Video & Transcript : 'Jewish Americans' :
Page 7 of 500
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 25, 2025 - 12:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Roxama Marcus in the Jewish Community Center, waving in support.
- American community.
- Daniel Martinez, Americans for Prosperity, waving in support.
- Americans for Prosperity, waving in support.
- Let’s not have a second Gilded Age instead of an American Golden Age.
Summary:
The Government Operations Subcommittee heard a long agenda of bills covering education, public safety, local government, labor relations, and foreign policy. Early measures included HB 1055, which would support Florida State University’s Election Law Center; CS/HB 4073, a Leon County local bill updating career service rules for sheriff’s office employees; CS/HB 253, creating penalties for license plate obscuring devices and misuse of emergency-style lights; and HB 293, codifying the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s Office and creating a liaison and advisory council. Members raised questions on academic freedom in HB 1055 and on church-state concerns and oversight in HB 293, but both bills advanced after supportive testimony from university, faith-based, and law enforcement representatives. The committee also approved HB 4029, a local bill for the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District, and HB 889, requiring classroom driver education for minors before licensure, with supporters emphasizing roadway safety and teen crash reduction.
The committee then took up PCS/HB 731, which would require standardized testing for admission to health-related degree programs at state universities. The sponsor argued the bill would ensure qualified applicants and objective admissions standards, while several members and public witnesses raised concerns that it would duplicate existing requirements like the MCAT and create unnecessary barriers; the bill still passed, though with several no votes. HB 1519, expanding Florida’s anti-BDS law to cover academic boycotts, nonprofits, local governments, and certain grants, drew strong support from Jewish organizations and strong opposition from speakers who argued it chilled free speech and punished criticism of Israel. After an amendment narrowing and clarifying parts of the bill, it passed favorably as a committee substitute.
The most contentious debate came on HB 1387, a major overhaul of Public Employees Relations Commission procedures and public-sector union rules. Supporters said the bill would streamline PERC processes, improve fairness, and address cases where unions were certified with very low participation; opponents, including teachers and labor advocates, said it weakened collective bargaining and public employee rights. After a strike-all amendment and extensive testimony, the bill passed as a committee substitute. The committee also approved HB 351, which adds extreme speeding to reckless driving and increases penalties, after removing impoundment language in an amendment, and PCB GOS 25-07, preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking judicial waiver of parental notice/consent for abortion. The meeting adjourned after all measures were reported favorably.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Feb 24th, 2026
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And we were able to hear from organizations from across the board: Jewish American organizations, organizations
- With the Stop the Hate funding, Jewish Family Service created the Jewish Community Emergency Response
- I'm from the Inland Chinese American Association.
- Kathy sought help from the Korean American Family Services Organization.
- Kathy sought help from the Korean American Family Services Organization.
Committee:
House Human Services
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jul 14th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise on behalf of the Jewish Caucus and as a member of the very important Native American Caucus in
- California's Native Americans.
- We in the Jewish community often speak of tikkun olam, the Jewish value of repairing the world through
- I rise on behalf of the Jewish Caucus and as a member of the very important Native American Caucus in
- We in the Jewish community often speak of tikkun olam, the Jewish value of repairing the world through
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then handled a series of procedural motions, including suspending rules to withdraw SB 104 and SB 138 from Budget and Fiscal Review and to allow several committees to notice bills. Members also introduced guests and honorees, including Equality California Comcast Fellows, tribal youth from the Yohavitham Nation, a legislative fellow, a Chinese language school delegation, local elected officials, staff, and an intern shadowing an Assembly member.
On the floor file, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1216 (education omnibus technical changes), AB 377 (high-speed rail), and AB 951 (health care coverage), all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The body also adopted ACR 103 designating California Western Monarch Protection Week and ACR 71 designating a portion of Highway 101 as the Little Saigon Freeway, both after supportive remarks about environmental conservation and Vietnamese American history. AJR 18, an apology and acknowledgment of historic harms against California Native Americans, drew extensive bipartisan and caucus support and was adopted with 68-0 after 66 coauthors were added.
The most contentious debate came on SCR 66, proclaiming Law Day, where members argued over the rule of law, executive power, and recent court fights involving both the Trump administration and Governor Newsom; the resolution was ultimately adopted after 51 coauthors were added. The Assembly also adopted SJR 3 urging Congress to oppose SNAP cuts, with debate focused on food insecurity, fraud, and work requirements; it passed 69-0 after 70 coauthors were added. SB 757, authorizing local governments to use nuisance abatement liens and special assessments to collect cleanup costs, passed 68-0, and the second-day consent calendar, including ACR 94 on antimicrobial resistance, was adopted.
