Transcript Highlights:

• Joining me today to speak in support of my bill is Monica Madrid on behalf of the Coalition for Humane
• My name is Monica Madrid.
• Monica Miller, on behalf of Alzheimer's Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County, in support.
• Monica Miller, on behalf of Alzheimer's Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County, in support.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• testimony, are Ruth Sosa Martinez, the senior policy strategist with Power California Action, and Monica
• Power California Action, and Monica Madrid, policy advocate with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights
• My name is Monica Madrid, and I'm a state policy advocate with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights
• I think Monica, one of you said that no one should have to choose between serving their community and
• And again, I want to thank our folks, Ruth Sosa-Martinez and Monica Madrid, who have come to testify.

Summary: The committee heard AB 1979, which would limit the use of AI in health care by requiring licensed professionals to retain final clinical judgment, prohibiting automated systems from directing unlicensed individuals to perform licensed clinical functions, and clarifying medical-record privacy rules for direct-to-consumer health chatbots. Supporters, including nurses and labor groups, said the bill preserves patient safety and keeps care decisions in human hands. Hospital and industry groups opposed unless amended, arguing the bill could create compliance burdens and interfere with training and legitimate AI-assisted care. The bill was approved 6-1 and placed on call. Members then considered AB 2624, which would expand California’s Safe at Home confidentiality program to immigrant service providers, employees, and volunteers facing harassment or doxing. The author and supporters described threats, stalking, and online targeting of immigrant advocates and said the bill would let them use substitute addresses to protect their safety. Opposition focused mainly on concerns about the bill’s legal enforcement language, though the author said it mirrors existing Safe at Home provisions and does not create a new private right of action. The measure passed 4-1 and was placed on call. AB 2103 would make Engaged California a permanent statewide public engagement program. The author and the Office of Data and Innovation said it is meant to broaden civic participation through structured deliberation and transparent publication of results. Some members raised concerns about partisan balance and topic selection, while supporters emphasized the need to reach Californians who do not typically participate in hearings. The bill passed 6-0 and was placed on call. The committee also heard AB 2, a social media accountability bill for harms to children and teens, and AB 883, which would expand privacy protections and shorten data-broker deletion timelines for elected officials and judges; both drew support and opposition, were approved on committee votes, and placed on call. Later, the committee began AB 2023, a chatbot safety bill for children that would require age verification, safety audits, default protections, and limits on ads and data sharing; testimony was strongly supportive from child-safety advocates, while industry groups raised concerns about vague standards, audits, and liability.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, next we will have Monica from California Budget and Policy Center. Hi, good morning.
• My name is Monica Saucedo.
• This is an extremely complex policy, and getting it right is critical to minimizing the harm, as Monica
• This is an extremely complex policy, and getting it right is critical to minimizing the harm, as Monica
• wanted to get at some of the things that are within California's control, and I really appreciated, Monica

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on CalFresh enrollment, food insecurity in California, the recent federal shutdown’s disruption of SNAP benefits, and the long-term effects of H.R. 1 on eligibility, benefits, and state and county costs. Opening remarks emphasized that millions of Californians rely on CalFresh, that the shutdown briefly delayed benefits for the first time in the program’s history, and that state and local governments, including Alameda County, stepped in with emergency food aid and funding. Members also framed the issue as both a hunger and affordability problem, with several noting that California’s agricultural abundance contrasts sharply with persistent food insecurity. The first panel presented research and advocacy perspectives on food hardship. PPIC’s Tess Thorman described food insecurity rates, disparities affecting households with children and Black and Latino households, and the role of nutrition programs in reducing poverty. Nourish California’s Betzabel Estudio argued that hunger is a policy choice and highlighted campaigns to expand state-funded food assistance for immigrants, support reentry populations, and continue the CalFresh fruit-and-vegetable incentive program. The California Association of Food Banks’ Josh Wright said food banks are seeing sustained high demand, lower federal food supplies, and cannot replace CalFresh, while urging more state support for food purchasing, school meals, and SunBucks. The second panel reviewed CalFresh operations and participation. The California Department of Social Services reported that CalFresh participation has risen over the past decade, with the state closing much of the participation gap through outreach, simplified applications, and demonstration projects such as the Elderly Simplified Application Project and a minimum nutrition benefit pilot. Alameda County Social Services described local caseloads, application trends, and emergency food distributions during the shutdown, while also warning that H.R. 1’s work requirements, immigrant eligibility restrictions, and possible cost-sharing could reduce enrollment. A student CalFresh ambassador testified about the burdensome application and recertification process and urged more funding for campus basic-needs centers and outreach to reduce stigma and administrative friction. In the final panel, county, food bank, and policy witnesses described the shutdown response and the expected impact of H.R. 1. Alameda County Community Food Bank and the County Welfare Directors Association said counties, food banks, and community partners mobilized emergency funds, pop-up pantries, and food purchasing to bridge the shutdown gap, but warned that hundreds of thousands of Californians could lose benefits under the new federal rules. The California Budget and Policy Center began outlining the scale of federal cuts, noting that H.R. 1 will significantly reduce SNAP funding and shift costs to states. No votes or formal committee actions were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with discussion of possible state responses, including backfilling benefits, preserving outreach funding, and improving administrative systems to protect enrollment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Catherine Jeffrey, the superintendent president of Santa Monica Community College District.
• However, the loss of enrollment for Santa Monica College, coupled with the expiring hold harmless protections
• I'm Sabrina Means with Capital Advisors Group on behalf of Santa Monica College, echoing the comments
• Monica College echoing the comments by Dr. Jeffrey.
• an emergency conditions allowance, but it appears that that option would not be viable for Santa Monica

