Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly and ask him for more general revenue.
• Evans be elected Speaker-designate for the 96th Arkansas General Assembly. That's a proper motion.
• Evans as Speaker-designate for the 96th General Assembly. All in favor, say aye. All opposed, no.
• Evans has been elected Speaker-designate of the 96th General Assembly. Mr.
• I pledge to you today as your designate for the Speaker of the 96th General Assembly I pledge to you

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests in the galleries, including state officers, medical personnel, student groups, and former first ladies. Members adopted consent-calendar resolutions, and House Resolution 1052 concerning Arkansas Girl State was withdrawn after Rep. DeAnn Vaught explained that 150 girls had missed a registration deadline and that the House would instead host an alternative Girls State experience this summer. The chamber then took up several fiscal-session appropriation bills. Senate Bills 3, 4, 7, 15, 21, and 31, covering appropriations for Shared Services, Health licensing and regulation, Commerce/Insurance, Parks and Tourism, Human Services adult-aging-behavioral health, and administrative courts, all passed with large bipartisan margins. Senate Bill 75, an economic development appropriation for West Memphis, also passed after brief discussion. Senate Bill 77, an unfunded appropriation related to Arkansas Television Network/PBS matching funds, drew extended debate over whether it should support PBS programming, infrastructure, or private-donation matching; it failed on the first vote, was brought back for reconsideration because some members had not voted, and then failed again 73-24. After the fiscal work concluded, Rep. Meeks moved to adjourn sine die, ending the House’s fiscal session. The House then convened as a caucus to elect the Speaker-designate for the 96th General Assembly. The body suspended the formal election process and unanimously elected Speaker Brian S. Evans as Speaker-designate. Evans thanked members, reflected on the prior session, and pledged continued leadership and accountability before the House adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Ward, we're on item number one. Assembly Member Ward is an aye. Ta: Aye.
• Assembly Member Haney? Aye. Assembly Member Hayes? Aye. Wilson? This is Wilson. So this is 12 to 0.
• Item number eight, Assembly Member Kalra? Aye. Assembly Member Tangipa. Item number six, SB 10.03.
• Item number eight, Assembly Member Calra? Aye. Assembly member Tankepa. Assembly Member Calra? Aye.
• Assembly Member Carler. Aye. Assembly Member Carla is an aye. So that's 9 to 2. Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills, beginning with SB 1003, which would create pro-housing enhanced infrastructure financing districts to help local governments fund infrastructure needed for housing developments. The author and supporters argued that infrastructure costs often prevent projects from penciling out, while the chair expressed support and said the bill would be taken up later when quorum was available. SB 1014 followed, proposing new disclosure requirements for local jurisdictions to provide good-faith estimates of on-site and off-site improvements within 30 days of application, with supporters saying it would reduce late surprises and opposition from several cities citing implementation concerns with the 30-day timelines. The committee then took up SB 802, a Sacramento-region bill requiring a joint powers authority to coordinate housing and homelessness services. Senator Ashby and former Mayor Darrell Steinberg argued that Sacramento’s fragmented system has failed for years and that a JPA would improve accountability, coordination, and use of state funds. The bill drew broad support from local officials, service providers, business groups, and advocates, while some county and city representatives registered opposition or neutral concerns about state-mandated local governance. Several committee members said they were persuaded by the need for regional coordination, though some raised concerns about local control; the chair noted the bill would be moved when quorum allowed. The committee also heard SB 1092 and SB 1093, both focused on mobile home park residents after disasters or park sales. SB 1092 would give residents a right of first opportunity to match a sale offer for a park, with supporters saying it protects vulnerable seniors and preserves affordable housing, while park owners and their representatives argued it would devalue property and raise constitutional and financing concerns. SB 1093 would require more transparent communication, access to property, and consideration of rebuilding or closure after a disaster; supporters cited the long uncertainty faced by Palisades residents, while opponents warned about liability, safety, and burdensome review requirements. Members split along similar lines, with some emphasizing property rights and market impacts and others stressing the need to protect residents and preserve scarce affordable housing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Taugh? Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Okay, I have a motion by Assembly Member Davies, second by Assembly Member Soria.
• Okay, so motion by Assembly Member Solache and second by Assembly Member Gibson.
• Okay, so motion by Assembly Member Solace. And second by Assembly Member Gibson.
• I have a motion by Assembly Member Macedo and a second by Assembly Member Dixon.

