Transcript Highlights:

• starting on page one and continuing onto page two, all refer to outdated or discontinued license plates
• Those license plates then appear in Sections 10 and 11, and the rest of the bill is just striking out
• references to those license plates or outdated license plate administrative duties.
• So if you look through then Sections 10, 11, and 12, there are... ...references to the license plates
• So it’s not the license plate that’s being repealed; it’s just that particular administrative process

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Charles, motor vehicles, special registration plates, old line plates, old line license plate
• Senator Charles, motor vehicles, special registration plates, old line plates, old line license plate
• Senator Charles, motor vehicles, special registration plates, old line plates, old line license plate
• Um, I kind of got a panic call the other day old line plates, old line license plate old line plates,
• old line license plate program<01:53:46.880><c> act</c><01:53:47.119><c> of</c><01:53:47.280><c> 2026

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, March 20, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're saying per plate or per pair of plates?
• So motorcycle or trailers is only one plate, so our plate fees are based off per plate, so $6 per plate
• So motorcycle or trailers is only one plate, so our plate fees are based off per plate, so $6 per plate
• </c> saying per plate or per pair of plates saying per plate or per pair of plates can<04:26:30.080><
• </c><04:26:39.119><c> fees</c> one plate so our Trail our plate fees one plate so our Trail our plate

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 713, which would require mile markers on Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway. The sponsor and DOT testimony described the road as a heavily traveled but isolated corridor with little or no cell or radio service, frequent accidents and breakdowns, and serious public-safety problems when emergency responders cannot quickly locate incidents. Members discussed where markers should be placed, how frequently they should appear, whether both sides of the road should be marked, and the potential cost; DOT said the project could be done with federal funds and might be combined with other work to reduce mobilization costs. The committee agreed the bill was straightforward and voted OTP 18-0, with discussion that a friendly amendment might be offered later to refine the language. The committee then heard HB 563, concerning calculation of adequate education grants. Testimony explained that the bill would add fiscal capacity disparity aid in FY 27 and increase the special education differentiated aid factor, while also reducing extraordinary needs grants so the overall fiscal impact would be net neutral. Members noted the changes were limited to the second year because of the budget process and school district ballot timing. Supporters argued the fiscal capacity aid would help property-poor towns and should be expanded, while others emphasized the bill’s budget-neutral structure. The committee voted to retain HB 563 for further consideration in the budget process. Finally, the committee opened HB 675, which would limit the authority of school districts to make certain appropriations. A Derry resident and former local official testified in favor, arguing that property taxes are too high, that school spending has outpaced town-side tax caps, and that local voters should have more control over school budgets. Committee members questioned whether the issue should instead be handled locally through existing processes or broader governance changes, and one member noted the state’s constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education. The discussion continued, but no final action on HB 675 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The plates, the license plates that have the Appaloosa horse, funded that club.
• They hold the copyright on that plate. And it was established as a standard plate in 1991 or 1992.
• The plate they're going to be using is the American 250 plate, which is kind of the going thing right
• So if people want to purchase the plate, they can.
• These dollar figures are common with specialty plates.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Veterans Guardian. Yeah, Veterans Guardian.
• Magnus, does Veterans Guardian prepare claims or forms on behalf of the veterans? Mr.
• So I'm a 25-year veteran.
• Is Veterans Guardian itself helping veterans fill out the forms? Mr.
• Veterans are...

