Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you as well to committee staff for their thoughtful analysis on AB 1655.
• I first want to thank committee staff for working with my staff and stakeholders on this bill.
• I think the committee staff for their engagement.
• But with this pilot, we will ensure equity in how prevention shows up across California.
• This is how we operationalize equity and prevention.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Chair, members of the committee, Audrey Vasek, staff to the committee.
• Any other questions for staff? All right. None. Senator Alvarado, welcome back. Oh, thank you.
• Good afternoon again, Chair, members of the committee, Audrey Vasek, staff to the committee.
• Audrey, any questions for staff? All righty. Senator Slaughter, welcome.
• And maybe I have to ask staff, I don't know.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We used these funds to get our space ready for our staff and operational needs.
• We are looking for a 6% salary adjustment for our staff to retain our dynamic team.
• We've had a couple of meetings that our staff have attended.
• We have nine full-time employees and multiple part-time staff members.
• The school performance division has five full-time staff members.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We spend a lot of staff time. We spend a lot of our intellectual capacity.
• We spend a lot of staff time.
• So I'm eager for the hearing, appreciate your leadership, Chair, and obviously the staff who worked on
• The APR data is as accurate as it is inputted by local planning staff.
• The APR data is as accurate as it is inputted by local planning staff.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• permanent the Qualified Opportunity Zones program that provides tax incentives for investments in equity
• I'm a staff attorney at the Child Care Law Center.
• We're also concerned that the reductions of staff and the elimination of the department the U.S.
• The SNAP-Ed program provides $55 million and supports 430 staff positions in our California local health
• Law Program and Health. a national non-profit law firm committed to improving health care access, equity

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Zoom chat function will allow you to chat with technical staff only.
• So we have raised the first $550 million in equity and set that aside for the first payment.
• </c> raised the first 550 million in equity raised the first 550 million in equity and<00:42:41.280><
• </c><00:59:40.680><c> if</c> or you cannot get return on Equity if or you cannot get return on Equity
• </c><01:20:56.280><c> only</c> chat with the technical staff only chat with the technical staff only

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 48 SD2 HD1 relating to combat sports. The Attorney General offered a technical comment on the bill’s effective date, and several testifiers from the combat sports community strongly supported the measure with amendments. They argued that boxing and MMA should be treated separately, that the current regulatory structure has made events too costly and reduced opportunities, and that more local oversight would help revive the sport and give youth a constructive outlet. Committee members questioned whether the bill’s medical staffing requirements would apply to boxing, MMA, or both, and whether the added requirements would increase costs and reduce access. The witness from the combat sports community said amateur boxing is already regulated through USA Boxing, that the DCCA should focus on professional boxing, and that for safety he would support two physicians and one ambulance for boxing and MMA events. The committee then took up SB 117 SD2 HD1 relating to transportation. The Department of Transportation and the Ulon Initiative testified in support, and the bicycling community was listed as supporting as well. Members focused on the bill’s rebate program for electric transportation devices, asking how successful it had been and whether removing the rebate would affect use. DOT said the program began in February 2023 and had issued about 500 rebates totaling roughly $166,000, aimed at helping people without vehicles access transportation options. The department explained that the bill would broaden access and increase the rebate amount, including additional assistance for low-income applicants. Finally, the committee heard SB 897 SD3 HD1 relating to energy and wildfire liability. The Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Public Utilities Commission, the Attorney General, Clearway Energy Group, Ulon Initiative, Kawai K, IBEW Local 1260, and Hawaiian Electric all testified in support, while the Hawaii Association for Justice was listed as opposed but not present. Supporters said the bill would help finance wildfire mitigation and infrastructure improvements through securitization, reduce wildfire risk, and address utility cost and credit concerns. Hawaiian Electric emphasized that the bill is forward-looking, would help protect customers from future wildfire-related cost increases, and requested amendments including a study on a future wildfire recovery fund. In questioning, members pressed Hawaiian Electric on the liability cap, asking whether it would have applied to the Maui wildfires and whether it would cover personal injury or wrongful death; the witness and company counsel clarified that the aggregate cap applies only to qualifying property damage, not personal injury or wrongful death, and said they would follow up on how the cap would calculate in a Maui-type event. Hawaiian Electric also said it would seek financing under the bill if enacted and updated members on settlement funding efforts, including raising the first $550 million in equity and divesting assets to help meet its obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to thank the thousands of staff and volunteers, and I ask that you join me in giving a warm
• Prior to USC, he served on the staff here at the Senate and as legislative director for former Senator
• We talk a lot about equity in this building, but what's equitable about policy?
• We talk a lot about equity in this building, but what's equitable about policies that drive up costs
• service, Today, we honor not only his service, but his impact on a department, a city, and a legacy of equity

