Transcript Highlights:

• We agree that protecting consumers is critical.
• It protects the ratepayers because the PSC is involved.
• And third, it protects our water resources like Rep.
• children, but to protect providers.
• children, but to protect providers.

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Summary: The committee first heard CS/HB 1263 on insurance regulation. The sponsor said the bill would strengthen the Office of Insurance Regulation’s tools to oversee property and auto insurance markets, including market conduct and solvency exams, mitigation discounts, storage of mitigation inspection forms, and clearer oversight of pharmacy benefit managers. An amendment narrowing fingerprinting requirements was adopted, and the bill passed favorably after supportive testimony from OIR and others. Members then considered CS/HB 527, which would require a qualified human review before an insurance claim can be denied or reduced when artificial intelligence is used in the process. After an amendment removing the word “algorithm” was adopted, insurers and trade groups testified in opposition, arguing current law already covers claims handling and that the bill could create duplicative work and slow innovation. Supporters, including a consumer and labor representative, said human judgment is needed to protect claimants. The bill passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/HB 637 on farm equipment “lemon law” rights, with an amendment clarifying consumer definitions, refund rights, repair-period extensions, and a July 1, 2026 effective date. CS/HB 107 on data centers also passed after an amendment narrowing the five-mile siting restriction to data centers over 50 megawatts and adding noise-study requirements; business groups supported a framework but opposed the NDA ban and siting limits, while several members raised competitiveness and local-impact concerns. Later, the committee passed CS/HB 1291 on NICA funding and solvency, CS/HB 185 on a sales tax exemption for home-hardening products, CS/HB 425 on historic African-American cemetery preservation, CS/CS/CS/HB 1177 on Space Florida and spaceport operations, CS/CS/CS/HB 657 on community associations and HOA/condo reforms, and CS/CS/HB 1221, the DFS package. The final major item discussed was CS/HB 1001 on local government DEI restrictions, which drew extensive questioning about definitions, exceptions, cultural and religious observances, advisory councils, and contracting rules; the transcript cuts off before the bill’s final disposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also ensures protection of our conservation easements and The bill also ensures protection of
• , you've done well to protect the rate...
• our state and to protect our community.
• It protects our residents, it protects our rate payers, first and foremost.
• It protects our residents, it protects our rate payers, first and foremost.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including guests from the press, Florida State women’s soccer, and former Senator Janet Cruz. Members also announced there would be no conference that weekend. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and began taking up a series of bills, often substituting House companions and proceeding quickly to third reading and final passage. Among the measures approved were bills modernizing trust settlement and trustee discharge procedures; revising military affairs laws, including leave protections, retirement eligibility, and assistance programs; creating uniform cash-rounding rules as Florida prepares for the end of the penny; refining podiatric medicine rules on cellular/tissue-based products and informed consent; expanding veterans’ court access statewide; clarifying RV park special assessments; establishing concurrent state-federal jurisdiction for juveniles on military installations; reauthorizing alcoholic beverage loss deductions; and revising bail bond and pretrial release laws, including training, electronic notices, forfeiture timing, and related procedures. Members also passed bills on eyewear insurance licensing, expanding the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund into health science education, streamlining recovery residence regulation, enhancing felony battery penalties, and updating child welfare rules to reduce repeated background checks, make the Step Into Success program permanent, and create a best-practices program. Several bills drew brief supportive remarks, especially those affecting veterans, the National Guard, foster youth, and military families. One bail bond bill prompted questions about charitable bail bonds, with the sponsor stating the current statute would remain unchanged. Most bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously; the bail bond measure passed 36-1, while the others noted here passed with no or minimal opposition. The Senate also adopted an amendment to the military affairs bill and a delete-all amendment to the military-installation jurisdiction bill before final passage. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to honoring Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman on her farewell. Members from both parties offered extended remarks praising her leadership, preparation, collegiality, advocacy on issues such as voting rights, women’s rights, Israel, anti-Semitism, breast cancer, school safety, and family law, and her effectiveness in committee and on the floor. Berman delivered an extended farewell speech reflecting on her 16 years in the Legislature, her family, her district, and her legislative priorities, and the Senate ordered her remarks spread upon the journal before recessing and later returning to continue the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• He continued: “We agree that protecting consumers is critical.
• I know you’re trying to do the right thing and protect this.
• It protects the ratepayers because the PSC is involved.
• children, but to protect providers.
• children, but to protect providers.

