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.
• Sarah Ridges, on behalf of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, in support.
• Sarah Bridges on behalf of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association in support.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the California Assembly. Welcome to the California Assembly.
• Will came from Tennessee to California to study at the California Culinary Academy, and has been involved
• He would go on to lead the California State Water Resources Control Board until 1979 and then the California
• John was the CEO during the California energy crisis.
• He was an author of the California Public Records Act and the Bagley-Keene Act.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the previous day’s journal. Procedural motions were adopted to allow certain members to speak on adjournment in memory and to host guests on the floor, and the chamber suspended Joint Rule 61 to allow the Appropriations Committee to meet and consider AB 1533. The majority leader also requested that SB 272 and HR 44 be removed from the consent calendar. The main floor action was the Assembly’s Pride Month observance, centered on HR 43, which recognizes June 2025 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month. Assembly Member Ward and members of several caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing LGBTQ+ history, civil rights, community contributions, and current political attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. Assembly Member DeMaio spoke in opposition, arguing the resolution was divisive and included controversial policy references. After debate, 49 coauthors were added and the resolution was adopted by voice vote. The chamber then held a Pride Month ceremony honoring 14 distinguished individuals for contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, followed by guest introductions recognizing APICA fellows, family members, educators, and community leaders. The Assembly later adopted the consent calendar, with SB 61, SB 66, SB 846, SB 229, and SCR 3 approved, and then heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for John E. Brison and former Assembly Member William T. Bagley. The House adjourned until Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vision at the California Department of Social Services.
• , and the California Medical Services Program.
• And being who we are as California, if we aren't number one, we have a problem.
• We reached out to all of the delegation members in California.
• I am Sam Wilkinson with Grayson and Child Poverty in California.

Transcript Highlights:

• The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is California, that remain.
• And it's no secret: it's getting warmer in California.
• We can choose to continue to decarcerate California.
• I referenced early on that California is getting warmer.
• California Institute for Women.

Transcript Highlights:

• California heavily relies on mail voting, with more than 80% of voters using this method.
• Beth Malnowski, with SEIU California, proud sponsors of SB 259.
• These growing threats highlight why California must act now to strengthen California law ahead of the
• , they must meet California standards for safety, dignity, and human rights.
• Now is the time to ensure California has a consistent ongoing regulatory... centers such as California

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on August 27, 2026, with a quorum present and considered two bills. Senator Wahab presented SB 259, which would create new felony and misdemeanor penalties for willful interference with the delivery or receipt of vote-by-mail ballots, framed as a response to threats against election administration and California’s heavy reliance on mail voting. SEIU California supported the bill, emphasizing election protection and noting the penalties would not apply to accidental mishandling by election officials. The committee moved SB 259 out on a due pass basis with a B-roll call, with Mr. Hoover not voting. The committee then heard SB 957 from Senator Prose, the Protecting Vulnerable Immigrant Detainees Model Act, which directs the Attorney General to develop a comprehensive oversight plan for privately operated civil detention facilities. Supporters, including CHIRLA and Inclusive Action for the City, described serious health and safety problems in detention facilities and argued California needs a stronger, ongoing oversight framework. The chair and members expressed support for the bill and its focus on humane conditions and accountability. SB 957 was also moved out on a due pass basis with a B-roll call, with Mr. Hoover not voting. No opposition testimony was presented on either bill, and the meeting adjourned after the committee completed action on both measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the California, Oregon representative. We're a nationwide organization.
• I'm the California, Oregon representative.
• Mark Henley, with California Waterfowl, in support.
• Foundation, California Deer Association, California Housman for Conservation, and the California Hawking
• Foundation, California Deer Association, California Housman for Conservation, and the California Hawking

Committee: House Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Transcript Highlights:

• Item 2D, Janessa Goldbeck for the California Veterans Board. Thank you so much.
• Good afternoon, Johann Cardenas with the California Panagna Health Network.
• State of California. Thank you.
• I'm a retired caseworker from California tribal TANF in Fairfield.
• And in her time, ...for the California Reducing Disparities Project.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules convened, established quorum, and first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear: Courtney Welsh to the California Housing Partnership Corporation Board, Janessa Goldbeck to the California Veterans Board, and Tom Huntington to the State Parks and Recreation Commission, each by 3-0 vote. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees, the 2026 committee chair/member assignments, the 2026 session schedule, the 2026 holiday schedule, and floor acknowledgments, all by unanimous votes. The committee then heard and advanced two appointments requiring testimony. Dr. Hernando Garzon, nominated as chief medical officer for the Emergency Medical Services Authority, discussed his background in emergency medicine, disaster response, EMS data modernization, local flexibility within statewide standards, ambulance offload time regulations, stakeholder engagement, and alternatives to emergency transport such as community paramedicine and telehealth. Members pressed him on strategic planning, rural and climate-related disaster response, ambulance rate reporting, and how EMSA can better protect vulnerable people during evacuations; his appointment was approved 4-0 and sent to the Senate floor. Stephanie Weldon, nominated as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health, described her tribal background, prior public service, and focus on health equity, behavioral health, tribal consultation, data, and community-led programs. Senators asked about measuring outcomes, serving rural communities, balancing equity work amid federal DEI opposition, youth mental health, and preventing fraud or waste through transparency. Public commenters, including tribal, health, and community advocates, strongly supported her nomination. Her appointment was also approved 4-0 and forwarded to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Agenda Item 1 pertains to ongoing funding for the California Education Learning Lab.
• California.
• I'm the Director of the California Education Learning Lab.
• I'm with the California Edge Coalition.
• Of making sure all of California has the digital divide bridged.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard a presentation on ongoing funding for the California Education Learning Lab. The Learning Lab described its intersegmental grant-making work with UC, CSU, and community college faculty, including projects on AI, math alignment, and open educational resources. The administration proposed moving the program’s administrative home from the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to GovOps and restoring $4 million annually. The Department of Finance supported the proposal as a way to improve coordination, while the LAO recommended rejecting it, arguing the program is difficult to scale, overlaps with existing campus and segment-wide professional development, and could be wound down to save General Fund dollars. Senators split on the issue: some emphasized the program’s role in fostering innovation and cross-segment collaboration, while others questioned its measurable outcomes and whether it addresses problems rooted in K-12 preparation. The item was held open without a vote. The committee then considered funding for the new Office of Civil Rights within GovOps, created to implement AB 715 and SB 48. The proposal sought $3.5 million in 2026-27 and $2.8 million ongoing to staff the office, provide training and technical assistance to local educational agencies, and help track discrimination complaints through the Department of Education’s uniform complaint process. Finance said the office was being stood up administratively, but many positions were still unfilled; the LAO had no concerns and said the proposal simply implements recent legislation. Senators raised concerns about the office’s placement in GovOps, the lack of guidance while the office is not yet operational, the potential duplication with CDE processes, and whether staffing levels and coordinator roles match the volume and type of complaints. The department said it would adjust resources as workload becomes clearer and that first-year goals would include hiring staff, developing materials, and beginning outreach. The item was held open. After public comment and votes on several vote-only items, the committee heard from the Office of Data and Innovation on a request for five positions and $1.25 million in reimbursement authority. ODI said it uses data science, design, and engineering to improve state services, citing work on EBT theft detection and forecasting community water system outages. Finance had no comment, and the LAO supported the reimbursement model. Senators generally praised ODI’s small but high-impact role and asked about privacy safeguards for vendor AI tools; ODI said it uses state guardrails, enterprise contracts, and coordination with CDT to protect data. The item was held open. The Department of Technology then presented on the Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative, reporting progress on the 8,100-mile network, including 423 miles already complete and more than 70% permitted. CDT said it had selected Skyline Technology Solutions as operator and expected about 5,300 miles completed by December 2026, with some miles possibly slipping into 2027. The LAO noted most of the $3.8 billion appropriated has been encumbered, but raised concerns about the new three-party operating structure and long-term sustainability. Senators asked about accountability, the need for a two-year extension of liquidation authority, and whether revenues will cover operating costs. CDT said the extension is a precaution to allow for final reallocations if needed, that CDT retains ultimate responsibility, and that it expects the network to be self-sustaining over time through service revenues and lease arrangements. The department committed to continued reporting through annual reports, advisory committees, and briefings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Janice Somali from AFSCME California.
• Tristan Brown with the California Federation of Teachers.
• Elmer Lazzardo, with the California Federation of Labor Unions, in support.
• Madam Chair and members, Janice O'Malley, with ASMC, California.
• Sandra Barrero, on behalf of SEIU, California, in support. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several bills, beginning with SB 1166 by Senator Arreguín, which would allow AC Transit and its employees to use the Public Employment Relations Board to resolve unfair labor practice charges instead of the courts. The author and union supporters said PERB would provide a faster, fairer, and more specialized process, while no opposition testified. The committee members expressed support, and SB 1166 was approved on a due pass motion and re-referred to Appropriations. The committee also took up consent items SB 1024, SB 1207, and SB 1444, which were moved on consent and placed on hold for absent members. Later, SB 1083 by Senator Perez was heard; it would refine last year’s school misconduct database law by adding an administrative law judge review process for classified employees, requiring stronger employer notification and record-sharing procedures, and extending vetting requirements to certain contracted workers. Supporters, including classified employees and labor groups, argued the bill adds due process and fairness while preserving student safety. Opponents, including school administrators, school districts, and liability organizations, argued it could create gaps in misconduct records, increase liability, and weaken protections for students. After discussion, the author said he was continuing to work with opponents on amendments and emphasized the bill’s goal of balancing due process with child safety, referencing his own experience with grooming as a student. SB 1083 was passed on a due pass motion and re-referred to the Committee on Education. The chair then announced that all bills had passed and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This hearing is required by law to hear an independent report from the California...
• I'm also a member of the California Actuarial Advisory Panel.
• Eric Luror speaking on behalf of the California State Association of Counties.
• When they retire, they should have the The system that makes California work.
• If we fail, the consequences are real for millions of families across California.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the California Assembly.
• But from literally across Southern California.
• Morishita's service to California students is exemplary.
• Members, I'd like to welcome two of my constituents hailing from Lincoln, California.
• Thank you, Assemblymember Patterson, and welcome to the California Assembly.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2274 closes this loophole by prohibiting these kinds of agreements in the state of California.
• We need to increase our capacity in California to perform spay and neuter.
• The California Common Sense Act legalizes the symmetrical rounding of cash transactions.
• Assembly Bill 1818 by Assembly Member Ortega, an act relating to the California State University.
• The California DOJ maintains a database with trace data on all crime guns recovered in California, and