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Organization heard several bills related to outdoor advertising, open meetings, and San Francisco economic development. SB 364 by Senator Strickland would speed up processing of outdoor advertising permits by allowing Caltrans to act on applications as freeway projects are completed in segments, and clarifies customary maintenance of signs. Supporters said the bill would reduce permit backlogs and help local governments and the billboard industry; there was no opposition. The committee passed SB 364 to Appropriations, with the roll left open for additional votes. SB 470 by Senator Laird would extend until January 1, 2030 the sunset on the alternative Bagley-Keene open meeting rules adopted in SB 544, allowing state boards and commissions to continue using remote participation under specified conditions. Supporters from the Little Hoover Commission and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities said the current law has increased public participation, saved money, and improved access for people with disabilities and caregivers. Opponents, including ACA of California Action, the California News Publishers Association, and media and transparency groups, argued the bill weakens in-person public access and accountability. The committee approved SB 470 to Appropriations, with some no votes and the roll held open. SB 395 by Senator Wiener would let San Francisco create a hospitality zone in Union Square/Yerba Buena with up to 20 additional non-transferable liquor licenses for restaurants to support downtown recovery. City and business representatives said the measure would help fill vacancies, attract restaurants, and boost foot traffic, while remaining temporary and geographically limited. The bill passed to Appropriations with broad support and no opposition. SB 783 by Senator Rubio would extend until January 1, 2029 the special outdoor advertising rules for signs in former redevelopment areas; supporters said it would give affected communities time to find a permanent solution, while billboard industry opponents warned about compliance and federal highway funding risks. The committee passed SB 783 to Appropriations as amended, and then adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do a general overview of what it does.
• So we will go to opposition for Assembly Bill 243 in Carson.
• We will now move to neutral for Assembly Bill 243 and Carson.
• Assembly Member Hibbitts, I appreciate it.
• by Assembly Members Hibbitts and Dwin.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is file item number 13, AB 673, by Assembly Member Jackson.
• Yes, I assembly member and thanks for the question.
• I just wanted to respond to Assembly Member Hoover's line of argumentation and now Assembly Member Castillo's
• Assembly Bill 291 is that mechanism.
• Motion from Assembly Member Addis. Second from Assembly Member Lowenthal. Please call the roll.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard a full agenda of bills, first adopting a consent calendar of 11 measures without individual presentations. The committee then took up AB 1412, which would require California schools to implement or adopt a transferred special education student’s IEP within 30 days for out-of-state transfers and to coordinate more quickly on records. The author and military-family witnesses said the bill would reduce delays for highly mobile students, especially military children; a school administrators group opposed it. The bill received initial support from committee members and was moved on call. The committee also reconsidered AB 281, which would require notice to parents when outside consultants provide sex education instruction; the author accepted amendments removing a copy-right provision, but the bill remained on call after a split vote. The committee heard AB 1005, which would create a statewide drowning-prevention education and swim-lesson voucher framework for underserved communities. The author and supporters described drowning as a preventable public health and equity issue, while the bill was clarified as developing a plan rather than immediately launching a voucher program. It was voted out on a 3-0 roll with the measure placed on call. AB 908, as amended, would add compliance monitoring for existing requirements that schools use LGBTQ-inclusive instructional materials and curriculum under the FAIR Act. Supporters said the bill would improve implementation and student safety; opponents raised concerns about privacy, girls’ sports, and school burdens. The committee approved the bill 5-2 and sent it to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 1401, which would affirm parents’ access to school records, including unofficial records unless exempt by law. The author argued that parents need clearer access to information held by schools and vendors, while school officials and teachers’ union representatives warned the bill was too vague and could sweep in personal notes, journals, and other sensitive material. The bill failed on a 2-3 vote and was placed on call. Finally, AB 727 would require student ID cards to include the Trevor Project hotline for LGBTQ youth; supporters framed it as a suicide-prevention measure, while opponents argued it conflicted with parental rights and religious beliefs. Committee discussion focused on whether 988 already provides similar access and whether the Trevor Project is an appropriate resource to print on IDs; the hearing continued with the bill still under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, thank you, Assembly Member.
• I think that is a general concern.
• Thank you, Assembly Member.
• And I know the Assembly...
