Transcript Highlights:

• classification standards and modernizing building code requirements for ALRs, which was the Commission's
• classification standards and modernizing building code requirements for ALRs, which was the Commission's
• I just want to speak to the building code recommendations.
• codes.
• And I can't tell you today that I would recommend or not recommend statewide building code changes, because

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Aging and Independence

Summary: The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence held a hearing on two assisted living bills, Senate 3057 and House 5376, which would create an Assisted Living Residence Trust Fund to support certification staffing, compliance reviews, complaint investigations, ombudsman services, public reporting, appeals, and oversight. Testimony from MassALA, AARP, and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman generally supported the bills and the dedicated funding stream, but MassALA urged amendments to expand career pathways for staff through certified medication aides and to add guardrails on the use of fines as a funding source. The Ombudsman supported the fund and emphasized the need for additional staffing to better serve the state’s assisted living residents. Committee members asked for draft amendment language, and the chairs indicated they were open to further discussion, especially on fines and CMA language. The committee then heard testimony on Senate 3056 and House 5243 regarding medication administration in rest homes. Providers, including the Massachusetts Association of Residential Care Homes, LeadingAge Massachusetts, and several rest home operators, opposed proposed Department of Public Health changes that would eliminate the long-standing “responsible person” model and move rest homes toward the Medication Administration Program (MAP). Witnesses said the current model has been used for decades, is tailored to rest homes, and is essential to affordability, staffing stability, and resident continuity of care; they warned that replacing it with MAP or nurse-only administration would raise costs, worsen workforce shortages, and could force closures or resident displacement. They asked the committee to support legislation preserving responsible persons’ authority to administer medications while improving training and oversight. Committee members asked questions about the history of the responsible person model, how medication administration works day to day, whether other states use similar systems, and whether data exist comparing medication error rates under MAP and the current model. The chairs said they were still reviewing building-code-related recommendations raised in the assisted living discussion and noted that some issues might be better addressed through a task force. The hearing concluded after testimony and questions, and the committee voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• classification standards and modernizing building code requirements for ALRs, which was the Commission's
• classification standards and modernizing building code requirements for ALRs, which was the Commission's
• I just want to speak to the building code recommendations.
• codes.
• And I can't tell you today that I would recommend or not recommend statewide building code changes, because

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Aging and Independence

Summary: The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence heard testimony on Senate 3057/House 5376, a bill to create an Assisted Living Residence Trust Fund and implement recommendations from the Assisted Living Residence Commission. Supporters, including AARP and the state long-term care ombudsman, backed the trust fund for certification staffing, compliance reviews, investigations, ombudsman services, public reporting, and appeals. The assisted living industry, represented by MassALA, supported the affordability task force and certified medication aides, but asked for amendments to expand career paths and to remove or limit fines as a funding source, arguing fines should be capped and tied to health or safety risks. The ombudsman emphasized the need for more staffing and resources, noting the current caseload and travel burden across the state. The committee also took testimony on Senate 3056/House 5243 concerning medication administration in rest homes. Rest home operators, MARCH, and LeadingAge Massachusetts opposed proposed Department of Public Health changes that would replace the long-standing responsible person model with a MAP-based framework or require more licensed nursing staff. They argued the current model has been used for decades, is safe and affordable, and is better suited to rest homes than MAP, which they said was designed for different settings. They urged the committee to preserve responsible person medication administration while improving training and oversight, and several witnesses asked for a task force or substitute language to study best practices rather than impose immediate regulatory changes. Committee members asked questions about the history of the responsible person model, how medication administration works in practice, and whether other states use similar systems. Chair Stanley said the committee was still reviewing building code-related recommendations for assisted living and noted that those issues may require more time. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Policy Center, California Faculty Association, California Federation, California Nurses Association
• , California Professional Firefighters, California School Employees Association, the California Teachers
• California, SEIU, as well as the state building trades. Thank you.
• Member, Skylar Wanakot, on behalf of the California Business Properties Association, as well as the Building
• in California.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills dealing with tax policy, local revenue authority, consumer protections, and incentives for development. AB 1726 would create catastrophe savings accounts for homeowners to save pre-tax dollars for disaster mitigation and recovery costs; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, while the California Teachers Association opposed it because of the General Fund and Prop. 98 impact. The bill was referred to suspense. AB 1768 would authorize Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties to ask voters to approve local transaction and use taxes to offset projected federal funding cuts affecting health care and safety-net services; it received broad support from health providers and county representatives, opposition from one member and a resident, and passed the committee 5-2 to the Assembly Local Government Committee. The committee also considered AB 1790, which would repeal the Waters Edge corporate tax election and require worldwide combined reporting for multinational corporations. The author and supporters argued it would close a loophole, raise several billion dollars annually, and help fund schools, Medi-Cal, and other programs; opponents warned of double taxation, compliance burdens, retaliation from foreign governments, and job losses. After extensive testimony and member debate, the bill was referred to suspense. AB 2020 would provide a full property tax exemption for the primary residence of 100% disabled veterans and surviving spouses, and AB 2069 would create a targeted sales and use tax exemption to spur development projects at fairgrounds; both measures had support from sponsors and related organizations, no opposition, and were referred to suspense. Finally, AB 2705 would regulate third-party “asset finders” who help claim excess proceeds from tax sales by requiring written agreements, disclosure that claims can be filed free with the county, and a cap on fees at 10%. County officials and local government groups supported the bill as a consumer protection measure, while recovery companies and related firms opposed it, arguing the work is complex and the cap would reduce access to services. The committee moved AB 2705 to the Assembly floor on a 4-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, the national organizations, I mean, those are the standards.
• And in California, we have one in nine.
• In California. Well, so why, that's not what the analysis says.
• But one, childhood poverty is high in California because poverty is high in California, right?
• poverty is high in California, right?