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Summary: The committee first considered CS/HB 1263 on the Office of Insurance Regulation. The sponsor said the bill would strengthen OIR’s tools to oversee property insurance, including market conduct and solvency exams, claims handling oversight, mandatory discounts for certain mitigation measures, storage of mitigation inspection forms, and clearer authority over pharmacy benefit managers. An amendment narrowing fingerprinting requirements was adopted, and the bill passed favorably after supportive testimony from OIR and others. Members then heard CS/HB 527, which would require a human review before an insurance claim can be denied or reduced when artificial intelligence or automated systems are used. After an amendment removing the term “algorithm” was adopted, the bill drew opposition from several insurance industry groups, while consumer and labor witnesses supported it. The sponsor argued the measure was needed after reports of AI-driven claim denials, and the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/HB 637 on farm equipment “lemon law” protections, with an amendment clarifying who qualifies as a consumer, refund rights, repair timelines, and an effective date. The committee next took up CS/HB 1007 on data centers, which would create a regulatory framework for siting and operating large data centers, limit NDAs in some circumstances, set PSC tariff requirements, and restrict certain locations near homes and schools. After an amendment narrowing the five-mile buffer to data centers over 50 megawatts and adding noise-study requirements, the bill drew mixed testimony from business, consumer, and local-government groups, with supporters emphasizing guardrails and opponents warning about competitiveness and site restrictions. The bill passed favorably despite several no votes. Later, the committee approved CS/HB 1291 on the NICA birth-related neurological injury compensation program after a strike-all amendment revised reimbursement and assessment provisions; testimony included support from NICA and concerns from the Florida Justice Association and a family affected by the program. The committee also passed CS/HB 185 on a sales tax exemption for home-hardening products, CS/HB 425 on a historic African-American cemetery preservation program, CS/CS/CS/HB 1177 on Space Florida and spaceport operations, CS/CS/CS/HB 657 on community associations and HOA/condo reforms, and CS/CS/HB 1221, the DFS agency package. The final bill discussed was CS/HB 1001, which would restrict county and municipal DEI-related actions and contracting; the sponsor explained the strike-all, and members began questioning its definitions and exceptions, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s final disposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Does this override local environmental protections?
• It still has that protection that the community will not know the location.
• You've done well to protect the rates of electricity.
• our state and to protect our community.
• It protects our residents, it protects our ratepayers, first and foremost.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, several introductions, and an announcement that there would be no weekend conference. The chamber then took up a long special-order calendar of bills, generally moving each measure through third reading and final passage, often by substituting House companion bills. Early measures included trust law modernization (SB 786/HB 895), military affairs changes and Guard retirement corrections (SB 474), rounding rules for cash transactions as pennies phase out (SB 1074), podiatric medicine regulation and informed-consent requirements (SB 1092), veterans court expansion (SB 50/HB 199), RV park special assessment clarification (SB 118), concurrent jurisdiction for juvenile offenses on military installations (SB 502/HB 351), alcoholic beverage loss deductions (SB 678/HB 1137), and bail bond/pretrial release revisions (SB 600). Most passed unanimously or near-unanimously; SB 600 passed 36-1 after questions about charitable bail bonds and an amendment aligning with the House version and prosecutors’ concerns. The Senate also considered bills on portable electronics and eyewear insurance (SB 772), the linking industry to nursing education fund and health science workforce programs (SB 1246), recovery residences and behavioral health licensing (SB 1030, with a technical amendment on background checks and probationary licenses), felony battery enhancements for repeat offenders and offenses against law enforcement (SB 436), and child welfare changes including foster-home visitor screening, a permanent statewide Step Into Success program, and a best-practices repository (SB 1718). These measures were explained by sponsors as efforts to streamline regulation, improve workforce and health-care training, strengthen public safety, and reduce administrative burdens while preserving safeguards. Votes on these bills were overwhelmingly favorable, with final tallies typically 36-0 or 37-0. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to a farewell tribute to Senator Lori Berman. Members from both parties praised her leadership, collegiality, policy work, and advocacy on issues including voting rights, women’s rights, Israel and antisemitism, school safety, breast cancer, and family law. Berman delivered a lengthy farewell reflecting on her 16 years in the Legislature, her caucus leadership, and the importance of dignity, respect, and public service. The Senate adopted a motion to spread her remarks upon the journal and then recessed before returning to continue the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Does this override local environmental protections?
• It still has that protection that the community will not know the location.
• You've done well to protect the rates of electricity.
• our state and to protect our community.
• It protects our residents, it protects our ratepayers, first and foremost.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, several introductions, and an announcement that there would be no conference that weekend. The chamber then took up a long special order calendar and passed a series of bills, often by substituting House companions. Early measures included trust law modernization to create a nonjudicial trustee discharge process, military affairs changes expanding leave and retirement-related provisions, a bill to prepare for the end of penny use by standardizing cash rounding, and a podiatric medicine bill regulating cellular or tissue-based products and informed consent. The Senate also approved veterans court expansion, RV park assessment clarification, alcohol-loss tax deduction authority, bail bond and pretrial release revisions, and a military-installation jurisdiction bill to allow juvenile cases on bases to be handled in state juvenile court under certain conditions. Most bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously, with the bail bond bill passing 36-1 after questions about charitable bail bonds and confirmation that existing law on return of charitable bail funds would remain unchanged. The chamber then paused for a lengthy farewell presentation honoring Senator Lori Berman, featuring a video, remarks from many senators, and Berman’s own closing speech reflecting on her 16 years of service, her legislative priorities, and her call for civility, bipartisanship, and continued support for issues such as school safety, Israel, anti-Semitism, and affordability. After the tribute, the Senate resumed and passed additional bills, including one expanding insurance coverage definitions for portable electronics and eyewear, a workforce and nursing education funding bill broadening support for health science programs, a recovery residences regulatory streamlining bill, a felony battery enhancement bill adding resisting an officer with violence as a qualifying prior offense, and a child welfare bill extending visitor thresholds in out-of-home placements, making the Step Into Success program permanent, and creating a best-practices program. The chamber also advanced a candidate qualification bill tightening party-affiliation requirements and adding a House provision on recent legal name changes; debate began on that measure as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Does this override local environmental protections?