• Thank you, Assembly Member.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee held an informational hearing on AB 715, followed by discussion of SB 48. AB 715 was presented by Assembly Members Zbur and Addis as a response to rising anti-Semitism in California schools. They described incidents involving harassment, swastikas, biased classroom materials, and students feeling unsafe, and said the bill would create an Office of Civil Rights with coordinators to address anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, provide prevention resources, and support school districts. Witnesses in support, including a rabbi and a student who described personal experiences with anti-Semitic harassment, urged immediate action to protect Jewish students. Opposition testimony came from the California Teachers Association, county superintendents, school board groups, labor organizations, civil liberties advocates, ethnic studies educators, and many community members. Their main concerns were that the bill was rushed, had not been fully vetted in the Assembly Education Committee, and could chill classroom speech or create constitutional problems, especially around language requiring instruction and materials to be “factually accurate” and not based on advocacy, bias, or partisanship. Several opponents argued that anti-Semitism should be addressed through education, training, and restorative practices rather than new statutory restrictions. Some witnesses also raised concerns about the bill’s impact on ethnic studies and free speech. Committee members then debated the bill’s process and substance at length. The authors said the bill had been narrowed through negotiations with education stakeholders and the Senate, that some disputed provisions would be revisited in cleanup language, and that the urgency of anti-Semitic incidents required action now. Several members expressed support for the bill’s goal but criticized the late release of the final language and the lack of consultation with the Assembly committee. Others emphasized the need to protect Jewish students immediately and argued the bill was a necessary response to a real crisis. The transcript does not show a final vote on AB 715 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee is now called to order.
• We have two announcements: AB 2558 by Assembly Member B. 2746 by Assembly Member Chiavo have been pulled
• Assembly Member Crowell? Thank you.
• Assembly Member Shalba. Thank you so much for this bill.
• Assembly Member, would you like to close? Thank you again.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met and first approved the consent calendar, sending AB 2028, AB 2425, and AB 2795 to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The committee also announced that AB 2558 and AB 2746 had been pulled from the agenda. The chair reviewed committee rules on written testimony and decorum before proceeding through the file order. AB 2116, which would regulate merchant cash advance and related small-business financing products under the California Consumer Financial Protection Law, drew strong support from the author and advocates who said it would close oversight gaps, require registration, prohibit confessions of judgment and power-of-attorney provisions before default, and improve transparency for small businesses. Supporters included small business advocates, consumer groups, local officials, and community organizations. Opposition from the Revenue-Based Finance Coalition argued the bill mixed consumer and commercial regulation, used inconsistent definitions of small business, and could restrict access to capital; they said amendments were being discussed. The committee passed AB 2116 to Appropriations. AB 2243, by Assembly Member Haney, would create a state bank commission to study whether California should establish a state bank or other public financing tools. Supporters said the state pays billions in interest to private lenders and could better use public funds for housing, infrastructure, climate, and small business lending. Opponents from the banking and credit union sectors raised concerns about taxpayer exposure, deposit guarantees, use of public funds, and the bill’s implications for existing financing structures. After discussion, the committee passed AB 2243 to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with some members voting no. AB 2350, as amended, would set guardrails on rent-now-pay-later products tied to rental housing to prevent predatory fees, high interest, and eviction risk for renters. The author and supporters emphasized the bill’s consumer protection goals, while industry representatives opposed it unless amended, saying they had not seen final language and wanted the bill narrowed to avoid broader impacts on the financial services sector. The committee passed AB 2350 as amended to Appropriations. At the end of the meeting, the committee completed roll calls for absent members and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Messages from the Assembly.
• And I also want to acknowledge our sorors in the Assembly, Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman and Rodneyse
• >> CALENDAR 394, ASSEMBLY 5383A BY ASSEMBLY ME BORES, AN ACT TO AMEND THE PUBLIC HEALTH LAW.
• Ayes 58, nays 1. >> The bill is passed. >> Calendar 1092, Assembly 3254A, Assembly Member Dinowitz, an
• Ayes 41, nays 18. >> The bill is passed. >> The bill is passed. >> Calendar 1110, Assembly 6029, Assembly

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and handled several motions to discharge and substitute identical Assembly or Senate bills, along with a number of amendments. The chamber also welcomed student visitors from the League of Women Voters’ Students of Albany program and a group of Staten Island titleholders, and later adopted previously approved resolutions honoring Dorothy E. Reid for her role in Brown v. Board of Education and recognizing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on Delta Day, with multiple senators speaking in support of both recognitions. The bulk of the floor session was devoted to third-reading votes on a large number of bills, most of which passed with broad support. Measures addressed public health, workers’ compensation, education, environmental conservation, insurance, labor, criminal procedure, domestic relations, tax, municipal authority, and correction law. Several bills were explained by sponsors as advancing stormwater management authority, labor-law transparency, public health protections, and stronger penalties for trafficking-related offenses; one bill on immunization in summer camps drew a defense from Senator Skoufis as a child-protection measure, while another on correction law passed with some Republican opposition. The chamber also took up a controversial public health/electronic health records bill by Senator Fernandez. Senator Martin questioned the bill at length about redacting certain categories of information, emergency access, provider obligations, and the impact on doctors’ ability to see complete medical histories. Fernandez said the bill was intended to protect patients from discrimination and to limit access to a small list of sensitive services, while also noting emergency exceptions and support from more than 200 health care providers. The debate remained focused on balancing privacy protections with concerns about continuity of care and record integrity.