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee met without quorum for part of the hearing and proceeded on several bills, with testimony focused on probate access, domestic violence protections, child support services, and an immigration resolution. On AB 1660, the author and county public administrators said financial institutions often delay or refuse lawful requests for account information and assets, causing harm to estates and vulnerable people; banks and credit union representatives opposed the new penalties, arguing the underlying statute may be outdated and that fraud concerns require more verification. The author agreed to amend the bill to make penalties discretionary rather than mandatory, and the bill ultimately passed out of committee to the floor with a due-pass recommendation and later add-on approval. AB 1657, by Assembly Member Rogers, would bar courts from requiring domestic violence survivors seeking temporary restraining orders to notify the alleged abuser before filing; the Sonoma County district attorney and others supported it as a safety measure, and it passed unanimously to the floor with multiple members requesting coauthor status. The committee also heard AB 1643, which would automatically enroll custodial parents in child support services after a support order is entered unless they opt out. The author and child support officials argued the bill would increase access to free enforcement and collection services, reduce child poverty, and help families who do not complete the current application process; some members raised concerns about fees, opt-out clarity, and whether automatic enrollment could interfere with amicable co-parenting arrangements. After discussion about the program’s funding and the need for a clear opt-out process, the bill was moved to the Human Services Committee, with some members voting no or not voting and later add-on action placing it on call and then advancing it. The committee also considered SJR 8, urging Congress to modernize the federal immigration registry so long-term undocumented residents could qualify for lawful permanent residency on a rolling basis; supporters described it as a long-overdue pathway for immigrant families and workers, and the resolution was adopted to the floor after a vote and later add-on action. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly emphasized the need to balance enforcement, fraud prevention, and access to services. Several members supported the domestic violence and probate bills as necessary fixes to existing systems, while others urged continued work with stakeholders on standardized forms, clearer procedures, and modernized safeguards. The committee also took up consent items and add-ons, including AB 1597, AB 1651, and AB 1652 on consent, and later finalized votes on the measures discussed above.

