Transcript Highlights:

• And as a society, we have rightfully respected that.
• Middleton, doesn't pay us the common respect.
• We deserve respect in every aspect of our lives.
• We should protect and respect women's spaces.
• Trans people deserve the same respect in human rights as anyone else.

Bills: SB7 , SB14 , SB 7 , SB 14

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• to the film tax the state with respect to the film tax credit<00:31:40.120><c> sir</c><00:31:40.440>
• With respect to, you know, I guess Ms.
• With respect to, you know, I guess Ms.
• With respect to, you know, I guess Ms.
• With respect to, you know, I guess Ms.

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The committee heard several measures on agriculture, energy, stadium governance, and hotel consumer protections. On SB 448 relating to agriculture, Agra Business Development Corporation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in support of a proposed conservation easement acquisition in Central Oahu; the chair asked follow-up questions about the exact location, cost, and agricultural potential of the land, and the witness said the parcel had good soil and water and was former pineapple land, with cost still to be provided. On SB 827 relating to meat processing, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism said the state needs more meat-processing capacity and that any grant program should complement, not compete with, existing efforts; the Attorney General’s office warned the bill lacked legally sufficient standards for grants of public money under the state constitution and offered draft standards. Several industry and chamber witnesses supported the measure, while discussion focused on the need for brick-and-mortar or modular facilities, infrastructure costs, federal inspection needs, and access for hunters and neighbor islands. The committee then took up SB 1269 relating to geothermal resources, which drew broad support from county officials, energy consultants, utility representatives, and community advocates, with one witness opposing it. Supporters described geothermal as a viable, indigenous, firm baseload energy source that could help reduce Hawaii’s high electricity costs and support clean energy goals; one witness emphasized prior work in New Zealand and another urged the state to move forward with exploration. A DBEDT representative explained that the department is coordinating geothermal-related work with the Hawaii Technology Development Corp., the University of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Energy Office, noting a prior $3 million appropriation, phase-one community engagement work, and plans to seek a contractor for geoscience and exploration in phase two. Members pressed DBEDT to explain how this bill fits with other geothermal measures moving through different committees, and the chair asked the department to review SB 993 and better coordinate the package of geothermal bills. On SB 1337 relating to the Stadium Authority, the stadium manager testified in support of clarifying quorum rules, explaining that the authority currently has eight seated voting members out of nine possible voting seats and that the bill would help ensure voting members are counted for quorum; he said meetings have not been delayed. Finally, on SB 883 relating to hotels, the Attorney General’s office raised First Amendment and contract-law concerns and recommended adding a purpose statement and a non-impairment savings clause. Unite Here Local 5 and other supporters said guests should be notified of hotel service disruptions such as construction, closures, or labor disputes, while opponents questioned who would enforce the law, what penalties would apply, and whether the measure could require hotels to pay damages even without a complaint. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fordall to sort of give us the history of this agenda item and maybe some of the law as well with respect
• I think General Boussier had some sound advice, and I respect his experience.
• And there's also a provision that allows for the majority leader of each respective House.
• And these members are appointed by each chamber's respective majority leader.
• It's two co-chairmen from each of the House's respective members.

Committee: Joint Legislative Management

Transcript Highlights:

• While many of us cherish and respect coexistence with wildlife, coexistence requires preparation.
• We are here today, unfortunately, in respectful opposition to AB 2469.
• We are in respectful opposition to AB 2469.
• We are again here in respectful opposition to AB 2619.
• We represent the most innovative employers, and we're in respectful opposition to AB 2619.

Committees: House Water, Parks and Wildlife , House Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:29:43.560><c> and</c> caller feels heard, respected, and caller feels heard, respected, and
• Um, I wrote down what testifier Artika Roller said about ensuring that everyone is heard, respected,
• the way that you have admire and respect the way that you have brought<00:36:21.760><c> that</c><00:
• I<00:58:23.560><c> respect</c><00:58:24.359><c> respectfully</c><00:58:24.960><c> ask</c><00:58:25.200
• ><c> for</c> I respect respectfully ask for I respect respectfully ask for everyone's<00:58:25.640><c

Bills: HF1082 , HF2099 , HF4177 , HF2742

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: public safety, law enforcement, mental health, domestic violence, appropriations, criminal justice, Minnesota corrections, victim services, task force, personal safety, emergency management, local government, funding, preparedness, Minnesota, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit, use of force, police accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, I have a lot of respect for our CRNAs.
• I respect nurses. I've been in the field.
• I've told you this before, sir, with all due respect.
• The 27 states where nurse practitioners are valued and treated with respect.
• I respect nurse practitioners. I have one on my staff who works for me.