Transcript Highlights:

• By prior arrangement, Assembly Member Pellerin will present AB 2460 by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez
• That is AB 2509 with Assembly Member Schultz.
• I'm here to present Assembly Bill 2526.
• I see a motion from Assembly Member Lowenthal. I think I saw a second from Assembly Member Bonta.
• I see a motion from Assembly Member Lowenthal. I think I saw a second from Assembly Member Banta.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard a lengthy agenda of education-related bills, with quorum established at the start and several measures taken up on consent or special order. The committee also announced that AB 1644, AB 2362, and later AB 2197 were pulled from the hearing. Members reminded the public of hearing rules and limited testimony to two witnesses each in support and opposition. AB 2651, by Assemblymember Bonta, would require schools to notify parents when school vaccination rates fall below herd-immunity thresholds. Supporters, including physicians, the California State PTA, public health groups, and school employee organizations, argued that families need timely, school-specific information to protect children and vulnerable community members. Opponents raised concerns about privacy, stigma, and whether school-level snapshots could be misleading. The bill passed the committee 5-1 and later 7-1 on the roll call. AB 2509, by Assemblymember Schultz, would allow districts to use a five-year rolling average for ADA funding calculations; supporters said it would stabilize funding amid attendance declines, while one member noted concerns about masking long-term enrollment problems. It passed 5-1 and later 7-2. The committee also approved AB 2430, which would expand after-school access, especially for high school students, improve funding and transparency, and create a work group on program quality. Testimony emphasized the value of expanded learning for youth development and working families, and members discussed the need to address middle school access as well. AB 2526, focused on special education funding, would expand the low-incidence fund to include students qualifying for the California alternate assessment; supporters said it would better align funding with student need, while some concerns remained about over-identification. AB 2325, the Pathways to Bilingual Teaching Act, would create a grant program to build bilingual teacher pipelines through partnerships among schools, community colleges, and universities; it received strong support and passed unanimously. AB 2460, presented by Assemblymember Pellerin for Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez, would update school mental-health referral protocols to address trauma related to immigration enforcement; it also passed unanimously. AB 2404, which sought to require Central Valley representation on several governor-appointed bodies, drew debate over geographic representation and board composition and ultimately failed on a 2-5 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• ; file item number 3, AB 2155 by Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry; file item number 4, AB 2125 by Assembly
• AB 2199 by Assembly Member Macedo; file item number 12, AB 2323 by Assembly Member McKinner with amendments
• Assembly Member Stephanie.
• Okay, Assembly Member Calra and then Assembly Member Rogers, if no one shows up.
• Assembly Member Lee. Assembly Member Lee, you have AB 1804. 1801. That one, too. 1801. Got it.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met and heard a series of bills and one resolution, with the chair first outlining the consent calendar and the committee’s testimony rules. Senator McNerney presented SJR 18, a resolution condemning Citizens United and urging limits on corporate spending in elections; he argued that corporate and foreign money distort democracy, and Senator Reyes voiced support. No opposition testimony appeared. The committee then heard AB 2305, which would bar private equity firms, hedge funds, and other corporate lenders from influencing litigation decisions and treat such conduct as unauthorized practice of law. The author and Consumer Attorneys of California said the bill closes loopholes that allow outside financial interests to affect case strategy and settlements; the Civil Justice Association of California also supported it, while the International Legal Finance Association said it was neutral after amendments. AB 1977 followed, a Secretary of State-sponsored bill to clarify and correct the Online Notarization Act so remote notarizations can be implemented by 2030; the Secretary of State’s office and notary groups supported it, and there was no opposition. Assembly Member Rogers presented AB 1657, which would allow domestic violence survivors to seek temporary restraining orders without first giving notice to the restrained person, arguing that notice requirements can increase danger and delay protection. AB 1801, by Assembly Member Lee, would tighten public notice and hearing requirements for local contracts involving private immigration detention facilities, closing loopholes that had allowed rushed approvals; immigrant rights and civil rights groups supported it. Assembly Member Patel’s AB 2179 would extend e-filing and remote appearance options to workplace violence restraining orders, with support from local governments, prosecutors, unions, and other groups. Assembly Member Hart’s AB 1875 would let courts shorten or waive the six-month divorce waiting period for domestic violence survivors, with support from domestic violence advocates and several other organizations. After testimony, the committee took up votes. AB 2179 and AB 1875 both passed unanimously, AB 2305 passed 12-0, AB 1657 passed 12-0, AB 1801 passed 10-2, and AB 1977 passed 8-2. SJR 18 was adopted 10-2. The consent calendar also passed unanimously. The committee then adjourned until the following Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• That the General Assembly continues to partner with mental health providers and professionals, state