The session concluded with multiple adjournments in memory, including tributes to Jane Day, agricultural leader John C. Harris, and Willie Earl Arno. The Assembly then announced committee meetings and upcoming check-in and floor session dates before adjourning until Thursday, July 17, at 9 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And we were able to hear from organizations from across the board: Jewish American organizations, organizations
- Inland Chinese American Association, and Equality California.
- Inland Chinese American Association, and Equality California.
- With the Stop the Hate funding, Jewish Family Service created the Jewish Community Emergency Response
- I'm from the Inland Chinese American Association.
Summary:
The Assembly Human Services Committee held an informational hearing with members of the API Legislative Caucus on California’s Stop the Hate Program and broader efforts to address hate incidents. Opening remarks emphasized the rise in hate during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of culturally and linguistically competent services, and the program’s role in serving not only AAPI communities but also Latino, Black, Jewish, Muslim, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and other impacted communities. Legislators and presenters repeatedly highlighted the value of trusted community-based organizations (CBOs) in reaching people who may not report to law enforcement or seek traditional services.
The first panel included the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, the Department of Social Services (CDSS), and the Commission on the State of Hate. They described the program’s origins in the state’s equity budget, its funding structure, and its service model: direct victim services, prevention, and intervention. CDSS said 180 organizations statewide have participated, with grantees selected based on experience, capacity, and service to priority populations. The Commission on the State of Hate reported that hate remains widespread and underreported, citing survey data showing about 3.1 million Californians experienced at least one hate act in a year and that many victims need mental health, legal, and other supports beyond police response. Members asked about best practices, youth impacts, administrative costs, and the role of regional leads; CDSS said it would provide more detail on funding distribution and that the final evaluation is still in progress.
The second panel featured grantees from Jewish Family Service San Diego, Inland Chinese American Association, Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants, and Equality California. They gave examples of how Stop the Hate funding supported culturally specific response teams, counseling, language-access services, self-defense and safety workshops, youth and elder programming, legal navigation, and reporting tools. Several speakers said the program helped build trust, reduce isolation, and connect people to services they otherwise would not use. Legislators pressed the panel on lessons learned, whether the model should be reauthorized, and what would be lost if funding ends. Panelists emphasized that the program’s flexibility, regional convenings, and support for small, trusted organizations were key strengths, while also noting the need for more direct funding to frontline providers and more data on what interventions work best.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I was a history major in college, and it is something that made me feel American.
- When I learned that there were Chinese Americans in this country many generations before me, I was struck
- when I met Chinese American adults who had an American accent because they had been. in this country
- not just Jewish people, but all people who are oppressed.
- I'm a third-year law student, and I'm Jewish.
Bills:
SB2972 , SB1909 , SB2815 , SB735 , SB2233 , SB800 , SB1069 , SB2683 , SB2986 , SB2058 , SB2310 , SB2055 , SB1032
Committees:
Senate Education , Senate Education K-16
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 14th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the great American ideal from many... ...and the great American ideal from many, we are one, or we strive
- The idea that we all have value is the most moral and American thing I can think of.
- As vice chair of the Jewish caucus, I rise in strong support.
- I’ve stood with the Jewish community against antisemitism, and it must stop.
- I’ve stood with the Jewish community against antisemitism, and it must stop.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Twenty One - Monday, February 16
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Became part of an American...
- With that single cry, Red Fox etched himself into American pop culture.
- Louis, Missouri, sit one of its own to conquer American comedy.
- Our Jewish students deserve no less. In Missouri in 2026. Our Jewish students deserve no less.
- He's going after the Jewish kids. And he's just awful. All right.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 16th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The senator from Hayward is the first Muslim and African-American elected to the Senate.
- And the senator from La Mesa, our presiding officer, became the first African-American elected to La
- Jewish women of Latin American heritage have also made profound cultural and political contributions,
- We look at American history and we see women who didn't wait for permission to lead.
