanagement, a projected $60 million deficit, layoffs, concerns about contracting practices, foundation donations, and weak governance. District representatives said they were already working with Riverside County Office of Education and FICMAT, had adopted a fiscal stabilization plan, and were making cuts to restore solvency. The State Auditor said the proposed audit would examine the district’s financial condition over 10 years, ELOP spending, partnership agreements, foundation funds, and contracting practices. After extensive discussion and public comment, the motion to approve the audit failed because it did not receive the required votes. The committee next approved Senator Wahab’s request for an audit of East Bay transit agency administrative oversight. The senator argued that the Bay Area’s fragmented transit system creates duplication and wastes resources, while agency representatives and transit advocates said the agencies already face extensive oversight and are actively coordinating through existing regional efforts. The State Auditor outlined objectives focused on agency autonomy, coordination, ridership, finances, and the potential effects of consolidation. After debate and public comment, the audit was approved. Finally, Senator Archuleta introduced a request to audit excessive unrestricted reserves at selected California Community College districts and Calbright College, arguing that reserve balances have grown substantially and may be diverting funds from student services and instruction. He said the audit would examine why districts are holding large reserves and whether those funds are being used effectively for students.

Transcript Highlights:

• No, completely valid. Thank you. Yes.
• </c><00:07:00.880><c> valid.
• No, completely valid. Thank you. Yes.
• No, completely valid. Thank you. Yes.
• No, completely valid. Thank you. Yes.

Summary: The joint committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Economic Development and Tourism heard three measures. HB 450, which would transfer the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, drew support from DBEDT, the State Foundation, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, DAGs, and individuals. Members asked about the bill’s purpose and the relationship between arts administration and international/cultural considerations. The committees voted to pass HB 450 with amendments, including a housekeeping change allowing specific legislative direction in narrow cases; the measure was adopted with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. HB 437, relating to out-of-state offices, received testimony in support from DBEDT and representatives of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and another individual. The discussion focused on whether an overseas office in the Philippines was the best use of funds, given existing offices and trade relationships in places like Beijing and Taiwan. Members questioned the return on investment, fiscal priorities, and whether DBEDT had a broader strategic plan for selecting markets. The committees ultimately passed HB 437 with a Senate Draft 1 and technical amendments, with some members voting with reservations. HB 1391, relating to trade and creating a Hawaii-Ireland trade commission, also advanced after a lengthy discussion. DBEDT said it offered comments rather than a firm recommendation and explained that the bill appeared intended to build economic ties with Europe through Ireland, but members questioned why a commission was needed, how it would be structured, and whether similar efforts should focus on other countries. DBEDT said it would provide reports on sister-state relationships and office performance, and noted that trade initiatives would likely require private-sector participation. The committees passed HB 1391 with amendments and reservations from some members.