Summary: The Senate convened with a roll call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized the YMCA’s 175th anniversary through floor remarks highlighting its long history of community service, youth programs, child care, and civic engagement. The body then moved through routine messages and appointments, confirming three gubernatorial appointments: former Judge Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission. On third reading, senators debated and adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, which opposes the federal offshore oil and gas leasing proposal off California and calls for California to be removed from the plan and for stronger environmental review and public participation. Supporters emphasized coastal protection and climate goals, while opponents argued the state faces energy supply and affordability problems and needs more domestic production. The resolution passed by roll call. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 118, urging full release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files to promote transparency and accountability for survivors, and Senate Resolution 99, declaring April 21, 2026, California Agriculture Day and recognizing the state’s agricultural production, farmworkers, and climate-smart practices. The final major item was Senate Resolution 100, designating April 16, 2026, as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness to raise awareness of child sexual abuse, support survivors, and expand prevention and mandated reporter training. The author and supporters spoke about the prevalence of abuse, the importance of reporting, and survivor support; the resolution was adopted unanimously. The Senate then lifted the calls and confirmed the earlier appointments, adopted the consent calendar, announced upcoming budget subcommittee meetings, and adjourned in memory of Rob Trice and Alwyn Ben Holman. The session ended with notice that the next floor session would be Monday, April 27, 2026, with Denim Day observed that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to thank the thousands of staff and volunteers, and I ask that you join me in giving a warm
• Prior to USC, he served on the staff here at the Senate and as the legislative director for former Senator
• We talk a lot about equity in this building, but what's equitable about policy?
• We talk a lot about equity in this building, but what's equitable about policies that drive up costs
• service, Today, we honor not only his service, but his impact on a department, a city, and a legacy of equity

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized the YMCA on its 175th anniversary and later welcomed officials from the city of Lindsay. The chamber then moved through confirmations for Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission; all three appointments were confirmed after roll calls. The Senate also adopted a consent calendar of bills and resolutions without objection. On the floor, senators debated Senate Joint Resolution 12 opposing federal offshore oil and gas leasing off California. Supporters argued offshore drilling would threaten coastal environments and public participation, while opponents said California’s energy shortages and affordability problems require more in-state production. The resolution passed. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 118 urging release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files to promote transparency and accountability for survivors, and Senate Resolution 99 declaring April 21, 2026, California Agriculture Day, with broad praise for the state’s agricultural industry and concerns raised about water, farmland loss, and farmworker treatment. Finally, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 100 designating April 16, 2026, as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness to highlight child sexual abuse prevention, mandated reporting, and survivor support. The chamber then adjourned in memory of Rob Trice and Alwyn Ben Holman, honoring their service and community impact. The session concluded with announcements of upcoming budget subcommittee meetings and notice that the Senate would reconvene on April 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to thank the thousands of staff and volunteers, and I ask that you join me in giving a warm
• Prior to USC, he served on the staff here at the Senate and as the legislative director for former Senator
• We talk a lot about equity in this building, but what’s equitable about policy?
• We talk a lot about equity in this building, but what’s equitable about policies that drive up costs
• Today, we honor not only his service, but his impact on a department, a city, and a legacy of equity

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we have any questions for staff? All right, seeing none, this is my bill.
• Take that piece out of the equation and use equity—federal tax credit equity, state tax credit equity—to
• Members, any questions for staff? All right, my bill, I’m going to make it super quick and easy.