• It still has that protection that the community will not know the location.
• You've done well to protect the rates of electricity.
• our state and to protect our community.
• It protects our residents, it protects our ratepayers, first and foremost.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard several introductions and announcements before moving to a long special-order calendar. Early bills passed included a trust law measure allowing a nonjudicial process for trustee settlement and discharge, a military affairs bill expanding leave protections and retirement eligibility for certain Guard and Coast Guard-related public employees, a penny-rounding bill for cash transactions, a podiatric medicine bill restricting certain cellular/tissue-based products and adding notice and consent requirements, a veterans’ courts bill expanding access to those courts statewide, an RV assessment clarification bill, a military-installation jurisdiction bill giving juveniles on bases access to state juvenile justice resources, an alcohol-tax deduction bill restoring DBPR’s authority to allow deductions for unsellable alcohol, a bail bonds bill revising training, fees, remission timing, and electronic procedures, an eyewear insurance bill updating definitions for modern products, a nursing education fund bill expanding support to health science programs, a recovery residences bill streamlining regulation and background-check rules, a felony battery bill adding resisting an officer with violence as a qualifying prior offense, a child welfare bill extending visitor definitions, making the Step Into Success program permanent, and creating a best-practices repository, and a candidate qualification bill tightening party-affiliation requirements and, via the House version, adding a name-change disclosure provision. Most of these bills were substituted with House companions where applicable and passed on near-unanimous votes, with one recorded dissent on the bail bonds bill. Several measures drew brief debate or explanation. Senator Wright’s military affairs bill was amended to restore two Florida National Guard special project officer positions to retirement eligibility, and Senator Gates’ veterans’ courts bill was described as a way to better address PTSD, brain injury, and substance-abuse-related offenses through problem-solving courts. Senator Trunow’s bail bonds bill prompted questions about charitable bail bonds, with the sponsor saying the current statute would remain in place and that further discussion could occur later. Senator Massullo’s podiatric medicine bill was framed as a bipartisan patient-protection measure, and Senator Leak’s felony battery bill was presented as closing a loophole that allowed repeat violent offenders to avoid enhancement. The chamber also took up a candidate qualification bill that would create an enforceable party-affiliation requirement and, in the House version, restrict recent petition-based name changes for candidates. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to a farewell ceremony for Senator Lori Berman, with family, staff, former colleagues, and guests in attendance. Senators from both parties offered extended remarks praising her leadership, collegiality, policy work, and advocacy on issues including voting rights, women’s rights, Israel and antisemitism, school safety, breast cancer, Everglades restoration, and other constituent services. Berman’s own remarks reflected on her 16 years in the Legislature, her family, and her belief in dignity, respect, and practical problem-solving. The Senate then adopted a motion to spread her remarks upon the journal and recessed before returning to continue the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got protections built into the design.
• It's important and critical that we also have those same protections in the construction.
• AB 602 protects students who seek help during a medical emergency.
• These protections aren’t new or untested.
• The question is whether California will extend this protection to all students.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard a series of bills focused on expanding access to higher education, addressing workforce shortages, student housing, and labor standards on campus projects. AB 662 would create a South County Higher Education Task Force to explore a mixed-use, intersegmental institution in Chula Vista; supporters said South San Diego County is a “college desert,” while the bill passed on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations. AB 885 would establish a College Access for All Fund to help make CSU and UC attendance more affordable; supporters cited student debt and affordability concerns, and it also passed to Appropriations. AB 730 would provide $15 million to help establish a medical school in the Central Valley to address physician shortages, and it advanced on a due pass motion. AB 1400 would let up to 15 community college districts pilot bachelor’s degrees in nursing; supporters argued it would expand affordable BSN access and keep students local, while CSU, UC, and other higher education groups opposed it as unnecessary and inconsistent with the master plan. The bill passed to Appropriations, with members raising questions about clinical placements, faculty shortages, and possible effects on associate-degree programs. The committee also considered AB 1235, which would require CSU design-build projects to use a skilled and trained workforce, aligning CSU with other public higher education construction standards. Supporters said it would improve safety, training, and local job opportunities, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1247 would restrict contracting out of classified school and community college jobs unless workers meet training and qualification standards and would address pension and training concerns; supporters said it would protect students and classified employees, while school and college groups warned it would disrupt services and add unfunded mandates. The bill passed to Appropriations with one no vote. AB 1470, presented on behalf of Assemblymember Haney, would allow a portion of student housing revolving loan funds to be used for affordable student, faculty, and staff housing in downtown and commercial districts; it was discussed as a housing and downtown revitalization measure, but the committee held off on a motion pending more members. ACA 3, also on behalf of Haney, would require UC to offer limited down payment loans to eligible long-term support staff first-time homebuyers; it drew extensive support from UC workers and unions, while UC and business groups opposed it as costly and outside UC’s mission, and the measure was still under discussion at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our members protect the environment, ensure the safety of our food and water, and help solve some of
• , a single parent trying to protection, a single parent trying to collect<01:13:17.199><c> delinquent
• cases, and many, many other eviction cases, and many, many other types<01:13:45.120><c> of</c><01:13
• </c> protection investigation was launched. protection investigation was launched.
• :15:50.719><c> ensure</c> members protect the environment, ensure members protect the environment, ensure