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through motions and daily file items. Senator Ashby moved AB 2352 to the inactive file and AB 775 off the consent calendar. The body then considered a long series of concurrence and third-reading measures, with most receiving broad support and passing on largely party-line or unanimous votes. Among the major bills discussed were SB 1192 on domestic violence-related relief, SB 1263 on professions and vocations, SB 872 on water infrastructure and levee/subsidence issues, SB 934 on protecting LGBTQ people from conversion therapy, SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public comment rules, AB 1573 on housing for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, AB 52 on farmer equity, AB 1758 on travel seller restitution fees, AB 1544 on court transparency, AB 1738 on virtual inspections for simple home work, AB 1820 on EV charger permit fees, AB 2150 on naloxone training for CPR-certified employees, AB 2274 on limiting secrecy in non-prosecution agreements for traffickers and child molesters, AB 2674 on public access to landfill monitoring data, AB 2010 on high-volume spay/neuter procedures, AB 1793 on cash rounding after the penny’s discontinuation, AB 1818 on CSU bargaining procedures, AB 1655 on CalWORKs support when children are detained by ICE, AB 1743 on firearm trace data sharing, and AB 2011 on preserving mental health parity enforcement. Members speaking in support emphasized consumer protection, transparency, public health, housing, labor rights, and equity; opposition was limited and appeared on a few measures such as AB 1743 and AB 1818. Votes were recorded on each item, with many measures passing unanimously or by wide margins. Notable roll calls included concurrence on SB 1192 (30-0), SB 1263 (36-0), SB 872 (37-0), SB 934 (27-9), SB 1159 (37-0), and AB 2010 and AB 2150 by unanimous roll call. Several Assembly bills also passed with recorded opposition, including AB 52, AB 1758, AB 1820, AB 1793, AB 1818, AB 1655, AB 1743, and AB 2011. The session ended by returning to motions and consent calendars, where SCR 193 and a large slate of consent items were taken up, with SCR 193 granted reconsideration and the desk noting additional requests from members.