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held a hearing focused on California Community College budget proposals. Chair Alvarez opened by emphasizing the system’s role in access, transfer, workforce training, and serving more than 2 million students, while also noting persistent challenges in enrollment, persistence, transfer, and graduation. Public commenters and system representatives broadly supported COLA, enrollment growth funding, deferred maintenance, student support block grants, and additional flexibility for districts facing uncertainty. The first major panel covered the student-centered funding formula, COLA, and enrollment growth. The Department of Finance said the Governor proposes a 2.43% COLA ($230.4 million) and 0.5% enrollment growth funding ($30.4 million). The LAO said the COLA was reasonable and recommended funding at least the proposed growth amount, citing uneven enrollment recovery and regional differences. The Chancellor’s Office supported both proposals and asked for additional changes, including using the greater of current-year or three-year average for apportionments and lifting the 10% local enrollment cap, arguing these would better fund growing districts. Members questioned how the formula works, whether SCFF is improving outcomes, and how much additional funding would be needed under different growth scenarios. The committee then reviewed categorical program COLAs, Rising Scholars, career education proposals, IT proposals, and student housing. The Governor proposed a 2.43% COLA for selected categorical programs ($31.9 million). For Rising Scholars, the Governor proposed $30 million ongoing and removal of the cap on participating colleges; the LAO urged waiting for outcome data before doubling funding, while the Chancellor’s Office said the program is serving more students and supports equity for justice-impacted students. On career education, the Governor proposed $50 million for credit for prior learning and $50 million for a career passport; the LAO supported more reporting on credit for prior learning but recommended rejecting the career passport as too undefined, while the Chancellor’s Office supported both. On technology, the Governor proposed $162.5 million for a common cloud data platform and $168 million for a common ERP system; the LAO said both were premature or lacked sufficient planning and recommended rejection, while the Chancellor’s Office argued they would improve real-time data, security, and systemwide efficiency. The committee also heard an update on student housing: the administration said the 2024 shift to a lease-revenue bond model remains in progress for 13 approved projects, with 11 still active, and members asked about withdrawn projects and possible use of any returned funds. No votes were taken, and several items were held open for further discussion and May Revision updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Monica Madrid, with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, CHIRLA, proud to sponsor and support.
• Chair and members, Monica Miller on behalf of Alzheimer's Los Angeles, Alzheimer's Orange County, and
• Chair and members, Monica Miller on behalf of Alzheimer's Los Angeles, Alzheimer's Orange County, and