Committee: House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard an extended presentation and discussion on Arizona higher education research security, focused heavily on Arizona State University’s foreign funding, international partnerships, and alleged ties to Chinese military-affiliated institutions. The presenter argued that ASU and the Arizona Board of Regents had not been transparent about foreign gifts, contracts, and research collaborations, especially those involving the Chinese “Seven Sons” universities, and said the committee would pursue a congressional referral and other federal review. A strike-everything amendment to SB 1060 was described but then withdrawn; the underlying SB 1327 was then taken up as a companion measure requiring ABOR to adopt university research security policies and submit annual reports on those policies and on foreign contributions over $250,000. The committee heard testimony in support from Marina Macklin, who said the bill would help protect dual-use and defense-relevant research from being funneled to China’s military ecosystem, and she answered questions about biosecurity, semiconductors, AI model theft, and election systems. After debate, SB 1327 was approved on a 4-2 vote, with Delos Santos and Marquez voting no and Colloden, Powell, and the chair voting yes; the chair stated his support was to keep missile, armor, guidance, and other technology safe from the Chinese government. The committee then heard SB 1803, a veterans’ consumer-protection bill regulating private companies that help veterans file disability claims. The bill would prohibit unaccredited persons from preparing, presenting, or prosecuting veterans’ benefits matters, require service agreements to be filed with the Attorney General, cap compensation, ban certain practices such as overseas call centers and in-house doctors, and create consumer-fraud enforcement authority. Sponsor Sen. Gallin said the measure was intended to add guardrails for veterans and prevent bad actors from taking excessive fees or misleading claimants. Testimony from Veterans Guardian representatives supported the bill as a way to create transparency and preserve veterans’ choice while regulating the industry; they said many veterans seek private help after unsuccessful attempts with free services and that the bill would not eliminate competition. Opponents and skeptical members questioned whether the bill would effectively legalize one business model while restricting others, whether the contingent-fee structure was consumer-friendly, and whether the companies were engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. The discussion also referenced prior federal and state litigation involving similar laws and the possibility of future federal accreditation reform. The transcript ends during continued questioning on SB 1803, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• those plates, so obviously you need proof of ownership of the vehicle.
• </c><04:22:48.800><c> even</c> result would be one handicap plate even result would be one handicap plate
• </c> vehicle with those plates so obviously vehicle with those plates so obviously you<04:23:18.760><
• </c> vanity plate or I mean a cover plate vanity plate or I mean a cover plate that<04:23:24.760><c>
• </c> only talks about plates only talks about plates um<04:23:57.159><c> I'm</c><04:23:57.399><c> very

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 119-FN, which would allow rental companies registering a rental fleet to choose New Hampshire as their base jurisdiction under the International Registration Plan. The DMV witness said the state already has this capability under the IRP and did not support the bill, adding that no additional staffing should be needed. Committee questions focused on whether the bill would change where registrations are done, what implementation would require, mileage tracking, decals, and inspection requirements. A representative of the Motor Transport Association also said the bill was unnecessary because the option already exists, while noting some related truck-registration and property-tax issues. The chair then closed the public hearing on HB 119-FN with no further speakers. The committee next heard House Bill 612, which would let youth operators renew up to 30 days before turning 21 and receive a temporary license so they can transition to a standard horizontal license without an extra DMV trip. The sponsor and DMV director strongly supported the bill, describing a long-standing problem where early online renewals can trigger another vertical youth license, forcing a duplicate transaction and fee after the birthday. The DMV said the change would reduce confusion and workload, and estimated a one-time system update cost of $48,000. Members asked about whether the proposal was effectively a 30-day extension, how law enforcement would view the temporary status, and whether the system could handle printing and mailing the new horizontal license; the director said the DMV could manage it and that the bill was the best approach. The chair closed the hearing after no one else testified. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 209, which would exempt new vehicles from inspection in the second year after purchase, effectively allowing two years before the next inspection. The sponsor argued the bill would save taxpayers money and reduce unnecessary trips for owners of new vehicles. Supporters said newer vehicles are already maintained through warranties and routine service. Opponents, including the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association and a service manager from a dealership, argued the bill was not limited to truly new cars, would weaken safety by delaying inspections on vehicles that can still develop tire, brake, and other defects, and could raise costs for everyone else if inspection volume drops. The Motor Transport Association clarified that commercial motor vehicles remain subject to annual federal inspection requirements. No vote was taken in the transcript, and the hearing remained open with testimony continuing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The budget also includes $12 million to improve care facilities and essential services for our veterans
• So $200 million, I think that's a great approach to trying to retain veteran teachers.
• And so we thought that the $200 million would be better dedicated to those veteran teachers to ensure
• And what about the veteran teachers? Well, we heard that. We wanted to address that.
• It helps one billionaire who got his water park at 18,000 square feet on a floor plate of a pool this

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Further points of personal privilege, the chair recognizes the gentleman from veteran Cole County.
• And to all my veterans that are in this room and all those veterans that are listening, especially those
• Keep up the fight for the nearly 400,000 veterans throughout the great state of Missouri.
• the audience in the gallery to stand and once again, for the last time, salute the gentleman from veteran
• Further introductions, lady from Veteran St. Louis County. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And Madam Chair and Representative, if I could just add the Department of Veterans Services and the Indian
• You know, Madam Chair and members of the committee, in New Mexico, we have so many license plates that
• that entity as we move forward, because these guys are law enforcement, and we put a lot on their plate