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• But going over into our protective services for child protection, $20 million there.
• These decisions protect the services that allow people like me to live independently.
• These decisions protect the services that allow people like me to live independently.
• We really appreciate the investments that will help counties protect the safety net.
• We support rejecting the increase in the age for adult protective services.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 109, the Budget Act of 2026, as the main item. Committee leaders described the legislative budget agreement as a balanced two-year plan with about $355.9 billion in total spending, $253 billion from the General Fund, and $36.5 billion in reserves. The Legislative Analyst and Department of Finance said the package assumes about $5.5 billion in higher revenues than the May Revision and uses those resources for a mix of spending changes, including higher Proposition 98 support, additional child care slots, housing and homelessness funding, delayed Medi-Cal reductions, and added support for counties, public hospitals, and distressed hospitals. The administration said the plan resembles the May Revision’s overall structure but includes new spending and revenue assumptions, and members noted that separate revenue trailer bills would be heard later in the week. Much of the committee discussion focused on Medi-Cal, H.R. 1, and the impact on immigrants, low-income workers, counties, and hospitals. Several senators criticized the budget for locking in savings from delayed or reduced Medi-Cal coverage and for not including a mechanism to restore eligibility, while administration and LAO staff said the package delays some reductions but does not automatically reinstate coverage. Finance staff said roughly 1.5 million to 2 million people with unsatisfactory immigration status would move from managed care to fee-for-service, with coverage largely unchanged except for certain services not federally allowed. Members also discussed county administrative funding, indigent care, public hospital support, and the expected rise in uncompensated care. Other topics included In-Home Supportive Services, child care, homelessness funding, Prop. 36, courthouse construction and new judgeships, transit and cap-and-invest/GGRF funding, local journalism, and workforce or reentry programs. Committee members split along party lines in their comments. Democratic members generally supported the agreement as a difficult but responsible compromise that protects core services, preserves reserves, and makes targeted investments in education, housing, health care, and justice system capacity. Republican members argued the budget relies on unrealistic revenue assumptions, does not sufficiently reduce spending, and includes costly policy choices and tax increases. Public testimony largely came from advocates and stakeholders who supported IHSS, Medi-Cal, child care, domestic violence services, hospitals, transit, and other programs, while some business and health plan representatives raised concerns about tax proposals and the shift from managed care to fee-for-service. The chair then moved the committee to public comment and indicated that the revenue bills would return later in the week; no final vote on AB 109 is reflected in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• But going over into our protective services for child protection, $20 million there...
• These decisions protect the services that allow people like me to live independently.
• These decisions protect the services that allow people like me to live independently.
• We really appreciate the investments that will help counties protect the safety net.
• We support rejecting the increase in the age for Adult Protective Services.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got protections built into the design.
• As protections passed by California's Legislature and California...
• protect them from things like extreme heat and wildfire smoke go unenforced.
• AB 602 protects students who seek help during a medical emergency.
• These protections aren't new or untested.