Bills: SB1888 , SB3003 , SB2417 , SB2459 , SB3055 , HB1393 , HB2884 , SB2943

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I deeply respect Colonel Gansen for his unwavering dedication to our nation.
• </c><02:44:31.840><c> to</c> the National Emergency with respect to the National Emergency with respect
• </c><02:44:46.439><c> to</c> the National Emergency with respect to the National Emergency with respect
• </c><04:05:09.560><c> by</c> American flag is still respected by American flag is still respected by
• </c><04:06:30.399><c> we</c> promise of America in many respects we promise of America in many respects

Bills: HR30

Keywords: honor, legacy, Jimmy Carter, human rights, presidential achievements, diplomacy, Georgia, Nobel Peace Prize, James Earl Carter Jr., President Carter, Rosalynn Carter, Plains Georgia, Georgia politics, House resolution, memorial resolution, tribute, condolences, bipartisan, Carter Center, democracy

Transcript Highlights:

• After general debate, respective design.
• </c> on natural resources or their respective on natural resources or their respective designates<02:
• The gentleman their respective design.
• Now, with all due respect to my years.
• </c> resources their respective uh design. resources their respective uh design.

Bills: HB4553 , HJR105 , HJR106 , HJR104 , HR539 , HR672

Keywords: energy, water development, appropriations, fiscal year 2026, flood control, infrastructure, Bureau of Land Management, North Dakota, resource management plan, congression disapproval, public lands policy, HJR106, H.J.Res. 106, Congressional Review Act, CRA, BLM, Central Yukon, Alaska, public lands, land management

Transcript Highlights:

• You respect them. They will respect you.
• And I can tell you, I was amazed at how sincere and how respectful people can be when sincere and how
• respectful people can be when they, when you meet them halfway.
• of colleagues... ...governance, fiscal stewardship, and bipartisan collaboration, earning the respect
• I think everybody has treated me with dignity and respect.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in order for a bill to be effective, we have to respect and honor the Constitution.
• And in order for a bill to be effective, we have to respect and honor the Constitution.
• And in order for a bill to be effective, we have to respect and honor the Constitution.
• And in order for a bill to be effective, we have to respect and honor the Constitution.
• And in order for a bill to be effective, we have to respect and honor the Constitution.

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a lot of respect that people had.
• You know, we did have a whole lot more respect back then.
• The president that respects people's right to own firearms and has a respect..."
• "The president that respects people's right to own firearms, and has a respect for small business, didn't
• They respect it.