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• It proposes adding a new license plate to the list of approved plates available for Florida residents
• This bill creates the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association license plate.
• This bill creates the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association license plate, with funds from the annual
• The funds generated by the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association's license plate would directly support
• So if someone's taking a picture of my license plate, it doesn't also take a photo of a box truck or

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum and considered five bills. Senate Bill 628, naming a portion of South Navy Boulevard in Pensacola as Warrior Sacrifice Way to honor three Navy sailors killed in the 2019 Naval Air Station Pensacola attack, drew supportive remarks from senators and was reported favorably. Senate Bill 382 addressed electric bicycles and scooters by requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, limit speed near pedestrians, and use audible signals, while creating an e-bike safety task force and reporting requirements; witnesses from law enforcement, local government, and school boards supported the bill but urged clearer inclusion of e-scooters and better data collection, and the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 880 created a Miami Northwestern Alumni Association specialty license plate to fund scholarships and school programs, and Senate Bill 696 authorized online trademark registration applications and updated trademark classification and verification procedures; both were reported favorably with little opposition. The committee also took up Chair DeSigley’s CS for SB 654 on traffic infraction enforcement cameras for red-light running, school-zone speeding, and school-bus violations. The bill aimed to increase consistency, transparency, and fairness by limiting data use, requiring records retention, authorizing virtual hearings, restricting commissions, and adding school board approval and reporting requirements for school-bus camera programs. An amendment was adopted to clarify several provisions, including the definition of careful and prudent driving, limits on camera data use, contract timing for commission prohibitions, and reporting on violations outside authorized enforcement periods. Members raised concerns about privacy, surveillance, school-zone notice, and whether all-day school-zone enforcement should continue; Hillsborough County law enforcement testified in support of all-day enforcement based on crash data, while the sponsor said he would continue working on clarifications. After debate, the amended bill was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Other states around the country, many that compete with us, are stepping up to the plate.
• Other states around the country, many that compete of us are stepping up to the plate.
• Many of the compete of us are stepping up to the plate.
• I was born right here in Lawrence 44 years ago, and I should not be one of the most veteran teachers
• And they speak as if they are veteran educators about to retire in one or two years.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a public hearing in Lawrence focused on the governor’s proposed FY27 budget for education and local aid. Opening remarks from Senator Pavel Payano, Representative Pat Duffy, and local leaders emphasized the importance of education funding for Lawrence and other Gateway Cities, with Acting Mayor Giovanni Rodriguez and Superintendent Ralph Carrero highlighting the city’s high-need student population, Chapter 70 and Student Opportunity Act funding, early college and career pathways, and the need for sustained support to close achievement gaps. The Education Secretariat testified in support of the budget, with Acting Secretary Amy Kershaw outlining investments in early literacy, universal pre-K, student mental health, school meals, high school redesign, higher education affordability, and early childhood systems. Commissioner Noi Ortega described higher education proposals including expanded free community college, continued free tuition at public four-year institutions, student success funding, early college and dual enrollment investments, and the Bright Act and Drive Act. Commissioner Pedro Martinez detailed K-12 proposals such as full Student Opportunity Act funding, increased Chapter 70 aid, special education circuit breaker funding, transportation aid, literacy initiatives, and a new Accelerating Achievement Initiative aimed at schools with the greatest needs. Commissioner Kershaw also described early education proposals including funding for C3, child care financial assistance, CPPI, workforce supports, and administrative funding restoration. Committee members questioned the administration about the pending local contribution formula study, the final year of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and the need to address health care and other cost drivers in school funding. Officials said the local contribution report is expected by the end of June and that a draft will be shared for public comment after data analysis is complete. Members also raised concerns about Chapter 70 disparities between districts and urged a broader review of the formula. In response, the commissioners said the Student Opportunity Act narrowed funding gaps but further work is needed, and they pointed to the new achievement initiative, literacy efforts, and early college expansion as ways to improve outcomes. No votes were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I own the Blue Plate Restaurant Company.
• </c><00:52:09.359><c> I</c> own the Blue Plate Restaurant Company.
• I own the Blue Plate Restaurant Company. I have<00:52:09.920><c> six</c><00:52:10.400><c> locations.
• And now we are deporting children of those veterans back. So I just leave it at that.
• And now we are deporting children of those veterans back. So I just leave it at that.

