Transcript Highlights:

• The program works in this way. We, CARB, through regulation,... The program works in this way.
• So there's a few different ways.
• , it also has a profit way.
• It’s a very efficient way and a very helpful way for the cows to manage manure.
• Can there be tweaks along the way?

Summary: The hearing was a select committee discussion on the transportation costs and impacts of California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), with opening remarks from the co-chairs and members emphasizing affordability, climate goals, and the need to explain the program’s benefits to the public. The first panel from CARB and the California Energy Commission described how LCFS works as a market-based, declining carbon-intensity program that rewards lower-carbon fuels, supports zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and is intended to reduce greenhouse gases and local air pollution. They argued the program has driven billions in private investment, increased alternative fuel use, and that LCFS credit prices are not the main driver of retail gasoline prices, which they said are dominated by crude oil, refining, and distribution costs. Members questioned the panel on the gap between the regulatory target and actual carbon-intensity performance, the role of credit banking, which fuels are generating the most credits, how the 2025 amendments affected the program, and whether LCFS credits are truly additional. CARB explained that banking helps cost-effectiveness and investment certainty, that ethanol, renewable diesel, and biodiesel currently provide the largest volumes while electricity is expected to grow, and that the updated targets were informed by the state’s 2045 carbon-neutrality goals and the 2030 scoping plan. The Energy Commission said its data show environmental programs add some cost to gasoline but do not drive price volatility, which is mainly tied to crude oil and refinery margins. The second panel, featuring academic and research experts, focused on program design, out-of-state credit generation, and broader economic effects. Speakers said LCFS is successful because it ties incentives to emissions benefit, uses life-cycle analysis, and allows flexible compliance that lowers costs compared with more direct regulation. They also said the program’s benefits generally outweigh costs, that it can reduce air pollution disparities and support equity, but that some issues—especially indirect land use change, additionality, and older program assumptions—need more research and may warrant future rulemaking. One researcher noted that while LCFS likely raises gasoline prices somewhat, the effect is uncertain by design and usually smaller than normal market fluctuations, and another warned that limiting credit generation too narrowly could create legal and efficiency problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it's a two-way exchange. I name. So, it's a two-way exchange.
• the way uh HB464 is set up with the way the way uh HB464 is set up with both<00:19:36.559><c> cooperation
• </c> can simply orient them the proper way. can simply orient them the proper way.
• Didn't go my way. I wanted the close. Didn't go my way.
• That's a very secure way.

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; is there a cable on the way? &gt;&gt; is there a cable on the way?
• We have no way.
• We have no way. If you've labeling. We have no way.
• </c> But we don't have a way to know that. But we don't have a way to know that.
• </c> a variety of ways. a variety of ways.

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• , the same way that you see in an airplane ticket when you're going to fly, the same way you would see
• , the same way that you see in an airplane ticket when you're going to fly, the same way you would see
• Using electronic recording is a way to get there, and it is a way to actually, hopefully, build a bridge
• It's wrong either way.
• There's still a long way for this bill to go.

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first heard AB 2, which would impose enhanced financial penalties on large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters, including Common Sense Media and education and child advocacy groups, argued that social media algorithms and design features amplify harmful content and that existing remedies are not enough to deter misconduct. Opponents from TechNet, CCIA, the Chamber of Commerce, EFF, and others warned the bill was vague, could chill content moderation and encryption, invite litigation, and be preempted by Section 230. Several members raised concerns about defining “harm,” but the bill passed on a roll call vote and was sent onward. The committee then took up AB 282, which would allow landlords and housing providers to establish preferences for tenants who use housing vouchers or other rental assistance, clarifying that such preferences are not unlawful source-of-income discrimination. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, AARP, legal aid groups, and housing nonprofits said the bill would help voucher holders find units and improve voucher utilization. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed with a roll call vote and was sent to Appropriations. Next was AB 882, dealing with court reporter availability and the use of electronic recording in certain cases when an official court reporter is unavailable. The author and supporters, including court reporter and labor representatives, said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage while preserving accurate records. Opponents from consumer attorneys, defense counsel, the Judicial Council, and others argued the bill was too narrow, could harm access to justice, and should be expanded or revised. Members from both parties expressed mixed views but generally supported continuing the conversation; the bill passed and was placed on call. The committee also heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, which would update antitrust law to address collusion through pricing software and digital tools. Supporters said the bill targets modern forms of cartel behavior and closes loopholes that let companies coordinate prices through algorithms. Opponents from the Chamber of Commerce, Civil Justice Association, TechNet, retailers, hospitals, and others argued the conduct is already illegal, the bill is overbroad, and its definitions and burden-shifting provisions need work. Members requested clarifications to key definitions and pleading standards, but the bill passed as amended and was placed on call. The committee then briefly heard AB 935, which would strengthen civil rights data collection and transparency, especially for educational settings; it had no opposition, passed, and was placed on call. Finally, AB 67 was presented to let the Attorney General enforce the Reproductive Privacy Act and seek penalties against local governments that interfere with abortion access. Supporters framed it as an enforcement tool to protect reproductive rights, while opponents from California Family Council and others denounced it as expanding state power to protect abortion access; the transcript cuts off during that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, this is a great way that we can make sure that victims are compensated.
• There's got to be some meaningful way to actually enforce that law.
• So I think there are better ways to help the consumer.
• That's our second bill out, by the way.
• Actually, in some ways, our entrepreneurs never fail to impress me.

