Transcript Highlights:

• These are low-interest loans that are much cheaper than traditional financing.
• Additionally, an update on the health care expansion loan program: Treasurer Ma mentioned that interest
• We offer competitive interest rates, ranging from two to four percent.
• I come in who were particularly interested in Ridgecrest Regional Hospital on this list.
• Outweighs the public interest served in disclosing the schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, Secretary of Security. That's a good point too.
• officer who's handling the cyber side of security.
• Secondly, they're looking at the Social Security number to make sure it's valid.
• Interesting to see how that plays out again with the parliamentarian ruling.
• Uh, they can't touch Social Security through that. That process Favors spending.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, I will say those are some interesting comments, Mr.
• So physical security, information security, fraud detection controls.
• So physical security, information security, fraud, benefit from the project or harm the project.
• So physical security, information security, fraud detection controls.
• It's a great public interest that people know that.

Summary: The committee first heard a DMV budget presentation on the state-to-state verification system required for Real ID compliance and the Digital Experience Platform (DXP) modernization project. DMV officials said the state-to-state system is a pointer-based exchange used when a person applies for a license in another state, with only limited identifying data shared initially and the full driver history sent only after a qualified request. Members raised concerns about privacy, possible misuse by other states or federal actors, notification to Californians, hacking, and whether California could detect or stop abusive access. DMV said it can monitor requests, see patterns of access, work with AAMVA and legal counsel, and seek to block or challenge misuse; LAO said California is in a difficult position and should consider guardrails rather than opt out. On DXP, DMV said the project is on its revised schedule and budget, occupational licensing is complete, vehicle registration is expected by the end of calendar year 2026, and the full system should be finished by fiscal year 2028-29, with phased rollout and reappropriated funding to keep costs controlled. The committee then heard from the California High-Speed Rail Office of Inspector General on a trailer bill and AB 1608. The Inspector General said current law does not clearly authorize public reports or establish a framework for retaining and disclosing work papers, and the proposed trailer bill would create that framework while also adding authority to hire needed classifications and purchase goods and services. He also said the office needs a clearer statutory definition of “proposed agreements” and notice when the High-Speed Rail Authority is reviewing them, so the office can review contracts and related agreements effectively. LAO raised no concerns with the trailer bill language, and Finance said any amendments would come in the May revision. Members debated the scope of confidentiality in the Inspector General proposal, especially whether reports could be held confidential when they identify weaknesses in fraud controls, security, or other vulnerabilities. The Inspector General said confidentiality would be temporary, tied to articulating the risk, reassessing it every 120 days, and releasing the report once the risk is no longer substantial; he also said the office had already published reports at its discretion and had found at least one procurement violation involving an amendment that added services not in the original contract. Several members pressed for stronger transparency and suggested time limits or broader disclosure, while others argued the bill would improve oversight and make the Inspector General’s authority clearer. No votes were taken during the discussion, and the item was left for further work on the trailer bill and AB 1608 language.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:02.640><c> notes</c> interesting notes interesting notes typically<00:04:04.959><c> uh</c><00:
• can rest easy about their information being secure.
• </c> there's no tax on your social security there's no tax on your social security so<01:02:16.039><c
• </c> included in this and I'm I'm interested included in this and I'm I'm interested even<01:10:12.800
• </c><01:13:40.120><c> how</c> charged so that's why interesting how charged so that's why interesting

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• And then also, I'm just an interested time.
• on the 12 hours. just an interest of time.
• And that continuum was poised to include five staff-secure programs and one hardware-secure program for
• So that continuum is operating at three staff-secure sites throughout the state and one hardware-secure
• Our staff-secure programs tend to be less utilized, as compared to our hardware-secure facilities, which

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from Senate Chair Robyn Kennedy and House Chair Chynah Tyler, who emphasized that the fiscal year 2026 hearing was focused on the Health and Human Services budget, asked members to keep questions budget-related, and noted that no public testimony would be taken. They also highlighted the choice of Doherty Memorial High School as the venue to showcase Worcester’s investment in career and technical education. Committee members then introduced themselves before the first panel, the Executive Office of Veterans Services and the state veterans homes, began testimony. Secretary John Santiago said the governor’s FY26 proposal would support implementation of the HERO Act, which he said is now about 95% implemented, including higher disabled veteran annuities, expanded behavioral health benefits, and other service expansions. He described efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, including nearly $20 million in ARPA-funded housing and outreach initiatives, and said the agency has delivered more than 100,000 supportive services to nearly 8,500 veterans. Leaders from the Chelsea and Holyoke veterans homes reported on staffing, quality measures, electronic medical records, and major construction projects at both facilities, including a new Chelsea campus and the new Holyoke home. Members asked about funding transfers, geographic equity in access to the homes, outreach to women veterans and veterans of color, suicide prevention, Gold Star family support, and the impact of federal uncertainty; Santiago said the homes are now licensed and certified, that the current budget is sufficient, and that the agency is expanding engagement and data collection. The second panel, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, testified that its FY26 request is about $3.3 million, up from the current $2 million, to cover staffing, a larger office, and higher technology costs. Veteran Advocate Bob Notch said the office is a new independent oversight agency created in 2022 to examine systems, coordinate with local veteran service officers, and investigate fatalities or serious harm involving veterans in state care. He said the office’s work depends on research, data, and collaboration with other agencies, and that current funding is only enough for minimum operations. In response to questions, Notch and Deputy Commissioner David O’Callaghan discussed the difficulty of tracking veteran suicides, the need for better data across agencies, and the office’s role as an oversight body rather than a direct service provider. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• employed as a security officer or guard.
• An armed private security guard is an armed security guard who has a current firearm certificate and
• To be licensed as an armed private security guard, an applicant must be licensed as a private security
• A private security company may not require a private security guard to reimburse the application, license
• This is an interesting question, right?