- Women like Jeane Kirkpatrick, who brought ...of American freedom.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and suspended several rules and notices for floor business. The chamber approved the journals for March 9–12, 2026, and suspended Joint Rule 62(a) to allow a Budget Subcommittee on Education hearing on item 6120 with short notice. The body then took up third reading items, beginning with SCR 114 designating March 15–21 as National Surveyors’ Week. Senator Grove spoke in support, emphasizing the historical importance of surveyors and their role in infrastructure, land ownership, and economic development. The resolution passed unanimously, 40-0, and Grove introduced guest Christy Ashay, president of the California Land Surveyors Association.
The Senate next considered SR 76 recognizing Women’s History Month and honoring 42 women from across California. Senator Menjivar led the resolution, highlighting women’s contributions and calling for continued policy work on equity, pay, and opportunity. Senators Richardson, Perez, Rubio, Wahab, and others spoke in support on behalf of the Black, LGBTQ+, Latino, Jewish, AAPI, and other caucuses, citing women’s historic and ongoing leadership and the need to address persistent inequality. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 40-0.
After the vote, the Senate proceeded to a lengthy floor ceremony recognizing the Women of the Year honorees from each district, with brief biographies read into the record for community leaders, educators, public safety officials, veterans, advocates, business owners, and others. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of James Bernard Peth, offered by Senator Ashby in honor of the father of Senate Ethics Committee Chief Counsel Aaron Peth. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on March 19, 2026, at 9 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 16th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The senator from Hayward is the first Muslim and African-American elected to the Senate.
- And the senator from La Mesa, our presiding officer, became the first African-American elected to La
- Jewish women of Latin American heritage have also made profound cultural and political contributions,
- And of course, we have to recognize a very prominent Jewish woman in today's society: the very first
- We look at American history and we see women who didn't wait for permission to lead.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Sep 2nd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Filipino Americans are one of the largest Asian American groups in California and the third largest in
- The stories of Filipino Americans and Mexican Americans mirror each other in many ways, and we have a
- Americans across the state.
- The Jewish Caucus stands in solidarity with our Filipino American communities as they take steps toward
- They achieved the American dream.
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a heavy floor schedule with several procedural motions and unanimous-consent actions, including withdrawing AB 362 from Appropriations, moving SB 494 to the inactive file, and rescinding prior action on SB 400. Members also adopted a motion suspending the rules to withdraw AB 362 from Appropriations and place it on second reading, with the roll showing 41 ayes and 13 noes.
The chamber then took up ACR 70, proclaiming September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Assembly Member Pellerin presented the resolution with a personal account of losing her husband to suicide and urged use of the 988 lifeline, safe firearm storage, and open conversations about mental health. Many members from both parties and caucuses shared personal stories and support. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, Senate amendments were concurred in, and suicide awareness pins were distributed.
Members next concurred in Senate amendments to AB 977 on Native American human remains, with broad support and a 68-0 vote, and to AB 1510 on public employees, which passed 66-1. HR 65, designating October as Filipino American History Month, drew extensive remarks on Filipino American history, labor, public service, and community contributions; it was adopted by voice vote with 63 co-authors added. The Assembly also passed SB 81 and SB 98, both urgency measures aimed at protecting immigrant communities in health care facilities and schools from immigration enforcement activity, and both were sent immediately to the Senate after 54-10 and 54-8 votes, respectively. Finally, the chamber debated SJR 9 condemning immigration raids; supporters described fear and family disruption, while one Republican member argued for secure borders and criticized the bill and related policies. The transcript ends during that debate without showing a final vote on SJR 9.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Sugary beverages remain one of the largest sources of added sugar in the American diet.
- Yet many consumers do not realize how much sugar... ...of added sugar in the American diet.
- Today with me is Judith Gutierrez with the American Heart Association and Cher Gonzalez with the American
- David Mandel, with Jewish... Good morning, thank you.
- In other words, there is no single Jewish ethnicity.
Committee:
House Appropriations
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 22nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And Jewish Americans have been part of the LGBTQ+ story all along.
- And Jewish Americans have been part of LGBTQ-plus story all along.
- Luis is a Salvadoran American, deeply rooted in advocacy work across South Los Angeles.
- Luis is a Salvadoran American, deeply rooted in advocacy work across South Los Angeles.
- He was proud to be Puerto Rican, proud to be American, proud to be a Californian.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the session on floor recognitions and Pride Month observances. Members welcomed guests and honorees including APICA fellowship participants, the El Dorado Roses, retiring Loma Linda University Health president Dr. Richard Hart and incoming leader Dr. Anthony Hilliard, and Scripps National Spelling Bee champion Shrey Parique. The chamber also heard several personal and community tributes tied to LGBTQ+ Pride Month, including a long series of introductions of Pride honorees from across the state.