Summary: The committee began with short video presentations highlighting historic sites in Prescott, including the Arizona Pioneer Home and the Charlotte Hall Museum/First Territorial Governor’s Mansion, with members discussing the value of showcasing district landmarks and rural history. The committee then took up HB 2804, a bill to create a state rural development and housing tax credit tied to the federal low-income housing tax credit for projects in counties under 800,000 population. Supporters, including the Flagstaff mayor and several affordable-housing developers, said the bill would help finance rural and workforce housing, especially for seniors, veterans, and low-income residents, while opponents from the Arizona Free Enterprise Club argued the program is inefficient, hard to police, and benefits intermediaries more than residents. Members debated the policy at length, but the bill was ultimately passed on a 7-0 vote with a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered HB 2388, which would appropriate unspecified funds to the Arizona Commerce Authority to study the economic benefits of small modular reactors and data centers for the state and local governments. The sponsor described it as a study bill to gather information on a topic already drawing significant attention, and a representative from the Libre Initiative supported it as a way to assess workforce and economic opportunities. Members discussed possible amendments, including adding data on utility-rate impacts and other costs, and the sponsor said she was open to that conversation. The bill passed on a 6-1 vote, with one member opposed and others expressing support contingent on possible amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a direct state equity option.
• From my staff. I apologize.
• But in doing so, I neglected to thank those of my staff, I was so proud to accomplish.
• But in doing so, I neglected to thank those of my staff who actually made those things possible.
• We all know it's a teamwork sport, and nothing happens without the hard work of staff, so I apologize

Keywords: 905, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in July, most university faculty are off contract, and many district staff are too.
• educational equity and ensuring all students thrive.
• In the seven years that I worked there, at least one-third of the staff was a brand new educator, which
• And in the seven years that I worked there, at least one third of the staff was a brand new educator,
• Our coalition greatly appreciates staff comments on the item recognizing that the LEA match may need

Summary: The committee heard an informational discussion on California’s educator pipeline and shortages, with testimony from the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Learning Policy Institute, CSU educator preparation leaders, and CTA. Witnesses said state investments of more than $2.1 billion have helped rebuild teacher supply, with credential issuance and preparation enrollment rebounding after COVID, but demand remains high because of turnover, early-career attrition, and persistent vacancies. Panelists emphasized that shortages are especially acute in special education, bilingual education, STEM, and in high-need schools and regions, and that underprepared teachers, substitutes, and emergency permits remain heavily used. Several speakers stressed that retention, working conditions, compensation, and stable funding are as important as recruitment. Members focused on whether current data systems are sufficient to measure need and track where teachers end up working. The Commission said it can monitor assignments for credential alignment, but does not have full employment data to determine whether grant recipients or credentialed teachers are actually deployed in the shortage areas for which they were trained. The chair asked for better regional and subject-area data, and the committee discussed the risk that layoffs and budget instability could undermine teacher pipeline investments. CSU representatives urged stronger support for student-teacher stipends, better coordination with districts, more capacity for special education preparation, and more stable CSU funding to expand educator preparation. CTA testified that school climate, class size, health benefits, and administrative support are essential to retaining teachers. The committee then moved to budget proposals. For the Golden State Teacher Grant Program, Finance proposed a $14.4 million reappropriation for 2026-27, and the Student Aid Commission supported continued funding, saying the program has influenced candidates’ decisions to enter teaching and work in priority schools. For educator residencies, Finance proposed $250 million one-time Proposition 98 funding through 2029-30; the LAO said it could be adopted if aligned with legislative priorities, and CTC said the program has strong uptake and supports retention. For the computer science supplementary authorization grant, Finance proposed increasing awards from $2,500 to $6,000 and reducing the match requirement, but the LAO recommended rejecting the change because only about one-fifth of the original funding has been used. The committee also discussed registered apprenticeship pathways, rural access, and whether federal Title II, Title III, or IDEA funds could support bilingual and special education teacher preparation. Several items were held open for further information and follow-up.

