Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, California. The Assembly is now in session.
• California has chosen a different path, thank goodness.
• And let us keep working toward a California...
• And that same song is repeating itself over and over again in California, but it's not just California
• California, but across the country.

Transcript Highlights:

• Julia Hall with the Association of California Water Agencies in support. Good morning.
• Erin Gilbert for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California in support.
• of California.
• With the California Correctional Parole Association of California.
• Sarah Bridges on behalf of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association in support.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations heard a large suspense-file agenda and established a quorum at the start. SB 1167 was announced as not being heard and will be rescheduled. The Department of Finance did not attend because it had no comments on the bills before the committee. Most measures on the agenda were taken up briefly with public testimony, then moved to suspense without objection. Two bills received fuller presentations. SB 872 by Senator McNerney would create a fund to support repairs to Delta levees and State Water Project canals, with testimony from Restore the Delta, State Water Contractors, and numerous water agencies and coalitions emphasizing flood protection, water reliability for 27 million Californians, protection of state assets, and long-term infrastructure costs. Committee members noted the importance of the investment and the likelihood it would be considered in the final suspense decision; SB 872 was moved to suspense. SB 962 by Senator Archuleta would authorize CDCR to use blue emergency lights on parole vehicles, with supporters from the California Correctional Peace Officers Association citing the line-of-duty death of a parole agent and the need for a low-cost, discretionary safety tool. The bill was also moved to suspense. SB 950, dealing with coverage for FDA-approved medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, was discussed as having a minimal near-term fiscal impact, though members noted costs could rise if new treatments emerge. The committee asked the author to consider a sunset amendment, but the bill received a do pass motion and was approved on a 7-0 vote, then placed on call for additional members. The remaining bills taken up, including SB 870, SB 1120, SB 888, SB 904, SB 986, SB 1029, SB 1186, SB 895, SB 1004, SB 1123, SB 909, SB 945, SB 1037, SB 953, SB 1001, SB 1188, SB 1407, SB 967, SB 1135, SB 1136, SB 988, SB 1069, SB 1000, SB 1024, SB 1179, SB 1025, SB 1040, SB 1081, SB 1091, SB 1131, SB 1138, SB 1146, SB 1279, SB 1158, SB 1401, SB 1162, SB 1293, SB 1334, SB 1382, SB 1397, SB 1178, SB 1414, SB 1214, SB 1218, SB 1257, SB 1265, SB 1286, SB 1322, SB 1337, SB 1340, SB 1276, SB 1358, and SB 1412, were moved to the suspense file without objection, with a few witnesses registering support or opposition on selected measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• The median home in California is now over nine times the median household income.
• In 2023 alone, more than 28,000 ADU permits were approved in California.
• In 2023 alone, more than 28,000 ADU's permits were approved in California.
• Mark Newberger of the California State Association of Counties.
• Julie Melanowski-Bahl on behalf of the Fire Districts Association of California and the California Fire