Summary: The Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee met on January 27 and first took executive action on three bills. House Bill 2311, which makes administrative changes to the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board, was reported out with a do pass recommendation after the Leavitt amendment was withdrawn; supporters emphasized transparency, accountability, and student success metrics, while one member opposed moving it forward and urged more interim work. House Bill 2324, which extends tuition waiver access for children of eligible veterans when a disability determination occurs after age 18, passed unanimously. House Bill 288, the Dietitian Licensure Compact, was amended to delay implementation until July 1, 2028 and then passed unanimously as a substitute bill; members cited workforce shortages and the value of broader licensure portability. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2422 would shift private security guard licensing fees from individual guards to their employers, eliminate transfer fees, and penalize companies that require reimbursement; the sponsor and workers testified that the current system burdens low-wage guards and contributes to high turnover, while some members asked about whether fees could instead be lowered or eliminated. House Bill 2438 would create the SEEDS scholarship for early childhood education students using up to $10 million from the GET account if it remains sufficiently funded; the sponsor described it as a targeted test of surplus GET funds to address early learning workforce shortages, and testimony from educators, providers, and advocacy groups strongly supported it, while WASAC said the bill may need technical changes to avoid conflicts with existing 529 rules. The committee also heard House Bill 2525, which would create a WSU heritage orchard program and registry for old or rare apple varieties; the sponsor and industry witnesses said it would preserve agricultural history, support research, and aid future breeding and education. Finally, House Bill 2586 would align Passport to Careers with federal financial aid formulas and automatically deem Passport-eligible youth financially needy for the Washington College Grant; the sponsor and WASAC said it would help foster youth and homeless students access aid earlier and more predictably, and multiple students and advocates testified in strong support. No final action was taken on the bills heard in public testimony during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And now, security at public counters. That would be item number four. Good afternoon.
• So these on-site security guards would greatly enhance our staff security and safety, and then also help
• And up until literally this summer, I did not have a security system, even a Ring camera.
• And almost every, We have to have security.
• We were very happy to have had the security there. So this is real for all of us.

Transcript Highlights:

• your interest and appreciate your interest and participation<00:04:17.359><c> in</c><00:04:17.600><c
• You just missed the security warning, which is very serious. >> The security warning is don't stand on
• . security. security.
• </c><00:36:31.520><c> So</c> they are secured by real estate. So they are secured by real estate.
• </c> resistant glass and air intake security resistant glass and air intake security protection.

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 358 aligns CalECPA with privacy interests.
• Walking into the ticketing war is not at all something I'm interested in.
• Solving real issues for real Californians is something I'm interested in.
• So if it is needed for the safety and security of the people in...
• Except for allowing geofencing for security purposes.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 56, which would require social media platforms to display a warning label about potential mental health harms from prolonged use, with amendments shortening the initial warning and allowing immediate access to the platform. The author and supporters, including a parent who lost a daughter to suicide and a therapist, argued that social media contributes to teen anxiety, self-harm, and other harms and that families need clearer public health information. Opponents from tech and civil liberties groups argued the bill would be ineffective, burdensome, and likely unconstitutional, saying it would create warning fatigue and should be replaced by more targeted tools and digital literacy measures. Several members discussed emergency access concerns, language access, and whether the warning should be more actionable; the bill was moved on a 9-0 vote to the Judiciary Committee. The committee then took up AB 358, which would amend CalECPA to allow law enforcement, with the victim’s consent, to inspect certain abandoned tracking or surveillance devices found in a victim’s home, vehicle, or personal property without first obtaining a warrant. The author and a San Diego prosecutor said the bill is narrowly tailored to devices used solely for spying and is intended to help stalking and domestic violence survivors act quickly before evidence is lost. Opponents from EFF and the ACLU warned the bill would weaken warrant protections, create a loophole around CalECPA, and reduce transparency and accountability. Members debated Fourth Amendment issues, abandonment, and the practical need for rapid access; the bill passed the committee on a 9-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1137, which builds on last year’s CSAM reporting law by allowing any user to report child sexual abuse material, requiring clearer reporting mechanisms, adding human review in some cases, and mandating third-party audits and public reporting. Supporters, including survivor advocates and a parent of a child victim, said the bill would reduce the burden on survivors and improve removal of abusive content. Tech industry opponents said they support the goal but objected to the human-review mandate, public audit disclosures, and enforcement provisions, arguing they could create security risks and compliance burdens. Members generally supported the bill’s intent but raised questions about audit frequency and human review; the bill was moved on call with seven votes at the time of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in other words, interest rate markets change, and as a result, interest rates have lowered.
• interest rate.
• It makes the interest savings as...
• The sole security for the bonds is... The property.
• Great interest there, but that, that is a little... loan interest has grown, but the interest that's