The main legislative item was SR 116 recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Senators Cervantes, Weber Pierson, Becker, Menjivar, Arreguín, Wahab, Ochoa Bogh, Wiener, and Laird, among others, spoke in support, emphasizing the history of Stonewall and other LGBTQ+ resistance movements, the contributions of Black, Latino, Jewish, women, and Asian American LGBTQ communities, and the need to oppose ongoing discrimination, violence, and attacks on transgender people. The resolution was adopted after a roll call vote of 28-0, and the Senate then proceeded to honor a large slate of Pride honorees from multiple districts and organizations.
The Senate also adopted SCR 166 designating Soju Day, with support highlighting Korean American culture and soju as a symbol of hospitality and cross-cultural exchange. SCR 155, naming the State Route 52/Interstate 805 interchange in San Diego County the Officer Kirk Leeland Johnson Memorial Interchange, also passed unanimously after remarks honoring Johnson’s military and police service and the long effort by his partner to secure the memorial. In addition, the Senate confirmed Laura Capps to the Board of State and Community Corrections by a 27-9 vote and confirmed Danielle Munoz to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology by a 28-0 vote. The body also approved several Joint Rule 62(a) suspensions to allow committee hearings on short notice, moved AB 2294 to the inactive file, and sent SB 1189 back to the Assembly for further action.
The session concluded with adjournment in memory motions for Judith Helene Ware, Huntley Gordon, and Adolfo Franceschi Colon, followed by announcements that the Senate would reconvene on June 25, 2026.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- people, especially the Jewish kids that were murdered and killed, and just seeing the resilience of
- Sadly, ...and many within the Jewish community.
- Anti-Semitic acts and threats have surged alarmingly. and many within the Jewish community.
- Being a Jewish college student now means facing areas...
- Where are the allies that the Jewish community and Israel have steadfastly supported?
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, pledge, and several member introductions and recognitions, including resolutions and visiting groups. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles, which would allow local governments to opt in to street use of UTVs under specified safety conditions; it passed 32-5 after debate over safety concerns. SB 102 on exceptional student education created a workforce credential/badge program for students with autism or on modified curricula; despite concerns about unfunded mandates, it passed 36-0. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults authorized alternative service methods for scammers through the apps they used to contact victims and passed 37-0. SB 130 expanded and eased procedures for compensation of victims of wrongful incarceration, including extending filing deadlines and removing restrictive bars; it passed 38-0. SB 158 eliminated cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams under the state employee health plan and passed 38-0.
The Senate then considered SB 234 on crimes against law enforcement officers, prompted by the killing of Officer Jason Raynor. The bill clarified that a person may not resist an officer with violence and added a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. A late amendment to restore “good faith” language failed, and after extensive debate over due process, racial profiling, and sentencing concerns, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than brought to a final vote. SB 262 on trust code technical changes passed 36-0. SB 274 designated portions of roads in Orlando as Harris Rosen Way and Geraldine Thompson Way; it passed 38-0 and then received 37 co-sponsors. SB 280 created an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualification requirements and passed 38-0. SB 296 repealed the statewide middle and high school start-time mandate and returned the issue to local districts with reporting requirements; it passed 38-0.
Later, SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida, with the sponsor emphasizing anti-Semitism and the need for education and remembrance. The transcript also included additional ceremonial remarks and recognition of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members in the gallery. Throughout the meeting, most measures advanced with unanimous or near-unanimous support, while SB 234 generated the most substantive disagreement and was set aside for later consideration.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 19th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Americans.
- And so if you believe in 150 plus years of legal precedent that every American baby is an American citizen
- These stories are also not so far away from our Jewish families.
- with 120,000 other Japanese-Americans.
- He was inspired by his own brand of Jewish values and culture.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 21st, 2025
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- It's Ryan Spencer on behalf of the American College of OBGYN and the California Society of Patients.
- Jewish Committee the anti-defamation league and a David Judea congregation Beverly Hills Synagogue,
- California Jewish Democrats, California Teachers Association, Jewish Affairs Caucus, Congregation Beth
- Federation of Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, Jewish Federation of Sacramento Region, Jewish
- Free Loan Association, Jewish Long Beach, Jewish Silicon Valley, National Council of Jewish Women San
Committee:
House Appropriations
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 16, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- America's Jewish victims of arson.