Committee: Senate Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have Item 2H, Jacob Arkatov, J.D., for the Medical Board of California.
• And one in five jobs in California depend on international trade.
• We were able to work in tandem with all the CUCPs in California.
• or Southern California or other parts.
• Damon Conklin, the League of California Cities, and strong support. Thank you.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider several governor’s appointments, routine agenda items, and the confirmation hearing for Dina El-Tawansy to serve as Director of the California Department of Transportation. The committee first approved a series of appointments to the Board of Behavioral Sciences, Contractors State License Board, and Medical Board of California, along with bill referrals, a rule waiver for guests on the Senate floor for a memorial adjournment in honor of former President Pro Tempore John Burton, and floor acknowledgments. Most of these actions were approved on 5-0 votes, with the early appointment items passing 3-2. The committee then heard testimony from El-Tawansy, who emphasized her 28 years at Caltrans, a focus on safety, equity, climate resilience, workforce development, and multimodal transportation. Senators questioned her on a range of transportation issues, including the impact of federal and state disputes affecting immigrant truck drivers and highway funding, the Highway 58 truck climbing lane project, DBE reevaluation under new federal rules, asphalt recycling and disposal, climate-related damage to roads and coastal infrastructure, and the future of gas-tax revenue and road user charges. El-Tawansy said Caltrans is prioritizing safety and emergency projects, working on reevaluating DBEs, advancing climate adaptation planning, and studying road user charge pilots and related technology. Members also asked about small business participation, toll lane agreements, homelessness encampments on Caltrans property, and the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo rail corridor. El-Tawansy described Caltrans programs to support small and disadvantaged businesses, local hiring, heavy equipment and CDL training, standardized toll lane agreements, delegated maintenance MOUs with local governments, and expanded efforts on encampment response and rail/transit planning. Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with representatives from transportation agencies, contractors, local governments, labor, and technology firms urging confirmation. The committee voted 5-0 to advance El-Tawansy’s appointment to the full Senate for confirmation, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a policy manager at California YIMBY. California's nation Thank you for having me.
• I'm a policy manager at California YIMBY.
• Roughly 25% of those experiencing homelessness are unhoused here in California.
• Caroline Grinder, on behalf of the League of California Cities.
• Caroline Grinder, on behalf of the League of California Cities.

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills, with most focused on accessory dwelling units, homelessness, and higher education planning. SB 9 would make a local ADU ordinance null and void if a city or county fails to submit it to HCD within 60 days or respond to HCD findings within 30 days, reverting the jurisdiction to state ADU standards until it complies. Supporters said the bill would strengthen statewide consistency and reduce local barriers to ADU construction; there was no opposition testimony. The committee passed SB 9 as amended to the Assembly Committee on Local Government on a 7-0 vote, with two members not voting. The committee also heard SB 486, which would exempt UC and CSU enrollment commitments from CEQA no-project alternative analysis while requiring campuses to participate in regional planning and share enrollment forecasts with regional agencies. The author said the bill would align environmental review with the state’s higher education commitments and improve regional housing planning. The measure had support from the Chamber of Progress and no opposition, and it passed 9-0 to the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources. SB 543, a cleanup bill to clarify ADU and junior ADU rules, including review timelines and size standards, also drew support from Casita Coalition, UnidosUS, and California YIMBY, with no opposition, and passed unanimously as amended to the Assembly Committee on Local Government. SB 748 addressed RV encampments and safe parking sites by expanding the encampment resolution funding program to help local jurisdictions acquire and operate safe parking areas, provide services, and extend site hours. The author and supporters from the City of Compton, the Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association, and the League of California Cities argued the bill would offer a more humane and practical response to RV homelessness while reducing neighborhood impacts. Several committee members voiced support but raised concerns about how encampment funds are used and the need for reporting and accountability. The bill passed 11-0 to the Assembly Committee on Human Services. The consent calendar, including HR 44, SB 233, and SB 410, was later approved 11-0, and SB 340 was moved to a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It will pay dividends back into California.
• I work for First 5 California.
• Andrew Avila, Early Edge California.
• California is my home and I love California. California is a wonderful state to live in.
• Tiffany Wang with SEIU California.

Transcript Highlights:

• Brian Hammond, Southern California Director of Vietnam Veterans of America.
• Brian Hammond, Southern California Director of Vietnam Veterans of America.
• Let this not be a blemish on the state of California. Thank you.
• You're telling us that CalVet does not care about California veterans.
• California veterans. You've never reached out to us. I don't know who you are.