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• starting on page one and continuing on to page two, all refer to outdated or discontinued license plates
• Those license plates then appear in sections 10 and 11, and the rest of the bill is just striking out
• references to those license plates or outdated license plate administrative duties.
• If you look through sections 10, 11, and 12, they're referencing the license plates that are being repealed
• So it's not the license plate that's being repealed, it's just that particular administrative process

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard Senate Bill 1272, a code-cleanup measure from Senator Semmelroth tied to prior Idaho Code Cleanup and DOGE Task Force work. The bill repeals or updates outdated provisions involving pilot registration, livestock movement language, and obsolete license plate references and administrative duties. Semmelroth said the Department of Transportation reviewed the changes and supported them. After a brief question about the old-timer license plate language, the committee voted to send SB 1272 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 500 from Representative Chris Matthias, which would update Idaho traffic law to expressly include electric-assisted bicycles in provisions requiring drivers to exercise due care and in related bicycle safety sections. Matthias said the bill was prompted by a collision involving a teenage constituent riding an e-bike, and by a court ruling that the existing statute did not cover e-bikes because it referred only to human-powered vehicles. He said the bill is intended both to protect e-bike riders and to make clear that e-bike riders are subject to the same traffic laws as traditional cyclists. Testimony in support came from Daniel Murphy and from the injured rider, Sean Norton, who described the crash, the traffic-court ruling, and his later civil-court recovery. Committee members asked questions about the e-bike class system and the effect of the court case. Norton clarified that the traffic case was an infraction proceeding and that fault was later determined in civil court. After testimony, the committee voted to send HB 500 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The meeting ended with brief farewell remarks for committee staff member Shaila Tyler, who said she had learned a great deal about the legislative process and planned to study in Madrid before pursuing history and possibly law school.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is Article 5 day here in State-Federal Veterans.
• </c> tours um so familiar with what veterans tours um so familiar with what veterans go<04:37:00.439>
• </c> provide essential services to Veterans provide essential services to Veterans service<04:37:21.520
• </c> center of excellence for our veterans center of excellence for our veterans and<04:37:27.600><c>
• </c> a premier destination for veterans a premier destination for veterans military<04:40:02.000><c>

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the past decade, automated license plate recognition systems have quietly become a tool for law
• According to the California State Auditor, over 99.9% of the 320 million plate hits Los Angeles stored
• This objective evidence suggests that while very old plate reader data may occasionally be useful, its
• In February 2020, the California State Auditor issued a report on automated license plate readers that
• SB 1013 addresses this issue by defining legitimate sources and reasons for license plates being added