Summary: The Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee met on April 22, established a quorum, and adopted its 2023-24 committee rules. The hearing then considered five bills focused on aging, long-term care, immigrant seniors, nutrition, and emergency preparedness. AB 450 would create a task force to study the needs of undocumented Californians age 55 and older; supporters from CHIRLA and other advocates described barriers to housing, health care, retirement, and digital access, while members raised questions about eligibility and process. The bill was approved on a due pass motion and re-referred to the Committee on Human Services. AB 508 would require residential care facilities for the elderly to disclose staffing information upon request at admission and when rates increase. The author and supporters argued that staffing levels are closely tied to quality of care and that families need transparency to make informed choices; a witness described her father’s death in an understaffed facility. Assisted living industry representatives opposed the bill as burdensome but said they were continuing discussions with the author. The committee adopted amendments and passed the bill to Appropriations. AB 1476 would allow senior congregate meal programs to continue offering to-go meals, a practice expanded during the pandemic. Supporters said the option improved access for homebound and food-insecure seniors and helped bring people into senior centers; there was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1068 would create a working group on evacuation and sheltering needs for older adults and people with disabilities in long-term care during disasters, and AB 1069 would ensure area agencies on aging and aging/disability resource programs have access to emergency shelters to provide services. Both measures drew broad support from aging, disability, and advocacy groups, with testimony citing recent fires and evacuations, and both were approved and re-referred to the Committee on Emergency Management. The committee also left rolls open for additional members to add votes before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• ACR 33, Rare Disease Day, as the Vice Chair of the Rare Disease Caucus with my colleague from Santa Monica
• So first hand, as my colleague from Santa Monica experienced this with his sister, we have seen the,
• And as the assembly member from Santa Monica indicated, the diseases which are contained in the bill.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Monica Madrid.
• Monica Madrid, on behalf of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Chair, in support.

Summary: The Assembly Governmental Organizations Committee met on June 25, 2025, with a quorum present and several members substituting for absent colleagues. The committee first approved a consent calendar of several Senate bills, sending them to Appropriations on a due-pass recommendation. Members then heard SB 702 by Senator Limon, which would expand transparency reporting for statewide and legislative appointments to boards and commissions. The sponsor and supporters from HOPE and other advocacy and civil rights organizations argued the bill would improve accountability, representation, and public trust; committee members broadly praised the effort and many asked to be added as coauthors. SB 702 passed the committee on a unanimous roll call, with members voting aye and the bill sent to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The committee then heard SB 388 by Senator Padilla, which would establish a California Latino Commission to study and advocate on issues affecting Latino Californians, including education, housing, health, economic mobility, and related disparities. Senator Padilla and supporters cited data on poverty, educational attainment, climate and health impacts, housing overcrowding, and the Latina pay gap, while members emphasized the bill’s importance amid current attacks on immigrant communities and the need to address homeownership and generational wealth. SB 388 also received strong support and was approved on a 20-1 vote, with one no vote from Assembly Member Sanchez, and was sent to Appropriations. After the final roll calls and opening the roll for absent members, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We funded Santa Monica, L.A. Harbor College, and L.A. Trade Tech.
• We funded Santa Monica, L.A. Harbor College, and L.A. Trade Tech.
• Bella Kern, on behalf of Santa Monica College.
• Santa Monica College supports the proposal mentioned earlier by Chancellor Christian to count the higher
• Santa Monica College, in particular, is still faced with difficult decisions about whether to continue

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard updates on several higher education budget items, beginning with a pulled follow-up item on the State Library’s administration of the Imagination Library. The chair said the committee had received new documentation from the State Library and the Department of Finance late the prior evening, and staff would review it before deciding whether additional oversight or accountability measures are needed. The committee then turned to the California Community Colleges budget request, with Chancellor Christian outlining strong post-pandemic enrollment recovery, asking for 3% enrollment growth funding, changes to the three-year average formula, removal of the 10% growth cap, and support for several one-time and ongoing initiatives including the Common Cloud Data Platform, credit for prior learning, AI literacy, Rebuild L.A., veterans services, Calbright College, and the Chancellor’s Office. Senators raised concerns about district reserves, part-time faculty conditions, veterans’ credit pathways, and fraud prevention in enrollment systems; the chancellor said the system is using DMV and other identity verification tools, AI screening, and audits, and that reported final enrollment numbers are clean. The committee then reviewed the student-centered funding formula. The Department of Finance described the governor’s proposal to fully repay $408.4 million in deferrals, provide a 2.41% COLA, and add one-time funding to cover current-year apportionment costs, while the Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended prioritizing the proposals within available Proposition 98 funding. Community college finance staff said most districts are growing, many would benefit from current-year funding rules, and that without the proposed apportionment funding districts could face a deficit factor and reduced course access. Members asked about infrastructure prioritization, deferred maintenance, safety, accessibility, and campus police; staff explained that life safety projects are prioritized first, followed by modernization and growth-related facilities, and that colleges are built to high safety standards under the Field Act. Enrollment growth was discussed separately, with Finance and LAO supporting the governor’s 1.5% growth proposal split across two fiscal years, while noting that growth is being driven in part by dual enrollment, regional demographic shifts, and unemployment. The Chancellor’s Office said 54 of 72 districts grew year over year and that funding more growth could help districts move off hold harmless status, though some districts face long-term demographic challenges. The committee also heard from Calbright College President Agita Menon, who described Calbright’s role serving adult learners statewide, its completion and wage gains, and the governor’s proposed $38 million ongoing funding. The LAO recommended transitioning Calbright to the student-centered funding formula beginning in 2027-28, arguing that the current proposal lacks a clear funding rationale and performance linkage; Calbright responded that its competency-based, non-credit model is structurally different and should be funded separately, while agreeing to continued accountability reporting. Finally, the committee received an update on the Community College Higher Education Student Housing Program. Finance said the governor proposes about $11 million ongoing General Fund for debt service on approved student housing projects, and that 11 projects are in the financing pipeline, with two completed, three under construction, four in working drawings, and two in preliminary plans. Finance also noted that some projects have withdrawn and that about $81 million in bond authority remains unallocated, which the Legislature may need to address going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Monica Mier. I'm here representing the support group in Murrieta, Riverside. Thank you.
• Monica Madrid, on behalf of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, in support.
• Hi, Monica Madrid with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, in support.
• Monica Madrid with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, CHIRLA, in strong support of the bill,
• Monica Madrid with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights.