• Assembly<00:41:42.640> supports Two, that the General Assembly supports Two, that the General
• > partner general assembly continues to partner general assembly continues to partner with<00:41:
• And four, the general<00:42:01.680> assembly<00:42:02.079> recognizes<00:42:02.640>
• February<00:42:03.040> 26, general assembly recognizes February 26, general assembly recognizes

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the corrected February 25, 2026 journal, and received a series of committee reports. Those reports advanced several bills, including SB 110, SB 20, SB 115, SB 61, SB 35, SB 26, and SB 3, while SB 24 was postponed indefinitely. The chamber also confirmed or placed on the consent calendar several appointments, including reappointments to the boards of Fort Lewis College and the University of Northern Colorado, and later confirmed appointments to the Clean Fleet Enterprise. The Senate elected Senator Kathy Kip as President Pro Tem by a vote of 21-12. It then took up SJR 013, recognizing Youth Mental Health Action Day, which was adopted 33-0 after remarks emphasizing youth suicide, rural behavioral health needs, and the importance of expanding access to mental health care. The Senate also passed SB 37, allowing local elected judicial officers to set weekend bonds, and SB 84, concerning privileges for certain state entities in connection with the state auditor’s fraud hotline. In the Committee of the Whole, the Senate passed HB 1035 on second reading and HB 1064, concerning modifications to the youthful offender system, after adopting amendment L004. The House bill on youthful offenders was described as clarifying Department of Corrections contracting and helping youth with disabilities participate in YOS programming. The Senate also confirmed appointments to the Institute of Cannabis Research Governing Board. Several items were laid over, including SB 53, SB 43, and SB 21, and the chamber recessed until 11:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Representative Lujan, I believe it reverts to the general fund. Thank you.
• That's actually money from the general fund to go into the public education reform fund.
• You know, as far as I think this group in general, we want these that we adopt to pass.
• You know, as far as I think this group in general, we want these that we adopt to pass.
• Section 504 is a general ed function.

Summary: The committee first heard a detailed staff presentation on the LESC FY27 public school support recommendation. Staff reviewed the budget structure and explained that, despite a downward revision in state revenue estimates, the recommendation still relied on recurring and non-recurring revenue to support educator compensation, insurance, transportation, literacy, math, special education, and other school programs. Major recurring items included a 3% compensation increase, funding for an 80-20 health insurance cost share, insurance premium growth, and transportation adequacy funding. Staff also flagged a possible supplemental need of up to $35 million for virtual education tied to rapid enrollment growth in Chama and Santa Rosa, and members raised concerns about the quality, accountability, and funding model for virtual programs. Members asked questions about transportation for rural districts, the Martinez-Yazzie lawsuit fees, the treatment of enrollment declines in the school funding formula, and whether the word “average” in salary language should remain in the budget. Staff explained that the SEG should remain whole, that the insurance and transportation recommendations applied to all public school employees but not contractors, and that the budget included multiple math-related investments spread across several lines rather than one single appropriation. There was also discussion of out-of-school learning grants, school meals, literacy center operations, special education training, and the Public Education Reform Fund, including the use of multi-year, evaluation-based appropriations for high-impact tutoring and community schools. After discussion, the committee adopted the LESC budget recommendation. The committee then moved to endorsed legislation proposals. It endorsed a bill allowing the secretary to suspend an individual school board member, with notice and appeal procedures clarified, and a bill creating an 80-20 health insurance cost-share requirement for public school employees, along with a study of the sustainability of public school insurance programs. It also endorsed a bill on attendance provisions for students with severe medical conditions, which would keep those students from being classified as excessively absent. Finally, the committee discussed a teacher residency bill that would raise stipend levels, allow residents to complete service anywhere in New Mexico, and remove the requirement that sponsoring schools must hire them, though the bill did not include an appropriation. Members also raised questions about bilingual, Hispanic, and Black education funding, cultural and linguistic supports in teacher preparation, and where various programs should be placed in the budget or PERF framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have, so Assembly Member Solis will be presenting his bill in lieu of Assembly Member Rubio.