Bills: HB1453 , HB1718 , HB2043 , HB2207 , HB2798

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Keywords: local governments, anticipation notes, certificates of obligation, public works, flood control, financial management, local government, municipal financing, private activity bonds, closing definition, real estate finance, bond issuance, government regulation, bond election, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, political subdivision, city bonds, county bonds, school district bonds

Transcript Highlights:

• And now, security at public counters. That would be item number four. Good afternoon.
• These on-site security guards would greatly enhance our staff security and safety, and then also help
• And up until literally this summer, I did not have a security system, even a Ring camera.
• We have to have security.
• We were very happy to have had the security there. So this is real for all of us.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on State Administration met to hear the Civil Rights Department’s budget items, with the chair opening by emphasizing that agency directors should appear in person if they want their items heard. Go-Biz was not heard because its director was absent. The department outlined four chaptered-legislation implementation items: SB 464 on updated pay data reporting categories, AB 822 extending the Commission on the State of Hate, AB 935 expanding data collection and reporting, and SB 518 creating the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery. The Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst’s Office had no concerns with these proposals. Members then asked about the department’s broader workload and role in responding to discrimination, hate incidents, and immigration-related fears in communities. CRD explained that it handles complaints in areas such as housing, employment, public accommodations, hate crimes, and human trafficking, but does not have jurisdiction over the federal government or landlord-tenant law generally. Officials said filings and open matters have risen sharply, with the department nearing 12,000 open matters, and described outreach in multiple languages, immigrant-serving work, and support for victims through T and U visa-related assistance. They also discussed the Commission on the State of Hate, the California vs. Hate hotline, and coordination with Stop the Hate grantees and community organizations. The committee also heard items on ongoing workload for AB 2188, AB 1041, and AB 1949, which would convert limited-term resources to permanent positions because workload has met or exceeded initial estimates. The LAO had no concerns. A final item requested $502,000 for ongoing security guard services at CRD public counters after more than a dozen threats to staff since July 2024; the LAO again had no concerns. Members expressed support for the security request and discussed the need for safe public-facing offices. No votes were taken, and each item was closed after discussion and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we actually have other members who are interested in running or for people who are leaving.
• , but he's also interested in serving on Judiciary and Ways and Means.
• , including election security and election administration.
• This bill codifies existing voter ID and foreign interest laws, so no change there.
• These elections are safe and secure, and every vote is counted.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's really trying to balance the due process rights of everyone with the security interest that we're
• So it's really trying to balance the due process rights of everyone with the security interest that we're
• So it's really trying to balance the due process rights of everyone with the security interest that we're
• So it's really trying to balance the due process rights of everyone with the security interest that we're
• So it's really trying to balance the due process rights of everyone with the security interest that we're

Summary: The committee first discussed a budget-related issue involving liquor commission enforcement staff and tobacco enforcement funding. A member explained that proposed cuts to “group two” enforcement positions at the liquor commission could jeopardize the tobacco enforcement money that flows to Health and Human Services, and expressed confidence that the enforcement division would ultimately be preserved. The main hearing was on Senate Bill 19, which would modernize hotel and motel statutes by repealing outdated requirements. The sponsor and the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association said the bill would remove obsolete rules such as the old guest book/card system and antiquated posting requirements for room rates and motel signs. Members questioned whether the bill would eliminate the requirement to record guest departure dates or affect inspection rights, and the witnesses said the intent was only to remove the book-and-card reference while leaving the rest of the recordkeeping requirement in place. Supporters argued the rate-posting rules are widely ignored, hard to enforce, and outdated in an era of digital reservations and variable pricing; the committee also discussed whether any consumer-protection purpose remained. The public hearing on SB 19 was then closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 280FN, which would require food delivery services to have an agreement with a restaurant or food retail store before offering delivery from that business. The sponsor said the bill restores a prior law that had sunset and was intended to prevent third-party platforms from listing restaurants without consent. Restaurant industry testimony strongly supported the bill, describing problems with unauthorized listings, delayed deliveries, and reimbursement disputes, and saying the agreement requirement protects restaurant brands and consumer expectations. Members shared examples of delivery problems and voiced support for reinstating the safeguard.