Transcript Highlights:

• California is in the middle of a housing crisis, and delays in the residential building permitting process
• Local building departments review building plans to ensure compliance with state building codes and local
• California is in the midst of a severe housing crisis, and one of the biggest obstacles to building housing
• On average, a fully approved apartment building in California takes nine months to obtain post-entitlement
• One specialized form of municipal code is the zoning code.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 253, by Assembly Member Ward and presented by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva, which would allow licensed third-party professionals to review certain post-entitlement permits if a local building department would take more than 30 days. Supporters, including California YIMBY, the California Chamber of Commerce, the Housing Action Coalition, the Bay Area Council, SPUR, and Abundant Housing LA, said the bill would reduce permitting delays and help housing production. League of Cities and the California State Association of Counties expressed concerns but were not formally opposed. Members voiced strong support, and the bill passed the committee 10-0 to Appropriations. The committee then held an informational hearing on California’s general plan. The first panel, led by UC Davis professor Catherine Brinkley, gave an overview of the general plan structure, required elements, update cycles, and the new PlanSearch database that makes adopted plans searchable statewide. She emphasized that general plans are long-term, locally tailored documents that integrate housing, transportation, safety, environmental justice, and other policy areas, and noted that many plans and elements are outdated. Members asked about update timelines, public participation, and whether AI tools could help with drafting and analysis. A second panel of local government representatives described the practical challenges of preparing and updating general plans, especially in rural and small jurisdictions. Speakers from Calaveras County, Sacramento, San Joaquin County, and Fountain Valley cited staffing shortages, consultant availability, funding constraints, CEQA and outreach costs, changing state mandates, and the difficulty of keeping plans aligned with local conditions and board turnover. They asked for more funding, more time, clearer prioritization, and more flexibility. A third panel from the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation explained its role in issuing general plan guidelines, technical advisories, and annual planning surveys, and said it is updating its guidance through 2027 to reflect recent housing, climate, safety, environmental justice, and open space laws. No public comment was offered, and the informational hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Here in California, labor leader Kent Wong, who we just lost, carried forward that legacy, building solidarity
• a California where every person can thrive.
• Johnson for his contributions to the state of California.
• That's what California wants.
• That's what California expects, and that's what California has been waiting for.

Transcript Highlights:

• standards are up to kind of quality standards per jail and prison conditions.
• It dictates who can build income and wealth over a lifetime, and It dictates who can build income and
• here in Southern California.
• are... ...what we call heat maps to really demonstrate what ZIP codes are ZIP codes where there has
• California has made real progress.

Summary: The Select Committee on Latina Inequities met at Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar, hosted by Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez and joined by Assemblymember Mia Bonta. Rodriguez opened by framing the committee’s work around the economic status of Latinas and the effects of federal policies on the economy and social safety net, while the college president welcomed the committee and described campus services for undocumented and housing-insecure students. Rodriguez also emphasized the local impact of immigration enforcement in the San Fernando Valley and said the hearing would focus on Latinas’ economic conditions, immigration enforcement impacts on the workforce and safety, and H.R. 1’s effects on the safety net. The first panel featured HOPE’s Maria Morales and Dr. Elsa Macias, who presented findings from HOPE’s National Economic Status of Latinas report. They said Latinas are a major and growing part of California’s population and workforce, but face persistent inequities, including a large wage gap, higher unemployment, high uninsured rates, student debt, and affordability pressures around child care, housing, and education. They also discussed entrepreneurship, noting both the growth of Latina-owned businesses and barriers such as limited access to capital, technical assistance, and retirement and health coverage. In response to committee questions, they said higher education can still offer a strong return on investment, but only if students can complete degrees without being overwhelmed by debt and care costs; they also pointed to policy solutions such as SB 642, mentorship, financial literacy, CalSavers access, and support for community development financial institutions. The second panel focused on immigration enforcement and Latina safety in the workforce. Luis Nolasco of the ACLU described arrests tied to apparent ethnicity and Spanish-speaking, the chilling effect on families, and the loss of wages, school attendance, and mobility. Dr. Amada Armenta said immigration enforcement harms California’s economy, public health, and mixed-status families, and noted that undocumented workers are concentrated in agriculture, construction, and child care. SEIU’s Jen Baca Beltran said raids and school-based enforcement traumatize children and families and highlighted the need for Know Your Rights trainings. Megan Ortiz of IDEPSCA described repeated Border Patrol raids on day labor centers, injuries to staff, and the need to protect worker centers, domestic workers, and street vendors. Inclusive Action’s Shannon Camacho said raids have forced many informal workers to stop working, prompted emergency cash assistance and rent relief efforts, and strengthened advocacy for vendor protections and CDFI support. CHIRLA’s Jeanette Zanipatine said the rapid response network has expanded, documented widespread arrests and detention conditions, and is providing direct support and legal referrals; committee members asked about detention, maternal health, and what the state can do, and panelists urged stronger oversight, more legal representation, and protections for pregnant and detained people.