Transcript Highlights:

• In a lot of ways, there are existing staff that will be shifting over, part-time on different things,
• the program provides an opportunity to strengthen the state's leadership on health, climate, and equity
• the program provides an opportunity to strengthen the state's leadership on health, climate, and equity
• strategies programs, clean mobility options, clean mobility in schools, and sustainable transportation equity
• strategies programs, clean mobility options, clean mobility in schools, and sustainable transportation equity

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the governor’s May Revision, especially the proposed extension of the cap-and-trade program to 2045 as “cap-and-invest,” the related greenhouse gas reduction fund (GGRF) spending framework, and several trailer bill proposals. Department of Finance staff outlined budget solutions including a $1.5 billion annual General Fund-to-GGRF shift for Cal Fire that would grow to $1.9 billion by 2029-30, continued support for high-speed rail, climate bond implementation, and various environmental and water-related statutory changes. The administration also described proposals affecting the Delta Conveyance Project, water quality planning, groundwater bulletin timing, Exide cleanup funding, and other agency-specific items, though the chair repeatedly asked staff to keep the presentation high-level and save details for the next hearing. Members from both parties raised strong concerns about the cap-and-invest proposal, arguing that it could reduce or displace funding for transit, affordable housing, active transportation, wildfire prevention, zero-emission vehicles, and other previously committed programs. Several members questioned whether the administration was effectively shifting essential ongoing services like Cal Fire onto a temporary carbon market fund, how the General Fund backstop would work if auction revenues fall short, and whether the proposal would leave enough money for continuous appropriations and future awards. Members also criticized the inclusion of cap-and-invest reauthorization in the budget process and asked for clearer information on the impact to high-speed rail, transit, and other GGRF priorities. The Delta Conveyance Project and related trailer bill language drew significant opposition from members and public commenters, who argued the proposal would fast-track the project, weaken CEQA-related review, and authorize revenue bond financing without sufficient legislative oversight. Public testimony also included support for maintaining or expanding funding for transit, affordable housing, AB 617 community air protection, offshore wind infrastructure, and ignition interlock programs, while environmental and community groups opposed cuts to wildfire prevention, housing, and school climate-related programs. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and the chair said the committee would continue the discussion and receive more detailed responses at the follow-up hearing on Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• We definitely don't want to see any more inflated staff salaries.
• Under current law, OCA cannot collect information directly from health systems or from private equity
• Under current law, OCA cannot collect information directly from health systems or from private equity
• health care entities, including physicians' offices, and are increasingly the subject of private equity
• AB 1415 helps OCA achieve its goals of lowering cost for consumers and improving outcomes and equity.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 7, 2025, considering a large number of bills, with several measures heard in detail before the committee moved through consent and suspense items. Early in the hearing, AB 876 by Assemblymember Flora was heard on CRNA scope of practice and anesthesia access. Supporters said it would clarify that certified registered nurse anesthetists may provide anesthesia services independently, while opponents from physician and medical groups argued that anesthesiologists and CRNAs are not interchangeable and that physician-led care is needed for patient safety. The bill was ultimately voted out, with a later vote change recorded for Mr. Tangipa from not voting to aye. The committee also heard AB 379, a major human trafficking and child exploitation bill, which would expand penalties for solicitation of a minor, create a misdemeanor for loitering with intent to purchase commercial sex, increase fines on businesses that fail to post trafficking notices or knowingly allow trafficking, create a survivor support grant program, and establish a vertical prosecution grant program. The bill drew strong support from the author and some members who emphasized tougher enforcement and victim services, but also significant opposition from sex worker and civil liberties advocates who argued the bill would worsen criminalization, disproportionately harm Black and Brown communities, and fail to address housing and other root causes. After extensive discussion, the committee voted the bill out, with one member later changing from not voting to aye. Other bills heard included AB 435 on child passenger safety, which would adopt a five-step test and update booster-seat and front-seat rules; AB 1415, which would give the Office of Health Care Affordability more access to information from health systems and private equity-related entities; AB 539, the Timely Care Act, which would extend the duration of approved prior authorizations for treatment; AB 1466, relating to groundwater adjudication and sustainability disputes; AB 127, which would tie the cap-and-trade price ceiling to the social cost of carbon; and AB 672, which would require public employers to notify PERB of certain court actions and allow intervention to protect labor rights. The committee also approved a large consent calendar and then deemed the suspense calendar approved, sending many bills onward. The hearing concluded with several bills reported out, some on call, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:23:52.320><c> did</c> I will note business council staff did I will note business council staff
• Derell and the staff with charged uh Mr.
• So, I know that LSO staff is committees.
• We can hold that equity.
• We can hold that equity.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for thanking our staff, who's been working endlessly over the last few months.
• there's a complicated budget process, so we want to thank you all for your time and patience with our staff
• who's been working endlessly over staff who's been working endlessly over the<00:03:18.400><c> last<
• as well there are three with our staff as well there are three documents<00:03:37.519><c> in</c><00:
• </c> amendment pertaining to diversity equity amendment pertaining to diversity equity and<00:26:29.880