Transcript Highlights:

• ACR 147 recognizes March 9, 2026, as California Special Olympics Day.
• of Special Olympics Southern California.
• ; and Terence Hong, the athlete for Special Olympics in Northern California.
• Spencer Dayton with the California Colorectal Cancer Coalition, or C4.
• Spencer Dayton with the California Colorectal Cancer Coalition, or C4.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and brief procedural business, including approval of the prior day’s journal, suspension of certain rules for guest introductions, and moving AB 568 to the inactive file. The chamber then recognized several visiting groups, including a fourth-grade class from Marigold Elementary School, representatives of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and its Royal Court, and students from the University of California Students Association on lobby day. The main floor actions centered on two resolutions. ACR 147 by Assembly Member Lackey designated March 9, 2026 as California Special Olympics Day. Members from both parties spoke in strong support, sharing personal connections to Special Olympics and praising its impact on athletes, families, and volunteers. The resolution received 70 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 89 by Assembly Member Patterson declared March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Speakers emphasized rising colorectal cancer rates among younger adults, the importance of screening, and new testing options including blood tests. The resolution also received 70 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. After the resolutions, Assembly Member Rodriguez offered an adjournment in memory of Bob Yuloa of Chino, a Navy veteran and longtime community servant. The Assembly then announced upcoming committee and floor session dates and adjourned until Thursday, March 12 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• You see, Tione Theas grew up in Compton, California, with the Compton schools.
• There are only six in the state of California. Who have been human trafficked.
• There are only six in the state of California, shockingly.
• Through the law enforcement community in every agency in California.
• She served as a key advisor to California Assembly Speaker Karen Bass.

Transcript Highlights:

• April 20th through April 26th as California Cities Week.
• This week as California Cities Week, we do more than issue a symbolic statement.
• In the rear of the chamber, we have California Cities' President Lynn B.
• You know, the history of this genocide is ultimately the history of California.
• Welcome to the California Assembly. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer honoring Pope Francis, and then proceeded through routine motions, guest introductions, and floor business. Members welcomed several groups, including youth art contest winners, local city officials for Cal Cities Week, emergency dispatchers and 9-1-1 youth heroes, a school group from Northridge Community School, and Sheriff Michael Johnson. The body also handled procedural actions such as re-referring bills, withdrawing AB 16 from Appropriations because it was no longer fiscal, and allowing committees to notice bills pending re-referral. On the floor, Assembly Concurrent Resolution 44, proclaiming April 20–26 as California Cities Week, was adopted by voice vote after opening the roll for co-authors. The Assembly then passed several bills, including AB 793 on dog dangerousness proceedings and AB 533 reauthorizing health care districts’ use of design-build for health facility construction, both by unanimous roll call. AB 764, which would add mute swans to the list of exotic non-game birds that can be legally managed, also passed unanimously. House Resolution 32, recognizing Cambodian Genocide Memorial Week, drew extensive remarks from multiple members about the historical tragedy and the Cambodian American community; it was adopted by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added, followed by a moment of silence. The consent calendar was then taken up and adopted 69-0, including AB 369 and a series of other bills and resolutions. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Officer Paul Philip Jordan, a longtime LAPD officer who served the Hollywood community, and the House adjourned until Monday, April 28 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Amarik Singh, the California Inspector General.
• Members, Janice O'Malley with ASME California.
• California taxpayer money should support California work.
• California taxpayer money should support California workers and local economies.
• California taxpayer money should support California workers and local economies.

Transcript Highlights:

• companies of the California Fair Plan.
• Allison 80, on behalf of the Personal Insurance Federation of California.
• I'm here on behalf of the California Farm Bureau.
• We represent the home builders in the great state of California.
• We represent the home builders in the great state of California.