Transcript Highlights:

• of California California DAV state commander, and I have been the Department of California DAV legislative
• Veterans must still meet California medical eligibility standards and obtain verification from a licensed
• This bill simply ensures that once a veteran has a verified medical condition under California standards
• , AMVETS Department of California, the California State Commanders Veterans Council, Military Officers
• I’m a member of the California Gig Workers Union. Thank you. California Gig Workers Union.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard a long agenda of transportation-related bills, with several district-specific measures and statewide policy proposals. Early in the hearing, SB 1408 by Senator Arreguín would authorize Contra Costa County to place a new countywide transportation sales tax measure on the ballot to continue funding highways, local roads, transit, biking and walking infrastructure, and paratransit. Supporters said it would preserve funding continuity for major projects; CalTax opposed it over affordability and sales tax burden concerns. Senators discussed that the bill would only place the measure before voters, not enact the tax itself, and a motion was made, but no vote could be taken because the committee lacked a quorum. The committee also heard SB 990, a rural signage bill for Ridgecrest along Highway 395, which would allow Caltrans business-logo signs to direct travelers to lodging, food, fuel, medical services, and other amenities. The author and local witnesses framed it as a safety and economic development measure for an isolated community; there was no opposition. SB 1167, authored by Senator Blakespear, would tighten consumer protections in the e-bike market by distinguishing legal e-bikes from higher-powered e-motos, requiring clearer labeling and disclosures, and improving incident reporting. It drew broad support from bicycle, medical, local government, auto club, and safety groups, with no opposition. SB 1034 by Senator McNerney would make it easier for disabled veterans rated permanently and totally disabled by the VA to obtain disabled parking placards, aligning state procedures with federal disability determinations; veterans groups strongly supported it and no opposition was heard. The committee then heard SB 1279, which would add Long Beach’s Pacific Coast Highway corridor to the city’s existing speed safety camera pilot. Supporters said PCH accounts for a disproportionate share of fatalities and crashes, especially involving pedestrians, while opponents from the highway patrol and business groups said the issue should be handled under existing or upcoming rules. The California Highway Patrol Association later moved to neutral after discussions about amendments. Finally, the chair presented SB 1177, to require the High-Speed Rail Project Update report to continue including additional information such as revenue options and comparative project history, and SB 1246, a bill to impose stronger remote-operations, response-time, training, reporting, and manual override requirements on autonomous vehicle operators. SB 1177 drew support from the U.S. High-Speed Rail Association and opposition from the City of Burbank, while SB 1246 drew strong support from firefighters, labor, and many drivers and cyclists, but opposition from the AV industry, Chamber of Commerce groups, and a retired CHP official who argued the bill was too prescriptive and conflicted with new DMV rules. Members debated safety, data reporting, first responder access, and whether the bill should wait for rulemaking; the hearing ended with motions and discussion, but the transcript does not show final votes being taken on these measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it's a matter of if the building was built sections were not built to fire code.
• California has spent 25 years building a nationally recognized, evidence-based model of care, and the
• By adopting those standards, we can eliminate the California-specific design elements that were included
• By adopting those standards, we can eliminate the California specific design elements that were included
• Best practices and standards and building them into the solution so that we aren't building something

Transcript Highlights:

• California.
• Many of California state parks were designed before modern accessibility standards, leaving individuals
• While water efficiency remains absolutely vital, building future resilience will require California to
• Adam Canyanis, California Advocates, on behalf of the California Bean Shippers Association, California
• power plants and updated Appendix B in Title 20 of the California Code of Regulations, which dictates