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, offered an invocation, and handled several announcements and courtesy motions, including excusing some members and relaxing the dress code. The chamber then adopted committee reports on several bills, including Senate Bill 50, Senate Bill 30, and Senate Bill 43. It then moved to third reading of Senate Judiciary Committee substitute for Senate Bill 17, the “Stop Illegal Gun Trade and Extremely Dangerous Weapons Act.” SB 17 was read at length and explained by Senator O’Malley and co-sponsor Senator Bergman as a gun crime prevention measure aimed at dealer security, employee training, recordkeeping, reporting requirements, inspections, and a ban on future dealer sales or transfers of certain firearms and accessories, including high-capacity magazines, .50-caliber rifles and cartridges, gas-operated semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines, and machine guns. Supporters argued the bill targets the retail-to-criminal pipeline, improves accountability, and would help reduce gun trafficking and violence. Opponents argued it infringes on constitutional rights, would not stop criminals from obtaining guns, and would burden law-abiding citizens and dealers. The chamber then debated Floor Amendment No. 1 by Senator Brantley, which would have struck Section 7, the portion banning certain weapons and devices. Supporters of the amendment said Section 7 was the most constitutionally vulnerable part of the bill and would likely be litigated, while opponents said the section was central to the bill’s purpose and consistent with Second Amendment case law. The amendment failed on a roll call vote, 15-22. A second amendment by Senator Block, which would have exempted certain under-21 employees from the bill’s age restriction if they were military members, veterans, or had completed hunter safety or 4-H programs, was then taken up and debated, with supporters emphasizing military training and youth firearms education as evidence of responsibility.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that there's bias and structural racism in the system, and there is respect for the families
• We know that there's bias and structural racism in the system, and there is respect for the families
• With respect to this specific item, I want to start by acknowledging that the California Health and Human
• I do also Are happy, as always, to provide technical assistance with respect to your priorities.
• With respect to AB 2906—be careful. You made too long of a pause. Yeah, that was staining.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing on child welfare, foster care, child support, and related prevention efforts. The chair opened by emphasizing mandated reporting reform, foster care system improvements, and community-based prevention, and noted that no votes would be taken. Public testimony focused first on mandated reporting, where a lived-experience advocate and several organizations argued that the current system overreports families, especially Black, Native, and Latino families, causes trauma, and should be reformed through standardized training, clearer thresholds, and stronger community supports rather than more hotline referrals. Casey Family Programs cited data showing nearly 90% of reports are unsubstantiated, while CDSS said it is already forming a Mandated Reporting Advisory Committee, updating training, and exploring community pathways and possible changes to the list of mandated reporters. CWDA and SEIU supported training and alternative response concepts but stressed child safety, county capacity, funding, and the need for careful implementation and accountability. The committee then discussed a proposal to create a foster care multi-agency office within the California Health and Human Services Agency, led by a chief foster youth advocate with authority to coordinate across departments. Advocates said foster youth often need services from education, health, housing, and behavioral health systems that do not coordinate well, and argued that a central office with real authority could improve placement stability and access to services. CDSS responded that existing structures already provide coordination, including AB 2083 interagency teams, the Child Welfare Council, complex care steering committees, and the foster care ombudsperson, but said it was open to technical assistance. Members raised concerns about whether the new office would have enough authority and funding to avoid becoming another layer of bureaucracy, and the chair emphasized the need for real “teeth” and better interagency action. The final major topic was the continuation and expansion of Promise Neighborhoods. A community leader described strong early results from the state-funded neighborhoods, including improved kindergarten readiness, reduced chronic absenteeism, higher graduation rates, food access, housing supports, and mental health services, but warned that current funding sunsets in June 2025 and that a fiscal cliff could jeopardize staff and services. CDSS said the four funded neighborhoods have reported positive outcomes and valuable flexibility, but also noted challenges with one-time funding, student mental health, and long-term planning. Assemblymember Mia Bonta urged continued investment, saying the place-based model is difficult to rebuild once lost, and the chair asked LAO to help identify the minimum funding needed to preserve the existing infrastructure while evaluation results are still pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas classroom-based civic education that emphasizes media literacy, respectful debate, and collaboration
• Government Class and the Building Bridges Program for creating space where students can participate in respectful
• They seem to ask us to be civil, respectful, kind, and patient with each other.

Summary: The Senate opened by suspending Rule 46 to allow continued committee action during the floor session, then approved the previous day’s journal. It received standing committee reports and, on motion, referred listed measures as designated, with Substitute House Bill 2152 on medical cannabis in specified health care facilities and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2471 on collective bargaining redirected to the Committee on Ways and Means. The chamber then took up Senate Resolution 8694, which celebrates civil, open-minded discussion and recognizes students from Marysville-Getchell High School’s Advanced Placement Government class and the Building Bridges program for their work on civic discourse, media literacy, and respectful dialogue. Senators spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing civility, diversity of opinion, and youth leadership. The resolution was adopted by voice vote. Next, the Senate considered Senate Resolution 8691 honoring the 2026 Apple Blossom Festival Royal Court from Wenatchee. The resolution highlighted the festival’s history, the accomplishments and community service of Queen Breel Precht and Princesses Kaylee Pearson and Parker Avery, and their roles as ambassadors for the festival. Senators praised their leadership and service, and the resolution was adopted by voice vote. The Senate then welcomed the royal court and guests to the North Gallery before adjourning until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• transparency, survivor-centered inquiry, and accountability is duly noted, and I think has all the respect
• from myself and certainly... ...duly noted and I think has all the respect from myself and certainly
• have been getting the respect of many people in our community, and with an unanimous vote of approval