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills on transportation, privacy, enforcement, and high-speed rail, with most measures discussed under a quorum and then formally voted on later. SB 953 by Senator Nilo would add two DMV points for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases that are dismissed through diversion; the author, a victim’s mother, and CHP representatives argued it would help identify high-risk drivers, while no opposition witnesses appeared. SB 1292 by Senator Richardson, as amended, would let certain cities use stationary cameras or sensors to enforce curb and loading-zone rules, with human review of citations; supporters said it would improve compliance and safety, while a privacy group remained cautious but said the amendments improved the bill. SB 1228 by Senator Rubio would create a permanent compliance path for a small number of existing redevelopment-era LED messaging signs; supporters said it preserves local revenue and avoids fines, while billboard industry opponents warned about federal compliance and highway funding risk. SB 1013 by Senator Cervantes would tighten ALPR privacy rules through DOJ audits, employee training, hot-list limits, and a 30-day retention cap; privacy advocates supported it as a needed safeguard, while law enforcement groups opposed the retention limit and query restrictions as too restrictive. SB 1218 by Senator Arreguín would block DMV registration renewal for vehicles with unpaid illegal dumping fines, modeled on parking citation enforcement; Oakland officials and local government groups strongly supported it as an accountability tool, and the bill drew no opposition in the room. SB 1136 by Senator Blakespear would require intercity and regional rail operators to better coordinate service, fares, and trip planning for large events; transit and rail advocates supported it, while some agencies were neutral or “work with author” pending further changes. SB 1425, the chair’s bill, would create a permitting process for encroachments in the high-speed rail right-of-way; supporters said it would streamline construction and protect the project, while utilities and the City of Burbank raised concerns about reciprocity, enforcement, and local infrastructure impacts. SB 1411 by Senator Stern would expand high-speed rail authority to pursue public-private partnerships and early works, removing a project cap; supporters said it could leverage private capital and save costs, while local agencies from Merced expressed concerns but noted amendments addressed some issues. After roll calls, SB 1013 failed to advance on a 4-1 vote and remained on call, while the consent calendar and the other bills moved forward on unanimous or near-unanimous committee votes and remained on call pending final action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the past decade, automated license plate recognition systems have quietly become a tool for law
• According to the California state auditor, over 99.9% of the 320 million plate hits Los Angeles stored
• This objective evidence suggests that while very old plate reader data may occasionally be useful, its
• In February of 2020, the California State Auditor issued a report on automated license plate readers
• Finally, SB 1013 implements a maximum data retention time of 30 days for license plate reader data.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard a series of bills focused on driver accountability, curb management, privacy, illegal dumping enforcement, rail coordination, billboard signage, and high-speed rail development. SB 953 by Senator Nilo would add DMV points for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases dismissed through diversion; the author and supporters, including a victim’s mother and CHP representatives, argued it would ensure fatal conduct is reflected in driving records, while no opposition testified. SB 1292 by Senator Richardson would let certain cities use stationary cameras or sensors to enforce curb use in designated zones with human review of citations; supporters said it would help manage modern delivery and loading activity, while one privacy group remained cautious but noted the committee amendments improved the bill. SB 1228 by Senator Rubio would create a permanent compliance path for a small number of existing redevelopment-era LED advertising displays; supporters said it preserves local revenue and existing signs, while the outdoor advertising industry opposed it over federal compliance and fairness concerns. SB 1013 by Senator Cervantes would tighten ALPR privacy and security rules, require DOJ audits, training, and a 30-day retention limit; privacy advocates supported it as a needed enforcement measure, while law enforcement groups opposed the retention cap and hot-list limits as too restrictive. SB 1218 by Senator Arreguín would block DMV registration renewal for vehicles with unpaid illegal dumping fines, modeled on parking citation enforcement; local officials and city representatives strongly supported it as a deterrent, and no opposition was heard. SB 1136 by Senator Blakespear would require rail agencies to better coordinate service to major events and integrate fares and schedules; transit and rail advocates supported it, with some agencies taking a work-with-author or neutral position. SB 1425 by the committee chair would create a permit process for new encroachments on high-speed rail right-of-way; supporters said it would help protect and manage the corridor, while utilities and a city raised concerns about rights-of-way and enforcement language. SB 1411 by Senator Stern would expand high-speed rail authority to pursue public-private partnerships and early works, removing a project cap; supporters from Metro, labor, and rail groups said it would help leverage funding and advance the project, while Merced-area agencies remained cautious but noted amendments. Most bills were moved on committee votes, generally along party lines or with broad support, and several were left on call after roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the past decade, automated license plate recognition systems have quietly become a tool for law
• According to the California State Auditor, over 99.9% of the 320 million plate hits Los Angeles stored
• This objective evidence suggests that while very old plate-reader data may occasionally be useful, its
• In February 2020, the California State Auditor issued a report on automated license plate readers that
• Finally, SB 1013 implements a maximum data retention time of 30 days for license plate reader data.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills, with testimony focused on transportation safety, enforcement, privacy, curb management, rail service, and high-speed rail. SB 953 by Senator Nilo would require two DMV points to be applied in misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases even if the criminal case is dismissed through diversion; supporters, including a victim’s mother and the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, said the bill would prevent serious fatal crashes from disappearing from driving records, while no opposition was presented. SB 1292 by Senator Richardson would authorize selected cities to use stationary cameras or sensors to enforce curb and loading-zone rules, with human review of citations and a pilot-style, optional local framework; supporters argued it would improve safety, turnover, and compliance, while privacy concerns were noted but softened by amendments, and the bill drew neutral or conditional support from some groups. The committee also heard SB 1228 by Senator Rubio, which would create a permanent compliance path for a small number of existing redevelopment-era outdoor advertising displays. Supporters said the bill would preserve local revenue and avoid penalties for legally established signs, while the California State Outdoor Advertising Association opposed it over federal highway beautification compliance and fairness concerns. SB 1013 by Senator Cervantes would tighten safeguards for automated license plate reader systems by requiring DOJ audits, employee training, limits on data retention, and restrictions on hot lists and queries; privacy advocates supported the bill as a response to documented misuse, while sheriffs and narcotics officers opposed it as an unnecessary restriction on a valuable law-enforcement tool. The committee voted to move SB 1013, but the roll call was 4-1 and the bill remained on call. Other measures discussed included SB 1218 by Senator Arreguín, which would block vehicle registration renewal for owners with unpaid illegal dumping fines, using a process similar to unpaid parking citations; Oakland officials and several local government and waste-management groups supported it as an accountability tool, and the bill passed committee on an 8-0 vote and remained on call. SB 1136 by Senator Blakespear would require rail agencies to better coordinate service, fares, and trip planning for large events and intercity/regional rail connections; supporters said it could boost ridership and make rail more useful for major venues, and it also passed 8-0 and remained on call. The committee also advanced the chair’s SB 1425, which would create a permitting program for new encroachments along the high-speed rail right-of-way; supporters said it would help protect the project and manage utilities and other uses, while some utilities and the City of Burbank raised concerns, and the bill passed 8-1 and remained on call. Finally, SB 1411 by Senator Stern would expand high-speed rail authority to pursue public-private partnerships and early works, remove a project cap, and support bookend investments; it drew broad support from transit, labor, and rail groups, with some local agencies noting amended concerns, and the discussion continued as the hearing moved toward the final bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I won't name the individual, but I do have a friend who has been driving around with Texas plates for
• , I believe, five years now. ...has been driving around with Texas plates for, I believe, five years
• Without having stickers on your license plate, there is no incentive for people to actually make sure
• We want to brand them with Idaho license plates and we expect them to have that and to do that.
• We want to brand them with Idaho license plates and we expect them to have that and to do that.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• especially given the high cost of living here, that's a really sensitive issue, as well as military and veteran
• What we're going to end up with is what we live through, which is a mixed plate.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• unanimous consent to re-refer AB 2645, Jeff Gonzalez, from the Education Committee to the Military and Veterans
• secrets of radiology, decoded the structure of DNA, pioneered gene editing, and mapped every tectonic plate