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of water, parks, transportation, species protection, and fisheries bills. AB 430 would require the State Water Resources Control Board to publish an economic and environmental impact study when emergency water regulations are extended over multiple years; the author and supporters from agricultural and water groups said it would add transparency without limiting emergency authority. AB 1139 would expand a CEQA exemption to let county park agencies open existing roads and trails for non-motorized recreation, with supporters emphasizing access to nature and opponents warning about impacts to sensitive habitat, tribal resources, and fire risk. AB 929 would temporarily exempt small community water systems and managed wetlands from certain SGMA pumping reductions and fines; supporters said it would protect vulnerable communities and wetlands, while farm and water coalition opponents argued it would undermine basin-wide groundwater management and shift burdens to other users. AB 1225, creating an Accessibility Advisory Committee for State Parks, drew broad support and passed unanimously. The committee also heard AB 514, which would encourage local water suppliers to develop emergency water supplies for drought and service interruptions; it passed with broad support, though one member cautioned against using scientific research as a loophole. AB 550 would let developers seek incidental take permits for species under consideration for listing, aimed at reducing delays for clean energy projects; environmental groups supported the goal but asked for clearer standards, limits on using research as mitigation, and a fee provision, and the bill passed as amended. AB 697 would authorize an incidental take permit for the State Route 37 interim project in Solano and Marin counties, balancing congestion relief and habitat restoration; supporters stressed long commutes and urgent restoration deadlines, while opponents raised climate, sea-level-rise, and tribal concerns. The bill passed, with some members noting they would continue to work on the measure. Other measures discussed included AB 975, which would give Sutter County a narrow, temporary exemption from streambed alteration agreements for certain damaged small bridges and culverts; county officials described repeated flood damage and long permitting delays, and the bill passed as amended. AB 1056 would phase out transferability of set gillnet permits after 2027, allowing only a final family transfer; supporters framed it as a gradual response to bycatch concerns, while fishing industry opponents said it would unfairly target an existing fishery and set a bad precedent. The committee also took up AB 1146, described by the author as a response to politically motivated water releases; supporters from conservation and water organizations backed the bill. Several bills were voted out to Appropriations, some were left open for later action or add-ons, and the committee repeatedly noted it was working through the agenda without a quorum early in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, by California standards, they're saying it's not quite zero emission, but it's good enough for the
• besides the standards that we're used to in California, with respect to creating new technology that
• Greenlining works to build a future where communities of color can build wealth, live in healthy places
• It upended lives, displaced... color can build wealth, live in healthy places, build with economic opportunity
• Steve Cruz, on behalf of the California Building Industry Association.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard a series of bills focused on transportation safety, climate resilience, wildlife connectivity, parking enforcement, and EV charging reliability. AB 605 would create a pilot program allowing certain hydrogen internal combustion cargo-handling equipment at ports; supporters said it could help ports stay competitive while reducing emissions, while South Coast AQMD raised concerns about possible nitrogen oxide emissions and limits on future regulation. The bill passed on an 11-0 vote to the Natural Resources Committee. AB 1132 would require Caltrans to incorporate community resilience indicators, including socioeconomic factors, into climate vulnerability assessments; supporters from Greenlining, AARP, and others said it would better protect seniors, people with disabilities, and transit users during heat waves and disasters, while some members questioned the cost during a tight budget year. It passed 9-0 to Appropriations, with some members not voting. AB 382 would lower school-zone speed limits to 20 mph and give local agencies more flexibility in how the limit is posted and enforced; supporters cited child pedestrian deaths and safety research, and the bill passed 11-0 to Appropriations. AB 902, as amended, would require transportation projects in wildlife connectivity areas to include wildlife passage features where feasible; supporters emphasized reduced collisions and habitat fragmentation, while the California Building Industry Association and COGs moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. It passed 9-1 to Local Government. AB 1014 would give Caltrans more discretion to lower speed limits on state highways based on local conditions rather than the 85th percentile rule; supporters said it would improve safety in rural and tourist areas, and the bill passed 13-0 to Appropriations. AB 1022 would end towing or booting vehicles solely for unpaid parking tickets, with supporters describing the practice as punitive and harmful to low-income drivers, while cities and parking groups argued it would weaken enforcement and create problems for out-of-state vehicles. The bill passed 9-3 to Appropriations. AB 1423 would require publicly funded EV chargers to meet reliability standards and allow enforcement of uptime requirements; supporters said taxpayers need functioning chargers, while charging-industry opponents objected to retroactive standards and possible conflicts with existing agreements. The bill passed 14-0 to Utilities and Energy. The committee also approved a consent calendar of five bills by voice vote and held roll calls open for additional members to add on.