Summary: The committee heard several immigration-, health-, food access-, and tribal-rights-related bills. AB 1725 would require disclosure of oil wells near homes and sensitive sites and stronger methane monitoring; supporters described health and safety harms in communities near wells, while apartment, realtor, building, and chamber representatives opposed or sought amendments, arguing the bill should better target the responsible industry and fit existing disclosure processes. AB 1650 would require privately rented or leased vehicles used by government agencies for enforcement to be clearly identifiable and equipped with safety lighting; supporters, including immigrant-rights advocates and local officials, said unmarked vehicles create fear and confusion during ICE operations, while the chamber sought clarification and noted exemptions for ordinary undercover law enforcement. AB 1857 would prohibit grocery restrictive covenants that keep new supermarkets from opening after a store closes, with supporters framing it as a food-access and anti-hunger measure; grocers and retailers raised concerns but said amendments addressed many issues, and the committee moved the bill forward as amended to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with all members present voting aye except one absent member and the bill placed on call. The committee also heard AB 1876, which would codify federal health-care nondiscrimination protections in state law. Supporters from Equality California, Disability Rights California, Planned Parenthood, and other health groups said it would preserve coverage protections for LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and other protected classes amid federal rollbacks; opponents argued it would entrench gender-affirming-care standards and criticized the underlying medical framework. The bill passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with most members voting aye and one no vote, and was placed on call. AB 1908 would allow public entities to use judgment obligation bonds to finance self-funded victim compensation funds; Los Angeles County said the bill would fill a financing gap for faster compensation, and the committee advanced it on a recorded vote and placed it on call. AB 1881, the California Indian Freedom Act of 2026, would protect California tribes’ access to sacred sites and traditional practices on state public lands and require meaningful consultation; it drew extensive support from tribal leaders and Native organizations, while cities, counties, utilities, builders, and business groups were opposed unless amended, largely seeking clarification and narrowing. The bill was amended to focus on state public lands and passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, then placed on call. Later, AB 2465 would bar businesses that profit from private detention facilities or contract with immigration-enforcement agencies from receiving state grants, loans, or tax credits and create an immigrant resilience fund. Supporters said the state should not subsidize businesses tied to immigration raids and detention; opponents, including the chamber, bankers, and contractors, raised vagueness and scope concerns, especially over what contracts would be covered. Members said they supported the concept but wanted the bill tightened, and it passed to Revenue and Taxation on a recorded vote with one no vote and was placed on call. The committee then heard AB 2662, which would create a formal state process to monitor and report on federal immigration enforcement actions and their impacts; supporters from legal aid and health centers said raids have chilled access to work, schools, clinics, and naturalization, and the bill was presented as a modest accountability measure. The transcript cuts off before any vote on AB 2662. The committee also approved a consent calendar of several bills and resolutions, sending some to Appropriations and others to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not an attorney or a land use expert in any way.
• There's got to be some meaningful way to actually enforce that law.
• So I think there are better ways to help the consumer.
• That's our second bill out, by the way.
• Actually, in some ways, our entrepreneurs never fail to impress me.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• But how do we find a way to educate them and prepare them?
• I hope we can come together and see our way as.
• I hope that we can see our way clearly and get these done.
• This way, we can expeditiously resolve them.
• And by the way, it’s not just one; it’s several.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sullivan is making his way Sullivan, Mr.
• We on its way to the general register.
• So we're kind of a funnel in that way.
• ,</c> which does not include me, by the way, which does not include me, by the way, I'm<01:21:07.520>
• </c> no way we could necessarily track that. no way we could necessarily track that.