• Thank you, Senator, or Assembly Member Rubio, for the courtesy. Assembly Member Solis? No, Solis.
• Well, in file item order, we have Assembly Member Aguirre-Curry.
• We have Assembly Member of L'ora. All right? Okay, we have Assembly Member of L'ora. All right?
• Next up, you have Assembly Bill 2765. 2765. Next up, you have Assembly Bill 2765. Thank you.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard a long agenda of child welfare, food assistance, child care, and social services bills. Early actions included AB 308 on regional center safety training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, AB 1049 to remove sponsor deeming from the California Food Assistance Program, AB 1201 to narrow a violent-felony bypass for family reunification services, AB 2379 to require know-your-rights training for family child care providers, AB 2429 to ease requirements in early childhood mental health consultation, AB 1755 to repeal CalWORKs’ 100-hour work penalty, AB 2478 to create a kinship family approval pathway, and AB 1969 and AB 1996 to expand coordinated cradle-to-career and child-poverty reduction efforts. The committee also began discussion of AB 1932, which would continue and strengthen community-based crisis response services. Testimony was largely in support across the hearing. Advocates, county representatives, child care providers, legal aid groups, food banks, disability organizations, and anti-poverty coalitions argued that the bills would reduce administrative barriers, improve access to benefits and services, and better protect children and families. Several authors and witnesses emphasized real-world harms from current rules, including fear of immigration enforcement, wrongful benefit denials, delayed kinship placements, and the burden of outdated eligibility requirements. On AB 1201, county welfare officials and child welfare advocates said the bill would preserve judicial discretion while allowing more parents a fair chance at reunification; on AB 2478, they said a kin-specific approval path would help place children with relatives more quickly; and on the child care bills, providers said current reimbursement and compliance systems are unsustainable. There was some committee concern about accountability and safety, especially on AB 1049 and AB 1201. One senator questioned whether removing sponsor deeming could weaken program integrity, and another raised concerns about whether narrowing the reunification bypass could expose children to unsafe environments or criminal activity. Authors and supporters responded that the bills still leave eligibility screening, judicial review, supervision, and service plans in place, and that the changes mainly remove automatic barriers or overly broad rules. Votes taken during the hearing were generally favorable: AB 308 passed 3-0 and was held on call; AB 1049 passed 2-1 and was held on call; AB 1201 passed and was held on call; AB 2379 passed 3-0 and was held on call; AB 2429 passed and was held on call; AB 1755 passed and was held on call; AB 2478 passed and was held on call; and AB 1969 and AB 1996 both passed and were held on call. The committee also noted that some bills were on the consent calendar and approved those items 3-0 while holding them open.

Transcript Highlights:

• I call this hearing of the Assembly Committee on Human Services to order.
• jurisdiction of the Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection.
• within the jurisdiction of the Assembly Committee on Education.
• The bill has been moved by Assembly Member Jackson, seconded by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez.
• The bill has been moved by Assembly Member Jackson, seconded by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard several bills focused on homelessness, child care, food security, public assistance, immigration legal services, and veterans’ benefits. SB 479 would allow city-based local health jurisdictions, including Berkeley and Oakland, to use multidisciplinary homeless response teams and share specified information across departments; supporters said the change would improve coordination and outcomes, and no opposition testified. SB 902 would allow electronic signatures for child care and development services paperwork while preserving paper options; supporters said it would reduce burdens on families and providers, and the bill passed to the Assembly Education Committee 4-0. The committee also heard SB 1025, creating an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate California’s food assistance efforts, and SB 1030, repealing the CalWORKs “man-in-the-house” rule. Supporters of SB 1025 said the state’s food system is fragmented and needs a coordinated strategy; SB 1030 supporters argued the rule is outdated, redundant, and rooted in racist and sexist assumptions. Both bills received no opposition testimony and were approved on 4-0 votes, with SB 1025 sent to the Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee and SB 1030 to Appropriations. The committee then approved SB 1077, which would require CDSS to create a communications and contingency plan for CalFresh disruptions during federal government shutdowns, including a public webpage and planning for state-funded benefits; it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1194 would codify the Immigration Legal Fellowship Project to expand immigration legal services in underserved areas, and supporters emphasized the need for legal representation in rural and Central Valley communities; it passed 4-1 to Judiciary. SB 1201 would seek federal waivers to protect veterans from CalFresh time limits, require referrals to county veterans service officers, and adjust treatment of job-search expenses; it passed unanimously 6-0 to Military and Veterans Affairs. The consent calendar, including SB 557 and SB 1051, also passed unanimously. After all items were heard, the committee completed roll calls for absent members and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Addis here. Assembly Member Bonta. Assembly Member Patterson.