Summary: The committee heard a series of child care, social services, immigrant support, disability services, and language access bills, with many measures drawing strong support and no opposition. Early in the hearing, AB 450 proposed a Department of Aging task force to study and recommend policies for undocumented adults age 55 and older; AB 593 would let CDSS identify data-sharing opportunities to improve CalFresh administration and participation; and AB 904 would clarify child care subsidy eligibility so families do not lose care during pregnancy leave, family leave, caregiving, or job search periods. All three were presented as ways to reduce barriers and improve access to essential services, and AB 904 was moved out on a 1-0 call after support testimony from child care advocates and a member of the public. AB 617, which would expand and standardize respite care access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by requiring licensing and registry participation, drew both support and significant opposition from respite providers and disability service organizations concerned about added regulation, cost, and possible delays; the author said she would continue working with opponents, and the bill was moved out on a 2-0 call. The committee also heard AB 1220, which would require regional centers to document denials, notices of action, and appeals in individual program plans and include that data in annual reports to improve transparency and equity in developmental services. The bill drew extensive public support from parents, advocates, and disability organizations, with no opposition, and passed 5-0. AB 752 would make child care centers by right in certain residential zones when co-located with multifamily housing or institutional uses, and supporters argued it would reduce zoning barriers and help expand child care capacity; it also passed 5-0. AB 1242 would create a CalHHS language access director, require human review of machine translation, and improve language coverage determinations for state and local agencies; supporters emphasized health equity and the need for better access for limited-English communities, and the bill was moved out on a 4-0 call. Later, AB 548 would continue and expand the Asylee and Vulnerable Non-Citizen Program, which provides case management and integration services for asylees and certain visa holders; supporters said the program had been effective but had run out of funding, and the bill passed 4-0. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, would strengthen family safety planning for immigrant families, standardize acceptance of caregiver authorization affidavits, and create a joint guardianship process for temporary separations; testimony focused on fear of family separation and the need for clear school and medical procedures, and the bill passed 4-0. AB 1357 would exclude guaranteed income payments from being counted as income for state public assistance eligibility, with supporters arguing it would prevent recipients from falling off the “benefits cliff”; it passed 4-1. Finally, AB 1201, the Reunity Act, was introduced to require individualized court assessments before denying reunification services to parents with certain violent felony convictions after a five-year period, with the author and a witness describing the bill as a trauma-informed approach to family reunification.