Bills: HF1151 , HF1239 , HF1240 , HF2020 , HF2514 , HF2515 , HF2451

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: Compensation Council, salaries, state officials, judicial compensation, legislative process, public funds, misuse, law enforcement, accountability, state government, legislative auditor, compliance, transparency, retirement benefits, health insurance, dependents, state employees, Medicare, legislative studies, government oversight

Transcript Highlights:

• It's wrong either way.
• AB 394 strengthens protections in three key ways.
• Many California based companies have been leading the way in this type of innovation.
• Is there a way to vote change? Vote change for Jackie Irwin, Assemblymember Irwin.
• And the reason this is critical is the way these tools are built is data in, outputs out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any way right now, was there a way for Missy to get out of here?
• way to get better radio reception.
• They had no way of communicating.
• I know there's ways to do it.
• And it just, I mean, we figured out a way. easiest way to do it, but, I mean, that's the way it's got

Committee: House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Transcript Highlights:

• the way that it does now.
• Thank you, sponsor Way. Do you believe... Representative Cooper. Thank you. Sponsor Way.
• Representative Way, how do you vote? How do you vote? Representative Way.
• And while I read it this way, there are those who read it another way in a way that, as we talked about
• Representative Way, Wilmeth, Olson, Representative Way and Wilmeth, how do you vote?

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:40:14.760><c> of</c> broader policy aspects by way of broader policy aspects by way of background
• </c><01:43:39.800><c> I</c> Fenton and and flush it out that way I Fenton and and flush it out that way
• </c><02:04:24.760><c> it</c> think I think what what the way it think I think what what the way it relates
• </c><02:46:33.040><c> um</c> and certainly would not in any way um and certainly would not in any way
• </c> mean the the key provision the the way mean the the key provision the the way this<03:16:02.120>

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met to hear House Bill 520, which would authorize the Department of Education to issue subpoenas in investigations and hearings involving the code of conduct for New Hampshire educators. Representative Lynn, the bill sponsor, said the measure was intended to give the department standard subpoena power during investigations and in later adjudicatory proceedings, with a process for challenging overbroad subpoenas. He argued that agencies with investigative and hearing authority should also have the power to compel witnesses and documents, and said the bill was narrowed from an earlier broader draft to focus on teacher credentialing and address concerns about scope. Members raised several concerns about whether the department already has enough authority, whether the Attorney General could handle subpoenas instead, and whether the bill creates an imbalance by giving subpoena power mainly to the investigating side. Representative Burroughs said she did not feel she had enough information and was uncomfortable with the bill, especially regarding who bears subpoena costs. Representative Biron questioned the trial analogy and whether both sides truly have equal subpoena rights. Lynn responded that the investigative stage is like a grand jury process, where only the investigating body subpoenas witnesses, while the adjudicatory stage allows both sides to seek subpoenas through the hearing officer. Other questions focused on the bill’s scope. Representative Andreos asked what investigative authority the Department of Education already has, and Representative Organ questioned why the bill is limited to educators rather than also covering vendors, charter school boards, or the EFA scholarship organization. Lynn said the limitation to educators was deliberate, because earlier broader versions drew objections for being too expansive. Representative Tur asked whether the Attorney General could already handle such matters, and Lynn said that while the AG might be able to pursue some investigations or court subpoenas, agencies should be able to conduct their own internal investigations. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:53.640><c> back</c><00:09:53.839><c> in</c><00:09:53.959><c> the</c> way back in the way back
• That doesn't mean he has an independent way of voting; he has to vote the way he's told.
• </c><00:31:56.440><c> that's</c> Constitution and that's the way that's Constitution and that's the way
• </c> represented bernardy who did by the way represented bernardy who did by the way a<01:29:39.400><
• </c><02:22:23.240><c> to</c> cr3 that article 5 is the only way to cr3 that article 5 is the only way

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that was all vetted in a good way.
• So it's just a way to be anti-competitive, if you will. Is there a way to protect against that?
• , but I don't have my way.
• Let's let the process work its way out.
• And I think it in many ways shows how far we have to come, and not in a good way.