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides a safe, secure campus by requiring public institutions to annually conduct security assessments
• I'm very pleased that it included security assessments of the facility.
• It's interesting because this committee was being heard while I was presenting a bill.
• And it's interesting because this is the dichotomy of school safety.
• I'm working with lots of the interested parties and I've spoken with many board members.

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And she oversees the Security Operations Center.
• We are not interested in any of the business data. We are interested in the protection of the data.
• Security function within the state of New Mexico.
• But they're a commodity that people are very interested in.
• And then the other interested parties would be utilities.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• But is the goal of that security, does it have a secondary purpose? It absolutely does, sir.
• There are other advantages to our security than just trying to allocate transmission costs fairly.
• In reference to losing business or interest in Texas, I just don't think that'll happen either.
• Maybe that's the time to give back most or all, less any actual cost of that financial security.
• So now you've got financial security amounts and site control requirements that are much tighter.

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• We are very interested in the bill today.
• We have a very strong interest in the Williamson Act and protecting and preserving ag land, but also
• With respect to cancellation fees, I think, you know, we're very interested in the issue.
• We have a number of different interests in terms of wanting to see this policy forward.
• AB 675 will secure the future of California's Farm to School program by making it state law.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Agriculture met as a subcommittee and heard several bills, with extensive discussion focused on balancing agricultural land preservation, water scarcity, renewable energy, and farm equity. AB 1156 by Assembly Member Wicks would update the solar use easement program to allow certain Williamson Act lands facing water constraints to be used for solar projects through a suspension rather than cancellation of contracts. Supporters said the bill could help landowners and local governments adapt to falling water supplies and meet clean energy goals, while opponents, including the Farm Bureau, warned it could weaken Williamson Act protections, expand solar development onto prime farmland, and eliminate cancellation fees that help preserve agricultural land. RCRC said its concerns had largely been addressed through amendments and moved from opposition to support once changes are in print, though committee members continued to raise concerns about prime farmland, community benefits, and definitions of commercial viability and water constraints. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass-as-amended motion, with a later roll call recording six votes in favor and one absent member voting aye. AB 524 by Assembly Member Wilson would create a new state land access program for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, using Proposition 4 funding to provide financial and technical assistance for land acquisition, protection, and long-term leases. Testimony emphasized the lack of secure land tenure for small and underserved farmers, the loss of farmland statewide, and the difficulty of investing in sustainable practices without stable access to land. Committee members strongly supported the measure, with several noting the importance of land access for family farms and equity in agriculture. The bill passed unanimously on an 8-0 vote. The committee also approved AB 675 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which would codify California’s Farm to School program in statute. Supporters said the program connects students to healthy local food, creates stable markets for farmers, and supports agricultural and nutrition education, while helping direct school meal dollars to California producers. Witnesses from the Center for Ecoliteracy and CAFF described the program’s statewide reach and benefits for small farms and high-need schools. The bill passed on an 8-0 vote. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, approving AB 1322 and AB 1505 on an 8-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• time period according to statute, where the State's obligated for that interest.
• Now, which you have piqued my interest, however, is you've got a meta case.
• And you mentioned that we're paying interest. What rate of interest are we paying?
• **Senator Bettencourt**: What the interest rate is, if you know it? You know it?
• And we don't think there's interest involved here.

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, Attorney General, budget recommendations, funding swaps, salary increases, Landowner's Compensation Program, public testimony, law enforcement

Summary: The meeting focused on the budget recommendations for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), where key issues included the proposed decrease of $163.9 million for the 2024-25 biennium and various methodology swaps for funding. Attorney General Paxton discussed ongoing litigation expenditures and emphasized the need for continued investments in agency staffing to address rising demands within law enforcement. Notably, he requested a 6% salary increase for 2026 and 2027 to retain talented personnel amidst competitive job markets. Public testimony highlighted community awareness challenges regarding the Landowner's Compensation Program, indicating a need for enhanced outreach efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• This just seems, I wouldn't call it a conflict of interest.
• We could presume will act in the best interest of the child.
• Of the beneficiary but demonstrates a strong interest in their well-being.
• Social Security. Social Security. Okay, thank you.
• And is there a definition for "best interest of the child" in your bill?

Committee: House House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• The food security infrastructure grant.
• So I think this is a very interesting idea.
• But I use it as an illustration that we do have a public interest in this farmland.
• But I use it as an illustration that we do have a public interest in this farmland.
• But I use it as an illustration that we do have a public interest in this farmland.