Committee: House Higher Education

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several measures focused on access, affordability, workforce development, and campus operations. AB 662, by Assembly Member Alvarez, would create a South County Higher Education Task Force to explore a mixed-use intersegmental higher education institution in Chula Vista to address the lack of nearby public university access in South San Diego County. Supporters, including Southwestern College and the City of Chula Vista, described the region as a “college desert” and said the bill would help coordinate UC, CSU, and community college partners. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended motion. Members also heard AB 885, which would establish a College Access for All Fund to help address college affordability and student debt, and AB 730, which would provide funding to support development of a medical school in the Central Valley to address physician shortages. Both measures drew support from higher education and labor groups, and both were advanced to Appropriations. AB 1400 proposed a pilot allowing up to 15 community college districts to offer a bachelor’s degree in nursing; supporters said it would expand affordable BSN access and help meet the nursing shortage, while CSU and nursing education groups opposed it, arguing existing ADN-to-BSN pathways and clinical/faculty limits made the proposal unnecessary or harmful. The committee still moved AB 1400 forward on a due pass vote. The committee also considered AB 1235, requiring CSU design-build projects to use a skilled and trained workforce, which supporters said would improve safety, training, and local job opportunities; it passed on a due pass vote. AB 1247, aimed at limiting contracting out of classified school and community college jobs and requiring stronger training and retirement protections, drew support from labor groups but opposition from school and community college organizations concerned about flexibility, costs, and implementation; it advanced on a divided vote. Finally, the committee heard AB 1470, which would allow student housing loan funds to be used in downtown and commercial districts, and ACA 3, which would require UC to offer limited down payment loans to eligible support staff; both drew support from labor and housing advocates, while UC opposed ACA 3 as inconsistent with its mission and financially burdensome. The transcript ends during discussion of ACA 3, with no final action shown for that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, California can and should take innovative and bold approaches to protect residents from these
• However, California can and should take innovative and bold approaches to protect residents from these
• Is CHA thinking about regulations, anything that we can streamline to protect the dollars that we do
• When immigration enforcement reaches into or near these spaces, it undermines every protective factor
• We thought that the governor and the legislature would protect those gains that we had made.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused first on the impacts of H.R. 1 on Medi-Cal and California’s health care system. Department of Health Care Services Director Michelle Bass outlined provisions including work requirements, semiannual redeterminations, reduced retroactive coverage, new cost-sharing, limits on provider taxes and state-directed payments, reduced federal matching for emergency services for some immigrants, restrictions on lawful immigrant coverage, and a one-year ban on Medicaid funding for certain abortion providers. She said the law could put tens of billions of federal dollars at risk, with estimates of up to 3 million members losing coverage from work requirements, about 400,000 from more frequent redeterminations, and major pressure on hospitals, clinics, and rural providers. She also noted the state is considering implementation timelines, possible delays, and planning for communications, county systems, and a rural health transformation fund. Testimony from Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, the California Hospital Association, and the Western Center on Law and Poverty echoed those concerns. Planned Parenthood said the federal defunding provision would immediately threaten access to reproductive health care, with possible clinic closures, reduced hours, and workforce cuts if injunctions are lifted; it estimated about $305 million in annual federal matching funds are at stake in California. The hospital association warned that reduced provider taxes and state-directed payments could cut hospital revenue by an estimated $66 billion to $128 billion over 10 years, risking service reductions and closures, especially in rural areas. The Western Center argued the changes would reverse ACA-era coverage gains, increase churn and administrative burden, and disproportionately harm working poor people and those experiencing homelessness. Committee members asked about implementation, notification, state mitigation options, and the effect on hospitals and patients; no votes were taken. The second panel addressed community health impacts of recent immigration enforcement actions. CHIRLA described raids as a public health crisis that creates fear, trauma, family separation, and avoidance of health care. Los Angeles County Department of Health Services reported declines in emergency, urgent care, and clinic visits in immigrant-heavy areas after enforcement actions, and said it has responded with multilingual outreach, patient navigation, telehealth, and assurances that patient information remains protected. The Children’s Partnership said enforcement also disrupts children’s access to early childhood education and schools, citing increased absences and fear among families, and urged stronger protections, legal services, and funding for child care and school-based supports. Members asked for more data on visit declines, the effects on children and families, and how to reduce the chilling effect on care-seeking and benefit enrollment.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Winter Torres, and I am the CEO and founder of New Mexico Eviction Prevention and Diversion
• I am the CEO and founder of New Mexico Eviction Prevention and Diversion.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• What we are protections remain.
• </c> protecting them. The facts are clear. protecting them. The facts are clear.
• This is temporary protected status.
• </c><04:10:31.760><c> our</c> humanitarian legislation, protect our humanitarian legislation, protect
• That protection exists today. control. That protection exists today.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have specific language and protections for those minor workers.
• that they know their apprentice is in need and what can we do to prevent it... ...to prevent an eviction

Committee: House Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Summary: The work session focused first on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship in Washington, with Labor and Industries explaining the registered apprenticeship system, the role of the state apprenticeship council, minimum training and classroom requirements, and the use of the ARTS database and navigators to help people find programs. Members asked whether the system was saturated and how people learn about openings; presenters said apprenticeship is tied to actual jobs and training agents, and that navigators and centralized tools like Career Bridge are important because L&I does not track hiring openings. The panel also described pre-apprenticeship requirements, youth apprenticeship, and statewide growth in apprentices, training agents, and prep programs, while noting strong earnings and employment outcomes for completers. Representatives from the building trades emphasized that the multi-employer union apprenticeship model is labor-management governed, privately funded through employer and worker contributions, and supported by recruitment, retention, and diversity efforts. They argued that the main constraint is not a lack of apprenticeship capacity but a shortage of jobs and training-agent employers willing to take apprentices, and said public policy tools such as apprenticeship utilization requirements, project labor agreements, and construction-related public investments can help create demand. They also presented data showing many workers on out-of-work lists and many apprenticeship seekers on waitlists, and said support services are needed because apprentices often face unstable wages, transportation costs, tools, and benefit cliffs. Nicole Miller described the Constructed Career initiative, a grant-funded pilot that provides outreach, navigation, case management, and wraparound supports for building trades apprenticeship seekers and first-year apprentices. She said the program has enrolled nearly 1,200 participants, with about 775 currently in apprenticeship, and reported high retention among participants; common supports include transportation, tools, work clothes, and help with barriers such as housing insecurity, food insecurity, and reentry from incarceration. Megan Pearson then described Build Up, a newer nonprofit offering similar statewide support services, including a prison-based boot and PPE program and assistance with insurance, licensing, and other barriers, funded through a mix of public and private sources. Aaron Frazier closed the apprenticeship portion by describing a new oversight committee created by legislation to examine construction training in correctional facilities and improve pathways from prison-based training to apprenticeship, college, or work. The second half of the meeting shifted to Renton Technical College, where college leaders highlighted strong enrollment growth, a median student age of 30, a diverse and largely nontraditional student body, and recent budget cuts that forced program and staffing reductions. Health and human services leaders described short-term and longer-term health programs and noted rising enrollment and completion. Early childhood education faculty then explained how they rebuilt a low-enrollment program by moving to hybrid evening and Saturday offerings, adding Spanish-language instruction, and creating in-person, step-by-step support sessions for application, financial aid, and registration. A committee member raised the issue of English literacy for Spanish-speaking students, and the presenters said the program does not directly teach English reading and writing but is working to support students as they transition into the workforce.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have specific language and protections for those minor workers.
• that they know their apprentice is in need and what can we do to prevent it... ...to prevent an eviction