Transcript Highlights:

• , on behalf of Cerritos College, Los Angeles Community College District, El Camino College, Santa Monica
• being offered at Cal State Northridge, under current law College of the Canyons can't offer it, Santa Monica
• being offered at Cal State Northridge, under current law College of the Canyons can't offer it, Santa Monica
• being offered at Cal State Northridge, under current law College of the Canyons can't offer it, Santa Monica

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several Senate measures focused on community college procurement, higher education access, and student support. SB 1154 by Senator Reyes would allow community college districts to use best-value procurement for public works projects over $1 million. Supporters, including San Bernardino Valley College, the San Bernardino Community College District, labor groups, and several districts, said it would improve delivery of complex facilities and align community colleges with other education systems. Opponents, including the Associated General Contractors, argued the bill’s skilled-and-trained workforce requirements and labor-compliance scoring would narrow the bidder pool and raise costs. The committee passed the bill to the Assembly Floor on a due-pass vote, with some members voting no or not recorded. SB 1255, also by Senator Reyes, would create a California Hispanic-serving institution designation. Supporters from HACU, the CSU Chancellor’s Office, UC, community colleges, and other education organizations said the designation would recognize campuses that serve large numbers of Latino and low-income students and strengthen accountability and student success. The committee approved the bill as amended and re-referred it to Appropriations, with one no vote. SB 1328, presented on behalf of Senator Cervantes, would require LGBTQ+ points of contact at satellite or branch campuses of CSU and community colleges, either through designated staff or regular office hours. Testimony emphasized gaps in access at remote centers and the need for confidential support; one member raised concerns about staffing, costs, and whether existing systems could meet the need remotely. The bill was passed as amended and sent to Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 960 by Senator Cabaldon, which would expand the circumstances under which community colleges could offer bachelor’s degrees in response to unmet workforce needs, especially where CSU programs are impacted or not realistically accessible locally. Supporters said the bill would help meet workforce demand and expand access for place-bound and adult learners. CSU and faculty representatives opposed unless amended, urging stronger partnership requirements, clearer workforce-need standards, and safeguards around duplication and Prop 98 funding. Members discussed impaction, regional access, and the role of partnerships; the bill was passed as amended and re-referred to Appropriations. Finally, SB 632 by Senator Otagan would extend the California College Promise fee waiver to part-time community college students enrolled in nine units. Supporters said many students cannot attend full time because of work, caregiving, and living costs, and the bill would better reflect student realities; the transcript ends during testimony on this measure, before any vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alexandra Burroughs, followed by the Boston Educational Justice Alliance panel, and then followed by Monica
• Panel and then followed by Monica Lundberg. Alexander Barros, anyone here?
• Next, we'd like to welcome up Monica Lumberg, followed by Eric Berg, and then Hamza Berrios.
• Monica left. Okay, beautiful. Thank you. Good afternoon, maybe good evening.

Summary: The hearing focused heavily on the FY27 state budget and related funding priorities across health care, housing, education, disability services, and public higher education. Multiple witnesses urged restoration or increases in funding for MassHealth Community Partners and complex care management for homeless and medically complex patients, the DMH rental subsidy program, the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, the DeafBlind Community Access Network, and the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Testimony also highlighted the need for fair pay and wage equity for community college faculty and staff, as well as support for early childhood vouchers, cash assistance, and nutrition education programs affected by federal cuts. Several witnesses described how funding gaps affect real people: nurses and care managers said patients with homelessness and severe medical needs lose coordinated care, leading to missed treatment and hospitalizations; early childhood educators said long voucher waitlists leave families without child care; community college staff said low salaries and increased workloads from MassEducate leave workers struggling to afford housing and basic expenses; and housing advocates said cuts to rental subsidies and vouchers push vulnerable people toward shelters or more expensive crisis systems. DeafBlind advocates asked for restored funding, more interpreter access, and better provider support, while a witness also supported hearing-aid coverage legislation. Education funding was another major theme. Boston, Framingham, Triton, and other districts described Chapter 70 and other formula-driven aid as failing to keep up with inflation and actual costs, forcing layoffs, program cuts, and local overrides. Speakers also called for fully funded charter reimbursements, special education circuit breaker funding, transportation aid, school building investments, and relief tied to enrollment declines driven by federal immigration enforcement. Committee members asked several clarifying questions about program status, funding mechanics, and the meaning of terms like “death by housing,” but no votes or formal actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Catherine Jeffrey, the Superintendent President of Santa Monica Community College District.
• However, the loss of enrollment for Santa Monica College, coupled with the expiring hold harmless protections
• I'm Sabrina Means with Capital Advisors Group on behalf of Santa Monica College.
• an emergency conditions allowance, but it appears that that option would not be viable for Santa Monica