Committee: House House House Investigatory Subcommittee

Summary: The subcommittee held its first official organizational meeting to investigate Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes in New Mexico, especially activity connected to Zorro Ranch. After roll call established a quorum, the members introduced themselves and explained their backgrounds: Representative Anaya cited survivor advocacy work, Representative Hall described his FBI background, and Representative Reeb noted her experience prosecuting sexual assault cases. Chair Romero outlined the committee’s purpose as a bipartisan House investigatory subcommittee, informally called the Truth Commission, tasked with conducting a full, transparent, legally rigorous fact-finding investigation into Epstein’s criminal enterprise and how New Mexico was used. The chair said the committee has a $2 million budget, will hire legal experts and investigators, and will work through Legislative Council after session. She announced plans for a public website, regular updates, a tip line, and coordination with the New Mexico Department of Justice, law enforcement, and public safety agencies. She also said the committee has subpoena power and will issue subpoenas to persons of interest if they do not voluntarily cooperate, while protecting survivor anonymity and keeping the process trauma-informed and victim-centered. Members emphasized the importance of justice for survivors and public transparency. Representative Anaya encouraged people needing help to contact the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs. No public commenters came forward during the allotted comment period, and the meeting adjourned after the organizational discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to say with respect to this amendment, thanking the Florida Department of Corrections, as
• I just want to say with respect to this amendment, systems, academic medical centers, and children's
• I just want to say with respect to this amendment, thanking the Florida Department of Corrections, as

Bills: S0760 , S1012 , S1536 , S1582 , S1792

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:04:27.839><c> Thank</c><01:04:28.000><c> you,</c> appreciated that respect.
• Thank you, appreciated that respect. Thank you, Madam<01:04:28.640><c> Speaker.
• </c> to show us respect to show us respect and<01:57:58.560><c> you</c><01:57:58.800><c> know</c><01:
• It is respected. It is honored. It is recognized.
• It is respected. It is honored. It is recognized.

Transcript Highlights:

• These guidelines should be respected at all times. I think it would be helpful to Mr.
• I'm sorry. >> I respect that and thank you very much.
• &gt;&gt; I respect that and thank you very much.
• My mother instilled in me a great respect for Judaism.
• </c> respect for Judaism. respect for Judaism.

Committee: House Legislative Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, I respect... Well, that's the beauty of our system.
• small on a global scale, that California has a responsibility to step forward in this space with respect
• So there’s been some issues raised with respect to strict liability, to retroactivity, to incentivizing
• Jacob Brent with the California Retailers Association, in respectful opposition. Mr.
• There are some benefits that have been seen in Europe with respect to the DMA.

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took action on a number of them. SB 1234 by Senator Alvarado-Gil would require fentanyl to be included in drug tests ordered by juvenile courts for parents or guardians in dependency cases; there was no opposition, a committee member confirmed it would apply to caregivers rather than children, and the bill was supported for moving forward. SB 1257 by Senator Arreguín would require the Attorney General to publish an annual public report on immigration enforcement incidents at designated safe locations such as schools, hospitals, courthouses, and places of worship; supporters from immigrant advocacy and health groups testified about fear and chilling effects in communities, while questions focused on how data would be collected and concerns were raised about sanctuary policies. SB 1176 by Senator Choi would bar foreign adversary entities from buying California agricultural land; supporters cited national security concerns, but committee members pressed on enforcement, straw buyers, and who would be responsible for identifying prohibited purchasers, and the bill was held on a 2-4 vote after debate. The committee also heard SB 1146 by Senator Gonzalez, which would require clear disclosure when AI-generated or altered images, audio, or video are used in health-related advertisements depicting health care providers. The California Medical Association and California Dental Association supported the bill, describing deepfake health ads as deceptive and harmful; it passed the committee 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 988 by Senator Grayson would regulate auto glass insurance practices by restricting assignment of benefits, requiring claim numbers and itemized estimates, and addressing steering and billing practices; supporters said it would curb fraud and stabilize premiums, while independent glass businesses worried about steering and market concentration. After discussion of consumer choice and small-business impacts, the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 1288, presented by Senator Grayson on behalf of Senator Laird, would require financial institutions to make a good-faith effort to notify beneficiaries of non-probate assets and would reduce barriers to claiming those assets, especially for nonprofits. Nonprofit witnesses described long delays and burdensome account-opening requirements, while SIFMA and bankers opposed the bill unless amended, citing conflicts with federal and industry obligations and concerns about retroactivity and verification. The bill passed 8-0 to call. The committee also heard SB 941 by Senator Padilla, which would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; the Attorney General’s office and immigrant advocates supported it as a response to exploitative pricing and poor conditions, and it passed 8-0 to call. Finally, SB 909 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would raise and index public works contractor fees and penalties and dedicate more penalty revenue to enforcement; labor supporters said stronger funding is needed to address wage theft and backlogs, while contractors opposed the fee and penalty structure as uncapped and costly. The bill was moved forward on a vote and remained on call after committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, what self-respecting appropriator would want a... ...appropriator?
• And I have nothing but the greatest respect and empathy for each of you.
• And I'm asking you to please help us respect the process that we have to go through.
• I respect that. But we still have to do the actual work that is set before us.
• The people I trust, the people who respect my dignity, may be forced to leave.