Summary: The hearing focused on the long-delayed Southern California Veterans Cemetery project at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim, with members of the Assembly, Senate, City of Anaheim, Orange County, CalVet, DGS, and veterans organizations discussing next steps. Chair Sharon Quirk-Silva reviewed the project’s history, including the earlier Irvine effort, the 2021 Anaheim support resolution, county and state funding commitments, and the recent federal determination that the site meets criteria for a state veterans cemetery. Speakers repeatedly emphasized the need for a local burial site for Orange County’s large veteran population and the burden on families who currently must travel to Riverside, San Diego, or Los Angeles. The first panel featured veterans advocates and Gold Star family members who strongly urged immediate action. The American Legion, Gold Star Mothers, and the Veterans Alliance of Orange County said the cemetery is overdue and stressed that older veterans and grieving families should not have to wait longer. Several speakers described personal losses and the hardship of long travel to existing cemeteries, while also calling for CalVet and state leaders to move faster and communicate more directly with veterans groups. Assembly and Senate members responded with support, noting the bipartisan nature of the effort and the importance of honoring veterans and their families. The second panel, with Orange County officials, described the county’s support and the unique shared-use arrangement with the Orange County Cemetery District. Supervisor Don Wagner said the county has dedicated land and $20 million, and county and district staff explained that the public cemetery and state veterans cemetery can share roads, utilities, grading, and other infrastructure to reduce costs. They said the county is ready to transfer property to CalVet when appropriate and that collaboration could save tens of millions of dollars. The third panel from DGS and CalVet explained that a 2023 feasibility study estimated the state’s portion at about $126 million under earlier assumptions, but that a revised concept plan is now being developed to lower costs and update the timeline. CalVet said it remains committed to the project, while legislators pressed for clearer answers on what is needed to begin construction and how budget action in the coming year could help. No formal vote was taken; the hearing ended with public comments, many of which echoed the call to begin construction immediately and criticized the pace of state action.

Transcript Highlights:

• California is—we're looking at California jurisdiction and partnership with the federal government under
• That's California Victim Compensation Board.
• of California. across the state, both the state center and the regional centers are consortia of California
• My local police department was part of the Northern California Center.
• And the MOUs have to make clear that the privacy laws, the California law...

Summary: The committee heard several privacy, technology, and public safety measures. SB 898 by Senator Weber Pearson would require manufacturers of connected consumer products to disclose the minimum period of software support and notify consumers when support is nearing or has ended. Consumer Reports supported the bill as a consumer protection and cybersecurity measure, while some members raised concerns about enforcement through the unfair competition law and the possibility of private lawsuits. The bill was moved on a 5-1 vote to the Senate Judiciary Committee, with amendments to be taken there. SB 1279 by Senator Gonzalez would authorize Long Beach to place speed safety cameras on Pacific Coast Highway under the same privacy and equity guardrails as the existing pilot program, including no facial recognition, confidentiality of DMV data, warning notices, and reduced fees for low-income recipients. Supporters said the cameras would address severe speeding and fatal crashes on PCH, while opponents raised civil liberties, due process, and concerns about automated enforcement and identifying the actual driver. The committee voted 6-2 to send the bill to Appropriations, and it was placed on call. The committee also advanced SB 1111 by Senator Ashby, the Artificial Intelligence Abuse Protection Act, which would create civil remedies for nonconsensual AI voice, image, and video cloning. Support came from SAG-AFTRA and Common Sense Media, and members discussed concerns about employer liability and the scope of the bill, but no opposition testified. The measure passed 7-1 to Public Safety and was placed on call. SB 1217 by Senator Grove, backed by survivors of trafficking and nonconsensual intimate imagery, would create a DOJ-run clearinghouse to verify removal requests and require platforms to take down intimate images within 48 hours. Survivors described ongoing harm from images still circulating online; members focused on privacy, DOJ capacity, cybersecurity, and the lack of a private right of action. The bill passed 8-0 to Public Safety and was placed on call. Finally, SB 1095 by Senator Perez would require fusion centers and participating agencies to adopt MOUs limiting the sharing of sensitive personal information for immigration enforcement or racial profiling, require annual reporting, and add oversight and audit provisions. Supporters argued fusion centers have operated with too little transparency and have been used to circumvent California privacy and immigration laws; some members raised operational concerns about defining prohibited sharing and how the restrictions would work in practice. The discussion continued, with the author noting committee amendments and existing state law as the basis for the bill's guardrails.