• Assembly Member Chiavo. Assembly Member Salachi. Assembly Member Stephanie.
• Assembly Member Bonta?
• Assembly Member to share, everyone. Thank you. Thank you. Assembly Member to share.
• Assembly Member. Thank you. Assembly Member. And okay.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held a May Revision hearing covering several health-related budget proposals and broader concerns about the state’s budget structure. The Chair opened by praising some May Revision changes, such as added health IT funding, county administration support tied to Medi-Cal changes, a delay in Medi-Cal cuts for some lawfully present immigrants, and additional support for Covered California subsidies, while criticizing proposed increases in Medi-Cal premiums, changes to senior eligibility, the lack of a Medi-Cal dental solution, and other reductions affecting counties, mobile crisis units, workforce incentives, and physician shortages. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the state’s budget condition remains weak despite progress on the structural deficit, and the Department of Finance said the May Revision uses a mix of reductions, reforms, revenue proposals, and fund shifts to cut out-year deficits. The committee first heard Department of State Hospitals proposals, including adjustments to county bed billing authority, contract exemption language for online clinical/pharmacy subscriptions, reversion of unspent funds, a revised Metro Central Utility Plant replacement project, electronic health record implementation, and workforce development funded partly through Behavioral Health Services Act resources. DSH also described savings and realignments in incompetent-to-stand-trial and conditional release programs, including extending the independent placement panel program and shifting funds to support additional bed capacity and a mental health rehab center. Members asked about the use of BHSA funds for workforce programs, and the department said the proposal would replace General Fund support with BHSA reimbursements. The Emergency Medical Services Authority proposed funding for statewide behavioral health crisis response guidance and for enterprise system development, and the Department of Managed Health Care proposed modernization of its complaint system and claims-settlement data system to improve oversight and comply with AB 3275. The largest discussion centered on the administration’s BHSA spending plan under Proposition 1, including state-directed prevention, workforce, and other uses, plus General Fund offsets for existing programs. The LAO questioned whether some proposed offsets fit Proposition 1’s non-supplant and eligible-use requirements, while the administration argued the uses were consistent with the measure and that the state-directed share can be adjusted annually. The Commission for Behavioral Health’s proposals drew the most public and member concern. The administration proposed cutting the commission’s Innovation Partnership Fund from $20 million to $10 million and reducing the Community Advocacy Program by $6.7 million, while redirecting BHSA dollars to other state purposes and direct services. Commissioners, advocates, and several members argued the cuts would weaken community voice, reduce support for underserved populations, and disrupt grants already in process; they also objected to using BHSA funds to backfill General Fund commitments. Public commenters, including youth, disability, behavioral health, LGBTQ, tribal, veteran, immigrant, and community-based organization representatives, overwhelmingly opposed the cuts and urged preservation of prevention, advocacy, mobile crisis, and innovation funding. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Haney? Aye. Assembly Member Hayee? Aye. Aye. Wilson. This is Wilson.
• I have, just to clarify, I have Assembly Member Weeks as a no and Assembly Member Tangipa as a no.
• Item number eight, Assembly Member Kalra? Aye. Assembly Member Tangipa. Assembly Member Kalra? Aye.
• Assembly Member Carler? Aye. Assembly Member Carla is an aye. So that's 9 to 2. Thank you.
• Assembly Member Carla? Aye. Assembly Member Carla is an aye. That's 10 to 0. Item number 2, SB 677.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Moved by Assembly Member Pacheco, seconded by Assembly Member Stephanie Nguyen.
• Moved by Assembly Member Pacheco, seconded by Assembly Member Stephanie Nguyen.
• Assembly Member Pacheco? Second.
• Assembly Member Pacheco?
• Assembly Member Johnson?