Summary: The Assembly met, established a quorum after a roll call, and handled a series of procedural motions, guest introductions, and floor items. Members recognized several guests and student groups, then moved through the daily file, including second-reading items, Senate amendments, and the consent calendar, which was adopted 54-0. The chamber also adopted ACR 151 recognizing March 25 as Greek Independence Day, with 59 co-authors added, and ACR 146 designating March 2026 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, with 61 co-authors added; both resolutions were adopted by voice vote. ACR 140, proclaiming March 21 as Women in STEM Day, also passed with 56 co-authors added and was adopted by voice vote. The most substantial debate centered on AB 2156, which renames Cesar Chavez Day as Farm Workers’ Day and declares an urgency clause. Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry and several members spoke in support, emphasizing recognition of farm workers’ collective contributions and, in light of recent revelations about Cesar Chavez, the need to honor the broader movement rather than one individual. Other members echoed support while discussing farmworker history, accountability, and the importance of acknowledging survivors. Assembly Member DeMaio supported the bill but criticized state policies affecting agriculture and argued for broader recognition of Latino Californians and farmworker policy reforms. The bill passed with 67 votes and was transmitted immediately to the Senate. Later, the Assembly recessed for the Joint Convention and heard the 26th State of the Judiciary address from Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. She focused on judicial independence, threats to judges, remote proceedings, CARE Act implementation, trial court funding and judgeship shortages, AI use in courts, immigration-related courthouse concerns, State Bar reforms after the February 2025 bar exam problems, and judicial salaries. She also highlighted the judiciary’s centennial, the importance of collaboration with the Legislature and Governor Newsom, and the need to preserve equal access to justice. After the address was ordered printed in the Journal, the joint convention adjourned and the Assembly later adjourned until Thursday, March 26 at 9 a.m.