Transcript Highlights:

• So as we take photos, I just want to say, welcome to the California...
• California baseball, a lot of good things going on, right?
• I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative LGBT...
• I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative LGBT.
• On behalf of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, we'd like to thank our colleagues of the California

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, pledge, and a moment of silence for Marysville Police Officer Osmar Rodarte. Members then handled several procedural motions, including re-referring bills and moving items on the file, with AB 567 re-referred by a recorded vote of 42-17 and the remaining referral requests approved without objection. The chamber also heard a brief personal statement from Assembly Member Macedo thanking colleagues and staff for support during a health episode. On the floor, members presented and passed several measures. AB 310 by Assembly Member Alanis, requiring youth sports organizations to have AED access, emergency response plans, and coach training, passed 56-0. AB 437 by Assembly Member Lackey, expanding CIF reporting to include sports-related injuries and medical problems, passed 59-0. ACR 55 by Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez, commemorating the 40th anniversary of ARC v. DDS and the Lanterman Act, received 62 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly also adopted HR 28 recognizing Major League Baseball Opening Day 2025, with extended lighthearted remarks about the Dodgers, Giants, and Athletics, and HR 23 honoring Cesar Chavez Day, which drew broad support from caucus leaders and members speaking to Chavez’s labor and civil rights legacy. Both resolutions were adopted by voice vote after adding co-authors. The chamber then approved the second-day consent calendar, including ACR 39 on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month and ACR 53 on Women’s Equal Pay Day, and later adjourned in memory of Ralph Miller after tributes from Assembly Members Hart and Gibson. The House adjourned until Tuesday, April 1 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year marked an historic, devastating year for wildfire in California.
• So part of our job here is to have a giant marketing campaign in California to...
• Chair and members, Melissa Sparks Kranz with the League of California Cities.
• Justice, Drug Policy Alliance, California Association of Social Rehabilitation Agencies, 988 California
• Hi, Alex Alameo, on behalf of co-sponsor Mental Health America of California.

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee heard several wildfire, disaster recovery, and behavioral health bills. AB 1960 would allow Cal Fire wildfire prevention grants to fund community-level home hardening projects, and AB 1964 would require the State Fire Marshal to survey the number of homes needing upgrades to very high fire-hardening standards and estimate the cost. Supporters for both bills included Fire Aside, Megafire Action, the Orange County Fire Authority, and the Nature Conservancy; there was no opposition. Committee members praised the community-focused approach and the need to better measure progress on home hardening. The committee also heard AB 2385, which would clarify state law so local governments can create local reconstruction agencies and plan disaster recovery in advance, with model ordinances and technical assistance from state agencies. The League of California Cities supported the bill, saying it would help cities and counties recover more quickly and orderly after disasters; members cited the Blue Ribbon Commission’s recommendations and urged preserving the bill’s authorities. No opposition was heard. AB 2093, a cleanup and governance bill for California’s 988 crisis response system, would address implementation problems from AB 988, including unclear leadership, coordination gaps between 988 and 911, and funding structure issues. The Steinberg Institute and several behavioral health and advocacy organizations supported the measure, while the County Behavioral Health Directors Association opposed unless amended. After discussion, the committee voted to pass the consent calendar and all four bills—AB 1960, AB 1964, AB 2093, and AB 2385—to the Appropriations Committee, with each measure ultimately reported out on unanimous or near-unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the California Assembly.
• from the California State Assembly.
• Welcome to the California Assembly.
• The biggest acreage fire in California history.
• We can actually fireproof California.