Transcript Highlights:

• The standard Type 1 fire...
• standards.
• And those standards are how we build our fire trucks. ...right thing.
• And those standards are how we build our fire trucks. They're built to NFPA 1900 standards.
• So we do utilize standards.

Committee: House Emergency Management

Transcript Highlights:

• Volume coming to California.
• Now, by California standards, you know, they're saying it's not quite zero emission, but it's good enough
• besides the standards that we're used to in California, with respect to creating new technology that
• , filled with economic opportunity, and are ready to build a future. ...communities of color can build
• Steve Cruz, on behalf of the California Building Industry Association.

Committee: House Transportation

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several bills focused on traffic safety, climate resilience, wildlife crossings, parking enforcement, and EV charging reliability. AB 605 would create a pilot program for lower-emissions cargo-handling equipment at ports using hydrogen internal combustion technology; it drew support from the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, ILWU, and others, with South Coast AQMD expressing concern about possible NOx emissions and limits on future regulation. The bill passed on a due-pass motion to Natural Resources. AB 1132 would require Caltrans to add community resilience indicators, including impacts on vulnerable users, to climate vulnerability assessments; supporters included Greenlining Institute and AARP, while some members raised budget concerns. The bill passed to Appropriations. AB 382 would lower school-zone speed limits to 20 mph starting in 2029 and allow more flexible enforcement methods; it received broad support and passed to Appropriations. AB 902 would require wildlife crossings and connectivity considerations in transportation projects in identified connectivity areas; after committee amendments, opposition from builders and local government groups moved to neutral, and the bill passed as amended to Local Government. The committee also advanced AB 1014, which would give Caltrans more discretion to lower speed limits on state highways based on local safety conditions rather than the 85th percentile rule. Supporters said it would improve safety in rural and tribal communities, while one member asked about federal funding and NHTSA; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1022 would repeal authority to tow or immobilize vehicles solely for unpaid parking tickets, while preserving other safety-based towing authority; supporters described the practice as a harmful “poverty tow,” and opponents argued it would weaken parking enforcement, especially for out-of-state plates and booting. The bill passed to Appropriations on a divided vote. AB 1423 would apply reliability standards to publicly funded EV chargers installed before 2024 and allow enforcement of uptime rules; EV charging industry groups opposed the retroactive approach, while supporters emphasized taxpayer accountability. It passed to Utilities and Energy. The committee also approved a consent calendar of five bills earlier in the hearing. Multiple roll calls were held open for additional votes, and the chair recessed the committee near the end of the meeting to allow the final author to arrive and complete the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Veterans must still meet California medical eligibility standards and obtain verification from a licensed
• This bill simply ensures that once a veteran has a verified medical condition under California standards
• California medical eligibility standards and obtain verification from a licensed physician.
• This bill simply ensures that once a veteran has a verified medical condition under California standards
• , AMVETS Department of California, the California State Commanders Veterans Council, Military Officers

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• A recent California Earthquake Authority report A recent California Earthquake Authority report recommended
• Anywhere in California.
• organizations, including the California Association of Realtors, California Building Industry Association
• , California Escrow Association, and the California Mortgage Bankers Association, among others, noting
• We also want to make sure that we go up to code because we haven't updated these codes in 40 years.

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on insurance transparency, claims handling, privacy, and regulatory enforcement. SB 877 and SB 878 by Senator Pérez addressed post-disaster claims practices: SB 877 would require insurers to disclose original and revised loss estimates and related claim materials to policyholders, while SB 878 would add automatic interest penalties for delayed claim decisions or payments and require written identification of disputed items. Fire survivors, consumer groups, AARP, the Department of Insurance, and other advocates supported both bills, while insurer groups moved to neutral after amendments. Both bills were voted out on roll call and reported to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 1054 by Senator Cabaldon, which would expand data sharing and reporting to improve workforce program evaluation and help counties verify work requirements for Medi-Cal and CalFresh using employer-reported hours worked. County officials, workforce advocates, and the Department of Insurance supported the measure, and no opposition was heard. The bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Committee on Labor and Employment. SB 1209 by Senator Allen, presented with Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, would give the commissioner stronger enforcement tools to require insurers to carry out corrective actions identified in market conduct examinations, including fines and hearings for noncompliance. The commissioner and author said the bill would close an enforcement gap and improve accountability; there was no opposition testimony, but the bill was left on call after the roll. The committee also heard SB 354 on insurance privacy, presented by Senator Padilla on behalf of Pro Tem Limón, which would modernize insurance privacy rules by expanding consumer rights over personal data, limiting sale and use of sensitive information, and increasing disclosure requirements. Supporters said the bill updates outdated 1980s-era rules, while insurers, agents, and business groups raised concerns about scope, compliance burdens, and small-business impacts. Members indicated the bill was still being negotiated and would return in a revised form in the Privacy Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• California population.
• It's the standardized practice.
• The money is coming back into California, staying in California.
• to build out services and build out base operations.
• And having a standard, California is a leader, the nation looks to us, establish the standard, and then