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of local government and housing-related bills, with testimony often centered on regional coordination, permitting reform, and local control. SB 802 by Senator Ashby would require Sacramento-area jurisdictions to form a joint powers authority to coordinate homelessness and housing response; supporters argued the region has long lacked accountability and coordination, while Sacramento County, Folsom, and others opposed the mandate as an unprecedented state-imposed JPA. The bill drew extensive support from local officials, business groups, service providers, and advocates, and opposition from county, city, and nonprofit representatives who said a local process was already underway. Committee members expressed support for the concept, but the bill was held pending a quorum and later discussed again with strong encouragement for regional collaboration. The committee also heard SB 222, SB 677, SB 908, SB 226, SB 828, and SB 1193. SB 222 would streamline permitting for residential heat pump and water heater installations; supporters said it would lower costs and speed clean-energy adoption, while local government groups argued the main barrier is upfront cost, not permits. SB 677 would curb what the author described as abusive appeals and delays in affordable housing approvals, with developers testifying about frivolous subdivision map appeals and TEFRA hearing delays; the California Native Plant Society sought an amendment to preserve appeals on habitat lands. SB 908 would simplify permits for energy-code-compliant window replacements, and SB 226 would clarify financing authority for a West Sacramento baseball stadium proposal; both passed unanimously. SB 828, prompted by the Esparto fireworks warehouse explosion, would tighten fireworks storage and licensing rules, expand inspection and seizure authority, and increase fines; it also passed unanimously after testimony from fire officials and a pyrotechnic operator who opposed it unless amended. SB 1193, a county-specific Alameda County transparency bill, generated the sharpest debate. The author argued it would prevent waste, favoritism, and conflicts of interest in discretionary spending by requiring board approval, a public spending log, and clearer whistleblower procedures. Alameda County and county associations opposed it as overly broad and burdensome, saying existing processes already provide transparency and that the bill would reduce flexibility during fiscal stress. After committee questions about the bill’s purpose and the county’s current practices, the measure passed 7-0, with the author indicating willingness to accept an amendment restoring a four-fifths vote threshold. The committee then moved out of order to SB 1090, which would impose a temporary moratorium on state housing density laws in Altadena through 2030 in response to post-fire displacement concerns. The author said the bill is intended to protect long-term residents from investor-driven redevelopment after the Eaton Fire, while acknowledging amendments to align the moratorium with affordable housing development timelines. The transcript cuts off during the presentation of this bill, so no final action is shown for SB 1090 in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll go next to Assembly Member Lerner. Thank you. I'll go next to Assembly Member Leru Roach.
• Thank you, Assembly Member. Always a great day to be in Assembly education.
• At this point, I'll go ahead and go to our next Assembly Member, Assembly Member La Rue Hatch.
• I will note for the record that Assembly Member Hansen, Assembly Member Hardy, Assembly Member De Silva
• Assembly Member DeLong? Assembly Member Torres-Fossett: I'm not, yeah, I'm not on the...

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Dr.
• But generally, I think the DMV...
• Moving on to Assembly Member Arons. Thank you. Thank you. Moving on to Assembly Member Arons.
• Assembly.
• Thank you, Assembly Member. Next is Assembly Member Hoover. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard testimony on the DMV’s finalized autonomous vehicle regulations, with a focus on how the rules update California’s oversight of testing, deployment, reporting, and enforcement. DMV and CHP officials said the new framework expands data collection beyond crashes to include immobilizations, hard-braking events, system failures, and notices of noncompliance, while also creating clearer requirements for first responder interaction, remote operations, and heavy-duty AV testing and deployment. Members raised concerns about safety, emergency response delays, freeway and work-zone operations, and whether the state has enough data to compare AVs with human drivers. Witnesses from consumer and labor-related groups emphasized transparency and accountability, arguing that the prior rules were outdated and that public access to the collected data is important for regulators, researchers, and injured parties. Industry representatives said California now has the nation’s most comprehensive AV permitting and reporting system, with phased permits, mileage thresholds, and broad DMV authority to restrict or suspend operations. They supported the regulations as a path to safer, more transparent deployment, while noting that the rules stay within state operational authority and do not replace federal standards for vehicle design and performance. A second panel focused on first responder interactions and remote operations. The San Francisco Fire Department described AVs blocking emergency scenes and generating “sleeper calls” when passengers fall asleep, consuming significant fire and EMS resources. Waymo said it maintains 24/7 emergency contacts, first responder plans, geofencing protocols, and remote support that can help move vehicles or allow first responders to override them. Members asked about license requirements for remote personnel, redundancy during communication outages, and how companies handle sleeping passengers before calling 911. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, I have a letter from the Speaker appointing Assembly Member Tom Lackey to replace Assembly Member
• Assembly Member Lackey.
• Assembly Member Stephanie.
• Assembly Member Stephanie.
• Assembly Member Stephanie.

Keywords: 988, house, all