- </c><00:13:31.920><c> communities</c> of the most vibrant Jewish communities of the most vibrant Jewish
- </c><00:25:26.800><c> Kevin</c> that define American athletes. Kevin that define American athletes.
- I want to thank the many organizations supporting this effort, including Art Ashes, the American Jewish
- </c> Americans here at home. Americans here at home.
Bills:
HR831 , HB6380 , HR528 , HB2196 , HB5729 , HB5254 , HB4294 , HB3073 , HB2294 , HB1665 , HB4284 , HB4467 , HB2709 , HB1422 , SB1884 , SB3971
Keywords:
Down syndrome, awareness month, federal funding, research, advocacy, healthcare, quality of life, disabilities, Vietnam veterans, recognition, freedom, democracy, military service, Save Our Sequoias Act, giant sequoia, giant sequoias, Sequoiadendron giganteum, California forests, wildfire resilience, forest management
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-03-27 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, the first intercollegiate Greek letter fraternity for African-American
- people, especially the Jewish kids that were murdered and killed, and just seeing the resilience of
- Sadly, and many within the Jewish community.
- Being a Jewish college student now means facing areas of exclusion.
- Where are the allies that the Jewish community and Israel have steadfastly supported?
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several member introductions recognizing visiting groups and resolutions, including Blood Clot Awareness Month and Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and considered a series of bills, with most measures passing overwhelmingly after brief explanations and debate. Among the early bills, SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles passed 32-5, allowing local governments to opt in to limited street use of UTVs under specified safety rules; SB 102 on exceptional student education passed 36-0 to create a workforce credential program for students with autism or modified curricula; SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults passed 37-0; SB 130 on compensation for wrongful incarceration passed 38-0 after expanding filing timelines and easing restrictions on compensation claims; and SB 158 on diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations passed 38-0 to eliminate cost sharing for follow-up breast imaging under the state employee health plan.
The most extended debate centered on SB 234, which sought to strengthen penalties and clarify the law regarding violent resistance to law enforcement officers and offenses against officers. Supporters argued the bill was needed after the Jason Raynor case to prevent defendants from using claims about an officer’s legal duty to justify violence, while opponents raised concerns about removing “good faith” language, potential impacts on Fourth Amendment protections, racial profiling, and the bill’s mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of an officer. A Jones amendment to restore “good faith” failed, and after further debate the sponsor temporarily postponed the bill without a final vote. The Senate also passed SB 262 on trust code technical changes (36-0), SB 274 designating roadways for Harris Rosen and Geraldine Thompson (38-0) and opening the board for 37 co-sponsors, SB 280 creating an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualifications (38-0), and SB 296 repealing the statewide middle and high school start-time mandate in favor of local decision-making and reporting requirements (38-0).
Later, SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida, with supporters emphasizing the need to confront antisemitism and preserve Holocaust memory; the bill was introduced and debated, with the transcript ending during remarks by President Gaetz about the recent Holocaust memorial unveiling. Throughout the meeting, senators also used debate to highlight broader policy themes such as autism workforce inclusion, breast cancer screening, wrongful incarceration reform, school district flexibility, and honoring community leaders through road designations. The chamber’s actions were largely affirmative, with several unanimous votes and one notable postponed bill after substantial disagreement."}】}]}}```
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-11 (4:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a ban on Jewish heritage. Let's write a wrong.
- It's derived from Yehuda, the Jewish kingdom and people.
- cleansing Jewish people from the territory it controlled.
- They just simply wanted to erase Jewish history. And why?
- The SS American Victory is a World War II-era merchant vessel.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Terry Fields and the Parkland victims, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine organizational actions including approval of the journal and adoption of a special order report. The chamber then took up House Bill 1119, relating to materials harmful to minors, which the sponsor described as a measure to clarify and strengthen standards for removing obscene or pornographic content from public school classrooms and libraries while preserving educational uses and not targeting classical literature, LGBTQ content, or other protected viewpoints. Members questioned the bill’s use of terms such as “predominantly,” its relationship to existing local review processes, the impact on AP/IB and college-level materials, the applicability to voucher-funded schools, and the risk of additional First Amendment litigation and costs. The sponsor responded that the bill was needed because current standards were being bypassed and that the legislation was aimed at material harmful to minors, not general literary value.