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the work of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s role in supporting them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, survivor benefits, education waivers, health care access, and broader wraparound support. Several speakers argued that California’s veteran population is underserved relative to demand, that CVSOs produce a strong return on investment, and that the state should increase funding to reduce backlogs, expand staffing, and meet the Legislature’s stated goal of funding 50% of county veterans’ services operations. Testimony from county officials highlighted local models of service. Los Angeles County described a “no wrong door” approach, the Veteran Peer Access Network, suicide review efforts, justice-involved veteran services, and coordinated homelessness response, all supported by county leadership and partnerships with the VA and community organizations. San Luis Obispo County described rural outreach, mental health grants, suicide prevention work, and a food pantry, while also noting reduced subvention funding despite increased workload and high client satisfaction. Witnesses repeatedly warned that unaccredited claims consultants charge veterans large fees, sometimes seek access to VA and banking logins, and can delay or harm claims; they urged stronger enforcement and more accessible free alternatives through accredited offices. CalVet Deputy Secretary Roberto Herrera explained the accreditation system, CalVet’s training academy, district office review process, and the role of CVSOs in improving claim quality and appeals outcomes. He said California’s claims filed under CalVet power of attorney are completed faster than many others and that appeals representation has favorable outcomes above the national average. A researcher from the Center for a New American Security said California’s CVSO structure is a strong model nationally and that higher investment in CVSOs correlates with better claims outcomes and improved service delivery. Committee members asked about collaboration, funding formulas, suicide prevention, and how to curb predatory claims businesses; witnesses said the state should strengthen county partnerships, expand resources, and continue pursuing legislation targeting for-profit claims companies and veteran tax relief.

Transcript Highlights:

• The majority of local animal regulations have no corollary in state code.
• It happens in California. Oh, it's not going to happen here. But look next door in Oregon.
• Coming from California, I got here and people were like, oh, Idaho will never turn into California.
• But you get the foundation in, then you build your house on top of it.
• And cities safety, nuisance, zoning compatibility, and basic community standards.

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going from commercial to, in terms of the residential code versus the building code.
• what we traditionally think of as the commercial building code and the residential code.
• I'm going from commercial to, in terms of the residential code versus the building code.
• what we traditionally think of as the commercial building code and the residential code.
• I think more to your question is when we have the building codes and the energy codes, obviously we're