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Monica Vega. Present. Thank you. And I know we have a couple of staff members on. Present.
• I heard Monica, but there was a gentleman that spoke. Second. Okay, thank you, Mr. Cabral.
• Monica, I'll get you on the next one. All in favor, just say aye. Aye. Any noes or abstentions?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Feasibility Commission met to continue its work toward making recommendations to the Legislature on establishing a cultural center in Boston. The chair reviewed the commission’s mandate, upcoming monthly meetings, site visits, listening sessions, and the plan to eventually hire a consultant for the feasibility study. Members also discussed the importance of capturing the broader 200-plus-year Cape Verdean history in Massachusetts, especially in light of Boston’s 250th anniversary and Cabo Verde’s recent 50th independence anniversary. A major portion of the meeting focused on reviewing and narrowing a list of potential additional commissioners. Members discussed the need for geographic, sector, and generational diversity, and several commissioners raised concerns about overrepresentation from New Bedford and the need to include people connected to other Cape Verdean communities such as Brockton, Boston, Wareham/Onset, Taunton, the Cape, and Haverhill. Testimony and comments emphasized including people with skills in arts, culture, history, construction, philanthropy, law, education, museum curation, and community organizing. Members also discussed whether to use a slate, an inventory of skills and regions, or individual votes, and whether abstentions should be treated as “reserve your rights” instead. The commission voted to appoint three individuals: John Cruz, former State Senator Vinny deMacedo, and Angelo Lopes Barbosa or a designee from the Center for Cape Verdean Studies at Bridgewater State University. The body then voted to pause the remaining commissioner appointments until the next meeting and directed the chair and staff to create an inventory of candidates by skills, region, and other relevant criteria. Members also agreed to add two newly suggested names—former Brockton City Councilor Tina Cardoso and Maria Gomez-Pena—to the candidate list. The chair said the next meeting would be scheduled for January, and the meeting adjourned after the commission approved the motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Monica Vega. Present. Thank you. Sean Cruz, the third. Senator Vinny DiMacedu. Angelo Barboza.
• language, the governor and the mayor of Boston was able to select individuals who were Manny Lopes and Monica
• And the speech, Who were Manny Lopes and Monica Vega, respectively.

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Cape Verdean Cultural Center Commission met with quorum and began by introducing new commissioners and staff, with Chair Miranda and others emphasizing the long effort to establish the commission and the goal of creating a Cape Verdean cultural center in Boston that would serve the broader Commonwealth. Several commissioners introduced themselves and described their backgrounds in community organizing, education, history, cultural programming, municipal service, and advocacy, with members representing communities including Roxbury, Dorchester, Brockton, New Bedford, Taunton, Scituate, and Cape Cod. The meeting focused on the commission’s mandate: to study the organizational structure, feasibility, and potential location and scope of a Cape Verdean cultural center, and to gather public input through listening sessions and site visits. Members discussed possible approaches, including visits to existing cultural institutions and museums, traditional listening sessions in Cape Verdean communities, and collecting feedback at major Cape Verdean events. Several commissioners stressed the importance of including elders, youth, artists, historians, and existing Cape Verdean organizations, as well as correcting historical myths and increasing visibility of Cape Verdean contributions in local historical societies and public narratives. Funding and logistics were also discussed. Chair Miranda said short-term support might come from earmarks, but the larger funding goal would be a bond bill to seed the project, with private and organizational fundraising to follow later. Commissioners asked about resources for community events and whether a shared repository for ideas could be created; staff said they would explore a platform and send follow-up emails. The commission agreed to continue gathering ideas by email and chat, to consider combining listening sessions across regions, and to hold the next meeting in early April. The meeting minutes from the prior meeting were approved, and the commission adjourned by vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• only going to help Los Angeles. but the entire state and thank you also to the senator from Santa Monica
• In the back of the chamber, my senator from Santa Monica has been a steadfast in his unwavering commitment