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 29, which would extend a sunset on California’s survival-action pain and suffering remedy and require additional reporting on settlements and cases. Senator Laird and supporters, including a family member describing a medical malpractice death and labor/building trades representatives, argued the bill protects victims whose claims would otherwise die with them and that there has been no demonstrated increase in malpractice rates. Opponents from the health care, hospital, and business sectors said the measure would increase costs, create a third category of damages, and could harm access to care, especially for clinics and rural providers. After extensive discussion about the sunset and data collection, the committee passed SB 29 to Appropriations on a divided vote. The committee then approved SB 294, which requires employers to notify workers about rights if they are arrested or detained and directs the Labor Commissioner to create an annual notice template. Supporters said the bill is needed because workers often do not know their rights amid weakened federal enforcement and workplace intimidation; there was no opposition on file after amendments removed prior concerns. SB 697, which updates stream adjudication procedures to allow the State Water Board to use modern technology instead of requiring in-person field investigations, also passed without opposition after stakeholders worked out concerns. Later, the committee took up SB 37 on attorney advertising, which would strengthen rules against misleading ads and allow consumer lawsuits. Consumer attorneys and supporters said the State Bar’s current enforcement is too weak, while joint-advertising businesses said they support the goal but want amendments to protect their model. The bill passed to Appropriations as negotiations continue. SB 645, dealing with peremptory challenges in civil cases and extending anti-bias procedures to certain discrimination-related matters, also advanced after supporters described it as a compromise and opponents said they were still working toward agreement. SB 303, narrowing protections for bias-mitigation trainings so good-faith admissions in those trainings are not treated as FEHA discrimination, passed after several groups moved to neutral. SB 464, requiring specified state workers to be included in annual pay-data reporting to better track racial pay gaps and promotion disparities, was presented as a reparations-related transparency measure and was heard with support from civil rights advocates.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that this body does this way too much.
• I think that was all vetted in a good way.
• So it's just a way to be anti-competitive, if you will. Is there a way to protect against that?
• don't have my way.
• Let's let the process work its way out.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with most drawing support after amendments or ongoing stakeholder negotiations. SB 29, by Senator Laird, would extend a sunset on the law allowing pain-and-suffering claims to survive a plaintiff’s death; supporters, including a family member describing a medical negligence case, labor groups, consumer advocates, and disability and elder organizations, argued it prevents defendants from running out the clock, while hospitals, medical groups, and business organizations warned of higher costs and added liability. After extensive debate about data collection, settlement reporting, and the impact on health care access, the bill passed to Appropriations on a divided vote. SB 294, by Senator Reyes and presented by Senator Laird, would require employers to notify a worker’s emergency contact if the worker is arrested or detained and would create a template to inform employees of state and federal labor rights. Labor and worker advocates said the bill would help workers understand and enforce their rights amid weakened federal enforcement; there was no opposition on file, and the bill passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 697 would modernize water-rights adjudication by allowing the State Water Board to use technology instead of requiring in-person field investigations; with no opposition, it also passed unanimously. The committee also advanced SB 37 on attorney advertising, SB 645 on peremptory challenges in civil cases, SB 303 on bias-mitigation trainings in public workplaces, and SB 464 on expanding pay-data reporting for specified state workers. SB 37 drew support from consumer and legal groups but concerns from Walker Advertising about joint advertising; members said negotiations were ongoing, and the bill passed. SB 645 would extend anti-bias jury-selection rules to certain civil rights cases; criminal-defense and defense groups said they were close to agreement, and the bill passed. SB 303 and SB 464 were both amended to narrow scope and moved forward after several opponents shifted to neutral or removed opposition. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills, all sent to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the way that I...
• We're supposed to make it easy, get out of the way.
• And basically, our choice is to follow the way other states have done mattress EPR or follow the way
• President, The way the programs are typically operated, and the way this bill permits them to be operated
• OPTIMAL WAY TO DO THIS I THINK IT IS AN OPTIMAL WAY TO DO IT AND THAT'S WHY IT IS IN THE BILL BUT IN

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions, including students from Brooklyn and St. John’s University, followed by adoption of the resolution calendar with exceptions for two items. The chamber then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing Black Maternal Health Week, Workplace Violence Prevention Month, the one-year anniversary of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy in the Dominican Republic, New York Constitution Day, and the Month of the Military Child. Senators speaking on the maternal health resolution emphasized racial disparities in maternal mortality and the need for culturally competent care; the workplace violence resolution highlighted hospital safety programs; the Jet Set resolution was adopted in memory of the victims; and the Constitution Day speech reviewed New York’s delayed but eventual support for independence in 1776. The military child resolution stressed the sacrifices of military families and support for children of service members. All of these resolutions were adopted, and the resolutions were opened to co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved through the third reading calendar, passing several bills and laying others aside. Measures passed included bills on public health, environmental conservation, executive law, public authorities, and consumer protection. One notable debate involved a bill to require transparency from private arbitration organizations handling consumer cases; supporters argued it would provide basic public data and guard against conflicts of interest, while opponents said it would burden a useful dispute-resolution process and intrude on privacy. The bill passed after debate. Another debated bill would phase out number 4 heating oil statewide; supporters said cleaner alternatives exist and the fuel is harmful to public health, while opponents raised cost and transition concerns, especially for colder regions. That bill also passed. The chamber also considered a bill to create a rebate program for battery-powered landscaping equipment, funded through utility-related mechanisms administered by NYSERDA. Supporters said it would reduce air and noise pollution and help companies transition, while opponents argued ratepayers should not subsidize landscaping equipment. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar. Finally, the Senate began discussion of a housing-related bill aimed at preserving manufactured home parks by enabling nonprofits or municipalities to acquire development rights and keep the land dedicated to that use, with the sponsor explaining that the goal is to protect affordable housing and help residents remain in their homes.