Transcript Highlights:

• the past for the clean California program.
• California Tahoe Alliance. Got it. Thank you.
• I'm Adam Stern with Offshore Wind California.
• Kendra Ramsey, California Bicycle Coalition.
• , California continues to be the most polluted state in the nation, and almost 4,000 people die on California

Transcript Highlights:

• California children deserve more than minimal compliance.
• The California rule is crushing us.
• The California Department of Education currently has this authority.
• It is good not only for my family, but for families across California.
• Larry was born in Orange, California, on September 17, 1939.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a long consent and concurrence calendar. Early procedural actions included returning AB 1308 to the Senate, rescinding prior action on SB 863, and later taking up additional items that had been passed temporarily. The chamber also heard several guest introductions recognizing a young dance champion, district staff, and an intern, along with announcements about peaches gifted to members and reminders to secure floor managers for Senate bills. The floor then considered a series of concurrence items and resolutions on topics including water infrastructure (AB 580), telehealth access (AB 688), insurance (AB 815), housing approvals and ADU enforcement (AB 920, SB 9, SB 543), environmental quality (AB 1139), immigration and temporary protected status (AJR 8), federal education policy and IDEA funding (AJR 19), Deaf Awareness Month (ACR 112), and Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid cuts (AJR 3). Most measures passed with little or no opposition; AJR 8 drew debate over TPS and immigration policy and was adopted 49-7, while AJR 19 passed 53-2 and ACR 112 was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly also passed several Senate bills on criminal procedure, local government, retirement, taxation, community colleges, public health, public employment, alcohol licensing, fairgrounds compensation, and the Delta Reform Act, among others. Notable contested items included SB 301 on retirement contract restrictions, which drew criticism over pension costs but passed 56-2, and SB 276 on regulating resale of stolen goods in San Francisco, which passed 57-1 despite concerns about added permitting and criminal penalties. Urgency measures SB 227 and SB 276 both cleared the required threshold, and SB 395, SB 650, SB 493, and SB 8 also passed with strong margins. The session ended with adjournments in memory honoring former Assembly clerk Lawrence Merman, Jeff Brady, Fran Urcini, and Alejandro Luna, followed by adoption of the consent calendar and adjournment until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Development Finance Committee, the California Housing Finance Agency, the California Interagency Council
• Development Finance Committee, the California Housing Finance Agency, the California Interagency Council
• Tracy Ryan, the Rural County Representative of California, also representing the California State Association
• Good afternoon, Tracy Ryan, the Royal County Representative of California, also representing California
• Danielle Bradley, on behalf of the California State Association of Counties and the League of California

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the California Housing Finance Agency, Christina Moon, along with the California Housing Partnership
• and the Executive Director of the California Tax Credit Allocation and related with California.
• So, a really big change for California.
• Natalie Spivak with Housing California.
• And California has gotten it completely backwards.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability held its first hearing of 2025 to examine California’s housing finance system, with opening remarks emphasizing the state’s severe housing shortage, high costs, and the need for practical recommendations to the Legislature and Governor. Co-chairs described the committee as an educational and problem-solving forum focused on financing housing production, first-time homeownership, mixed-income developments, and affordability across the income spectrum. Witnesses from state agencies and the development sector were invited to explain how housing is financed and where the system is breaking down. Panelists from the California Housing Partnership, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the Tax Credit Allocation Committee/State Treasurer’s Office, CalHFA, and Related outlined the “capital stack” used to finance affordable housing, stressing that projects typically rely on multiple public and private sources, including federal and state low-income housing tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, state subsidies, local funds, and rental income. Speakers noted that affordable housing rents generally cannot support full project costs without public subsidy, and that recent federal changes—especially the expansion of the 4% and 9% tax credit programs and the reduction of the bond financing threshold for 4% credits—should allow California to finance substantially more units. CalHFA also described its homeownership programs, including My Home, Dream For All, and disaster-related mortgage assistance, as well as its multifamily lending and bond issuance programs. Several witnesses and committee members emphasized that the system remains too complex, too slow, and underfunded. They pointed to the need for more state funding, a housing bond, a permanent funding source, and better coordination among agencies, while also citing recent streamlining efforts such as AB 434’s SuperNOFA, AB 519’s one-stop-shop working group, and the planned California Housing and Homeless Agency reorganization. Members raised concerns about equity, access, missing-middle housing, gender and racial disparities, and whether current programs adequately serve extremely low-income households and those at risk of homelessness. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing; the discussion ended with committee members and witnesses agreeing that both funding and administrative reform are needed to increase production and improve affordability.