The House considered numerous amendments, most of which were defeated. Amendments offered by Representatives Gant, Aristide, Bartleman, Eskamani, Nixon, Rainer, Woodson, and Harris sought, among other things, to preserve parental choice during review periods, restore a whole-work constitutional standard, limit repeated objections, protect educational and abuse-prevention materials, prevent LGBTQ-inclusive books from being labeled harmful solely on that basis, shield school districts from funding penalties, and delay enforcement in districts already under litigation. Supporters of the amendments argued that the bill would encourage censorship, remove books with clear literary or educational value, burden districts with costs and lawsuits, and harm students who rely on school libraries for access to reading material and representation. Opponents of the amendments argued the bill was necessary to protect minors from explicit content and that the proposed changes would weaken that protection. All of the amendments described in the transcript failed.
After the amendment process, the House waived rules, read HB 1119 a third time by title, and entered structured debate on final passage. In closing debate, opponents repeated concerns about constitutional vulnerability, overbroad book removals, and the educational harm of limiting access to literature, while supporters framed the bill as a child-protection measure and a clarification of existing law. The transcript ends during the structured debate on final passage, before the final vote on the bill is shown.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 29th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- American caucuses and represents a new approach to addressing growing anti-Semitism in K-12 schools.
- I'm deeply grateful to the chairs of the Black, Latino, AAPI, Native American, and Jewish caucuses. who
- community considered objectionable and even considered holding board meetings on Jewish holidays so
- I want to thank the Jewish Caucus for allowing space for us to relearn their tradition.
- Taught to hate them because they're Jewish in the public schools in California.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Aug 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Sugary beverages remain one of the largest sources of added sugar in the American diet.
- Yet many consumers do not realize how much sugar of added sugar in the American diet.
- Today with me is Judith Gutierrez with the American Heart Association and Cher Gonzalez with the American
- David Mandel, with Jewish Voice for Peace. Good morning, thank you.
- In other words, there is no single Jewish ethnicity.
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on August 5, 2026, and first approved a large consent calendar of bills, then heard and voted on a long series of measures covering health care, housing, energy, labor, public safety, insurance, and immigration-related issues. Several bills were moved on roll call with no or limited opposition, including SB 999 on delaying the Health Minimum Essential Coverage report deadline, SB 931 on Diablo Canyon’s mitigation fund, SB 952 on State Water Project clean energy procurement, SB 1288 on nonprobate asset beneficiary notification, SB 1371 on solid waste labor-dispute contract clauses, SB 1014 on housing development fee estimates, SB 1283 on EV charging station permitting, SB 1209 and SB 1244 on insurance enforcement and broker compensation disclosure, SB 1359 on gas utility infrastructure oversight, SB 677 and SB 908 on housing streamlining, SB 1323 on medical facility procedures for people in immigration custody, SB 938 on peace officer training waivers for former federal immigration officers, SB 1272 on code-violation enforcement timelines for new homeowners, SB 1117 on ADU impact fees, SB 1196 on utility hookups for small energy projects, SB 1299 on sprinkler fitter certification, and AB 2597 appropriating funds for state legal settlements. The committee also approved its suspense calendar and later lifted SB 1359 from call with an added aye vote.
Testimony generally followed the bills’ themes. Supporters argued that the measures would improve transparency, reduce costs, streamline housing and energy projects, protect consumers, and strengthen public safety or worker protections. Opponents or “opposed unless amended” witnesses raised concerns about implementation burdens, disclosure mandates, labor and compliance issues, local government costs, and the scope of some proposals. Notable points of contention included SB 869, where restaurant groups objected to the on-menu sugar warning approach and urged more flexible disclosure methods, and SB 1244, where insurance industry representatives argued the bill would impose unworkable disclosure obligations on brokers and agents. SB 1272 drew opposition from code enforcement and county groups who warned it could delay health-and-safety enforcement, while SB 1117 drew opposition from special districts, counties, and fire-related groups concerned about reduced fee revenue for infrastructure.
The committee also heard public comment on several bills not presented that day, including opposition to wildfire mitigation/CEQA-related legislation, staffing regulation fees, and education and demographic-data bills. Overall, the hearing was dominated by fiscal and policy debates over housing affordability, energy infrastructure, consumer transparency, and the balance between regulatory streamlining and local or industry compliance costs.