Transcript Highlights:

• way.
• way.
• So that's why we went that way.
• And if people interpret this way or interpret this way, This way or interpret this way, we as public
• I think a moratorium is a convenient way, but not a really wise way to do it.

Committee: Joint Legislative Management

Transcript Highlights:

• So this amendment is way too narrow, and I oppose it.
• That's the way our constitutional system is set up here.
• They're our boss, not the other way around.
• Recall is an option, by the way.
• And it is the proper way. And it is the proper way.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB5831 , SB6134 , SB6136 , SB6137 , HB2689 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5957 , SB5988 , SB5994 , SB6011 , SB6065 , SB6103 , SB6151 , SB6244 , SB5420 , SB5868 , SB6044 , SB6132 , SJM8002 , HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6137 , SB6244 , SB5420 , SB5868 , SB6044 , SB6132 , SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> Every step of the way, Every step of the way, he<00:37:02.960><c> led</c><00:37:03.280><c> from
• same way.
• , the majority voted I voted one way, the majority voted another<05:25:10.560><c> way.
• Simply put, we have lost our way.
• Simply put, we have lost our way. Gaza. Simply put, we have lost our way.

Bills: HCR38 , HR1099 , HR1100 , HB6472 , SB723 , HR1095

Keywords: military action, war powers, Iran, foreign relations, congressional authority, terrorism, national security, military, Middle East, nuclear program, U.S. policy, sexual harassment, ethics, House of Representatives, transparency, investigation, education, tuition, territorial residents, in-state tuition

Transcript Highlights:

• But through my research over the last 20 years, I can't believe the way things are going, the way the
• And doing so in no way, in no way, limits First Amendment rights that we all cherish.
• There must be another way.
• There must be another way.
• However, H. 1763 is not the way to do this, and in fact— However, H. 1763 is not the way to do this.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Summary: The committee opened with procedural guidance for a very large hearing, explaining testimony limits, written testimony procedures, and rules for maintaining order. Members then heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including proposals to define antisemitism using the IHRA definition, regulate facial recognition technology, restrict weaponized robotics and drone use, expand protections for journalists’ confidential sources, address access to decedents’ email accounts, and create or adjust rules around municipal enforcement and animal cruelty fines. Several sponsors and advocates asked for favorable reports, and committee members asked clarifying questions on implementation, costs, and how the bills would interact with existing law. On facial recognition, sponsors and advocates described the technology as a threat to privacy, due process, and civil liberties, and urged adoption of the Special Commission’s recommendations, including warrant requirements, notice to defendants, and limits on untargeted surveillance. Support came from legislators, the ACLU, CDT, EFF, and a UMass professor, while committee members asked about current state law and municipal bans. On robotics, Senator Moore and industry witnesses from MassRobotics, Boston Dynamics, and AUVSI supported a bill prohibiting weaponized robots and requiring warrants for certain law enforcement uses, describing it as a public-safety and trust-building measure. On the shield law bill, newspaper publishers, journalists, NEFAC, and the Reporters Committee argued Massachusetts needs statutory protection for confidential sources, citing costly subpoenas and chilling effects on reporting. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to expand the right of publicity to cover image and voice, with SAG-AFTRA members supporting protections against AI-driven exploitation and some discussion about viral content and consent. Another bill would allow limited access to a decedent’s email accounts, with one witness describing a family’s inability to use a deceased relative’s email to notify friends. The committee then took testimony on psilocybin-related bills: supporters described medical and personal benefits and argued for narrow decriminalization or study, while an opponent warned of public-health risks, impaired driving, and youth exposure; the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society supported limited, safety-based decriminalization. Finally, the committee heard strong support for a “safe reporting” bill for sex workers and trafficking survivors, with advocates saying immunity would encourage victims and witnesses to report crimes without fear of arrest, and members raised questions about how the immunity would work in practice.