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sylvia Solis Shaw here on behalf of the city of Santa Monica and on behalf of the city of West Hollywood
• Monica and on behalf of the city of West Hollywood in strong support. Thank you. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism heard SB 456 by Senator Ashby, the Community Beautification Act, which would create an exemption allowing muralists to do commissioned mural work without obtaining a contractor’s license. The author and supporters said the bill would clarify existing law, preserve public art and placemaking projects, and still leave in place applicable safety, permitting, and contract requirements. Support testimony came from the City of Sacramento’s arts manager and muralist Jaya King, who described mural projects as fine art and community engagement rather than construction, and from numerous local governments and arts organizations, including the League of California Cities, Los Angeles County, Sacramento, Stockton, Glendale, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Riverside, Escondido, and the California Travel Association. Opposition centered on concerns that the exemption could weaken consumer protections in contractor licensing law. One member of the public argued that mural projects can involve construction-related work such as surface preparation and installation, and that licensing requirements, down payments, insurance, and background checks protect consumers and should not be bypassed. A representative of the State Building and Construction Trades also expressed concerns but said the author’s office had been engaged and a follow-up meeting was scheduled. Several committee members spoke in favor, saying murals are clearly public art and an important part of neighborhood identity and local culture. The chair and other members described the bill as a common-sense clarification that would reduce barriers for artists and cities seeking to permit mural projects. The committee then voted 9-0 to pass SB 456 and re-refer it to the Business and Professions Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I do think it should look at my colleague from Santa Monica.
• Well, I do think it should look at my colleague from Santa Monica.
• Well, I do think it should look at my colleague from Santa Monica.
• Well, I do think it should look at my colleague from Santa Monica.
• Sylvia Solis Shaw, here on behalf of the cities of Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Goleta, the City of

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 41 by Senator Wiener, which would regulate pharmacy benefit managers by increasing transparency, banning patient steering and spread pricing, and requiring full pass-through of rebates. Supporters, including independent pharmacists and health advocates, said PBM practices are driving up drug costs and closing neighborhood pharmacies. Opponents from PBM and health plan groups argued the bill overlaps with recently enacted licensing and reporting requirements, would not lower consumer prices, and may be preempted by ERISA. Members discussed confidentiality issues, consumer savings, and the relationship between SB 41 and the new budget trailer bill; the author asked for an aye vote. The committee then took up SB 378, also by Senator Wiener, aimed at online marketplaces that advertise illegal intoxicating hemp and unlicensed cannabis products. Supporters from labor, public health, and the licensed cannabis industry said online sales are undermining regulated businesses and exposing children to unsafe products. Opponents from tech and hemp industry groups warned the bill is overbroad, could sweep in general-purpose platforms and lawful hemp wellness products, and raises Dormant Commerce Clause and First Amendment concerns. The author said he would narrow the bill, remove industrial hemp references, and address strict liability and standing issues; members largely focused on how to target illegal products without capturing lawful marketplaces. SB 243 by Senator Padilla addressed AI companion chatbots, with supporters including Common Sense Media and transparency advocates warning that these systems can be addictive, manipulative, and dangerous for minors and vulnerable users, citing studies and the death of a Florida teenager. The bill would require disclosures, anti-addiction design limits, self-harm protocols, audits, reporting, and a private right of action. Tech and business groups opposed the measure as overly broad and said its definitions could sweep in general-purpose AI tools; several members supported the goal but questioned the breadth of the definitions and the private right of action. Finally, SB 522 by Senator Wahab would extend just-cause eviction protections to rental units that were previously covered by the Tenant Protection Act but were destroyed in disasters and later rebuilt. Supporters, including Los Angeles city officials and tenant advocates, said the bill would help keep displaced renters housed after wildfires and other disasters. Apartment and realtor groups opposed it, arguing it would remove a key exemption needed to finance rebuilding and could discourage post-disaster reconstruction. Members expressed support for tenant protections in disaster areas, and the author asked for an aye vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We funded Pasadena City College, Santa Monica, L.A. Harbor College, and L.A. Trade Tech.
• We funded Santa Monica, L.A. Harbor College, and L.A. Trade Tech.
• Bella Kern, on behalf of Santa Monica College.
• Santa Monica College supports the proposal mentioned earlier by Chancellor Christian to count the higher
• Santa Monica College in particular is still faced with difficult decisions to continue providing these