Committee: House Budget

Summary: The committee first heard the State Auditor’s fiscal year 2027 budget request. Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick described rebuilding the office after staffing had fallen to a historic low, explaining that the office has grown from 92.5 to 119 FTE but still needs several years to reach full staffing, especially at the manager level. He said most of the budget is payroll, noted the office’s use of lapsing general revenue while staffing is rebuilt, and outlined requests including core operating funds, a small sports betting audit NDI, and a $290,000 increase to the CPA stipend to address recruitment and retention problems. Members also discussed the auditor’s authority to audit state agencies and subrecipients, the office’s role in performance audits, and the meaning of “E” appropriations and the auditor’s recent general revenue conditions report. The committee then moved to public testimony on House Bill 10, focusing on Department of Health and Senior Services and Department of Mental Health issues. One witness from the American Heart Association supported continued funding for cardiac emergency response planning in schools, citing AEDs, CPR training, and about 480 schools served. Another witness from the Alzheimer’s Association urged rejection of a proposed $1 million reduction to the Missouri caregiver program, arguing it supports families caring for people with dementia and helps avoid more expensive institutional care. Most of the testimony concerned proposed cuts to developmental disability services, especially day habilitation and self-directed supports (SDS). Providers, family members, and workers said the proposed reductions would force service cuts, reduce wages, and threaten community-based care that keeps people at home and out of more costly facilities. They argued the cuts would shift costs to emergency, residential, or institutional settings and asked the committee to preserve current funding levels. Several members asked questions about provider rates, the share of services delivered by private providers, and the cost difference between SDS and institutional care. The hearing ended with the chair apologizing for earlier tension, explaining the schedule, and recessing the committee to return later because of House floor obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet our institutions remain committed to ensuring every student feels safe, respected, and supported.
• But the faculty union is working on that particular issue with respect to the notice to faculty ahead
• The faculty union is working on that particular issue with respect to the notice to faculty ahead of
• With respect to the other pieces, I'll check into those and see if we have any information we can share
• And thank you so much to our panelists for representing your respective institutions, for your candor

Committee: House Higher Education

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee held an oversight hearing on the impact of federal actions on California higher education, with opening remarks from the chair and members emphasizing shared governance, student access, and the importance of protecting California’s public systems. The first panel included leaders from CSU, UC, California Community Colleges, and the University of the Pacific, who described major disruptions from federal policy changes, including grant terminations, changes to Pell and loan programs, the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, tighter loan limits, and uncertainty around immigration, CalFresh/SNAP, and Medicaid-related rules. UC and CSU leaders said federal research and student-support cuts threaten research capacity, workforce pipelines, and services for low-income, first-generation, undocumented, and international students, while the community colleges highlighted uncertainty around TRIO, HSI/MSI/AANAPISI grants and the need to preserve student services and economic mobility. Members asked about the scale of funding losses, intersegmental partnerships, workforce impacts, indirect cost caps, H-1B hiring costs, and the effect of federal changes on health care and research. Witnesses said the federal environment has created instability, delayed planning, and could reduce access to graduate and professional education, especially in health fields and other high-need professions. Several witnesses urged the Legislature to support research bonds, housing and capital outlay, and continued state investment to offset federal retrenchment. The committee also discussed how cuts could affect student debt, food insecurity, and the diversity of future cohorts, with witnesses warning that the changes could narrow access and weaken California’s workforce pipeline for years. The second panel focused on equitable access. The California Student Aid Commission described state efforts such as Cal Grant, the Middle Class Scholarship, the Golden State Teacher Grant, and a proposed state FAFSA alternative for students who cannot access federal aid, while urging reforms to Cal Grant, better integration with CalFresh, and more support for foster youth and adult learners. The Los Angeles Community College District reported that federal cuts and policy uncertainty are discouraging students from applying for aid, threatening TRIO and MSI/HSI-funded services, and putting basic needs, transfer support, and workforce programs at risk. The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities said federal loan caps, research cuts, and attacks on DEI and HSI funding are harming access and retention, especially for first-generation and low-income students, and called for stronger state support, including transfer aid and a state-backed loan option. The CSU Academic Senate also testified that abrupt federal changes to MSI and related programs have disrupted student research, summer programs, and equity-focused initiatives, with one campus example losing $2.7 million in student-centered funding on short notice.