Transcript Highlights:

• we do in California will set the standard for the nation.
• whatever we do in California will set the standard for the nation.
• California resident since birth, and a union member and leader.
• There are many art colleges in California, Southern California, Maryland, and others where they have
• Hello, my name is Alina Hale, and I'm from San Jose, California.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee and Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational hearing at Stanford on the intersection of artificial intelligence, copyright, transparency, and California’s creative economy. Chairs and members emphasized that the hearing was not on a specific bill and no vote would be taken. Opening remarks framed the issue as balancing protection for artists and other rights holders with the need to keep AI innovation and related economic activity thriving in California, while noting that federal action is unlikely and that state policy may influence national standards. The first panel featured Professor Pamela Samuelson and Stanford researcher Rishi Bommasani. Samuelson reviewed the current copyright litigation landscape, including dozens of lawsuits over AI training, and explained the fair use framework, the Google Books precedent, and the uncertainty around newer theories such as market dilution. She said states can likely regulate transparency, deepfakes, privacy, and safety, but warned that some proposals may be preempted by federal copyright law. Bommasani described widespread opacity around training data among major California AI companies, discussed AB 2013 and the EU AI Act as transparency models, and identified gaps in disclosure design, enforcement, and whether transparency alone can address copyright and IP concerns. Members asked about open-source models, opt-outs, machine unlearning, user data, and state options for protecting creators. The second panel included SAG-AFTRA board member Jason George, Animation Guild president Danny Lynn, and OpenAI copyright counsel Mark Gray. George and Lynn argued that AI training on performers’ and artists’ work without consent or compensation threatens jobs, bargaining power, and reputations, and they supported stronger transparency and licensing requirements so creators can identify when their work is used. Gray said AI is already being used as a productivity tool and highlighted partnerships between AI companies and publishers, record labels, and studios, while arguing that specific harmful uses such as deepfakes should be regulated directly rather than restricting general-purpose AI development. Committee members discussed labeling and watermarking of AI-generated content, transparency around model use, and whether state law should require more detailed disclosure of training data; no formal action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The California, California.
• The California, California.
• The California, California... If CHLA reduces services, there is no backup.
• The California, California cannot let that happen.
• California.

Transcript Highlights:

• Damon Conklin with the League of California Cities, in strong support.
• Chris Anderson, California Chamber of Commerce, in support.
• Aaron Avery, California Special Districts Association, in support.
• Jennifer Capitolo, California Water Association, in support.
• Jennifer Capitolo, California Water Association in support.