Summary: The subcommittee first noted that item one on the Imagination Library update was being pulled pending review of newly received receipts, invoices, and backup documentation from the State Library and the Department of Finance. The chair said the committee would continue reviewing the materials and later determine whether additional oversight and accountability measures are needed regarding taxpayer funds and implementation of the program. The main discussion focused on the California Community Colleges budget request. Chancellor Christian described strong post-pandemic enrollment recovery and asked the Legislature to fund 3% enrollment growth, change the funding formula to use the highest of the three years rather than a three-year average, and remove the 10% growth cap to avoid unfunded FTES. She also urged support for the Governor’s proposals on COLA, deferral repayment, the Common Cloud Data Platform, credit for prior learning, and Calbright College, while adding requests for AI literacy funding, a Rebuild L.A. workforce effort, veterans services, and support for the Chancellor’s Office. Senators raised concerns about high district reserves, part-time faculty conditions, veterans’ credit pathways, and enrollment fraud; Christian said reserves are complex but should be addressed district by district, and that identity verification and AI tools are being used to prevent fraudulent enrollments. Finance and LAO staff then reviewed the student-centered funding formula and enrollment growth proposals. DOF said the Governor’s budget fully repays $408.4 million in deferrals, provides a 2.41% COLA, and includes funding to cover current-year apportionment costs; LAO recommended prioritizing those proposals but suggested beginning enrollment growth funding in 2026-27 rather than revising the current-year target. Chris Ferguson said most districts are growing, that 54 of 72 districts would benefit from a formula change favoring current-year enrollment, and that unfunded growth remains a concern. On facilities, staff explained that deferred maintenance needs are about $2.2 billion, with projects prioritized by life safety, modernization, and capacity needs. The final item was Calbright College. President Menon said Calbright serves more than 6,200 adult learners statewide, with strong completion and wage gains, and asked for the Governor’s proposed $38 million ongoing increase. She and staff emphasized Calbright’s flexible, competency-based model, its partnerships with employers and other colleges, and its role in serving working adults and caregivers. LAO questioned the proposed funding level and recommended moving Calbright onto the student-centered funding formula in the future to better tie funding to enrollment and outcomes, while Calbright argued its structure is different from traditional colleges and needs separate treatment. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It says: As vice chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, I, County Board Supervisor Monica
• for Assembly Bill 2760. ...of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, I, County Board Supervisor Monica
• And this is signed, County Board Supervisor Monica Montgomery Step. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard several bills focused on housing, utility billing, permitting, oversight, disaster recovery, and traffic safety. AB 2058, by Assemblymember Harropetian, would streamline inspections and fees for factory-built housing by reducing duplicative local review and allowing third-party inspections; supporters said it would cut costs and delays, while the author noted local land-use authority would remain intact. AB 1945, by Assemblymember Hodgwick, would let Lassen Municipal Utility District offer voluntary prepaid electricity accounts without deposits or start-service fees, with consumer protections and electronic notices; municipal utility and power agency representatives supported it. AB 2418, by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, would set timelines for commercial plan review and allow third-party plan checkers for delayed tenant improvement projects; business and property groups supported it, and the bill was narrowed by amendments. AB 2433, by Assemblymember Alvarez, would expand density bonus incentives for for-sale affordable housing; supporters said it could help produce more homeownership opportunities, while labor and local government concerns led to amendments removing ministerial/by-right provisions. AB 2760, by Assemblymember Sharpe Collins, would allow counties with an Office of Inspector General to extend oversight to probation and animal control in San Diego County; the author and county supervisors supported it, but probation officials opposed it as duplicative. AB 2385, by Assemblymember Petrie-Norris, would clarify local authority to plan for disaster recovery and create local reconstruction agencies; cities and other supporters said it would improve post-disaster rebuilding. AB 1976, by Assemblymember Hitt, would limit late-stage public process for pedestrian, bicycle, and traffic calming projects and exempt pedestrian malls from CEQA; supporters framed it as a safety streamlining measure, while local government groups raised concerns about reduced community engagement. The committee also adopted the consent calendar for AB 2118 and AB 2728. Final votes were taken after quorum was established: AB 1945 passed 6-0 to the Senate floor; AB 1976 passed 5-1 to the Committee on Transportation; AB 2058 passed 7-0 to Appropriations; AB 2385 passed 6-1 to Emergency Management; AB 2418 passed 7-0 to Judiciary; AB 2433 passed 7-0 to Housing; AB 2760 passed 5-2 to the Senate floor; and the consent calendar was adopted 7-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair calls Monica Juneau. Thank you. Monica, do you know? We'll show Monica Juneau.

Bills: HB842, HB1907, HB2844, HB2892, HB3439, HB4211, HB4536, HB5111, HB5138, HB5182, HB5247, HB5269, HB5323, HB5435, HJR201, SB871, HB3896, SJR40

Keywords: power lines, Gulf Coast, weather-related outages, Public Utility Commission, infrastructure, government contracts, Chinese companies, information technology, cybersecurity, state regulations, food safety, mobile vendors, licensing, permitting exemptions, health inspections, nonprofit organizations, personal information, government disclosure, privacy, criminal penalties