Summary: The work session focused first on Washington’s apprenticeship system, especially building trades programs and support services. Labor and Industries staff explained how registered apprenticeship works in the state, including the role of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, the requirements for paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction, and the difference between apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship. Panelists emphasized that apprenticeship is tied to actual jobs and training agents, and that many waitlists reflect a shortage of job openings and employer participation rather than a lack of interest. They also discussed youth apprenticeship, the growth of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and the use of Career Bridge and L&I’s database to help people find programs. Representatives asked whether the state should expand apprenticeship programs and how people can find openings. Speakers said more programs alone would not solve the backlog without more employers signing on as training agents and more apprenticeship utilization on projects. The panel also highlighted the Constructed Career Initiative, a grant-funded navigation and support program that helps people enter and stay in building trades apprenticeships through outreach, case management, and wraparound aid such as transportation, tools, and work clothes. A related nonprofit, Build Up, described similar support services, including prison-based boot and PPE programs and assistance for reentry participants. The panel said these services are especially important because apprentices often face unstable income, housing, food, and transportation barriers. The panel also discussed House Bill 2084 and the new Construction Training Pathway Oversight Committee, which is examining construction training in correctional facilities and how to create clearer pathways from prison-based training to apprenticeship, college, or work. Speakers said the committee is still in its early stages and will report to the legislature. The session ended with committee members thanking the panel and noting the importance of support services and referral networks for apprentices. The meeting then resumed at Renton Technical College, where college leaders and faculty discussed serving non-traditional students. The college reported strong enrollment growth, a median student age of 30, a diverse student body, and high job placement rates, while also noting significant budget cuts and program reductions from the prior year. Health care and early childhood education programs were highlighted, including efforts to expand access through hybrid scheduling, evening and Saturday classes, Spanish-language offerings, and in-person wraparound support for admissions, financial aid, and registration. Faculty said these changes were driven by student data and were aimed at helping working parents, English learners, and other non-traditional students complete credentials and enter family-wage careers.

Transcript Highlights:

• ACOG and its Louisiana members have been strong advocates for improving maternal health outcomes, protecting
• Members, this is the consumer protection bill related to crypto kiosks.
• It only proposed to protect organ donors from job insecurity or surgery delays and encouraged living
• It only proposed to protect organ donors from job insecurity or surgery delays and encouraged living
• It is about protecting student safety while also protecting due process. I see no questions.

Bills: SR130 , SR131 , SR132 , SR133 , SCR74 , SCR12 , HB582 , HB221 , HCR74 , HCR58 , HB71 , HB79 , HB158 , HB160 , HB169 , HB227 , HB251 , HB289 , HB330 , HB394 , HB410 , HB429 , HB769 , HB1017 , HB1234 , HB712 , SCR3 , SB54 , SB72 , SB129 , SB164 , SB232 , SB287 , SB322 , SB374 , SB375 , SB386 , SB409 , SB447 , SB458 , SB78 , SB112 , SB124 , SB125 , SB174 , SB190 , SB201 , SB208 , SB236 , SB273 , SB307 , SB347 , SB357 , SB385 , SB387 , SB393 , SB401 , SB415 , SB426 , SB435 , SB487 , SB488 , SB523 , SB222 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB480 , SB514 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , HCR31 , HCR47 , HB362 , HB363 , HB368 , HB377 , HB380 , HB382 , HB386 , HB392 , HB406 , HB431 , HB441 , HB466 , HB503 , HB533 , HB559 , HB575 , HB590 , HB593 , HB618 , HB655 , HB664 , HB685 , HB692 , HB707 , HB715 , HB732 , HB738 , HB741 , HB748 , HB776 , HB807 , HB822 , HB856 , HB860 , HB868 , HB887 , HB888 , HB905 , HB908 , HB961 , HB980 , HB990 , HB992 , HB999 , HB1000 , HB1010 , HB1146 , HB1157 , HB1233 , HB1243 , HB54 , HB137 , HB180 , HB192 , HB310 , HB321 , HB396 , HB512 , HB552 , HB578 , HB638 , HB663 , HB708 , HB717 , HB718 , HB1009 , HB1082 , HB1104 , HB1107 , HB1198 , HB1246 , HB27 , HB143 , HB205 , HB259 , HB267 , HB288 , HB308 , HB403 , HB405 , HB414 , HB417 , HB478 , HB546 , HB548 , HB555 , HB557 , HB609 , HB670 , HB672 , HB740 , HB779 , HB786 , HB796 , HB812 , HB848 , HB915 , HB917 , HB921 , HB930 , HB933 , HB1095 , HB1096 , HB1103 , HB1129 , HB1154 , HB1166 , HB1187 , HB1195 , HB1230 , HB316 , HB511 , HB514 , HB799 , HB1039 , HB17 , HB36 , HB41 , HB47 , HB73 , HB126 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB166 , HB211 , HB226 , HB271 , HB324 , HB337 , HB351 , HB399 , HB571 , HB723 , HB726 , HB750 , HB759 , HB844 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1018 , HB1036 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB379 , SB382 , SB441 , SB449 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , HB782 , SB149