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee met for final approval of HB 1 and HB 2, with legislative budget staff Michael Kain reviewing the final amendment documents and surplus statements. Kain explained that HB 1474H and HB 1484H incorporated the committee’s prior votes and the Governor’s recommended sections, and he walked through the budget math for the general fund, education trust fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He said the committee’s proposal remained balanced overall, though the current-year general fund showed a projected deficit that HB 2 would address by allowing a possible rainy day fund transfer if needed. He also noted that the committee’s revenue estimates were below the Governor’s, requiring reductions and adjustments to appropriations and lapse assumptions. Members discussed the rainy day fund provisions, including a section in HB 2 that suspends existing restrictions so a transfer can be made if the deficit materializes. Kain said the committee’s approach differed from the Governor’s because the state was not below the overall revenue plan, and the fiscal committee would retain a role in determining any transfer. He also summarized that the Highway Fund would end with about a $13 million balance and Fish and Game with about $3 million, both without additional general fund support. The committee then adopted two amendments to HB 2 unanimously: Amendment 1473H, a technical cleanup to the Group 2 retirement seven-year rule, and Amendment 1482H, a technical correction to the recreational services language. Amendment 1484H, which incorporated those changes into HB 2, was adopted on a 14-1 vote after minority members objected to the bill’s broader cuts and policy changes, including reductions to state agencies, health and human services, and education-related provisions. The committee also adopted Amendment 1474H to HB 1A on a 14-1 vote after similar debate over budget reductions, vacancies, university funding, and school spending limits. Finally, the committee voted 14-1 to report HB 1A and HB 2 as amended as ought to pass, with the minority voting no and the committee planning a full House presentation the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• It will be a priority for LEAC staff next interim.
• as well as school staff.
• So again, full state funding would ensure equity across all districts.
• We've already lost four staff members.
• Chair, members of the committee and staff.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Every time that they go around asking for more staff, the staff comes on, but they all leave right away
• We will improve our ability to adequately staff.
• Nurses on staff if they were needed.
• not having enough staff.
• Why is there a health equity crisis?

Transcript Highlights:

• So it creates opportunities for real equity.
• So it creates opportunities for real equity.
• So it creates opportunities for real equity.
• So it creates opportunities for real equity.
• So it creates opportunities for real equity.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And along the way, we've engaged you, as well as a staff technical team with staff from the GTC, SDC,
• And along the way, we've engaged you, as well as a staff technical team with staff from the GTC, SDC,
• They also connected us with city staff and helped put together a staff work group.
• We also interviewed city staff and staff from WSDOT, and we analyzed... ...and staff from WSDOT.
• For the record, my name is Paul Neal, JTC staff.

Keywords: 904, all