Committee: Senate Housing

Summary: The committee heard a series of abbreviated presentations focused on housing supply, transit-oriented development, and redevelopment of underused commercial land. Urban Institute researcher Yona Fremark discussed Washington’s transit-oriented development efforts under HB 1491, saying the state has made progress but faces major feasibility challenges from rising construction costs, higher interest rates, and uneven market conditions. She recommended targeted infrastructure funding for lower-market transit areas, adjusting MFTE/affordability requirements to local conditions, expanding affordable housing resources in high-market areas, tightening density requirements near transit, allowing more joint development on transit agency land, and creating a stronger system to track housing, affordability, demographic change, and access outcomes over time. Senators asked about AMI calculations, labor and immigration effects on construction, and the role of developer input. Dave Anderson of the Department of Commerce outlined implementation of HB 1491, including local government responsibilities for station area designation, zoning, anti-displacement policies, and MFTE updates. He said Vancouver and Spokane are first to implement, with Puget Sound following later, and described Commerce’s timeline for updated MFTE guidance, station-area implementation guidance, a TOD model ordinance, and later rulemaking. He also demonstrated the new Washington Zoning Atlas, a live statewide mapping tool showing zoning, overlays, and station-area geographies, which Commerce said can support analysis by agencies and the public. The committee then heard from Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck and James Rolf on commercial-to-residential redevelopment, who argued that converting vacant or underused commercial sites could produce a large amount of housing, increase tax revenue, and support transit-oriented growth. They identified barriers such as zoning requirements, affordability mandates, infrastructure costs, building code complexity, private covenants, and slow implementation of new laws, and urged by-right residential use on commercial land and faster implementation of housing reforms. The State Building Code Council provided an update on its code cycle and legislative mandates, including minimum dwelling size, emergency shelters, single-exit stairs, and multiplex housing. Council staff said the single-exit and multiplex work is nearing completion and will produce prescriptive solutions, while members discussed whether future legislation might address smaller elevators or more performance-based code approaches. Finally, Dr. Stephen Barrosa of the Washington Center for Real Estate Research reviewed housing affordability trends, noting that higher mortgage rates have sharply reduced homeownership affordability, flattened prices in major cities, and lowered single-family permitting and completions, while apartment vacancy rates have returned to more normal levels. The last presentation came from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission on the Covenant Home Ownership Program, which reported strong first-year results: 547 homebuyers assisted by June 2025, more than $60 million loaned, homes in 22 counties, and nearly 1,000 families assisted by the time of the hearing. The commission also reviewed program eligibility, outreach, and recent legislative changes to income limits and loan forgiveness that were not yet reflected in the first-year report.

Transcript Highlights:

• California College Promise Expansion.
• AB 888 Calderon, California Safe Homes, do pass out on an A roll call.
• AB 595 Carrillo building home building home ownership for all holding committee.
• AB 602, Haney, student code of.
• AB 891 Zuber quick build pilot program do pass out on a B roll call.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• of California a billion dollars.
• NAIFA California represents thousands of insurance agents and advisors in California who are dedicated
• California licensed credit unions. California licensed chartered banks, not the big ones.
• Sachsaflu, on behalf of the Rural County Representatives of California and the League of California Cities
• Sachsaflu on behalf of the rural county representatives of California and the League of California Cities

Committee: House Insurance

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee met as a subcommittee and heard several bills focused on insurance transparency, wildfire mitigation, access to coverage, and workforce issues. AB 75 would require insurers to give homeowners 30 days’ notice before collecting aerial images of their property and allow homeowners to review those images; supporters framed it as a privacy and consumer protection measure, while consumer advocates and insurers sought amendments to strengthen access and clarify coverage. The committee also heard AB 234, which would add the Assembly Speaker and Senate pro tem, or their designees, as nonvoting members of the California FAIR Plan governing committee; supporters said it would improve oversight, while opponents argued it was only a small transparency step and more reform was needed. Both bills were advanced, with AB 75 sent to Privacy and Consumer Protection and AB 234 sent to the Assembly Floor. Members also heard AB 428, which would allow water corporations to participate in joint powers authorities for pooled insurance purposes, with testimony from small water utilities describing steep premium increases and the need to reduce costs. The bill was supported by water industry and labor groups and passed to Local Government. The consent calendar included AB 69, AB 487, and AB 570, all sent to Appropriations. AB 943 would streamline producer pre-licensing education requirements by removing the 20-hour per-line mandate while keeping ethics training; industry sponsors said it would reduce barriers to entry, while consumer advocates warned it could lower professional standards. The committee approved AB 943 to Appropriations. AB 1209 would create a pathway for cannabis employers to secure workers’ compensation coverage and related services through a state-coordinated network, with supporters saying the industry faces unique banking and insurance constraints and that the bill would improve compliance and transparency. Opponents argued it could amount to a form of amnesty and questioned whether the industry was simply avoiding existing requirements. The committee advanced AB 1209 to Business and Professions. Finally, AB 1 would require the Department of Insurance to review and consider updates to the Safer from Wildfire regulations every five years starting in 2030; it drew broad support from the department, insurers, local governments, and fire-safety advocates, and was sent to Appropriations. Most measures passed on strong or unanimous votes, with AB 1209 receiving a 15-2 vote.