Keywords: E. Joseph Savoie, Dr. Savoie, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, UL Lafayette, higher education, Louisiana Board of Regents, commissioner of higher education, president emeritus, Carnegie R1, research university, student financial aid, needs-based aid, community and technical college system, teacher education, hurricane Katrina, hurricane Rita, retirement resolution, commendation, senate resolution, public service

Transcript Highlights:

• God, we ask for your protection over them and their families today.
• Can you talk to the protections in your bill?
• So, yes, the protections in this bill, again, this applies to everyone.
• So this excludes the prohibition for protective orders and expungements.
• So this excludes the prohibition for protective orders and expungements.

Bills: SB524 , SR108 , SR109 , SCR56 , SCR57 , SCR12 , HB227 , HB398 , HB689 , HB897 , HB1029 , HB1107 , HB1217 , HB221 , HCR58 , HB136 , SB162 , SB382 , SCR33 , SCR30 , SB112 , SB194 , SB307 , SB341 , SB346 , SB363 , SB495 , SB503 , SB507 , SB509 , SB513 , SB408 , SB131 , SB145 , SB333 , SB464 , SB466 , SB500 , SB283 , SB338 , SB488 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB228 , SB246 , SB249 , SB268 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB312 , SB319 , SB323 , SB369 , SB431 , SB474 , SB484 , SB490 , SB492 , SB501 , HCR14 , HB537 , HB652 , HB653 , HB661 , HB726 , HB756 , HB851 , HB964 , HB966 , HB34 , HB35 , HB48 , HB474 , HB553 , HB758 , HB852 , HB10 , HB16 , HB36 , HB44 , HB46 , HB52 , HB61 , HB78 , HB98 , HB102 , HB124 , HB126 , HB131 , HB135 , HB141 , HB142 , HB164 , HB170 , HB171 , HB179 , HB194 , HB231 , HB245 , HB280 , HB292 , HB294 , HB297 , HB305 , HB336 , HB337 , HB351 , HB436 , HB594 , HB789 , HB956 , HB957 , HB995 , HB1040 , HB50 , HB117 , HB120 , HB122 , HB139 , HB148 , HB149 , HB185 , HB199 , HB247 , HB271 , HB286 , HB301 , HB358 , HB359 , HB384 , HB413 , HB428 , HB450 , HB462 , HB547 , HB613 , HB631 , HB657 , HB669 , HB675 , HB680 , HB691 , HB712 , HB716 , HB720 , HB723 , HB727 , HB728 , HB735 , HB747 , HB759 , HB825 , HB842 , HB845 , HB846 , HB903 , HB904 , HB907 , HB923 , HB929 , HB941 , HB962 , HB965 , HB1036 , HB287 , HB370 , HB515 , HB521 , HB570 , HB1200 , HB29 , HB39 , HB58 , HB67 , HB73 , HB76 , HB77 , HB82 , HB112 , HB121 , HB125 , HB132 , HB134 , HB151 , HB154 , HB155 , HB161 , HB166 , HB187 , HB191 , HB207 , HB211 , HB224 , HB238 , HB241 , HB242 , HB250 , HB260 , HB265 , HB275 , HB300 , HB320 , HB338 , HB339 , HB349 , HB379 , HB399 , HB427 , HB463 , HB464 , HB468 , HB545 , HB550 , HB551 , HB565 , HB588 , HB639 , HB725 , HB782 , HB805 , HB808 , HB834 , HB847 , HB853 , HB858 , HB861 , HB883 , HB916 , HB937 , HB977 , HB1012 , HB1027 , HB1044 , HB1054 , HB1071 , HB1091 , HB1117 , HB119 , HB129 , HB677 , HB850 , SB68 , SB149

Keywords: Jump Start, career and technical education, CTE, career diploma, career pathways, workforce development, high school diploma, career major, individual career and academic plan, ICAP, individual graduation plan, IGP, work-based learning, apprenticeship, internship, dual enrollment, articulation agreement, transfer credit, rural schools, rural LEA

Transcript Highlights:

• The State Bar's highest priority is the protection of the public, and it accomplishes this through two
• The State Bar's highest priority is the protection of the public, and it accomplishes this through two
• SB 278 updates our laws to reflect modern science, protect patient privacy, and help California move
• SB 373 is about accountability, transparency, and protecting our most vulnerable students.
• facing the threat of eviction.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and prayer, then handled a long consent and third-reading file with many Senate bills, most of them passing with little or no opposition. Early procedural actions included rescinding the prior passage of SB 351, suspending the floor-amendment deadline for SBs 80, 351, and 415, and referring several measures to committees. Members also welcomed new Assembly Member Natasha Johnson and recognized guests and an intern. The floor then took up a wide range of policy bills. Major topics included housing and land use (including SB 5 on Williamson Act land and EIFDs, SB 516 on EIFDs, SB 233 on housing element timing, SB 262 on pro-housing policies, SB 21 on SRO conversions, SB 340 on emergency shelters, and SB 625 on disaster rebuilding), public health and health care (SB 386 on dental virtual credit card fees, SB 504 on HIV confidentiality, SB 520 on nurse midwifery education, SB 568 on epinephrine in schools, SB 582 on inactive licenses for damaged health facilities, SB 306 on prior authorization, SB 454 on PFOS cleanup, and SB 317 on wastewater surveillance), labor and consumer protections (SB 261 on wage theft enforcement, SB 291 on workers’ compensation compliance, SB 355 on wage theft judgments, SB 517 on home improvement disclosures, and SB 82 on limiting arbitration clauses), and elections/government transparency (SB 3 on signature curing, SB 398 on paying people to vote or register, SB 470 on teleconferencing for state boards, and SB 595 on local financial reports). Other measures addressed transportation and infrastructure, including SB 371 on TNC insurance coverage, SB 78 on dangerous highways, SB 419 on hydrogen vehicle tax treatment, and SB 86 on the clean energy financing tax exclusion. The Assembly also approved bills on criminal justice and public safety such as SB 734 on due process for law enforcement officers, SB 701 banning signal jamming devices, SB 380 on transitional housing for sexually violent predators, and SB 20 on silicosis prevention. Several bills focused on education and equity, including SB 241 on AI guardrails in community colleges, SB 670 on immigrant integration in adult education, SB 411 on Sun Bucks and student food insecurity, SB 437 on descendant-status verification for reparations-related work, SB 388 creating a California Latino Commission, and SB 373 strengthening oversight of out-of-state nonpublic schools for students with disabilities. Most measures passed overwhelmingly, often unanimously; a few drew notable debate, especially SB 388, which saw opposition over creating another commission, and SB 398, which prompted discussion about election-related incentives. The session ended with continued passage of additional bills, including SB 514 on wildfire defensible space reporting, with the chamber moving through the file and recording numerous aye votes and immediate transmittals where required.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, California can and should take innovative and bold approaches to protect residents from these
• However, California can and should take innovative and bold approaches to protect residents from these
• Is CHA thinking about regulations, anything that we can streamline to protect the dollars that we do
• When immigration enforcement reaches into or near these spaces, it undermines every protective factor
• We thought that the governor and the legislature would protect those gains that we had made.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the impacts of H.R. 1 on California’s Medi-Cal program and on community health effects from recent immigration enforcement actions. Committee leaders said H.R. 1 would sharply reduce federal funding, increase administrative burdens, and worsen access to care, especially for Medi-Cal enrollees, immigrant families, rural communities, and reproductive health patients. The second half of the hearing examined how ICE raids and related federal actions are creating fear, reducing clinic and emergency department use, and disrupting children’s access to schools and early childhood education. Department of Health Care Services Director Michelle Bass outlined the main H.R. 1 provisions affecting Medi-Cal: work requirements, semiannual eligibility redeterminations, shorter retroactive coverage, new cost-sharing, limits on provider taxes and state-directed payments, reduced federal support for emergency and lawful immigrant coverage, and a one-year ban on Medicaid funding for prohibited abortion providers. She estimated millions could lose coverage, with tens of billions of dollars in federal funding at risk. Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California warned the defunding provision could force clinic closures, service reductions, and loss of access to family planning, STI testing, and cancer screenings. The California Hospital Association said the financing changes could cut hospital revenue by tens of billions over 10 years and threaten access, especially for rural and safety-net hospitals. The Western Center on Law and Poverty argued the law would increase churn, paperwork, and uninsured rates, disproportionately harming working adults and people experiencing homelessness. Committee members asked about implementation timelines, notification systems, administrative costs, the effect on immigrant eligibility, and whether California could delay or mitigate some provisions. Bass said the state was still assessing federal guidance, planning county and provider outreach, and exploring a possible delay for work requirements and a transition period for provider-tax changes. Members also discussed how state budget actions may need to be revisited in light of H.R. 1, and how California might preserve access through state-only funding or other policy changes. In the second panel, CHIRLA, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, and the Children’s Partnership described the health consequences of immigration enforcement. Speakers said raids and data-sharing fears are causing anxiety, trauma, and avoidance of care, with Los Angeles County reporting declines in emergency, urgent care, and clinic visits after enforcement actions. The Children’s Partnership said school and early childhood absences are rising in some communities and that enforcement is undermining children’s emotional well-being and access to education. Members asked for more data and discussed possible state protections, telehealth, mobile care, and legal and policy responses to reduce fear and preserve access to health and education services.