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee held its first meeting and adopted committee rules for the 2025-26 session. SB 1020 was pulled from the agenda for a future hearing. The committee heard SB 1001, which would direct the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to issue standardized identification cards for essential utility workers so they can more easily access evacuation zones during emergencies. The author and supporters, including Rowland Water District and the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority, described a breakdown during the 2025 Eaton Fire when utility crews were denied access despite having credentials, causing delays in shutting off water at damaged homes. No opposition was present, and members broadly supported the bill as a practical emergency response measure. The committee voted 8-0 to pass SB 1001 to the Senate Public Safety Committee, with the measure held on call until all members voted. The committee also heard SB 1153, a wildfire preparedness bill from Senator Caballero. The bill would require urban retail water suppliers in high-risk areas to include wildfire-specific response procedures in their emergency response plans, and it includes findings clarifying that public water systems are not designed to function as wildfire suppression systems. The author accepted committee amendments clarifying that the bill does not limit liability for negligence, and witnesses from water agencies and industry groups supported the measure, citing the need for better planning and the financial strain of post-fire claims. Members discussed the balance between improving preparedness and avoiding language that could create a liability safe harbor or shift responsibility away from needed infrastructure investments. The committee voted 8-0 to pass SB 1153 as amended to the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, also held on call until all members voted. A consent item, SB 870, was also approved. After the committee reconvened and all members present voted, SB 870, SB 1001, and SB 1153 each received unanimous 8-0 votes and were reported out of committee. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As I introduce on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus, other caucuses I believe stand in
• I respectfully ask for an aye vote on SR-72 on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus.
• Among the powerful community of mayors in this country, California had largely been shut out.
• And then he became president of Southern California Edison in 2002.
• He cared deeply about California energy policy.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, offered a prayer and pledge, and welcomed several guest delegations, including Hubert Humphrey Fellows and Congressman Jim Clyburn. Members gave extended remarks honoring Clyburn’s civil rights and congressional leadership, as well as his work on rural issues, the Affordable Care Act, and bipartisan relationships. The chamber also announced a joint hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions to be held upon adjournment. The main floor action was on Senate Resolution 72 by Senator Wahab, celebrating Lunar New Year. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting the holiday’s significance across Asian cultures, its themes of family, renewal, courage, and community, and California’s large Asian American population. Several members also noted the history of Chinese immigrants in California and the importance of recognizing and supporting Asian American communities amid ongoing concerns about anti-Asian hate. The resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of 37-0. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment-in-memory tributes. Senator Becker honored Niles Telenius, a young climate and aviation advocate; Senator Gonzalez, joined by Senators Strickland, Laird, Cabaldon, and Umberg, honored former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster for his leadership in city government, energy policy, and public service; and Senator Wiener honored Terence Allen for his work in San Francisco’s cannabis, LGBTQ, small business, and nightlife communities. The Senate then announced it would reconvene on Thursday, February 19, at 9 a.m., with recess until 3:30 p.m. for adjournment proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Leah Hall of the Association of California Water Agencies, in support. Thank you.
• Andrea Abregel with the California Municipal Utilities Association, in support.
• Aaron Avery, California Special Districts Association, in support.
• Sir Duket, on behalf of the Rural County Representatives of California and the California Association
• , YIMBY, and Habitat for Humanity California, all in strong support.

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee met on June 18, 2025, and began with housekeeping rules emphasizing in-person testimony, written submissions through the portal, and a prohibition on disruptive conduct. The chair noted the committee was initially operating without a quorum, so several bills were heard in subcommittee format before the quorum was later established and formal votes were taken. The committee heard several local government and infrastructure measures. SB 333 (Laird) would let San Luis Obispo County voters consider raising the combined local sales tax limit above 2% for transportation funding; it had support from the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments and no opposition, but was later approved 7-2 and sent to Revenue and Taxation. SB 390 (Becker) would close a Mello-Roos-related loophole affecting certain South San Francisco properties with conservation easements so they can contribute to infrastructure financing; it drew support from the city and was approved 9-0. SB 394 (Allen) would increase penalties for water theft, especially unauthorized use of fire hydrants, and allow recovery of damages; it had broad support from water agencies and was approved 9-0 to Judiciary. The committee also heard housing and code enforcement bills. SB 611 (Richardson) would restore protections for housing projects tied to adopted community plans while CEQA litigation is pending, with support from Los Angeles and San Francisco representatives and no opposition; it was approved 10-0 to Judiciary. SB 757 (Richardson) would let cities and counties collect nuisance abatement costs through liens or special assessments for certain public health and safety violations, with supporters arguing it would help cities address chronic blight and opponents warning about due process, displacement, and racialized wealth extraction; after quorum was established, the bill passed 7-0. SB 489 (Arrigine) would require agencies involved in housing approvals to post application requirements online and make related Permit Streamlining Act changes; it was supported by builders and housing groups, received one question about LAFCO-related concerns, and passed 10-0 to Housing and Community Development. The committee then approved the consent calendar, which included SB 74, SB 225, SB 272, SB 409, SB 558, SB 735, SB 736, and SB 737, all by unanimous vote. After disposing of the remaining items, the chair adjourned the meeting.