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• Morning, California.
• All of these medical reasons are why the California Medical Association, the California Sleep Society
• This bill is sponsored by the Family Winemakers of California and the California Association of Winegrape
• This bill is sponsored by the Family Winemakers of California and the California Association of Winegrape
• This bill is sponsored by the Family Winemakers of California and the California Association of Winegrape

Summary: The Assembly convened with a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then handled a large procedural and floor agenda. Members suspended rules for adjournments in memory, guest introductions, and expedited committee action, rereferred AB 1199 to Health and AB 2728 to Local Government, and removed several items from calendars or returned bills to the Senate at authors’ requests. The chamber then moved through concurrence and third-reading files, with many measures passing on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including AB 230 on Pierce’s disease control, AB 1636 on a Cerritos College seamless enrollment pilot, AB 1982 on alcoholic beverages, AB 2120 on school district employees, AB 2413 on political reform and billboard use, AB 2437 and AB 2453 on vehicles, AB 2596 on housing, AB 1760 and AB 1873 on technical clarifications, AB 2312 on tidelands, AB 2390 on housing cleanup, AB 2685 and AB 2778 on agriculture, and ACR 194 on Women’s Equality Day. The Assembly also adopted several resolutions and Senate measures. HR 112 designating Black Music Month drew extensive remarks about Black artists’ influence and was adopted with 62 coauthors. HR 132 declaring September Young Women’s Reproductive Health Awareness Month was adopted with 50 coauthors. SJR 8 urging federal immigration reform passed 45-2, with supporters emphasizing immigrant contributions and the need to modernize the registry system. SCR 7 on permanent standard time was debated at length, with supporters citing health benefits and opponents warning about darker mornings and voter intent; the resolution ultimately passed 41-3 after a roll call. Other Senate bills passed included SB 105 on penny rounding for local agencies, SB 928 on AI guardrails in CSU classrooms, SB 1038 on CalPERS audit notices, SB 308 on community college reporting, SB 1172 on tax-sharing consultant fees, SB 1159 on AI-generated public participation, SB 1055 on flood project procurement, SB 1285 on juvenile dismissals, SB 1274 on industrial cities and transportation funding, SB 965 easing library card access for 16- and 17-year-olds, SB 1375 creating a narrow CEQA exemption for certain transit projects, SB 952 on clean energy accounting for water agencies, and SB 917 expanding farmers market wine sales eligibility. Several measures drew notable opposition or discussion. On SB 965, one member objected that the bill should preserve parental decision-making, while supporters argued it would remove an unnecessary barrier to library access. On SB 952, one member criticized state energy policy and the bill’s project labor agreement, but the measure still passed 64-1. On SB 1375, supporters framed the bill as reducing duplicative environmental review for major transit projects like Diridon Station while preserving other protections. The chamber also added coauthors to consent-calendar resolutions and adopted the second-day consent calendar items without objection. The meeting concluded with multiple adjournments in memory, including tributes to Eric L. Washington Jr., Ivan Garza, Darryl Preston Jackson, Richard “Dick” Oliphant, and former Madera Mayor Santos Garcia. Members described Washington as a community leader and peacemaker, Garza as a young athlete whose life was cut short, Jackson as a mentor and founder of the 1020 Club, Oliphant as a civic leader who helped shape the Coachella Valley, and Garcia as a labor advocate and public servant who fought for working families and helped reopen Madera Community Hospital. The Assembly observed moments of silence in their honor before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm committed to working together on a vision for Southern California... ...face, but we must not let
• So Caltrans, in the last year, has supported the Northern California JPAs in...
• And I'm not sure that we're delivering for the people of California like we really should be.
• We used that grant to support students—all students in Southern California—with free rides.
• Those conversations are taking place at this point in Southern California.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a senior at Vista Del Lago High School from Folsom, California.
• Now, California has already... Financial illiteracy has led to these dire mistakes.
• There's so much diversity in California.
• We want to incorporate an additional subset under the California Dashboard.
• We want to incorporate an additional subset under the California Dashboard using California Department